This blog is a companion to the Database of Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington

Monday, May 17, 2010

Broadmeadows Camp Aug 1914

I would be grateful if someone could elucidate what this photo shows.  On the back is the above title in what is probably contemporary writing, and a later hand has added "Friends and relations 7th Btn Machine Gun Section".  Pte Julius Rudolph "Ru" Jacobsohn is in the back row fifth from left.  

I am wondering whether this photo shows a last militia camp prior to enlistment in August 1914, or did they report in (with friends and family) wearing their militia kit? Jacobsohn enlisted at Essendon on 17 August 1914, and his regimental number is 48.  By 1914 Jacobsohn was a  Lieutenant in the Victorian Rifles, but is not wearing officer's uniform in this photo.  At least I don't think he is.
Any thoughts?

4 comments:

  1. Incidentally, that you so much for this site, it's been invaluable for my research into Frannk Stanley (Stan) Bowman.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. Have you seen Stan's page on my website?
      http://empirecall.pbworks.com/w/page/11620330/Bowman%20F%20S%20%20Pte%20%2044

      And have you had a look at the photo of the St Thomas' Harriers? http://empirecall.pbworks.com/w/page/38710897/St%20Thomas%27%20Harriers.

      Stan was a member, but I am not sure if he is in the photo.

      Delete
  2. Could this be one of the 'open days' held at the camp before the initial embarkation? There were up to 60,000 visitors who arrived on 34 trains - more than enough for this to be a group of visitors to one of the new soldiers.

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  3. Yes, I think now that it was. I was puzzled at first by the boys in what I realise now is their Senior Cadet uniforms, but then realised there would have been no uniforms available for them as early as August 1914.

    ReplyDelete