| Accession Number | H06006 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of 207 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Keith Watson, 15th Battalion from Eagle Junction, ...
Description
Studio portrait of 207 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Keith Watson, 15th Battalion from Eagle Junction, Queensland. Prior to enlisting in the AIF he served with the North Queensland militia and on the outbreak of war in August 1914 was mobilised for war service. Embarking with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) raised to capture German New Guinea, he never saw action as the ship was returned to Australia when some civilian crew members caused trouble onboard. He was discharged from the AN&MEF in September and enlisted in the AIF, embarking for overseas with A Company, 15th Battalion from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 aboard HMAT Ceramic. Landing with the battalion at Gallipoli, he saw service defending the ANZAC perimeter where he was wounded in action and evacuated to a hospital ship. He died on 4 May 1915 at the age of 20 and was buried at sea. L Cpl Watson is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey with others who have no known grave.