WESTERN AUSTRALIA AT WAR 1914
Blackboy Hill
The first convoy
The 11th Battalion, the 8th Field Artillery Battery and Gallipoli
Teachers’ Handbook
Acknowledgement
This resource was developed with the support of the Western Australian
Government as part of the commemoration of the Anzac Centenary.
Index
1. Rationale
2. Background information for the teacher
3. Excursions
4. Video
5. Newspaper articles
6. Electronic sources
a. General
b. Blackboy Hill
c. 11th Battalion
d. 8th Field Artillery Battery(3rd Field Artillery Brigade)
e. The ships of the first convoy
f. Gallipoli
g. Diaries
7. Visual Sources
a. Blackboy Hill
b. 11th Battalion
c. The ships of the first convoy
d. Gallipoli
e. Individuals
2
'
!
-! 4*$
443 $*56&2
27&%8!6
!$$%&9 *:
!9)$!./%/*
;$</$:
4*$'<$'%./%$=%
!!#!5!
4*$% !!./%* >!
2-?@%4*!
2*!?!);$:!!!
&A*-&A*-
!$%B! !&3BA2
-0/*5?0/*%?
*5)*%*? !
(
))*%*-
C3%
'+2*,
%+
(
)3%
-!!.%9)8;$:?%
!/%*$%?.!./%/
*
-4*!./%$%&?%
!9 -.!$%&1*:?
/%9
-!%4*!
% %D
%$ //$
/ 7
%
$%&? *%A
4*
Programs of work
There are three separate programs of work to accompany this handbook:
Year 3 Community and Remembrance
Relevant teaching point:
• Days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including ANZAC Day...) and the
importance of symbols and emblems. (ACHHK063)
Relevant inquiry question:
• How and why do people choose to remember significant events of the past?
Relevant elaboration:
• Identifying and discussing the historical origins of an important Australian celebration or
commemoration.
Year 6 Australia as a nation
Relevant teaching point: There is no directly relevant teaching point, but when considering Australia
as a nation the experience of World War I has had a defining influence, particularly through the
ANZAC legend.
Relevant inquiry questions:
•
•
How did Australian society change throughout the twentieth century?
What contribution have significant individuals and groups made to the development of
Australian society?
Year 9 Depth Study 3 World War I
Relevant teaching points:
• An overview ... the reasons why men enlisted to fight in the war
•
The places where Australians fought and the nature of warfare during World War I, including
the Gallipoli campaign
•
The commemoration of World War I.
4
Background information
Britain declared war on Germany on the 4thAugust 1914. At the time Australia was involved in an
election campaign. Both the candidates pledged support for Britain in the days before the
declaration:
Speech by Prime Minister Cook on August 3rd
Whatever happens, Australia is a part of the Empire right
to the full. Remember that when the Empire is at war, so is
Australia at war … I want to make it quite clear that all our
resources in Australia are in the Empire and for the Empire,
and the preservation and security of the Empire.
(Argus, Melbourne, 3rdAugust 1914)
Speech by Labor leader Andrew Fisher during the
election campaign
We stand united against the common foe … our last
man and our last shilling will be offered and supplied to the
mother country in maintaining her honour and our honour,
if we should happen to come into the conflict.
(Argus, Melbourne, 1stAugust 1914)
10thAugust voluntary recruitment for the AIF commenced.
11thAugust enrolments for the 11thBattalion began in Perth and Fremantle and three days later
selections began. The 11th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the
First World War. It was the first battalion recruited in Western Australia, and with the 9th, 10th and
12th Battalions it formed the 3rd Brigade.
Some facts about the 11th Battalion:
• in 1903 the Perth Rifle Volunteers were renamed the 11th Australian Infantry Regiment
• the Battalion was raised at Blackboy Hill Camp on 17 thAugust 1914 within days of war being
declared
• the Battalion was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Lyon-Johnston
• the majority of men came from Perth, Fremantle and the Goldfields
• after ten weeks of preliminary training the volunteers embarked
• there is a famous photograph of the 11th Battalion on the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt prior to
landing at Anzac Cove
• the Battalion was part of the 3rd Brigade and therefore the first ashore on Anzac Cove at 4:30am
on 25th April 1915
• the Battalion served in France and Belgium from 1916-1918
• the Battalion was disbanded 5th February 1919.
17thAugust, the training camp at Blackboy Hill was officially opened. This became the 11th Battalion's
and the 8th Field Artillery Battery’s home for the next ten weeks as the men underwent their
military training.
