By Alesha Capone
A historic photo from World War I has found a new home at the Werribee RSL Sub-branch.
The Werribee District Historical Society donated the photo to the sub branch on Monday.
Society secretary Lance Pritchard captured the image, which shows the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at an Egyptian camp during World War I, circa 1914-15 , from a Magic Lantern glass slide donated to the historical group.
Magic Lanterns were an early type of image projector, which could be used to view pictures on transparent plates.
During WWI, photos were printed on Magic Lantern glass slides so they could be projected for audiences.
Werribee RSL Sub-branch vice-president and appeals officer, David ‘Paddy’ McDiarmid, said he was “extremely happy” when Mr Pritchard contacted him and offered to donate the historic picture.
Mr McDiarmid said the photograph was meant to be presented to the Werribee RSL Sub-branch before the COVID pandemic began last year, but had to be re-scheduled until this week.
Mr McDiarmid said the new photo would be hung alongside other photos which the Werribee District Historical Society has previously donated, including one of the Australian Light Horse Brigade charge at the battle of Beersheba in 1917.
Another image shows men walking down Watton Street during WWI, heading to the train station to travel to the war.
Mr McDiarmid said it was important to remember the sacrifices which many Australians have made during wars and armed conflicts, including WWI.
More than 60,000 Australians were killed during WWI, and more than 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.
