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Have a question? Contact Bendigo Military Museum
Sewing kit commonly called a "housewife" issued to all service personnel for quick repairs.
Jungle green coloured sewing kit, rolled up style with cotton strap/tie to keep it closed. Has four open pockets to contain needles, buttons, cord etc. Contents are two needles, 4 buttons wrapped in white paper. A length of cord attached and a length of Woollen cord.
Stamped "Made in Australia 1944", also "D (upward arrow) D"
Medals awarded to "Pte H.C. Nott", No.288, 6th Bn AIF. See Catalogue No. 7816.4 for Nott's service record. Part of the Cooper Collection.
Set of three WW1 court mounted medals; 1914 -15 Star - red, white and blue ribbon. Kings crown above crossed swords. Victory Medal - purple, green, yellow and red ribbon, gold coloured circular disc with winged victory on front. British War Medal - yellow ribbon with blue and white edges. Silver coloured disc with King's profile. (N.B. Medals mounted in incorrect order - Victory Medal and British War medal reverse positions.)
cooper collection, herbert charles nott, medals, ww1
1. Khaki Woollen jacket. Four front pockets. The front is held shut with four shiny buttons. AMF Motif. Epaulettes have 3 pips each (Captain) and shiny badge "AUSTRALIA". The arms have a triangular colour patch, bisected, having a black triangle over a red triangle. On the collars are brass badges of the 17th Prince of Wales Light Horse. 2. Trousers Woollen khaki. Brown buttons on fly. Side pocket and pressed metal buttons around waist. 3. Lanyard - purple. 4. Bandolier, brown leather. Five Ammo pockets, brass buckle. 5. Belt - leather, brown. Brass, two pin buckle. Brass fittings to add a sword and shoulder strap.
4. Written on back of Bandolier = L.W. Baker R. Heath 4/3152.
passchendaele barracks trust, uniform, pre and post ww2, army
Royal Australian Survey Corps 75th Anniversary First Day Cover Envelope. The Stamp is stamped with a survey Corps badge in purple (the Corps Colour) " First day of Issue, Bonegilla Military Post Office 29 June 1990. The 41 cent stamp is a map extract. The envelope contains one large and three small paintings of Royal Australian Survey Corps activities and includes a Survey Corps Badge and Logo. The rear of the envelope contains a short history and role of the Royal Australian Survey Corps.
This is a khaki woollen greatcoat. Long sleeves, two pockets. The rear section can be opened - currently held shut with buttons. The front is held shut with 4 green plastic buttons. The coat has epaulettes.
army uniform, greatcoat, passchendaele barracks trust
This is a khaki colour pair of trousers. The bottom of each leg is tapered, with a similar colour bootlace to do it up. The hip section is wider for ease of riding a horse. The fly is held shut with 6 buttons, it has 2 front hip pockets with top entry. There are 6 buttons around the waist line. The knee areas are reinforced with double layer of same material. The material is of a ribbed wool design.
uniforms, light horse, passchendaele barracks trust
Part of the Cooper Collection.
Two WO2 insignia featuring a brown and white embroidered Queen's Crown on a single piece of light khaki coloured fabric.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2.
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. - 3. Three WO2 insignia featuring a brown and white embroidered Queen's Crown in a Khaki fabric background. 4. A smaller example of 1. to 3.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2
This certificate was awarded to William (Bill) Clarke of the Bendigo District RSL Bowls in 2001. He was a long time supporter of the Bowls and the Club holding the Presidents position when the Club was then Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club prior to becoming an RSL Club. Refer Cat No’s 8108, 8239.3P & 8241.4P.
Certificate framed, frame is black, certificate is in 3 colours, black, brown with the central name in blue. Centre of the certificate is the recipients name, at the bottom signed by the Bowls President.
Main points, “Certificate of Life Membership”, “Mr W. Clarke (Bill)”, “In Recognition of Outstanding Achievements”
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, life member, bdrslinc
Part of the Cooper Collection.
Two sets of rank insignia consisting of three gold coloured chevrons below a gold coloured Queen's Crown. Background is black fabric.
cooper collection, rank insignia, staff sergeant
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. Set of Rank Insignia consisting of three white and brown chevrons on a khaki background. 2. Two joined sets of rank insignia consisting of three white embroidered chevrons on a khaki background. 3. Set of rank insignia consisting of three gold coloured embroidered chevrons on a khaki background.
cooper collection, rank insignia, sergeant, army
Card sent by "Pte Herbert Charles Nott", no. 228, 6th Batt, AIF. Part of the Cooper Collection.
Four page card on cream coloured paper. Pages secured on LHS with blue and red ribbon. Front page has an oval cut out which reveals a gold coloured Rising Sun badge including the words 6th Battalion, surrounded by a wattle wreath. Cut out is edges with embossing. The word "Greetings" is printed in red on bottom RH Corner. The middle right page has text printed in blue type. Sender has written his name on this page.
