Guide to the Papers of Chester Wilmot
MS 8436
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Created: May 2025
Collection Summary
- Creator
-
Chester Wilmot
E.F. Wilmot , Mrs - Title
- Papers of Chester Wilmot
- Date Range
- 1815 - 1998
- Collection Number
- MS 8436
- Extent
- 12 metres (77 MS Boxes + 1 Medium Folio-Box + 1 shared binder)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Scope and Contents
This collection comprises the papers of Chester Wilmot, mainly focusing on his career as a broadcaster and war correspondent. The original consignment includes correspondence, notebooks, diaries, news cuttings, broadcast scripts, as well as drafts and research material relating to Wilmot's publications Tobruk, 1941 (1943) and The Struggle for Europe (1952). The collection also includes correspondence and tributes following Wilmot's death, family history research material collected by Edith Wilmot, and biographical research material assembled by Alan and Mary Wood. The second consignment received in 2024 contains black and white postcards of buildings and architecture from the United States of America and Europe.
Conditions Governing Access
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2701576).
Conditions Governing Use
Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2701576).
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Chester Wilmot, National Library of Australia, MS 8436, [series number, file number]'.
Provenance
This collection was presented to the National Library by Edith Wilmot in 1991 and arrived in Canberra in January 1992. It consists primarily of Chester Wilmot's papers, but also includes material added by Edith Wilmot in the years since Chester's death. A further transfer was received from the Wilmot family in 2024.
Related Materials
The Liddell Hart Archives in London also holds some Chester Wilmot papers, while the Australian War Memorial holds a collection of papers created by Wilmot in the course of his work on the official history of the Australian involvement in the Second World War.
Arrangement
When the collection was presented to the Library it was accompanied by a "catalogue" which served as a dispatch list. Over half of the collection was itemised in detail on this list, with individual folders being listed in seven "files", each "file" corresponding to a drawer of a filing cabinet. This filing system probably reflects the system used by Wilmot at the time of his death, but has had some subsequent rearrangement and additions by Edith Wilmot. These seven "files" account for Series 1-6 of this collection. The folder numbering system used in the despatch list has been retained in these series. Series 4 includes all the folders from "files" 3-4, as the numbering sequence of file 4 was merely a continuation of the numbering of file 3. This explains why there were seven "files", but only six series.
Not all the folders listed on the dispatch list were received by the National Library. Those folders not received are listed in this guide with the annotation "[FOLDER NOT RECIEVED]". The despatch list includes detailed itemised lists of some parts of Series 1-6, particularly family correspondence, diary entries and individual broadcasts. Readers who wish to consult the despatch list should ask the Manuscript reading room supervisor. For most readers, however, the level of detail given in this Guide should be sufficient.
The papers in series 7-13 were not thoroughly itemised in the despatch list. Unlike the well-ordered "files", these papers had no discernible order. The order in which they have been arranged is therefore one that has been artificially devised by National Library staff.
A further transfer was received in 2024, and this material comprises series 14.
Cultural Sensitivity Advisory Notice:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this collection contains language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Content Advisory Notice:
Please be advised that this collection contains language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive. Including terms and descriptions relating to people of colour, Pacific Islander workers, the White Australia Policy and antisemitic sentiments.
Biographical Note
Reginald William Winchester ("Chester") Wilmot was born in Melbourne on 21 June 1911, the son of R.W.E. Wilmot (journalist for the Argus) and Jane Marian Wilmot (nee Tracey). He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School from 1922 to 1930. He continued his education at Trinity College and Melbourne University where he was awarded a B.A. (History Honours) in 1935 and an LLB. in 1936. In 1936 he was President of the University's Students' Representative Council. From July 1937 to February 1939 he led the Melbourne University Debating Team on a tour of overseas universities, visiting East Asia, North America, Britain and Europe.
On his return to Australia in 1939 he became a member of the Council of Melbourne University and completed articles with the intention of joining the Bar. In 1940 he was appointed War Correspondent with the ABC Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Forces in the Middle East. During this time he reported from Palestine, Syria, Libya, Greece, Crete and the siege of Tobruk. He returned to Australia in March 1942 and married Edith Irwin, daughter of Rev. W.H. Irwin of Adelaide, in the following month. In July 1942 he accompanied the A.I.F. to New Guinea to report on the war with the Japanese. In November 1942 he was expelled from New Guinea and lost his accreditation as a war correspondent after he became involved in a dispute between General Blamey and General Rowell. He returned to Australia in time for the birth of his daughter Jane in January 1943. Throughout 1943 he worked on his book Tobruk, 1941: capture, relief (A&R, 1944).
In 1944 he was invited by the BBC to join its team of war correspondents covering the invasion of Normandy. After flying from Brisbane to London, he accompanied the 6the Airborne Division on its Normandy landing the night before D-Day. For the next twelve months he covered the campaign from Normandy to the Baltic. After the War he worked as BBC special correspondent at the Nuremberg trials. Thereafter he worked on various assignments for the BBC as a foreign correspondent and commentator for both radio and television. In 1952 he published his widely acclaimed book on the western front, The Struggle for Europe.
Chester Wilmot was killed in the crash of a Comet airliner over Italy in January 1954. At the time he was returning to Britain after touring Asia as Military Correspondent for The Observer and for the BBC, for whom he was examining the impact of the Communist takeover in China on the Asian region. At the time of his death he was also working as Australian Official War Historian, having been commissioned to write the volume dealing with the siege of Tobruk and the battle of Alamein. He was survived by his wife, who continued to live in their family home near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Item Descriptions
Class 1. Original consignment received 1992, 1815 - 1998
This consignment comprises: family papers and family history research material, 1872-1990; correspondence, newscuttings and working notes relating to Wilmot's career as a broadcaster and war correspondent, 1937-1954; diaries and notebooks, 1938-1953; corrected scripts of broadcasts, 1940-1954; correspondence/research files relating to Wilmot's work as an author/war historian, 1943-1953; drafts of books "Tobruk, 1941" (1943) and "The Struggle for Europe" (1952); reviews, reactions and correspondence regarding "The Struggle for Europe", 1952-1954; biographical research material and drafts assembled by Alan and Mary Wood, 1954-?.
Series 1. Family Papers (1877-1988) and papers regarding career as a broadcaster and war correspondence (1937-1942), 1877 - 1988
Correspondence, certificates, photographs and research notes regarding family history, 1951 - 1988 (File 1) - Box 1
File includes marriage and birth certificates.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and research notes on J.G.W. Wilmot (Chester's grandfather), 1953 - 1983 (File 1a) - Box 1
File includes photographs of J.G.W. Wilmot's wife.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and research notes regarding Hannah Louisa Wilmot, 1920 - 1973 (File 1b) - Box 1
Research notes include family trees.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and photographs, 1877 - 1976 (File 1c) - Box 1
File includes medal certificate from His Majesty the King.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and research notes, 1955 - 1967 (File 1d) - Box 1
Research notes include Some memories of Chester Wilmot's life by J. M. Wilmot; Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 26th June 1967 (Date of Death).
