Australian Imperial Forces.
The Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) was established shortly after the out break of war as an entirely volunteer force. The Force was known as ANZAC – Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. At its peak it raised 7 Divisions, one of which also comprised New Zealanders, as well as cavalry, artillery, air and naval forces. ANZACs fought at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and the Western Front. They gained a reputation as well trained and hard fighters. Over 420000 people served with casualties of over 60000 killed and 137000 wounded.
Australian war casualties are commemorated at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. – also contains information on the AIF, archives of the men who served, war diaries and histories – web site at link – Australian War Memorial.
AIF Units Men on the Gates served with –
1st Australian Light Horse Regiment.
Australian War Memorial – 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment
The 1st Light Horse was a pre war mounted part time militia. It was mobilised at Rosebury Park, Sydney in August 1914. The regiment sailed from Sydney on 19 October 1914 and disembarked in Egypt on 8 December. They served at Gallipoli until evacuated in December 1915 and then remained in the Middle East serving in the campaign in Palestine in 1917.
Trooper 257 George Frank, 1 Bn Australian Light Horse. (Wounded 10 May 1915)
Troops of the 2nd Australian Division on a road behind the lines; Croix du Bac, near Armentieres, 18th May 1916. Note a rifle breech cover. (IWM Q 590)
25 Bn Australian Infantry – 7 Brigade 2 Division
Australian War Memorial – 25 Bn Australian Infantry
The 25 Bn Australian Infantry (Queensland and Tasmania) was raised at Enoggera, Queensland in March 1915. They served at Gallipoli but saw little action arriving there in September 1915 and after the main offensives had been fought. In March 1916 they transferred to France. They saw action during the Somme Offensive and during Third Ypres, the Kaiser Offensive and 100 Days. The battalion was disbanded in October 1918 with going into other AIF Infantry battalions.
Private 6322 Eric G Fulcher, 25 Bn Australian Infantry AIF.
26 Bn Australian Infantry – 7 Brigade 2 Division
Australian War Memorial – 26 Bn Australian Infantry
The 26 Bn Australian Infantry (Queensland) was raised at Enoggera, Queensland in April 1915. They served at at Gallipoli but saw little action arriving there in September 1915 and after the main offensives had been fought. In March 1916 they transferred to France. They saw action during the Somme Offensive and during Third Ypres, the Kaiser Offensive and 100 Days. The battalion was disbanded in May 1919.
Private 4234 Rueben Williams, 26 Bn Australian Infantry.
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