The Great War Diary

The Great War Diary is a five volume compendium that tells the story of Australia in the Great War through the eyes of would-be journalist, aspiring artist and young soldier, Private John Murray.

Especially created to let all Australians follow events at home and in the trenches in an educational and entertaining account, each year a new diary binder is provided with the first instalment. Three more instalments each year bring customers back as they collect the memorabilia and quality memory pennies created from original artworks by noted military artist, Drew Harrison.

Historian Graham Wilson says the diary was deliberately started in the pre-war months to help readers understand life at home before our troops embark on a journey through the battlefields of Gallipoli, Europe and the Middle East.

These historical collectables are priced to give retailers a good margin while also enticing customers to continue to collect the full series.

Diary Extract starting 5 October 1914: Training at Home…

“Each day in camp seems an echo of the one before. We have trodden Kensington’s dunes flat with endless charges and retreats. There is no place that has not been used for concealment and the ground predictable.  At least the weather has eased and some days have been slightly warmer. Our real respite is our time at the range. We are shooting for practice and enjoying the competition and camaraderie as if we were at rifle club. Gray West turned 20 on Monday. I am pleased we spent Sunday with the family as embarkation must be soon. We have been checking, repairing and marking battalion stores and equipment and the evening lectures have all been on embarking and disembarking transports. Our route march again took us through the city and people lined the streets to cheer us on.  On Saturday the Brigade Commander, Col. MacLaurin, inspected the troops. The full Brigade on parade was an impressive sight and the Col. seemed pleased indeed.”