The new canteen at the Australian Auxiliary Hospital Southall, which was run as a branch of the ...

The new canteen at the Australian Auxiliary Hospital Southall, which was run as a branch of the Anzac Buffet. The three people in the centre are Mr Byrne, ex-AIF, Lieutenant (Lt) Bird and Mrs A T Sharp. Lieutenant Langridge James Bird, 22nd Battalion, was wounded 18 June 1916 and was amputated at his right thigh; he embarked for Australia in January 1917. Unable to identify Mr Byrne. Mrs Sharp is the wife of Mr A T Sharp, the Victorian Immigration representative based in London. The Sharps hosted many soldiers in their home, often when they were recuperating from illness and injury. From the collection of Mr Alfred Thomas Sharp. Mr Sharp was the Commonwealth Immigration Officer of Victoria and was based in the London Office during the First World War. He and his wife hosted and visited many soldiers, particularly those from Victoria, who were recuperating in London. He also photographed many Australian graves in English cemeteries. His photograph collection relating to this period in London was bequeathed to the Memorial in 1922 after his death. During his time in London he was a member of the British Volunteer Regiment, serving with the Willesden Battalion, Middlesex Volunteer Regiment.