After arriving in England, Bertie was accommodated at the Australian and New Zealand military camp in the Wiltshire village of Codford from April 1917 until April 1918.
This map, courtesy of Codford historian Rosemary Wyeth, shows the military huts erected throughout the village during the war.
Most significant about this village is the Rising Sun emblem on the hill above a place called Foxhole Bottoms at Codford. This giant emblem, measuring 53m x 45m, was carved into the hillside in late 1916, exposing the chalk beneath the grass and soil. It was the brainchild of an Australian Brigade Commander who wanted to leave an indelible mark on Codford.
Below is a photo of Bertie, marching with the 14th Battalion band at Codford in 1917. To the far top left of the photo, the Rising Sun emblem is clearly visible on the hill.
Another photo shows an AIF band marching through Codford during the war.
Copyright, Owen Pearce
During World War 1, maintaining the badge was given as punishment to Australian soldiers, who nicknamed it Misery Hill. During World War 2 the badge was covered to prevent enemy planes using it as a landmark.
Known locally as the Codford Badge, it remains visible on the hill above the village today.
Courtesy Rosemary Wyeth, 2016
Courtesy Google, 2016
It is faithfully restored regularly by townspeople who form working parties to maintain the record of Australia’s commitment to the war. Impressively, the people of Codford still commemorate ANZAC day each year.
Below are photos taken at the ANZAC day service at Codford in 2016.
The building at rear was used as the paymaster’s station during World War 1, and no doubt visited by Bertie.
Australians are fondly remembered and always welcomed at Codford.
