The Great War

Propaganda

The use of women for enlistment propaganda

Women portrayed as "Fate"

[Melbourne Punch, 1 October 1914, p. 585.]

Boer War and Great War use of women in Australian enlistment propaganda

Each nation promoted the Boer War in their own way. Australia was no different. To entice young and single men to enlist into the mounted infantry for the near utopian emolument of half a crown per diem all found - 2/6^d per day - or 17/6^d per week, as a private. The re was an overseas allowance of 1/- per day making it a total of £1/4/6^d per week in total, about 6/- below the ordinary labourer's pay. Quite unattractive for a single man in good steady employment. The first groups of men coming forward for service in South Africa were mainly poor and unemployed looking to get their first regular paid job. So to increase the pool of eligible candidates and get quality recruits, the best way was to tie an understated sexuality to the message. Below is a good example of an active piece of Boer War propaganda employing a woman to sell the war.

This picture immediately jumps out as it oozes sexuality in every sense of the term. No skinny, anorexic, waif like, androgynous creature as seen today regaling the contemporary magazines. This is the 1900 version of a beauty - covered in the robes of a vestal virgin accentuating all her intimate curves, replete with aquiline nose - this young lass appears to be promising steamy romance to anyone in uniform who takes a rifle from her.

Of course, the mythology is redolant. We see a sylvanian nymph or a lady of the lake passing the new sword, Henry Martini, rather than Exculiver. Whatever the call, it is up to the individual to read the story.

Who could resist the call of this siren?

The war was initially popular and seen as a romp in the park. A few brave souls might be killed but many will return as heroes. The popularity of the war waned after the first year as it became bogged down in relentless police and counter insurgency work which was never glamorous. No gallant charges, just burning houses and rounding up women and children for transport to concentration camps. The war was then unpopular and disappeared from the newspapers. So cartoons were employed.

Martial and Marital

[Melbourne Punch, 24 January 1901, p. 86.]

The overall impression was that the Boer War was a game for young men to enjoy. Women were a part of the winnings. 

This popular perception can be seen at the beginning of the Great War. This theme of sirens to support the war effort came to the forefront. Two common two images promoted at the beginning of the Great War.

The first image was taken in October 1914 and demonstrates a craze at the beginning of the war. There were an incredible number of pix showing women dressed as Britannia. This started almost from day one. The pic below shows a whole bevy of nubile Britannias, all trying to rule the waves from the cheering crowds.

Then other young women went to ridiculous lengths to demonstrate that they are happy to lead their menfolk into war. This pic taken in March 1915 shows a young woman dressed as Joan of Arc looking all inviting, ready to lead her admirers to Orleans and defeat the English??? Not quite sure why Joan of Arc was seen as an appropriate costume unless it was a metaphor rather than a real call to arms against the English.

These are the young things over whom the young men were supposed to swoon.

The swooning took a more sophisticated propaganda turn later on in the war. The next picture is from 1916 and could have come from Women's Weekly, although it didn't, but the message is very clear. Only women whose men went to war would remain loyal and faithful to them.

Here is the swooning swain captivated by a voluptuous siren, heeding the call to go to war with a promise to remain faithful and pure while keeping the home fires burning until the soldier returns, obviously in one piece. No cripples need apply.

These pictures demonstrate the gradual change in methods of portraying gender attraction as a military tool to enhance recruitment. This set of pictures illustrate the use of the siren leading men to war.

Here is a glamour shot of the actress and impresario, Mrs HT Kelly.

Here she is in a raunchy shot as an "It" girl, wearing an Italian uniform - or should I say her interpretation of an Italian Uniform - which was part of a show she starred in and funded in Sydney. It was a special benefit concert to raise funds for the Italian soldiers.

The shot shows everything that was considered to be steamy - a well built, buxom young lady striding upon the scene. No waif like figure here - this is someone who likes her food. All the embrace of motherhood, something a nation traumatised by hideous slaughter needed. The men needed mothering and here was the imagery to provide that need.

Further Reading:

The Great War, Propaganda

The Light Horse

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 11:01 PM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 31 January 2010 10:53 AM EAST

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Great War Issues

Lest We Forget - But We Did Anyway

George William Pearson

An outline of Pearson's case as told by him

[Melbourne Truth, 8 December 1916, p. 4.]

