Militaria

Lot 3642    Session 13 (2.30pm Thursday 22nd November)    Militaria

Estimate $2,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

AUSTRALIAN WWI HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS, includes two photo albums with a variety of over 250 photos that feature the AIF service of Captain James Henry Moore of 38Bn and Captain Ernest William Dixon DSO of 10LHR and 3 Anzac Bn Imperial Camel Corps, put together by their friend Eileen Ramsay and they include,^1) The embarkation of 38Bn from Melbourne on HMAT Runic in June 1916 being a most comprehensive detail of all the officers (HQs and all Coys) naming each as well as various other individuals on the ship including Lieutenant Orchard (Geelong footballer) and other officers, some of who would later become KIA, commanding officers or highly decorated. ^2) General photos during the voyage such as 'looking for submarines', 'boxing heavyweight championship' and general drill.^3) Several photos of a visit by General Monash with Major Story (later the CO of 37Bn who was controversially dismissed as a result of the unit's mutiny), also Brigadier McNicol DSO and others.^4) Hospital photos including nurses and wounded with names.^5) Two signed portrait photos of AFC pilots, one of which is Will Dixon, brother to Ernest. Various aeroplane photos and a group photo of the AFC pilots in 1918, most likely related to Will Dixon.^6) Numerous photos related to Captain Ernest Dixon DSO and twice mentioned in despatches. The photographic record begins in Perth and February 1915 including naval officers, HMAT Kyarra (twice torpedoed but not the ship he sailed on), then in the Middle East with various officers and men (named), horses (named), Light Horse Warrant Officers, signallers, 8LHR Sergeant, soldiers doing gas mask training, despatch riders, and Turkish officers surrendering but too many to name. These photos cover the early stages of Ernest Dixon's service when he was part of 3LH Brigade Train AASC hence his association with so many different units whilst working out of HQs. He was appointed RSM of 10LHR and later transferred with a commission to the Camel Corp (15LH). This was when he was awarded a DSO for gallantry defending the post that would later be known as 'Dixon's Post' for his command of the position when the Turks made a last ditch effort to re-take Beersheba.^The two albums are in poor condition but the collection of well documented photos which are in fine - very fine condition represent a researcher's dream and no doubt will end up featured in future publications or articles. (250+)

See also lot 3588 for Group of Six medals awarded to Captain E.W.Dixon DSO.