Recruitment
JOIN US
While 11th Battalion represents a specific infantry battalion we encourage anybody who wishes to explore other support branches who may seldom get the same level of exposure, but who should equally stand firmly under the banner ANZACS:
INFANTRY:
Men between the ages of 18 and 45 were the general requirement, however many recruiting stations clearly overlooked this criteria. On the 31st July 1915 while attacking the Turkish Despair Works the oldest to fall that night was Pte Albert Shaw, a 46 year old from Woolwich, London. While we encourage accuracy and authenticity we believe there is a place for everyone. Older members would be encouraged to represent Senior Officers,some of whom were in there 70's when given command. This will allow the public to get another perspective on the AIF and the roles that different ranks and Units had, as well as dispelling the myths that have been brought to bear. Australian Officers led Australian troops, and did do very effectively!
All infantrymen will be required to do a little trench digging, maintenance and repair, and attend drill and rifle drill practice. In 2015 members of the Battalion will be forming the catafalque party, a great honour, and one for which we need to be fully practiced and prepared.
NURSES:
The very first Australians to go to war were Australian women who were in London at the time war broke out and who as a result created what was to become the 1st Australian Field Hospital and served in France. The work of these fine, brave women should never be underestimated; some even went to the Front Lines to offer assistance to the wounded before being sent back to their Field Hospitals!! We wish to support anybody who would be interested representing this service.
WAAC:
Many Australian Women made their way to England to support the troops in other ways. While the Womens Auxiliary Army Corp was an English organisation, many Australian Women served in it. Not recognised until 1917 the WAAC's nevertheless did important work supporting the troops as mechanics, drivers, telephonists, clerks, waitresses and cooks. Some even became motorcycle riders delivering messages. The Model T ambulance in our possession will be driven by a WAAC.
DOCTORS:
Many doctors were professionals from towns and townships across Australia thrown into officers uniforms and placed into the war zone to make things up as they went along. The Medical Corps grew rapidly into a competent organisation saving many lives in the process. We will actively support anyone wishing to represent this service.
CHAPLAINS:
Perhaps seldom appreciated in the grand scheme of things, older members who feel soldiering and digging trenches isn't for them may wish to consider the chaplaincy. These men did great service providing succour to wounded men in and out of the front lines and sometimes in no-man's land. Indeed Anzac legends tell of one or two Battalion chaplains actually charging into battle with their men to be there for them when need be!! An important role that would be an asset to the Battalion, and you would be an Officer naturally!