The story of 981 Private George William Pearson and justice denied.

Outline of events

981 Private George William Pearson, of the 6th Infantry Battalion, H Company, enlisted in the first month of the war (20 August 1914) at the age of 20 for service in the First Contingent. He went to Egypt and spent time at Maadi Camp. Following that, was on shore at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. During the fighting at Gallipoli, he looks like he did some bombing for Colonel Harold Edward "Pompey" Elliott and personally cared for the wounds of Major Harry Gordon, who later became the Commander of the 6th Infantry Battalion. On 13 July 1915, he was wounded in nine places by sharpnel in the face and arm. He was evacuated from Gallipoli and admitted to a hospital in Malta and then to England.

After Pearson's return to Egypt, he was transferred from the 6th Infantry Battalion to the newly formed 58th Battalion as part of the seeding process in building the 5th Division. That is, experienced veterans were scattered amongsth the new recruits so that there would be some degree of experience in the Battalion. This was a troubled exercise for everyone. Here is a candid assessment on the Division byGeneral Murray, the Commander in Chief in Egypt to the Chief of the Imperial General Staff in London, sent on 7 May 1916:

To say that the infantry of the 4th and 5th Australian Divisions is little inferior to that of the 1st and 2nd. Divisions is hardly correct. I know that this is Birdwood's theory, but as a matter of fact I consider from personal observation and inspection that the infantry of the 4th and 5th. is decidedly inferior as regards physique, training and officers to that of the first two divisions, I hope that the infantry of the 4th. and 5th. will be fit to proceed to France at the end of the present month. There are Special efforts being made as regards the training of artillery and Divisional troops, and they are making progress, but the artillery is not coming on as fast as General Godley had anticipated, and I do not think it will be ready for service in France until the end of June, unless the intention is that this artillery shall complete the ground work of their training in France.

To say things were bad all round is an understatement. Pearson began to react to his surroundgs in a very negative manner.

Pearson gets into strife

Finally, he got into trouble with the military authorities through absenting himself without leave. Pearson alleges that he and another man was arrested on a boat bound for France.

In contrast, the Court Martial of 10 June 1916 found otherwise. Pearson was found guilty for:

1. Being in Ismailia without a pass;

2. Attempting to rob a native; and,

3. Striking a military policeman.

Pearson was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour and to be discharged with ignominy. His sentence was reduced to 12 months.

Pearson was then sent back to Victoria where he was discharged from the army and imprisoned at Pentrige Gaol. Later on he was transferred to Geelong Gaol. His mother was never informed about this and only found out that her son was in Australia when her allotment ceased.

The following account, on information given by Pearson's mother, was published in the Melbourne Truth, 8 December 1916, at p. 4:

Wounded Soldier's Woes

A case which on the face of it seems to show harsh treatment of a wounded soldier has been reported to this office. The soldier in question, Private GW Pearson, of the 6th Battalion, enlisted in the first month of the war (August 1914), being then only 20 years of age. He went away with the first contingent and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. Three months later (in July 1915) he was badly wounded, receiving in all ten bomb wounds in the body. he was invalided to Malta, and later to England, returning to duty in Egypt in January of this year, though not fully recovered from his wounds. He got into trouble with the military authorities through absenting himself with three companions without leave. Pearson and one of the other men were arrested on a boat bound for France, court martialled on June 10, sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, and sent back to Victoria. Arriving here on August 14, Pearson was taken to Pentridge and afterwards to Geelong Gaol, where he still is. His mother was not informed of her son's return, the first official intimation she received being the stopping of his allotment to her. She states that a large amount of deferred pay is owning to her son, but she can get no satisfaction concerning this. We have no cause to palliate Pearson's offence against military discipline; but in view of his youth, his long service, and his suffering and the fact that he has now been a prisoner for six months, no doubt this is a case where clemency might well be exercised to the remission of the balance of his sentence.

Seque to 1940

The letter from Pearson's sister of 1940 pleading for his medals fills in the gaps of the years and is filled with pathos. It reads:

Dear Sir

I am writing to you on behalf of my brother who fought in the last war of 1914 enlisted in August 1914 sailed on the troopship leaving here on Sunday in October 1914 was in the landing of Gallipoli throwing bombs for Pompee Elliott bandaged Major Conden's wounds and was wounded himself, taken in the Malta Hospital was in 6th Battalioni his number + name being

Private George William Pearson
6th Battalion
North Melbourne No. 981

I am asking if I could have his medals as he never ever received them he is a sick man has broken both his legs this year suffering from ulceration of the stomach caused through bomb wounds of which he as
Trusting I can have them.

