On the eve of Australia’s military engagement at Gallipoli during World War One a stowaway soldier was found on board a troopship bound for the war front at the Turkish-controlled Dardanelles. In the grey dawn of 13th April 1915 as the 5,807 ton twin-screw HMAT SEANG CHOON (HMAT A49) steamed away from Alexandria on Egypt’s coast, … More Headlong into War: A Stowaway Soldier
A postcard written by Private James Booley in August 1915 from the Dardanelles was sent to reassure his sister back home that he was okay, but instead it ended up being this Gallipoli soldier’s final farewell. The quaint little ‘Deakin English Canned Fruits’ postcard contains no details of battle because James’ little sister Jean … More Gallipoli soldier’s final postcard home
Rod Gilbert’s search for his great-uncle’s war experience has finally put a name to one of the soldier faces in my grandmother’s mystery World War 1 photo. ‘Finding Private Gilbert’ is Rod’s search for Leslie Raymond Talbot Gilbert, an English lad of 17 years who answered Australia’s call to arms. According to Les Gilbert’s war … More Family search for Private Gilbert
