Project blog

‘Anzac, the landing 1915’ by George Lambert, 1922 shows the landing at Anzac Cove, 25 April 1915. The painting depicts the Australian soldiers of the covering force (3rd Infantry Brigade) climbing the seaward slope of Plugge’s Plateau which overlooks the northern end of Anzac Cove. The view is to the north, towards the main range. The yellow pinnacle is “The Sphinx” and beyond is Walker’s Ridge which leads to Russell’s Top.

At nightfall on April 25, ANZAC Divisions clung hard onto ridges above the landing beach. Hopes of embarking on a grand adventure were fast evaporating. Marching through the streets of Constantinople, a disappearing dream. Maj. Gen. Bridges had to make a decision. To stay and fight or evacuate…

General William Bridges and his staff watching the manoeuvres of the 1st Australian Division in the desert in Egypt, March 1915. (AWM ART09425)

Burning Bridges: ANZAC in hindsight. What are we to make of the ANZAC landing?

The World’s News: a record of notable events was a Sydney newspaper issued from the office of Watkin Wynne’s Daily Sydney Telegraph running from 1901 to 1955.
It was full of anecdotes, news stories on current events, editorial comments and instructions on how to make things ranging from a rubber stamp to glass cutting machines.

While undertaking some research I came across a catalogue entry at the State Library NSW describing a photograph album created by a local man.

It was titled With the Australians on the Western Front / compiled for the Mitchell Library by J. M. Hamilton, Lavoni Street, Mosman out of his collection of photographs.

Curiosity aroused I consulted the People section of Doing our bit and could not find Hamilton listed. I then undertook all the usual searches and was finally able to find him on the AIF project site.

In 1915 Hamilton had enlisted at 38 years in the 18th Battalion, 10th reinforcement and returned to Australia in 1919 with a British War Medal and a Victory medal.

A few weeks ago I received an email with information regarding, Reginald Victor Fusedale, and a request to add him to our records on Doing Our Bit.

We receive a great many emails like this suggesting names for inclusion and if there is a Mosman connection they are added to the site.