All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

To the City of Sunshine: Melbourne’s Top Five Visitor Destinations in March 1915

A Journey Back to the Great War Era, When Tram Bells Rang and Empire Loyalties Were Paramount.

Modern Melbourne is a vibrant fusion of gleaming skyscrapers, hidden laneway bars, and world-class sporting arenas. But cast your mind back 109 years, to the sweltering late summer of 1915.

Australia was barely 14 years old as a federated nation, and the Great War (the war to end all wars) was dominating civic life. Thousands of young men were training outside the city, preparing for an unknown fate in distant Gallipoli, and Melbourne—the unofficial cultural capital—buzzed with patriotism, anxiety, and a fierce determination to keep life proceeding apace.

If you arrived in Melbourne by steamer or train in March 1915, seeking culture, leisure, or respite, where would a respectable visitor spend their time?

Here are the Top Five essential places to visit, a snapshot of life in the ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ of the Great War era.

---

1. The Public Library, Museum, and National Gallery (Current State Library Victoria & NGV)

In 1915, these three institutions were housed together in the grand complex on Swanston Street. This was not just a repository of books; it was the intellectual and cultural heart of the Commonwealth.

What You Would See:

• The Dome: The spectacular octagonal reading room (the famous Domed Reading Room) had opened just ten years earlier and was a stunning architectural wonder. You would see men—and increasingly, women—poring over newspapers and ledgers, often discussing war news in hushed tones.
• Art & Artifacts: The National Gallery sector displayed works purchased through the burgeoning Felton Bequest, providing access to European masters and important local artists.
• The Atmosphere: A place of serious contemplation, where city officials mingled with students and researchers, all seeking knowledge away from the intense energy of the streets.

2. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine’s Future Site

While the magnificent Shrine of Remembrance would not be built until the 1930s, the surrounding area was already one of Melbourne’s most beloved leisure spots.

What You Would See:

• The Gardens: March was the perfect time for a late-summer promenade. Visitors strolled along the Ornamental Lake, admired the recently established Tropical Glasshouse, and enjoyed picnics beneath the historic elms and oaks that had been growing since the mid-19th century.
• The People: This was the definitive spot for society to see and be seen. You would observe impeccably dressed ladies in high-necked lace and enormous hats, often accompanied by men in civilian suits or military uniforms on brief leave.
• Patriotic Displays: On Sundays, it was common to see unofficial gatherings or concerts raising funds for the war effort, turning the scenic grounds into a hub of patriotic activity.

3. The Block Arcade and Bourke Street

The central business district of Melbourne in 1915 was defined by the stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture of its key retail streets. No spot was more essential for a visitor than the glorious indoor thoroughfare of The Block Arcade.

What You Would See:

• High Commerce: This was the place to acquire the latest fashions, fine jewellery, and imported delicacies. Shops like Georges and others nearby set the retail standard for the nation.
• Taking Tea: A visit to The Block was incomplete without taking afternoon tea at the famed Hopetoun Tea Rooms, with its opulent setting and renowned cakes.
• Tram Life: Bourke Street was the beating heart of the city’s electric tram network, still relatively new. The jingle of the trams was the soundtrack to the busy street, ferrying commuters and shoppers to and from the inner suburbs. The sheer volume of people flowing through this intersection was truly ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ on display.

4. St. Kilda Esplanade and Pier

To escape the grime and tension of the central city, Melbourne residents would take the train or tram south to the seaside suburb of St. Kilda. While not yet the bohemian hub it would become later in the century, St. Kilda offered fresh air and seaside entertainment.

What You Would See:

• The Pier: St. Kilda Pier was a major destination. Visitors could stroll out over the water, watch fishermen, and perhaps catch a view of the ships coming and going from Port Melbourne, many of which would soon carry troops overseas.
• The Kiosk: At the end of the pier, a charming, distinctive Kiosk (the current structure is a later replacement) offered simple refreshments and sweeping views of the bay.
• Luna Park: While the famous Luna Park didn’t open until 1912, it had quickly become a fixture. The exhilarating sights and sounds of the “Big Dipper” and the famous ‘Mr. Moon’ entrance provided a necessary distraction from the looming shadow of the war.

