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From Don Smith, Researcher at the University of Queensland.

I am conducting a research project focusing on those who enlisted under 18 years of age in the First World War; those killed in action and those who survived.

This project commenced some four years ago during the Australian Government Summer School for Teachers of Australian History. My research project was completed and published as a resource for teachers. Following that, I visited Gallipoli and the Western Front. Recently I visited the Western Front again in a more targeted manner. I have been encouraged by historians and others to pursue the study further and now is the time to do that.

Originally the area of interest was narrow – the motivation of under-age enlistees and whether this could be viewed as a rite of passage. It broadened to describe some of their characteristics and enlistment experiences.

Now, the proposed project is further broadened to investigate enlistment practices and their experiences at this time, during training in Australia and overseas, being sent to the front line, their experience in battle (many were quickly killed-in-action) and for survivors, their experience throughout the war, returning to Australia and beyond this initial time – for them and their families.

From preliminary research, it is already known that this will include issues of discipline, their activities on leave and the related 'illnesses' they suffered, shell-shock and the difficulties of repatriation and resettlement.

The motivation and experience of those who enlisted under-age is thought to be both unique and similar to those of age who enlisted. Many under-age enlistees died in the war (as did others), and having no wives or children, their legacy has disappeared with the deaths of their parents and siblings. Now 100 years later, it is time for their stories to be told while families (though one or two generations later) still hold memories and significant documents.

I am keen to find the names of as many as possible and to trace information about them. If you have any information on one of these young men (boys still many of them) or know of one, I would like to hear from you.

If you have any diaries, letters or other mementoes or know where they are located (or even kept as important memories in the family) and you are willing to let me view these, I would appreciate that kindness very much.

Contact me on email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on telephone 0438938409

Matthew Lucas, Historical Information Officer of the WFA, was recently  in conversation with Professor Gary Sheffield, WFA Vice President, who revealed some exciting news that will no doubt be of great interest to members and non-members alike.

From September, 2014 Gary will become Professor of War Studies at Wolverhampton University, a prospect he is very excited about. He will be part of a team that includes: Prof John Buckley, Prof Steve Badsey and Dr Spencer Jones. This is a formidable team which any university would be would be hard pressed to match.

An MA in the history of The First World War will begin in 2014, alongside a Centre for First World War Studies, which Gary believes will become a national focus for First World War studies and a focus for the media, with seminars and day schools being part of the learning mix. These developments will grow over the Centenary period.

The Centre and the University will be a major force in both the UK and Europe for the study of the Great War. A new web site will also be set up in the near future, with other aspects of this exciting programme being shown, to 2014 and beyond.

The news can but be greeted with great interest, and one that will benefit the study of the period we are all fascinated with.

We wish Gary and the team good luck, and I will keep you all posted as to developments over the coming months.

Matthew Lucas

WFA Historical Information Officer