Members of the 4th Australian Field Ambulance display their Christmas billies, sent as comforts from Australia. The billies contained foodstuffs and a pipe. Some of the men are wearing the billy lid on their head. Image courtesy Australian War Memorial.
- President of St Stanislaus College, Dr Wigmore, unveils the honour roll at St Joseph’s Church in the presence of a crowded congregation. St Joseph’s Church Honour Roll
- Brigadier General Edward Northey and General Jacob Louis Van Deventer begin a combined offensive in East Africa, forcing the enemy east and south
- King George V sends the following Christmas message to his soldiers and sailors:
I send you, my Sailors and Soldiers, hearty good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
My grateful thoughts are ever with you for victories gained, for hardship endured, and your unfailing cheeriness.
Another Christmas has come round and we are still at war. But the Empire, confident in you, remains determined to win.
May God bless and protect you.
George R.I.
And to the sick and wounded:
At this Christmastide the Queen and I are thinking more than ever of the sick and wounded among my Sailors and Soldiers.
From our hearts we wish them strength to beat their sufferings, speedy restoration to health, a peaceful Christmas and many happier years to come.
George R.I.
