Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 481
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[Page 481]
13.
in Australia, but at this stage it is only asked that sympathetic prepatory assurance be sought from such Institutions. It is hoped that evidence of sound and satisfactory work as the organization develops will be submitted to warrant entire confidence in making application for full recognition.
The Canadian Corps has had a partial scheme of education in operation for some time under the name of "The University of Vimy Ridge." The New Zealand Force has also taken action in the matter.
€‹The British Army has been studying the question for some time and a beginning has been made at G.H.Q. Education Officers have been appointed to each of the British Armies, and they are preparing for very large activities. The various Educational activities will be co-ordinated as far as possible. Conferences have been held and others will be held at regular intervals. All correspondence and proposals are circulated between the Education Establishments of the Forces. The Imperial Authorities readily recognise that our Australian conditions are so diverse that we must have our own organization with a special Australian outlook.
They ask, howeever, that we shall not act independently in the matter of text books, as a great demand is anticipated, and in view of the shortage of books and paper careful central arrangements will be necessary.
Of necessity the work must develop from small beginnings and its success will largely depend upon finding the right kind of teachers, and inducing a proper understanding and keen interest among all ranks of the A.I.F.
There are such large numbers of teachers to be found in the A.I.F. with previous experience in almost all kinds of instruction that we believe this success can be achieved by a process of testing and careful selection, but it is quite probable that it may be necessary to call upon Australia to supply teachers and supervisors in subjects where the resources of A.I.F. have proved inadequate.