Horace Gray field message book, Nov. 23-Dec. 13, 1915

[Transcriber’s note]
Born 1884 Yass NSW
Enlisted 1 February 1915
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal Gazetted 26 September 1916
Killed in Action Fleurs France 10 November 1916

[Page 1]

Regimental Sergeant Major Horace Arthur Leslie Gray, D.C.M (No. 7, 19th Battalion, 5th Brigade).
Field Message Book presented by his brother, Fred P. J. Gray, 158 Bondi Road Waverley.
Enlisted on the 1st day of enlistment and went to Rabaul. Returned and re-enlisted in the 19th Battalion. Went to Egypt and Gallipoli, then France. Won D.C.M. at Pozieres. Killed at Fleurs by a sniper when he was talking to General Homes, pointing out the position of the snipers, November 10, 1916. Buried at Fleurs and grave marked with a cross

[Page 2]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 3]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 4]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 5]

Popes Post
23-11-15

Capt. Hale,
Please order 144 Garland Bombs for 19th Batt
Men will be sent to Anzac for them tonight
A Gray
RSM

Ammunition Machine Guns
A Coy Reserve 8000
B Coy “ 11000
C Coy “ 1000
D Coy “ 4000
Loose 9500
33500
Rgmt Reserve 19000
52500

[Page 6]

A COY
23-11-15

Bombs
Firing line – 81 J.T
Supports – 134 J.T

Cr Ball Firing line 60 215
“ Supports 60 – 120
335
Additional 6 cases 4 sec 72
407

Firing Line No 11 – Group- 2 Cases 6S
-8 “ 12 JT.
-6 “ 13 JT.
-5 “ 3 Cases 6S
-“ “ 12 JT
-2 “ 24 JT
-1 “ 2 Cases 6Sc
-5A “ 20 JT
Supports
6A CT – 15 J.T
7 CT – 2Cases 6s 1 Case 4s
7 CT – 74 J.T
8 CT – 1 Case 4s 25 JT
T Trench 20 JT
72 4s Bombs - [indecipherable]

[Page 7]

19th Batt
Popes Post
23-11-15

O.C. Ordnance,
Will you please supply 19th Batt with 16 Rubber Springs for Trench Catapult & 1 new pocket.
Also repair 1 old pocket

[Page 8]

19th Batt
Popes Post
24-11-15

Capt Hale.
Referring to Div Order 61 Par 285 (Care of Gas Sprayers)
The order says that fluid for Sprayers is to be kept in jars handy to the Sprayers.
If the Sprayers are not ready filled at the time of Gas Alarm a lot of time will be taken in pouring fluid from jars into Sprays.
I examine the Sprays every second day & stir the chemicals up & today I am cleaning the machines out.
Please let me know if it is necessary for me to put the whole of the fluid into jars or only the extra charges.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 9]

19th Batt
Popes Post
24-11-15

O.C.
C. Coy
Please supply a fatigue of 16 men to report to Pte Ross at 2 PM at Ammunition reserve near Major Ralstons Dug out.
22-11-15
10000 Rounds 303 Drawn

19th Batt
Popes Post
24-11-15

Capt Hale,
Please supply 19th Batt with 8,000 rounds 303 Ammunition
A Gray
RSM

[Page 10]

B Coy Bombs
6 Boxes 4 sec in Supports
3 – “ -6 sec in Firing line
No 1 Group 16 J.T
No2 Com Trench nil No2 Group 32
No 3 Com Trench 47 J.T.
No 2 Group 32 J.T.
No 4 - “ - 20 J.T.
No 4 Com Trench 28 J.T. 28 6 1/2s CB 36 4s CB
No 5 Group 16 J.T.- -Totals
No 5 Com Trench 36 4s – CB.—96 4s.
No 6 Group16 JT 12.6 s – CB 36 6s
No 7 “ 16 JT – 191
No 2 Com Trench 36.4s CB – 323
D.Coy. - Bombs
37 J.T. – Totals A – 407
120 6 sec CB –“ B – 323
48 4 sec C.B. – “ D – 205
24Mills Grenades – Hintons J.T – 24
229 - C.B 6s – 24
205 – Monash J.T – 36
- “ CB – 12
- – 1031

