Historical information

Items relating to the collection re Alexander Norman Cummin No 18, 38th Batt AIF, his brother Harold Nesbit Cummin No 1239 Camel Corp.
Refer 2535P (Alexander) 2530.3P (Harold) for their service details.
.6) Graves photo. On the left, Sydney Graham Issell. He had 4 years pre war service in Senior cadets and Citizens Forces reaching the rank of Sgt. Enlisted on 8.2.1916 No 912 with the rank of Cpl, C Coy 38th Batt age 21 years 11 months. Embark for England 20.6.1916, promoted L/Sgt, embark for France 22.11.1916, hospital 13.5.1917 (NYD) rejoin unit 19.5.1917, WIA 29.5.1917 GSW chest then restated GSW Back, severe, rejoin unit 12.3.1918, KIA 1.8.1918.
On the right, Harold James Fraser. He had 5 years pre war service in the Cadets and Citizens Forces. Enlisted on 27.10.1916 No 2802 6th reinforcements 38th Batt age 22 years. Embark for England 16.12.1916, moves through 10th, 14th Training Batt’s then 66th Batt on 28.4.1917, promoted Sgt and alloted No 2802A, embark for France 25.8.1917 as reinforcement 38th Batt, awarded the Military medal (MM)) 12.10.1917 East of Eypres, KIA 1.8.1918.
Both were buried at Vaire Wood near Corbie.

Physical description

.1) 2 Australian soldiers in fatigues with what looks like a cooking apparatus, with letters below DROW EC (stylised).
.2) 1/2 length portrait of an Australian soldier.
.3) Casual portrait of a soldier sitting in fatigues, probably Sandy. Boots look muddy, scrub in background.
.4) Portrait of 2 soldiers (allied) fully armed & wearing helmets.
.5) Portrait of a soldier (allied) fully armed & dangerous.
.6) Black & white photo of 2 graves with white crosses. Soldiers left cross: No 912 SGT SG ISSELL 38 BN AIF, Soldier right cross: No 2802 SGT HJ FRASER 38 BN AIF.
.7) Black & white photo showing 2 Australian soldiers casually dressed in the ruins of an old factory.
.8) Black & white mini photo showing building ruins & what appears to be derelict boilers.
.9) Black & white mini photo showing what appears to be a WWI German soldier kamerading (surrendering). This is probably posing in captured enemy clothing.
10.) Black & white mini photo showing camels at rest.
.11) Black & white mini photo showing a blown up British pattern tank MK1 on sandy terrain. A track has detached & curled up over the front of the tank.

Inscriptions & markings

.1) verso: “Me & Sandy Port De Nieppe May 1917”
.2) verso: “Taken in Liverpool, England while on <> leave Jan 1918. To Mother Father & all at home with love from Sandy”