Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

John Thomas Hutton war diary, 1 August 1915-31 December 1916
MLMSS 1138/ Item 1

[Page 1]
John Thomas Hutton
Born Tasmania
1st March 1889
Brother of Robert Hutton and Mary Knight
23. 3.16

[Page 14]
Jack Hutton
Adress
Any old place
Elsie Dean
Canberra
Kara St
Randwick
Muriel Tillson
Hazeldene
Botany
Nell Breen
Glenburnie
Balldale

[Page 15]
Dolly Bevan
Myrtle
Luff St Botany
Captain. T. P Conway
G S. O Sydney
Victoria Barracks
Miss Emma Knight
Bristol, Corowa
N. S. W
Bob Hutton
Randwick. N. S. W

[Page 16]
Jim Knight
A good friend
Mrs Marlow Botany
A friend in need
Jack Hutton Snr my father a hard nut to crack, good old dad
My mother . . . . .
God Bless her

[Page 17]
Mr J Knight
Carnsdale
N S. W Balldale
Darcy another Jack
the boy with the smiling eyes
Gee
Ben Boxer Ruby
Doctor Jack Joe
Kate & Trimmer
Bede Marr
my pal a brick

[Page 18]
4th of August, I threw in my lot Army and ring
Visited Jim & Mary took Elsie with me
Oct 3rd 1915 to Rookwood Hospital on visit with Jack Elsie Muriel Bob
(32B) Mess Table
a good lot of Chaps Jack Hutton President

[Page 19]
On the 23 12 15 I was appointed chief of canteen at R.A.S Ground Moore Park Sydney by the Camp Commandant Captain Conway
Milk and Ice cream Tea and Pie

[Page 20]
[January, 1916.]
Paddy Owen known A.I.F as His Reverence
Saturday 1
At Randwick Races
Sunday 2
By the seaside
Ivan Ivanovitch AIF
Russia

[Page 21]
Monday 3
Colombo Suez Canal Port, Said & Tel El Kebir
Tuesday 4
Star of England Twin Screws 11,000 Tons
Wednesday 5
Sneaked out to Botany to see Mue

[Page 22]
Saturday 8
T.S.S Ivernia 14,282 Tons
Sunday 9
Out with Elsie God Bless her

[Page 23]
CAMPS
R.A.S GROUND
TEL EL KEBIR
ETAPLES

[Page 24]
In France but my mind is way back in Australia
G.G.M.B

[Page 25]
SONGS WE SOLDIERS SING, WHEN WEARY
AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING ARE THE TUNES. I LET GO -
MY. ROSARY (With memories of Grace Knight)
SWEET ADELINE
I. WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW
THOUGH YOUR HEART MAY ACHE AWHILE NEVER MIND
O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
KYRIE 'A' ELISON

[Page 29]
1917
[Tuesday Feb. 1]
At Albert, getting ready for fight
[Wednesday 2]
Now at Scots Redoubt, near Pozieres
[Thursday 3]
Back in Sausage Valley

[Page 30]
[Friday 4]
Looking after Nutty a big horse
[Saturday 5]
Snow as painted the battlefield
[Sunday 6]
And now tis hard to pick up an old land mark but Sausage. V is hard to forget

[Page 31]
[Monday 7]
Riding around the country in quest of Quaker Oats
[Tuesday 8]
By jolly jack aint it cold
[Wednesday 9]
On picket, a lonely job

[Page 36]

[Some of the previous entries appear to be Hutton's diary for part of 1917, written in the front of the 1916 diary. There are no entries from February 10-February 24]

[Page 37]
[Feb.-March, 1916.]
Monday 28
Left Corowa, farewell to a good old town
Tuesday 29
Neath bushland skies a night to be remembered six on a log
Wednesday March 1
My Birthday
This book was given to me by Blue eyed Nellie Breen
Thursday 2
Left Balldale perhaps for ever perhaps not

[Page 38]
Friday 3
Arrived in Sydney after a good trip.
Saturday 4
Returned to camp ready for the front
Sunday 5
Muriel Elsie Jack Bob
A good day out
Elsie Nell and Muriel
3 of the best

[Page 39]
Monday 6
Route march through city
Tuesday 7
Review in the Domain G. General took the salute
Wednesday 8
Good Bye Sydney Aboard A 15
Thursday 9
Sailing down the coast

[Page 40]
Friday 10
Tearing along towards Adelaide
Saturday 11
All Well aboard the Star of England
Somewhere in the Bight
Sunday 12
First church parade
Man fell down hold
Star of England a good ship

