Collected Podcast Episode 17: Recorded Letters
Just months before he sailed for Gallipoli a young Australian soldier on leave in Egypt recorded a letter to send home. This unique artefact is the oldest known recording of an ordinary solider at war. In Episode 17 of Collected, Louise Maher hears the story of the Lanser disc and other recorded letters and messages which enabled families on the home front to hear the voices of their loved ones serving overseas.
Presented by: Louise Maher
Produced by: Louise Maher
Interviewed:
Jennifer Selby, Assistant Curator Photographs, Film and Sound
Recorded Messages:
Horace Hall recorded letter
Message from William Cameron
Patrick Kelly recorded message
(Kenneth) Mervyn Hains recorded letter
Original music: Andy Heaney, Vice Like Grip
Photo of Henry Lanser: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2612347
Photo of Lanser disc: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C289920
Australian and New Zealand servicemen recording letters to send home: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C300242
Portrait of John Down: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2093986