Darva (Dava) Lodge Hotel in Mornington hosted the 3 Div RAE, 4th Field Company and the RAE Band in February 1938. (photos 1 and 2)
During the camp they practised the use of gas masks this makes playing wind instruments a very difficult job.
The original building had a wonderful rich history as home to The Sisters of Charity, a boarding school and preparatory school for boys in the 1920’s. A decade on in 1935, it was sold to John Ross who would redevelop the buildings as The Dava Lodge Hotel and Guest House which attracted celebrities to the shores of the bay.
The Dava Hotel is still in use today
The RAE Band was very popular and in November 1938 they led the Church parade down Alexander Avenue in Melbourne not far from their Depot. (photo 3)
We have 2 Vinyl Records of the RAE band in our collection
RAEAV photo collection PV 104
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Royal Australian Engineers Association of Victoria Inc. 