Summary

One of 108 images in an album from World War I likely to have been taken by Captain Edward Albert McKenna. The album contains photographs of the 7th Battalion in Egypt.

Image ('glimpse' according to the inscription) of the camp at Ismalia.

The album relates to the service of Captain Edward Albert McKenna. McKenna, born in Castlemaine, Victoria, was a 36-year-old department manager of soft goods when he enlisted on 17 August 1914. He lived at 5 St James Buildings, William Street, Melbourne, and had been married to Elizabeth ('Lillie') Mary McKenna since 1910. He embarked from Melbourne 19 October 1914 on the HMAT Hororata, and served in the 7th Battalion Australian Infantry.

He was killed in action in Gallipoli around 25-30 April 1915, aged 37. His kit bag was unusually full, even containing seven shirts, a pillow, six towels, a travelling rug, gumboots, and pyjamas and slippers. Also amongst his possessions was a camera, although no photographic prints or albums.

He was buried at 7 Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli. His details appear on the honours roll on the web page of the Australian War Memorial.

Description of Content

The photograph shows a passing view of an army campsite from a moving train. In the foreground, bordering the train line is a wooden picket fence. There are two locals leaning on the fence, observing the passing train. Beyond the fence in the right of the photograph a small number of tents stand erected. Elsewhere in the campsite there are groups of people standing around what appear to be boxes or suitcases. In the background a number of small buildings are visible.

Physical Description

Black and white photographic print on paper with a white border.

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