The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Australian Red Ensign. Signed by members of the 1st Australian Wireless Squadron.
Originally the Australian Wireless Squadron had no flag. Robert Clark cabled his wife to send over an Australian red ensign to fly over the Squadron Headquarters. Post-war, the flag draped the walls of the Australian and New Zealand Mesopotamia Unit Association for over 50 years.
Robert Clark was born at Aberdeen Scotland. An engineer by training, he had served 17 years in his local Militia. He enlisted in the 1st Australian Wireless Squadron as a Second Lieutenant on 24 May 1916 aged nearly 39. On 20 June 1916 he embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Katuna, and disembarked at Basrah Mesopotamia on 12 August. The following week he was promoted to Lieutenant.
After a year of active service in the exhausting Mesopotamian climate, on 14 August 1917 Clark was invalided to India suffering sandfly fever and neurasthenia. After hospitalisation at Bombay, he was returned to Australia for a 'change'. During his convalescence he received a 'Mention in Despatches' for distinguished and gallant service, and devotion to duty. Promoted to Captain, Clark returned to Basra, rejoining his unit as Temporary Commandant in July 1918. He received a second Mention in Despatches and remained with the Wireless Squadron in Mesopotamia until February 1919.
Khaki woollen badge embroidered in white and black thread with the symbol of the Australian Wireless Squadron. The symbol takes the form of a pair of white wings with a lightening bolt through the cen
Small sweetheart brooch showing a silver Australian Wireless Squadron symbol of a winged lightening bolt attached to an enamelled purple rectangle with a brooch fastening on the back. Brooch associa
Australian red ensign bearing numerous signatures of Australian and Allied soldiers in ink and indelible pencil. Most of the signatures are on the front of the flag but a few are on the hoist and on t
Australian red ensign with inset stars and a printed Union Jack in the upper left canton. The flag is made of wool bunting with a canvas and sisal rope hoist and brass inglefield clip. Written on the
Printed red, white and blue (faded to grey) cotton, 1908 pattern, Australian red ensign. Associated with 421324 Flying Officer Morris Dolf Freudenstein RAAF, who served with 640 Squadron RAF during
Australian blue wool bunting ensign with a colour patch for 2/4 Commando Squadron is sewn to the proper right star of the Southern Cross constellation. The cream linen hoist is marked in black ink 'RO
