Virtual Visit #77 - The Story of Two Flags
Part of a series of Virtual Visit posts relating to the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia entitled “The Story of Two Flags" that of 8 Battery, 3 Field Brigade AIF and 7 Field Ambulance AIF.
At the outbreak of WW1, Mr. James Fredericks, a Perth Citizen, presented a Blue Ensign to Colonel Kyngdon, Commandant 5th Military District, requesting that he, in turn, present it to an Officer Commanding a West Australian Unit about to embark for service overseas. Colonel Kyngdon presented the ensign to Major AJ Bessell-Browne, DSO who commanded 8 Battery 3rd Field Brigade Australian Field Artillery. It was gratefully accepted and became the Battery Banner.
Another Australian flag presented to a local unit saw even more extensive service during both World War 1 and 2 and forms a link between generations of soldiers. The battered standard of 7 Field Ambulance was first flown on the beaches of Gallipoli and after the Armistice in 1918 was retained as an honoured reminder of service by members of the Association. With the formation of the 2/7 Field Ambulance, the flag was passed to the new unit and proceeded overseas and accompanied the unit through three campaigns.
Details
Details
The Australian Army Museum of Western Australia was closed to volunteers and the public for extended periods during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020. One outcome was the creation of an expanded on-line presence through a weekly Virtual Visit post. The initial response encouraged the Museum over the following three tears, to continue the series. Virtual Visits normally focused on an object or theme from the collection. The general format was to link the story of the object and its significance. with web links and related materials to facilitate a continuing journey of self-discovery.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Scan this QR code to open this page on your phone ->