5
11th September the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force landed at Rabaul and took
possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17th September 1914 and the neighbouring islands of
the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914.
31st October the 11th Battalion embarked from Fremantle aboard the transport ship HMAT Ascanius.
They were accompanied by the 8th Field Artillery Battery (Western Australia), the 3rd Field Artillery
(Army) Brigade, and the 1st Division Ammunition Column 1st Division Artillery aboard the HMAT
Medic along with the Japanese cruiser, HIJMS Ibuki. Also on the Medic was the 3rd Field Ambulance
which trained at Blackboy Hill.
1st November the remainder of the first convoy departed from Albany. Merchant ships carrying
troops from New Zealand, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria together with
three cruisers – HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Sydney and the HMS Minotaur.
For a brief overview of the remainder of the convoy from Albany see:
http://www.anzacalbany.com.au/discover-ww1-albany/albany-november-1914/
3rd November the two groups joined together off Fremantle to form the complete convoy.
9th November HMAS Sydney was detailed to leave the convoy to investigate reports of an unknown
vessel off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This was the German cruiser SMS Emden. In the resulting
engagement the Sydney defeated the Emden which was beached on North Keeling Island.
15th-17th November the convoy arrived in Colombo. The Sydney rejoined the convoy in Colombo.
25th November the convoy arrived in Aden.
30th November the convoy passed through the Suez Canal. This was after Great Britain had declared
war on Turkey. One person on the convoy wrote: Things look a bit queer for us getting through the
Suez safely.
1st December the convoy arrived at Port Said and then on December 3rd at Alexandria.
For more detail about the journey see the personal log of Arthur Read:
http://www.wa.vindicatrix.com/pdf/First convoy to England from Albany.pdf
December 3rd the soldiers disembarked at Alexandria to continue their training at the camp at Mena.
For more detail and photos of the camp at Mena see:
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-conflicts-periods/ww1/mena-camp.htm
http://alh-research.tripod.com/Light_Horse/index.blog?topic_id=1106105
December 1914 - March 1915: after four and a half months of training near Cairo, the Australians
departed by ship for further preparation on Lemnos, then to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Some facts about the camp on Lemnos taken from: J. Yiannakis, "Lemnos and Gallipoli. Towards
redressing a marginalised history", in Oliver, B and Summers, S (2014) Lest we Forget? Marginalised
aspects of Australia at war and peace. Black Swan Press, Curtin University
• Lemnos is 100 km from the Gallipoli Peninsula and was not a sideshow but essential to the
ANZAC campaign. Lemnos supported the Allies with hospital facilities, recreation,
entertainment, an opportunity to practice military manoeuvres (on the beaches and hills) and an
assembly point for the April 25 landings.
• When the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade arrived in Lemnos on 10 April 1915 there were already 3200
Australians on Lemnos, including the 3rd Australian Infantry Brigade, 1st Field Company of
Engineers and the 3rd Field Ambulance. Captain Forrest noted that: "[Mudros was] an ideal
harbour, well protected [and] full of ships, transports, warships and hospital ships. Warships of
all nations..." (p. 144)
6
•
•
•
The Greeks built jetties, supplied fresh food and assisted in unloading stores for the soldiers.
Australia, England, France and Canada established military hospitals on Lemnos. The island was
used as an intermediate military base, rest camp and convalescent depot. There were water
shortages early on, but the troops were supplied with fresh food. The hot springs on Mt Therma
were popular with soldiers for recreation and a good wash."It is evident...that Lemnos was
crucial to the conduct of the Gallipoli campaign from beginning to end, strategically, logistically,
medically and recuperatively..." (p. 150)
In 2002 a memorial to the ANZACs was unveiled near Mudros Harbour.
25thApril 1915 the Australians, including the 11th Battalion, landed at what became known as Anzac
Cove where they established a tenuous foothold on the steep slopes above the beach.
August 1915 saw concerted but unsuccessful allied attempts to break through the Turkish lines.
These included the Australian attacks at Lone Pine and the Nek.
19th–20thDecember 1915 the evacuation of the troops from Gallipoli occurred under cover of a
comprehensive deception operation. No lives were lost during the evacuation.
For a more detailed timeline of the Gallipoli campaign see:
http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/5environment/timelines/australia-gallipoli-campaign/january-april1915.html
then follow through the timeline.
7
,&5
6#
5
4$$
E84A
*%A4*
'!6<<% <77<
$%&!
