Dwyer Collection

Cpl Thomas Warshipman Dwyer (on right) and a mate, both of the 42nd Battalion. These photos were all taken in Papua before the battalion went into the line. They are from the estate of Cpl T W Dwyer and were donated by his daughter.

Note the puttees on the person on the right. Puttees were hated by the troops in WW1 and were phased out during WW2, although they made a return for tropical dress, ceremonial, in Malaysia in the 1960's. They were nine feet long (2.7 meters) and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide, made out of wool and were wound round and around the legs starting from the ankle.

Note the tin helmets. Many (most) units (inc the 42nd) discarded the tin helmets for the cloth beret which was better suited to jungle warfare.

Here is a man not to be messed with.

Cpl T W Dwyer displays
- the 'on guard' stance for bayonet fighting
- the tin hat which was quickly discarded as not suitable in the jungle
- the gas respirator bag which was quickly done away with as unnecessary or used for something else
- the 'new' canvas anklets that replaced puttees.

Note the total length of the rifle/bayonet combination and you will realize why the bayonet charge of an Australian unit became a thing of fear amongst enemy troops in two world wars

	Getting ready for the Japs.		Vickers gun team. Note the gas mask on the man at the rear
	The march past		Before long there will be no jeeps to get around on, just feet. Note the washing on the line.
	If you want accommodation, build it.		Well, the frame looks good, anyway.
	Don't stand around looking bored; the RSM will find plenty of work for you.		High rise apartments?
	Some of the boys.		Everyone helps, even the women.
	'Home' in a palm plantation.		Nearly finished, boss.