John Joseph McGrath photographs and correspondence

Copy of a studio portrait of Private John Joseph (Jack) McGrath in military uniform.

Trooper George Gray of the Australian Remount Unit 2 riding a camel in Egypt. The camel is being led by an Egyptian guide with the sphinx and a pyramid in the background.

George Gray (service no. 2795) was a 24 year old drover from Cannon Hill, Brisbane, when he enlisted on 23 December 1915. He embarked from Sydney on the "Osterley" on 15 January 1916 and served in the Middle East with the 2nd Remount Unit. He returned to Australia on 26 July 1919; Gray was a friend of Jack McGrath.

Three men of the Australian Remount Unit, standing in front of their tents. The photograph is inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Only one left" and is printed on a postcard.

Three men are standing in front of their tents. The photograph is inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Some of my tent mates. You can see my bed". The image is printed on a postcard.

Roy Stanbride and John Cott standing on two horses. Another soldier in the foreground appears to be taking their photograph. The photograph is inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Roy Stanbridge & J. Cott. Queensland". 

Roy Stanbridge (service no. 2179) was a 22 year old drover from Charleville when he enlisted on the 8 October 1915. He embarked from Sydney on the ship "Orontes" on 10 November 1915 and served in the Middle East with the Australian Remount Unit 2. He returned to Australia on 26 July 1919.

John Douglas Cott (service no. 2008) was a 23 year old horse breaker from St George, Western Queensland, when he enlisted on 30 October 1915. He embarked on the "Orontes" from Sydney on 10 November 1915 and served in the Middle East with the Australian Remount Unit 2. He returned to Australia on 26 July 1919.

Troopers of the Australian Remount unit, standing in front of their tents. The photograph is inscribed by Jack McGrath "Some of my tent mates".

Three donkeys tethered in the lines of the Australian Remount Unit, Eghypt. Inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Some of my friends".

This is possibly Frederick Smith (service no. 162), he was a 43 year old horse breaker from Melbourne, Victoria, when he enlisted in September 1915. He is likely to be taking part in a buck-jumping competion, held in Egypt.

Smith was injured with a fractured femur in early 1916 and returned to Australia as medically unfit. He re-enlisted in February 1917 (service no. 1995) with Railway Unit, Section 5, and served briefly on the Western Front before being discharged as medically unfit again due to his previous injury. He returned to Australia in September 1917.

Trooper Horace James Kay, taking part in a buck-jumping competition, Egypt.

Horace James Kay (service no. 1327) was a 32 year old carpenter from Narrabri, NSW, when he enlisted on 6 October 1915. He served in the Middle East before returning to Australia on 26 July 1919.

Trooper Thomas Reid, taking part in a buck-jumping competition, Egypt.

Thomas Reid (service no. 2298) was a 25 year old teamster from Esk, Queensland, when he enlisted on the 9 November 1915. He embarked from Sydney on the ship "Orontes" on 10 November 1915 and served with the Australian Remount Unit 2 in the Middle East. He returned to Australia on the 16 March 1919.

Inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Remount sports".

Troops participating in a buck-jumping competition, during a sporting event held in Egypt. Inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Sports".

The soldier riding a horse in the foreground is a member of the Anzac Mounted Police. Inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "German & Turkish prisoners".

Inscribed on reverse by Jack McGrath "Arriving from the Canal. Tommy guards passing through Cairo. Turkish Prisoners".

Gravesite of William Walter Rankin of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit, located in the New Protestant Cemetery, Cairo, Egypt

Trooper William Walter Rankin (service no. 1942) was a stockman from Duaringa in Central Queensland, when he enlisted on 27 October 1915. He served with the 2nd Australian Remount Unit in Egypt and was killed instantly by a kick from a horse which fractured his ribs and injured his heart on the 21 July 1916. He was aged 32 at the time of his death. He was buried the next day in the New Protestant Cemetery in Old Cairo, his grave and headstone were erected by his officers and comrades.