-@%$%&!)@%
4!!$?%
*H$%
'!6<< /<.< P<$'%P$%
15(3#
-+)
- H
4!!$?%
%
5
5$*4A
'!6<<
!</$
'!6<<
$<!5$
(
Sources
Video
ANZAC 1914 The West Australian Story is an excellent short video focussed on the departure of the
first convoy from Fremantle. It has been made by David de Vos and is available on the HTAWA
website. This video is an ideal introduction to the programs of work: https://vimeo.com/103113524
Newspaper articles
There are two sets of newspaper articles which have been written specifically to commemorate the
people involved in World War I from Western Australia.
The first set of articles has been written by Shannon Lovelady as part of the Gallipoli Dead from
Western Australia Project. These are interesting, informative and often moving stories which are
easily accessible to students. Many of the stories involve those who were part of the first convoy.
These articles are available on the HTAWA website: http://htawa.net.au/gallipoli_dead.html
The second set has been written by Malcolm Quekett for The West Australian and includes stories of
the ‘Diggers of Giza’ which focuses on the men of the 11th Battalion who were photographed on the
Pyramid of Cheops. These stories are currently available at: www.thewest.com.au/anzaccentenary.
Students may need some assistance in searching for the individual stories.
Electronic Sources
The following is a list of electronic resources readily available to and suitable for students. These
have been placed under headings to give greater direction. Some of the sites under the General
heading are more suited to teachers and to the Year 9 research program. The more specific sites
tend to have precise topic information and are accessible to all year groups.
This is not an exhaustive list, but provides basic information and points from which to start,
especially for the research programs. An indication of what is covered at each site is given before the
link.
General
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum and an extensive archive.
This is a starting point for student research; however students may need assistance to find relevant
information. There are further links to specific information at the Australian War Memorial under
the subject headings and the visual links below.
https://www.awm.gov.au/
The Education Box: World War I. This box, which can be accessed through the link below, provides
information about all of World War I rather than focusing on the first convoy and the Western
Australian contribution. These boxes are a great way to involve students, particularly students in the
primary years.
https://www.awm.gov.au/education/memorial-boxes/
9
!"#$%#&'()#*$+)*$,#(-./#0$1#+2'#$3%,14$56$7(+)/"
!"#$%$#&'%()*&+#*$%#*,)-.+/)*%),%#*&'-'$&%+*0%1+23'%,)-%&")$'%4")%+-'%$''5#*6%6'*'-+2%#*,)-.+/)*%
+7)3&%83$&-+2#+9$%.#2#&+-:%"'-#&+6';%<)-%#*,)-.+/)*%-'2+/*6%&)%&"'%=-$&%()*1):%$''>
"?@>AA444;-$24+"B;)-6;+3AC)..'.)-+/)*AC'*&'**#+2DE'+-$;+$@F
8#9+(&:#)&$;<$=#&#(+)0$6>+.(0$
!"'%GH8%#$%+*%'F('22'*&%'03(+/)*+2%-'$)3-('%4#&"%@-)6-+.$I%@-#*&%.+&'-#+2%+*0%+%2+-6'%)*D2#*'%
().@)*'*&;%!"'%2#*5$%7'2)4%-'2+&'%$@'(#=(+22:%&)%J)-20%J+-%K%+*0%&)%&"'%,)(3$%),%&"'$'%@-)6-+.$;
L03(+/)*%@-)6-+.$
"?@>AA444;01+;6)1;+3A()..'.$M)+46A()..'.)-+/)*$A'03(+/)*AG)(3.'*&$AN+22#@)2#M8*O+($
MP*#&Q;@0,
R'$)3-('$
"?@>AA444;01+;6)1;+3A()..'.$M)+46A()..'.)-+/)*$A'03(+/)*AS+6'$A'03(+/)*
TUV-'$)3-('$;+$@FW&)@
!#.'2#*'
"?@>AA444;+*O+($#&';6)1;+3AX'*1#-)*.'*&A/.'2#*'$A+3$&-+2#+D+&D4+-DQYVQDUVVVAQYQZ;"&.2
?+@;)+A$6(/".-#0$;<$6'0&(+A.+$B$1+)*$,#+$+)*$6.($<;(/#0
