The effects of war service trauma on a family

What is it about?

My grandfather served as an ambulance field officer at the ANZAC Gallipoli landing in 1915. My family never talked about him and there were no photos of him. Later, as a trained historian I researched his life and war service. I realised that my grandfather, William Chapman was severely effected by his wounds both physically and mentally, the same as millions of other service men whose suffering was not recognised. Later research made clear that families were as effected by veterans trauma as the men and women themselves.

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Why is it important?

my research was done in the years 2013 to 2105 leading up to the centenary of the Gallipoli landings which were celebrated in Australia. There were new publications and exhibitions as well as film and television series which opened up the discussion of the impact of service of men and women in World War 1. In my family my research and writing was controvercial because William Chapman, the returned man was remembered only for his bad temper and drinking, as well as the effect of his behaviour on his wife and children. As the eldest son, my father was the most effected and I understood more about his character. I also felt grief that the family had never acknowledged his suffering, but only judged his behaviour.

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