Images from Blackboy Hill Camp - 1914 -1919.
The Government reacted quickly to the declaration of war in August 1914, setting up a training camp on the Darling Scarp near Greenmount. The first troops marched into Blackboy Hill on 17th August 1914, twelve days after the declaration of war. The initial camp consisted of rows of bell tents between rows of planted trees. In 1915 all tents bar one were blown down, leading to a decision to construct more permanent wooden huts, set on concrete foundations. The huts were officially opened on 16 Oct 1915. Over 32,000 men (of the State's then population of 300,000) passed through the Blackboy Hill Camp on their way to war.
Photographic studios were soon operating in the vicinity of the camp to meet demand for souvenirs and a record of service.
