Summary
Black and white photograph, dating from World War I, showing an Australian soldier standing with Sri Lankan men and women in Kadugannawa. Most likely taken during leave from 17 June - 2 September 1917 (as per service records) as 1916 stop in Colombo was too short to allow for the journey to Kadugannawa
Part of a collection of World War I photographs associated with the service of Lionel Knox Trezise (service no. 14340), father of the donor John Trezise. Lionel was a 'reliving postmaster and telegraphist' when he enlisted on 22 March 1916. He was placed in the 1st Australian Wireless Signal Squadron as a sapper, serving with the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force. During his service he apparently took photographs in India, Sri Lanka and Mesopotamia (Iraq and neighbouring regions). After returning to Australia in 1919 he married and became a public servant. He died in 1972. Lionel's brother John Gordon (Jack) Trezise also served in World War I (service no. 5105). He enlisted on 2 March 1916 while a 26-year-old shop assistant in Broken Hill, and was killed in action in France on 1 June 1918.
Description of Content
Australian soldier dressed in uniform standing with a group of men and women in Sri Lanka. A sign bearing the name "Kadugannawa" is behind.
Physical Description
Black and white photograph, slightly discoloured and curled.
More Information
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Collection Names
Military Memorabilia Collection, Returned and Services League (RSL) Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation & Subsequent Transfer from Victorian Branch, Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL), Mr John Trezise, Oct 1984
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Place & Date Depicted
Kadugannawa, Sri Lanka, 1917
Trezise was on leave in India from late June to late August 1917 so it is most likely he went to Sri Lanka then as well. His 1916 disembarkation in Colombo was not long enough to make the journey in land. -
Past Owner (Probable)
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Format
Photograph, Black & White
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Image Dimensions - Photograph
8 cm (Length), 13 cm (Width)
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Keywords
Military Memorabilia, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918