From the Collection #26 - Cooking Up A Storm
Part of the "From the Collection" series prepared and distributed to a subscribers' list during 2022 as a follow on to the "Virtual Visit" series initiated during the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 The collection focus of this item is the evolution of cooks and cooking in the Australian Army.
The Army Museum has an extensive range of field cooking appliances used by the Australian Army in the 20th century. At present they are tucked away at the rear of the main exhibition building (Building 17) and so can be overlooked by visitors. New interpretive signage has been positioned and planning is underway to upgrade the display shelters.
In the early days of the Australian Army, cooks were drawn from the ranks of the Regiment. Unfortunately, the kitchen was used as a dumping ground for the problem soldier; rarely did a soldier of any quality or ability volunteer for this despised trade. The quality of the food produced by these regimental cooks can be best summarized by the infamous World War I catch cry "Who called the cook a bastard?" the retort being "Who called the bastard a cook?"
Details
Details
Typically only a small portion of a museum collection is exhibited at any one time. This is due not only to practical consideration of display space but a range of professional considerations designed to protect and preserve the artefact. This series highlights objects and stories you may have overlooked in the galleries or collection items awaiting the opportunity to be viewed and share their story.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Scan this QR code to open this page on your phone ->
