CHAPTER 15 World War 1
T he advent of World War I in 1914 had a profound impact on production, markets, and manpower. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 irrevocably changed the social and political fabric of Australia. No region or community was untouched by the fact that the dead could not be returned for burial, and so memorials listing their names became stand-ins for graveyards in cities and towns across the country. Out of a stinging defeat, a national identity and purpose was forged. It took a while for Australia to get back on its feet, although preferential trade with the British Empire aided the wine industry. At the outbreak of hostilities, there was some form of normal life in London, with the Annual Brewers’ Exhibition in November 1914 – the last for many years – taking place, and where, according to The Daily Herald in March 1924, ‘the flower of British wine experts awarded nine gold medals to Australian “Penfolds”, whilst the combined number of all other competitors divided four such honours among the lot of them’. But this success was bittersweet with the onslaught of hostilities in Europe and Australia’s participation in the war effort. Wine trade would soon reduce to a trickle, although local wine shows continued to be held in Australia. In March 1915, at Sydney’s Royal Show, Gehrig and Co won the champion Hock and Claret, while Walter Reynell & Sons won the champion Port and Caldwell’s Wine, the champion Sherry. Dr Thomas Fiaschi and Audrey Wilkinson
PREVIOUS PAGE: ‘An episode after the Battle of Zonnebeke (near Ypres, France) Australian Infantry moving forward to resist a counter attack. On the extreme right a machine brought down in flames is burning fiercely. The advance is supported by bombing planes, whilst the enemy is supporting their attack with a heavy barrage.’ 1917 [SLNSW PXD 26/77]
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