[1'-%\XV%$'-#'$%),%8-.:%-'()-0$%+-'%"'20%#*%&"'%]+/)*+2%8-("#1'$%),%83$&-+2#+%()22'(/)*;%!"#$%$#&'%#$%
-'()..'*0'0%,)-%&'+("'-$%+*0%,)-%)20'-%$&30'*&$%+$%#&%#$%-'$'+-("%7+$'0;%
"?@>AA444;*++;6)1;+3A()22'(/)*A'F@2)-'A0','*('A$'-1#('D-'()-0$A+-.:D44#;+$@F
C;::;)D#+A&"$5+($E(+-#0$C;::.00.;)$
!"'%C)..)*4'+2&"%J+-%N-+1'$%()..#$$#)*%()..'.)-+&'$%&"'%QI^VVIVVV%.'*%+*0%4).'*%),%&"'%
C)..)*4'+2&"%,)-('$%4")%0#'0%#*%&"'%&4)%4)-20%4+-$;%!"'%2#*5$%7'2)4%+-'%$@'(#=(%&)%J)-20%J+-%K;
N+22#@)2#%"#$&)-:
"?@>AA444;(46(;)-6A6+22#@)2#D"#$&)-:;+$@F
J+-%6-+1'%$#&'$%,-).%J)-20%J+-%K
"?@>AA444;(46(;)-6A0#$()1'-QZQ_
FGH#/&0$;<$D+($B$I(#:+)&A#$J.0&;(K
!"#$%#$%+%@-)`'(&%().@2'&'0%7:%$&30'*&$%+*0%$&+a%+&%])&-'%G+.'%P*#1'-$#&:;%K&%#$%*)&%0#-'(&2:%-'2+&'0%
&)%&"'%=-$&%()*1):I%73&%"+$%$).'%#*&'-'$/*6%6'*'-+2%.+&'-#+2%)*%J)-20%J+-%K;
"?@>AA444;,-'.+*&2'"#$&)-:;().;+3A+7)3&;@"@b@-)`'(&KGc\
E(+-#$0#/(#&0$B$5;(A*$5+($L$M./&;(.+A$J;);'($%;A#$;<$5#0&$6'0&(+A.+)0
!"#$%#$%+%1'-:%2+-6'%-'$)3-('%+*0%$&30'*&$%4#22%"+1'%&)%$'+-("%,)-%+@@-)@-#+&'%*+.'$%,-).%&"'%=-$&%
()*1):%,-).%J'$&'-*%83$&-+2#+*;%8$%+%$&+-/*6%@)#*&I%&"-''%),%&"'%$)20#'-$%4")%2'd%#*%&"'%=-$&%()*1):%
+-'>%G3*(+*%e"+-@I%!).%e"+-@%+*0%J#22#+.%e"+4;%[&"'-%*+.'$%.+:%7'%,)3*0%#*%&"'%@")&)6-+@"$%
7'2)4;
"?@>AA44Q4+;6-+1'$'(-'&$;*'&A++D+6;"&.2
5+($2(+-#$0.&#0$<(;:$5;(A*$5+($L
"?@>AA444;(46(;)-6A0#$()1'-QZQ_
K*,)-.+/)*%)*%$)20#'-$%,-).%<-'.+*&2'%(+*%7'%,)3*0%+&>%
"?@>AA444;+*O+(,-'.+*&2';().;+3A%
QV
Blackboy Hill
The Road to War and Back is a history of the Blackboy Hill Camp containing many photos and
extracts from documents, letters, songs etc. which relate to the focus of these programs.
http://roadtowarandback.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/blackboy-hill-is-calling.html
Extract from Western Mail 09/12/1937 about the Blackboy Hill Camp
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/37844095
If you have the names of individuals to research:
http://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au/
A brief summary of the site before and after the war
http://www.warmemorials.net/memorials/perth/blkboy/blkboy.htm
Information on the centenary celebration
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/22892116/train-trip-puts-focus-on-blackboy-hill/
11th Battalion
The following are some of the more informative sites for the 11th Battalion, however there are other
sites. Simply search: 11th Battalion AIF. Most give a sound history of the formation of the Battalion
and their embarkation in the first convoy as well as their role in the Gallipoli landing. The subsequent
history of the Battalion on the Western Front is also included.
For a full list of the 11th Battalion who embarked on HMAT Ascanius go to:
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1067557/?image=2&fullscreen=true
Australian War Memorial: 11th Battalion
https://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11198.asp
Gallipoli and the Anzacs: First to fall
http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/1landing/first-to-fall/
Wikipedia
11th Battalion (Australia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_Battalion_(Australia)
Western Australian Genealogical Society:
• The Cheops Pyramid photo project and the Gallipoli Dead from Western Australia Project
http://11btn.wags.org.au/
•
http://membership.wags.org.au/special-interest-groups-mainmenu-47/western-australiansig/gallipoli-check-list
•
http://gallipoli.wags.org.au/
Anzacs Online: Makes links to other organisations which give information on the various individual’s
service.
