Gatliff, Charles Edwin (Captain, b.1882 - d.1959)

Collection relating to service of Captain Charles Edwin Gatliff, 4 Light Horse Regiment [later 50 & 51 Field Artillery Battery, 13 Field Artillery Brigade], Egypt, France and Belgium. Collection includes letters written by Gatliff to his parents in Melbourne, between March 1916 and September 1918, describing active service with artillery batteries in France and Belgium.

This extensive collection of letters reveals Captain Charles Gatliff as a mature, intelligent man who was a keen observer of his situation, and of the people around him. His letters, well-written and informative, contain descriptions of his duties as forward observation officer for artillery batteries and officer-in-charge of a battery. He gives vivid descriptions of war damage in France and Belgium, the conditions he endured during the winter of 1916-17, being under enemy fire, and the effects of the war on civilian life. Gatliff displays a deep affection for his family and a fierce pride in the Australian troops, coupled with a realistic, unsentimental assessment of his situation.

Biographical note: Captain Charles Edwin Gatliff, born 22 November 1882; served in Boer War in the Scots Mounted Railway Guards and the Canadian Scouts; joined AIF 16 July 1915, 5 Division Artillery (originally reinforcement to 4 Light Horse Regiment). Returned to Australia, September 1918.

• Letters from Charles Edwin Gatliff to his family, March - December 1916
• Letters from Charles Edwin Gatliff to his family and a condolence letter, June 1916 - c. September 1918
• Letters from Charles Edwin Gatliff to his family, January - September 1918