Impression sketch
of Float depicting life at the Front, Australia Day parade, Gosford,
30 July, Photograph by R. Hazlewood of
Epping NSW - by Jamie. See
original at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL33602/
Two crossed flags - a Union Jack
And the National Australia flag;
A Union Jack set out in the canton -
The southern constellation, along
With Commonwealth star, set in
Blue; printed on a white silk ribbon.
To show union of two nations joined
In common mission for their heroes -
Labeled 30 July 1915, Australia Day.
Creations of ribbons and badges
Produced for raising patriotic funds -
To be held across both countries.
Other days set aside had helped
War ravaged countries, included
Belgian Day - this 30 July intent,
Was to help Red Cross Australian
Division - symbolised by Australian
Map, stating 'Dardanelles' in red.
In growth of this country’s identity,
Celebrations built on national pride,
In a single days witness of parades.
Such route marches, both at home
And elsewhere - the public would
See wounded men of Dardanelles.
On the day, the Sydney Morning
Herald told of military authorities
Organised by a Colonel Wallack.
With medical support, Gallipoli
Wounded of ten men were able
To attend the street procession.
The governor's carriages would
Convey these wounded heroes,
To lead others in ambulances -
Wagons and decorated motor
Vehicles - to follow would then
Pass a variety of detachments.
After them to be naval reserves;
Some 600 in numbers with cadets
Of the training ship, HMAS Tingira.
Next, men from war ships in port,
Along with 'A' Squadron of 7th
Light Horses, all in full regimentals.
Behind these would be the Khaki
Of Australian Field Artillery;
Their guns to be drawn by horses.
To follow these to be detachments
From Liverpool camp; of infantry
Reinforcements and rifle reservists.
A military parade would continue,
With those training in Liverpool,
Of Army Medical reinforcements.
Red Cross Wagons and motor
Ambulances, supported by corps,
Senior cadets and mounted police.
The Australian day parade routes
Set to leave at 11.30 a.m. near
St Mary's Cathedral, Domain Gates -
Progress King's Street to Queen's
Square, to Macquaire and Bridge
Street, to reach the railway station.
Amid such English place names,
Between each section, two bands
Would march in continual music.
Gosford Times included a report,
Whose parade include the humor
Of the Anzac by horse and cart.
A float organised by Mr Johnson,
Held eight Anzac men, to cause
Onlookers to give shouts of joy.
By a cross of rifles, a prone man
On rocks bore his face, subject
To a toilet of a regimental shave.
About three other Anzacs stared
Intently stare on a game of cards,
Each hoping to hold a good hand.
One resting smoking man reads,
To share the Mail with a mate;
All blasé to the cart stuck in a rut.
Hung on the slump of a bivouac
Topped by a slouch hat, holds
A banner to claim 'this is the life.'
by Jamie Mann.
Anon.,1915.
Wounded Soldiers. The Sydney Morning Herald, [online] 30 July. P.7. Col.3-4. Available at: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/15575515
[Accessed: 1 August 2015].
Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal
communication, 1 August 2015).
#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone
#worldwaroneremembered, #WW1Australia
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