http://anzacsonline.net.au/category/australian-infantry-battalions/11th-battalion/
11
8th Field Artillery Battery
Upon the outbreak of the First World War volunteers, consisting mainly of those from within the
existing artillery militia units, were grouped together to form Western Australia’s contribution to the
1st Australian Divisional Artillery. Designated 8th Battery (Western Australia) and assigned to the 3rd
Field Artillery Brigade the unit was hastily equipped with quick firing 18 pounders and readied for
overseas embarkation.The colours are shown below.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-conflicts-periods/ww1/1aif/artillery.htm
For greater detail see:
http://www.artillerywa.org.au/3fdregt/history.html
For a full list of the 8th Field Artillery Battery on HMAT Medic go to:
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1067057/?image=8&fullscreen=true#display-image
Note: the WA contingent begins page 7 of the AIF Nominal Roll.
The ships of the first convoy
There is a variety of information on the ships of the first convoy. This list includes the ships that left
from Fremantle, but also HMAS Sydney, which left from Albany, because of the encounter with the
SMS Emden.
HMATAscanius
HMAT A11 Ascanius was owned by the Ocean SS Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the
Commonwealth until 30 July 1917.
Australian War Memorial:
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H16157/
Flotilla Australia: Australian Shipping Lines (AUSTRALIAN &NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORP)
http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hmat.htm
HMAT Medic
HMAT A7 Medic was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd, Liverpool, and leased by the Commonwealth
until 26 October 1917.
Flotilla Australia: Australian Shipping Lines (AUSTRALIAN &NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORP)
http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hmat.htm
HIJMS Ibuki
A brief summary can be found in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_battlecruiser_Ibuki
12
Detailed information on the ship is available at:
http://www.cityofart.net/bship/ijn_ibuki.html
http://forum.gallipoli-association.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=493&title=ibuki-escort-japanesebattlecruiser
HMAS Sydney
For a detailed account of the ship and its World War I history:
http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-sydney-i
A good summary is available at:
https://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_12593.asp
The story of the encounter with the Emden is well described in both of the following:
http://www.naval-history.net/WW1Battle-HMAS_Sydney_v_SMS_Emden_1914Battle_of_Cocos_Island.htm
http://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/november-1914-australias-first-victory-sea
Gallipoli
Most of the following sites are particularly related to the 11th Battalion. They are a starting point, but
many more links are available. Two good general sites:
https://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11198.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_Battalion_(Australia)
The following is an excellent site for information on those who died on 25th April 1915. Follow the
link 11th Battalion, then choose individual names to see their details from enlistment to death.
http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/1landing/first-to-fall/
The following site gives an excellent account of the background to the Gallipoli campaign:
http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/History-in-Focus/WWI-Gallipoli
For a concise timeline of the Gallipoli campaign, see:
http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/5environment/timelines/australia-gallipoli-campaign/january-april1915.html then follow through the timeline.
13
Diaries and logs
There are a number of personal diaries and logs available that are relevant to these programs. These
include:
The personal log of Arthur Read who was not from Western Australia, but has written and excellent
account of the first convoy’s journey:
http://www.wa.vindicatrix.com/pdf/First%20convoy%20to%20England%20from%20Albany.pdf
The following two accounts are also not by Western Australians, but have excellent detail about the
first convoy and the Gallipoli landing
The diary of Frederick Forrest Third Artillery Brigade tells of the convoy, the training camp at Mena,
the period on Lemnos and the Gallipoli landing, battles and withdrawal. This is an excellent and
easily read resource.
http://www.amosa.org.au/schools/mhp/diaries/War%20diary%20-Frederick%20Forrest.pdf
The second hand written diary and some letters are from Benjamin Leane. He was South Australian
but was on board the Ascanius. The first link below shows his letters during the voyage to Egypt and
the second is a link to his diary. The diary is not easy to read as the link is to Photostat copies of the
original handwritten diary.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG0001005/
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG0001007/?image=12&fullscreen=true#display-image
14
Visual Sources
Almost all photographs shown are from the Australian War Memorial. They have only been used if
the copyright has expired and they are in the public domain. The information accompanying the
photographs is also from the Australian War Memorial site. These are a small sample of the
photographs available from the Australian War Memorial collection. Students are encouraged to find
their own examples. Further material is also available at the State Library and other sites listed
above.
Blackboy Hill
A recent photograph of the memorial on the site of the camp.
