Historical information

Sometimes called a sweetheart postcard, it was a way of sending thoughts to the troops overseas. The poem on the front, with the image of a woman writing to her loved ones, says: "In distance we are far apart . . . / Yet loving thoughts can span the ocean blue / And warm good wishes sent in fond remembrance / Speed swiftly o'er the sea from me to you.' The British, Australian and French flags and Australia wattle provide more symbolism, the horseshoes for luck, and a hand shake.
Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs.
J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920.

Significance

A record of correspondence with the troops in World War 1 and sending good wishes with a hamper. This type of experience would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.

Physical description

Postcard with a lady writing and men fighting, horseshoes and wattle.