Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch Wangaratta, Victoria

Contact Information
Opening Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10.00 - 22.00 Friday - Saturday: 10.00 - 00.00 Sunday: 10.30 - 22.00
Entry Fee
No entry free.
Location
1 Victoria Parade Wangaratta Victoria
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TAKEDOWN POLICY
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780 items
780 items
Framed Sketch
Key words
rsl
70th anniversary
Silver plate frame with black mount containing Returned Services League crest above sketch of soldier holding automatic rifle
Historical information
Limited edition plaque containing artwork by Dick Evans to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia created exclusively for members of the RSL and their next of kin.
Inscriptions & Markings
"Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia 1916-1986"

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
leonard francis muldoon
army
Black and white photograph of soldier standing in front of house.
Historical information
Photograph of Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 born 14 July 1909 Condoblin NSW. Enlisted at South Melbourne.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brooch
Key words
leonard francis muldoon
ww2
Rectangle metal brooch housing three filigree metal circles with red and blue plaited metal surround.
Historical information
Brooch attached inside Australian Army Soldier's pocket book belonging to Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 who served during WW2. Born 14/7/1909 at Condoblin NSW but enlisted at South Melbourne in Victoria.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Book - The Australian soldiers pocket book
Key words
pocket book
ww2
muldoon
Burgundy colour imitation leather cover book held together with bandaids
Historical information
Soldiers pocket book issued to Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 .Born on 14 July 1909 at Condoblin NSW. Enlisted 23 January 1940 at South Melbourne Served during WW2
Significance
An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Framed poster - HMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952
Key words
hmas sydney
korea
royal australian navy
Brown timber frame containing blue poster with image of ship and plane at sea
Historical information
Reproduction of HMAS Sydney in Korean waters launching Hawker Sea Fury fighters. Sydney was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built for the Royal Navy and but was not completed before the end of World War II. The carrier was sold to Australia in 1947, completed and commissioned into the RAN as Sydney in 1948. From late 1951 to early 1952, she operated off the coast of Korea during the Korean War, making her the first carrier in the RAN, to see wartime service. The donor served on board HMAS Sydney during the Korean War.
Significance
HMAS Sydney was the first of three conventional aircraft carriers to serve in the RAN, and operated as the navy's flagship during the early part of her career. Retasked as a training vessel following the 1955 arrival of her modernised sister ship, HMAS Melbourne, Sydney remained in service until 1958, when she was placed in reserve as surplus to requirements. The need for a sealift capability saw the ship modified for service as a fast troop transport, and recommissioned in 1962. In 1965, she sailed on the first voyage to Vũng Tàu, transporting soldiers and equipment to serve in the Vietnam War. 25 voyages to Vietnam were made between 1965 and 1972, earning the ship the nickname "Vung Tau Ferry". Sydney was decommissioned in 1973, and was not replaced.
Inscriptions & Markings
HMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952 Painting by Roy Honisett, courtesy Australian War Memorial Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Banner - Rats of Tobruk
Key words
rats of tobruk
ww2
Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circle
Historical information
During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.
Inscriptions & Markings
Rats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branch

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Printed Sheet - Address to AIF by General Sir Harold Alexander
Key words
9th australian division
palestine
ww2
Cream paper with crest and four lines running top to bottom down left side of printed black typed text.
Historical information
Printed Address made to the AIF by General Sir Harold R.L.G Alexander, DSO, MC Commander in Chief The Middle East Forces at a parade of the AIF (9th Australian Division) held in Palestine on 22nd December,1942, in commemoration of Fallen Comrades. Item belonged to Lieutenant Colonel George Watson BLACKWOOD OBE born Glasglow Scotland who immigrated to Western Australia in 1911 aged 4 years. He moved to Victoria prior to being demobilized in 1945 as an Engineer with the Australian Army Field Workshop.
Significance
The 9th Division sustained more casualties and won more medals than any other Australian Division with seven of its members receiving the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for gallantry.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Trench Art - Brass Shell Casing
Key words
brass shell casing
Large brass shell casing with decorative engraving.
Historical information
Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18). The most common material used for trench art are brass shell casings, which, once decorated, can be utilised as vases. Often items will bear an inscription such as the name of a French village or theatre of war and engraved decoration or embossing.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engraved - Les Halles D'Ypres 1914-19 with engraving of building possibly town hall or church . Several symbols, numbers and letters imprinted on base of casing.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Rifle Bucket
Key words
rifle bucket
light horse
Long cylinder shape made from dark brown leather with leather strap and brass buckle at the top of the bucket which attaches it to the saddle.
Historical information
Rifle buckets were used by British and Commonwealth mounted troops from the First World War to around 1941. In the Australian Light Horse units their use did not become common until the end of the First World War. Prior to this rifles were carried slung across the rider's back.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
palestine
1941
7th division band contest
Reproduced black and white photograph of band of soldiers with musical instruments
Historical information
Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 1941

