Soldiers training at Miramar golf course

In September 1914 the departure of the Main Body (and 1st Reinforcements) was delayed until a ‘more powerful naval escort’ could be arranged. While the Auckland section returned home, those from the South Island joined the Wellingtonians in the capital until the reinforced convoy sailed on 16 October 1914. Most of these men were sent out to Trentham or Hutt Park, but several hundred camped in the southern suburbs of Miramar, Seatoun and Lyall Bay. The military authorities took advantage of the delay to improve the men's preparedness, including through mock battles such as this one on Miramar golf course.