The Military History Society of NSW lecture series for 2019 begins with Militaria from the Gallipoli Campaign presented by Gary Traynor, a part time soldier, trained investigator and Assistant Curator in Military Heraldry and Technology at the Australian War Memorial.
As Australian Diggers clung desperately to the Gallipoli Peninsula between April and December 1915, necessity became the mother of invention. When they finally evacuated, a lot of battlefield refuse, relics and devices were naturally left behind. While the ‘Gallipoli inventions’ are famous, less is known about their ‘back story’, the human context and living conditions that gave rise to them. Life on ANZAC will be examined through a number of fascinating objects including firearms gathered during multiple visits to Gallipoli.
Biography
Gary has been actively involved in the preservation of militaria and research of military history for well over thirty years. He has 23 years’ experience with the New South Wales Police Force which provided investigative skills transferable to the battleground. He is also a former infantryman within the Australian Army Reserve, having served with both 4/3 RNSWR and UNSWR.
He has worked at the Australian War Memorial, starting off as a Volunteer Guide and working his way through the galleries, finally winning a contract as Assistant Curator in Military Heraldry and Technology. As such, he has handled many rare and valuable items preserved in our National Collection.
Gary has consulted for Foxtel’s The History Channel (Sir Tony Robinson’s Tour of Duty) where he performed in an “Antiques Roadshow” style role. He was also military advisor for the mini-series adaption of Bryce Courtney’s “Jessica” and theatrical productions on behalf of Legacy Australia. His literary work has been published in a number of historical journals including the Australian War Memorial’s WARTIME magazine, The Shrine’s REMEMBRANCE and INSIDE HISTORY magazine. Gary has also assisted in the Army History Unit’s publication “To Kokoda” and Wiley Publications’ “Kokoda for Dummies” by Dr Peter Williams. He is currently working on the “Kokoda Encyclopedia” with his wing man, Adrian Clack.
However he is perhaps best known as the founder of the ‘non-profit’ organisation MEDALS GONE MISSING which has been returning lost and stolen war medals back to the rightful family since 2008.
When: Saturday 2 February 2019, 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Goulburn Room, City of Sydney RSL, 565 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Free, although a gold coin donation is appreciated. RSVP was in November, but please contact the organisers as places may still be available.
RSVP: 0418 671 582 or rsvp@militaryhistorynsw.com.au