Also visible in the photograph are the graves of Private Frank Forster Isherwood of the British Army and Trooper Mountford John Simons of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit.

Private Frank Isherwood (service no. M2/051884) served with the 619th Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps. He died on the 6th June 1916 at the age of 22.

Trooper M.J. Simons (service no. 1909) was born in Goulburn, New South Wales, but was living in Brisbane when he enlisted on the 21 October 1915 at the age of 49. He served with the 2nd Australian Remount Unit in Egypt and died in hospital of acute nephritis on 3 May 1916. 

Camels at rest, while tethered in lines, part of the Australian Camel Corps, Egypt.

Troops and horses at a rest stop, en route to Palestine. Description supplied with photograph.

Horses and troops of the Australian Remount Unit at El Arish, Egypt. Description supplied with photograph.

Australian Remount Unit Depot at Rafa (Rafah) in Palestine showing tents and horses in camp.
Description supplied with photograph.

Australian troops standing in front of the Jaffa Gate and clock tower in Jerusalem.

Close view of Australian troops, possibly from the 2nd Australian Remount Unit, standing in front of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem.

Troops of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit with their horses in the desert, Middle East

Lines of troops and horses of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit travelling along a dirt road in the Middle East.

Turkish prisoners of war, on parade, in Egypt during the First World War.

Description supplied with photograph.

Horses and troopers of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit at a rest stop, in the Middle East

Line of troopers and their horses of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit, travelling in the Middle East.

Inscribed on reverse "City beach, Rest Camp". The image features the huts and tents of the camp

Inscribed on reverse by John Joseph (Jack) McGrath: "Procession of the holy carpet through Cairo. You must excuse this way of replying to your letter. I have no news. I am still in Egypt and in the same crowd but doing w? [word is obscured]".

Inscribed on reverse by John Joseph (Jack) McGrath: "In Cairo Abraham Pasha. Remember me to dad, and Elsie and I hope to soon be home again. I must say goodbye. With love to all at home from your loving son Jack xxxx".

Cairo Luna Park was the first Western-style amusement park in the Middle East, it opened in 1911. In January 1915 it was converted into an auxiliary military hospital to treat Australian and New Zealand troops wounded at Gallipoli. At its peak the hospital contained over 1200 beds. The hospital was closed on 10 July 1916 when the major conflicts of the war shifted to the Western Front.

Inscribed on reverse by John Joseph (Jack) McGrath: "Luna Park once a hospital for Australian soldiers. It is now used as a pleasure place something like Earle Court which was once in Brisbane."

Australian soldiers viewing the interior of Jacob's Well Church in Palestine. Inscribed on reverse by John Joseph (Jack) McGrath "Church at the holy well. Altar". 

Postcard which features a coloured view of Collins Street, East in Melbourne was written by Jack McGrath to his sister, Elsie, in Brisbane, Queensland. He writes that he is in the best of health but the weather is rough. The postcard may have been written while he was on the ship "RMS Osterley" on the way to Egypt. Jack McGrath embarked from Sydney on the 15 January 1916.

Postcard which features a coloured view of the Town Hall in Melbourne, is written by Jack McGrath to his father, Jeremiah McGrath, in Brisbane, Queensland. He writes that he is well but it is a bit rough. The postcard may have been written while he was on the ship "RMS Osterley" on the way to Egypt. Jack embarked from Sydney on the 15 January 1916.

Postcard featuring a view of Assouan cataracts, in Egypt written by Jack McGrath in Maadi, Cairo, to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane, Queensland. He writes that he is anxiously waiting from a letter from home. Many of the able-bodied Remount men have volunteered for a fighting corps but he is satisfied to remain where he is as a rough-rider. 

In March 1916 the two Remount Units were reduced to one by halving the number of men in each, while retaining all the rough-riders. Many of the older men were returned to Australia while the younger soldiers could join fighting units if they desired. The rough-riders had to be young and strong enough to deal with difficult horses.

