Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem

Australian Imperial Force units arrived in Palestine (then a British mandate territory) early in 1940. They trained there before entering action in North Africa early in 1941. In this watercolour, which was painted from the Australian Soldiers Club in Jerusalem (looking towards the old city gates, Jaffa Gate) Australian soldiers on leave can be seen in the street heading towards excursion cars. Organised trips were often provided to troops while in Jerusalem to visit the Mount of Olives and other places of Biblical interest. This is part of the artist's Syrian Campaign series. The campaign involved Australian troops, mostly from the 7th Division, fighting alongside allied troops against the Vichy French in Syria and Lebanon.