Scripts from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 1937 (File 2) - Box 1
Scripts featuring Chester Wilmot.
School reports, newspaper clippings and correspondence, 1929 - 1954 (File 3) - Box 1
File includes certificate of baptism.
[FOLDER NOT RECEIVED] Papers relating to Chester Wilmot's time at Melbourne University, n.d. (File 4)
Please refer to the arrangement note at the top of this finding aid for additional information.
[FOLDER NOT RECEIVED] Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts, 1937 (File 5)
Please refer to the arrangement note at the top of this finding aid for additional information.
Typescript diary of world debating tour, July 1937-January 1938 (File 7) - Box 2
World tour includes Philippines, Japan, United States of America and Canada.
Typescript diary of world debating tour, January-August 1938 (File 8) - Box 2
World tour includes Britain and Europe.
Melbourne Church of England Grammar School Headmaster and Prefects photograph, 1929 (Item 8a) - Box 2
Correspondence, notes and memorabilia regarding the world debating tour, 1937 - 1938 (File 12) - Box 2
Includes maps of Sweden, Norway and Italy; list of the Australian Debating team.
Typescripts of talks and articles written during European travels - mostly relating to the European diplomatic crisis and German expansion, 1938 - 1939 (File 13) - Box 3
Scripts of first British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts, 1938 (File 14) - Box 3
Scripts include Food for Thought - Air Defence: Discussion between Wing Commander Pope and Mr. Chester Wilmot and A Verbal Test Match: A Discussion between Dr. Dalton and Chester Wilmot.
Letters written to family during the debating tour, 1937 - 1938 (File 15) - Box 3
Recipients include Chester Wilmot's mother, father, uncles and grandparents.
Letters written to family during the debating tour, 1938 - 1944 (File 15a) - Box 3
Recipients include 'Jane', "Jean and George'.
Newspaper clippings and photographs regarding the Philippines and the Australian University debate, 1937 - 1962 (File 19) - Box 4
Correspondence and other papers regarding Chester Wilmot's involvement with the University of Melbourne, 1935 - 1938 (File 20) - Box 4
Includes letters to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr R.E. Priestley; papers include The Relationship Between Students and the University Authorities: A Plea for Greater Co-Operation.
The National Union of Australian University Students: Report of Proceedings of the Second Annual Conference and Council Meeting, 23-28 January 1939 (File 21) - Box 4
Conference held at The University of Melbourne.
3AR Broadcasts, 1939 (File 22) - Box 4
File includes pamphlet Hiawatha and Nürnberg: The City of the Part Congress.
Department of Information Broadcasting Division notes, 1940 (File 23) - Box 4
File includes broadcasting programmes and article notes.
Transcript diary of Chester Wilmot's time in the Middle East, 1940 - 1942 (File 24) - Box 4
File includes National Geographic Society: Map of the Nile Valley.
Letters to family, 1941 (File 26) - Box 5
File includes Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts "What I saw at Tobruk" and "The Importance of Speed at Tobruk" by Chester Wilmot.
Letters to family and newspaper clippings, 1941 (File 27) - Box 5
File includes British Press Representative's Licence.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, 1942 (File 29) - Box 5
Reports covering the activities of the Australian Imperial Force in Libya.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, n.d. (File 30) - Box 5
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, 1940 - 1941 (File 31) - Box 5
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, 1941 (File 32) - Box 5
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, 1941 (File 33) - Box 5
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, April 1941 (File 34) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, May 1941 (File 35) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, June 1941 (File 36) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, June 1941 (File 37) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, May 1941 (File 38) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, June-July 1941 (File 39) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, July-August 1941 (File 40) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, August-December 1941 (File 41) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, July 1941-August 1943 (File 41a) - Box 6
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, October 1941-January 1942 (File 42) - Box 7
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Scripts and despatches from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit with the Australian Imperial Force, November 1941-February 1942 (File 43) - Box 7
Scripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Working notes for the Middle East, 28 February 1942 (File 44) - Box 7
Includes newspaper article, Singapore can be Turning Point of War.
Italian newspaper clippings, 1940 (File 45) - Box 7
Content advisory notice: Please be advised that this file contains images, language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive. This includes antisemitic sentiments.
Written in Italian. The newspapers include: Tradotta Libca, Libro e Moschetto, and Le Forze Armate.
Correspondence with Australian Broadcasting Corporation general manager, T. W. Bearup, 1940 - 1942 (File 48) - Box 7
Includes war correspondent's instructions.
Newspaper clippings and transcripts of articles for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation weekly, 1941 - 1942 (File 50) - Box 8
Series 2. War correspondence in Australia and New Guinea, 1940 - 1982
Scripts of Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts, May-July 1942 (File 4) - Box 8
Scripts written by Chester Wilmot.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Field Unit despatches from New Guinea, October 1942 (File 5) - Box 8
Reports on the New Guinea campaign, August-November 1942 (File 6) - Box 9
Reports written by Chester Wilmot and others.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation notes and memoranda regarding Blamey row, 1942-1943 (File 7) - Box 9
Papers regarding the withdrawal of Chester Wilmot's accreditation at the behest of General Blamey, 1942-1986 (File 7a) - Box 9
File includes Sir Charles Moses on Wilmot: Talking to Neil Macdonald.
Scripts and other papers regarding the Blamey row, January 1943-September 1942 (File 9) - Box 9
Includes newspaper clipping, Letter to a General; report includes Most Confidential: Observations of the New Guinea Campaign, by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of Chester Wilmot's letters regarding the Blamey row, 1942 - 1943 (File 11) - Box 9
File includes letters to family.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and memoirs of Louise Cobham, Chester Wilmot's sister, regarding the Blamey row, 1945 - 1958 (File 12) - Box 9
File includes magazine article Holmes's Last Case; The Field Marshal and the Bordello.
Press cuttings regarding New Guinea, 1942 (File 13) - Box 9
Content advisory notice:Please be advised that you may see certain words or descriptions within these works which reflect the author's attitude, or that of the period in which the works were created, and may now be considered inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio broadcasts, 1942 - 1943 (File 15) - Box 10
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio broadcasts, January-July 1943 (File 16) - Box 10
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio broadcasts, August-December 1943 (File 17) - Box 10
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio broadcasts, February-May 1944 (File 18) - Box 10
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Newspaper clippings of articles written by Chester Wilmot from The ABC Weekly, February 1942-July 1944 (File 19) - Box 10
Cultural sensitivity advisory notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this file contains cartoons that could cause offence and may not be considered appropriate today.
Transcripts of articles for ABC Weekly, April-December 1942 (File 20) - Box 10
Articles written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio broadcasts, 1943 (File 21) - Box 11
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 'Guest of Honour' broadcasts, February 1944-August 1943 (File 22) - Box 11
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 'Guest of Honour' and other broadcasts, November 1943-January 1944 (File 22a) - Box 11
Broadcasts written by Chester Wilmot.
