For many who serve, relics of the war machine became souvenirs upon their return. These mass-produced, mass-issued items including uniforms, supplies, tools and weapons now form a substantial component of many war heritage collections. The standard equipment of war plays a pivotal role in shaping experiences at the front and its preservation can help us better understand how this has changed over time.
Lara RSL
Entrenching tool
REGISTRATION No:
0642
DescriPtion:
During WWI, every member of the AIF was issued with an entrenching tool. More than simply digging tools, they were also used as weapons in hand-to-hand combat. This tool belonged to Lara local, Robert Errol Hilliard of the 1st/21st Battalion.
DATE:
c.1914-18
SIZE:
H28 x W30 x D13 cm
DANDENONG/CRANBOURNE RSL
Rations
REGISTRATION No:
0076
DescriPtion:
With no access to warm meals or the comforts of home, soldiers in the field have long relied on ration packs to sustain their bodies and their spirits. This was the most common ration pack distributed during the Vietnam War - the Australian Combat Ration.
DATE:
c.1970s
SIZE:
Various
ringwood RSL
Jacket service dress
REGISTRATION No:
0050
DescriPtion:
This uniform, known as the 'jacket service dress' was issued to infantrymen serving in WWI and worn with khaki cord breeches. Most dress uniforms like this one were manufactured my the Commonwealth Clothing Factory in Melbourne.
DATE:
1942
SIZE:
34
ringwood RSL
Pith hat
REGISTRATION No:
00062
DescriPtion:
Pith helmets are often associated with 19th century European 'explorers' or in a military context, colonial commanding officers. This helmet was made in approximately 1912, and the provenance has not been recorded but it is most likely a souvenir.
DATE:
c.1912
SIZE:
H21 x W27.5 x D13 cm
dandenong/cranbourne rsl
Japanese bayonet
REGISTRATION No:
0037
DescriPtion:
Type 30 bayonets were designed for the Japanese Imperial Army to be used in conjunction with rifles. With more than 7 million produced between 1897 and 1945, they became a popular wartime souvenir.
DATE:
c.1940s
SIZE:
H3 x W10 x D53 cm
DANDENONG/CRANBOURNE RSL
SIGNAL Lamp
REGISTRATION No:
0020
DescriPtion:
This German signal lamp was souvenired by Frank Minotti on the fall of Tobruk in 1941. He was wounded and hospitalised and his Batman kept this until Frank's return to unit. A photo of Frank's girlfriend still remains inside the case.
DATE:
c.1939-45
SIZE:
H21.5 x W11 x D13 cm
wangaratta RSL
lifebuoy
REGISTRATION No:
100
DescriPtion:
Three Australian warships have carried the name Sydney. Following the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and all 645 crew members in 1941, the ship that was to become HMAS Sydney III was handed over to Australia by the UK in 1948. From 1965-1972 the ship was committed to ferrying troupes to and from Vietnam, earning its nickname – the Vung Tau Ferry.
DATE:
Unknown
SIZE:
Diameter: 80cm
DANDENONg/CRANBOURNE RSL
warden's Helmet
REGISTRATION No:
0072
DescriPtion:
Air Raid Precautions (ARP) were a pervasive feature of life on the home-front. Extensive exercises were carried out in Melbourne during WWII to prepare civilians for attack. Warden's were trained to advise locals, supervise blackouts and manage responses to possible bombings.
DATE:
c.1940
SIZE:
H30 x W29 x D10 cm
lara RSL
Gas mask
REGISTRATION No:
0518
DescriPtion:
Gas masks were issued to both servicemen and civilians during World War II to protect them from inhaling toxic chemicals. This mask is typical in design, made from black rubber, with glass eye slots and metal rims and filter.
DATE:
1941-42
SIZE:
Please confirm.
lara RSL
Grenade
REGISTRATION No:
0582
DescriPtion:
The No. 36 Mk I hand grenade, also known as the Mills Bomb, was the standard issue hand grenade for Australian and British Armed Forces during the Second World War, up until 1972.
DATE:
1941
SIZE:
H10 x W6 cm
lara RSL
Compass
REGISTRATION No:
0491
DescriPtion:
This standard prismatic compass was issued to troops during World War I. It's circular body is made from brass, oil filled bakelite and glass.
DATE:
1918
SIZE:
H6 x W8 cm
lara RSL
Pocketbook
REGISTRATION No:
0024
DescriPtion:
Pocketbooks were issued to all Australian and New Zealand troops serving in Vietnam. They contained information about the country, its geography, history and culture, as well as covering topics such as training, military courtesy, writing home and badges of rank.
DATE:
c.1964
SIZE:
H11 x W15 cm
ringwood RSL
Beret
REGISTRATION No:
00095
DescriPtion:
This woollen beret belonged to a member of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. Formed in 1973, the RACT are responsible for the movement of the army - land, air and sea - in peace and in war.
DATE:
1973 - 1985
SIZE:
Unknown.
ringwood RSL
Ammunition box
REGISTRATION No:
00005
DescriPtion:
Metal box used for the safe transport and storage of ammunition. Printed on side: ‘Australian Government Explosive, Safety class 6. 665 Cart. 9MM BALL MK2Z CTN 19-5-66’
DATE:
1966
SIZE:
H85 x W180 x D260mm
DANDENONG/CRANBOURNE RSL
Shell fuse CAP
REGISTRATION No:
0516
DescriPtion:
Percussion caps like this one were produced in Galt, Canada, for allied munitions during WWI. This cap would have been attached to the end of a shell and provided the ignition to cause the shell to explode. It has a small arrow in a circle on the base which indicates use in the Australian Military.
DATE:
c.1914-18
SIZE:
H9 x W7 x D7 cm
ringwood RSL
Slouch hat
REGISTRATION No:
00098
DescriPtion:
The slouch hat was first worn by the Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1885 and has since become an AIF trademark. Deeply entrenched in our military history, it is perhaps the most recognisable object associated with the legend of ANZAC.
DATE:
c. 1939 - 1945
ringwood RSL
First aid kit
REGISTRATION No:
00083
DescriPtion:
First aid kit tins were issued standard to each serviceman across all conflicts. This particular kit appears to have been issued in the 1950s or 1960s.
DATE:
c. 1950-1960s
SIZE:
H8 x W12 x D11 cm
ringwood RSL
Navy uniform
REGISTRATION No:
00045
DescriPtion:
This winter uniform, still current, is worn by Junior Sailor's in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It is used for working and everyday wear.
DATE:
2010
SIZE:
102
ringwood RSL
Water bottle
REGISTRATION No:
00095
DescriPtion:
This kit contains the standard type water bottle, canvas cover and aluminium cup issued to American and Australian troops in the Vietnam War.
DATE:
1966
SIZE:
Various.