5. Parliament House and Treasury Gardens

In 1915, Melbourne’s Parliament House was still the primary legislative chamber for the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia (Canberra was under construction, not yet operational). This area was the hub of political decision-making.

What You Would See:

• The Architecture: The massive, imposing structure of Parliament House, with its grand steps, symbolized the youthful power of the Australian government. Given the ongoing war, the discussions within were crucial—debates about conscription, finances, and troop deployments were frequent and heated.
• The Gardens: Across the street, the stately Treasury Gardens offered a quieter, more formal alternative to the Botanic Gardens. It was a place for political power brokers to hold discrete meetings, or simply for weary citizens to sit and read the latest casualty lists published in the daily paper.
• The Government Presence: Unlike today, the area was saturated with military staff and government clerks rushing between the various official buildings, underscoring Melbourne’s role as the wartime political capital.

---

March 1915: A City of Contradictions

Visiting Melbourne in March 1915 was to experience a city operating at full tilt, yet under immense psychological pressure. These five destinations remind us that even as the world prepared for unprecedented conflict, the necessity of culture, leisure, and civic pride remained undeniable.

It was a Melbourne built on certainty and Victorian grandeur, soon to be irrevocably changed by the events of the global conflict that lay just weeks ahead.

---

Step Into History

What forgotten Melbourne historical site would you most like to visit if you could travel back to 1915? Share your thoughts below!

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

WWI Troop Arrival and Orders in Egypt (April 1915)

The journey of an Englishman returning from Australia to enlist, travelling through the Suez Canal in April 1915, places him squarely within the initial stages of the British Empire’s military buildup in Egypt.

1. Nearest Port and Ship Delivery

The most likely final disembarkation port for troop transport ships arriving in Egypt via the Suez Canal in April 1915 was Alexandria.

• Suez Canal Route: The ship would pass through the Suez Canal and enter the Mediterranean Sea via Port Said. While Port Said was a vital coaling and resupply station at the northern entrance of the Canal, it was primarily a commercial port and a critical point for Canal defence.
• The Main Base: Alexandria was the primary, large-capacity deep-water port on the Mediterranean coast and served as the main base and logistic hub for the British, Australian, and New Zealand (ANZAC) forces in Egypt. Troops destined for the extensive training camps in the Cairo area (like Mena Camp near the Pyramids) were routinely disembarked at Alexandria due to its superior facilities for handling large numbers of men, horses, and materiel.

In short, the ship would transit the Canal at Port Said, but the soldier would be delivered to Alexandria.

2. Travel to Cairo and Training Camps

Yes, he would almost certainly need to go to Cairo first, or at least pass through the major military transit points near it, before reaching the training camps near the Pyramids (Mena Camp).

• From Alexandria to Cairo: Upon disembarking at Alexandria, soldiers were typically immediately loaded onto troop trains for the several-hour journey inland. The main line ran directly to Cairo, where the primary base hospitals, advanced supply depots, and major military command were located.
• Mena Camp: The famous Mena Camp, situated right next to the Giza Pyramids, was the principal training ground for incoming forces. Transportation from the Cairo railway station or a nearby transit point would be organised to move him to his specific unit in the camp.

3. Reporting with Special Orders

If the enlisted Englishman had “special orders,” his reporting procedure would be immediately elevated and separated from the standard mass of recruits.

• Standard Procedure: A typical enlisted man would report to the Adjutant or a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the unit he was assigned to, who would be waiting at the port or the reception depot in Cairo.
• Special Orders Procedure: A soldier with special orders would likely be carrying them in a sealed document intended for high-level staff. He would report to:
  1. The Base Commandant or Staff Officer on Arrival: The first stop would be the Base Commandant or the senior Staff Officer of the disembarkation port (Alexandria). He would present his orders and be immediately directed to the appropriate authority.
  2. General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.)’s Headquarters: His orders would likely route him directly to the General Officer Commanding, Egypt (G.O.C. Egypt), or the Staff Officer representing the GOC at GHQ (General Headquarters) in Cairo. In April 1915, the overall command in Egypt was likely under the purview of General Sir John Maxwell, who was responsible for the troops and defences of Egypt. If the special orders related to the imminent Gallipoli campaign, he might be directed to the headquarters of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) or the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF), both of which had Staff Officers operating out of the Cairo command structure.