Correspondence with T.W. Bearup, General Manager of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, February-October 1942 (File 23) - Box 11
File includes Regulations for Accredited War Correspondents Accompanying a Force in the Field in Australia or its Territories.
Transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation news despatches regarding the Pacific War, March 1942-January 1943 (File 24) - Box 11
Despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Transcripts and notes for speeches in Australia, 1943 - 1944 (File 28) - Box 12
Includes newspaper clippings.
[FOLDER NOT RECEIVED] Wilmot's war poems, n.d. (File 29)
Please refer to the arrangement note at the top of this finding aid for additional information.
[FOLDER NOT RECEIVED] Papers regarding Louise Cobham and work on biography, 1941 - 1952 (File 30)
Please refer to the arrangement note at the top of this finding aid for additional information.
Series 3. British Broadcasting Corporation war correspondent in Europe, 1943 - 1950
Letters to Edith and diary pages regarding journey to England via U.S.A., 1943 - 1944 (File 1a) - Box 12
Picture Post, 17 June 1944 (Item 2b) - Box 13
Vol. 23, No. 12. Article How the B.B.C. covers the Invasion has been digitised. See nla.ms-ms 8436-3-1x.
Instructions to war correspondents and letters of appreciation from Bill Downs and Richard Dimbleby, 1945 - 1950 (File 3) - Box 13
Includes Material as wanted from war correspondents.
Correspondence with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and BBC Service messages, 1944 - 1945 (File 3a) - Box 13
Instructions regarding the use of Migit Portable Disc Recorder, 1945 (File 4) - Box 13
Includes photographs and diagrams of the Migit Portable Disc Recorder.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, June 1944 (File 5) - Box 13
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, July 1944 (File 6) - Box 13
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot. File includes red note book with handwritten notes.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, August 1944 (File 7) - Box 13
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, September 1944-1950 (File 8) - Box 14
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot. File includes newspaper clippings.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, October 1944 (File 9) - Box 14
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, November 1944 (File 10) - Box 14
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, December 1944 (File 11) - Box 14
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, January 1944-January 1945 (File 12) - Box 14
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, February 1944-February 1955 (File 13) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, March 1945 (File 14) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, March 1945 (File 15) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, April 1945 (File 16) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, April 1945 (File 17) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, May 1945 (File 18) - Box 15
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, May 1945 (File 19) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, June 1945 (File 20) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, July 1945-August 1945 (File 21) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, September 1945 (File 22) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot. File also includes leaflet Ceremony of the Honouring of the Herefordshire Regiment.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, October 1945 (File 23) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Corrected transcripts of British Broadcasting Corporation scripts and despatches, November 1945 (File 24) - Box 16
Transcripts and despatches written by Chester Wilmot.
Broadcast scripts and other papers regarding the Netherlands, 1944 - 1946 (File 25) - Box 16
Includes script The Dutch view on Java by Chester Wilmot; booklets include Sea and Rhine Port of Amsterdam, Recovery of Dutch Trade and Industry and Holland Ahead, written in Dutch and English; newspaper clippings.
Newspaper clippings of articles written by Chester Wilmot from The Listener, 1944 - 1945 (File 28) - Box 17
Corrected scripts of broadcasts from Germany, 1945 - 1964 (File 29) - Box 17
Includes newspaper clippings.
Broadcast scripts, 1945 - 1950 (File 30) - Box 17
Scripts include "On and Off the Record: The German Surrender at Luneburg", What Really happened at Arnhem? and script of biographical interview with Chester Wilmot.
Newspaper clippings regarding British Broadcasting Corporation's broadcasts and broadcasting scripts, 1944 - 1950 (File 31) - Box 17
Scripts of the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts to Australian for the third and fourth test matches of the Victory Test cricket series, 1945 (File 32) - Box 17
British Broadcasting Corporation "Information for Correspondents" at the Nuremburg trials and other papers and notes regarding Nuremburg, 1945 (File 33) - Box 17
Series 4. Correspondence and research files regarding Chester Wilmot's work as an author/ war historian, 1924 - 1993
Correspondence with Admiralty, London, 1947 - 1953 (File 1) - Box 18
Recipients include A. V. Anderson Esq, Commander A. B. Bryan, R.A.N and Captain A. C. Dewar, O.B.E.
Transcripts of miscellaneous addresses and talks and notes, 1951 - 1953 (File 2) - Box 18
Includes booklet Annual Dinner, 1952 for the Royal Central Asian Society; magazine The Red Poppy.
Correspondence regarding aircraft industry, 1953 (File 3) - Box 18
Includes article The Shape of War to Come.
Research notes and correspondence regarding Alamein, 1949 - 1952 (File 5) - Box 18
Includes The United States Naval War College: The Higher Direction of the War.
The Higher Direction of the War in Europe, 7 April 1952 (File 5a) - Box 18
Armed Forces Staff College conference lecture presented by Chester Wilmot. 3 copies.
Correspondence with Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 1944 - 1953 (File 8) - Box 19
Includes notes and newspaper clippings.
Correspondence with A. W. Bayley regarding the Australia War Memorial board, 1946 - 1950 (File 8a) - Box 19
Correspondence with Alec Chisholm, 1946 - 1949 (File 10) - Box 19
Correspondence regards 'Who's who in Australia' and the Australian encyclopedia.
Transcript of questions for General Omar Bradley regarding the Western Front, n.d. (File 10b) - Box 19
Correspondence with and transcript talks for the Royal Institute of International Affairs, 1952 - 1993 (File 14) - Box 20
Includes Annual Report of The Council 1951-1952, published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs.
Correspondence regarding Chichele Professorship of the History of War, Oxford, 1953 (File 15a) - Box 20
Notes and clippings regarding Chester Wilmot's review of Churchill's Second World War Vol III, n.d. (File 17) - Box 20
Correspondence with W.A.R. Collins, publisher, 1946 - 1956 (File 18) - Box 21
Includes newspaper clippings.
Correspondence with R. Politzer and F.T. Smith of Collins, 1946 - 1954 (File 20) - Box 21
Includes promotional flyers for Chester Wilmot's book, The Struggle for the Europe.
Notes for and reneoed text of address at the Dorchester on The Struggle for Europe, 1951 (File 24) - Box 22
Correspondence with The Economist, 1952 - 1953 (File 27) - Box 22
Includes The Economist: Index to Volume CLXVII.
Correspondence with Elsevier and transcripts of articles for Elzeviers wekblad, 1952 - 1953 (File 28) - Box 22
Includes transcript Britain and European Unity: Support but No Direct Participation and Post War Lessons of Wartime Diplomacy: Meeting Russia with Strength.
Correspondence with Evans Brothers Ltd regarding the article The Battle that Beat Japan, 1950 (File 29) - Box 22
Correspondence with Hamilton Fish Armstrong of Foreign affairs, 1952 - 1953 (File 30) - Box 22
Includes corrected transcript of article Strategy in the Cold War.
