Australian soldiers at Christmas dinner in the Australian Club (old East Hotel) in Jerusalem between 1940 and 1946. View full size. Matson Photo Service.
The could be drinking American beer. Or Fosters.
No wonder they look so down in the mouth. They're drinking poor quality Victorian beer. Ballarat Beer and at war... Could life be any worse?
Between '40 and '46 there was a major altercation . . .
Wouldn't an Australian Club have used Happy Xmas on their banner hanging above?
Seems like the Brits used Happy Christmas as a greeting.
[Maybe it's a British-made banner? - Dave]
The beer is Ballarat Bitter and the leaves on the walls look like eucalyptus, which with its unique smell would have so reminded them of home.
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