15
ID number
A02874
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Australia: Western Australia
Date made
1914
Description
Tent lines at Blackboy Hill Camp at Midland Junction.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A02874/
16
ID number
A02827
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Australia: Western Australia, Blackboy Hill
Date made
1914
Description
Informal photograph of some of the original members of the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance at mess outside
their tents at Blackboy Hill Camp in Western Australia. From left to right: 204 Private (Pte) Albert John Currie;
169A Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Andrew Rhind Davidson; 174A Pte William Lindsay; 202 Pte John Simpson
Kirkpatrick also known as John Simpson, 'the man with the donkey' (killed in action 19th May 1915); 206 Pte
Frank James Kennedy; 209 Driver (Dvr) Charles Mansfield; 203 Pte Edward Laural Langoulant; 173 Pte Frank
Ernest Meachem; 183 Pte John Charles Dinsdale (died of disease 18th February 1915); unidentified.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A02827/?image=1
17
ID number
A03353
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Australia: Western Australia, Blackboy Hill
Date made
September 1914
Description
A jovial 182 Private Leonard Darcy and 189 Private John Pratley of the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, making
music with frying pans and kitchen utensils at Blackboy Hill camp, WA. The two men were in the same unit in
training camp with Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, 'The man with the donkey'.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A03353/
18
ID number
H16152
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Photographer
Mitchell, E L
Description
Western Australia. AIF trainees being inoculated at Blackboy Hill Camp. (Donor A.W. Bazley)
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H16152/
19
ID number
P02077.002
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Date made
c 1915
Description
Blackboy Hill, WA. c. 1915. AIF recruits at the military training camp, peeling potatoes for a meal of stew. 7469
Private Walter Gibson, 11th Battalion, is sitting on the right. (Donor: Battye Library)
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P02077.002
20
The 11th Battalion
ID number
RELAWM13307.074
Title
Colour patch : 11 Infantry Battalion, AIF
Collection
Heraldry
Object type
Colour Patch
Maker
Unknown
Date made
c 1915-1918
Physical description
Wool flannel
Description
Horizontally aligned, rectangular wool flannel colour patch, divided brown over light blue, for 11 Infantry
Battalion AIF.
Summary
Worn as a distinguishing unit indication at the head of each sleeve from early 1915.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM13307.074
21
This extract from the 11th Infantry Battalion Unit War Diary is showing that the Blackboy Hill camp
began training on 17/08/1914.
11th Infantry Battalion, Unit War Diary, Australian War Memorial, AWM4 23/28/1 – August 1914 –
April 1915.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1003299/?image=2#display-image
22
ID number
H16098
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver
gelatin
Photographer
Mitchell, E L
Date made
1914
Description
Western Australia. 1914. Some of the men of B Company, 11th Battalion, AIF, in their lines at Blackboy Hill Camp.
(Donor A.W. Bazley)
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H16098/
23
ID number
P08644.002
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Digital file TIFF
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Australia: Western Australia, Blackboy Hill
Date made
c November 1914
Description
The 11th Battalion marching out of Blackboy Hill camp where they have been training. The unit embarked from
Fremantle on 2 November 1914 bound for further training in Egypt before landing on Gallipoli. Identified
second row from the front is 944 Private (Pte) John Salter who is carrying a dark kit bag with his regimental
number painted onto it. Pte Salter was shot in the face at during the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and
sent to England for treatment. He returned to Australia in January 1916 and after recuperating was trained and
commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 51st Battalion. He joined his unit in France in August 1918 and was
awarded the Military Cross (MC) for bravery North West of Mont Saint Quentin during the period 10th -20th
September 1918.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P08644.002
24
ID number
P05717.001
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Digital file TIFF
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Egypt: North Egypt, Mena
Date made
10 January 1915
Description
Group portrait of all the original officers and men of the 11th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, AIF. The group of over 685 soldiers are
spread over the side of the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) near Mena camp. Officers identified in the front row are, left to
