Summary

Postcard featuring collage of images symbolising connections between nations, titled 'Hands Across the Sea'. It was sent by Private William Nairn to his mother Mary Nairn from Salisbury Plain, England, on 12 May 1917, during World War I. He reassures his mother and family that he 'would sooner die than do anything I have pledged myself not to do, God is god to me'. He was killed in the trenches of France on 4 July 1918.

Physical Description

Postcard printed in full colour with drawn and photographic images in collage, symbolising connections between nations: a woman's hand extending through a horseshoe, shaking a man's hand; a steam train; an ocean liner; a English rural scene, a world globe showing south and north America; roses and foliage; and an embellished inscription. Printed on reverse with postcard proforma, over which is extensive hand-writing. The corners of the postcard are slightly curled; edges have losses throughout.

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Home & Community, Public Life & Institutions

  • Place & Date Written

    Salisbury Plain, England, 12 May 1917

  • Author

    Private William (Bill) J. Nairn - Australian Imperial Force (AIF)

  • Inscriptions

    Printed on front: 'Hands / Across the Sea / Tho' the ocean rolls between / Friendship holds us fast, / And aye while life itself shall run / So shall our friendship last'. Words added in hand-writing: '& love Forever'. Printed on back: 'POST CARD / BRITISH / MANUFACTURE / This space may be used for Communication / The Address to be written / here / VALENTINE'S / SERIES / is a guarantee / of BRITISH / MANUFACTURE'. Hand-written on back: 'No. 3217 [Bill's service no.] / 12/5/1917 / Salisbury Plain / My Dearest Mother, / I am sending you / this card as I thought it rather nice x / might be of some interest to you Dear / & we will have a look over them all when / I come back again. My Dearest Mother you / must not worry about me as I am Faithful / to God your Dear Self & my loving Wife, I / would sooner die than do anything I have / pledged myself not to do, God is god to me / Farewell my Dearest Mother till I write again / I remain always your ever loving son Will'. At top: 'Your ever / loving / Faithful / son / Will / best love / to you Dear / self Dave & / Ted God / bless / you'.

  • Classification

    Military history, Service, Correspondence

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    History

  • Type of item

    Document

  • Keywords

    World War I, 1914-1918, Military Memorabilia, Death & Mourning, Religions: Roman Catholic, Correspondence