War Story
Year 11 History student, Sophie, captivated her teachers and classmates this week by sharing a priceless historical artefact – her great-great grandfather’s personal diary written from the Front during World War I.
Oscar McGregor wrote a diary during his time as a soldier fighting in the trenches on the Western Front, during the Battle of the Somme. He served along with his four brothers, the youngest of whom, Charlie, was killed.
"My great-great-grandfather wrote about Christmas, ANZAC Day, his brother’s death, as well as the everyday activities of a soldier fighting at the Battle of the Somme," Sophie said. The diary is a vivid firsthand account of the harsh realities of war and gave the class a unique and profound perspective on life on the front lines, the brotherhood among the soldiers, and the tragic loss of life.
From its pages, the class discovered details about Oscar's journey to South Africa and Egypt, his feelings at seeing snow for the first time, and the misery of the battlefields of Europe. They also learned of his diagnosis of shell shock on his return to Australia, a condition now recognised as post-traumatic stress disorder. Most importantly, Sophie said, it “describes the bravery and character of the ANZAC soldiers."
The lesson was eye-opening for everyone, bridging the gap between generations and providing a poignant reminder of the past's enduring influence on the present.