110th Anniversary of the First World War (1914 -

join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War.”

King George V

August 4th this year marks 110 years since World War I was declared, when hostilities between England and Germany began in 1914. Consequently, Australia as a dominion of the British Empire, was called upon to defend its motherland.

From Scotch College, the total number of enlistments in the First World War was 475, representing over 50% of all Old Boys. This figure was even higher than the other boys’ private schools in Perth at the time, with 389 from Christian Brothers College enlisting, 228 from Guildford Grammar, and 262 from Hale. Nearly a quarter of all Old Boys were commissioned at 104, 34 decorated for bravery, 66 wounded and 77 died.

Scotch students and mothers who stayed behind on the home front during the war partook in sewing, knitting, and fund-raising for the Red Cross. Boarders spent evenings rolling bandages. War poems were frequently composed by boys, reflecting the attitudes they had to the war.

Housed at Scotch College’s Memorial Hall is the military Hamilton Collection, particularly the composed works of Australia’s official war correspondent and historian for World War I, Charles E.W. Bean. His books detail the grave sacrifice of soldiers during the Great War and the overall effects on Australian society at the time.

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Additionally, the first mention of Old Boys serving in the First World War is recorded in the December 1914 issue of the Reporter. It highlights those serving in the First Contingent, Second Contingent and Light Horse Infantry.

We also have a letter signed by King George V in c.1918-19, declaring his gratitude for all those who served and lost their lives during the First World War. The letter is not addressed to anyone in particular but would have been felt deeply by Old Scotch Boys and staff who served, as well as their families and the entire Scotch community. It states, “I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War.”

A display will be made about this anniversary in Memorial Hall.