Project blog

Captain Malley in his distinctively-painted Sopwith Camel. (Source: Peter Scholer)

Previously unseen photographs of the Mosman boy who fought the Red Baron’s Flying Circus have come to light thanks to our Anzac centenary project.

The Fort of DOUAUMONT. Postcard ca. 1920. George Eastman House Collection

Mort pour la France has a weight and tone not dissimilar to lest we forget. It is reserved for those who have died in the service of their country. A chance discovery when searching the Trove newspapers database has revealed a Mosman man who fought with the French and bears this sombre honorific.

Finding the fragments that complete a picture is one of the rewards of digging in the archives. The diaries of two Mosman men have revealed for John and Vicki Andrews the deep regard felt for a forebear by the men of his command.

We received this email from Christelle Hilz.

I’m the author of an historical novel, which I expect to be published before the end of the year. I mention Allan Allsop – 8th Australian Field Ambulance in my novel. I was wondering if his son, John, was still alive. If so, I would love to get in touch with him to see if “My Allan Allsop” ‘s personality matches the original one. He’s not a main character in my novel – he just meets one of my characters and appears in one chapter. “My Allan’s” personality was based on what shows through his diaries and a study of his handwriting.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is applying for an ANZAC Grant for the erection of an interpretation sign outside the 1913 Drill Hall beside Rawson Oval as well as signs for the World War 1 Hospital at Georges Heights.