7 October 2025
Zero Hour is more than just a sculpture. In this article, I explore Leslie Bowles’ 1935 work in the Australian War Memorial’s First World War Gallery, examining the three soldiers it depicts, the Lewis Gun teams they represent, and the remarkable stories of the men who may have inspired it. From allegory to history, this piece reflects on camaraderie, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in the chaos of war.
Doc's Writings
First World War
Australian Capital Territory
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5 July 2024
The Shellal Mosaic is an Ancient Roman Mosaic that when uncovered by Australian forces in the First World War, somehow, it ended up in Australia.
Doc's Writings
First World War
Australian Capital Territory
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25 February 2022
7-MAY-1915. While serving as an engineer with the 3rd Field Company Engineers, Australian Imperial Force,
Captain Edward Bage was instructed to map out new trench locations on Gallipoli, and as a result would be killed 14 days after landing on the Peninsula, but his legacy is not one of the battlefield,
but of Antarctic Exploration, when he spent two years mapping Antarctica alongside Sir Douglas Mawson
Shownotes
First World War
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25 December 2021
Rocky Hill War Memorial opened in 1925 as a lasting tribute to the men and women of Goulburn who served during the First World War.
Places of Pride
Memorial
First World War
New South Wales
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27 August 2021
<p>29-JULY-1918. While serving with the 29th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, Private George Giles, participated in the attack on German positions at Morlancourt. After which, he was instructed to proceed to the headquarters of the 8th Brigade, and surrender his uniform and equipment to the Australian War Records Section. Photographs were taken, and he was issued new equipment. The intent being to ‘show how our men came out of the trenches’ to the public. Who was the man behind the most famous uniform in the collection of the Australian War Memorial? </p>
Shownotes
First World War
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13 August 2021
CW: This episode does discuss suicide, viewer discretion is advised.
7-AUGUST-1916. Serving in the 48th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, Sgt David Twining would participate in the Battle of Pozieres; during the second phase of the First Battle of the Somme. Following horrific German counter-attacks, a wounded man would enter the 48th Battalion Headquarters with a simple message: “I’m the only one left, do you still want me to hold this position?” That message came from David Twining, and would start a monumental military career that would span Australia’s involvement in the Great War on the Western Front, but would sadly end with Captain David Twining taking his own life in 1931. His most known act, the defence of the Windmill at Pozieres was immortalised in the Pozieres Diorama at the Australian War Memorial. Sadly, the diorama has become more well-known than the man depicted in it.
Shownotes
First World War
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30 July 2021
<p>This episode was re-recorded and re-uploaded on 7-10-2021</p><p>27-SEPTEMBER-1917. Serving in the 45th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, The Souvenir King of the AIF. Pte John Hines, would participate in the Battle of Polygon Wood; during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypres. it was during this battle where Frank Hurley, Australian War Photographer snapped arguably his most photo. He had a ferocity to him and a preference for using Mills Bombs over rifle and bayonet, but his number one hobby was the collection of German equipment off German soldiers, either dead, wounded or prisoners of war. This ferocity was mirrored by truly abhorrent behaviour which cost him over a hundred days in pay, weeks in detention and any chance of him receiving any awards or decorations. After the war, he faded to obscurity, his photo survived to the point where more people knew his face than his name.</p><p><br></p>
Shownotes
First World War
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10 November 2018
I was fortunate enough to be able to Visit the Australian War Memorial during the Centenary of the First World War, to be present at the night vigil of the Unknown Australian Soldier by Australia's Federation Guard the night before Remembrance Day to mark the 25th anniversary of his interment in the Hall of Memory.
Places of Pride
Memorial
First World War
Australian Capital Territory
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