Readings from the World War I diaries
Listen to recordings of the Library's World War I diaries
Our diaries are rich in contemporary detail and emotion, both documenting and providing insight into significant events and the minutiae of daily life. As we commemorate the Great War, the Library is collaborating with artists and performers to share stories from our collections through recordings, performance and other media. These recordings bring to life stories from our diaries and letters.
Jack Hutton: January 1917, France
Frank Hurley: 16 February 1918
Wesley Choat: April 1919, Germany
Choat was taken prisoner during the battle of Bullecourt in France. After the war, Choat wrote up his account of being a prisoner of war in Germany and of his successful escape into Holland.
Ellis Silas: January 1915
Painter and illustrator Ellis Silas enlisted in October 1914 and was made a private in the 16th Battalion, C Company. His unit landed a Gallipoli on the evening of 25 April 1915 where he served at Pope’s Hill, Quinn’s Post and Bloody Angle until 28 May 1915 when he was evacuated to Egypt suffering from shell shock and fever.
On the troopship, Ceramic, January 1915 — Artist Ellis Silas is having trouble adapting to military life and the routines on board a transport.