Handwritten in pencil on right hand middle page: "Bert".
cooper collection, herbert charles nott, 6th battalion, card
The Gallipoli Legion of ANZACS was formed in Sydney after WW1 with membership limited to those who fought at ANZAC or were on Gallipoli. The legion folded in 1989. Part of the Cooper collection.
Folded card on cream coloured paper. On top LH corner of front page is the emblem of the Gallipoli Legion of ANZACS. Emblem consists of three vertical sections coloured, red, white and blue below a Kings Crown. Text on front cover in blue type. Text on inside in blue type.
cooper collection, gallipoli legion of anzacs, card
Items in collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM" Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Cushion - black colour silk or cotton velvet fabric with silk cream and gold colour embroidery. Embroidered lettering and RAN emblem, King's Crown, Anchor and laurel leaves. Cushion edge - piped black colour silk fabric. Cushion back - black colour silk fabric. Cushion has an inner of unknown material.
Embroidered lettering on cushion. "Souvenir of Egypt/ 1941/ Royal Australian Navy/ H.M.A.S. VENDETTA"
souvenir, egypt, ran, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Bunting - mid blue colour cotton woven twill tape or ribbon with red, white and blue colour cotton triangular flags attached. Twelve flags are spaced at 50 cm intervals. Alternating colours.
Handwritten in blue ink pen on tape "WAT".
flags, bunting, navy, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Flag - white Naval ensign. White, red and dark blue colour woven cotton fabric. Ensign has red colour fabric, St. George's Cross on a white field with the Union Flag (red, white, dark blue) in the upper left canton. The design has been appliqued - sewing one piece of fabric to another. Header on hoist side with halyard hessian rope threaded through and attached at top and bottom.
Handwritten in black ink pen on back of header - "WT"/ "W.T."
flags, naval ensign, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Certificate - cream coloured paper with black and cream coloured print. Illustrated in colour with Navy, Army, Airforce and Nursing personnel above crossed flags - Union Jack and Australian above scroll work and City of Bendigo. Coat of Arms/crest bracketed by dates "1939 - 1945". Red coloured embossed "City of Bendigo" Seal lower right. Frame - clear varnished timber with cardboard backing, no glass.
Inscription on certificate - "TO YOU WHO SERVED/ THE CITIZENS OF BENDIGO/ EXPRESS/ DEEP THANKFULLNESS/ TO "W. THEODORE"/ Long as the heart beats life/ with in the breast/ And Freedom, Love and Plenitude endure/ So may your sacrifice for these/ be Blessed/ And Honour, Pride, Integrity ensure/ "A. Truscott" Mayor/ ??? Town Clerk".
framed accessories, certificate, ww2, ran, william anthony theodore dsm
These 3 images show the new renovations to the bar, dining area of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in early 1994. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2
.1) - .3) Photographs colour showing the Bar and 2 areas of the newly renovated bar and meals area of the Servicemen’s Club.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc
These two images are most likely at the opening of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club after the renovations finished early in 1994. On the left is Bill Clarke, next to him is Max O’Haloran. William (Bill) Clarke was President of the Servicemen’s Club from 1992 - 96. Max O’Haloran was President of the Club 1991 - 2, he was also President of the Bendigo RSL on two occasions. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2
.1) Photograph colour showing the front of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club, a ballon is showing overhead. .2) photograph colour showing an advertisement for some of the Clubs attractions. .3) & .4) photographs colour shows the same two men from different angles in front of the Servicemen’s Club.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc
These photos show the early renovations to the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in 1993 Havilah Road. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history.
.1) - .6) Series of 6 photographs colour showing early stages to the renovations of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in Havilah Road.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations
The original venue was opened in 1978. The Shovel phase as per the photos would be 1993 as the new renovations were completed in early1994. The four with the shovel, left to right, unknown, Bill Clarke (Glasses) G. Garth, possibly Dawn Cartner. Bill Clarke was President of the Club at that stage. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history.
.1) Photograph colour, showing part of the original venue at the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club Havilah Road. The bar was over in the far corner to the right, a section of the seating and Dance floor. The kitchen was to the right of the photo. .2) & .3) photo, colour shows 4 people with a shovel and hole in the dirt, in the back ground is several onlookers.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations
Part of the "Robert H Baron", No 3596 and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.
1. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has two cut outs allowing Union Jack and Australian Flag to be visible. Embossed gold coloured Rising Sun on bottom RH corner. Text in grey type. Pages secured on LHS with blue ribbon. Flags on second page in silk on a cream background. Text on inside in grey type. Handwritten message in black ink. 2. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has colour picture of two cats in front of a fire. Text in black font including "Keep The Home Fires Burning". Inside text in grey type. Pages secured with red ribbon on LHS.