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Colour photograph of 11 men standing and seated in two rows
Historical information
Image depicts a group of 11 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2003. They include:- Back Row: VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; Bill WILLIAMS VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX31699 Alan NICHOLSON DOB 27/10/1918 POB Korumburra POW 1/5/1941; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1918 POB England; Front Row: VX44006 Robert CLARKE DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX48597 Dr Guy ROBERTSON DOB 4/7/1918 POB St Arnaud, RMO VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler)
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Colour photograph of 14 men in two rows with Australian flag in background.
Historical information
Image depicts a group of 14 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2002. They include:- VX24987 Clifford GIERSCH DOB 16/12/1918 POB Culcairn; Bill WILLIAMS; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1908 POB England; VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; VX44006 Robert CLARK DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX34505 James HUGHES DOB 28/5/1920 POB Castlemaine POW 5/1941; VX31279 Eric EDWARDS DOB 3/8/1916 POB Mordialloc POW 1/5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX34760 Reginald GUNNING DOB 29/1/1919 POB Branxholme VX46233 Robert KEE DOB 10/11/1916 POB Sydney; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) VX40320 Edgar SHILLING DOB 12/7/1918 POB England;
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
wangaratta
On grey mount original black and white photograph of 10 soldiers in three rows all wearing army coats and slouch hats. Row of tents in back ground.
Historical information
Image depicts a group of 10 unknown soldiers from Wangaratta in Victoria
Inscriptions & Markings
Top left corner - Wangaratta Bhoy's" Attached to rear - newspaper article entitled "Wangaratta's Own" returns

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
george cecil olley
william john mckillop
Original black and white photograph of 3 soldiers standing
Historical information
Image depicts a group of 3 soldiers who served with the 2/24 Battalion VX32810 William John McKILLOP DOB 23/11/1914 POW May 1941 Italy- 2/24 Battalion VX31847 George Cecil OLLEY DOB 14/7/1917 - 2/24 Battalion.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Handwritten on rear - Geo Olly centre, McKillop R & L, Frankston, 2/24 Btn

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
george coker
Reproduced sepia photograph of 5 soldiers seated and all wearing slouch hats
Historical information
Image depicts a group of 5 soldiers all believed to be under 16 years who served with the 2nd AIF in the Middle East in 1941. VX56792 George COKER DOB 11/9/1921 - 2/24 Battalion - was wounded in action on 31/10/1942. SLUNINGS not listed as serving with the 2/24 Battalion.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Attached on rear - 2nd AIF Babes Middle East 1941 - All under 16 years Back Row - Laycock 2/21 / Unknown 2/23 Front Row - Coker 2/24 / Slunings 2/24 / Unknown 2/24

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers standing in front of convoy of trucks
Historical information
Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion in October 1941 awaiting transport to Palestine after 8 months in the desert at Tobruk.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers seated in four rows.
Historical information
Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Carrier Platoon after the battle of El Alamein in 1945.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers bathing and sitting on a river bank in bush land.
Historical information
In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers bathing and washing during the 60 mile march.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Washing enroute to Bonegilla

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers sitting on the ground in bush land.
Historical information
In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Night bivouac enroute to Bonegilla

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground.
Historical information
In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Resting enroute to Bonegilla

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground with four rifles upright in foreground.
Historical information
In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Resting during march Wangaratta to Bonegilla

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced black and white photograph of large group of unknown soldiers in four rows, standing and sitting on the ground in front of open structure with corrugated roof.
Historical information
Soldiers of the 2/24th Battalion C Company.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.
Inscriptions & Markings
Partial C Company

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Reproduced photograph of large group of unknown soldiers standing and sitting on the ground.
Historical information
The badge on the uniform worn by these soldiers indicates they served with the 2/24th Battalion.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
2/24th battalion
wangaratta
Photograph of group of 3 unknown soldiers wearing shorts and hard helmets standing in front of corrugated iron clad building
Historical information
Image relates to the 2/24th Battalion however Iocation and identities of soldiers are unknown.
Significance
The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of distant ship at sea
Historical information
PHOTOGRAPH IS PART OF COLLECTION TAKEN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 AT THE SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON BOARD HMAS BURDEKIN. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF NEAR BALIKPAPAN.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of officers on deck of ship at sea
Historical information
JAPANESE VICE-ADMIRAL MITCHISHI KAMADA ABOARD USN PTB377 COMING ALONGSIDE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 TO SURRENDER THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF AT A POSITION SOME 50 MILES NORTH EAST OF BALIKPAPAN.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of officers seated around table on deck of ship at sea
Historical information
OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS DISCUSS THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of japanese officers standing on deck of ship at sea
Historical information
OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. FILMED AND WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of japanese officer standing before sword on table
Historical information
OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photograph
Key words
ww2
japanese surrender
borneo
hmas burdekin
Black and white photograph of japanese officer placing sword on table
Historical information
OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta