Studio portrait of 72 Sapper (Spr) Dennis Joseph O'Brien, 78 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Joseph ...

Studio portrait of 72 Sapper (Spr) Dennis Joseph O'Brien, 78 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Joseph Climpson and 71 Spr William John Byrt, who embarked together with the 1st Divisional Signal Company from Melbourne aboard HMAT Karroo (A10) on 20 October 1914. A cordial maker from Petersham, NSW, prior to enlistment, Spr O'Brien rose to the rank of Sergeant and in 1917 was awarded the Military Medal for his work and gallantry as a linesman. He returned to Australia on 28 March 1919. Joseph Climpson was a printer from Moore Park, NSW, prior to his enlistment as a Sapper. He transferred to the 4th Divisional Signal Company and was awarded the Military Medal in 1917 for bravery and endurance near Pozieres where he repaired telephone wires for thirteen hours under heavy shell fire. He was later awarded a Bar to Military Medal for his work and devotion to duty at Bullecourt. In 1919 Climpson was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Climpson returned to Australia as a Lieutenant on 5 April 1919. Spr Byrt was promoted to Corporal and was recommended for (but not awarded) the Military Medal for devotion to duty under heavy fire at Pozieres. He returned to Australia on 23 October 1918. The verso of the photograph is signed 'Greetings from Tel-El-Kebir Egypt 8/2/15'