About
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch Incorporated.
The Montmorency RSL Sub Branch received its Charter on 1 January 1944. Initially, its meetings were held in the Community Hall (no longer in existence) in Rattray Rd. The premises was bought and demolished in 1966 and a new RSL building was constructed in the then newly designated Petrie Park. A series of building renovations and improvements led to the opening of a multi-purpose two-level complex in 2002. In 2010, the Eltham RSL was closed and its members were invited to join the Montmorency Sub Branch. This resulted in the formation of the Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch which resulted in a further expansion of the premises. This has also allowed for a larger area for the display of many items in the memorabilia collection, which provided an opportunity to display many items from Eltham RSL collection.
The Club continues to accumulate a collection of military memorabilia, principally items which have some connection to members, their family or local residents. Many items dating back to the Boer War have been donated by members and nearby Sub Branches . The bulk of the collection is on permanent display in the Memorabilia Room on the first floor. The area is used for presentations to school and scouting groups, and the displays can be viewed by others during trading hours. For information about a specific article contact our Memorabilia Officer at the Club.
The external part of the collection features three field artillery pieces: a German Krupp 150mm. howitzer from World War I and two British 25-pound Mark 2 field guns from World War II which are located close to the club rooms (one of the latter was added to the external collection as a result of the merger with Eltham RSL). In addition, displays inside the club room feature letters, documents, paintings, photographs, medals, uniforms, weapons, flags and trench art.
The Sub Branch and its History & Heritage Sub Committee are dedicated to use the collection to ensure that local communities continue to honour and respect the service and sacrifices of Australian defense personnel past and present.
