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 depicting an armoured train, presumably the engine that would be taking the 7th Battalion to Ismalia therefore it is likely that this image was taken on February 4, 1915. According to its war diaries, the 7th Battalion received orders to move to Ismalia on the 2nd of February 1915.

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 last railroad car laden with sandbags, barrels and other equipment. Other enclosed carriages link on to the front of the last railroad car and stretch into the distance.In front of the train, men stand around observing the situation. Behind the train, large signal towers stand, bordering the length of the train.

Physical Description

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

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