Wilson, Edith (Civilian)

Collection relating to the First World War experience of Edith Wilson, civilian. Collection consists of 22 letters written to Edith by various soldiers and one postcard written to a Miss F Young signed by 'Norm'. The letters to Edith were written by eight soldiers including 3196 Private Herbert Vincent Wilson (Edith's cousin), 2097 Sergeant Andrew Collins, 3875 Gunner Herbert Leslie Pascoe, 1141 Acting Sergeant Arnold Lock, Harry Gigg, 'Eric' and 'Billy'. The eighth writer is unknown. It appears that a number of the soldiers possibly knew Edith (and each other) through working with her at the 'Central' phone exchange in Melbourne. Of particular interest are letters from Arnold Lock that describe his time at Gallipoli, action he experienced in France (including details of gas attacks) and comparisons between Turkish and German soldiers. Also described by the other writers are training and camps in Egypt and Europe, conditions on the front and the human toll of battles, life in hospitals, upcoming leave, generosity by French nationals, jobs as clerical staff and the send off soldiers recieved in Melbourne.