Letters from Keith McKeddie Doig to Lewis Maffra Grant, 1916

Letters relating to the First World War service of Major Keith McKeddie Doig, 60th Infantry Battalion, 19 September - 14 December 1916.

In this collection of letters written by Doig to his fiancée, Lewis Maffra Grant, the author writes about domestic matters, activities in England, and a period of active service in France. Whilst in England, Doig describes his introduction to camp life at Perham Downs and a stint at the No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall, London. During his time in London, Doig descriptively recalls night-time air raids and people emerging from their homes and cheering as German planes were shot down. Doig also remarks on the large number of women in the workforce and their contribution to the war effort, gauges the sentiments of British citizens to the war, and comments on the different characteristics of British and Australian soldiers.

Upon arriving in France, Doig documents his journey to the Somme and his first impressions of the front line. In subsequent letters during this period, Doig often makes note of the cold weather and the physical challenges of going to and from the front line in wet and muddy conditions. He expresses admiration for stretcher-bearers operating in trenches and traversing difficult terrain amidst shelling, and observes the travails as well as the humour of wounded soldiers in his role as a Medical Officer. After his first five weeks in France, Doig also reflects on the realities of war and reconsiders his position on conscription.

This file contains:

Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], Perham Downs, Salisbury Plains, 19-20 September 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], Pioneer Training Battalion, Perham Downs, 25-28 September 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], Pioneer Training Battalion, No. 4 Camp, Perham Downs, Salisbury Plains, 30 September - 3 October 1916;
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], No. 2 Australian Auxilliary Hospital, Southall, London, 15 October 1916;
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], No. 2 Australian Auxilliary Hospital, Southall, London, 17 October 1916;
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], No. 2 Australian Auxilliary Hospital, Southall, London, 17 October 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 19 October 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 8 November 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 10 November 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 12 November 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 15 November 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 19 November 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, [4 December 1916] [includes souvenired sample of a captured German pilot's decorative ribbon and envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 4 December 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], [France], 6 December 1916 [includes envelope];
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 8 December 1916 [includes envelope]; and
Letter from Keith McKeddie Doig to "Louie" [Lewis Maffra Grant], France, 14 December 1916 [includes envelope]