The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Officers RAN dark blue peaked service dress cap. The cap's crown is of dark blue Oxford wool cloth and has a black mohair hatband. Sewn to the front of the hatband is the King's crown embroidered in gold bullion thread with purple velvet in the crown's arches. Beneath the crown is a white metal anchor which is surrounded by a gold bullion thread embroidered wreath. The cap has a black plastic chinstrap secured to the hat by two plain black plastic buttons. The upper side of the cap's peak is coated cloth with the underside of the peak being lined with green leatherette. The inside of the cap has a brown leather sweatband and the inside of the crown is lined with black polished cotton. A white rectangle shaped label is sewn into the crown with 'COMMONWEALTH / GOVERNMENT / CLOTHING FACTORY / MELBOURNE' printed in orange lettering on it.
Associated with the service of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR). Syme was born on 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbourne. His father, John Herbert, was a journalist, and his son settled into the family business (they published 'The Age' newspaper) as assistant manager before the war. As a keen amateur sailor, the 6 foot tall Syme was accepted in the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR) as part of the Yachtsman Scheme (whereby the Australian Naval Board provided personnel to the Admiralty via the RANVR).
He passed a navigation test and was appointed a probationary sub-lieutenant on 1 September 1940. Syme was soon mobilised to England and trained at HMS King Alfred. He was among the first group of Australians to be chosen to serve in the Rendering Mines Safe section and they received specialist training and were posted to HMS Vernon where the section was based.
Syme was promoted to lieutenant in mid December 1940. German bombing and air raids ensured the team had plenty of practice disarming unexploded mines and bombs. Syme rapidly developed a reputation for bravery, being awarded the George Cross and George Medal and bar for a string of successful mine recoveries. He is only one of eight people who have been awarded both the George Cross and George Medals for gallantry.
In January 1943 Syme returned to Australia following the deaths of his father and uncle, becoming temporary trustee of the family business. Despite his desire to return England, the RAN decided to keep him in Australia and utilise his expertise, setting him up in April 1943 at HMAS Cerberus as Commanding Officer of a bomb-disposal section. Little was asked of the section and Syme departed in December 1944, returning to the family business. In 1946 he was appointed general manager of 'The Age'. Syme returned to uniform briefly as part of Australia's Coronation Contingent in 1953. In 1948, Syme formed David Syme & Co. Ltd. He oversaw the company's entry into television in 1956 and was general manager until 1963. Syme was then director of the company until his death on 11 November 1965.
PORTRAIT OF LIEUTENANT HUGH RANDALL SYME. GC., GM., AND BAR, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY VOLUNTEER RESERVE, WHO WAS AWARDED HIS DECORATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING BRAVERY IN "DE-LOUSING" UNEXPLODED ENEMY MINES DUR
PORTRAIT OF LIEUTENANT H. R. SYME, GC., GM AND BAR, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY VOLUNTEER RESERVE, WHO WAS AWARDED HIS DECORATION FOR OUTSTANDING BRAVERY IN "DE-LOUSING" UNEXPLODED ENEMY MINES DURING THE AI
LIEUTENANT H.R. SYME, GC, GM AND BAR, OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE AFTER RECEIVING THE GEORGE CROSS AT AN INVESTITURE.
