The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Representative of two common recruiting devices used in Australia, a well-known local soldier and a target number of men required for a specially named group. Both themes were combined, too, as in the case of Ryan's Thousand (after T.J. Ryan, the Queensland premier) or Carmichael's Thousand (after Captain A.C. Carmichael). This poster, published by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, depicts Lieutenant Albert Jacka, VC, as a role model for a huge campaign to enlist sportsmen into the Australian Imperial Force in 1917. Jacka achieved instant fame back home when he became the first Australian to win the Victoria Cross during the First World War. It was said that one of the reasons he was such a good soldier, and had such a fighting attitude, was that he had been a boxer before the war. The campaign to enlist sportsmen was fuelled by a strong belief that by playing sport young men developed specific skills and qualities that could be used on the battlefield.
1914-15 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details. Albert 'Bert' Jacka was born on 10 January 1893 on his parents' dairy farm at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria. He was one of seven children
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed edge with recipient's details. Albert 'Bert' Jacka was born on 10 January 1893 on his parents' dairy farm at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria. He was one of seve
Silver Egyptian 5 Quirsh coin. The reverse has been smoothed off and impressed 'LT. A. JACKA 14.A.I. P.' A small hole has been drilled in top to allow it to be attached to a chain. The letters seem to
Luger P08 semi-automatic pistol. Frame marked ERFURT 1911 and the serial number. The grips are checkered wood and it is complete with a magazine. The backstrap has a 'T' section slide to take the deta
Luger P08 semi automatic pistol. Frame marked ERFURT 1911 and the serial number. The grips are checkered wood and it is complete with a magazine. The backstrap has a 'T' section slide to take the deta
Military Cross and bar (Geo V). Unnamed as issued. Albert ‘Bert’ Jacka was born on 10 January 1893 on his parents’ farm at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria. He was one of seven children born to Nath
Victoria Cross ribbon bar with crimson silk ribbon and a brooch-pin back. This Victoria Cross ribbon bar was given as a gift to Miss Gwyneth Hope by Captain Albert Jacka VC MC and bar. Hope was a vo
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details, and reverse cross with date of action. Victoria Cross awarded to Captain Albert ‘Bert’ Jacka who was born on 10 January 1893 on h
Victory Medal. Impressed edge with recipient's details. Albert 'Bert' Jacka was born on 10 January 1893 on his parents' dairy farm at Layard near Winchelsea, Victoria. He was one of seven children b
Slide - Footballers. This slide is one of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a sportsmen's unit, such as had been successfully raised in England. The conce
An AIF recruiting lantern slide encouraging enlistment. this slide preceeded images of Cricketers. One of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a sportsmen's
An AIF recruiting lantern slide encouraging enlistment. This slide preceeded images of Boxers. This slide is one of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a sp
An AIF recruiting lantern slide encouraging enlistment. This slide preceeded images of Swimmers. This slide is one of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a
Slide Sergeant Alf Morey - Boxer. This slide is one of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a sportsmen's unit, such as had been successfully raised in Engla
Slide - Gunner Herb Sullivan, Boxer. This slide is one of a series used in a 1917 recruiting campaign to encourage sportsmen to enlist in a sportsmen's unit, such as had been successfully raised in En