Correspondence with Foyles Lecture Agency, 1952 - 1953 (File 31) - Box 23
Includes magazine The Lecture Agency: Lectures 1952-1953.
Correspondence with, and research material regarding General Gruenther, 1953 (File 33) - Box 23
Includes letter from Field Marshal Montgomery and article Major Problems of Strategy: Shape -- An Experiment in Allied Coordination.
Correspondence, research material and article regarding General Sir John Harding, 1952 (File 34) - Box 23
Correspondence with German-English Association, manuscript and transcript of speeches on The Struggle for Europe and European Integration, 1952 - 1953 (File 35) - Box 23
Includes booklet Deutsch-Englisches Gesprach 1953: Königswinter and Konferenz: Grossbritannien und der Kontinent.
Correspondence regarding lectures and dinners (arranged alphabetically), 1952 - 1953 (File 43) - Box 24
Correspondence regarding lectures and dinners (arranged alphabetically), 1952 - 1953 (File 44) - Box 24
Correspondence regarding lectures and dinners (arranged alphabetically), 1952 - 1953 (File 45) - Box 24
Correspondence regarding lectures and dinners (arranged alphabetically), 1951 - 1953 (File 46) - Box 24
Correspondence with Basil Liddell Hart, 1940 - 1983 (File 48) - Box 25
Includes newspaper clippings.
Newspaper clippings, transcripts of articles and broadcasts, and correspondence regarding the Matteotti murder, 1924 - 1947 (File 49c) - Box 25
World War II maps, n.d. (File 49d) - Box 25
Maps include Der Volksdeusche Reich, Battle of Normandy and a canvas map of the Middle East and Northern Africa.
Correspondence and minutes regarding the Migration Council, 1951 - 1953 (File 50b) - Box 26
Includes booklet Operation British Commonwealth, 2 copies.
Correspondence regarding miscellaneous articles, 1952 - 1953 (File 52) - Box 26
Includes articles Britain's Strategic Relationship to Europe, Naval War College Review, Vol. V, No. 3 and Wenn Die NATO Kämpfen Müsste; newspaper clippings.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings, research material and typescripts regarding Field Marshal Montgomery, including correspondence with Montgomery, 1942 - 1983 (File 52a) - Box 26
Correspondence and papers regarding National Union of Journalists, 1949 - 1952 (File 53) - Box 26
Includes Rules: National Union of Journalists.
Clippings of reviews of The Struggle for Europe from New Statesman and Nation, and transcripts of letters to the editor by Chester Wilmot in response, 1952 (File 54) - Box 26
Newspaper clippings from, and correspondence with The New York Times regarding the Yalta debate, 1952 - 1953 (File 55) - Box 26
[Not on dispatch list], n.d. (File 56-57) - Box 26
File numbers 56 - 57 were not used on the dispatch list.
Correspondence and itinerary regarding a visit to United States of America and Canada, 1952 (File 58) - Box 27
File includes salary receipts.
Correspondence and itinerary regarding a visit to United States of America and Canada, 1952 (File 59) - Box 27
Includes newspaper clippings and booklet History of the United States Army in the World Wars.
Papers regarding membership of P.E.N, 1952 (File 60) - Box 27
Includes International P.E.N.: List of Members, 31st July, 1952 and P.E.N. News, No. 182 and No. 178.
[Not on dispatch list], n.d. (File 61 - 62) - Box 27
File numbers 61 - 62 were not used on the dispatch list.
Correspondence regarding Australian Official war history of the North African campaigns, 1943 - 1953 (File 65) - Box 27
Correspondence with Jim Brill and others regarding official war history, 1941 - 1953 (File 66) - Box 27
Includes correspondence with Arther Smith, J. McGrath and A. P. Wavell, booklet War Office and Committee of Imperial Defence: Government Publications sectional List No. 47.
Correspondence with Gavin Long regarding official war history, 1945 - 1950 (File 67) - Box 27
Includes agreement made between Chester Wilmot and The Commonwealth regarding the recording of official war histories.
Correspondence with Gavin Long regarding official war history, 1941 - 1953 (File 68a) - Box 28
Includes newspaper clippings.
Transcripts and newspaper clippings of Sir Charles O'Brien's recollections of Field Marshal Montgomery, n.d. (File 70a) - Box 28
Correspondence with Ons Vriji Nederland and corrected transcript articles on the Arnhem battle, 1944 - 1947 (File 71) - Box 28
Manuscript and transcripts of Tomorrow's Struggle for Europe and article for Picture Post, 1952 (File 76) - Box 29
Correspondence with Hal Gutteridge and menus of the Pilgrims Luncheon Club, 1952 (File 77) - Box 29
Includes booklet The Pilgrims: Luncheon in honour of Dr. James B. Conant, speeches in honour of Dr. James B. Conant.
Correspondence regarding the British Army on the Rhine, 1946 - 1953 (File 81) - Box 30
Includes booklet British Army of the Rhine: Battlefield Tour.
Reneoed documents regarding the Rhine Army manoeuvres, 1952 (File 82) - Box 30
Includes handwritten notes; report 27 Canadian Infantry Brigade Group: Roundup.
Papers regarding the British Broadcasting Corporation program on road safety, 1953 (File 83) - Box 30
Includes newspaper clippings and hand written notes; report Engineers' Guild Limited: Road Safety - A Proposal for a Systematic Accident Investigation.
Correspondence with Air Marshal Sir James Robb, 1947 - 1948 (File 85) - Box 30
Includes photocopies of letters.
Corrected transcripts of lecture to Royal Empire Society: "The Cold War and the Colonial World", 1952 (File 87a) - Box 30
Correspondence with Schweizer Monatshefte, 1953 (File 89) - Box 31
Includes Schweizer Monatshefte, 1953.
Correspondence with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Paris, 1953 (File 90) - Box 31
Includes Correspondents Guide to Allied Forces Central Europe.
Correspondence with, and notices of, the Society of Australian Writers, 1952 - 1953 (File 91) - Box 31
Papers regarding the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, 1952 - 1953 (File 92) - Box 31
Includes bulletin Thesbac, issues 281, 345 and 401.
Correspondence with C.P. Stacey, Canadian Official War Historian, 1948 - 1953 (File 95) - Box 31
Includes Extracts from "Great Crusade", by Chester Wilmot.
Manuscripts, transcript drafts and newspaper clippings of articles by Chester Wilmot for Time and Tide with correspondence, 1952 - 1953 (File 102) - Box 32
Reneoed and printed material from the War Office, 1953 (File 106) - Box 33
Includes Alphabetical List of Recipients of the Victoria Cross: Part 1 and Schedule of Events-1953.
Correspondence with Air Marshal Sir Philip Wigglesworth, 1945 - 1952 (File 107) - Box 33
Includes photocopies of letters.
Correspondence with Richard Wigglesworth, 1949 - 1954 (File 107a) - Box 33
Includes photocopies of letters.
