Launched by RSL State President Bill Gaynor, the Blackboy Hill Training Camp exhibition titled ‘Marching and Stew’ is presented to honour the service and sacrifice of our World War I Diggers.
Situated in
Greenmount, within the Shire of Mundaring, Blackboy Hill Training Camp was
hurriedly established in August 1914 in bushland and under canvas tents.
Of the over 32,000 Western Australian’s who enlisted in the Australian
Imperial Force, more than half (17,294) were killed in action (4,345),
wounded or disabled.
Central to the display is a rare original
1916 dated bell tent which housed the new recruits of the AIF. Following
initial training these soldiers embarked for the carnage of Gallipoli and
the Western Front. Full size mannequins bring to life the variety of
clothing depicted in photographs and worn in camp from civilian to battle
dress.
The exhibition tells the story of the camp from initial
beginnings through to today’s memorial which shares the site with the
Greenmount Primary School.
Presented by the Mundaring and Hills
Historical Society at the Mundaring District Museum, the comprehensive
exhibition runs from April to October 2009.
Special thanks to Mundaring Glass and Security for
generously supplying the two large mirrors used inside the bell tent.
These were provided at short notice, cut to size and delivered free of
charge. The Mundaring and Hills Historical Society is grateful for the
support of Manager Simon Rice and his staff. Their contribution has
enhanced the exhibition which honours our Anzacs.
Mundaring
Glass and Security 9295 3300
Entry: Free
Where: The Mundaring District Museum is located at 7225 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring (see map)
Hours: Opens in conjunction with Mundaring Visitor Centre -
Monday - Saturday 9.30am to 4pm
Sundays and Public Holidays 10.30am to 2.30pm
Curator: Mundaring District Museum Curator Paul Bridges contact details 9295 0540, paul@mhhs.org.au on Monday, Wednesday & Friday between 9am-4pm