[Page 11]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 12

19th Batt
Popes Post
25-11-15

Capt, Hale
Can you possibly let me have a few extra rounds of Very's pistol flares, so as to keep a few in hand to make up deficiencies

19th Batt
Popes Post
25-11-15

Capt Hale,
Can you possibly let me have a few extra rounds of Very’s Pistol flares, so that I can have some in hand to replace those used.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 13]

19th Batt
Popes Post
25-11-15

Lieut Boyden,
I have examined bombs on Monash & Hintons posts & found 13 defective in Monash & 9 defective in Hinton’s. The bombs have been exposed to the weather & need more attention. I have replaced the defective bombs with new ones & in addition have placed 2 boxes of 6 second match headed Cricket Ball bombs at Hinton’s Post & 1 box of the same pattern bombs at Monash Gully.
Would you mind informing the N.C.Os in Charge of the bombs to see that the bombs are not exposed to the weather.
Thanking you
A Gray
RSM

[Page 14]

Popes Post
25-11-15

To Capt walker
O.C D Coy
The Adjutant sends his compliments & wants you to arrange for 20 men of D Coy to carry B Coys water from R-Q-M stores to B Coys [indecipherable]
A Gray
RSM
thth

25-11-15

To
Lieut Boyden,
The Adjutant sends his compliments & asks you to furnish a fatigue to carry up A. Coys water from R-Q-M Stores
A Gray
RSM

[Page 15]

19th Batt
Popes Post
26-11-15

O.C.
5th Field Engineers,
Can you possibly manage to let me have 15 ft of 3 x 2 timber for a magazine door. Also a few nails to make the door up.

Capt Hale,
Please supply 19th Batt. with 10 or 20 rounds of Very’s pistol Ammunition
A Gray
RSM

[Page 16]

210
2450
1770
4430

[Page 17]

26-11-15

Total of Bombs
In trenches
A Coy. Jam Tins – 237
Cricket Balls 6s – 108
“ “ 4s – 108
Total 453

B Coy Jam Tins – 191
Cricket Balls 6s – 96
“ “ 4s – 36
Total 323

D Coy Jam Tins – 37
Cricket Balls 6s – 120
“ “ 4s – 48
Total 205

Hintons Post
Jam Tins – 24
Cricket Balls 6s – 36
Total 60

Monash Post
Jam Tins – 35
Cricket Balls 6s – 12
“ “ 4s – 12
Total 59
Tunnel near Magazine [indecipherable] Total
Grand Total

[Some numbers in bottom RH corner indecipherable or partly missing]

[Page 18]

Passage not transcribed

Bombs in Reserve Magazine etc.
26-11-15

Jam Tins – 187- -163
Cricket Balls 6s – 360- -360
“ “ 4s – 192 -192
Catapult- -739-1197
- -1912
- Mills 60
- -1972
In Magazine 163 JT
- -360 6s
- -192 4s
- - 60 mills
- - 775
Trenches 1197
- -1972 Total

[Page 19]

19th Batt
Popes Post
29-11-15

Lieut Boyden,
The Adjutant sends his compliments & and asks you to please furnish a fatigue of 20 men to get 3 sheets of Galv Iron & 30 pieces of timber.
The men to report or R 2 Q M S Munro as soon as possible
A Gray
RSM

[Page 20]

19th Batt
Popes Post
29-11-15

To O.C. Ordnance
Anzac
Can you please replace broken telescope with a new one. We urgently need the glass for a snipers post

[Page 21]

Popes Post
30-11-15

Capt Hale,
Please supply 19th Batt with 6000 rounds 303 ammunition
A Gray
RSM

[Page 22]

30-11-15

Lieut Boyden,
Please supply a fatigue of 12 men to carry ammunition from Brigade Headquarters to Regmt Reserve. Men to report to Pte Ross at R.QM S Store at 2 PM

[Page 23]

19th Batt
Popes Post
30-11-15

To
OC Periscope Depot
Anzac.
Will you please supply 1 glass for periscope rifle & 16 rubber springs for trench Catapult.

