RSSILA - RSL Busselton Sub Branch

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Overview

Envelope and card

Historical information

The "Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia" (RSSILA) was the predecessor to the modern Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL),
and the Busselton chapter was known as the Busselton RSL Sub-Branch. This Busselton group, established in 1917, supported veterans and their families,
provided memorial services, and engaged in community activities, evolving into the current Busselton RSL Sub-Branch.

In the early months of 1916, disgruntled veterans formed the 11th Battalion Association, uniting returning soldiers who had faced mistreatment upon returning to Australia.
Simultaneously, interstate organisations grappled with similar issues, leading to a pivotal meeting in Sydney where the ‘Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia’ emerged in May 1916.

In Western Australia, the association broadened its scope to encompass all members of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, made up of 1st and 3rd Battalions, transforming into the ‘Returned Soldiers’ Association’ 27 May 1916. The inaugural President was elected in May 1916, and the ‘Soldiers Welcome Institute’ became the League’s first permanent home in Western Australia.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2025.nil

Item type

Themes

Material

Inscriptions and markings

ITEM 1: Envelope
"Returned Sailors &Soldiers Imperial League, Australia
Busselton Sub-Branch"
Addressed to: "Mr C Cuthbert, Busselton"
"If not claimed within 14 days please return "to the Secretary, Busselton RSL"

ITEM 2: Invitation
Front of card "Xmas 1921, The Committee & Members of the Busselton Sub-Branch of the RSL extend fraternal greetings and wish you the compliments of the season".

Inside of card: "The Annual Meeting and Election of Officers will take place in the Institute on Saturday, 7th January 1922, at 7:30pm and it is very desirable that all Members should be present.
During the year considerable progress has been made, and this position can only be maintained by the united efforts of the Executive and Members.
It is hoped that all the Members will attend this meeting, take the opportunity of being personally in touch with other ex-Service men in the district, and institute a social gathering that will make for a continuance of the comradeship which meant so much to us "over there".
R Boyle, President
J H Atkinson, Secretary"

Contextual information

History and Name Changes
1916-1917: The national league, the "Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia" (RSSILA), was formed to support veterans of the First World War.
1917: The Western Australia branch was chartered, and the Busselton Sub-Branch was established.
1940: "Airmen" was added, changing the name to the "Returned Sailor's, Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia" (RSSAILA).
1965: The name was simplified to the "Returned Services League of Australia" (RSL).
1990: The name was changed again to the "Returned & Services League of Australia" (RSL) to include currently serving members.

Keywords

Returned Services League (RSL)

Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia

Place made

Australia

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Last modified

Friday, 10 October, 2025

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