Snapshot of the past

A recruitment meeting at the showgrounds during the Warragul Show on March 7, 1917.

The photograph shows a large crowd assembled to hear an address by recruiting officers from the top steps of the grandstand during World War I.

Many are standing on the race track with the finishing post located on the far left.

A message on the back on the photograph states it was taken by Alick Hardie to send to his brother Nean, who was already serving Australia.

“On a call being made for volunteers, there was a splendid response, a dozen young fellows offering their services to the Empire,” read a report in the Gazette. “As each young recruit stepped forward, he was greeted with a volley of cheers.”

“They were then marched in column of route by Sergeant Hamlin to the Shire Hall, and on the way the ranks were swelled by another four volunteers, making 16 for the day. This is the grandest recruiting rally since the defeat of the referendum and placed Warragul again ahead of all other towns in proportion of population. This makes 33 volunteers enlisted through Sergeant Hamlin since February 1.”

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragul gazette.com.au.