[Page 24]

19th Batt
Popes Post
30-11-15

Capt Hale,
Can you let us have a telescope or telescopic Rifle for No 1 Snipers post.
The telescope on the post was broken by a piece of schrapnel yesterday & I tried to get another one to replace it from ordnance but was unsuccessful.
A Gray RSM

[Page 25]

19th Batt
Popes Post
30-11-15

To
O.C
Ammunition,
Please supply 19th Batt with 40 Verys Pistol flares.
We have received a telegram from 5th Brigade Headquarters to say that they are available for us.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 26]

19th Batt
Popes Post
1-12-15

Capt Single,
No 254 Pte Jacka L.H.N was killed this morning & his body has been taken to the Mortuary.
Will you please let me know by return if you can perform the burial service. at at what time
Thanking you
A Gray RSM
Next of kin
Mother
Mrs E Jacka
Gougert St
Adelaide
SA

[Page 27]

19th Batt
Popes Post
1-12-15

To
O.C. 5th Field Engineers
Can you please supply us with sufficient timber to make a ladder 12 ft long to be placed in an observation post. Approx 30 ft 3x2 with some nails to make up same
This ladder is urgently required.
No timber available

[Page 28]

1-12-15
19th Batt
Popes Post

To O.C.
Ordnance,
Can you please let me have a ladder 12 ft long or sufficient timber to make up same.
The ladder is required for an observation position on this post.

[Page 29]

19th Batt
Popes Post
1-12-15

To
C.S.M. O’Hara,
Please supply 2 men to go to ordnance for timber as per order enclosed & signed by Capt. Walker. Send them as soon as you can.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 30]

19th Batt
Popes Post
2-12-15

To Lieut Boyden
The Adjutant sends his compliments & asks you to please let me have 3 men to go to Anzac tonight for Bombs. Men to report to Pte Ross at Regmt QM Stores at 6.30 tonight.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 31]

[Not transcribed

[Page 32]

19th Batt
Popes Post
2-12-15

Lieut Boyden,
The adjutant sends his compliments & asks you to supply a fatigue of 20 men to replace reserve rations on Post. Fatigue to report to R. QM.S Monro at 2 PM
A Gray RSM
for Adj

[Page 33]

19th Batt
Popes Post
2-12-15

Capt. Hale,
Will you please arrange for 19th Batt to draw the following from Anzac tonight.
144 Garland Bombs complete with Powder friction tubes etc.
144 6 second English Improved Match headed C.B. Bombs.
50 5 or 6 second fuses.
50 No 8 or No 6 Detonators
A Gray
RSM

[Page 34]

2-12-15
Popes Post

Court Martial of
Ptes Davis & Powell
At 17th Batt at 2 PM 3-12-15
Witnesses to Warn.
Powells Case
RSM Gray Capt Pern
Davis’s Case
Capt Pern.
Lieut Cullen
Sgt Hunter
Pte Thayne
Court Orderly
Sgt Jelfs C Coy

[Page 35]

!9th Batt
Post Post
2-12-15

Headquarters
CSM, C. Coy,
No 892 Pte Jenkins T.V. has been transferred to the Stretcher bearers for duty on Sanitary work.
Of course he is still a member of the Coy but will be permanently employed under Capt Pern
A Gray RSM

[Page 36]

!9th Batt
Popes Post
2-12-15

To C. Selb. C. Coy
Prisoners Powell & Davis will be paraded under escort to Capt. Pern, Batt Doctor, at 1.15 tomorrow prior to going to 17th Batt for Court Martial.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 37]

19th Batt
Popes Post
3-2-15

Lieut Cullen,
The Court Martial of No Pte Davis D Coy takes place at 0200 today at 17th Batt Quinns Post.
You are a witness in this case.
Will you please let me know if illness will prevent you from being there.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 38]

19th Batt
Popes Post
3-12-15

To O.C. Periscope Depot
Will you please replace two periscopic rifles (defective) with new ones & replace Periscopes for 19th Batt Popes Post
[signature struck through]

[Page 39]

19th Batt
Popes Post
3-12-15

Capt Hale,
Will you please let me know if I will be able to get the following order tonight.
144 Garland Bombs Complete with powder Etc,
144 6 Second English Imp. MH. Bombs
50 5 or 6 second fuses
50 No 8 or No 6 Detonators
12 flares Coloured
A Gray
RSM

[Page 40]

