Art Nouveau timber framed portrait of A.I.F. soldier, Harry Alexander M.M.

Henry (Harry) Alexander was born on 11 March 1894 in Waratah, Tasmania. He was a 20 year old mill hand when he enlisted as a Private with 15th Battalion, G Company on 18 September 1914. His service number was 1001.
He embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914.
He served at Gallipoli with the 4th Brigade, 15th Battalion from 25 April 1915 - January 8 1916. He also served in Egypt and the Western Front. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 30 October 1917.

On 25 February, he took part in an action which earned him the Military Medal.
The citation reads: 'Private (Lance Corporal) Harry Alexander is recommended for great gallantry during an enemy raid near Hollebeke on 25th February 1918. He was one of the garrison of the post which the enemy attempted to raid under cover of a heavy barrage. After the barrage had lifted he was one of the first to jump out and fought with such bravery and coolness that two parties of raiders were driven off leaving a prisoner in our hands.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 120
Date: 7 August 1918

He joined the staff at A.I.F. Headquarters in London on 30 March 1918. He embarked for Australia on board Transport A30 Borda on 5 April 1918, arriving on 30 May 1918. He was discharged on 21 August 1918.

Given that the Military Medal was not awarded until 1918, the framing of the portrait took place after that date, as it includes a section of the medal ribbon.
The text giving details about his embarkation and return also indicates a date of 1918 or later.

The timber frame is in the Art Nouveau style - design using organic forms, sinuous 'whiplash' curves, and nature-inspired motifs. This frame has the floral embellishments - poppy flowers and seed pods - as well as whiplash curves and asymmetry.