Author's Corner

Gallipoli

Turkey

19th March 1915

Dear family,

How are the cousins? Have there been any plague outbreaks? Did the dog catch any diseases? How did Josh go with his exam test?

Life on the battlefield is disturbing. The smell of rotting flesh wrecks havoc upon the bravest soldiers trembling down. I can hear groaning from people crying and throwing up, injured soldiers begging God for mercy. The food is dull and boring. I feel like I can't hold on any longer. The weather deteriorates. The darkness at night is pitch black. Water evaporates and parasites spread. Life is in despair. 

I miss the smell of Mum's cooking. I look forward to eating caramel ice cream and soft biscuits. I miss hugs from my family, I miss my family, I miss home and I miss everything about it.

Yours sincerely

Miller  Room 4

3rd June 1915

Dear Oliver

I cannot believe that I thought this was an exciting adventure. After landing on Gallipoli everything turned into such a catastrophe! A few of my fellow soldiers have already been killed by Turkish soldiers. I beg God for mercy everyday. I just hope it helps. Oh yeah, by any chance have you got my last postcard? I'd rather scoop up those disgusting cow poo than live down here in the trench.

My socks all have holes in them, but that's because the bullets missed my toe by millimetres. Those socks aren't any better than barefoot so now I have trench foot. Please tell my Mum to send some more socks, I'll appreciate that. I'm very lucky not to be dead by now. 

I heard Mum's struggling through all the work and barely sleeps through the days. Please tell her to take a rest, it'll make me worry less. How is Grandad's broken leg? Is it getting better? I regret this so much, going to war at te age of 18. What was I thinking about? I wish I could go home soon. I will write back as soon as possible.

Your caring friend,

Roger Room 12.

March 13th 1915

Dear Wilson,

Luckily you did not come to Gallipoli because war is not the amazing 'we want you' adventure that everyone thought it was.

The food is terrible and we wear all of the disgusting, terrible, slurpy and old uniforms. If you don't mind could you make some Anzac cookies for me. Also please send some well-knitted socks.

The Turkish soldiers rushed us just at the start of war. Gunshots rained down on us. When we are under ground we practice marching. 

I want to know if you're doing OK. Please tell my family I am doing OK. I heard that you're doing your ice skating test. Please do OK.

Another thing that bothers me about this place is the smell. When I sleep I smell rotten blood coming out of dead bodies. The smell stays there for a long time. 

Can you send me more messages more often? All of my friends have died in war. You are my only recognisable friend. I will come back safe and sound

From your good friend Bosco Room 12

Dear Jim,

I got your letter yesterday and told Mum to knit some new socks for you. Mum has been real worried about you after reading the news of the landing at Gallipoli. I heard that the food there wasn't the best so Mum and I are going to make some Anzac biscuits later today. 

I heard that the trenches you are sleeping in are soggy and uncomfortable. I hope you will come back home soon to your cozy bed and to us. I heard that you have been hearing guns firing every minute. I really miss you and make sure you stay safe for Mum

Yours sincerely,

Tim

Written by Kaley Room 12. 

Bubbling Lava

Yesterday Room 16 did an experiment for recount writing. We put water, oil, food colouring and aspirin into a glass jar. The water and oil made layers. The next day we put glitter in. The fun part was when we put the aspirin in the glass jar. It created a lava lamp.

Zac Room 16