Australia Service Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Medals of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), born 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbo
British MK II steel helmet. The helmet is stamped into shape from sheet metal and has a rolled edge of sheet metal around the brim to cover the sharp edges. Inside the helmet, the liner is attached to
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Medals of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), born 28 February 1903 at Kew, Mel
The 2 uF condenser is a rectangular shaped capacitor which is made from aluminium. It has two prongs extending out from one end to allow wires to be wound onto them so it can create a charge. This 2
The upper band of each gaiter is made from a stiff band of brown leather. This is secured to the wearer's leg by two metal buckles and straps, one set below the other on the outside of the gaiter. The
Customised Flotation Vest. The front of the waist coat has been cut extra long with the middle being folded back in on itself, creating a central loop to fit the internal rubber inflatable bladder. Th
Customised Tool Belt. The leather belt, originally a cartridge belt, has had 24 individual metal holders riveted to the sides and back. 10 of the holders have become detached either deliberately or th
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Medals of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), born 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbourne. Syme
Pair of Australian Second World War Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve rank epaulettes. The epaulettes have a black wool upper and a white cotton underside. The rank shown on the epaulettes in t
Extraction tool possibly used in deactivating mines and bombs. The extraction tool consists of a brass cylinder which is attached to a wider piece of brass tubing at the front end. Fitted around the p
Respirator, anti-gas, MK V Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) crewman variant. This variant was also favoured by air crews in Bomber Command. The rubber facemask is moulded black rubber which has been st
George Cross (Geo VI). Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Hugh Randall Syme was born on 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbourne. Syme's father, John Herbert, was a journalist, and his son had set
George Medal and bar (Geo VI). Medal engraved around edge with recipient's details. Medals of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), born 28 February 1903 at
British mine part. The two piece brass unit has an externally and internally threaded collar screwed onto the lower main body. The body is threaded approximately half way up its length. The threaded e
A German magnetic sea mine type M3 firing unit. The unit is a cylindrical main body with a central shaft extending out of either end. "1B - 171" over a circle with the number "76" within have been pa
German mine mechanical Impact fuze Vz Z 34 A (clockwork, self destructing) as used in C and D type parachute mines (Luftmine). This fuze is designed to activate 22 seconds after impact should the mine
Unknown part thought to be taken from a German mine. This piece is in a shape similar to a syringe. The lower end has a small 'needle' attached to a cylindrical barrel body and the upper end has a plu
Unknown part thought to be taken from a German mine. This piece is in a shape similar to a syringe. The lower end has a small 'needle' attached to a cylindrical barrel body and the upper end has a plu
Unknown part thought to be taken from a German mine. This piece is in a shape similar to a syringe. The lower end has a small 'needle' attached to a cylindrical barrel body and the upper end has a plu
Unknown part taken from a German mine. This piece appears to be either a fuze or a timing mechanism. The body of this piece is cylindrical. The bottom end has a small brass fan. The top end of the pie
Unknown part taken from a German mine. This piece is cylindrical with five hollow arms extending from the top. Small brass sockets are located within the arms. Written in raised detail between the arm
Unknown part taken from a German mine. This piece is likely to have been a cover for another piece of the mine. It is shaped like a lid to a saucepan and has a small handle on top. There are 12 holes
Unknown part taken from a German mine. This piece is cylindrical with a domed top. Near the base of the dome has been etched the numbers '25425-15'. The outside of the object has a grooved middle, sim
Hessian Blackout Curtain. The top of the hessian has been folded over and seamed to strengthen the top of the curtain. Sewn to the reverse side of the curtain below the top edge is a length of cotton
Hydrostatic clock taken from a German Type C acoustic parachute mine. A cast aluminium cover with internal threads covers a trigger mechanism for the device. Inside the device a copper core is connect
Custom made cylindrical canvas kit bag. The bag is made from heavy duty canvas with a one piece upper and cylindrical base. The stitching has been reinforced with leather strips. 10 brass eyelets have
Type 'D' German magnetic parachute mine gyroscopic gimbal mount. The external part of the mount is made from aluminium and has several attachment points for fitting to the Type 'D' mine's outer casing
The story of Commander John Stuart Mould GC GM, notes dictated by Mould and recorded by Ivan Southall for reference for Southall's book 'Softly Tread the brave' (published).
Officer's navy blue wool double breasted greatcoat, lined throughout with black polished cotton twill. The coat has a stand and fall collar, two rows of six gilded brass Royal Navy officer's buttons (
Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve officer's black wool superfine undress or 'monkey' jacket. The double breasted jacket has notched turn back lapels; two rows of four gilded brass RAN officer's
The entrance to HMS Vernon. During the Second World War, it became the main Royal Naval base responsible for mine disposal and mine countermeasures. This image is from the collection of Lieutenant (Lt
An overhead view of HMS Vernon, Portsmouth. During the Second World War, it became the main Royal Naval base responsible for mine disposal and mine countermeasures. The low building in the centre is c
An overhead view of HMS Vernon, Portsmouth. During the Second World War, it became the main Royal Naval base responsible for mine disposal and mine countermeasures. The low building in the centre is c
A wartime identification image showing four views of a German magnetic mine. These mines were usually deployed by German aircraft into British shipping lanes and channels. When a ship passed over the
A group portrait of the Royal Naval and civilian personnel based at HMS Vernon, Portsmouth. Identified from left to right, back row: Lieutenant (Lt) John Stuart Mould, GC, GM, Royal Australian Naval V
A parachute deployed German magnetic mine, which appears to have landed on the grounds of the Woolwich Arsenal. The mine is intact and is partially buried in the soft ground. This image is from the co
A parachute deployed, German magnetic mine, which appears to have landed on the grounds of the Woolwich, Arsenal. The mine is intact and is partially buried nose first in the soft ground. This image i
Two unidentified officers inspecting a parachute deployed, German magnetic mine, which appears to have landed on the grounds of the Woolwich, Arsenal. The mine is intact and is partially buried nose f
A close up view showing the access panels and fusing mechanisms on a parachute deployed, German magnetic mine, which appears to have landed on the grounds of the Woolwich, Arsenal. The mine is intact
A close up view showing a parachute deployed, German magnetic mine in the process of being defused. The mine was dropped from a German aircraft and has landed on the grounds of the Woolwich, Arsenal.
