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Picture Books - WWI - Soldiers of the King

4/24/2022

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Sometimes a gem just falls into your lap. While cleaning out my parents house to move we came across this picture book in amongst some family memorabilia. My grandfather was born in the early 1920s, so we think it must have belonged to one of his older brothers or sisters.

This book is part of the Father Tuck's "Patriotic Series" and appears to have been published in 1917. It provides descriptions of various roles within the British Army with beautiful illustrations accompanying it.
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Activities:
- Outline the evidence there is to indicate a rough date of publication.
- Identify the demographic group ( this might be age, gender, ethnicity, etc) this book is targeted at.
- What do you think of the illustrations? Describe the purpose of the illustrations.
- This picture book could have a number of different purposes. Discuss the purposes of the picture book and provide examples/phrases in the book that provide evidence of these purposes.
- Identify any words, phrases or concepts that are out-dated or no longer in use.
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WWII Recollections and ANZAC resources

4/23/2022

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As a family we are lucky that my Pop audio recorded some of his life story including his experiences in PNG during WWII. The video below is an excerpt of these recordings with some photographs taken at the time of him, some of his fellow soldiers and family members. 
In the lead up to ANZAC Day this year, a number of organisations have shared some great resources. The Poppy  Field Project has released an interactive infographic which shows war fatalities in the 20th century using different sized poppies. Information can be interrogated by continent, by sorting by size of conflict, and by displaying particular time periods. 
Click to view the Poppy Field Interactive
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SBS OnDemand is airing "From paradise to Hell": First Nations ANZACs and the fight to honour them. You can read more about it here:
'From paradise to hell': First Nations ANZACs and the fight to honour them
View the show on SBS OnDemand

Some other places to look for some great resources:
Teachstarter have a great collection of Thoughtful ANZAC Day activities and resources.
The ANZAC Portal from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Resources from the Australian War Memorial
The NSW Department of Education ANZAC resources

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Dear Sir - An ANZAC story

4/25/2017

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Charles Edward Anderson was a 22 year old labourer, 5 foot, 9 and a half inches tall, with grey eyes and dark brown hair. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on 24th May 1915, and was sent to war only a few weeks later. His sister Alberta (Addie), tells the story that Charlie hadn’t even been enlisted long enough to be fitted with a uniform when he was to be sent overseas. Consequently he borrowed a uniform to come home on leave before his departure and this is when the photo below was taken.
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He initially joined the 1st Battalion, 7th Reinforcement, but later became part of the 13th Field Artillery Brigade. Less than two months after his enlistment, on 14th July, he embarked for service abroad from Sydney on board HMAT A67 Orsova.

