This poet's name is Effie Allan.

Effie Allan was a school teacher during the Great War. This photo was taken in 1916, and shows Effie (standing far left) with her class.

Effie's poem was inspired by the common practice of sock knitting which was taking place during the war to help the war effort. Many people sewed or knitted warm clothing - including socks - for family and friends at the front. Knitters often included notes or poems with the items they made. Sometimes a correspondence would develop with the soldiers which could continue through the war.

There were hundreds, if not thousands of these letters, and most of them have been lost to posterity, but some of them have come to light, showing that poetry was a common form of expression throughout the Great War. The patriotic Australian woman was compelled to do something. If not nursing the boys at the front or in back-line hospitals, then by nursing the fledgling national pride. Many women contributed to the war effort in many diverse ways, but their hearts were filled with pride, love and fear for the boys at the front.

Here is a poem/letter sent by Effie to a soldier serving at the front.

Gifts from home

Stitch by stitch our knitting grows
While we think of the German foes
Who are fighting our brave lads
Just because of the Kaiser’s fads.
So with best wishes found and true
With all good luck I send to you
These little socks, which give us pleasure
To sit and work all in our leisure.
And when you wear them till they're through
Remember there are plenty who
Will make some more for those who fight
For those they love and king and right.
And if you feel inclined some night
Just take your paper, pen and write
A few lines to the address above
Who is one who does this work for love.