Capt. P.G. Taylor in the cockpit of an Se5a.Capt. J.M. Allport stands beside his Re8.

‘Bill’ Taylor and Jack Manning Allport’s paths crossed, albeit briefly, in England’s green and pleasant fields. At the time 2nd Lieutenant Taylor was training to be an aviator, and Gunner J.M. Allport was looking to the skies…

Some of the shell-shocked soldiers to whom Preston taught basket-weaving at the Seale-Hayne Neurological Military Hospital, Devonshire (UK). Preston is just out of camera to the right, but her black Scottish Terrier ‘Little Jim” can be seen sitting next to her in the bottom right-hand corner.

After the 1914-18 war Margaret Preston lived, and created artworks in Mosman.

During the war, Margaret and friend Gladys Reynell got the chance to help rebuild shattered lives.

‘Emden’s Last Battle’ by Claus Bergen [1885-1964].Source 1914: Two sides of the EMDEN-SYDNEY fight in Art [II]. by Horatio J. Kookaburra

B&W Photograph ‘Unveiling the Emden Gun: Captain Glossop adressing the crowd.’

100 years ago, today, Australia’s 1st Naval victory was commemorated.

On Friday 21st December, 1917, SMS Emden’s gun was unveiled at Hyde Park, Sydney. The event was attended by thousands. The Sydney Morning Herald reported “The scene was exceedingly picturesque, with the brilliant sunshine and the gay colours which flew above the enclosure, where many leading citizens gathered.”

After leaving SMS Emden ‘wrecked and done for’ in 1914, HMAS Sydney was involved in some interesting engagements whilst serving with the British North Sea fleet.

With recruitment falling in 1917, Hughes called for a 2nd plebiscite on conscription. This campaign was just as devisive as the 1916 campaign. On December 20th the nation voted. The answer was; No, again.