Correspondence with Brigadier Desmond Young, 1949 - 1952 (File 110) - Box 33
Includes outline of the biography of Hermann Goering.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1951 - 1955 (File 114) - Box 34
Letters A-D.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1952 - 1953 (File 115) - Box 34
Letters E-H.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1951 - 1953 (File 115a) - Box 34
Letters I-M.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1951 - 1953 (File 116) - Box 34
Letters N-Q.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1952 - 1953 (File 117) - Box 34
Letters R-U.
General correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, arranged alphabetically, 1952 - 1953 (File 118) - Box 34
Letters V-Z.
Correspondence regarding the Dutch edition of The Struggle for Europe, 1952 - 1953 (File 119) - Box 34
Correspondence regarding the American edition of The Struggle for Europe, 1952 - 1953 (File 120) - Box 35
Correspondence regarding the German edition of The Struggle for Europe, 1952 - 1958 (File 121) - Box 35
Correspondence regarding the Italian edition of The Struggle for Europe, 1952 - 1953 (File 122) - Box 35
Series 5. Broadcaster, 1925 - 1963
This series consists chiefly of scripts of Wilmot's BBC and ABC broadcasts, 1946-53, in addition to some related material including correspondence, newscuttings and scripts of after dinner speeches. The subject matter of the broadcasts relate mainly to current affairs and to the history of World War II. Also included in this series are Wilmot's letters to his family, 1946-54.
Scripts ofBBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Pacific Special Radio News Reel broadcasts, 1946 - 1947 (File 5) - Box 36
Scripts ofBBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] broadcasts, 1947 (File 6) - Box 36
Includes broadcast "The Plot Against Hitler" and "Focus on the Russian Revolution".
Scripts ofBBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Christmas broadcasts, 1946 - 1948 (File 7) - Box 36
Corrected script of "A Country Christmas" broadcast for the British Broadcasting Corporation North American Service, 1948 - 1949 (File 11) - Box 36
Corrected scripts of British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts, 1949 (File 12) - Box 37
Includes handwritten notes; broadcasts includes The White House Papers of Harry Hopkins: Discussion between W.D. Clark and Chester Wilmot and Second Volume of White House Papers: by W.D. Clark and Chester Wilmot.
Notes on broadcasting, 1949 (File 15) - Box 37
Includes newspaper clipping and article The Times Educational Supplement: Broadcasting for the Backward - An Inquiry into Intelligibility.
Scripts of Current Review" broadcasts forBBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Pacific Service, 1950 (File 18) - Box 38
Includes handwritten notes.
Correspondence, newspaper clippings and index cards regarding English Channel swims, 1925 - 1950 (File 19) - Box 38
Corrected script of Australian Broadcast The Wartime meeting of the Big Three, 1951 (File 21) - Box 38
Scripts of miscellaneous broadcasts for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 1952 (File 22) - Box 38
Includes handwritten notes.
BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) script The NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organisation] meeting in Lisbon, 1952 (File 23) - Box 38
The Struggle for Europe - Twenty minute version of The Conduct of the War, 1952 (File 24a) - Box 38
Includes handwritten notes.
Manuscript notes for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] broadcast of The Struggle for Europe, 1952 (File 25) - Box 39
Includes handwritten notes.
Miscellaneous broadcast scripts, 1952 - 1953 (File 27) - Box 39
Includes newspaper article Personal Portrait: General Gruenther.
Drafts and newspaper clippings of articles for The Observer, 1946 - 1953 (File 27b) - Box 39
Includes Speech by Mr. Jan Masaryk.
Drafts and newspaper clippings of articles for The Observer, 1952 - 1963 (File 27c) - Box 39
includes booklet Rocket Warfare
Booklets, newspaper clippings of book reviews and articles by Chester Wilmot, 1952 - 1953 (File 27e) - Box 40
Transcripts of speeches at Sir Bertram Stevens' dinner of appreciation for Chester Wilmot, Sydney, December 1953 (File 29a) - Box 40
Chester Wilmot's last script, Australian Broadcasting Corporation guest of honour, December 1953 (File 31) - Box 40
Newspaper clippings regarding the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 1957 - 1982 (File 32) - Box 40
Manuscript notes and transcript drafts of A Sunburnt Country, chapter 1 of Australia's expanding horizon, 1953 (File 33) - Box 40
Includes newspaper clippings; photocopy of Australia, Vol. 8, No. 9.
Miscellaneous correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1946 - 1953 (File 36) - Box 41
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Talks Department, 1948 - 1953 (File 38) - Box 41
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] News Department, 1945 - 1947 (File 39) - Box 41
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Publications Department, 1947 - 1953 (File 40) - Box 41
Includes newspaper clippings.
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Regionals, 1947 - 1952 (File 41) - Box 41
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television Administration, 1949 - 1953 (File 42) - Box 41
Miscellaneous correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1949 - 1953 (File 43) - Box 42
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Schools Department, 1946 - 1950 (File 44) - Box 42
Correspondence with Stephen Bonarjee from the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1948 - 1953 (File 49) - Box 42
Includes handwritten notes.
Correspondence with Ronald Boswell from the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1945 - 1953 (File 50) - Box 42
Correspondence with Frank Gillard from the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1951 - 1957 (File 51) - Box 42
Correspondence with the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Transcript service, 1947 - 1949 (File 54) - Box 43
General correspondence regarding the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] features, 1948 - 1953 (File 55) - Box 43
Series 6. BBC Radio and Television broadcasts, 1941 - 1981
This series consists of scripts and associated material for Wilmot's BBC radio and television broadcasts, 1947-53. Wilmot commenced work as a television broadcaster on Grace Goldie's "Foreign Correspondent" program in 1949. The radio broadcasts in this series consist mainly of historical features on World War II. Also included in this series are newscuttings concerning Wilmot's death in the Comet air crash of January 1954.
Script of They Fought at Alamein, 1943 - 1947 (File 2) - Box 44
Includes script Alamein to Tunisia and The Battles of El Alamein.
Scripts and research material for The Battle for Britain, 1947 (File 4a) - Box 44
2 copies of scripts.
Scripts and research material for The Battle for Britain, 1941 (File 4b) - Box 44
3 copies of scripts.
Scripts and research material for The Battle for Britain, 1947 - 1954 (File 5a) - Box 44
Includes newspaper clippings and handwritten notes.
Scripts and research material for The Battle that Beat Japan, 1949 (File 7) - Box 45
3 copies of scripts.
Scripts and research material for The Battle that Beat Japan, 1944 - 1949 (File 8) - Box 45
Includes newspaper clipping.
Scripts and research material for The Year Alone, 1949 (File 10) - Box 45
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Scripts and research material for The Rise and Fall of Rommel, 1950 (File 11) - Box 45
4 copies of scripts.
Scripts and research material for The Rise and Fall of Rommel, 1949 - 1950 (File 12) - Box 45
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Scripts and research material for The Battle of the Atlantic, 1949 - 1950 (File 13) - Box 45
Includes scripts for parts 1 and 2.
