Collection relating to the service of 2816 Private Raymond John Smyth, 18th Battalion, AIF

Studio group portrait of four Australian soldiers, possibly all from the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion. Identified on the left, back row, is 2816 Private (Pte) Raymond John Smyth, 18th Battalion, AIF. An apprentice plumber prior to enlisting on 1 August 1915, Pte Smyth enlisted at just 17 years old. He listed his age as 18 and 1 month on his attestation form. Pte Smyth embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides (A14) on 02 November 1915. In January 1916, Pte Smyth was admitted to hospital due to scabies. This photograph was sent to his mother on 27 February 1916, with an inscription that reads, "Dear mother, I expect to get my discharge soon as I am feeling alright now. What do you think of this? It was taken in Cairo along with three of my cobbers. With best love and wishes, I am your loving son, Ray." Pte Smyth was discharged from hospital and returned to his battalion in March 1916. Pte Smyth was killed in action while serving at Pozieres Ridge on 26 July 1916. He was 18 years old.