Summary

Sepia-toned photograph of the 'Lion of Babylon' carved statue in the ruins of ancient Babylon, Mesopotamia, taken 1914-1919, during or after World War I.

One in a series of photographs from World War I in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Europe associated with service by members of the Tresize family. Francis Trezise and Jack Trezise both served (they were not brothers); the latter was killed in action in France in June 1918, after nearly three years of service.

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

Statue in the ancient ruins of Babylon in Iraq. Two men in soldier's uniform stand nearby.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph with an inscription handwritten on the reverse in pencil, describing the scene. The photograph has faded and discoloured slightly, with the edges curled.

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