Postcard featuring a verse "When I come sailing home" written by Jack McGrath in hospital in Egypt to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane, Queensland. He writes that he is in good health and will be leaving the hospital shortly to re-join his unit in Heliopolis. In March 1917 McGrath was hospitalised with tonsillitis and in April had a middle ear catarrh.

Postcard featuring a "Birthday Greeting to a Dear Friend Now Serving" from William and Daisy McGrath in Brisbane, to Jack McGrath in Egypt to wish him a happy birthday. William McGrath was the brother of Jack. 

Postcard featuring a verse "A Soldier's letter to the Old Folks at home" from Jack McGrath in Heliopolis, Egypt, to his mother Ellen, in Brisbane. He urges her to write to him every mail as the letters are very slow in coming.

Postcard featuring a coloured view of the Suez Canal from Jack McGrath in Moascar, Egypt, to Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane. He writes that they have just moved to the new camp in Moascar. In July 1917 the Australian Remount Depot moved from Heliopolis to its new base at Moascar, where it remained until the Armistice.

Postcard which feature photographs of British soldiers and is entitled "To My Brother - Here's Luck Old Man!" from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his brother, William in Brisbane. He congratulates Willie on the birth of his daughter and writes that the Remount Unit is having a rest as they have very few horses.

Silk embroidered postcard which features a bouquet of red flowers tied with a ribbon from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane. He wishes her a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Postcard which features a photograph of a young soldier writing a letter and a verse "Thoughts of the Dear Ones at Home" from Jack McGrath in Moascar, Egypt, to his mother Ellen in Brisbane. He writes that he is in the best of health.

Birthday postcard from Sophie to Bertha Vellnagel in Chermside, Brisbane, wishing her many happy returns.

Jack McGrath married Bertha Minna Louise Vellnagel in 1922.

Postcard which features a coloured view of St. Paul's Church in Jerusalem, is from an unknown soldier to Jack McGrath in No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital in Moascar, Egypt. In February McGrath was hospitalised with otalgia (earache).

Postcard which features a coloured illustration of King George V is from Jack McGrath in Egypt written to his mother in Brisbane. He writes that he has returned to his unit from hospital and that he has been suffering from otitis (inflammation of the middle ear).

Postcard which features a photograph of the Heliopolis Obelisk and the verse "Loving Thoughts of my Dear Girl at Home" is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his "Dear Girl" Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane. He writes that he has returned to his unit.

Postcard which features a verse and is entitled "Greetings from Egypt" is from Jack McGrath in Ludd, Palestine, to his "Dear Girl" Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane. He writes that he is situated at Ludd, which is 18 miles from Jerusalem, and that he is attached to a British Remount Unit.

Postcard which features a romantic photograph of a British soldier with his sweetheart, is from Jack McGrath in Ludd, Palestine, to his "Dear Girl", Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane. He writes that he hopes to be back with her for the 1919 Brisbane Exhibition.

Postcard which features a verse "Loneliness and Longing" is from Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane to her "sweetheart" Jack McGrath in Egypt. She writes that she is well again and has received his card and letter.

Postcard features a view of Egypt and a verse "To My Dear Girl Loving Thoughts" is from Jack McGrath in Port Said, Egypt, to his "Darling Girl", Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane. He writes that he is at the Port Said Rest Camp of ten days and is enjoying himself. He longs for their happy days spent together.

Postcard which features a poem "The Promise of Life is from Sophie to Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane, wishing her happy birthday.

Postcard which features a photograph of the Fountain of Moses in Suez, Egypt is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane. He writes that he has not touched any of his army pay and that she should receive three shillings a day. The postcard does not include the year, but is it possibly 1916.

