Historical information

It is believed Private C SMITH is one of the soldiers featured in this photograph. Private John Claude SMITH 2020 was born 2/8/1893 at Wangaratta He was employed by the Railways and trained in Liverpool, NSW. He enlisted on 8/2/1915 and embarked on 9/8/1915 from Sydney on the "Runic". He served with the 18th battalion on the western front and was discharged on 27/5/1919.

Significance

Many soldiers going off to the war had a photograph taken of themselves in uniform, often a studio portrait taken by a professional; many also carried a photograph of a loved one with them. But most people were still rather formal and camera-conscious, and smiling for the camera was not usual.

Physical description

Timber frame containing image of two soldiers within a map of Australia below a crown in top centre position with Union Jack and Red Ensign flags in the background. Back has been re-mounted with chipboard. Has wire hangings on the back.