My address: Mrs W Reddish
100 Barnett Street
Kensington W1
Victoria

This application was turned down. It appears as though the AIF was an unforgiving institution. Despite the man being punished in full for his crime, regardless of his previous service, he was never granted his medals. His wounds counted for nothing. Thrice punished. Gaoled, dischaged and a life sentence on receiving no medals. Perhaps one day the Department of Veteran Affairs will relent and allow his descendants to gain the medals that were denied to this man during his life, where even on his deathbed, a premature death brought about sacrificing his body for Australia, the nation denied him this last honour.

Lest we forget.

Let us hope these words have more substance than the hollow ring in his case. 

Further Reading:

Lest We Forget - But We Did Anyway

The Light Horse

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 5:26 PM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 31 January 2010 12:09 PM EAST

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SCALAWAG SOLDIER

And the cautionary tale

The problem with a time of crisis as occurs with war is the forcing up of social temperature. Things that take a leisurely pace now become urgent. Social change and attitudes were put into sharp relief as a consequence of many young men gathered together in a circumstance that enhances a socially sanctioned desirability from the single women. One of the natural consequences is a breakdown in the social sanctions that, under ordinary circumstances, existed. There became a greater urgency on behalf of both genders to remove the time of propriety and engage in sexual behaviour in a compressed period of time.

The knock on effects of this social breakdown also tore at other institutions. One was the necessity for greater numbers of abortions which led to a greater number of women dying as a consequence of these back yard abortions.

The particular story here may have come from New Zealand but is not unique to either New Zealand or Australia. The penalties were clear cut. This article was first published in the Melbourne Truth, 31 March 1917 at page 3.

A SCALAWAG SOLDIER.

 

BLACKGUARDLY TREATMENT OF A TRUSTING GIRL.

Aftermath of Abortion Case.

Just before the last New Zealand mail left, Mr. Justice Edwards had before him in the Wanganui Supreme Court, for sentence, Richard Patrick Pollard, 23, who, after three trials-two juries disagreeing - had been found guilty of the illegal use of an instrument to procure abortion.

Counsel for the defence suggested that the accused should be allowed to go to the war, but his Honor rejected the proposal with wrathful score. In the course of his judgment, he said;

"In 1915 Edna Hogg was employed by a firm of dentists at Hawera, and in that year you were a sergeant-major in the Defence. Office there. It was apparently a case of the

GLAMOR OF THE UNIFORM

on the feminine mind. Unfortunately, she was living far from her parents. Under those circumstances you were able to make her acquaintance early in December, 1915, but must have rapidly proceeded to something more than were acquaintance. You were sent to Taumarunui, and at the latter end of February, according to evidence, you received, while there, letters from her informing you that as a result of improper intimacy, she was pregnant. You stated that you did not answer them. Yet, on March 10, she saw you and asked you to marry her, and you refused. You allege that you had quarrelled on the grounds of her behavior with returned soldiers and commerial travellers.

"Of course, it is very difficult when a man and woman go wrong to apportion the offence; but there has been sufficient evidence before the court and jury to apportion the offence between you and Edna Hogg. The girl had  

AN INNOCENT AFFECTION FOR YOU.

The tales of your affection is best shown by the letter you received from your friend Farrell while you were in Taumanmui, and which you carefully preserved. Your confidant announced his intentions with regard to deceased after her chastity bad been taken from her by you. The letter was so coarse and vile that no newspaper would dare to put in into print. No man possessed with the smallest affection for a girl could but resent that letter. Plainly, your only wish was to gratify your lust. She fell. She is dead. You stand there and endeavor to blacken the character of an unfortunate girl why now lies in her grave.

"You stand before the court a plainly unrepentant criminal, guilty of a crime for which the extreme penalty is hard labor for life. We are told that you should be allowed to go away and fight for your country. I am not one of these who think that legions composed of criminals should be sent to fight the enemy. Germans have formed regiments of them, but I hope that New Zealand we will not have to do so. I gravely doubt that you would be a fit associate for young men. My position is not to set prisoners at large to fight for their country, but to deal with them according to the law."

