Four uniformed Australian soldiers pose for a photograph during World War One. The two seated soldiers wear gas masks. Standing left to right: Gordon Spittle, Harry Holmes Sitting: Jack Nase, Joe FawcettVerso: Snap taken in our fighting headgear. We always were (sic) the iron helmets when near the trenches, and the front helmets are gas helmets.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france

Soldier Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria sent this postcard to his family while serving in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) in France. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) White Postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery features green ivy leaves and red berries, and the words "Happy Christmas".Verso "All good wishes to all the dear ones at home for a happy Xmas and a bright New Year from Harry 11/11/16."chatham - holmes family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, france, christmas

A number of uniformed Australian soldiers are photographed sitting and standing around a table while they eat. chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, eating, camp

This book records the 400 soldiers listed on the Terang War Memorial and provides the only comprehensive documentation of these soldiers and their WWI military experiences and life beyond the war.A4 sized soft bound book with image of obelisk war memorial on three steps with name plaques on the faces of the obelisk which is framed by green trees; title in white, sub-title in white on black stripmilitary history, world war i, soldiers, terang, war memorials

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448 He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) In 1922 Harry married Edith Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie. In 1933 Harry and Edith built a new timber home 'Launchley' (Ascot) on the rise east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the designs of Clegg and Morrow. In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park' on their first son's return from World War 2. In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte's portion of 'Sauchieburn' for his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law Margaret. [Source: Unpublished notes by Jane Dyer ( nee Chatham)]Sepia photographic postcard of a World War 1 Australian soldier in uniform, Henry Smerdon Holmes from Ascot Victoria.Verso in pen "The boys say this isn't to (sic) bad so it will show you any changes. Heaps of love to all. Harrychatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, smerdon, world war, world war 1, world war i, uniform

This photograph was with a number of others associated with Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. The postcard was written on by Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Nurse Kirkham is Laurie Hemsley Kirkham She was admitted to the Suez Public Hospital (Abbassia) post 06 January 1916. She left Australia with a group of South Australian nurses. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) The Nurse Kirkam mentioned by the writer is probably Sarah Alice Kirkham, Staff Nurse with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Nurse Kirkham was from North Perth, Western Australia. She was posted to the Auxiliary Hospital, Egypt on 09 November 1915 leaving for France on 23 June 1916. Samuel Gordon Spittle (8005) enlisted into the AIF on 17 July 1915, a member of the 18th Australian Army Service Corps (AASC). He left Alexandria on 15 June 1916 disembarking at Marseilles 24 June 1916. Harry Holmes was discharged from a hospital in Egypt on 15 August 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal promulgated on 11 December 1919. (NAA: B2455, Spittle Samuel Gordon) Not only does this photograph portray life in Egypt during World War War, it highlights the role played by members of the Australian Army Nursing Service in both professional and social activities in the theatre of war.Two Australian nurses and a number of Australian soldiers in Hospital Uniform pose for a photograph in Egypt during World War One. Verso: "A little group of Australians at Suez Hospital Joe F[awcett] & I [Gordon Spittle] are standing in the back row with Nurse Kirkham standing between, she is on the short side so stood on a box. Gordon S."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, gordon spittle, kirkham, suez, egypt, samuel gordon spittle, joe fawcett, laurie kirkham, nurse kirkham, suez hospital, laurie helmsley kirkham, l.a. kirkham, harry holmes, nurses, ascot

Harry Holmes and his battalion friends photographed aspects of their time on the Suez Canal, Egypt. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) This photograph is significant because it was taken by a soldier (rather than an official war artist) and shows one of the day to day activities experienced by Australian Soldiers in Egypt during World War One.1) Four Australian soldiers during World War One in Egypt .2) Soldiers watch while two men 'fight' on a greasy pole during World War One .3) Australian soldiers stand at the grave of a German Officer at the Suez Canal, Egypt.2) Verso - "greasy Pole Fight" .3) verso: - Snap taken at grave of German officer killed in the first tussel (sic) with Turk at the Canalchatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, cam williamson, greasy pole, ship, vessel, burial