right: 2nd Lieutenant (Lt) F P Strickland; 2nd Lt J Newman; Major (Maj) S R Roberts; Lt J H Morgan; Captain (Capt) J S Denton;
Capt A E J Croly; Capt Charles A Barnes; Lt K McLennan; Padre Fahey; Lt (later Capt) A P H Corley (later killed in action 17
September 1915); Lt (later Capt) C A La Nauze (later killed in action 28 June 1915); Capt J H Peck; Capt W R Annear; Capt R R
Reilly; 2nd Lt M L Reid; Lt D H McDonald; Lieutenant Colonel J L Johnston; Capt R W Everett; Maj E A D Brockman (later MC);
Capt E T Brennan; Capt R L Leane; 2nd Lt A H Darnell; 2nd Lt A H Priestley; Lt W H Rockliff; 2nd Lt J H Cooke (later killed in
action 2 May 1915 ); 2nd Lt H James (later MC); 2nd Lt C F Buttle; 2nd Lt H H Walker (sitting); Lt J Williams (top). Missing are:
2nd Lt S H Jackson, Lt A R Selby and 2nd Lt A H MacFarlane. Capt Barnes records in his diary: 'After Church this morning the
whole Battalion was marched up to the Pyramid (Old Cheops) and we had a photo took or at least several of them.' Amidst
the training undertaken by the men, there was time on Sundays, days off and evenings when leave was granted to visit local
sites of interest such as the pyramids, the Citadel and the many mosques in Cairo. The trams struggled to keep up with the
demand and local transport such as carriages were heavily used. The cafes and restaurants of Cairo were also heavily
patronised.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P05717.001/
25
The ships of the first convoy
HMAT Medic
ID number
H19319
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Photographer
Hood, Samuel J
Place made
Australia: New South Wales, Sydney
Description
An autographed souvenir photograph of transport ship HMAT Medic (A7) which embarked from Fremantle for
Egypt on the 31st October 1914. The autographs are of soldiers from a number of different units, including the
Officer Commanding the troops and the Medic's Captain, J Roberts. The photograph is copied from Captain A H
MacFarlane's records.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H19319/
26
HMAT Ascanius
ID number
PB0127
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Barnes, Josiah
Place made
Australia: Victoria, Melbourne, Port Melbourne
Date made
27 May 1916
Description
Troops on board HMAT Ascanius (A11), as it departs. A small boat is seen in the left foreground.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/PB0127/
27
HIJMS Ibuki
ID number
ART13569
Title
HIJMS Ibuki with HMAS Melbourne escorting the first ANZAC convoy
Collection
Art
Object type
Painting
Artist
Arai, Rokuo
Place made
Japan: Tokyo
Date made
1939
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurement
Framed: 237.8 x 324.5 x 17.5 cm
Description
HIJMS Ibuki with HMAS Melbourne escorting the first Australian and New Zealand convoy in the Indian Ocean
1914. When HMAS Sydney was detached from the convoy to join battle with an enemy ship near the Cocos
Islands, HMAS Melbourne was in charge of the convoy. On the 9 November, the Sydney reported having sighted
an enemy cruiser, which proved to be the SMS Emden. The Melbourne immediately took station on the convoy's
exposed starboard flank and signalled the Japanese cruiser Ibuki to join her there for added protection. The Ibuki
had also heard the Sydney's report and at once had hoisted her battle-flags, cleared for action and started at full
speed in the direction of the Emden. But the safety of the convoy was paramount and the Japanese ship had to
be recalled to her allotted station. Later that morning came news of the destruction of the Emden.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/ART13569/
28
HMAS Sydney and the SMS Emden
ID number
H12443
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Description
Cocos Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean. 10 November 1914. The German Navy cruiser Emden on the rocks at North
Keeling Island as seen from the quarter deck of HMAS Sydney. (Donor Imperial War Museum Q22718)
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H12443/
29
Gallipoli
ID number
P02934.019
Collection
Photograph
Object types
Black & white;
Landscape;
Date made
c April 1915
Physical description
Black & white;
Landscape;
Description
Mudros, Greece. c. April 1915. Australian soldiers of the 11th Battalion carrying their kit, board the old battleship
HMS London from another ship, probably the destroyer HMS Usk. Captain Armstrong and the Fleet Surgeon are
in the foreground. HMS London was one of the ships which transported soldiers from Lemnos to Gallipoli on 25
April 1915.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P02934.019/
30
ID number
A02467
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Alfieri Photograph Service
Place made
Greece: Aegean Islands, Lemnos
Date made
24 April 1915
Description
Australian troops of the 11th Battalion and 1st Field Company of Engineers assembled on the quarter deck of
HMS London, part of the fleet which carried the Australians from Lemnos for the Gallipoli landing at Anzac Cove.
