French flag

This French flag flew over the police station at Amiens throughout the war. Corporal Hurtle Jose souvenired the flag on Armistice Day, 11 November 1918.

Jose was 19 when he enlisted in the AIF on 5 August 1915. He joined the 2nd Pioneer Battalion in March 1916. Exactly a year to the day after he had enlisted he suffered a gunshot wound during the battle of the Somme and spent many weeks recovering in hospital. In early 1917 he transferred to the 4th Motor Transport Company where he became an artificer, driver, and a motor mechanic.

After the cessation of hostilities Private Jose served as a driver for Prime Minister Billy Hughes, transporting him to and from the negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference. Before returning to Australia, Jose worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, helping to ensure that Australian soldiers were promptly laid to rest.