Image of the French brothers posing from a photograph while dressed in the AIF uniform during World War One.Verso in pencil: "On the left is Sergeant French and on the right is Driver Frenchchatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france. french

Photograph of the Ascot boys who served with Harry Holmes at the front during World War One. Harry Holmes in the front. Ray Blight in centrechatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, ray blight, harry holmes, ascot

Seven Australian Soldiers sit around a table during World War One. chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, ascot

The photograph was associated with Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Gordon Spittle was the youngest of three brothers. He grew up in Creswick and attended Creswick Grammar School. Gordon purchased 'Mt Cavern' in 1912. It had 4 years of a 10 year lease to run. His mother and father took delivery of it on 1 April 1916. They lived there and farmed it until Gordon returned from active service in May 1919. He married Violet Holmes and both lived at "Mt Cavern" until their deaths. Gordon died in 1942 aged 51. Violet Holmes-Spittle died in 1949 aged 56. They were the aunty and uncle of Mary Elziabeth Holme ( m Chatham) Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html)Four Australian soldiersVerso: 'Moascar, Egypt, June 14th '16. From left to right. S.G.S. [Gordon Spittle], Cam Williamson & Harry [Holmes]. Sitting is Private Berry a son of the big merchants in Melbourne. Am sending these negatives to Jim W. so if they arrive safely, you'll be able to get better proofs from him. From Gordon [Spittle].chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, moascar, egypt, suez canal, spittle, williamson, harry holmes, berry, egypt, moarcar, ascot

The photograph is associated with Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) A photograph of the cemetery at Metras, Alexandria, Egypt. It shows many graves and monuments.Verso: 'Snap taken of the Egyptian Cemetery near our camp at Metras, Alexandria.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, metras, alexandria, egypt

The photograph is associated with Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) Sepia photograph of an Australian solder on a housechatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, horse, ascot

The photograph is associated with Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) Photograph of a scene in front of the Anglican Church at Cairo, Egypt. Verso: 'Snap taken in the street at Alexandria opposite the Anglican Church.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, alexandria, egypt

The postcard was sent by Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) Image of six uniformed Australian Solders, and an Egyptian holding a small bear.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, holmes, harry holmes, ascot

This image was sent back to Ascot, Victoria.A number of Australian soldiers during World War One surround a launch at the Suez Canal.Verso: Arrival of the launch from ______ which brings our supplies etc. As the picture shows rather a busy moment and this snap was taken in front of our camp.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, suez canal, world war

An image of a number of Australian Soldiers During World War One posing in front of tents in Egypt.Verso: "Our Camp at [censored with blue pencil - probably Sereapeum]. In the background can be seen the plantation which grows for miles along the [Suez] Canal, and for miles back you see masts of the shows in the Canal."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, suez

Image of three Australian soldiers in Uniform during World War One, along with a number of Egyptian children. The soldiers are Harold Reid, Harry Holmes, and Gordon Spittle.verso: 'Snap of Harold Reid, Harry [Holmes], Gordon [Spittle] and three Egyptian boys taken in front of fernery at Nouza Gardens.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, nouza gardens, ascot

This card was most probably purchased by Harry Holmes while on service with the Australian Imperial Forces during World Way One.Black and white postcard showing a three story brick building. It is the Watter-mill, Le Moulin, Somme. This card was purchased by an Australian soldier, probably Henry Smerdon Holmes, during World War One. chatham - holmes family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, france, somme, wtter-mill, meaulte, le moulin, amiens, aif

Postcard sent from the French theatre of war during World War One by Harry Holmes. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Henry's grand-daughter, Jane Dyer nee Chatham) White postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery includes 5 flags (England, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia), a blue horseshoe, a green sprig rosemary and the words 'United We Stand".Verso: With best love from Harry 13/5/16chatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one.

