The day-to-day lives of Australians on the front line during World War One are brought to life in a book based on the diary of a Tasmanian soldier.
A Day’s Work Done, written by Tim McManus, is based on the transcribed diaries of Private William Charles Grose, who lived in Welborough, near St Helens, when he enlisted at the end of 1914.
Today, I was pleased to launch a reprint of this important book at the St Helens Reading Room and Museum and also a new exhibition commemorating the Centenary of ANZAC.
For four years, a dedicated Private Grose wrote a daily diary of his experiences and observations as a soldier on the front line, during what for him and many thousand Australian soldiers was a harsh and dangerous time.
A Day’s Work Done was written after a chance meeting between Tim McManus and Francis (Floss) Mundy – 70 years after Private Grose went to war.
Francis Mundy, who was born and educated in St Helens, assisted the founders of the St Helens History Room with the task of transcribing William Grose’s diaries, cards and notes in 1985.
The book includes photographs taken by Sister Florence Howitt, a nurse from New Norfolk who befriended Private Grose when they met on Lemnos during his repatriation.
Private Grose’s original diaries are on display at the Museum. They form part of the Conflict and Compassion exhibition commemorating 100 years since the Gallipoli landings, which we will mark on 25 April, 2015.
Rene Hidding, Liberal Member for Lyons
