Historical information

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform.

It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank.

The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.

Significance

The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front.

The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914.

On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history.

The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse:
Mendelssohn & Co., / Swanston St., Melbourne /
POST CARD /
KODAK /
CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY /
AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL /
KODAK /
BMM 2640.3 /