Edmondson, Maude Elizabeth

Papers of Maude Elizabeth Edmondson relating to the life and Second World War service of NX15705 Corporal John Hurst "Jack" Edmondson, 2/17 Battalion, Australia and Libya, 1916-1956.

Collection comprises the papers of Maude Elizabeth Edmondson relating to the life and military service of her son, Corporal Edmondson. Corporal Edmondson was the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross in Second World War for his part in a counter-attack against enemy troops at Tobruk, Libya in April 1941. Corporal Edmondson died of wounds that he sustained in the attack. Collection includes: four diaries kept by Mrs Edmondson from 1940 to 1950 and extracts of her son's school work; letters of condolence, correspondence with various clubs, societies and men who served with Corporal Edmondson including Lance Corporal Athol Dalziel; booklets and leaflets of commemorative services and accompanying manuscripts of addresses; and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings.

Collection also includes an original handwritten letter sent from Mrs Edmondson to Mrs Lillian Baggott, thanking her for a photograph of her son's grave at Tobruk War Cemetery; this letter was added to the collection in November 2014. It is believed the photograph was taken by Mrs Baggott's husband, Sergeant Leo Baggott, while serving with the Australian Army in North Africa.

• Wallet 1 of 4 - Diaries of Maude Elizabeth Edmondson, 1926-1941; 1950
• Wallet 2 of 4 - Condolence letters relating to the life and military service of Corporal John Hurst "Jack" Edmondson, 1941-1956
• Wallet 3 of 4 - Various items relating to the life and military service of Corporal John Hurst "Jack" Edmondson, 1916-1955
• Oversize Wallet 4 of 4 - Scrapbook relating to the life and military service of Corporal John Hurst "Jack" Edmondson, c.1941-1950