19th Batt
Popes Post
3-12-15

R.Q.M.S. Munro,
Will you please order on your indent the following Materials for Sprays (anti Gas)
24 lbs Sodium Hypho Sulphur
1 lb Sodium Carbonate
8 oz Glycerine
These charges are wanted to make up for leakage in testing sprays
A Gray
RSM

[Page 41]

19th Batt
Popes Post
4-12-15

Capt Hale,
Last night my fatigue party went down to Anzac for bombs with the other Batt fatigues, They assisted to load the mules & came back without any bombs for this Battalion.
Re the Garland bombs, Corp Conley who has charge of the Garland mortar reported to me this morning that 6 bombs did not explode last night he says that the Geletine in the bombs is very poor.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 42]

19th Batt
Popes Post
4-12-15

Capt Hale,
Please supply 19th Batt with 7000 rounds of 303 Ammunition
A Gray
RSM

19th Batt
Popes Post
4-2-15

Capt Hale,
Will you kindly let me know if the orders for bombs for this Batt will be procurable tonight.
If 6s bombs are not available 4s Bombs will do. We are 110 Garlands short of number required by Brigade order.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 43]

19th Batt
Popes Post
5-12-15

Capt Hale,
Please let me know if I will be able to procure a new Garland Mortar as the one we have does not throw the Garland bombs the distance which it should.
The Corporal in Charge has reported to me that in making up the Garland Bombs he has to use 7 Drams of powder for a charge in place of the 5 drams (the recognised quantity of powder). Therefore we require extra powder to provide sufficient charges for the number of bombs in stock.

[Page 44]

19th Batt
Popes Post
5-12-15

Capt Hale,
Please supply the following for 19th Battalion
Garland Bombs complete with Powder friction tubes etc.
50.4 Dram bags powder
Additional
12 Roman Candles
6s or 5s light C.B. Bombs M.H. English improved if procurable
50 Detonators No 8 or No 6
50 5 or 6 second fuses
A Gray.
RSM

[Page 45]

19th Batt
Popes Post
5-12-15

To O.C. Ordnance
Will you please replace Garland Mortar out of action with a new one.
We have only the one Mortar on our post & it does good work & we are anxious to have it in place at once.

[Page 46]

19th Batt
Popes Post
5-12-15

Sgt Frankhardt
5th Field Engineers
Will you please me have 250 sand bags for trench repairs. The shells got on to our position this morning & cut up the bags
A Gray
RSM

Lieut Boyden
Will you kindly let me have 4 men to go to 5th Field Engineers for Sand bags. Order enclosed to Sgt Frankhardt
A Gray
RSM

[Page 47]

Capt Walker H.G.C.M 20th Batt lines trial of Private McFarlane 18th
- -“- - Smith 20th

[Page 48]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

O.C. C.Coy
Lieut Boyden,
Will you please let me have 3 men for a bomb fatigue to go to Anzac tonight.
Fatigue will report to a N.C.O. at Brigade water tanks at 6.50 PM

[Page 49]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

Capt Hale,
Please supply 19th Batt with 8000 rounds 303 Ammunition.
A Gray RSM
Lieut Boyden,
Would you please let me have an Ammunition fatigue of 16 men at 2 PM.
Men to report to Pte Ross at Ammunition Rgmt Reserve near Major Ralstons Dug out at 2PM
A Gray RSM
For Adj

[Page 50]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

Capt Hale,
Please order the following for 19th Batt.
192 Garland Bombs Complete with powder etc
144, 6 or 5 second light Cricket Ball Grenades (match headed)
50 Detonators No 8 or No 6
50 6 second fuses
A Gray RSM

[Page 52]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

Headquarters
5th Brigade
Capt Hale [Initialed W.K.S.M.]
Will you please let me have 4 Galls well water to make up charge for Sprays Anti Gas.
The Sprays are tested & and in testing an amount of fluid is used & has to be replaced.
W.K.S. Mackenzie
Lt Col.

