The Cummings family - Activities

Examine the images and film below, and answer the discussion questions.

Collection Item C955939

Accession Number: E01318

A soldier views the area between Hooge and Chateau Wood, 1917. (AWM E01318)

  1. Many Australians saw joining the army as an exciting opportunity to travel overseas, earn a decent wage, and fight for king and country. How do you think the reality measured up to their expectations?
  2. Imagine you are one of the three soldiers in this photograph. How would you be feeling?
Collection Item C46065

Accession Number: E01880

Eric, second from the left, standing in front of his aircraft, 1918. (E01880)

  1. Aircraft were a new form of technology used during the First World War. What were they mainly used for? Were there any drawbacks to using aircraft?
Collection Item C206260

Accession Number: P01432.004

Wedding portrait of Mervyn Cummings and his bride Beatrice Roe, 1920. (AWM P01432.004)

  1. Even after the First World War ended, soldiers often still wore their uniforms to their weddings. Why do you think they may have done this?
Collection Item C1041295

Accession Number: P04362.002

Roy's grave, on the left, in Leighterton cemetery, 1918. (AWM P04362.002)

  1. When the First World War ended, communities across Australia pooled their resources to build memorials to honour those who had served and commemorate those who had died. Investigate memorials in your area. Who is remembered and how are they remembered?

  2. Design your own memorial. Who would you like to remember on this memorial? Why?

  1. What does this film add to your understanding of the role of aircraft during the First World War? Do you think they were a valuable asset? Why or why not?

  2. Do you think this film captures the dangers associated with flying? Why or why not?

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