Militaria

Lot 4294    Session 13 (2.30pm Thursday)    Militaria

Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $180

THE SOLDIER'S KODAK, WWI Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak camera in the original brown leather case, the name G Fewster is scratched onto one end of the camera and written in ink on the camera case flap in two lines is, 'G.Fewster/Gladstone', and impressed on the back of the dressed leather carry case in three lines is, 'H. Anthony/1299/Third L H Reg'. Fine.

The Soldier's Kodak was a very popular camera with men going to the front and its popularity was greatly enhanced when a competition was announced offering no less than œ20,000 in total for News Pictures from the war.

There is only one G.Fewster on the WWI nominal roll, namely Lieutenant George Edward Fewster who served with the 15 Battalion and was killed in action on 15 July 1918. It is possible that the camera might have changed hands during December 1915 as both men would have been encamped in Egypt at that time or they have crossed paths on another occasion.

Trooper Harold Anthony, regimental number 1257 and 1299, station hand, age 24, born at Kidwelly, South Wales; Enl.03Jun1915 at Adelaide, Sth Aust; to 9LHR Reinforcements 01Jul1915; Emb.21Sep1915 for Middle East; Emb.13Nov1915 from Alexandria for Mudros and operations at Gallipoli; to Alexandria 04Dec1915; to Western Frontier Force with 3LHR 29Dec1915 and operations towards Mersah Matruh against hostile Arabs; on various operations including Maghdaba and Rafa attacks, patrols and reconnaissance tasks near Shellal and raids on enemy rail and other facilities, major attacks against Beersheeba from 30Oct1917; WIA 03Nov1917 near Khuweilfeh GSW to left shoulder; various stints in hospital in between operations; RTA 09Jul1919 disembarking at Adelaide 03Sep1919; Disch.04Oct1919.

With research folder.