The Soldier Settlement scheme, established in 1917, aimed to provide returned soldiers, Blockies, with land and resources to establish themselves as farmers. Unfortunately, the scheme was plagued by poor planning and inadequate support, leaving many soldiers struggling to make a living and ultimately leading to its failure.

According to photographer Greg Branson, the images were inspired by the buildings he saw in Walpole, Western Australia, where his grandfather took up a soldier settler property. “I’ve shot images of buildings that reminded me of those I saw in Walpole. Since then I have researched the history of the Soldier Settlement scheme to tell the story behind these images,” says Branson.