[Page 54]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

Staff Officer
5th Brigade
Monash Gulley
Please give men 2 Rifle grenade Standards which are for 19th Batt
A Gray
RSM

[Page 56]

19th Batt
Popes Post
7-12-15

To O.C. Ordnance

Can you please supply the 19th Batt. with 1 set 16 rubber springs for french catapult complete with cords

[Page 57]

[Not transcribed]

[Page marked “cancelled”]

[Page 58]

19th Batt
Popes Post
6-12-15

O.C.Ordnance
Can you possibly manage to supply me with the following for the trench Catapult.
16 New Rubber Springs with Cords for Same
1 Pocket for Catapult
These items are urgently needed or the Catapult will be out of use.

[page 59]

19th Batt
Popes Post
7-12-15

Staff Officer
5th Brigade
Monash Gulley
Will you please order the following bombs & Grenades for 19th Batt.
196 Garland Bombs
144 No 3 (English Improved 6 second or 5 sec M.A.C.B Grenades)
50 detonators
50 fuses
100 Hales Rifle Grenades
12 Roman Candles
A Gray
RSM

[Page 60]

19th Batt
Popes Post
8-12-15

Lieut Boyden,
Can you please let me have 4 men to go to Ordnance for timber for Crosses to put over graves of men of the Batt who have been killed
A fatigue for ammunition say 12 men are also wanted for Ammunition.
This fatigue to report at Rgmt Ammunition reserve at 2 PM
A Gray RSM
For Adj.

[Page 61]

19th Batt
Popes Post

Capt Walker
Can you please let me have 4 men to go to 5th Field Engineers for Sand Bags for trench work. (The order for bags is enclosed.)
Included on order is timber for Artillery flags
[Indecipherable] McEwan
Capt & Adjt
8-12-15

[Page 62]

19th Batt
Popes Post
10-12-15

Staff Officer
5th Brigade
Please order the following for 19th Batt
250 No 3 Hand A, 4 second Grenades
250 6 second or 5 second fuses
250 Detonators
150 Rifle Grenades
100 Slow matches
144 Garland Bombs
Lieut Lane Brigade Bomb Officer told me that by ordering Fuses & detonators, I could exchange the 4s fuses & detonators, so as to use the light CB Grenade in Catapult.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 63]

19th Batt
Popes Post
10-12-15

To O.C. Ordnance
Can you please let me have the following for 19th Batt Popes Post
16 Rubber Springs for Catapult
Ropes for Same
Repair 1 Catapult pouch
W.K.S. Mackenzie
Lt. Col
A Gray
R

[Page 64]

19th Batt
Popes Post
11-12-15

To
Staff Officer
Please order the following for 19th Batt
264 No 3 Hand A. 4s Grenades
(264 6s fuses
(264 Detonators
150 Rifle Grenades
100 Slow Matches
192 Garland Bombs for trench mortar
A Gray
RSM

[Page 65]

19th Batt
Popes Post
11-12-15

Staff Officer
5th Brigade
Please supply 19th Batt with 7000 rounds 303 ammunition.
A Gray
RSM

[Page 66]

19th Batt
Popes Post
11-12-15

To
OC.
Will you please replace wire on Catapult sling with new wire.
The wire loops have apparently been burnt in welding new connecting link

[Page 67]

19th Batt
Popes Post
12-12-15

To OC.
5th Field Engineers
Will you please supply 19th Batt with -
Some 4” & 3” nails for work in building shelter sheds
[indecipherable] McEwan Capt
Adjt

[Page 68]

19th Batt
Popes Post
12-12-15

To
O.C.
Ordnance
Will you please supply 19th Batt with
1 Garland trench mortar for Popes Post.
W.K.S. Mackenzie
L.Col
[indecipherable] 19 Bn

[Page 69]

19th Batt
Popes Post
13-12-15

To O.C.
Ammunition
Will you please supply 19th Batt with -
300 Rds M 45 Revolver
Ammunition
RCA Anderson Unit
Adj 19th Bn

15/104

[Page 70]

19th Batt
Popes Post
13-12-15

Capt Hale
Please supply 8000 Rds 303 Ammunition
A Gray RSM

[Page 71]

To Cairo Tramways Co
Please pass 1 military passengers over trams from Kasr-el-Nil to Heliopolis on military duty free.
G. Masefield 2 Lt.
Adjutant
Kasr-el-Nil Garrison
21st Battalion AIF
14th August 1915

[Transcribed by Eric Hetherington]