Note the improvised anti-aircraft gun mounted on the capstan.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A02467/
31
ID number
A03149
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Ottoman Empire: Turkey, Marmara, Chanak, Gallipoli Peninsula
Description
A trench at Quinn's Post at Anzac Cove. The officer in the trench on the right is Lieutenant Archibald, who later
became acting Adjutant of the 11th Battalion (probably John Arnold Archibald (later killed in action 24 September
1918). The soldier in the centre, with his head showing above the parapet, is Corporal H M Longmore and the
soldier not in uniform is Corporal H A Goodall.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A03149/
32
ID number
A01053
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Ottoman Empire: Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli
Description
Two soldiers sitting in the 11th Battalion's Commanding Officer's dugout. The soldier on the right is sitting on the
ground writing a letter using a box for support. A kit bag and jacket are hanging next to him and to the right is
another jacket and a shovel. Two shrapnel damaged metal boxes are in the left foreground.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A01053/
33
ID number
C03178
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Photographer
Unknown
Place made
Ottoman Empire: Turkey, Marmara, Chanak, Gallipoli Peninsula
Date made
1915
Description
The original graves of Australians killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula, seen behind a barbed wire fence. The
grave at left is of 946 Private Thomas William Stokes, 11th Battalion, killed in action on 2 May 1915, aged 21
years. The grave at right belongs to 2087 Corporal (Cpl) Alfred George Croud, 3rd Australian Field Artillery
Brigade, killed in action on 7 May 1915, aged 43 years. A native of Kent, England, Cpl Croud served for 21 years in
the British Army before enlisting with the AIF on 19 August 1914. (See also C03198)
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C03178/
34
Individuals
ID number
P10558.001
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Makers
Midland Junction Studio (Photographer);
Unknown (Photographer);
Places made
Australia: Western Australia, Perth, Midland;
Date made
1914
Description
Portrait of Private (Pte) 774 Emanuel (Mannie) Percival Davis, 11th Battalion (left) and an unidentified soldier. Pte
Davis was a 27 year old commercial traveller from Morawa, WA, when he enlisted at Geraldton, two weeks after
the declaration of war. He trained with the first intake of the battalion at the Blackboy Hill training camp, near
Perth, before embarking for Egypt and Gallipoli aboard HMAT Ascanius "A11" on 1 November 1914. He died at
Gallipoli of wounds received from a shrapnel shell, while his unit was in reserve, on 18 July 1915.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10558.001/
35
ID number
P06787.002
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Photographer
Unknown
Date made
1914
Description
Studio portrait of 150 Private (Pte) Hugh Richard Biggin, 11th Battalion, of Pingelly, WA. A farmer before enlisting
in August 1914, Pte Biggin left Australia as an original 11th Battalion member in November 1914 and served on
Gallipoli and the Western Front. He was with a lewis gun section at Mouquet Farm when he was killed instantly
by a German shell on 20 August 1916, age 25.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P06787.002/
36
ID number
P05413.026
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Photomechanical print
Photographer
Unknown
Date made
c 1914
Description
Studio portrait of 428 Private Herbert Lionel Ingle Finch, 11th Battalion of Fremantle, WA. A bank clerk prior to
enlisting, he embarked from Fremantle aboard HMAT Ascanius (A11) on 2 November 1914. He was wounded in
action at the Dardanelles, Turkey and died of his wounds on 28 April 1915, aged 30. He has no known grave and
is remembered with honour on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P05413.026/
37
ID number
H00143
Collection
Photograph
Object type
Black & white - Print silver gelatin
Date made
c 1918
Description
Studio portrait of Lieutenant James Stanley Morrison 11th Battalion of West Guildford, Western Australia. A 19
year old apprentice analyst with previous service in the Militia with the 89th Infantry prior to enlisting in the AIF
on 2 September 1914, he embarked for overseas with C Company, 11th Battalion from Fremantle on 2 November
1914 aboard HMAT Ascanius (A11). While serving at Gallipoli, he was promoted to Corporal on 5 May 1915 and
then in July was evacuated to Mudros for medical treatment. After further medical treatment in Egypt, he was
returned to Australian in November 1915. He re-embarked as a Sergeant with the 18th Reinforcements of the
11th Battalion from Fremantle on 6 June 1916 aboard HMAT Suevic (A29). After arriving in England, he was
detached for duty with Headquarters AIF in London in August 1916. He joined the 11th Battalion in France in
March 1917 and after being promoted to Second Lieutenant on 26 April 1917, he transferred to the 12th
Battalion in May. He was promoted to Lieutenant (Lt) on 16 August 1917 and then was wounded in action
(gassed) in Belgium on 6 November 1917. After being evacuated to England for medical treatment, he returned
to the 12th Battalion in March 1918. Lt Morrison married Ada Marjorie Stallion in Lambeth, UK on 17 April 1919
and brought her back to Australia where his appointment was terminated in December 1919.
http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H00143/
38