A German magnetic mine which has been excavated and recovered from sandy soil somewhere near the English coast. These particular mines were code named 'Sammy' by the British and because this mine was
Up to their elbows in mud, these three men are digging a German magnetic mine out of the beach at Trinity Sands during low tide. The young officer in the centre is Lieutenant (Lt) J L Harris from Can
Four German soldiers unloading a magnetic mine (code named 'George' by the British) from a truck. The mine is secured in a travelling frame and is probably being delivered to a Luftwaffe unit based in
An unexploded German magnetic mine which has been recovered from shallow water. Note the scale bar graded in inches which gives an aproximation to the size of the mine. This image is from the collecti
An aerial photograph of the Royal Naval Training Base, HMS Excellent, on Whale Island, Portsmouth. Moored at the left are many small vessels plus several larger ships which include, destroyers, frigat
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) personnel on the parade ground at Lancing College. An outpost of HMS King Alfred, the RNVR training establishent at Hove, the school was taken over in 1941 and re
The Administrative block at HMS Vernon, Portsmouth. During the Second World War, it became the main Royal Naval base responsible for mine disposal and mine countermeasures. The masts of HMS Victory ca
A view of HMS Vernon showing from the left: The Mining Tank, The Creasy Block and the Vulcan, and Walker Wings. During the Second World War, it became the main Royal Naval base responsible for mine di
Studio portrait of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, GM, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Lt Syme was based at HMS Vernon, Portsmouth, from 1940 to 1942. He rapidly developed a reputation for bra
Portrait of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, GC, GM and Bar, Royal Australian Naval Reserve. Lt Syme was based at HMS Vernon, Portsmouth, from 1940 to 1942. He rapidly developed a reputation for bravery,
Some of the components removed from a German magnetic mine. The parts include cover plates, a coil spring, the primer mechanism and hydrostatic clock. This image is from the collection of Lieutenant (
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. Unnamed as issued. Medals of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), born 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbourne. Syme’s fath
Mr Hugh Randall Syme was the general manager of the Melbourne Age newspaper in 1957. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Navy volunteering for the mine disposal unit in the United Kingdom.
Collection relating to the Second World War service of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, GC, GM & Bar, HMS Vernon, Australia and the United Kingdom, 1932-1959. Wallet 1 of 3 - Contains three folders. Fol
Weight belt. The belt is made from 25 mm cotton webbing with an aluminium buckle at one end. 8 circular lead weights are threaded onto the belt. Each weight is made up from two circular pieces, with t
Pair of white cloth spats. Each spat is made from three separate panels of thickly woven linen sewn together and have been lined with three matching panels of a tightly woven white linen. Sewn on the
The sign has been cut out from a sheet of aluminium. At the top of the sign, the centre area has been cut out and the two uncut 'arms' have been folded over, allowing the sign to be hung from a bar or
Pair of Australian Second World War Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve rank epaulettes. The epaulettes have a black wool upper and a white cotton underside. The rank shown on the epaulettes in t
Weight belt. The belt is made from 25 mm cotton webbing with an aluminium buckle at one end. 8 circular lead weights are threaded onto the belt. Each weight is made up from two circular pieces, with t
Custom made cylindrical canvas kit bag. The bag is made from heavy duty canvas with a one piece upper and cylindrical base. The stitching has been reinforced with leather strips. 10 brass eyelets have
The 2 uF condenser is a rectangular shaped capacitor which is made from aluminium. It has two prongs extending out from one end to allow wires to be wound onto them so it can create a charge. This 2
Officer's navy blue wool double breasted greatcoat, lined throughout with black polished cotton twill. The coat has a stand and fall collar, two rows of six gilded brass Royal Navy officer's buttons (
Pair of white cloth spats. Each spat is made from three separate panels of thickly woven linen sewn together and have been lined with three matching panels of a tightly woven white linen. Sewn on the