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Living the war: World War I

Between 1915 and 1918, more than 416,000 young Australians ventured around the globe in service to the British Empire, their country and each other. They served in theatres of war from Western Europe and the Balkans to Africa, Egypt and, of course, Turkey.

More than 60,000 soldiers, medical staff and nurses didn’t return home. Those who did, told their individual stories of living the war in different ways – in images, photo albums, diaries and, in the case of Stanley ‘Roley’ Mills, in his own audio recordings.

This online gallery complements our Writing the war exhibition, currently showing in Palmer Hall, and presents just a sample of the WWI stories held by the Library.

Each story presents a haunting blend of personal courage, humour, horror, sadness and insight.

More to explore

Writing the war: Sir Keith Murdoch

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At the age of 33, Melbourne journalist Keith Murdoch spent four days on the Gallipoli peninsula. Shocked at the conditions endured by the soldiers, he sent an 8000-word letter on the Gallipoli campaign to Australia’s Prime Minister Andrew Fisher. This film features excerpts from Murdoch's 'Gallipoli letter', which is said to have influenced the withdrawal of allied troops from the peninsula, and was inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2015.

Writing the war: Percival Langford

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This film is based on correspondence written by Victorian teacher Percival Langford, a lance corporal who served in the 4th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt and Gallipoli. The film features extracts taken from a letter Percival wrote to his students at University High School, describing conditions in the trenches at Gallipoli and the brief armistice that took place between the Australian and Turkish forces on 24 May 1915, in order to bury their dead.

William May’s photograph album, 1915–19

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William May, Album 1915–1919, State Library Victoria

William May’s photograph album captures his adventures from embarkation at Port Melbourne on the Ulysses through to Colombo, Egypt, Gallipoli, the Western Front and England. Prior to the war, May was a member of the 60th Infantry Brigade, Australian Military Forces. In 1915 he enlisted in the 7th Battalion as a quartermaster and honorary lieutenant, and was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts in the Great War.

William Clifton’s photograph album, 1914–18

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William George Clifton, Photograph album 1914–1918, State Library Victoria

William Clifton’s annotated photograph album gives a taste of his travels during the Great War. While the focus is on Egypt, the album includes photographs taken at Gallipoli and en route to England, depicting shipboard life.

Lance Corporal ‘Roley’ Mills discusses his enlistment and wartime experiences: Part 1

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Roley Mills, Oral history interview with Roley Mills, 1976, interview recorded by Patsy Adam-Smith, State Library Victoria. Image: Soldiers camp at Gallipoli, 1915, State Library of Victoria.

In this lively audio recording, Lance Corporal Stanley Roland ‘Roley’ Mills describes his reasons for enlisting in January 1915 and his subsequent voyage on the Runic. He recalls his experiences in Egypt and the conditions at Gallipoli, including the food, weather and diseases, and also speaks about his experiences on the Western Front.

Lance Corporal ‘Roley’ Mills discusses his enlistment and wartime experiences: Part 2

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Roley Mills, Oral history interview with Roley Mills, 1976, interview recorded by Patsy Adam-Smith, State Library Victoria

In this lively audio recording, Lance Corporal Stanley Roland ‘Roley’ Mills describes his reasons for enlisting in January 1915 and his subsequent voyage on the Runic. He recalls his experiences in Egypt and the conditions at Gallipoli, including the food, weather and diseases, and also speaks about his experiences on the Western Front.

Charles Pratt’s photograph album of Egypt, 1914–18

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Charles Daniel Pratt, World War 1, Egypt [album], c1914–1918, State Library Victoria

Charles Pratt was a New Zealander who served in the Great War as a chief designer and test pilot for the Aircraft Manufacturing Company. His Egypt photo album includes aerial views of military camps, cities and towns, the Nile and the Pyramids, as well as photographs of aeroplanes, pilots and aeroplane accidents.

The diary of Private Victor R Laidlaw, 1915

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Diaries, 1914–1984. Image: Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Australian ambulance drivers in Egypt during World War 1, c1914-1915, State Library of Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Private Laidlaw’s diary covers the period April 1915 to May 1915, and is part of a larger collection spanning 1914 to 1984. Laidlaw writes of his time with the 2nd Field Ambulance on the Aegean island of Lemnos and in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli.

Church parade at Mena Camp

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Australian Armed Forces in Egypt, c1914–1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

This photograph taken at Mena Camp in Egypt shows soldiers lined up in formation as they attend a military church parade. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time on route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Some of the boys, Mena

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Some of the boys, Mena, 1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Soldiers sit in the sand next to a tent at Mena Camp, Cairo. Some of the men wear the Red Cross medical insignia on their shoulders. Mena Camp was an AIF (Australian Imperial Forces) training base before the Gallipoli landing. Private Laidlaw, the photographer, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at Mena Camp, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Graves in Shrapnel Gully, Gallipoli

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

The names on the wooden crosses in this photograph are all signed 10th INF, for the 10th Australian Infantry Battalion, which was heavily involved in establishing and defending the Anzacs’ front line. The soldiers buried here were killed in action on 19 May 1915. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Turkish gun at Gallipoli

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Turkish gun destroyed at Gallipoli, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Laidlaw’s view of two allied soldiers near a destroyed Turkish gun was taken at Gallipoli. Private Laidlaw enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Soldiers swimming at Cape Helles

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Australians bathing at Cape Helles, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Private Victor Laidlaw’s photograph shows a large group of Australian soldiers swimming at Cape Helles, off the Gallipoli peninsula’s southern tip. Their tents can be seen crowning the steep cliff top in the background. Private Laidlaw enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Warship off the Gallipoli coast