After which common sense remarks, his Honor sentenced the blackguard to seven years' imprisonment with hard labour.

Post Script: Richard Patrick Pollard died at Takapuna, 1965. He never served his country. After the completion of his prison sentence, he found work as a labourer. One wonders if he ever reflected over the untimely death of Edna Hogg as he grew older. Like most people, these episodes return to haunt like Banquo's Ghost, always there and never disappearing regardless of the activity or liquor. A sad tale that built up a pressure for the emancipation that is enjoyed today.

Further Reading:

New Zealand Militia and Volunteers 1899 - 1920

New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, NZEF

Posted by Project Leader at 1:36 PM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 3 June 2009 4:05 PM EADT

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Diaries of AIF Servicemen

Bert Schramm

31 May 1918

Bert Schramm

Bert Schramm

2823 Private Herbert Leslie SCHRAMM, a 22 year old Farmer from Whites River, South Australia. He enlisted on 17 February 1916; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia, 10 July 1919.

During part of the course of his military service with the AIF, Bert Schramm kept a diary of his life. Bert was not a man of letters so this diary was produced with great effort on his behalf. Bert made a promise to his sweetheart, Lucy Solley, that he would do so after he received the blank pocket notebook wherein these entries are found. As a Brigade Scout since September 1918, he took a lead part in the September Offensive by the Allied forces in Palestine. Bert's diary entries are placed alongside those of the 9th Light Horse Regiment to which he belonged and to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade to which the 9th LHR was attached. On this basis we can follow Bert in the context of his formation.

The Diaries

The complete diary is now available on the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre Site at:

Bert Schramm Diary

Finding more about a service person. See:

Navigating the National Archives Service File 

Bert Schramm's Handwritten Diary, 28 May - 3 June 1918

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Bert Schramm's Diary

Friday, May 31, 1918

Bert Schramm's Location - Auja bridgehead defences, Jordan River

Bert Schramm's Diary -   Nothing much doing. Weather terribly hot.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Auja bridgehead defences, Jordan River

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Bleechmore, Major C; Burns, Lieutenant AG; and, three Other Ranks proceeded to School of Instruction Zeitoun.

Lee, 554 Sergeant EP, with D Troop A Squadron patrolled to Sq 127 F20b at 0530 a strong enemy patrol of about 50 advanced from the north.

Simultaneously with another from the north east on to Lee, 554 Sergeant EP; and, his command post forcing him to withdraw about west 700 yards to a more favourable position. A brisk fire kept up for several hours from both sides and at 1300 the enemy commenced to withdraw. Lee, 554 Sergeant EP; and, his patrol then moved forward and reoccupied Sq F20b.

9th LHR AIF War Diary, 31 May

Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924.

No Entry.

Previous: Bert Schramm's Diary, 30 May 1918

Next: Bert Schramm's Diary, 1 June 1918

Sources Used:

Bert Schramm's Diary

National Archives Service File.

Embarkation Roll, AWM8.

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour

Nominal Roll, AWM133, Nominal Roll of Australian Imperial Force who left Australia for service abroad, 1914-1918 War.

War Diaries and Letters

All War Diaries and letters cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy 

Further Reading:

Bert Schramm Diary

Bert Schramm Diary, Album

Bert Schramm's Photo Album

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, War Diary, Day by Day Account

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Citation: Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 31 May 1918

Posted by Project Leader at 1:01 AM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 28 May 2011 4:56 PM EADT

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9th LHR, AIF

Pro Gloria et Honore - For Glory and Honour

Regimental March -  Marching Through Georgia

The Diary

1914

Sunday, May 31, 1914

See 4th Military District, South Australia for militia activities.

1915

Monday, May 31, 1915

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Walkers Ridge

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary -  No entry.

3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary - Instructions to Brigade Headquarters to join No. 4 Section Walker's Hill. Three men wounded.

Carew Reynell Diary - Since Friday we have lost six killed and 17 wounded. The former included Lieutenant McWilliams - an officer that we all had the greatest affection for - a Duntroon Cadet. Such a nice clean healthy handsome boy - a born leader and loved by his men and what's more, one of the most promising and capable subalterns we had. We also lost a gallant and capable sergeant - shot through the head.
Friday night was very quiet but at 0300 on Saturday morning the Turks started a great fusillade as they constantly do and then sent forward bomb throwers who started throwing bombs before they had been seen. Our fellows thought it was shrapnel and kept down until ordered to give rapid fire. They then settled the matter and the bomb throwers disappeared leaving about a dozen behind.

