| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR01729 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 1 wallet, 1 folio: 5 cm |
| Object type | Letter, Postcard |
| Maker |
Borthwick, Alexander Hay |
| Place made | Egypt |
| Date made | 1914-1917 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Borthwick, Alexander Hay (Private, b.1883 - d.1942)
Description
Substantial collection of letters of 529 Private (Pte) Alexander Borthwick while serving with the AIF during the First World War. Pte Borthwick joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment in December 1914. He and his unit landed on Gallipoli at the end of May 1915. Several letters describe action and conditions there, as well as his changing feelings on war. He survived the assault on 'The Nek' on 7 August with a minor wound, however was in hospital sick for the remainder of the campaign. Many letters written from hospital or Egypt. Fit again, he rejoined his unit in time for the battles around Romani and Katia in early August 1916. At Bada on 9 August, he was wounded in the leg, hip and arm. Pte Borthwick returned to Australia later in the year, having lost an arm.