Year 9 History Presentation

On the 3rd of May 2022, the Year 9 cohort attended a History presentation focusing on World War 1. This presentation, hosted and performed by Glenn Phillips, exposed the group of school children to real life experiences of soldiers as well as the detrimental impacts and effects of the war on soldier's mental and physical health. 

The main character within this performance is an Australian soldier named Gassy, who fought at both Gallipoli and the Western Front. Throughout the presentation, layers of his trauma were revealed, demonstrating the long-lasting and ever-present impacts of the war on soldiers. Gassy is a sufferer of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), often referred to as ‘shell shock’ in the context of soldiers who experience the mental illness. He is triggered by sounds, such as the bell ringing, as well as memories or thoughts, such as when he was explaining how his young friend and fellow soldier, Bill, died.  

Along with mental illnesses, physical injuries and health issues were demonstrated throughout the presentation. Gassy was exposed to mustard gas during a bombing, explaining his unique nickname, and the aftermath of this war crime had devastating effects on his health, specifically his lungs, often causing him to have horrific coughing fits. His friend, who was injured during a bombing himself, was nicknamed ‘Stumpy’ as he lost both of his legs during the attack. Bill died during combat, being shot three times in the stomach region by a Turkish soldier. The aforementioned examples demonstrate the physical injuries soldiers were at risk of obtaining whilst on the battlefield that could, and would, alter their lifestyles drastically.

From a student's perspective, this presentation provided necessary insight into soldiers' possible experiences during and after the war. Glenn Phillips successfully and engagingly informed and educated Year 9 students around World War 1, and we are grateful for the time and effort he put into the performance. 

Kim Halloway | HSIE/VET Teacher