View of the ruined church at Villers-Bretonneux, c. 1918.
The Perth Mint has produced gold and silver coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL). The RSL was formed in 1916 to provide support to men and women who shared the war experience. It is timely to reflect on this important anniversary and to consider the part played by Indigenous Australians during the war and in the years after their return to Australia.
There is a great deal of information on the experiences of Indigenous Australians' experiences from enlistment through to their homecoming experience of 'back to being black'. A close look at the experience of one individual can be a powerful way of not only enhancing student understanding of this important subject, it also elicits an empathetic response. As Harper Lee wrote: "...you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them".
The Department of Veterans' Affairs published an outstanding secondary resource Indigenous Service in 2013. This resource includes a close look of Private Daniel Hodgekiss' experience on his return from war. An excellent set of primary sources are provided for student investigation including a letter which reveals his admission into hospital for a gun shot wound. You will be able to access this brilliant resource here. Used in conjunction with this resource from the Australian War Memorial, students will get a full understanding of the experience of one man's experience at Villers-Bretonneux and consider deeper questions such as this one: "Many Aboriginal servicemen recalled that their time spent serving in the AIF was the first time they felt they had been treated as equals. Why do you think this was the case?"
As we prepare to commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April, let us not forget the sacrifice made by all Australians.