Summary
Change of address card used by troops in World War I. From Sapper A.G.F. Galbraith to his father, Mr A Galbraith in Victoria. The card was posted from Egypt 24 March 1916.
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
Change of address postcard used by troops during World War One. Sent by Alfred Galbraith to his mother from Egypt. Dated 24/3/1916. This card was sent shortly after Galbraith was transferred from the 2nd Division Signal Company to the 5th Division Signal Company. In June 1916 Galbraith sailed with the 5th Division to France. The Division travelled north to Flanders by rail where they were trained during the First World War.
Physical Description
Small cream card, printed on both sides with spaces for sender to add updated details. Handwritten details in black ink and purple pencil. Circular ink stamps at upper right corner of obverse.
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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Author
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Addressed To
Mr Alfred Galbraith Senior, Essendon, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 24 Mar 1916
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Individuals Identified
GALBRAITH, A.G.F.
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Format
Postcard, Black & White
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Inscriptions
Obverse. Printed: A.I.F. POST CARD/ To Handwritten: Mr. A. Galbraith/ "Aberlady"/ 5 Mackay St./ Essendon/ Melbourne/ Victoria/ Australia Address has been scratched out and following added: "Barnato"/ Barnato Grove/ Armadale Reverse. Printed: My address has been altered and is now,/ No. Rank/ Battalion Brigade. A.I.F./ Please advise anyone you know who may be writing to me./ Signature./ Date Handwritten: Egypt/ 3648/ Sapper/ 3rd Section/ 5th Div. Sig. Coy/ Sapper A.G.F. Galbraith/ 24-3-16
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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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Overall Dimensions
142 mm (Width), 90 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Australian Army, Australian Military Forces, Cards, Letters, Military Forces, Military Memorabilia, Postcards, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918