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Warship during Gallipoli campaign, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

View of a warship off the coast during the Gallipoli campaign, photographed by Private Victor Laidlaw, who enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp in Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

In the front line at Anzac Cove – A soldier in the trenches

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, In the front line, Anzac Cove, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

This photograph shows a soldier in the trenches at Anzac Cove, his jacket and rifles leaning against the wall of the dugout. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Writing the war: George Auchterlonie

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This film is based on the WWI diaries of George Auchterlonie, who enlisted in August 1915 and served in the 8th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt. A keen photographer, George carried a small camera with him when he was sent overseas. His photos and diary entries provide illuminating insights into his military life in Egypt, Sinai and Palestine. Sergeant Auchterlonie fought in the battles of Gaza in March 1917 and the Battle of Beersheba in October 1917.

In the front line at Anzac Cove – Taking aim

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, In the front line, Anzac Cove, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

This photograph by Private Laidlaw shows soldiers in the trenches at Anzac Cove. One soldier is using a periscope, with gun attached, to look over the trench and fire at the enemy. Private Laidlaw enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

In the front line at Anzac Cove – Soldiers waiting in the trenches

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, In the front line, Anzac Cove, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

This photograph shows soldiers in the trenches at Anzac Cove, perhaps waiting for their next call to action. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Dugouts at Gallipoli – A soldier’s camp and nearby grave

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Dugouts at Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

A soldier sits in his dugout, protected by sandbags. A roughly made wooden cross in the top right corner of the photograph marks the grave of a less fortunate soldier. Camps dug by soldiers covered the hillsides of Anzac Cove. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Writing the war: Alice Kitchen

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Watch a film presenting words from the diaries of nursing sister Alice Kitchen, who sailed with the AIF's first convoy to the exotic climes of Egypt, and then to Anzac Cove. The short film captures her response to the toll inflicted on soldiers during WWI, and is accompanied by images of Alice with the Australian troops.

Dugouts at Gallipoli – An Anzac’s dugout

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Dugouts at Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

This photograph shows a soldier sitting outside his camp, his kit neatly arranged inside his dugout. Camps such as this were dug into the hillsides by the soldiers, covering Anzac Cove. Private Laidlaw, the photographer, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Dugouts at Gallipoli – Setting up camp

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Dugouts at Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Private Laidlaw’s photograph depicts a soldier seated outside his dugout, his kit stored behind a row of tins. Poles can be seen holding up a roof of branches. Camps such as this were dug into the hillside by the soldiers, covering Anzac Cove. Private Laidlaw enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Medical corps in action at Gallipoli – Dressing station

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Medical corps in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

A patient receives medical treatment in a makeshift dressing station at Gallipoli. The medical services at Anzac Cove were greatly challenged by the sheer number of casualties and the lack of planning. Private Laidlaw, the photographer, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Writing the war: Jessie Traill

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This film captures the excitement and emotions of Armistice Day, 11 November 1918, through the words of Australian-born artist Jessie Traill. Images of hospital staff, soldiers and townsfolk celebrating the end of five years of war are accompanied by photographs and pen-and-ink drawings depicting daily life at the No 8 British General Hospital, Rouen, France, where Jessie worked.

Medical corps in action at Gallipoli – Stretcher bearers

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, Medical corps in action at Gallipoli, Turkey, c1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

Stretcher bearers carrying a patient down a path at Gallipoli. Stretcher bearers ferried the wounded to casualty stations up and down the hills of Anzac Cove, often through shellfire. The photographer, Private Laidlaw, enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Christmas mail

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Victor Rupert Laidlaw, My Xmas mail, 30 letters & 40 papers, c1914-1915, State Library Victoria. Gift from Mrs E Barker, 1984.

A soldier stands outside his tent holding letters sent to him at Christmas, with newspapers at his feet. This photograph by Private Laidlaw was taken at Tel el Kebir, Egypt. Private Laidlaw enlisted in the services on 18 August 1914. His diaries and photographs recall his time en route to Alexandria, at the Mena Camp at Cairo, on Lemnos Island, in the Dardanelles at Cape Helles and Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, and in France.

Daily Mail war panorama, 1915

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Daily Mail war panorama: 20 bird’s-eye views and maps of the worldwide war, 1915, State Library Victoria

Priced at sixpence, these maps published by London’s Daily Mail newspaper enabled families at home to follow the actions in the Great War with an understanding of where the battlefields were located. A map of Europe was included, along with more detailed maps for the Western and Eastern Fronts, the Dardanelles and Constantinople, and Gallipoli.

Jessie Traill’s album of photographs, 1915–19

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Jessie Constance Alicia Traill, Album of photographs, 1915–1919, State Library Victoria

Jessie Traill’s photograph album details life at No 8 General Hospital, a military hospital at Bois-Guillaume near Rouen in France. Jessie joined the Voluntary Aid detachments during the Great War and trained in England before being sent to France. The album also includes postcards of French village scenes. It is assumed that the handwritten annotations are by Jessie, who was a well-known Australian artist, having studied under Frederick McCubbin, Bernard Hall and Frank Brangwyn.

Writing the war: Vida Goldstein

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This film features the anti-war writings of Portland-born pacifist Vida Goldstein, who campaigned against WWI conscription as chair of the Australian Women’s Peace Army and in her newspaper, The Woman Voter. Hear extracts from Vida Goldstein's special appeal to women to vote no in the 1916 referendum, in which conscription was narrowly rejected by a vote of 51%.