In summary, his path would be: Australia → Suez Canal → Disembark at Alexandria → Troop Train to Cairo → Report to GHQ Staff (or his unit in the Mena Camp area).

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

There are historical records and evidence that the RMS Orontes did leave Australian ports carrying passengers in April 1915. While the ship was later formally requisitioned as a troopship, it continued to operate on the Australia-UK mail and passenger service during the early part of the war, though under significantly changed conditions. 

The April 1915 voyage of the RMS Orontes 

• Brisbane departure: The Orontes left Brisbane on April 4, 1915.
• Adelaide stop: On April 16, 1915, the ship stopped in the Outer Harbour at Port Adelaide. An article in the newspaper The Advertiser reports that after a few hours’ stay to take on mail and some passengers, the ship continued its “homeward” voyage.
• Passengers and purpose: The Adelaide newspaper also noted that among the passengers on this specific sailing were 22 medical men and 29 nurses headed for England, highlighting the wartime nature of the travel. 

An itinerary for the April 1915 voyage

Based on the available records, here is a likely itinerary for the RMS Orontes on its April 1915 voyage from Australia to London:

• Early April 1915: The ship likely originated its journey in the eastern states of Australia.
• April 4, 1915: Departed Brisbane.
• Mid-April 1915 (before April 16): Departed from Sydney and Melbourne.
• April 16, 1915: Made a brief stop at Adelaide’s Outer Harbour to take on mail and some passengers before continuing on.
• Late April 1915: Called at Fremantle, as was standard for the UK-Australia route. In March 1915, the Orontes had stopped at Fremantle, suggesting it was part of its regular route.
• En route via Port Said: The Orient Line’s Australia route, which the Orontes served, travelled via the Suez Canal and Port Said. A stop here was standard for fueling and logistics, and it also put the vessel in the heart of a war zone, increasing the danger of the journey.
• Mid-May 1915: The ship would have continued its journey through the Mediterranean and around the Iberian Peninsula to its final destination in London. 

Key takeaway

While the voyage was not under a formal military requisition like later in the war, the circumstances were profoundly shaped by World War I. Travel was far from routine, with a heavy emphasis on essential service and mail delivery. The presence of medical personnel bound for England highlights the military undertones of even seemingly “civilian” voyages during this period. 

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

WWI Troop Arrival and Orders in Egypt (April 1915)

The journey of an Englishman returning from Australia to enlist, travelling through the Suez Canal in April 1915, places him squarely within the initial stages of the British Empire’s military buildup in Egypt.

1. Nearest Port and Ship Delivery

The most likely final disembarkation port for troop transport ships arriving in Egypt via the Suez Canal in April 1915 was Alexandria.

• Suez Canal Route: The ship would pass through the Suez Canal and enter the Mediterranean Sea via Port Said. While Port Said was a vital coaling and resupply station at the northern entrance of the Canal, it was primarily a commercial port and a critical point for Canal defence.
• The Main Base: Alexandria was the primary, large-capacity deep-water port on the Mediterranean coast and served as the main base and logistic hub for the British, Australian, and New Zealand (ANZAC) forces in Egypt. Troops destined for the extensive training camps in the Cairo area (like Mena Camp near the Pyramids) were routinely disembarked at Alexandria due to its superior facilities for handling large numbers of men, horses, and materiel.

In short, the ship would transit the Canal at Port Said, but the soldier would be delivered to Alexandria.

2. Travel to Cairo and Training Camps

Yes, he would almost certainly need to go to Cairo first, or at least pass through the major military transit points near it, before reaching the training camps near the Pyramids (Mena Camp).

