Medical instruments, Morse code instructions, a living padre, Light Horse saddlery and military vehicles were all part of the 18th Battalion Living History Group’s display at the Good Old Days Festival.
Group members travelled from Sydney for the Festival at Barellan showgrounds on October 5 & 6 to display a large collection of World War One equipment, vehicles and memorabilia.
President James Downey said the small group of military history enthusiasts was formed in 1998 by Graham Brissitt whose great uncle served in the 18th Battalion.
“The 18th Battalion fought on Gallipoli but were not part of the initial landings on April 25 – they were among the first wave of reinforcements to arrive,” Mr Downey said.
“They then fought in France and Belgium as part of the 5th Brigade in the 2nd Division. They had one Victoria cross recipient, Joe Maxwell, who is one of the top five most decorated Australians in military history earning two Military Crosses and Distinguished Conduct Medal.”
With no personal military background, Mr Downey joined in 2001 to find out more of the backstory to his grandfather serving in WWII.
He put together the vast display at Barellan, making the replica medicine chests and medicine bottles, collected medical equipment and surgical instruments, signalling equipment, Morse code books, carrier pigeon boxes, wire cutters used on barbwire on the battlefront, bayonets, mess tins, gas masks, boots, bandoliers, and medical water bottles.
There was a display of a small alter typically used by the chaplains, while the 18th Battalion Living History Group padre, Dennis Channells, dressed in military uniform, gave the official blessing to the festival.
John Paull, of Glenrowan, exhibited his meticulously restored WWI British military water cart and Mr Downey had a horse drawn officer’s mess cart built in 1918.
There was a military saddle with pouches for carrying spare horseshoes and nails, water bag, tethering peg, food, and quart pot.
The group’s display complemented the Riverina Light Horse Troop’s neighbouring display of a World War I Light Horse encampment. Troop members rode in the authentic military uniform of the Light Horse, and displayed animals used on the battlefront – donkeys for medical evacuations, carrier pigeons for conveying messages and a small dog as the troop mascot.
Ends
Caption: John Paull, Glenrowan, with a military saddle, padre Dennis Channells, and James Downey, president, of the 18th Battalion Living History Group, Sydney.
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