Photograph of unknown Australian battalion marching past Anzac Buffet in Victoria Street, Westminster

An unidentified Australian battalion marches past cheering crowds outside the Anzac Buffet in Victoria Street, Westminster. The photograph was possibly captured at approximately 10.45am on Friday 25th of April, 1919, when 5000 Australians, led by Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, marched down Victoria Street heading to Mansion House as part of Anzac Day celebrations. The march marked the first occasion on which Australian troops were permitted to pass through London Streets with fixed bayonets. Managed by the London branch of the Australian Natives' Association, the Anzac buffet was established in September 1915 to cater for the refreshment and entertainment of Australian and New Zealand servicemen, many whom were recently discharged from hospital. The buffet was set up in quarters adjoining the Commonwealth Offices in 94 Victoria Street, Westminster, where many Australians reported back from furlough. Open 7 days a week, the buffet offered reading, writing and music rooms, complete with a daily musical programme and a billiard room. Expenses were predominantly met by expatriate Australians in the United Kingdom and donations from Australia and New Zealand. The Buffet was hugely popular, being patronised by over 500 to 1000 persons daily. This number reportedly swelled to 2000 following the influx of servicemen to England following the Armistice. The Anzac Buffet closed on November 29, 1919, having served a reported 1.5 million meals.