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. S. Gordon Spittle 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. Handwritten lower front 'Do we look down hearted?' Handwritten verso 'Egypt, March 23rd 1916. Dear Mrs Troup. Your very fine and interesting letter dated Feb 15th came to hand to-day and needless to add was delighted to receive it, and can promise you that I'll answer it at my earliest opportunity. We are now having a better time since we came to this part, as we are able to enjoy a little of city life, although we have a good deal more work to do, & which is mostly carting goods to & from the ships & railway stations etc, all of which is interesting & quite a change from our life on the Desert. Hope this card finds you in good health. I will now have to say au revoir for the present with kindest regards to Mr Troup, self and family. From your very sincere friends, A. Gordon Spittle."Two uniformed Australian soldiers pose for a photograph during World War One.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, spittle, gordon spittle

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. Image of eight Australian soldiers during World War One. They stand in front of damaged palm trees alongside their horses. Each of the soldiers are from Ascot, Victoria. They are Harry [Holmes], Jack Nase, Harold Reid, Gordon Spittle, Les Walters, Archie May, Frank Thomas, Joe Fawcett.'Verso 'A group of the Ascot boy. Taken with our own horses. from left to right:- Harry [Holmes], Jack Nase, Harold Reid, Gordon Spittle, Les Walters, Archie May, Frank Thomas, Joe Fawcett.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, ascot, harry holmes, gordon spittle, les walters, archie may, frank thomas. mase, reif, spittle, walters, may, thomas, fawcett

The postcard was sent by Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. He sent a number of postcards home to his family in Ascot, Victoria. 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 daya to day activities experienced by Australian Soldiers in Egypt during World War One.A number of tents and soldiers in a dry landscape. They are Australian Soldiers At Metras, Egypt during World War One. Verso: 'Breaking Camp at Metras prior to making our departure from there on March 28th.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, metras, egypt

Black and White image of a donkey and cart covered with fabric and featuring the Red Cross Symble. It is an Indian Ambulance, Suez Canal.Verso: "An Indian Ambulance Cart with myself (Harry Holmes) at the donkey's head."8.7 x 14.0 cmchatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, ambulance, harry holmes, horse drawn waggon, egypt

Frank Anthony Thomas was born at Daylesford and enlisted at Ballarat. On his enlistment papers of 9 August 1915, his next of Kin was Saul Thomas of Ascot, Victoria. This photo was found with a number of other World War One material associated with the Holmes family of Ascot, Victoria. Black and white photographic portrait of a World War One soldier in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). It is Frank A. Thomas. Verso "Sincerely yours F.A. Thomas, France March 1918."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, frank anthony thomas, ascot

Verso "Our horse lines at [censored in blue pencil - probably Serapeum]. Notice the camp in the background also the fine plantation."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, harry holmes

The photograph is associated with Harry Holmes and Gordon Spittle who were members 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) 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 dies in 1949 aged 56. Black and white postcard showing a statue in the middle of a townscape in Alexandria, Egypt. The monument is Mohamed Aly.Verso "Monument to Mohamed Aly which is erected in the square Alexandria. Gordon. 30/3/16chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, spittle, gordon spittle, 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) Four postcards of Nouza Gardens, alexandria, Eygpt. .1) Two English soldiers walk down a tree lined avenue at Nouza gardens .2) Garden setting with fernery building on the right. .3) Gardens with towered building in the centre of the photograph .4) Three Egyptian boys who acted as guide to Australian Soldiers Harry Holmes and his friends sit on a seat in front of a fernery building. .1) Aveue at entrance to Nouza gardens, Two tommies in the foreground. .2) View at gardens. Nouza .3) View taken at Nouza Gardens, Alexandria. .4) The fernery at Nouza Gardens. Very pretty inside. the three boys we picked up and they acted as our guides. chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, nouza gardens, alexandria, egypt

The postcard was written on 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) Sepia photograph showing a number of tents used by Australian soldiers during World War One, with the Suez Canal in the foreground. Verso "A camp five miles from ours. Snap take [3 words covered in blue pencil by the censor - they appear to say 'across the Canalchatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, suez canal, egypt, ascot

Black and white image of Australian soldiers, horses, supplies, and tents at an Australian Army Depot.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes

chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, ascot

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) Black and white image of a canal in Egypt during World War One.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, egypt

