Historical information

Broadmeadows was home to the major army training camp for the Australian Imperial Force. The land was previously known as Mornington Park. It was a wide field, suitable for military practice, including training for the Light Horse regiments. It is the current location of the Maygar Army Barracks on Camp Road in Broadmeadows.
To reach the camp, soldiers marched from Victoria Barracks in St Kilda Road and headed north up Sydney Road, only resting near Fawkner Cemetery.
Soldiers slept in tents and food was basic. Training was hard, but it did not prepare soldiers for a modern war with machine guns, gas, shells and aeroplanes – technology that did not exist in previous wars.
Some men only completed a few months training before departing on troopships from Port Melbourne. Once overseas, some soldiers received further training in Egypt.
It is likely that these men are associated with the Orbost district.

Significance

This photograph is a reminder of the personal stories of those who were involved in WW1.

Physical description

Two copies of a black / white photograph on dark grey buff cards. The photos show a group of soldiers having a meal. Some are sitting on the ground with others standing behind them.

Inscriptions & markings

on back of 989.1 - "Sept 14 Broadmeadows"