Item 01: Fred Hamilton-Kenny letter diary, 29 August-19 October 1914 - Page 26
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[Page 26]
we came suddenly to a big square – grassy & open & there was the Parade grounds & a mob of men – a band & a ceremony just starting -
Three sides of the square were occupied by armed men – rifles with fixed bayonets - On our left was the Naval brigade & in front & to our right the Berrima boys in Kharki & slouch hats - Our open side was full of officers & others & I noticed a few Germans & one German lady on the side walk - They looked at us & talked & we looked at them but said nothing - In the centre of the square was a band & a military man giving the orders = We learned subsequently that Brigadier Holmes read the Declaration & generally superinted the show - The good old Flag was hoisted & the Fleet saluted with her big guns - We sung God Save the King & gave 3 tremendous cheers – the men – in fact all of us – cheered vociferously - It was good to hear it -