Ernest William Dark was born at Ballarat East. Before his enlistment on 10 April 1915, aged 19, Dark was a boot salesman. His next of kin on the enlistment papers was his mother Sarah Dark of 40 Bridge Street, Ballarat East. Ernest Dark was a very early World War One enlistment with the regimental number of 19A. He was a member of the 6th Field Ambulance. Black and white photograph of soldiers pushing an ambulance through the mud during World War One. The scene is most probably in France. Verso: "Dear Miss Holmes, I am sending this P.C. to thank you for a pair of sox which I received from the red cross, (sic) with a note inside on which was your your name and address. My unit, the 6th Aus. Field Ambulance, had received quite a lot of red cross goods from the Ballarat district, and I am writing to let you know how much the boys appreciate them. Please accept my best thanks. Yours sincerely. Pte E.W. Darkchatham, chatham family collection, ernest dark, dark, world war one, world war i. world war 1, ambulance

This photo was taken at Ferry Post, Suez Canal. .2) Two Australian Soldiers around a camp fire at Ferry Post boil a billy for tea..1) Verso: Harry [Holmes] and Gordon [Spittle] make afternoon tea for Cam, who snaps them in tea-making operation. (Ferry Post, Ismailia, Egypt). .2) S.G.S. [S. Gordon Spittle] and Harry [Holmes] making coffee to entertain Cam Williamson on his first visit to our camp. The hat hides Harry's face. These snaps are taken by Cam's Kodak."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, suez, ferry post, billy tea

This item was created while on service during World War One. A group of eight uniformed Australian soldiers casually dressed while posing for a photograph. The image was taken at Serapeum during World War One.Verso "Group taken at Serapeum, left to right front row, Frank S., Jack Nase, Joe Fawcett, B.R., H.H. Gordon, Theo Jones at back, Harold Holmes, Reid, Les Walters.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, nase, fawcett, gordon, theo jones, reid, h.reid, harry holmes, walters, gordon spittle, joe fawcett, joseph fawcett, harold holmes, les walters

Harold Reid, dressed in Australian Army uniform poses for a photograph during World War One. Verso 'Harold Reid, taken at place where we have our maps printed.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, harold reid, reid

Australian soldiers unload the ration launch at Serapeum..1) Verso - Ration launch being unloaded at Serapeum. .2) Verso - 'Joe and Harry in front taken after stoking down the fold on Bakara.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, serapeum, bakara

The primary role of a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) member was that of nursing orderly in hospitals, carrying out menial but essential tasks - scrubbing floors, sweeping, dusting and cleaning bathrooms and other areas, dealing with bedpans, and washing patients. They were not employed in military hospitals, except as ward and pantry maids; rather, they worked in Red Cross convalescent and rest homes, canteens, and on troop trains. At the start of the First World War, Australian VADs were restricted from travelling overseas by the Defence Council. As a result, many chose to travel on their own initiative and join British detachments, often in Australian Hospitals. It is reported that the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital included in their nursing staff some 120 VADs, chiefly Australians in the British service, employed through the Australian Red Cross Society. This policy was changed in 1916 after a request from Great Britain, and the first detachment of thirty official Australian VADs to serve overseas left Australia in September 1916.(http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/vad/, accessed 13 August 2014)A group of VADs, a nurse, and some men from the Australian Imperial Forces. Verso: 'group of nurses and some of the men at Highton - taken at an afternoon we had. Can you find me [Harold Holmes] it is not very clear. The 2nd in uniform from the right hand side.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, highton, red cross, vad, voluntary aid detachment, nurse, nursing

The photograph is associated with Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) Image of two uniformed Australian soldiers guarding a temporary gaol at Metra during World War One.Verso: 'Clink or jail at Metra. Gordon [Spittle] in the centre and Jim and George Hobill on guard.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, hobill, metras, egypt

An image of Australian soldiers and horses swimming in an Egyptian Canal during World War One. A number of the soldiers are naked.Verso: 'Swimming horses in the Canal. This snap is a good one to show you the Canal. X indicates S.G.S. [S. Gordon Spittle].chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, suez canal, harry holmes, gordon spittle, ascot

Suez CanalImage of an Australian army camp site at Suez Canal during World War One..2) General view of our present Camp. Suez Canal. 20-5-'16. Harry [Holmes]chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, suez canal,

Metras, SuezSepia photograph of the Australian horse lines in Egypt during World War one. Verso: 'Portion of the Remount Depots horse lines at Metra.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, suez, horse