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On 17th September he was admitted to the 5th Field Ambulance, Rest Gully, Gallipoli and was then transferred to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He was suffering from Otitis Media, a middle ear infection, but it forced him to be hospitalised for a considerable time – 26 days, and it developed into an ear abscess. He embarked at Dardenelles on the HS Mahena, and disembarked at Malta where he was admitted to Hamrun Military Hospital on 18th October 1915.
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Below is a transcript of correspondence between Charles' father Samuel and military personnel. It mostly relates to his injuries and hospitalisations (gassing, eye injury, etc), but also the circumstances around his medal towards the end. It gives a good picture of the frustrations faced by families in trying to get information about their loved ones.
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​____________________
Samuel Anderson
Boambee, Via Coffs Harbour (NSW)
Regret reported son Private C.E.Anderson disembarked for Malta Hospital ship Maheno 23rd September slightly sick. Will promptly advise if anything further received.
Base Records
9/10/15
____________________
Mr. S. Anderson
Boambee, via
Coffs Harbour
Australian Imperial Force
Base Records Office A.I.E.F.
Victoria Barracks, Melbourne
2nd December 1915
Dear Sir,
The following is an extract from a Nominal Roll of sick and wounded received by post, dated 28/9/15 who landed at Malta 23rd September from hospital ship “Maheno”, No. 2327 Private C. E. Anderson, 1st Battalion, suffering from abscess ear.
Any further reports received will be promptly communicated to you.
Yours faithfully,
J.M. Lean Captain
Officer i/c Base Records.
____________________
Mr. S. Anderson
Boambee, via
Coffs Harbour
Australian Imperial Force
Base Records Office A.I.E.F.
Victoria Barracks, Melbourne
6th January 1916
Dear Sir,
The following is an extract from a Nominal Roll of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men, received by post, dated 18/11/15 who embarked at Malta for Mudros on H.T. “Hurno” on 15/11/15, No. 2327 Private C.E. Anderson, 1st Battalion, fit for active service.
Any further reports received will be promptly communicated to you.
Yours faithfully,
J.M. Lean Captain
Officer i/c Base Records.
____________________
Boambee
30th October 1917
Dear Sir
Please can you inform me why I am not notified when my son No 2327, Gunner, C. E. Anderson, 13th Battalian, Australian Field Artillery, has been wounded. This soldier was ill in hospital for three months last Christmas and in June had a poisoned hand, in July he was buried by a shell and had his eye injured, in August was admitted to hospital, wounded and I have not been officially informed on any occasions. The only information I have received is from himself and other boys who are on the other side (at the front).
I am yours faithfully,
Samuel Anderson
____________________
Mr. S. Anderson
Boambee, via
Coffs Harbour
8th November, 1917
Dear Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30th, I have to advise that no report has been received here to that effect that your son No. 2327, Gunner C.E. Anderson, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, has been recently wounded, but, if you can forward to this office authentic documentary evidence, such as a letter containing this information, enquiries will, if warranted, be instituted and the result communicated to you.
Yours faithfully,
Major.
Officer i/c Base Records.
____________________
8th March 1918
Honour or Reward: D.C.M.
Recommended by:
A.J.Bessel-Browne; C.R.A. 5th Aust. Div.
Action for which commended:
This Gunner has served with his Battery continuously during the period 22nd September 1917 to 25th February 1918. While it was in action at Westhork, East of Ypress, he was gassed on two occasions but declined to leave the position. He is an excellent layer, and his presence was very valuable on account of the heavy casualties.
On the afternoon of the 15th October 1917 a neighbouring battery position was shelled by an 8th Howitzer Battery, direct hits smashing a pill-box, and severely wounding three of the occupants. Although this fire continued, Gunner Anderson, assisted by another gunner, without hesitation, went to this pill-box and succeeded in getting the wounded men out and carrying them to a place of safety. In doing this, he showed a total disregard of personal danger and had many narrow escapes from bursting shells.
His conduct during the whole time his Battery was in action has been excellent, and by his courage and devotion to duty he has set a splendid example, which is deserving of special recognition.
Signed J.T. Hoebs
Major-General
Commanding 5th Australian Division
____________________
16th July 1918
Dear Sir,
I now beg to advise you that Private C.E.Anderson has been reported gassed (classed as wounded).
His postal address will be No. 2327 Gunner C.E. Anderson “D.C.M.”
13th Field Artillery Brigade,
Australian Imperial Force,
Abroad.
In the absence of further reports it is to be assumed that satisfactory progress is being maintained, but anything later received will be promptly transmitted it being clearly understood that if no further advice is forwarded this department has no more information to supply.
Yours faithfully,
JMLean Major,
Officer in Charge, Base Records.
____________________
Bonville
25th July 1918
Sir
I have received information through the Base Record Office stating the No 2327, Gunner C.E. Anderson D.C.M. has been reported gassed. Has any information come through previously with regard to him winning this medal. If so we have never received it. His address is now given to me as 13th Field Artillery Brigade whereas before it was 113th Howitzer Battery. Please inform me if this is a misprint.
And kindly oblige, please note change of address
S Anderson
Bonville
North Coast
New South Wales
____________________
Boambee
Via Coffs Harbour
Samuel Anderson
Now reported Gunner Charles Anderson admitted Fourteenth Stationary Hospital. Boulogne France sixth July. Gassed. Dangerous. Further Progress report expected.
Base Records
25/7/1918
____________________
Mr Samuel Anderson
Boambee
Via Coffs Harbour
Now reported Gunner Charles Anderson pronounced out of danger.
Base Records
31/7/18
____________________
1st August 1918
Dear Sir,
I now beg to advise you that Gunner C.E.Anderson”D.C.M.” has been reported transferred to Endell Street Military Hospital, London, England, on 17/7/18 and is now removed from seriously ill list.
His postal address will be No. 2327 Gunner C.E. Anderson “D.C.M.”
13th Field Artillery Brigade,
(late 1st Battalion)
Australian Imperial Force,
Abroad.
In the absence of further reports it is to be assumed that satisfactory progress is being maintained, but anything later received will be promptly transmitted it being clearly understood that if no further advice is forwarded this department has no more information to supply.
Yours faithfully,
JMLean Major,
Officer in Charge, Base Records.
____________________
7th August 1918
Mr S. Anderson
Bonville,
North Coast, NSW
Dear Sir,
With reference to your communication of 25th July, I have to inform you that beyond the fact that the letters “D.C.M.” were quoted after your son’s name in the cable reporting his casualty, nothing further is known of the award.
Notification will, no doubt, come to hand at a later date by mail, when you will be officially advised.
I would point out that the 113th Howitzer Battery is a portion of the 13th Field Artillery Brigade, and if you so desire you can address the soldiers’ mail matter as under:-
No. 2327 Gunner C.E. Anderson 113th Howitzer Field Artillery Brigade
(late 1st Battalion) Australian Imperial Force,
Abroad
Yours faithfully,
Major
Officer i/c/ Base Record
P.S. Your change of address is noted.
____________________
9th August 1918
Dear Sir,
I now beg to advise you that Gunner C.E.Anderson “D.C.M.” has been reported convalescent.
His postal address will be No. 2327 Gunner C.E. Anderson “D.C.M.”
13th Field Artillery Brigade,
Australian Imperial Force,
Abroad.
In the absence of further reports it is to be assumed that satisfactory progress is being maintained, but anything later received will be promptly transmitted it being clearly understood that if no further advice is forwarded this department has no more information to supply.
Yours faithfully,
JMLean Major,
Officer in Charge, Base Records.
____________________
Base Records Office
Victoria Barracks
Melbourne,
15th November 1918
Dear Sir
I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Second Supplement No. 30716 to the “London Gazette” dated 3rd June, 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Australian Imperial Force.
AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
No. 2327 Gunner C. E. Anderson
The above has been promulgated in “Commonwealth of Australia Gazette” No.173 dated 7th November 1918.
Yours faithfully
Capt. For
Major,
Officer i/c/ Base Records.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was severely gassed on two occasions, but declined to leave his post, and on another occasion he went to the rescue of some wounded in a 'pill box" that had been smashed by an 8 in. shell and was still under heavy fire. In spite of great difficulty and danger, with the aid of another gunner he extricated the wounded and carried them to a place of safety. He has always set an example of great courage and devotion to duty that is worthy of the highest praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 4 March 1919
____________________
Samuel Anderson
Bonville (NSW)
No recent report Regarding son. Assumed with unit.
Base Records
22/3/19
____________________

