Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Photographic Postcard of 2 Australian Soldiers Standing with 2 Papuan Soldiers

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Pte. Eric BANNISTER

c. 1914

Overview

First World War black and white photograph shows 2 Australian soldiers in uniform holding rifles (over left shoulder), with 2 Papua New Guinea soldiers holding rifles over left shoulder. A handwritten "X" and initials "EB" indicating soldier standing on the right of photo, initials referring to Pte. Eric BANNISTER. Handwritten on rear, "1914 / Madang / Outpost", in black & blue ink.

Historical information

This series of black & white photographs was collected by Private Eric Sydney BANNISTER, regimental number 19. He joined the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) on the 11th August 1914, just a week after war was declared on Germany. The mission of the ANMEF was to destroy German radio stations and occupy German New Guinea and surrounding areas. The ANMEF secured military occupation on the 13the September 1914. The photographs of his deployment are of national significance and show one of Australia’s first military action in the First World War.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2018.3.6

Item type

Postcards

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Card

Width

105 mm

Height or length

80 mm

Weight

1 g

Inscriptions and markings

A handwritten "X" and initials "EB" indicating soldier standing on the right of photo, initials referring to Pte. Eric BANNISTER, and handwritten on rear, "1914 / Madang / Outpost", in black & blue ink.

Contextual information

This photo shows the close working relationship between Australian and Papuan soldiers while stationed at the Madang outpost in 1914. The 4 soldiers are all standing to attention with rifles over their left shoulder. Pte. Eric BANNISTER has placed a "X" next to him on the right with his initials, "EB".

Keywords

World War 1

Papua and New Guinea

Australian Naval and Military Expedition Force

Place made

Madang, Papua New Guinea

Year

c. 1914

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Scientific or research significance

Social or spiritual significance