Scripts and research material for The Battle of the Atlantic, 1949 (File 14) - Box 45
2 copies of scripts for part 2.
Scripts and research material for The Battle of the Atlantic, 1949 (File 14a) - Box 46
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Scripts and research material for The Half Century, 1940 - 1950 (File 16) - Box 46
Includes handwritten notes.
Scripts and research material for The Struggle for Europe, 1951 (File 17) - Box 46
Includes handwritten notes.
Scripts and research material for The Struggle for Europe, 1952 (File 18) - Box 46
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Scripts and research material for The Struggle for Europe, 1952 (File 19) - Box 46
Includes handwritten notes.
Scripts and research material for The Struggle for Europe, 1946 (File 21) - Box 47
Includes article Eisenhower's Six Great Decisions, by LT. GEN. Walter Bedell Smith; handwritten notes.
Script of Benelux for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television show Foreign Correspondent, 1949 (File 23) - Box 47
Script and research material for Germany for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1949 - 1952 (File 24) - Box 47
Includes newspaper clippings.
Script and research material for Yugoslavia for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1949 - 1950 (File 25) - Box 47
Scripts and background material forBBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television broadcast of the General Election, 1949 - 1950 (File 26) - Box 47
Includes handwritten notes.
Correspondence with Grace Goldie,BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1950 - 1953 (File 28) - Box 48
Script and research material of Switzerland for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1949 (File 29) - Box 48
Includes newspaper clippings and handwritten notes.
British Broadcast Corporation Television feature on The Struggle for Europe, 1952 (File 32) - Box 48
Includes handwritten notes.
Scripts for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television feature on Monte Bello and the atomic bomb, 1953 (File 33) - Box 48
Scripts for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television feature on Monte Bello and the atomic bomb, 1953 (File 33a) - Box 49
Formosa and the Far East, BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1953 (File 34) - Box 49
Includes handwritten notes.
We Make 'em Proud,BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television feature on the Worcestershire Regiment, 1953 (File 35) - Box 49
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Scripts and background material for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television coverage of the Coronation, 1953 (File 36) - Box 49
Includes handwritten notes; booklets Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Orders for Troops Lining the Route Reserves Guards of Honour Salutes to be Fired and Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Orders for the Processions To and From Westminster abbey.
Notebook regarding the Coronation and Coronation Who's Who, 1953 (File 37) - Box 49
Notebook includes handwritten notes; magazine The Coronation and the BBC.
Selwyn Lloyd press conference regarding the United Nations and Korea, BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation], 1953 (File 38) - Box 49
Includes newspaper clippings.
Script of The World since Stalin, BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Television, 1953 (File 39) - Box 49
Obituaries of Chester Wilmot, 1954 (File 40) - Box 50, Binder MS Cold Store 332
Includes newspaper clippings and booklet Radio Active: The A.B.C. Staff Journal.
This file contains one 35mm negative. This negative has been re-housed and relocated to the Cold Store for preservation purposes.
Series 7. Notebooks and diaries, 1938 - 1953
This series contains nine pocket diaries (1938, 1944-52); seven desk diaries (1948-53); an address book (1944-); and 87 notebooks (1940-53). 72 of these notebooks relate to World War II and were created by Wilmot either in his capacity as a war correspondent or after the War in his capacity as a war historian. These war notebooks cover the Mediterranean campaigns, 1941; the Pacific War and the New Guinea campaign, 1942; the Western Front, 1944-45; and the Nuremberg trials, 1945-46. The notebooks from the early 1950s relate primarily to NATO [The North Atlantic Treaty Organization] and military matters.
Pocket diaries and address book, 1938 - 1952 (File 1)
10 pocket diaries, 1938, 1944-47, 1949-52. Address book, 1944+.
The Datada Diary, c. 1938 (Item 1.1) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1939, list of important dates for 1938, handwritten notes, and a Zinn-Hansen & Bertelsen stamp.
Collins Gem Diary, c. 1949 (Item 1.2) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1949, list of important dates, moon phases, sun-rise and sun-set times, postal information, and handwritten notes. "Collins Gem Diary No. 363" on front cover.
De La Rue Slimflex Diary, c. 1950 (Item 1.4) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1950 and 1951, and handwritten notes.
Collins Regal Diary, c. 1951 (Item 1.5) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1951, list of important dates, moon phases, sun-rise and sun-set times, postal information, British weights and measures, interest rules, conversion tables, income or wages table, and handwritten notes.
Tudor Pocket Diary, c. 1944 (Item 1.6) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1943-1945, list of important dates, and handwritten notes.
Letts Diary, c. 1947 (Item 1.7) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1946 and 1947, and handwritten notes. "Diary no. 21A" on title page.
The "legible" Diary, c. 1946 (Item 1.8) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1945 to 1947, important dates, postal rates, milestones to V. E. day, and handwritten notes.
Collins Diamond Diary, c. 1952 (Item 1.9) - Box 50
Includes calendar for 1952, list of important dates, moon phases, sun-rise and sun-set times, postal information, British weights and measures, interest rules, conversion tables, income or wages table, two loose insert business cards and handwritten notes. "Collins Diamond Diary No. 236NP" on front cover.
Notebooks regarding the Australian Imperial Force in the Middle East, c. 1941 (File 2)
7 notebooks with handwritten notes, drawings, a cash voucher and two postage stamps.
Small black notebook, c. 1941 (Item 2.2) - Box 50
Includes handwritten notes. "2087" on verso of front cover.
Small black notebook, c. 1941 (Item 2.3) - Box 50
Includes handwritten notes. "A.B.C. Talks" on last page.
Small black notebook with white sticker on cover, c. 1941 (Item 2.4) - Box 50
Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding early Western Desert campaign, SidiBarrani, Bardia etc, 1940 - 1941, 1940 - 1941 (File 3)
8 small notebooks with handwritten notes.
Bardia Attack No. 1, c. 1940 - 1941 (Item 3.1) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Small black notebook, c. 1940 - 1941 (Item 3.2) - Box 51
Includes handwritten notes. "Camp Commanders" on first page.
1st Libyan Derna - Giovanni Berta, c. 1940 - 1941 (Item 3.3) - Box 51
Small tartan print notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Before Bardia ..., c. 1940 - 1941 (Item 3.5) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Bardia Post 11, c. 1940 - 1941 (Item 3.6) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the capture of Tobruk and the first Libyan campaign, 1941, 1941 (File 4)
4 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the siege of Tobruk, 1941 (File 5)
6 notebooks with handwritten notes.
The A.D.C.S. Memorandum Book, c. 1941 (Item 5.1) - Box 51
Small blue/grey notebook. Tables of weights and measures printed on the back cover. Includes handwritten notes.
S. O. Book 136, c. 1941 (Item 5.2) - Box 51
Small pale green notebook. Includes handwritten notes and envelope with handwritten notes.
The "Siege" of Tobruk, c. 1941 (Item 5.4) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the siege of Tobruk, 1941 (File 6)
10 notebook with handwritten notes.