1. Handwritten in black ink: 'To my Dear Mother, Her loving Soldier Son. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas n a bright new year. 2. Handwritten in black ink 'To Myrtle, Elsie, Alfred dear little Fred, FROM There Loving Soldier Brother Bob. Hoping you have a lovely time at Xmas & the New Year, Bob'
robert h. baron, cooper collection, christmas card, ww1
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service records.
1. 2. 3. Collars RAN Uniform worn by Recruit to Leading Seaman ranks. Navy blue colour cotton fabric, square shape sailors collar with white colour cotton trim in three rows. Collar secured by white cotton tapes. Lining - blue and white colour cotton ticking. Owners information on lining. 4. Collar RAN Uniform worn by Recruit to Leading Seaman ranks. Navy blue colour cotton fabric, square shape sailors collar with white colour cotton trim in three rows. Collar secured by white cotton tapes. Lining Navy blue colour cotton.
Owner's information - black ink stamp. 1. & 2. "W.A. Theodore". 3. "O. ARDIS"
uniform, ran, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". REFER CAT NO 7926p FOR HIS SERVICE RECORD.
1. 2. & 3. White front bibs - RAN Uniform worn by Recruit to Leadings Seaman ranks. White colour cotton fabric, square shape bib front and back. Secured with white colour tapes. Neck edged with Navy blue cotton fabric. Square neckline. Worn under Barathea also known as a jumper.
Handwritten owner's label - black ink pen "W.A. ? AC ???"
uniform, ran, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM" Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record. Trousers issued to "H.R. Rodgers"
Trousers - part of the summer uniform worn by Recruit to Leading Seaman Ranks RAN. Known as 'Bell Bottoms'. White colour cotton fabric, trousers with inset front pockets. Two layer front flap fly with numerous buttons. Wide waist band with lacing at back for size adjustment. Buttons silver colour metal. White colour cotton manufacturers label back inside waistband. Handwritten owner's details inside waistband.
Manufacturers information - red ink print "M.TX/Size 4". Handwritten - owner's details - black ink pen "H.R.RODGERS".
uniform, ran, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat. No. 7926P for his service record.
1. Jumper part of winter ceremonial uniform worn by Recruit to Leading Seaman ranks RAN. Also known as a "Barathea" or jumper. Black colour wool fabric with square collar, V shaped front openings, long sleeves with cuffs and two dark blue colour plastic buttons. One good conduct stripe on left sleeve. Rid ribbon on black fabric. White cotton fabric manufacturers label. 2. Bow attached at bottom of front V - navy blue cotton tape. known as a "bow".
Manufacturers Information - black thread embroidery "ESQUIRE PTY LTD / 1940/ size" Owners stamp on underside of Collars - white ink stamp "W. A. Theodore"
uniform, ran, ww2, william a theodore
1. Card sent by "Alfred W. Baron" VX29810, 14th Anti Tank battery, A.I.F. to his mother. 2. Card sent by Alfred W. Baron, VX29810 to his mother. Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. Illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has word "Greetings" in blue and red type. Below is a drawing of a cannon above a colour patch. Across the bottom 'Darwin 1941' are printed in black type. Inside type in blue below a red coloured Rising Sun badge. Card tied with blue and red cord on LHS. 2. Black and white illustrated Christmas/New Year card folded into four quarters. Front illustration features a Kangaroo and joey. Inside illustrations feature a soldier in uniform and two cannon crews. Text in black type. In unfolded section - hand drawn illustration and message in black ink.
1. Handwritten on inside: "Your Loving son, Alf". 2. Handwritten illustration in black ink. Handwritten message in black ink: "To my Dear Mum from your ever loving son, Alf xxxxxxx"
cooper collection, alfred w baron, christmas card, ww2, 14th anti-tank battery
This document contains the "map and Air Chart Demand and Issue Voucher" to enable the ordering of map products. The catalogue of available products is shown on the reverse side to assist in the ordering process.
1. A Map sheet of Australia folded to A4 in size. 2. A selection of map examples and a catalogue of products, Tactical Line Maps (TLM) at 1:50,000 scale to Digital Chart of the World (DCW) at 1:1,000,000 scale maps. The names of all the 1:100,000 maps are listed in alphabetical order. 3. The Map and Air Chart Demand and Issue Voucher is printed on the back of the document. 4. Front section has a photo of a soldier with a Steyr rifle kneeling reading a map.
royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr
1. This is a woollen jacket. Four front pockets. All four pockets held shut with a button. There is a rising sun badge on each collar. There are four front metal buttons. All badges and buttons are darkened. On each shoulder is a triangular colour patch - black and red. 2. Trousers, woollen, khaki. Button up fly. Six brown Bakelite buttons around waistline.
1. Written inside jacket - looks like Q200. 2. Written inside waist line is W-36 21.95.
uniform, ww2, passchendaele barracks trust
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
