In early August 1914, a German steamer lay at Port Huon taking on cargo for South Africa. The authorities considered the ship to be a ‘hostile vessel’ and dispatched naval reservists to commandeer it. The story of its ‘capture’ is rather comical, with some interesting first-hand accounts.

The handling of the eventual prisoners also illuminates how the war in Tasmania was seen during its early stages, especially at Claremont Camp. The camp became Tasmania’s major training camp over the course of the war, with over 11,000 men passing through its gates.

Yet there are other interesting aspects to the history of this area, and the presentation will touch on early European exploration, colonial settlement, a proposed quarantine station and the coming of the army, including their training, medical treatment and soldiers’ repatriation.

Following the war, the coming of Cadbury to Tasmania in the 1920s was a significant economic driver for the area, which also points to the development of the port of Hobart and railway transport from the factory. 

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John Wadsley is a professional heritage consultant and historian, establishing his own consulting practice in 2006. He worked at TMAG and the Maritime Museum from 2014 to 2022 where he is now (occasionally) a volunteer. He has a strong interest in Australian military history, particularly the impact of the Great War in Tasmania. He has been member of the Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue for over 20 years, and regularly gives presentations on Tasmanian military history, war memorials and commemoration. He previously worked as a NPWS ranger at Port Arthur, Richmond Gaol and Kangaroo Bluff Battery. He co-authored the bicentennial history of Anglesea Barracks, “Barrack Hill”, published in 2011, and published his history of the Claremont Army Camp and surrounds, “A Town of Tents” in 2023, copies of which will be available for sale at the presentation.