A family heirloom, the suitcase had been handed down the generations of Therese Bartley's family. With each new generation, more war-time research and keepsakes were found and hidden away inside the ancient-looking leather.

But prized among all the records is a letter from Patrick Frost to his sons Solomon and Jack, dated October 14, 1915. The letter was written on the eve of the brothers' journey to Gallipoli.

"I felt like I'd struck gold when I opened [the suitcase], it's amazing that it can still be read," Ms Bartley said.

"The content of the letter is just beautiful. These boys were two of thousands that went to war, some in my own family were just 14 years old."

Patrick Frost is Ms Bartley's great grandfather, making Jack and Solomon her great uncles. Alongside the letter, she also found a photograph of him, dressed in his military ensemble prior to the First World War.

In his letter to his sons, Mr Frost references the illness that has prevented his return to military duty.

"Firstly, let me say it makes my heart glad to know that my two Hay boys are off to fight for freedom's cause and to keep the old flag unsullied," Mr Frost wrote.

"Nothing would please me better than to be with you."

The letter was sent back to Mr Frost and wife Robertina, who then lived near Hay.

At the bottom of the letter, the postmaster general has included an explanation for the failure to deliver: both the sons had been killed in action near Ypres, Belgium.

John Herbert (Jack) Frost died on October 10, 1916, while Solomon Charles (Sol) Frost died on October 17, 1917.

Delving deeper into the suitcase of memories, Ms Bartley found a treasure trove of information about the brothers, documented by her mother's brother-in-law and Hay history society president HS 'Sam' Willis.

She also found records of her own father, George Henry Duffy's life as a switchboard operator during the Second World War.

Her motivation to peruse the contents of the suitcase came about through her isolation amid the COVID-19 crisis. With little else to do, she opened it and began reading.

Although Anzac Day commemorations will be dampened by the isolation this year, the stories of Ms Bartley's family have enriched the day with greater significance.

"I'm so proud of them. This year it will just be different. This year, we won't have the ceremony, but we will stand at the letterbox at 6am and remember them," she said.

"I'm hoping there will be a lot of people in Wagga at their letterboxes that morning."