Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates

Here's a source I knew nothing about until Geoff Haynes drew it to my attention with this entry in the Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950, now included in Ancestry.  Roger Eastwood left Australia with 7 Inf Bn, but while in Egypt in 1915 received a commission in the British Army, and thereafter served with the 1st Essex Regiment.  And evidently learnt to fly while he had the opportunity!

Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, 1915

Taken at the Liverpool Camp, NSW

These men were from the 'Victorian Quota' of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force which was formed quickly in 1914 and dispatched to Rabaul, New Britain, to seize and destroy German wireless stations in the south–west Pacific.  Private James Cason Livesay is seated at far left of the middle row.  Any further identifications would be welcome.  James left Victoria in December or November (his enlistment date and embarkation in his records date are incompatible!), and returned to Victoria in December 1915 at the termination of his engagement.  Photo courtesy of Geoff Haynes.

Local sportsman answers the call

Bill Liston of Lincoln Rd, Essendon answered the call for recruits to help in the Middle East.  While in France he was struck by the number of locals whom he saw.  "It is just like walking up Puckle-st here, at times: you run across so many chaps from Essendon way."  Rod Martin tells Bill's story, and the struggle of the 22nd battalion in the very bad winter of 1916-17 against trench feet in the wet and muddy trenches.

A Tribute to the Boys

The Essendon City Council presented these certificates to the local volunteers for "Gallant Services rendered".  This one was presented to Gunner E J Weatherley. Courtesy of Christine Love.

Cable for Mrs Anderson of Bowen St, Moonee Ponds

This cablegram was sent by Don Anderson to his sister-in-law to let her know that her husband, his brother Jim, had been wounded.  In a masterpiece of brevity, the message reads "Jim slightly wounded splendid".   Image by courtesy of Bev Armstrong.

22 Inf Bn trainees at Broadmeadows, 1915

Trainees at the Broadmeadows Army Training Camp, Melbourne in about July 1915

Allen Evans' grandfather, Walter Napper Scott, is second from left in the back row. He would love to know who the others in the photo were, and he thinks he has found a clue to their identity in his grandfather's notebook, which contains the following list of names: Gus Stelling, Bill Sertees, Bill Liston, Frank Tribe, Malcolm, Norm, Harry.


Allen has described his grandfather's experiences with the 22 Infantry Battalion in a post titled At the Broadmeadows Army Training Camp in the First World War, and also the post-war suffering of his pal Bill Liston, A First World War soldier who suffered years later.


 Allen would appreciate anyone who recognises one of the men in this photo getting in touch.

Sergeant Vick of Kensington

Fromelles, November 1916.  Looking from the north-east corner of the Sugar Loaf towards the starting point for the 15 Brigade attack. AWM E04030.

Cpl Albert Vick of Barnett St, Kensington survived the battle of Fromelles in 1916.  The attrition at this battle probably led to his promotion to sergeant not long afterwards.  Within a few months Albert and the 29th Battalion went into action at Trones Wood.  Rod Martin relates Sgt Vick's story.