Framed Print Commemorating AIF in WW1

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c. 1920

Subcollections

Overview

A commemorative poster from 1920, recording details about the Australian Imperial Force voluntary units during the WW1 'Copyright, J.W. Sanders (late AIF) / "Doug. Moule, del’ printed in the bottom margin. It resembles an Honour Roll and at the top it features images of King George V, General Sir W.R. Birdwood (Commander of the Australian Imperial Forces ) and Lieutenant General Sir J. Monash, (Commander of the Australian Army Corp). Under these are listings for each Australian Division, the Light Horse and the AIF Corps Headquarters. Each listing is headed with a image of Commanding Officer and includes a listing of the Division's principal engagements and a summary of causalities suffered.

Historical information

The First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) was the Australian expeditionary force of the Australian Army for WW1. It was formed on 15 August 1914, following Britain's declaration of war on Germany. It had an initial strength of one infantry division and one light horse brigade. The infantry division subsequently fought at Gallipoli between April and December 1915, with a newly raised second division, as well as three light horse brigades, reinforcing the committed units.

The AIF was an all volunteer force and by the end of the war had gained a reputation as being a highly effective military force and played a significant role in the Allied victory. However, this came at a heavy cost with one of the highest casualty rates of all the nations in WW1. The remaining troops were repatriated and the 1st AIF was disbanded between 1919 and 1921. After the war, the achievements of these soldiers, known as "Diggers", became central to the "Anzac legend". Generally known at the time as the AIF, it is today referred to as the 1st AIF to distinguish it from the Second Australian Imperial Force raised during World War II

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2024.145

Item type

Themes

Material

Width

52 cm

Height or length

65 cm

Inscriptions and markings

In the bottom right hand corner there is an orange stamp saying

COLOURS & HISTORICAL DETAILS
AUTHENTICATED BY
AUSTRALIAN
WAR MEMORIAL

Under which appears
Doug. Moule, del.

Contextual Information

Douglas Thomas Moule was an Artist, engraver and illustrator living in Kew, Victoria, Australia. He must have been working for Osboldstone & Co Pty. Ltd. and responsible for the design of this poster.

Keywords

First World War

Australian Imperial Force

Place made

Melbourne
Victoria
Australia

Year

c. 1920

Primary significance criteria

Social or spiritual significance

Busselton Historical Society

Organisation Details
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