Soldier Boy

Soldier Boy, dramatized by Anthony Hill from his book of the same name, tells the poignant story of Private James Martin, a 14-year-old boy who enlisted in the Australian Army during World War I. Set between June 1914 and October 1915, the play follows Jim’s journey from Melbourne to the battlefields of Gallipoli. As the youngest-known ANZAC soldier, Jim lies on a hospital ship, suffering from typhoid fever, recalling his decision to enlist, the challenges of war, and his relationships with family and friends. His brief time at the front is woven into memories of home, revealing the pressures of duty, patriotism, and sacrifice that led him to the trenches. The play delves into the emotional toll of war, especially on the young, and highlights the bravery and naivety of a boy who wanted to serve his country, despite the costs.