Summary

Postcard featuring photographic scenes in and around Codford St Mary, Wiltshire, England. It was written during World War I by Private Bill (William) Nairn to his sister Sarah Jackson on 27 April 1918, less than three months before his death, and apparently originally accompanied a letter. Bill writes about the pretty pair of villages depicted (Codford St Mary and Codford St Peter), his pleasure in receiving letters from Sarah and his reliance on God and St Anthony.

The scenes on the postcard include two bridges, a church, Stonehenge and a road. Codford St Mary was the vicinity of a large World War I training and transfer camp and depot for Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

William John Nairn was a 28-year-old labourer, born in Buangor near Ararat, when he enlisted to serve in World War I on 28 September 1916 - service no. 3217, principally with the 59th Battalion. He married Eileen Mary (Shannahan) of Corio at St Mary's Church, Geelong before departing Melbourne on the 'Medic' (A7) on 16 December 1916. He arrived in Plymouth, England, on 18 February 1917, was shot in France in October, recovered in England, then was killed shortly after returning to the front in France on 4 July 1918. His widow Eileen continued living at 'Hazeldene', Corio, near Geelong after his death. She received his personal possessions in April 1919, including three wallets, cards, photographs and religious books, and received his medals over subsequent years.

Physical Description

Printed postcard. One side features black and white photographic scenes from the town of Codford St Mary and surrounds. The three central scenes are set within diamond borders. Banners above and below read 'GREETINGS FROM' and 'CODFORD'.

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