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The Harrower Collection, consists of Medals, Memorial Plaques,Awards,Badges and Australian Military and Family Historical information to the men of the 33rd 34th 35th and the 36th Battalion's during World War 1.(9th Infantry Brigade)

This collection is an ongoing reminder of the sacrifice and commitment of Australian men who served their country during and world war 1 and many also served during world war 2. The 9th infantry brigade consisted of 4 battalions with a majority of the men from the Mid North Coast, New England the Hunter Valley and Newcastle.
This collection will be viewed via the internet for all who have a regard and interest into the men who's deeds changed Australian history. I have attempted to address family history with each man's. Births, Deaths and Marriages certificate information and internet links the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Australian War Memorial and other relevant sites pertaining to information about the man researched.
The collection is currently on display at the SWANSEA RSL CLUB New South Wales, Australia. I will continue to update the collection via the internet for future generations of Australians and overseas residents who appreciate these Australian men, of whom, many made the ultimate sacrifice.
David John Harrower JP aif.ww1@live.com

9th Infantry Brigade AIF. World War 1
This collection was only conceived by chance when a work colleague by the name of Ross Sargant a local collector, offered me in 2001 a group of World War 1 medals and a bronze fob to Private 1935 William Arthur Ernest Patterson, 35th Battalion, who was a Labourer from Inverell, New South Wales. I purchased this group of medals only because Albert Alexander Harrower, who was a Great Uncle of mine, also served with the 35th Battalion during the great war as a Lance Corporal, service number:6815. Albert was a Dairy Hand from Port Macquarie.
After I purchased this medal group I began to wonder how could people sell their family heritage?. I made a concious decision that I would attempt to acquire as many medals and related information to the men of the 35th Battalion and hopefuly one day be able to display the collection for all Australian's who took the time and had a genuine interest in our heritage to appreciate what these fine Australian men had sacrificed for this wonderful country that we now live in. Many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their life in the service of King and Country.
After a short period I acquired a modest collection of 35th Battalion Medals it became clear to me that I would also have to collect for the 33rd 34th and the 36th Battalion as well. I was amazed at how many brothers enlisted, one with the 34th and another with the 35th, so I had to settle with the entire 9th Infantry Brigade.
As the current custodian of this collection I hope that these medals will never be sold overseas again as I have returned many Memorial Plaques and Medals from England, Canada and the United States back to our shores where they belong for future generation to admire and be be proud of their Australian Heritage by the deed's of our forefathers.
Anzac Day 2006 saw this collection displayed at the SWANSEA R.S.L. CLUB. This was the first time the collection was placed on public display which is now housed in new display cabnets. I have received enormous support from a number of collectors and military historians and family members of some of the items in the collection. I must make a special mention to Mr E E Gardiner of Hampshire, England and Mrs Joy Kelly of Sussex Inlet N.S.W and Iris and Racheal Breese of Glouster and Foster N.S.W. who have made significant contibutions to the collection.
I greatly appreciate any assistance with any items to the men of the 9th Infantry Brigade as I am dedidicated to preserving as many medals, death plaques, documents and memorabilia that I can for the twofold benefit of ensuring that the service of these men is never forgotten and that future generations of Australians have a visual appreciation of our military heritage. on the 3rd of October 2007 this collection was reccommended for inclusion to the N.S.W. STATE HERITAGE REGISTAR. by Mr Tim Smith the Senior Heritage Officer. This site was nominated for the 2009 Prime Minister Australian History Awards.

SWANSEA RSL Display. 2008
90th Anniversary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
On April 25, 1918 the village of Villers-Bretonneux was liberated by ANZAC forces after what has been described as perhaps “the finest Australian feat of arms on the Western Front”. At that time and to this day the words “Villers-Bretonneux” represent a powerful symbol to Australians of the horrors of war and of the courage, resilience and selflessness of those who give their lives for liberty and the safety of others. Villers-Bretonneux is testament to an unbreakable bond between the peoples of France and Australia. On July 14 1919 the French community expressed words that reverberated with compassion, respect and friendship: “Soldiers of Australia, whose brothers lie here in French soil, be assured that your memory will always be kept alive, and that the burial places of your dead will always be respected and cared for...”Let us now add our own words of thanks to the people of Villers-Bretonneux for your ongoing belief in the links between our countries. These links have been tested and re-tested many times and have become stronger as our countries have fought together at in North Africa, in Korea, in the liberation of Kuwait, in Kosovo, Afghanistan and many other fields of conflict. We have a fine tradition of co-operation and respect that will never be broken. The 90th anniversary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux is a time for remembrance and thanks, and an occasion of great meaning for us all.

Lest we forget.

Temporary Sergeant: 2133 Henry RANDALL. 35th Battalion AIF. Coal Miner, Weston. N.S.W.

Major Sponsor: SWANSEA RSL CLUB

www.swansearslclub.com
Page Sponsors: INVERELL DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY GROUP INC.

Inverell District Family History Group. P O BOX 367, Inverell, N.S.W. 2360
Research Links

9th Infantry Brigade web site was launched on the 21st of July 2008

Member of the Family and Friends of the First AIF Member Number: 420.

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