Summary
Black and white postcard of the railway station at Ismailia, Egypt, The postcard, post marked 29 November 1915, was written by Sapper Galbraith and addressed to 'Mother'. This is probably his stepmother, as Alfred stated in writing in a document dated 7 July 1915 that his mother was dead (p.16, service record).
Born in Maryborough, Sapper Alfred George Finlay Galbraith was the son of Alfred and Amy C. Galbraith, of W.R. Institute, Flinders Street, Station Buildings, Melbourne. He trained as an electrical engineer and enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 20, in July 1915. His father gave written permission for him to join 'the Military Forces to serve the Empire abroad' (his mother had already died). Galbraith served in the 5th Division Signalling Company, Australian Engineers, AIF, embarking from Melbourne on 23 November 1915 on the 'Ceramic'. He went to Egypt for further training, then was shipped to France, disembarking 27 June 1916 at Marseilles. Less than three weeks later, on 15 July, he received a wound in the thigh and a 'penetrating wound in the neck'. He died the same day at the 8th Australian Field Ambulance.
Description of Content
Black and white postcard of the Railway station at Ismailia, Egypt, where Alfred Galbraith trained with the 2nd Division Signal Company. On the back is a letter to his mother. He writes "hope you spend a good Christmas as I did. We had some chicken for dinner. It was good. Remember me to our friends With love to all, Your son, Alf."
Physical Description
Black and white postcard. Photographic image on obverse of railway station in Ismailia, Egypt. A note and address, handwritten in ink, is written on the reverse.
More Information
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Collection Names
Returned and Services League (RSL) Collection, Military Memorabilia Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation & Subsequent Transfer from Mrs M. Jamieson, May 1985
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Place & Date Depicted
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Author
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Addressed To
Mrs A Galbraith, Essendon, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 Nov 1915
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Individuals Identified
GALBRAITH, A.G.F.
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Format
Postcard, Black & White
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Language
English
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Inscriptions
Obverse, printed: ISMAILIA - La Gare Handwritten on reverse: 'Dear Mother/ This is the/ outside view of the/ Railway Station I/ hope...(?) you spent a/ good Christmas as I/ did. We had some chicken/ for Dinner it was good/ Remember me to our/ friends I will write/ a letter shortly./ with love to all/ your son/ Alf; On Active Service/ Mrs A. Galbraith/ 5 Mackay Street/ Essendon/ Melbourne/ Victoria/ Australia'.
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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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Dimensions
140 mm (Width), 89 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation.
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Keywords
Australian Army, Australian Military Forces, Christmas Dinners, Letters, Military Memorabilia, Postcards, Railway Stations, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918