Authors: Rosemary Kerr and Sue Rosen
Client: Jackson Teece Chesterman and Willis
Historic Context Report and chronology for Forest Lodge Drill Hall and surrounding area
The expansion of the armed forces which resulted from the introduction of compulsory military training, coupled with the outbreak of World War I. As early as 1914, the commander of the 26th Infantry Regiment complained that a lack of space meant that instruction in rifle shooting, musketry, bayonet fighting and physical training could not be properly carried out, and general administration and storekeeping was becoming increasingly difficult. A large number of drill halls were constructed in all states up to 1918. The halls followed two designs and varied only in size. The structures were usually purely functional with no ornamental qualities, however, buildings were often imbued with a symbolic significance through the battle honours, awards and memorials vested in them on behalf of the actions of those regiments associated with the halls. .