These objects and oral histories tell stories about coming home and life after service. Hardship and bereavement does not cease with the end of conflict; for many it only marks the beginning of a difficult period of adjustment and adversity. Support and recognition – whether sought through official or unofficial channels – can shape the lives of the people who return from war, as well as those of their families and loved ones.
ringwood RSL
nurse's Cape
REGISTRATION No:
00042
DescriPtion:
The participation of women in the First World War is known largely through the work of the Australian Army Nursing Service. However, more than 1,000 civilian nurses were also involved in active service through private organisations such as the Red Cross. These nurses worked in Europe, India and the Middle East in hospitals, on ships, trains or even closer to the front in casualty stations. They were easily identified by their iconic red capes, similar to this item.
DATE:
Unknown.
SIZE:
Unknown.
wangaratta rsl
oral history
Interviewee:
Ash Power AO, CSC
Interviewer:
Teagen Broussard
DESCRIPTION:
Ash Power is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army and a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and Bougainville. Between 2011 and 2014, Power notably served as Chief of Joint Operations. In this oral history extract, Power reflects on what the RSL means to him and the resounding collective mission of ex-service organisations.
Date:
21 Mar 2018
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combined tramways/east melbourne RSL
oral history
Interviewee:
Alex Vanstan
Interviewer:
Don Hughes
DESCRIPTION:
Alex Vanstan is a young veteran who served in Afghanistan and became a Captain. In his oral history he reflects upon the challenges of returning to civilian life.
Date:
20 Sep 2017
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Ballarat Ranger Military Museum
oral history
Interviewee:
Sandy McCann
Interviewer:
Neil Leckie
DESCRIPTION:
Alexander John Smith McCann was born in 1949 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He arrived in Australia with his family in 1966 and joined the Australian Army in 1968. Sandy did two tours of Vietnam and became an infantry Sergeant. In this excerpt, Sandy reflects on the attitudes toward returned soldiers.
Date:
1 Nov 2017
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melbourne legacy
Film
REGISTRATION No:
00071
TITLE:
The Legacy Story
DescriPtion:
This film, made by Herschells Film Laboratories in East Melbourne, documents the early organisational history and activities of Legacy.
DATE:
1955
SIZE:
Diameter: 189mm (canister)
combined tramways/east melbourne rsl
oral history
Interviewee:
Don Hughes
Interviewer:
Sarah Brownlow
DESCRIPTION:
Don Hughes entered the Army Apprentices School in 1974. In 1993, Don commanded the Australian Service Contingent deployed to the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Mozambique. Now a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Don was awarded the UN Medal for Operations in Mozambique and the UN Special Service Medal for Humanitarian Demining Operations.
Date:
20 Sep 2017
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melbourne legacy
photograph
REGISTRATION No:
00251
DescriPtion:
Legacy groups such as the Torch Bearers, Women’s Auxiliary, Widows and Laurel Clubs bring together people with a shared experience and provide a platform for friendship and support. From 1928 until the 1980s, Melbourne Legacy ran an exercise program for its Widows. Some of the class members pictured here were in their 90s, many just learning to swim.
DATE:
c.1980s
SIZE:
H21.5 x W16.5 cm
wangaratta rsl
badge
REGISTRATION No:
278
DescriPtion:
The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association, established during the First World War, was active in fundraising, establishing memorials and advocacy for issues such as the repatriation and employment of returned servicemen. The group worked closely with the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, now known as the RSL.
DATE:
Unknown
SIZE:
Diameter: 2.7cm
melbourne legacy
photograph
REGISTRATION No:
00125
DescriPtion:
This photograph shows Legatees working at a Legacy Week badge appeal during the 1960s. Fundraising has always been a large part of Legacy's activities and is an important way for the organisation to both raise awareness and increase revenue.
DATE:
c.1969
SIZE:
H20.8 x W15.18 cm
wangaratta RSL
Postcard
REGISTRATION No:
208.68
DescriPtion:
Cheaper and more efficient than traditional letters, postcards were an enormously popular means of communication between families and those at the front. This postcard, addressed to soldier William West, was written by his wife on behalf of their young daughter. The final line reads, 'When are you coming home Daddy dear?'
DATE:
1914
SIZE:
H9 x W14 cm
melbourne legacy
Sign
REGISTRATION No:
00145
DescriPtion:
The Legacy ideals are voluntary service, caring, comradeship and remembrance. Comradeship has always been a pillar of Legacy's activities. A regular calendar of social events fosters wellbeing and provides a strong support network for Legatee's and their families.
DATE:
Unknown
SIZE:
H255 x W450 mm
melbourne legacy
medical Chart
REGISTRATION No:
00194
DescriPtion:
Since the 1920s, Melbourne Legacy's youth programs have addressed the social and development needs of the children of Victorian service men and women. Physical activity was a major focus for both boys and girls, and every year until the 1980s they put on a public demonstration of physical prowess.
DATE:
1927
SIZE:
H216 x W281 mm
melbourne legacy
photograph
REGISTRATION No:
00026
DescriPtion:
Three Legacy Widows with a Junior Legatee (names unknown) taken on the footpath outside Legacy House, Swanston Street, Melbourne.
DATE:
c.1960s
SIZE:
H215 x W116 cm
wangaratta RSL
oral history
Interviewee:
Gary Hadley
Interviewer:
Akeema Weavers
DESCRIPTION:
Gary Hadley remembers the military grooming standards that made blending in with civilians difficult and, coupled with the widespread opposition to the Vietnam War, caused some soldier's to feel at risk.
Date:
21 Mar 2018
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melbourne legacy
Poster
REGISTRATION No:
00048
DescriPtion:
Legacy Week is an iconic fundraising campaign that began in 1942. The annual national appeal raises awareness and funds for the families of our incapacitated and deceased Veterans. This poster was used to promote Legacy Week activities during the 1990s.
DATE:
c.1990s
SIZE:
H297 x W210 mm
wangaratta rsl
oral history
Interviewee:
Justin Tilson
Interviewer:
Lyn Goodear
DESCRIPTION:
Justin Tilson served in Australia and overseas at places including Papua New Guinea and Iraq in the Air Force. In his interview he discusses his enlistment, training and service, as well as his demobilisation.
Date:
29 May 2018
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wangaratta RSL
photograph
REGISTRATION No:
344
DescriPtion:
Established over a century ago, the Wangaratta RSL is one of the oldest and largest sub-branches in Victoria. This photograph shows local veterans in front of the club at a social event during the 1950s.
DATE:
c.1954
SIZE:
H15 x W20 cm
lara RSL
Women's Aux badge
REGISTRATION No:
0329
DescriPtion:
Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community. Today, there are more than 1200 members of auxiliaries in Victoria.
DATE:
Not known.
SIZE:
Diameter: 2.5cm
wangaratta RSL
booklet
REGISTRATION No:
291.1
TITLE:
Coming Back: A Souvenir
DescriPtion:
This booklet contains a collection of stories, anecdotes and jokes told by soldiers returning to Australia from Belgium aboard the Troopship SS Port Napier.
DATE:
1919
SIZE:
H21 x W16 cm
melbourne legacy
photograph
REGISTRATION No:
00119
DescriPtion:
Legacy has a long history of nurturing the development of children of deceased veterans. This photograph was taken at a party for Legacy children hosted at Government House. The Governor of Victoria is the patron of Legacy and these events at show the Governor's ongoing support for the organisation.
DATE:
1972
SIZE:
H215 x W163 mm
