September marks our 75th podcast.  One of the things I enjoy about doing these podcasts is learning new things about our military history.

In our latest podcast we speak with Ally Roche from the Australian War Memorial (AWM).  Ally is a keen cyclist and she talks about the cycling battalions of the 1st AIF.  Whoever knew we had formation and units such as cycling battalions.  They never saw service again after WWI.  

Ally explains that the standard issue Army bicycle during the First World War was the BSA, made by the Birmingham Smalls Arms Company, a major British arms and ammunition manufacturer since the Crimean War, and a builder of bicycles since the early 1880s.  Unfortunately although thousands of these bikes were issued to Australian soldiers, the AWM does not have one.  You can find more about the cycling battalions through Ally's article for the AWM, Two wheels to the Front Line.    The Virtual War Memorial Australia has more photos of the units and personnel.

The 11th of November is approaching.  If you are thinking about accessing your relatives service records, check out the different research packages we have on offer,  

Our latest podcast is about a new documentary titled ‘Anzac- The Greek Chapter’ which has is premiere in October this year.  Jim Claven, Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee joins us to tell us about the new film which features interviews with veterans from the 1941 Greek campaign.  You can find out more about the documentary and its screenings by clicking on the photo on the left.

Next month, our podcast is about a specialised Australian military unit from WW1 that never saw service again.