• From Alexandria to Cairo: Upon disembarking at Alexandria, soldiers were typically immediately loaded onto troop trains for the several-hour journey inland. The main line ran directly to Cairo, where the primary base hospitals, advanced supply depots, and major military command were located.
• Mena Camp: The famous Mena Camp, situated right next to the Giza Pyramids, was the principal training ground for incoming forces. Transportation from the Cairo railway station or a nearby transit point would be organised to move him to his specific unit in the camp.

3. Reporting with Special Orders

If the enlisted Englishman had “special orders,” his reporting procedure would be immediately elevated and separated from the standard mass of recruits.

• Standard Procedure: A typical enlisted man would report to the Adjutant or a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the unit he was assigned to, who would be waiting at the port or the reception depot in Cairo.
• Special Orders Procedure: A soldier with special orders would likely be carrying them in a sealed document intended for high-level staff. He would report to:
  1. The Base Commandant or Staff Officer on Arrival: The first stop would be the Base Commandant or the senior Staff Officer of the disembarkation port (Alexandria). He would present his orders and be immediately directed to the appropriate authority.
  2. General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.)’s Headquarters: His orders would likely route him directly to the General Officer Commanding, Egypt (G.O.C. Egypt), or the Staff Officer representing the GOC at GHQ (General Headquarters) in Cairo. In April 1915, the overall command in Egypt was likely under the purview of General Sir John Maxwell, who was responsible for the troops and defenses of Egypt. If the special orders related to the imminent Gallipoli campaign, he might be directed to the headquarters of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) or the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF), both of which had Staff Officers operating out of the Cairo command structure.

In summary, his path would be: Australia → Suez Canal → Disembark at Alexandria → Troop Train to Cairo → Report to GHQ Staff (or his unit in the Mena Camp area).

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

There are historical records and evidence that the RMS Orontes did leave Australian ports carrying passengers in April 1915. While the ship was later formally requisitioned as a troopship, it continued to operate on the Australia-UK mail and passenger service during the early part of the war, though under significantly changed conditions. 

The April 1915 voyage of the RMS Orontes 

• Brisbane departure: The Orontes left Brisbane on April 4, 1915.
• Adelaide stop: On April 16, 1915, the ship stopped in the Outer Harbor at Port Adelaide. An article in the newspaper The Advertiser reports that after a few hours’ stay to take on mail and some passengers, the ship continued its “homeward” voyage.
• Passengers and purpose: The Adelaide newspaper also noted that among the passengers on this specific sailing were 22 medical men and 29 nurses headed for England, highlighting the wartime nature of the travel. 

An itinerary for the April 1915 voyage

Based on the available records, here is a likely itinerary for the RMS Orontes on its April 1915 voyage from Australia to London:

• Early April 1915: The ship likely originated its journey in the eastern states of Australia.
• April 4, 1915: Departed Brisbane.
• Mid-April 1915 (before April 16): Departed from Sydney and Melbourne.
• April 16, 1915: Made a brief stop at Adelaide’s Outer Harbor to take on mail and some passengers before continuing on.
• Late April 1915: Called at Fremantle, as was standard for the UK-Australia route. In March 1915, the Orontes had stopped at Fremantle, suggesting it was part of its regular route.
• En route via Port Said: The Orient Line’s Australia route, which the Orontes served, traveled via the Suez Canal and Port Said. A stop here was standard for fueling and logistics, and it also put the vessel in the heart of a war zone, increasing the danger of the journey.
• Mid-May 1915: The ship would have continued its journey through the Mediterranean and around the Iberian Peninsula to its final destination in London. 

Key takeaway

While the voyage was not under a formal military requisition like later in the war, the circumstances were profoundly shaped by World War I. Travel was far from routine, with a heavy emphasis on essential service and mail delivery. The presence of medical personnel bound for England highlights the military undertones of even seemingly “civilian” voyages during this period. 

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

What would a British-born passenger need to do to get passage on a passenger ship from Brisbane, Australia, to Port Said in Egypt or London in April 1915

By April 1915, getting passage on a ship from Australia to England was extremely difficult for any civilian, even for a British-born person. The outbreak of World War I had transformed the shipping industry, with most civilian passenger liners being requisitioned by the military. The few civilian passages that did exist were subject to strict wartime regulations, and a person would need a compelling and approved reason to travel. 

