 This photograph was taken after a battle on the 15th of January, 1918. The soldier is Ernest Cecil SMITH, who served as an infantryman in the Australian Imperial Forces, in the Fifth Australian Division 32nd Battalion, 'C' Company, his regimental number was 4367. He is wearing the standard uniform of the time, with the webbing equipment, Pattern 1908. He has fixed what appears to be his waterproof sheet and perhaps greatcoat or blanket to the outside of his large pack, worn on his back. On his upper sleeve is the distinguishing flash of the 32nd Battalion. This flash consists of two stripes of wool material, joined to form a vertical rectangle. The colours are white and yellow, the yellow is the colour to the rear, and for some reason always appears very dark in black and white photos. Ern SMITH, was reported missing in action in July 1918, it was later discovered that he was killed on the 28/7/18, at Sailie Le Sac, The Somme. |