Armistice Day

By August 1915, an Australian Imperial Force (AIF) Camp had been set up at Dubbo’s Showground for the purposes of enlisting, training and the embarkation of servicemen from Western NSW. The Camp also ensured that links to the First World War remained a presence in the town.

Much of Dubbo’s community life became centred on the support and entertainment of troops stationed at the Camp. Hundreds of men from around the region were housed at the Camp, swelling the town’s population and changing its make-up and culture. Despite the large numbers of young men in the Camp, there is little evidence of illegal or anti-social behaviour and the people of Dubbo welcomed those who had signed on ‘for King and Country’.

Women in particular provided for those at the Camp, organising concerts, afternoon teas and setting up a community library for the troops. Most beloved of all was ‘Plum Pudding Day’ where support, encouragement and care came in the form of a pudding.