Australian Army History

Manuscript Collections

MSS 002 – Clark, Christopher
This collection relates to research and writing by Chris Clark for three books A heritage of spirit : a biography of Major-General Sir William Throsby Bridges K.C.B., C.M.G, The citizen general staff : the Australian Intelligence Corps, 1907-1914 and Australia's military map-makers : the Royal Australian Survey Corps 1915-96. The majority of the collection relates to the writing of Australia's military map-makers : the Royal Australian Survey Corps 1915-96, and includes correspondence, research notes, drafts, photographs and motion pictures.

MSS 010 - Rodwell, Edward H.
11 notebooks containing containing brief notes and tipped-in newpaper clippings relating to the Korean and Vietnam Wars ; Folder 2 (scrapbook) was originally an official register of serious medical wounds (1945)

MSS 064 - Saunders, William Hilton
Badges, newspaper cuttings, post cards, correspondence, cards, ration books, leave pass, photographs and memorabilia relating to Saunders' WWI service in France, together with newspaper cuttings relating to the Gilgandra Co-ees

MSS 082 - Bridges, Major-General William Throsby
Original and copied correspondence, diaries, postcards, photographs, miscellaneous papers and memorabilia

MSS 156 – East, Colin
Papers relating to Colonel Colin East’s secondment to Indonesia in the 1960s.

MSS 164 - Lodge, Anthony Brettell
Manuscript papers and related material produced or accumulated by Brett Lodge for his book on General Bennett + Lavarack papers (correspondence, reports, diaries, photographs)

MSS 174 – Harding, Bruce
This collection includes a typescript copy of 'Traditions of Australian infantry', by Bruce Harding, which provides a brief history of the Australian army, 1801 to mid-1955.

MSS 183 - Sturdee, Lieutenant-General Sir Vernon Ashton Hobart
Papers and diaries of father and son both present at Gallipoli, together with ink sketches, biographical papers, photographs, diary precis (1987), printed article (1990)

MSS 188 - Winter, Arthur Edward
Original letters, photographs, memorabilia documenting Winter's AIF service in France during WW1

MSS 190 - Richardson, Michael
Michael Richardson was a journalist and researcher on East Timor during the 1970s. The collection comprises his research materials on East Timor political history and conflicts from 1970 to 2009, including his photographs of the East Timor Declaration of Independence on 28 November 1975.

MSS 200 - 1st Australian Parachute Battalion
Nominal roll, badges and poster, original and copied notes, correspondence, printed items,  photographs, memorabilia in Folders 1 & 4 + Album 1

MSS 231 - Wilton, General Sir John
Photo albums, diaries, correspondence, notes, financial papers, regarding WW2, the Korean War, SEATO, the Australian Defence Force Academy, military planning and strategy, an Aboriginal Treaty, and other matters

MSS 259 – General Sir Thomas Blamey
A copy of "Surrender of Japanese forces" - an address delivered by Commander-in-Chief, Australian Military Forces, General Sir Thomas Blamey to Lt. General Teshima, Commander Second Japanese Army, on the occasion of the signing of their surrender, Morotai, 9th September 1945; lithographic copy of the Instrument of Surrender; photographic record of the formal surrender of the Second Japanese Army to Sir Thomas Blamey; list of decorations and advancements throughout his military history; aerial photographs of the Third Battle of Somme, 1918.

MSS 260 - Uhr, Janet
Original & copied papers and research notes accumulated by Janet Uhr for her book on WWII POWs in Singapore/Malaya, including correspondence and photocopied diaries

MSS 271 - Sealy-Vidal, Eric Sydney Walpole
Served in the 5th Pioneer Battalion in Egypt and France, mentioned in despatches, and awarded the Military Cross; Box 1/Folders 1-4: Personal papers, handwritten lecture notes taken at RMC, Duntroon (including interesting sketches/diagrams); Box 2/Folder 1:  photographs; also including a typescript copy of 'A brief history of 5th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.' by H. G. Carter

MSS 273 – Dennis, Peter
Research material, newspaper clippings, records and photographs, along with correspondence relating to the AIF Project

MSS 279 - World War I newspaper clippings
A scrapbook and loose newspaper clippings (1914-1918) relating to World War I, donated by Mike Ryan.