Postcard which features a photograph of Jack McGrath (left) and George Gray riding on camels in Egypt was sent from Jack to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane. He writes that he is sending her some photographs of himself and his mate George Gray (service no. 2795) of Cannon Hill, Brisbane. The postcard is undated but is possibly 1916.

Silk embroidered postcard which features a picture of a bird and the Union Jack flag with the words "I Carry Hope" is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vallnagel, in Brisbane. He writes that she need not worry about him and the Egyptian women.

Postcard which features an image of the Virgin Mary, is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother and father, in Brisbane. He writes that he will be away from Moascar for a fortnight in a new place.

The postcard does not include a year but is possibly 1916.

Postcard which features a photograph of men of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit, including Jack McGrath (on the right) was sent from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother in Brisbane. He wishes her all the best for Christmas and that he is included in the photograph on the postcard, marked with an x.

The postcard does not include a year but is possibly 1916.

Silk embroided postcard which features a bouquet of flowers and the words "Merry Christmas" is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vallnagel, in Brisbane. He writes that his love for her grows stronger every day.

The postcard does not include a year but is possibly 1916.

Postcard which features an image of the men of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit, including Jack McGrath, is from Jack in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vallnagel, in Brisbane. He writes that he has received her Christmas present of a wallet and cigarettes. He has not yet sent her a present as the money a trooper gets is very poor.

This is the same photograph as item 59.

Postcard which features an image of a British soldier writing a letter, is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane. He describes visiting the pyramids.

Postcard which features a photograph of the men of the Australian Remount Unit participating in a buck-jumping competition, is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his family in Brisbane. The first part of the correspondence is missing as the postcard begins at page 2. He writes that he thinks postcards are the best present and advises the recipient to keep them all together in a postcard album. He asks that they write to him every week as he has received no mail for six weeks.

The postcard does not include the year, but is it possibly 1916 or 1917.

Postcard which features an illustration of a bluebird and purple and yellow pansies, is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother, Ellen in Brisbane. He writes that he is in good health.

Postcard which features a verse "Greetings to Father and Mother With Love" is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother, Ellen, in Brisbane. He writes that he has been travelling around Palestine with a "Tommy" (British) Field Remount Unit, having a good time before he was called back to Moascar to join his own unit.

The postcard does not include the year, but is it possibly 1917.

Postcard which features a verse "Greetings To My Dear Sweetheart" is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane.

The postcard does not include the year, but is it possibly 1917.

Postcard which features an illustration of two clasped hands and the words "With My Love" is from Bertha Vellnagel in Brisbane, to her "sweetheart" Jack McGrath in Egypt. She wishes him happy birthday.

Postcard which features an illustration of a bluebird is from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his sweetheart, Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane. He writes "A memento of Egypt, from Jack to Bertha with love".

Christmas Card which features a photograph of an Egyptian woman and the inscription "Greetings from Egypt" from Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother Ellen, in Brisbane.

The Christmas card does not include the year, but is it possibly 1917.

Three postcards featuring photographs of a hospital train, a cemetery at El Arish, and a cemetery at Romani, sent by Jack McGrath in Egypt to his mother, Ellen in Brisbane.

The correspondence is written across three postcards:

1. Hospital train. My dear mother. Just a P card to let you know that I am still in the land of living and enjoying the [...] best of health. Hoping this card will find all at home the same. Thank you for the nice Xmas parcel you sent me, as I found the contents of the [...]. It arrived two days before Xmas so I had a fair sort of Xmas.

2. El Arish. I am kept very busy with very little time to write you a long letter. The first chance I get I will write. you a long letter, thanking you all at home for the Xmas parcel. We are having very windy weather and of course plenty of dust flying. I am writing this while resting under a palm tree.

3. I have been on the road with horses to date twelve days and is 10 miles off Jaffa, so I hope you will excuse the scribble. This is all the news so will conclude, with lots of love to Mother, Dad & Elsie, au revoir Jack.

Sixteen blank postcards featuring various scenes of Egypt and the Middle East.