First Perspective

Sitting in a ditch with tears and snot running down my face, I look behind me again to see whats left of Bill. His eyes are staring, fear is wrenched across his face. I can almost hear his silent scream. His expression is so life-like, its hard to believe that half his skull is missing.

They told us shells are not supposed to hit the same spot twice. Another lie.
They told us back home that it would be an adventure, that if we don’t fight the Germans and Turks would take our country. More lies.

Why did we sign up? We are still only 16. Me and Bill quit school together. Three months of not shaving, tissues in the soles of our shoes to make us look taller, and they let us in. Must have been desperate. I told Bill to sign up, I believed the lies. Our country was under threat. He was scared and now hes dead. Its my fault.

A captain sees me sitting alone and orders me back to camp. I mumble inaudibly. I don't want Bill to be left alone. We have been together since the start.

'And take his boots with you!'

I glare back at the captain, hatred in my eyes. I hate this damn war.

One last look at Bill before they wrap him up. I grab his boots, wipe the snot and tears from my face and stumble back to camp.

References
'Australian War Memorial Archives', accessed on 7/11/2011, access here

The Beginning

When Great Britain, France and Germany went to war, it meant that countries that were part of their imperial systems went to war too (see map). Even though Australia was no longer a colony of Great Britain, it was still a part of the British Empire. At the outbreak of war, Australian identity was still very British.

Patriotic fervour greeted the news of the declaration of war. People gathered in the streets, singing songs like 'Rule Britannia': Rule Britannia! Britannia rule the waves Britons never, never, never will be slaves. Rule Britannia! Britannia rule the waves. Britons never, never, never will be slaves.

On the third of August 1914, the day before Great Britain declared war, the Commonwealth Government offered 20,000 Australian men to fight. Many of them were drawn by a sense of patriatism, while others were persuaded by the propaganda of the time, such as the poster below.

A large number of men enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force eager to demonstrate their manliness and loyalty and to experience a great adventure. They had no idea what was in store for them...