Historical information

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. On the right is (Staff )Sergeant Charles Edmund MORRIS V4127 and 7349 who served with the 7th Battalion during WW1. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include
Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941
Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941
Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941
Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941

Significance

Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.

Physical description

Black and white reproduced photograph of 11 aboriginal soldiers in two rows with Officer standing in middle of back row and Sergeant on far right.

Inscriptions & markings

Attached to rear - Abo Platoon with Corporal Mullett on right (left)of platoon Hon Major J A Wright centre Sergeant Morris on left (right) - Wangaratta 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wang