Informal outdoor portrait of Lieutenant Edward John Howells, 23rd Battalion, of Canterbury, Vic. ...

Informal outdoor portrait of Lieutenant Edward John Howells, 23rd Battalion, of Canterbury, Vic. An engineer in civilian life, Howells enlisted as a Second Lieutenant on 23 March 1915. He embarked with B Company from Melbourne on HMAT Euripides on 10 May 1915. He served at Gallipoli, receiving a promotion to Lieutenant (Lt). Due to illnes he was invalided back to Australia in March 1916. Lt Howells re-enlisted and embarked with the 1st and 2nd Field Troops (Engineers) from Sydney on HMAT Port Sydney on 9 May 1917. During his service in the Middle East with D Field Troop (Engineers), Lt Howells was promoted to the rank of Captain (Capt) and awarded the Military Cross (MC) and Mention in Despatches (MID). The recommendation for the MC states that he 'was responsible for the bridging operations at Makhadet Hajla on the night of the 21st/22nd March 1918, including careful preliminary reconnaissance for selection of site of bridge. He displayed great determination, coolness and skill in forming a bridge under fire and set a fine example to his men. Has on other occasions proved himself a most reliable and capable officer.' Capt Howells returned to Australia with the 1st Field Squadron on 20 July 1919, and later served in the RAAF, achieving the rank of Wing Commander.

• Outdoor portrait of 4835 Private (Pte) Albert Lyle (Bert) Marks, 8th Battalion, of Jubilee, Vic. ...
• Group portrait taken outside a School of Musketry building. Identified is Lieutenant Edward John ...
• Group portrait, probably at Sydney Showground and probably of members of the 1st and 2nd Field ...