World War 1 Researcher: Australia

Through research you can make history. Created by Jenny Cassidy and David Jones, WW1 Researcher: Australia explores six case studies of people who served in the Australian army in WW1. The app gives you an idea of what your research of a local soldier or nurse might look like. Explore the many research links and closely inspect our collection of primary source documents to guide your own research.

The app is a foundation and framework for undertaking your own research. We provide six case studies. The app does not include many different examples as this app is meant to show you how to conduct your own research of local or family stories.

The purpose of this app is to show how research will help your understanding of the ‘Great War’.

You can view examples of primary documents, easily do your own research and share it with others.

It provides an overview of some stories and key battlefronts where Australians fought in WW1.

WW1 Researcher: Australia explores the significance of World War 1 in Australia and is linked to Year 9 History; the Australian Curriculum and the 2017 Victorian Curriculum.

The key concepts of historical sources as evidence, perspectives and empathy are directly linked to local contexts.

Other features of the app include sequencing events chronologically and investigating cause and effect through aspects such as enlistment and the impact of the war on families. The app includes an interactive timeline.

The app encourages the development and application of historical skills through research of local communities in Australia.

WW1 Researcher: Australia includes:
- Over 90 images, videos and primary documents from WW1; a significant number of these are interactive to allow researchers to closely inspect documents and review detailed content.
- Over 50 interactive links or advice which supports researchers to explore local or family stories.
- 6 case studies that provide a framework for research.
- Commentary explaining how you can add to your research of local soldiers and nurses through the use of video footage.
- Audio recordings as examples of ways you can bring letters to life as dramatic performances.
- Soldier’s diaries and letters from public and private collections.
- Key terms used in the service files and advice on how to interpret handwriting in the files and letters.
- Scrollable timeline linking individual stories to key Australian battlefronts.