Community Connections: Student Letters to World War II Veterans

In Year 10 Humanities, students have explored Australia's involvement in World War 2. Our particular case study was the Kokoda Campaign, a significant series of battles that young Australian soldiers fought in the jungles of Papua New Guinea between 1942-1943. 

To round out the unit, students wrote letters to World War 2 veterans, thanking them for their service and sharing what learnt in the subject. Students embraced this activity as they were keen to connect in a real-world way with the people they'd been studying all term.

The Year 10 teaching team contacted the 39th Battalion Association, who look after the 5 surviving veterans of Kokoda and continue to educate the public about the Kokoda Campaign. The Association agreed to send our students’ letters to the veterans. The Association was very pleased to make this connection with the College, and to learn the impact that learning the Kokoda story had on our students:

“We appreciate your teaching of what is a significant chapter in Australia’s history, when our freedom as threatened in 1942-43. It is very fortunate that we still have alive some of those veterans who helped save Australia. Our 39th Battalion veterans are grateful for this lesson still being taught to our current students.” 

– Malcolm Owen, Secretary, 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association

One recipient of the students’ letters is 101-year-old Kokoda veteran Cecil Driscoll, from Mildura. With the help of his family, he wrote to thank the school and students for writing to him:

“Dad really appreciates the acknowledgement of the active service given by himself and other veterans, but says he never considered it bravery – it was simply a matter of survival!

…

I have personally believed for many years that WW2 history, and particularly that of the Kokoda Campaign, should be part of the school curriculum, so I’m extremely grateful to see that this is the case. Thank you for your initiative in having the students write to veterans, it was a lovely gesture.” 

– Judi Driscoll, daughter-in-law of World War 2 veteran Cecil Driscoll

This is an excellent example of our students connecting with the wider community, especially in these times where communication is reduced, and isolation can be increased. Such a meaningful experience to end a unit, bringing real-world meaning and a human face and story to the study of History.

– Natalie Taylor