Communication During War - communication with families and friends

For people serving in the army, airforce or navy during war time, keeping in touch with family members was important. For the soldiers it was good for morale to be reminded that they were remembered by family and friends at home. During the Second World War they looked forward to receiving letters and sometimes cards and even, occasionally, a parcel from Australia.

Among my father's papers I have found four surviving letters that he sent home to his mother from the Middle East to Sydney. In one letter my father commented about his health - he had recently been in hospital with lung problems and hoped to shortly return to active duty. Dad often mentioned letters he had received (or not received) and how he was about to reply to each person who had contacted him. He had also received some birthday cards.In the letters to his mother he would comment about information she had provided in previous letters and always ask him to pass on his regards to his brother, Rex, and any family or friends she met. Although they were far from home the soldiers the soldiers still had contact with home.

During the 1940s, the letters to and from Australia were written as aerograms - a thin lightweight piece of paper which was folded into four sections before sealing the gummed edges. Postage was included in the price of each aerogram. Military histories record how the soldiers looked forward to days when mail was delivered and hoped there was something for them.

In the letters the soldiers were not allowed to mention where they were stationed or anything about field operations. Before being posted, letters were read and signed and dated by a senior officer. Any information considered confidential by the army was blacked out before the letter was posted. 

Parcels from home were also sometimes received by soldiers. As they would be travelling by ship, the parcels could only contain items that would last the voyage. It was during World War I that Anzac biscuits became famous as a special treat that could be transported from Australia or New Zealand to overseas troops. Well packaged fruit cake was another item sometimes sent. 

Obviously any goods from home had to be something practical to the soldiers.

During the First World War many patriotic or comfort funds were established in Australia to send supplies or raise money to support those serving overseas. 

Soldiers receiving Christmas packages (1st WW)

Items in packages included hand knitted socks, Australian newspapers, writing paper, cigarettes, cakes and chocolates were packed and sent. The comfort fund groups included Australian War Contingent Association (in London) and the Australian Comforts Fund in various states of Australia.

Chocolate for soldiers Christmas 1915

 The package below was delivered to soldiers in 1915. It consisted of a circular tin of 'Full Strength "Capstan" Navy Cut' tobacco; a packet of ten 'Medium Strength "Capstan" Navy Cut' cigarettes; a packet of French-Egyptian 'Encore' cigarettes; a box of Swedish made 'The Ship' safety matches and a red cardboard box with two cigars.

This arrangement continued during World War II. The Australian Comforts Fund and Australian Red Cross ensured that soldiers overseas received parcels.

In Australia during the twentieth century many women were engaged in knitting projects providing soldiers with warm grey socks. The program was called Knitting for Victory. The socks had to meet required standards before being able to be dispatched overseas. 

Socks ready to be shipped overseas 1917 (SL NSW)

In a letter written in March 1941 Dad wrote about the socks and fruit cake he had received from his mother plus socks from the comforts fund.