Summary

Black and white photograph, dating from the World War I, of a group of Sri Lankan people, and a soldier in uniform. Most likely taken in 1917 when Trezise was on leave in India as he was not disembarked in Colombo long enough in 1916 to make the trip inland.

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

View of a group of Middle Eastern men, and a soldier in uniform. The man in uniform is in the centre of the composition, and a plaque with the word "KADUGANNAWA" is in the background. Men wearing turbins and saris are standing either side of the uniformed man, staring into the camera.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph.

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