| Accession Number | P10405.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Thuillier, Louis |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Somme, Vignacourt |
| Date made | November 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio group portrait of three members of the 8th Machine Gun Company. Identified centre is 101 ...
Description
Studio group portrait of three members of the 8th Machine Gun Company. Identified centre is 101 Sergeant (Sgt) Sydney William Phefley. In March 1916, the machine gun section of the 29th Battalion were transferred to the newly formed 8th Machine Gun Company. While in hospital recovering from trench feet in December 1916, Sgt Phefley sent this postcard home to his sister. On the back is written: "Dear May, just a couple of lines to let you know that I am still keeping well. I am still in Hospital but expect to be out and spend Christmas in England. I am sending you these couple of photos which I had taken after we came out of the Somme for a fortnight. The photos are not much good as the sun got on them too much. Well Dear May this is all the news I have today so I will have to close up now with best love from your ever loving Brother Sid. Give my love to all at 38 Rowe Street. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
In February 1918, Sgt Phefley was accepted into the Officer Cadet Battalion. He was promoted to lieutenant (Lt) in December 1918. Lt Phefley returned to Australia on 15 May 1919 and was employed by the Victorian railway as an engine driver.
This photograph is also part of the Thuillier collection of glass-plate negatives. See P10550.076.