Tobruk Recordings - J, 9 September 1941 (Item 6.2) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Tobruk Siege - No. (6) F, c. 1941 (Item 6.5) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Tobruk Siege Easter Battle -No. B, c. 1941 (Item 6.8) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the second Libyan campaign, 1941 (File 7)
4 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Second Libyan - No. 1, c. 1941 (Item 7.1) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Second Libyan - No. 2, c. 1941 (Item 7.2) - Box 51
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding Greece and Crete campaigns, 1941 (File 8)
6 notebooks with handwritten notes and loose inserts.
Notebooks, loose pages, and a diary regarding the Middle East campaigns, 1941 (File 10)
1 notebook, loose pages, loose inserts, and 1 diary, with handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the Pacific War and New Guinea campaign, 1942 (File 11)
10 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Small black notebook, c. 1942 (Item 11.1) - Box 52
Includes handwritten notes. "Mon Apr 4th" on first page.
Small black notebook, c. 1942 (Item 11.2) - Box 52
Includes handwritten notes. "Sunday Oct. 25th" on third page.
Small black and brown notebook, c. 1942 (Item 11.3) - Box 52
Includes handwritten notes. "August 16th" on first page.
Small black notebook, c. 1942 (Item 11.4) - Box 52
Includes handwritten notes. "LA 1537" on first page.
Small black notebook, 8 June 1942 (Item 11.7) - Box 52
Includes handwritten notes. "June 8th 1942" on verso of front cover.
Northern Journey - No.1, c. 1942 (Item 11.8) - Box 52
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the Pacific War and New Guinea campaign, 1942 (File 12)
3 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Notebooks regarding the Western Front, 1944 - 1945 (File 13)
4 notebooks with handwritten notes.
The Denbigh, c. 1944 - 1945 (Item 13.1) - Box 52
Small blue with red spine notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
European diary - Vol. I, c. 1944 - 1945 (Item 13.2) - Box 52
Small black notebook. Includes handwritten notes.
Desk diaries, 1948 - 1950 (File 15)
4 diaries, with loose inserts and handwritten notes.
T. J. & J. Smith's Data Diary, c. 1950 (Item 15.1) - Box 52
Includes calendar for 1950 and 1951, list of important dates, moon phases, sun-rise and sun-set times, and handwritten notes.
Letts Desk Diary, c. 1948 (Item 15.2) - Box 52
Includes advertisements, calendar for 1947 to 1949, high water at London Bridge, handwritten notes, and loose inserts.
Desk diaries, 1951 - 1953 (File 16)
3 diaries with handwritten notes
Collins Three Day Royal Diary, c. 1951 (Item 16.1) - Box 52
Includes calendar for 1950 to 1952, list of important dates, and handwritten notes. "No. 35 1/2" on front cover.
Notebooks on Germany and Switzerland, the Matteotti case, North American trip and miscellaneous, 1949 - 1952 (File 17)
7 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Miscellaneous notebooks, 1952 - 1953 (File 18)
4 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Small black notebook, c. 1952 - 1953 (Item 18.1) - Box 53
Includes handwritten notes. "The Observer, London" on first page. Marbled edges.
Small black notebook, c. 1952 - 1953 (Item 18.2) - Box 53
Includes handwritten notes. Torn paper stuck to the cover and marbled edges.
Miscellaneous notebooks, 1952 - 1953 (File 19)
4 notebooks with handwritten notes.
Small black notebook, c. 1952 - 1953 (Item 19.1) - Box 53
Includes handwritten notes. "Lisbon targets" on third page. Marbled edges.
Small black notebook, c. 1952 - 1953 (Item 19.2) - Box 53
Includes handwritten notes. "Sir John Baker" on first page. Marbled edges.
Series 8. Drafts and research material regarding Tobruk, 1941 - 1943
Research notes, correspondence and manuscript and typescript drafts of Tobruk, 1941. Most of the research and writing for this book was carried out in 1943.
Series 9. Research material, drafts and correspondence regarding The Struggle for Europe, 1939 - 1952
This large series contains copies of the research sources and Wilmot's research notes used in the writing of The Struggle for Europe. The source material includes notes of interviews with military commanders; transcripts of the "Fuehrer Conferences"; classified Allied army reports and battle plans; and scripts of relevant BBC [British Broadcasting Coorporation] radio broadcasts. Also included in this series are five drafts of The Struggle for Europe, the earliest drafts being entitled "The Great crusade", and a folder of correspondence with publishers William Collins Ltd.
Notes regarding Arnhem/Operation Market Garden, n.d. (File 3) - Box 55
Includes booklet War; leaflet Pilgrimage to Arnhem and Oosterbeek.
Notes and source material regarding General D. Eisenhower, 1948 - 1949 (File 7) - Box 56
Includes newspaper clippings.
Notes regarding the Potsdam Conference and notes regarding the Hopkins papers, 1945 - 1947 (File 12) - Box 57
British Army of the Rhine; Battlefield Tour Operation Totalize, 7 - 8 August 1944 (File 37) - Box 60
2 Canadian Corps operations astride the road Caen-Falaise.
21 Army Group: Operation "Veritable - Clearing the Area Between the R MAAS and the R Rhine", 8 February - 10 March 1945 (File 39) - Box 60
British Army of the Rhine: Battlefield Tour Operation Veritable, 8 - 10 February 1945 (File 40) - Box 60
British Army of the Rhine: Battlefield Tour Operation Varsity, 24 - 25 March 1945 (File 41) - Box 60
Operations of XVIII United States Corps (Airborne) in support of the crossing of the River Rhine.
Booklet of notes and corrections and index cards on the Ardennes, 1950 (File 46) - Box 61
Includes magazine Stand-To, Vol. 1, No.1.
Broadcast scripts: The Harbour called Mulberry, regarding D-Day and The Secret Correspondence of Hitler and Mussolini, 1945 - 1947 (File 47) - Box 61
Early draft of The Struggle for Europe, incomplete, n.d. (File 57) - Box 63
Includes handwritten notes.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 69) - Box 64
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 70) - Box 65
Chapters 4-7.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 71) - Box 65
Chapters 8-12.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 72) - Box 65
Chapters 13-16.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 73) - Box 65
Chapters 17-20.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 74) - Box 65
Chapters 21-25.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 75) - Box 65
Chapter 26.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 76) - Box 66
Chapters 27-29.
Draft of The Struggle for Europe submitted to the Australian Jubilee Committee by Wanganella, n.d. (File 77) - Box 66
Chapters 30-32.
Series 10. Reviews, reactions and corrections to The Struggle for Europe, 1951 - 1954
This series contains material generated at the time of, and subsequent to, the publication of The Struggle for Europe. It includes clippings and typescript copies of reviews and press comment; correspondence; letters of congratulation; publicity material; and typescripts of corrections to be incorporated into the second edition.
Newspaper clippings of reviews in the English press, 1952 - 1953 (File 1) - Box 67
Includes magazine London Calling, No. 675.
