In the days before mass communication, news from the front often came from the soldiers themselves. Judging by the amount of letters uncovered, this role of "reporter" seemed to fit easily. The Great Search uncovered many first hand descriptions of events told by people who often suffered unbelievable hardships. What does it say about us, when Gallipoli our most defining moment as a nation was a failure? That we learn from history?

That we are not vengeful? That we are mostly unwitting participants in other people's battles?

WOUNDED SOLDIER PLEADS FOR YOUNG NEPHEW TO STAY OUT OF WAR

NAME: Walter Wells

DATE: 1916 - 1917

UNIT: 9th Field Coy, Australian Engineers

LOCATION: France, Belgium

The horror of war was the subject of many a letter back home from Australian troops to their families during World War I and Walter Wells was no exception.
 

LIKE PUTTING UP CARDBOARD NINE-PINS IN A HURRICANE

NAME: Thomas Clair Whiteside

DATE: 1916 - 1918

UNIT: 59th Battalion, 5th Brigade AIF

LOCATION: France

Thomas Clair Whiteside was a prolific letter writer. Throughout his service in World War I, he wrote regularly to his parents and sister, sending over 200 letters in the three years he was abroad.
 

APRIL 25TH WAS A DAY TO REMEMBER

NAME: John Whitham

DATE: 1915

UNIT: C Company, 12th Battalion AIF

LOCATION: Gallipoli

Laurie Whitham had reason to remember 25 April 1915. He was there at Gallipoli and was 'lucky' enough to get a wound that was serious enough to take him out of the firing line without being life threatening.