OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Hastings Battery, c. 1901

DATE1901

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONHastings-Western Port Historical Society

REG NO.P401

HISTORY

This is one of the many photographs of the Hastings Battery, also known as the “Ham & Beef’ Battery and the “Victorian Rangers”. In 1904, after Federation, they became the A.F.A (Australian Field Artillery). The 40 pound Armstrong Gun is on the field carriage. Sgt Major Creaney is the leading soldier. Due to the black armbands worn by some of the soldiers, this photograph was probably taken about the time of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. Written on the back in biro is: “Military Detachment Hastings (Vic) circa 1902/3”.

DESCRIPTION

This image shows a street parade led by a military band, soldiers and a bullock team pulling a field carriage. A soldier on horseback is behind the marching soldiers and two soldiers are sitting on the field carriage. Men and boys are walking and running alongside. Gum trees line the street on the right-hand side of the image. Part of a picket fence can be seen on the left-hand side, centre, of the image. Large trees are in the background. A gravel road and some grass are in the foreground.

SUBJECTS

Armed forces, Boer War, 1899-1902, Defence forces, Military history, Parades and processions, Soldiers, Wars

KEYWORDS

6th Battery, Australian Field Artillery, Hastings, Creaney, Henry John, Victorian Rangers Hastings Battery