Newspaper clippings of reviews in the English press, 1952 (File 2) - Box 67
Includes magazine The National Message, Vol. 31, No. 1293 and newspaper The Recorder, No. 6661.
Newspaper clippings of American reviews, 1952 (File 3) - Box 68
Includes Herald Tribune: Book Review, 1952; publication The New Leader, 1952 and The Reporter, 1952.
Newspaper clippings of Australian and Canadian reviews, 1952 (File 4) - Box 68
Content advisory notice: Please be advised that this file contains language, terms and descriptions which reflect the period in which the works were created, and may be considered inaccurate, inappropriate, or offensive. Including terms and descriptions relating to people of colour, Pacific Islander workers and the White Australia Policy.
Content Summary: Includes Cape Breton Mirror, Vol. 1, No. 9.
Newspaper clippings on European press comments on translations, 1952 - 1954 (File 5) - Box 68
Includes booklet Der Turmwart, No. 3.
Newspaper clippings of reviews from other countries and duplicates of reviews, 1952 - 1954 (File 6) - Box 68
Corrections to be made for second edition, correspondence and typescripts, 1952 - 1953 (File 8) - Box 68
Series 11. Miscellaneous papers, 1936 - 1986
This series includes a variety of BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] broadcast scripts by people other than Wilmot, in addition to a run of duplicates of Wilmot's broadcast scripts covering the years 1936, 1941-49 and 1952. The originals of these scripts can be found in Series 1,2,3,5 and 6. Also included in this series is some family correspondence, cables and copies of clippings and tributes relating to Wilmot's death in 1954.
Transcripts of Retreat from Kokoda by Raymond Paull, 1958 (File 1) - Box 69
Includes newspaper clippings.
Publicity material for film Sons of the Anzacs and Notes on the Owen Gun, by V.A. Wardell, 1942 - 1943 (File 2) - Box 69
Includes booklet Sons of the Anzacs; correspondence.
Poster for film Sons of the Anzacs, 1943 (File 2a) - Folio-Box 78
Advertising film viewing at the Sydney Town Hall.
Broadcast script of Radar: the story of a secret weapon, by Cecil McGivern and Britain under fire, by Michael Barsley, 1945 - 1950 (File 3) - Box 69
Includes broadcast scripts for The Critics and Could Be!, By Norman Corwin.
Wilmot's British passport, Japanese press card and family correspondence, 1938 - 1986 (File 4) - Box 69
Includes booklet Elizabeth R Coronation; newspaper clippings.
Roneoed report Economic Survey of Asia and the Far East by the Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East, 1953 - 1954 (File 6) - Box 69
Tributes and obituaries for Chester Wilmot including newspaper clippings, transcripts and correspondence, 1945 - 1955 (File 7) - Box 70
Newspapers regarding Comet crash and investigations, 1954 (File 8) - Box 70
Newspaper include The Observer, No. 8484, 2 copies, Sunday Express and The Sunday Times, No. 6821-6822.
Newspapers regarding Comet crash and investigations, 1954 (File 9) - Box 70
Includes magazine The Atlantic, Vol. 194, No. 1; newspapers include News Chronicle, No. 33570-33571, The Daily Telegraph, No. 30737, Manchester Guard, No. 33450 and The Times, No. 52826.
Series 12. Family history research material collected by Edith Wilmot, 1815 - 1998
This series consists primarily of research notes, photocopies of documents and sources and correspondence relating to Edith Wilmot's investigations into the history of various branches of the family. Also included are some original family letters and photographs from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Wilmot family letters and newspaper cuttings, 1926 - 1961 (File 2) - Box 72
Includes handwritten family timelines and family trees.
Research notes on Forster family history, 1815 - 1980 (File 5) - Box 72, Binder MS Cold Store 332
This file contains 35mm negatives - 8 images. These negatives have been re-housed and relocated to the Cold Store for preservation purposes; Includes photocopies of parish records; handwritten family trees.
Research notes on Forster family history, 1897 (File 6) - Box 72
Includes booklet Bamburgh and The Family and Descendants of Commander George Brooks Forster, R. N. 1792-1874.
Miscellaneous notes and correspondence regarding family history, 1973 - 1988 (File 7) - Box 72
Includes handwritten family trees.
Miscellaneous notes and correspondence regarding family history, 1837 - 1978 (File 8) - Box 73
Includes handwritten family trees.
Research notes on the French family history, 1856 - 1954 (File 9) - Box 73
Includes handwritten family trees.
Family correspondence to and about the Tracey family, 1874 - 1983 (File 10) - Box 73
Includes doily; booklet How to Read a Coat of Arms.
Photographs and research material regarding the Tracey family, 1935 - 1970 (File 11) - Box 73, Folio-Box 78
Includes booklet Family History, Vol. 13, No. 97, Toddington and the Tracys, Vol. 88. This file includes a shell; the shell has been re-located to folio box 78 for preservation purposes.
Series 13. Biographical research material and drafts assembled by Alan and Mary Wood, 1937 - 1985
In 1954 the authors Alan and Mary Wood commenced researching a biography of Chester Wilmot. Alan Wood died in 1957 before the project was completed. His wife Mary continued writing drafts but never completed the work. After the demise of the project the Woods' drafts and working notes remained in the possession of Edith Wilmot. This series contains notes of interviews conducted by the Woods with friends and acquaintances of Wilmot; correspondence connected with the proposed biography; and manuscript and typescript notes for, and drafts of, the unfinished work.
Notes of interviews with Army Officers, war correspondents and historians, 1953 - 1985 (File 1) - Box 74
Interviews with army officers including Warhurst, C. Molony, Nerney, G. Jackson, B. Horrocks, and Montgomery; war correspondents include Moorehead D. Woodward, E. Ward, R. Dimbleby, N. Monks, J. Hodson, W. Forrest, E. Wilson; historians Liddell Hart, A. Bullock and K. Hancock.
Notes of interviews with Wilmot's colleagues at the British Broadcasting Corporation, notes of interviews with Sir Thomas White, Graham Irwin, Lesley Guymer, Helen Waldsax and Professor and Mrs A.W. Ewing, 1941 - 1981 (File 3) - Box 74
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - family and childhood, n.d. (File 9) - Box 75
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - University days, n.d. (File 10) - Box 75
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Middle East and the Blamey row, n.d. (File 14) - Box 75
Includes handwritten notes and newspaper clippings.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Western Front, n.d. (File 16) - Box 76
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Western Front, n.d. (File 17) - Box 76
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Western Front, n.d. (File 18) - Box 76
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Western Front, n.d. (File 19) - Box 76
Includes handwritten notes.
Mary Wood's drafts of biography - Eary years of peace, n.d. (File 20) - Box 76
Includes handwritten notes.
Class 2. Consignment received 2024, undated
This consignment comprises 24 black-and-white postcards from war correspondent Chester Wilmot. Some of the images of the cities, the architecture and monuments that may have been photographed by Wilmot during his time in America, France, Germany, Sweden, and Italy. The postcards feature annotations on the back.