The Patriot Spirit
Troops from France’s Pacific colonies, on their way to the war in Europe, allowed Australians to display their loyalty and patriotism.
Year: 1917
Length: 1:26
Production Company: Australasian Films
Source: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Catalogue Reference: NFSA title: 66796
Location: Sydney Harbour, Correy’s Gardens (Cabarita), Sydney, Australia
Tags: French colonial troops, New Caledonia, Tahiti
Subject: French colonial troops, New Caledonia, Tahiti
The First World was a truly global war. Not only did Australian troops travel to and from other countries, but foreign troops also passed through Australia, helping raise awareness of the international character of the conflict. In this clip, 300 soldiers from the French colonies of Noumea (New Caledonia) and Noumea pass through Sydney on their way to Europe.
The French-Australian League provided entertainment for the troops at Correy’s Gardens in Cabarita, a popular recreational spot pre-war. The soldiers are seen relaxing and smoking on a Sydney ferry, and disembarking with officers and civilians at Correys Gardens. Colonial troops play on swings and a seesaw, and a group from the French-Australian League is shown with French commanding officers. The general merriment seems odd against the backdrop of the carnage of the Western Front, but it provided an opportunity for Australians to display their loyalty and patriotism.
The Patriot Spirit
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Sydney Harbour, Correy’s Gardens (Cabarita), Sydney, Australia
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0:00
Intertitle: THE PATRIOT SPIRIT. The French-Australian League Entertained 300 French Soldiers from Noumea and New Caledonia (who are on their way to the Front) at Correy's Gardens.
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0:09
Soldiers smoking aboard a ferry
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0:15
Soldiers disemdark from a ferry
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0:35
Soldiers playing on swings, see-saws etc
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0:58
Intertitle: The French-Australian League and French Commanding Officers
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1:03
The French-Australian League and French Commanding Officers