Letters to Merna

The letters of two soldiers written to Merna Gillies during the First World War were donated by her family to the State Library of Queensland.

Both young men had attended Brisbane Grammar with her brother Clyde, both soldiers had very different stories to tell.

Vivian Edmond George HARRIS, 11th Light Horse Regiment, wrote several newsy items, which showed a flair for language. He wrote of his great appreciation upon receiving mail from her and how he read and re-read them so often, he had memorised their content.

As the war continued, IRVING’s conversations became a little less demanding and more reflective of opportunities lost.

His time was cut short, as a member of the Imperial Camel Corps, Irving was shot by an enemy bullet during an action following the Battle of Tel el Khuweilfe, on 6 November 1917, in southern Palestine.

Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files 1914-18 War

Letters from William Irving and Vivian Harris, now digitised and transcribed at SLQ

Clyde went on to complete his studies in Melbourne and practiced medicine in Northgate, Brisbane for many years. His three sisters who never married, continued their passion for music and art. Merna and Acie lived and worked in Sydney for many years, Merna later became coach and accompanist at the Opera Workshop, NSW Conservatorium.

Merna Gillies & friend, 1960s. Image courtesy of Gillies family

Further reading:

• M647 Merna Gillies papers
• NAA: Irving, William Howe
• NAA: Harris, Vivian Edmond
• AWM: Unit Diaries, 3rd Australian Imperial Camel Corps