Photo: theguardian.com
Century-Old Letter from Aussie Soldier Discovered in Bottle on Remote Beach
A century-old letter from Private Malcolm Alexander Neville, written as he sailed to World War I, was discovered in a bottle on Wharton beach near Esperance, Australia.
- The letter, dated 15 August 1916, was found on Wharton beach, near Esperance, Western Australia, about 750km southeast of Perth.
- Private (rank) Malcolm Alexander Neville wrote the note while aboard a troopship heading to France, sharing his experiences before being killed in action.
- The message, enclosed in a glass Schweppes bottle, reflects a light-hearted tone, noting the good food except for one meal that the soldiers buried.
Why It Matters
This discovery not only offers a glimpse into the personal experiences of soldiers during World War I but also highlights the enduring connections to history and the importance of remembering those who served, as celebrated by institutions like the Australian War Memorial.