Later, an attack was made on Quinn's Post and there was a desultory fire fight on all day. On Friday night the General - Russell - wanted a small Turkish trench taken by 50 men and three officers and volunteers were called for and the men and three subalterns were selected - the latter included Lieutenant McWilliams. However the first night bombs couldn't be got and the next night it was put off by a Divisional Order and the third night, Sunday, it was permanently off. It was bound to be an expensive failure from the start, as although there was no difficulty in storming the trench they could never have been held. I offered to take a party if a senior was wanted but the Brigade Headquarters and Colonel wouldn't have it, but I must say I thought it a silly scheme from the start. The night before last the New Zealanders took a hill in from off our left flank but had to be extricated last night. It was a very gallant affair and very honourable to the New Zealanders but to my mind a great mistake has been in withdrawing. We should have gone further. Neil Cambell has been wounded in the same place as Dave Fulton - the shoulder. they have both been sent across to Lemnos - all our wounded go these now except serious cases which go to Egypt.

1916

Wednesday, May 31, 1916

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Roadhead Serapeum

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - No entry.

1917

Thursday, May 31, 1917

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - El Shellal

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0300 The Regiment [strength 18 Officers and 316 Other Ranks] with one section Scouts and one troop from 3rd Machine Gun Squadron and two sections Field Ambulance moved off at 0300 with Royston, Brigadier General JR; and, Arnott, Colonel TM, accompanied the column, and crossed Wadi Ghuzze just north of El Shellal Dam.

On clearing the infantry line “A” Squadron pushed out as advanced guard unde Luxmoore, Lieutenant EM; and, “C” Squadron less one troop as right flank guard. The column advanced on a bearing of 55 degrees and on reaching the vicinity of the U of cUltivation. The 8th Light Horse Regiment was seen advancing towards Khirbit Erk from the direction of El Magam. The column then swung to the right and pushed towards the junction with the 8th Light Horse Regiment. On the advance guard reaching the Wadi Sheria the enemy opened up with High Explosives on the crossing. “A” Squadron pushed across the wadi, “B” Squadron east of the wadi and “C” Squadron pushed to the right flank. Visual communication was obtained with 8th Light Horse Regiment and Imperial Mounted Division at Tel el Fara. At about 0600 a message was received from 8th Light Horse Regiment that they were withdrawing and the 9th Light Horse Regiment also should withdraw to conform to their movement. Horses were watered in Wadi Ghuzze on the way to bivouac being reached by 0900. There were no signs of recent enemy occupation in vicinity of Khirbit Erk but movement - both mounted and dismounted - could be seen along the skyline, roughly on a line 470 - 420 - 410. At Khirbit Erk the Wadi Sheria and Wadi Imlieh are very steep and can only be crossed by a few mounted men at a time.

No casualties were sustained by the whole force. 1430 Inspection of men by Regimental Medical Officer for septic sores, men parading in shorts only.

1918

Friday, May 31, 1918

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Auja bridgehead defences

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Bleechmore, Major C; Burns, Lieutenant AG; and, three Other Ranks proceeded to School of Instruction Zeitoun.

Lee, 554 Sergeant EP, with D Troop “A” Squadron patrolled to Sq 127 F20b at 0530 a strong enemy patrol of about 50 advanced from the north.

Simultaneously with another from the north east on to Lee, 554 Sergeant EP; and, his command post forcing him to withdraw about west 700 yards to a more favourable position. A brisk fire kept up for several hours from both sides and at 1300 the enemy commenced to withdraw. Lee, 554 Sergeant EP; and, his patrol then moved forward and reoccupied Sq F20b.

1919

Saturday, May 31, 1919

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Tel el Kebir

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0930, Sloan, 1445 Sergeant WA, on trial before Field General Court Marshal.

Previous: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 30 May

Next: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 1 June

Sources:

See: 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Contents

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy

Further Reading:

9th Light Horse Regiment AIF

Bert Schramm Diary

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour 

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 7 August 2010 4:12 PM EADT

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