MSS 308 - 12th and 52nd Battalion Association
Minute book and receipts and payments of the 12th and 52nd Battalion, A.I.F. Association, Adelaide, South Australia, 1935-1969

MSS 335 - Wilson, Major D.C.L.
Personal papers, newspaper clippings, reports, maps, plans

MSS 337 – Letts, J.A.
Field service pocketbooks, memoranda, and volumes relating to the Home Guard (Australian Volunteer Defence Corps) in the Second World War collected by J A Letts, including small arms training pamphlets.

MSS 341 – Keating, Gavin
This collection comprises photocopies of research papers, correspondence, notes, drafts, maps and audio cassette tapes of interviews for Gavin Keating's works, including ''The right man for the job' : an assessment of Lieutenant General S.G. Savige as a senior commander', B.A. (Honours) thesis (1995), The right man for the right job : Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige as a military commander (2006), and A tale of three battalions : combat morale and battle fatigue in the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade, Bougainville, 1944-45 (2007).

MSS 345 - Murdoch, Sydney Richard
28 letters written by Sydney Richard Murdoch to his sister Rita, and brother-in-law Billy Carlisle from the Middle East and Europe during World War 1. Also includes: a letter and fragment of a letter from 'David' to the Carlisles; a printed return thanks card for S.R. Murdoch (deceased) from his parents and family; a letter from Major J.M. Lean to J. Murdoch, together with a description of the locality and photograph of the grave of S.R. Murdoch, and a knotted hank of raw silk.

MSS 354 - Morrison, Raymond
First World War diaries, letters and other biographical material concerning the military career of Private T.W. (Thomas William) Morrison and Corporal G.H. (George Hugh) Morrison.

MSS 359 - Sanderson, John Murray
This collection comprises material relating to Lieutenant General John Sanderson's mission in Cambodia, when he was seconded to the Secretary of the United Nations to complete planning for the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). In addition to papers covering the secondment (February 1992-October 1993), there is some earlier background material, as well as some reports of a later date. These records include press briefings, correspondence, cables and telegrams, situation reports, local propaganda and underground literature, minutes of meetings, incident reports and political statements by members of the Australian government and several overseas governments. Also included is one box of documentary video footage dealing with various aspects of the local Cambodian situation.

MSS 364 – Chester, Willie Marjoribank
Copy of a brief diary kept during the First World War by Willie Chester, 1915-1918, measuring 120cm x 90cm. His diary describes shipboard life; training in Egypt and England; and the frustrations and horrors of the campaigns in France and Belgium. Chester served with the 2nd Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps in France and Belgium from 1916-1918. He returned to Australia on the 10 June 1919.

MSS 366 - Coates, John
Research material used for Coate's Bravery above blunder: the 9th Division at Finschhafen, Sattelberg and Sio (1999), including photocopied military source material, interviews with Japanese POW/commanders, audio interviews and maps

MSS 367 – Nabowla WWI Soldiers 
This collection contains letters of three First World War soldiers (Fred Shepherd, George Peddle and Arthur Partridge) from Tasmania who enlisted in 1916

MSS 374 - Hastings, Peter
Original and copied papers, including manuscript articles by Hastings, notebooks (and including important primary sources relating to/created by significant figures in East Timorese conflict-for example records of interview, correspondence, notes), official & semi-official reports, clippings, printed material

Oral Histories

World War I

Edward Smout (Ted)
Interviewed on 8th April 2002    AAWFA 001.1145
Ted Smout was one of Australia’s last surviving WW1 veterans. A stretcher-bearer during some of the most horrific battles on the Western Front, Ted’s story also details his remarkable success at self-rehabilitation after the war and his thoughts on the changes in Australia over the many years of his life.
This interview contains two parts filmed several years apart. The first interview shown was filmed for the Australians at War Archive in 2002-2004, while the second interview shown was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 1st AIF, 3rd Division, Medical Corps

Eric Abraham
Interviewed on 25th January 2000    AAWFA 001.2541
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 56th Battalion, 5th Division, Signaller, World War I

