Tomorrow Australia commemorates the 103rd anniversary of the Anzac landing in Gallipoli, and the centenary of the end of WW1. We asked Jane Thogersen, Manager of Macquarie University’s Australian History Museum, to share some highlights from the Museum’s collection of WW1 relics.
Field Service postcard, 6 August 1915
This WWI Field Service postcard is from an Australian soldier (Jim) to his relative Mr J Chandler of Chatswood, NSW. This type of postcard represents the level of censorship imposed on, and lack of communication available to, soldiers in war. It also represents how stressful it must have been for loved-ones still at home. The back of the postcard allows soldiers a multiple-choice approach to what information they can share, for example ‘I am quite well’, ‘I have been admitted to hospital’, and so on. If the person wrote anything of their own, then the card would be destroyed.
Warrant Officer Falconer’s diary, 25 June 1915 – 6 February 1917
The diary entries cover Officer Falconer’s time on active service in the Middle East and Europe (France and Belgium) with the 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Div. AIF, from November 1915 to July 1917. Some entries are incredibly de-sensitised to things like death and horrible conditions, despite which, the handwriting and illustrations are incredibly beautiful and neat.
Book: Humorosities by an Australian Soldier by Cecil Hartt
A book of cartoons by Anzac soldier Cecil Hartt. This collection is a fantastic representation of Aussie humour in the face of horrific situations. Hartt also contributed cartoons to The Bulletin, a popular Sydney newspaper before WWI.
ANZAC medal: Simpson and Donkey, issued 1965
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing, the ANZAC medal was issued to surviving veterans or their next of kin. It was designed by Australian sculptor Raymond Ewers. This Anzac medal was awarded to veteran J Emanuel.
Condolence letter, 10 June 1917
A four-page letter from “in the field” 10 June 1917 to Mr and Mrs McGregor regarding the death of their son Staff Sergeant JH McGregor (aka “Little Mac”). The letter was written by his commanding officer Lieutenant Kenneth Brock, who noted that though he was “small of stature, he was large of heart”. The Museum also holds several transcribed diary pages from JH McGregor in the collection.
Collection of WWI cigarette cards
The museum holds a large collection of collectable cigarette cards from the WWI period, of particular interest are those displaying popular recruitment posters to encourage enlistment. These cards help to represent the totality of war within everyday society/activities at the time.
Visit the Australian History Museum at Macquarie University.
Y2 Museum Building, 13 Hadenfield Avenue
Monday-Thursday: 8am-4pm
Friday: 8am-1pm
Saturday-Sunday: By appointment
Opening hours are subject to change without notice and staff are encouraged to book in their visit by contacting Jane via email (jane.thogersen@mq.edu.au) or 9850 8870.
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