The process of securing passage

1. Find a suitable ship: Normal commercial passenger routes operated by companies like P&O had been almost completely absorbed into the war effort. Any remaining civilian passages were extremely limited and likely had to be booked directly with the shipping company’s Australian office. Availability would have been scarce and prioritised for official purposes. Newspapers sometimes published limited shipping intelligence, but these were often for military transports or vessels moving cargo.
2. Obtain official approval: Under the Australian War Precautions Act, travel was no longer a simple commercial transaction. A British-born passenger would need to apply for official permission to leave the country. The Australian military would review the application to ensure the journey was not a security risk and was for a valid, pressing reason. Permission would likely only be granted for essential purposes related to the war effort, government business, or extreme family emergencies.
3. Provide a valid reason for travel: The burden of proof would be on the traveller. Reasons considered valid for travel might include:
   • Urgent family affairs: A severe illness, death of a close family member, or urgent estate matters in Britain.
   • War-related work: Civilian work in munitions or other support roles vital to the war effort.
   • Government or diplomatic duties: Official travel for the British or Australian governments.

4. Submit to increased scrutiny: All passengers would face rigorous security checks and surveillance by military authorities. Travel on a military transport would mean abiding by naval discipline and strict security rules for the duration of the journey.
5. Book the passage and pay the high fare: Even with a valid reason, securing a berth was rare and expensive due to the scarcity of ships. Fares would have been costly, and a berth would have been difficult to book on the limited number of vessels not completely filled with troops. 

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

…

Were there any government restrictions in place against people travelling from Australia to England in April 1915

Yes, significant government restrictions were in place on travel from Australia to England in April 1915, driven by the war effort’s needs and security concerns. While formal immigration between British colonies and the UK did not require passports in the modern sense at that time, wartime regulations imposed severe limitations and risks on civilian travel. 

Key government restrictions and wartime conditions included:

War Precautions Act 1914

In August 1914, the Australian government passed the War Precautions Act, which gave it broad powers for the duration of the war. By 1915, this act was used to impose regulations that profoundly affected public life, including travel. A second, expanded act was even introduced in April 1915. It allowed the government to: 

• Contribute to censorship and surveillance. The act granted the government the power to control newspapers and censor information that could be detrimental to the war effort.
• Restrict “aliens.” Regulations required people with connections to enemy nations to register as “aliens”. While this was primarily aimed at German and Austro-Hungarian nationals, it subjected anyone not of British descent to greater scrutiny. 

---

Shipping scarcity and military requisition

By April 1915, most passenger liners had been requisitioned for military use to transport troops, munitions, and supplies. 

• Troop transport: By this time, tens of thousands of Australian soldiers had already been transported to training camps in Egypt. Many of these troop transports departed in convoys from ports like Brisbane and Melbourne.
• Cargo needs: The vast logistical demands of the war meant that civilian shipping was drastically reduced. The few remaining voyages were fraught with danger from German U-boats, particularly after the outbreak of unrestricted submarine warfare later in the war. 

---

Increased security and surveillance

All travellers, even British subjects, were subject to greater security measures and scrutiny.

• Alien registration: The UK’s own Aliens Restriction Act 1914 and subsequent orders initiated a system of systematic registration and surveillance of non-British subjects. In Australia, people with connections to enemy nations were required to register as “aliens,” and many were interned in camps.
• Port authority powers: Both Australian and British authorities had powers to restrict or prohibit the movement of people in and out of specified areas. 

---

Informal and indirect restrictions

Beyond specific regulations, other factors severely curtailed travel.

• Travel cost and availability: The scarcity of passenger shipping drove up costs and made bookings extremely difficult.
• Reduced incentive: With the war dominating daily life, most people without urgent, war-related reasons had little desire to take such a risky and difficult journey. 

In summary, while a British subject might not have faced the outright ban that an “enemy alien” did, wartime government regulations and military control of shipping made a casual trip from Australia to England in April 1915 a nearly impossible and highly risky undertaking.