Charles was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). He was presented with the award by King George V at Buckingham Palace. He married an English nurse named Edith Mills who had cared for him while he was in hospital after being gassed.
23rd July 1919 Charles returned to Australia, and received the War Pension, but went on to have great success in dairy farming and breeding cattle.
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Game-based learning - World War I

8/8/2014

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On the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the event that sparked World War I, a new video game Valiant Hearts: The Great War was released. The game is based on World War I and players can play as one of four characters: Karl, a deported German separated from his family; Anna, a Belgian student and battlefield nurse; Emile, who has been drafted into the French army and sent on a suicidal mission; and Freddie, an American motivated by personal vengeance. 

The game has been designed in the style of a graphic novel, and the design was intended to emotionally engage players in the personal stories of the characters. It uses real letters throughout as narrative for the game. It teaches players about facts of World War I and contains a detailed encyclopaedia that players can access throughout gameplay. While the game involves the player in the action of WWI, it does not involve the usual shoot and kill action, but rather involves more puzzle solving and storytelling.

For a closer look you can view the walkthrough from Giant Bomb below.

There have also been some other great links to resources circulated lately. You might like to check out:

Every day of WWI in a 6 minute time lapse film

37 days: Countdown to World War I

European Film Gateway 1914

Revealed: The first Australian to die in World War I 

Interactive WWI timeline

History Channel - World War I videos

PBS - The Great War Lesson Plans

You might also like to look at this very comprehensive list of resources:
World War One: Some Centennial Links, Readings, Contexts
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