John Lockett (Jack)
Interviewed on 11th January 2000    AAWFA 001.2539
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 38th Battalion WW1

Albert Whitmore (Bert)
Interviewed on 2nd May 2000    AAWFA 001.2543
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 9th Light Horse, WW1

Eustelle Overy
Interviewed on 10th June 2000    AAWFA 001.2544
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: Home Front WW1

Annie Sturzaker
Interviewed on 4th May 2000    AAWFA 001.1890
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: Civilian WW1

Frank McDonald
Interviewed on 23rd December 1999    AAWFA 001.2538
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 40th Battalion 1st AIF

Raymond Durston (Ray)
Interviewed on 12th January 2000    AAWFA 001.2540
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: 11th General Service Reinforcements, WW1

Thomas Robinson (Tom)
Interviewed on 1st May 2000    AAWFA 001.2542
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: WW1

Clarice Menton
Interviewed on 10th June 2000    AAWFA 001.2501
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: Civilian WW1

Marcel Caux
Interviewed on 13th June 2003    AAWFA 001.502
Themes: World War I
Served with: 20th Battalion 1st AIF, WW1

Peter Casserly
Interviewed on 8th December 2003    AAWFA 001.1417
Themes: World War I
Served with: 2nd Light Railway Company, WW1

Anita Ryall
Interviewed on 10th June 2000    AAWFA 001.2388
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: Civilian WW1

Queenie Sunderland
Interviewed on 8th June 2000    AAWFA 001.2330
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: WW1 War Bride

Allen McKay (Joe)
Interviewed on 8th June 2000    AAWFA 001.2300
This interview was filmed for the television series Australians at War in 1999-2000.
Themes: World War I
Served with: Child, WW1

World War I Annotated Maps

16 printed maps with hand annotations marking positions of Allied and enemy lines, including trenches and other battlefield features. An additional 46 unannotated maps are also held – a full listing is available on request.

Annotated maps listed by shelf number, map/sheet number, title, main villages and towns:

G 5720 s10 .G7 1915-
4.     Sheet 28 Ploegsteert S.W. 4 (ed. 4 B)
Wulverghem, Ploegsteert, Messines, Deulemont, Warneton

 G 5720 s10 .G7 1915-
9.     Sheet 28 Zonnebeke N.E. 1 (ed. 7 A)
Frozenberg, Zevenkote, s'Gravenstafel, Molenaaretshoek, Zonnebeke, Broodseinde, Passchendaele, Keiberg, Droogenbroodhoek, Moorslede, St Accariushoek, Waterdamhoek

 G 5720 s10 .G7 1915-
13.   Sheet 57. Gueudecourt S.W. 1 (ed. 3 A)
Gueudecourt, Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette, Le Sars, Pys, Warlencourt Eaucourt, Le Barque, Ligny Thilloy, Thilloy, Eaucourt L'Abbaye

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
9. Sh.28 NE. Ed. 6.A Trenches corrected to 3.7.17. Jul. 1917. Annotated.
Gheluvelt, Zonnebeke, Becelaere, Paschendaele, Moorslede, Waterdamhoek, Dadizeele, Ledeghem, Rolleghemcappelle, Moorseele

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
13. Sh.57D SE. Ed. 2.B Trenches corrected to 28.4.16. 1916. Annotated.
Varennes, Acheux, Forceville, Henencourt, Senlis, Hedauville, MIllencourt, Beaussart, Englebelmer, Bouzincourt, Martinsart, Mailly Maillet, Auchonvillers, Albert, Aveluy, Mesnil, Authville, Contalmaison, Miraumont, Grandcourt

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
16. Sh.pts. of 57C SE, 57B SW, 62C NE, 62B NW Wiancourt. Ed. 1.A Trenches corrected up to 19.9.1918. 21 Sept. 1918. Annotated.
Roussoy, Hargicourt, Villeret, Vendhuile, Le Catelet, Bellicourt, Nauroy, Gouy, Magny-la-Fosse, Estrees, Joncourt, Wiancourt, Beaurevoir, Ponchaux, Ramicourt, Montbrehain, Mericourt, Brancourt, Premont

