In the months between the formation of the Battalion and the departure of the original members and 1st reinforcements on the Berrima from Hobart on 1 July 1916, the men “prepared and trained in the art of war as well as could be learned in a training camp”.
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Shooting at Sandy Bay Rifle Range.
Source: NS4785/1 TAHO |
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A trench system.
Source: NS4785/1 TAHO |
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Learning the art of range finding at Claremont.
Source: NS4785/1 TAHO |
‘It dawned on most of us that every man was distinguished by something more than a regimental number – a personality; and we knew those personalities in Tasmania, and we knew them in France.’ |
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What wasn’t mentioned was that the men also had to fatigue duty – including keeping the camp clean. All the training etc still left time for fun as can be seen by the group above.
Falling in and being on parade was also a regular feature of army life whether in camp or in the field. It was all part of the discipline taught from the beginning. |
Soldiers on parade waiting for their next instruction from their officers. |