Chu Chin Chow is a musical comedy written, produced and directed by Oscar Asche, with music by Frederic Norton, based (with minor embellishments) on the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Tickets to see Chu Chin Chow were particularly eagerly sought by troops on leave from the Western Front. One of the attractions for the on-leave soldiers was the chorus of pretty slave girls who, for the period, were very scantily dressed. The cast was large and included a camel, a donkey, poultry and snakes. A total of 2,800,000 people saw the show. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Chin_Chow) It is thought that Harry Holmes attended 'Chu Chin Chow' while on leave in London during World War One. Around this time he had been serving in the Australian Imperial Forces in Egypt. Henry 'Harry' Holmes was the son of Violet Holmes. He enlisted under the name Harry Smerdon Holmes and was put into the 18th A.A.S.C., then later transferred into the 5th Division Train A.S.C. 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) Research: Henry Holmes' grandaughter, Jane Dyer (nee Chatham) White paper theatre programme with red and black writing. It is a publicity brochure from the play 'Chu Chin Chow' by Oscar Asche set to music by Frederic Norton. In black ink in front 'So far this is an easy first of the shows I've seen, The scenes are great and being Egyptian we understand them all the better'. chatham family collection, holmes, theatre, world war 1, world war, world war i, herbert tree, entertainment, music, musical, oscar asche, fred norton

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)Two postcards showing Australian army camp at Metras Camp, Egypt .1) A soldier sits on a horse in front of a cart. Lines of horses are in the background behind a post and rail fence. .2 A horse is hitched to a manure cart at Metras Camp, Egypt. Lines of horses are in the background. .1) verso - 'Taken at Metras Camp' .2) verso - 'A native horse and cart carting manure at horse lines.'chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, 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 team of eight camels, teamsters and Howistzer, and a large tent.Verso - 'A team of eight camels yoked in an five inch Howistzer taken at [censored in blue].chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, harry holmes

Image of two Australian soldiers in uniform during World War One. They are Joe Fawcett and Jack Nase.Verso: "Joe Fawcett and Jack Nase"chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, fawcett, nase, joe fawcett, joseph fawcett, jack nase

Printed on the postcard (verso) 'this impressive picture shows a Church of England service on the battle-field for troops going into the trenches, the Chaplain officiating from a small field altar. A number of men near around an altar with a priest during World War One. chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, egypt, ascot

Probably in Egypt, c1916Eleven Australian Soldiers during World War One. The soldiers belong to Harry Holmes' (of Ascot, Victoria) battalion.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, world war, ascot

Australian World War One Soldier memento. This postcard was possibly sent home from France during World War One, most probably from Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. 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 and Tourello lads and district connections: neighbours (including a Wrigley boy), Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk, with top flap. The central embroidery depicts two small soldiers dressed in brown outside a gate leading to house in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees. Below is a blue embroidered "Best Compliments" and red embroidered garland of red flowers.chatham family collection, chatham, world, war, world war one, world war 1, world war i, france, harry holmes, holmes, embroidery, postcard

Most probably taken by Harry Holmes while serving with the AIF in Egypt during World War One.Photograph of a giraffe behind a fencei n the Cairo Zoo during World War One. Verso 'A giraffe in the Cairo Zoo'.chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, harry holmes, egypt, cairo, middle east

Holmes Family Ascot World War One memorabilia This postcard was sent from France during World War One. The writer, Gordon Spittle, enlisted with the brother of the recipient, Mary Coghill Holmes. Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk. The embroidery includes a crowned crest, and the flags of England, France, and Italy and the words "Souvenir d'Amiens".Verso "Somewhere in France July 14th '17 My dear Mary, In the first place I have to thank you for your letter of April 30th which came to hand by the last mail, and also very kindly the tin of biscuits sent per Miss B. which came to hand by the last Sunday. I also received a tin from Violet and will be writing her to-morrow and the next day it it is not to hot and muggy. I can assure you both that I appreciate your continued kindness more than words can tell, and only regret that I am unable to do something in return. Who can believe it is just two years ago since Harry & I enlisted, & the war doesn't appear to be any nearer ending than it did then, however let us hope and trust the end is not very far off, for goodness only knows how utterly tied (sic) of it we all are. His Majesty the King paid our division a visit on Thursday, & yesterday I went to Amiens for the day. Must now ring off for the present with kindest regards to your Mother, Violet, Willie and Self. From S. Gordon S." chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, mary holmes, amiens, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, gordon spittle, embroidery, france, western front, mary coghill holmes, postcard

Two young women pose in military uniform. One on the left is Edith Pickford of Clunes. Edith married Henry Smerdon Holmesworld war one, world war 1, world war i, chatham, chatham family collection, pickford, soldier, edith pickford, unform, music, women, clunes

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