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
17. Sh.pts. of 57C SE, 57B SW, 62C NE, 62B NW Wiancourt. Ed. 1.A Trenches corrected up to 19.9.1918. 21 Sept. 1918. Annotated.
Roussoy, Hargicourt, Villeret, Vendhuile, Le Catelet, Bellicourt, Nauroy, Gouy, Magny-la-Fosse, Estrees, Joncourt, Wiancourt, Beaurevoir, Ponchaux, Ramicourt, Montbrehain, Mericourt, Brancourt, Premont

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
18. Sh.pts. of 57C SE, 57B SW, 62C NE, 62B NW Wiancourt. Ed. 1.A Trenches corrected up to 19.9.1918. 21 Sept. 1918. Annotated.
Roussoy, Hargicourt, Villeret, Vendhuile, Le Catelet, Bellicourt, Nauroy, Gouy, Magny-la-Fosse, Estrees, Joncourt, Wiancourt, Beaurevoir, Ponchaux, Ramicourt, Montbrehain, Mericourt, Brancourt, Premont

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
19. Sh.62C NW. Ed. 4.B Trenches corrected to 6.3.18. Aug. 1918.
Cappy, Suzanne, Mericourt, Curlu, Hardecourt-aux-Bois, Herbecourt, Hem, Maurepas, Clery-sur-Somme, Halle, Biaches, Bouchavesnes, Peronne, Mt St Quentin, Allaines, Doingt, Muislains

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
20. Sh.62C NW. Ed. 4.B Trenches corrected to 6.3.18. Aug. 1918. Annotated.
Cappy, Suzanne, Mericourt, Curlu, Hardecourt-aux-Bois, Herbecourt, Hem, Maurepas, Clery-sur-Somme, Halle, Biaches, Bouchavesnes, Peronne, Mt St Quentin, Allaines, Doingt, Muislains

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
21. 4Sh.62C NE. Ed. 5.A Local. 28 Aug. 1918. Annotated.
Driencourt, Buire, Nurlu, Tincourt, Lieramont, Marquay, Ruisal, Saulcourt, Villers Faucon, Hervilly, Ste Emilie, Epehy, Herbecourt, Templeux, Le Verguier, Lempire, Hargicourt

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
22. Sh.62C NE. Ed. 5.A Local. 28 Aug. 1918. Annotated.
Driencourt, Buire, Nurlu, Tincourt, Lieramont, Marquay, Ruisal, Saulcourt, Villers Faucon, Hervilly, Ste Emilie, Epehy, Herbecourt, Templeux, Le Verguier, Lempire, Hargicourt

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
27. Sh.62D SE. Ed. 3.C Local. 3 Aug. 1918. Annotated.
Demuin, Aubercourt, Courcelles, Ignaucourt, Marcelcave, Warfusee-Abancourt, Hamel, Wiencourt-l'Equipee, Lamotte-en-Santerre, Guillancourt, Bayonvillers, Morcourt, Chipilly, Harbonnieres, Mericourt-sur-Somme, Vauvillers, Framerville, Proyart, Rainecourt, Chuignolles, Herleville, Chuignes

 G5830 s20 .G7 1916-1918
28. Sh.62D SE. Ed. 3.B Local. 11 Jul. 1918.
Demuin, Aubercourt, Courcelles, Ignaucourt, Marcelcave, Warfusee-Abancourt, Hamel, Wiencourt-l'Equipee, Lamotte-en-Santerre, Guillancourt, Bayonvillers, Morcourt, Chipilly, Harbonnieres, Mericourt-sur-Somme, Vauvillers, Framerville, Proyart, Rainecourt, Chuignolles, Herleville, Chuignes

G 5833 .P3 S65 1917
4. Le Barque. 1:20.000
Le Sars, Eaucourt l'Abbaye, Grevillers, Le Barque, Flers, Biefviliers-les-Bapaume, Ligny Thilloy, Avesnes-les-Bapaume, Thilloy, Gueudecourt, Bapaume, Le Transloy, Fremicourt, Bancourt, Riencourt-les-Bapaume, Beaulencourt, Villers-au-Flos

G7431. S65 1915
Kurija Dere (Koja Dere): Gallipoli Anzac trenches and maps marked in blue ink, topographical features in brown ink.