George Fanner and the 37 Inf Battalion

This painting by Septimus Powers depicts the 3rd and 4th Australian Divisions in the Somme battlefield.  Infantry, supported by horse drawn artillery and two British Mark IV male tanks, moves towards front line, part of the allied offensive of 8 August 1918, the day that became known to the Germans as 'der schwartze Tag' (the black day).

George William Fanner was part of the 3rd Division and took part in this battle, and others.  Rod Martin outlines George's part in the defeat of Germany in 1918, and the cost.  Go to the Empire Called website to read about George Fanner and the 37 Battalion.

Probably A Company, 37th Battalion, 1915

Photo courtesy of Yvonne Macvean.

This photo is thought to include Private Albert Edmond Hickson who had grown up and gone to school in Essendon.  Albert joined the AIF in July 1915 and embarked on the Wandilla in November 1915.  He was one of the 'Fair Dinkums' who enlisted in full knowledge of the disaster at Gallipoli, and went to help their mates.  The two officers in the centre are probably 2 Lt William Sharp to the left with a swagger stick, and Captain Charles Mills on the right.  This company were involved in the disaster at Fromelles in 1916.  Sharp received a gunshot wound to the hip, and Mills, also wounded, was taken prisoner of war.  If you can identify any of the soldiers, please get in touch.  See a larger copy of the photo on Albert Hickson's webpage.

The Wilsons of Moonee Ponds

Emily, Daisy and John Wilson, Leighton Studios, circa 1917. Courtesy of Nereda Shute.

Private John Wilson and his wife Emily took their little daughter Daisy to the Leighton Photographic Studio in Margaret St, Moonee Ponds, opposite the Moonee Ponds station.  They had this keepsake photo taken prior to John embarking with the 10 Machine Gun Company in June 1917.  After a period of training in England, John was transferred to the 37 Infantry Battalion and embarked for France. 

Hunters in the field

Captured German 77 cm. field gun (Dunedin District, New Zealand)  (Rod Martin)

Having recently told the story of Sergeant David Hunter who died at Bullecourt in 1917, Rod Martin now looks at his brother, 2nd Lieutenant Robert Hunter of the 37th Infantry Battalion. Having both enlisted in 1915, the Army recognised both as having leadership skills, and promoted them accordingly.