Historical information
This frame contains two as yet unidentified soldiers from two of Australia’s earliest overseas conflicts. The WW1 soldier has the rank of Captain and the Boer War soldier has the three stripes of Sergeant. It is possible that he belongs to the Coronation Contingent of Edward V11 in 1902.These soldiers were selected form all over Australia with 42 coming from Victoria. The Australian War Memorial cites a number of approximately 16000 soldiers who fought in the Boer War from 1899-1902. Of that number 282 died in action or as a result of wounds while around 320 died as a result of disease and accidents. Six received the Victoria Cross as well as other awards for bravery.
The First World War had more drastic consequences for Australia. From a population of less than 5 million, 416809 men enlisted of whom over 60,000 were killed with 156000 wounded gassed or taken prisoner. Australian fought from 1914-1918 from Egypt, Turkey, and the Western Front in Europe.
Significance
These photographs are representative of many photos which are kept in remembrance of Australian soldiers who fought in wars particularly the two world wars. The Boer war photo is a rarer one.
Physical description
This bi- fold photo frame is rectangular in shape with a rounded section at each top. It is leather in composition and has the Rising Sun insignia in each arch which appears to be metal. There are glass covering two photographs one of a Boer War soldier and the other of WW1. It is hinged in the middle with a double layer of leather which is broken .The Boer war photograph has a coloured flag and medal ribbons.
Inscriptions & markings
The two Rising Sun badges have Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. The frame itself has J C Vickery Regent St W stamped on the back in gold with a crown above it. The photograph of the WW1 soldier has Hana Studio Ltd 22**** which although unreadable has been matched with another photograph to read,” 22 Bedford St Strand London. The photograph of the Boer War soldier has no studio identity.
