During World War 1 letters were a lifeline both for those who served and their loved ones back home.
For Bella Silver, a young woman I know as my maternal grandmother, it was particularly personal because her young brother was on active duty.
I have in my possession several postcards from John Alexander Silver as well as family friends George Smith and H.McGrath whose first name remains unknown.
Jack, as Bella’s brother was known, signed up in 1917 just short of his 20th birthday. By Christmas that year he was training in Wiltshire, England and landed at Calais, France in April 1918.
His army record does not reveal what, if any, action he saw but the war ended in November and he was back in England by May 1919 before returning to Australia.
As for George Smith, his army record has yet to be discovered, partly because there are so many George Smiths. However, we know from letters and cards, plus family information, that our grandmother was “keen” on George. They had corresponded both before and after the war.
Postcard from George Smith of Bringalilly, near Millmerran, dated 9 October 1911.
December 1917 postcard that George Smith sent from Belgium.
George Smith had beautiful handwriting, as the above postcards demonstrate. After the war he worked for Queensland Railways and lived in Rockhampton at one time.
As for who H.McGrath is, he is presumably a school or family friend from the Darling Downs.
The Silver family lived at Kooroongarra and Millmerran and later moved to Brisbane.
Below are some cards with transcriptions that could contain errors or missing or hard-to-decipher words.
Try to imagine how many times loved ones would have pored over the words on the page. This was the only way they could communicate. Knowing someone was still OK was precious. There was hope they would come home safe and well.
H. McGrath
1915 postcard that H.McGrath sent from Northamptonshire. Note how he writes her surname as Sylvia. Transcript with added punctuation: Just a few lines to let you know that I am quite well & hope you are the same. We have had a splendid trip trip all the way. We have winter here now. I remain your fond friend H.McGrath
1916 postcard H.McGrath sent from Cairo, Egypt. Note he seemingly now spells her surname Sylver. Just to let you know that I received your PC and to let you know that I am quite well as yet and hope your are the same it is a very dusty place here other wise we have had a good time up till now but we are going to join the others at the front in a day or two we will be with them in less than a week I hope. Your sincere friend H McGrath.
1916 postcard H. McGrath sent from Egypt. Just to let you know that I received your xmas card & hope your are quite well as it leaves me at present it is cold and windy here at present. H.J.McGrath.
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George Smith
1916 postcard that George Smith wrote while from Enoggera, Brisbane, telling Bella of his having joined the army. Part transcription: I do not know just how to being this P.C. but I just thought I would drop you a line to let you know I have enlisted in the Expeditionary Force and we are ready to sail any day now.
I know I should have went before, still I think we will get our share of it before it is finished. Norman has left over a year now, had a letter from him last week; he was in the trenches somewhere near Egypt and he is doing well. I knew you were teaching near Dalby, but expect you will be home now on your mid-winder holidays. I hope you are all well at home.
December 1917 postcard that George Smith sent from Belgium. Just a snapshot of some of the boys. We all enlisted together and “Good Luck” has followed us so far; we are trusting that it will continue to do so, until we return to those who are anxiously awaiting us in sunny Ausie. Yr. Sincere Friend, George. P.S. I received your nice Xmas card, for which I thank you.
John Alexander Silver
Postcard that Jack Silver sent from Sutton Veny in 1918. Your most welcome letter & P.C dated 20th/27th came to hand through the week. I was pleased to see you were all well as this leaves me O.K.
I hope you are settled down at your new school & that you had a safe journey. I am glad Mr Warner is a nice chap for it will not be so lonely at home. I am glad you had a pleasant evening & that there was a good roll up for it would make it better for Mr Mitchell. We are on draft and am really busy so I am only writing a P.C. It is raining heavy & has been all day. With best love & wishes from your loving brother Jack.
Postcard that Jack Silver sent from France in 1918. Just a few lines to wish you many happy returns of the day. Recd. your 30th & 31st letter. Please to see by same you were well. I have a slight cold but nothing to speak of not bad enough to get “No Duty”. I hope you like your new school. What I saw of Ballandean I imagine it should be a nice place. We are still in Billetts. Had a letter from Geo. Will write again in a couple of days.
Postcards and images
For more postcards and images, see this gallery.