A teacher joins the machine gunners

Frederick Almonde Coe was teaching at St Thomas' Grammar School, Essendon, when he enlisted in February 1916.  The image above shows the Vickers medium machine gun on which Coe trained, and later operated in France. Rod Martin describes how the machine gun crews operated, and the outcome of Frederick's part in the war.

Unidentified soldier at Moonee Ponds

From the State Library of Victoria collection, H99.166/52.

This fellow was photographed at Leighton Studios, 14 Margaret St, Moonee Ponds.  He may well not have been a local, but on the other hand, it is worth considering that he was a local. One of the older fellows in his late 30s.  If anyone should recognise him, please get in touch.

The Rossi brothers do their bit

Gunner Les Rossi, back row, far left, trained in Swanage, England with reinforcements of 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column.  They embarked for France on 10 Feb 1917,  where Les was subsequently transferred to the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column.  Please get in touch if you recognise any of the men in the above photo.

Standing on the left is Les Rossi's brother, who enlisted as Francis Ross.  Frank embarked with the 18th Reinforcements of the 23 Infantry Battalion.  This photo was taken in Melbourne prior to embarkation, but his comrade is unknown. Photos courtesy of Bron Rossi.

Les and Frank both returned to Australia.