POSTCARDS FROM THE FRONT

SUMMARY:

Postcards from the front is a source analysis and soldier profiling program, utilising the correspondence of local soldier, Private Henry Mayer, to his family in Mortdale. Examining Private Mayer’s letters, postcards, military reports and photographs provides an understanding of the soldier’s experience, his perspective on the First World War, as well as issues of censorship. The program includes object handling of the original Mayer letters, class discussion, small group work and short oral presentations. 

FOCUS QUESTIONS:  

• How do you interpret the tone of the Mayer letters?

• What does Henry say about his personal experiences?

• What do the Mayer letters reveal about the experience of Australian WWI servicemen?

• What is censorship?

• What information and emotions are absent from the letters?