a u s t r a l i a & n e w z e a l a n d a r m y c o r p s |
Private Patrick Michael McDonough's original grave Killed in action in the trenches July 5, 1915 aged 20 Shrapnel Valley Cemetery 1915 Pte McDonough must have been well liked - note the heart with enclosed cross being placed on the grave by the soldier on the right. |
This letter was written around Anzac Day, April 25, 1933. It was received May 1, 1933 by Base Records, Victoria. See date stamp at bottom of letter. |
I find the letter above to be quite touching. The writer refers to the soldier as the "Departed Digger". The term 'Comrade' didn't have the same connotation in 1933 as it later had. |
It was written to: The Returned Sailors & Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia. R.S. & S.I.L. wrote to Base Records Victoria Barracks Melbourne April 27, 1933 enclosing the photograph at left. |
Unfortunately, as it's still on file amongst Private McDonough's Army Service Records with the National Archives of Australia, it can't have reached his family. However, a photo of his grave in triplicate was sent to his next of kin after the war. |
