Wow!!! We've had a HUGE response from the public since the Sunday Times article appeared last week. Thank you all for calling and emailing with fascinating tales of relatives at Blackboy Hill, and for the fantastic array of pictures. We will slowly plough through them all and figure out how best to incorporate these stories. They will definitely help us paint a fuller picture of camp life.
Now, here is just a taste of the stories that are emerging. I spoke to the delightful Shirley Krjanic yesterday, and she read to me a postcard from her father that was sent from the Blackboy camp on 6 August, 1917:
Dear George [his grandfather]
Just a few lines to let you know that I am still here and doing well. They had me out digging trenches all day Friday. They marched us about 5 miles in the morning and back again at night.
On Saturday we had to go marching around Perth. The girls were pelting us with oranges, lollies and cigarettes as we marched along. We have only started on our musketeering this week. So I suppose we will be here for a week or two yet. It is just as wet here as it is down there [Boyinup]. Hoping you are well.
Private C Gardiner 4337, 12th of the 2nd pioneers
[on the back]
I have got Sid Peak in the same hut as I am. He went home on his long leave last Saturday so I suppose there will be some broken hearts about town.
Claude.
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