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by rasears

Question by : Australian World War 1 Humour?
My drama class is currently performing an original script revolving. around Australians in World War 1.. however it has become so incredibly dark that we need some comic relief.

It is common to hear that the Australian soliders managed to maintain a sense of humour whilst still in such horrific circumstances. Unfortunately, actually finding jokes or examples of this humour has proved difficult.

The director has asked me to try and find some jokes and/or examples of this humour that the Australian soldiers may have used during World War 1.

This play is not a comedy, the director just wants to add some comic relief. This play is completely respectful.

so if anyone has examples of some Aussie humour from that time period that they may have heard from their elders, please post below.

Best answer:

Answer by Nerk
nude women, men dressed as women. The best example of this from this period is actually from the Boer war, when Breaker Morant and Private Hancock were shot by the british military for murder. Their last words in front of the firing squad were apparently “shoot straight you bastards.” This obvious disregard of authority even in death, particularly in the face of death would be one of the key elements of Australian humour in the trenches.

Of course, it is hard to acutally find example of the humour, but I dont think it would be too different to Aussies today. Practical jokes, blue humour and of course ancedotes. You can always look at Lawson and Patterson as sources of humour in Australia during this period. Hope this helps and break a leg.

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