mily affairs were causing them anxiety and
necessitated delay in their departure. Again, others--a few only--felt
their ardour waning as the days of their stay at Blackboy grew fewer. In
all these instances the men concerned were either discharged or
transferred back to the depot units. The Battalion was the better for
the changes.

June 3rd was the anniversary of the Birthday of His Majesty the King.
The 28th, together with certain other troops from the training camps,
was to march through Perth and, in doing so, be inspected by the
Governor and the District Commandant. In preparation, the riding horses
and wheeled transport went to Perth the previous night and parked at the
Drill Hall. The Battalion itself proceeded to the city by train, and by
10.30 on the morning of the 3rd had formed up in James Street. It then
marched by Beaufort, Barrack, Hay, and Bennett Streets; thence along St.
George's Terrace, returning to the Railway Station by Milligan, Hay, and
Barrack Streets, and re-entraining for Blackboy Hill. The Governor took
the salute from a point opposite Government House. The Battalion
presented a fine spectacle, and received a magnificent reception from
the enormous crowds that thronged the thoroughfares. The newspapers, in
subsequently describing the proceedings, referred to an unprecedented
muster of the public and an extraordinary display of enthusiasm. The
people were evidently proud of their new unit, and the men had pride in
themselves.

During the first week in June, definite information was received as to
the transports allotted and the dates of embarkation. By the 6th June
everything was ready. On that day the 1st Reinforcements, consisting of
99 rank and file under the command of Lieut. J. F. Quilty, went on board
the transport "Geelong," which had arrived in Fremantle the day before
and carrying the 27th Battalion. Dean Brennan also embarked, having been
ordered for duty with the South Australians during the remainder of
their voyage. Sergt. F. L. Faulkner, together with the 11 drivers and 53
horses of the Regimental Transport, was to follow by a boat the date of
sailing of which had not then been fixed.

At this time orders were received to detach Major F. R. Jeffrey
temporarily to act as Second-in-Command of the South Australian unit. He
duly reported and another officer, Lieut. P. E. Jackson, was sent on
shore in exchange. In consequence of this alteration, Captain W. G.
Stroud was given the te