[Page 41]
Monday 13
Still plodding along three days since we saw land
Tuesday 14
Same as yesterday Water, water, picked land up late in evening
Wednesday 15
A week out, growing monotonous beautiful weather, everything O.K
Thursday 16
Good Bye Australia
Fighting tonight for Leightweight Championship

[Page 42]
Friday 17
Pay day. Put up a good go last night, cheers & laughter at my antics in the ring
Saturday 18
Sports to day tug of war was beaten on points in the final of championship
Sunday 19
Lovely day we are now about 3,400 from Sydney
A fortnight today I was at Manly with Elsie & Muriel

[Page 43]
Monday 20
Nothing startling except flying fish
Tuesday 21
Dreaming of home
Weather beautiful sea like glass
Wednesday 22
Fought a burly Russian to day, never got hurt
Thursday 23
Some time today we cross the line

[Page 44]
Friday 24
Nearing Colombo, it will be a welcome relief to see land, 10 days since we saw anything
Saturday 25
Silvery Sands [indecipherable] sunny
Ceylon sighted at 8 oclock this morning
Sunday 26
Ashore at Colombo neath the sheltering palms the land of "here let me rest
It is hard to realize that I am so far from home a big step Carnsdale to Colombo

[Page 45]
Monday 27
Colombo "adieu"
I will call in when homeward bound
Tuesday 28
Off the coast of India
Bound for the Red sea
Wednesday 29
Pleasent memories of Botany, three years ago to day I made my home there
Thursday 30
Nothing doing, just sailing along A.1

[Page 46]
[[March-April, 1916.]
Friday 31
This trip is good, seems as if the weather was made to order, we are fast approaching Aden, mumps fashionable I am in the fashion, thank you
Saturday April 1
Sitting here on the hatchway smoking my G. B. D
Thinking of friends in the southland far across the sea
Sunday 2
Holy Communion aboard ship, sighted a speck of land after dinner
Fought a big chap from the 18th on Saturday never got hurt

[Page 47]
Monday 3
Past a steam [indecipherable] first since Cololmo
Tuesday 4
Sighted Arabia this morning entered the Red Sea tonight
Wednesday 5
Red Sea very warm but not to bad
Tuesday 6
Passed the islands (12) known as the Apostles

Barren and desolate I [indecipherable] by the lighthouse [indecipherable]

[Page 48]
Friday 7
The best day of the trip a real Aus spring day I felt kind of homesick when I thought of a spring day at Carnsdale
Saturday 8
The journey almost over we are now in the Gulf of Suez. Good Luck I am not sorry
The end of a perfect trip
Sunday 9
Disembarking today after a very pleasent voyage, farewell Star of England A15
Sat 8th When this far from Suez on the voyage home, I will get down on my knees & PRAY

[Page 49]
Monday 10
Never got off at Suez got into marching kit [indecipherable] orders came along to proceed to Port Said Now going through Suez Canal
Tuesday 11
Arrive at Port Said yesterday disembarking this morning lovely weather, happy & glad
Wednesday 12
Tel-El-Keber our camp on the desert, nice weather got here last evening
Thursday 13
Sun Sand Sin Soldiers
Flys Fleas Flags Fatigues
Camels Canals & Coons
Thats Egypt

[Page 50]
Friday 14
Life here not to bad but the dust or sand storm was a buggar
Saturday 15
Taking the place of horses 10 of us hooked up to a water waggon dragging it, 10 miles
Sunday 16
Sighing and almost Crying, cursing and then smiling for I took this job on, with my eyes open
Tel El Keber the scene of a famous battle Britons v Egyptians trenches & bones still visible

[Page 51]
Monday 17
Hot day but cold night
A hard bed but a contented mind cheer up Jack tis a long lane with out turn
Tuesday 18
TEL. EL. KEBIR [indecipherable] monotonous but "oh damn it all it could be a lot worse
Wednesday 19
Writing to Muriel cabling to Elsie two darlings of whom I am always thinking
Thursday 20
I like the nights for then I can sleep and forget all about the job of WAR

[Page 52]
Friday 21
Good Friday on the desert "ah" well let us hope Australia next G. F
Saturday 22
Doncaster Day I wonder how those bookies done
Sunday 23
I count them one by one my socks my socks 15 beautiful pair, to good to wear, so carefully folded they lie in my kit bag tis eight weeks today since I wore a sock and my feet are in good fettle

[Page 53]
Monday 24
SYDNEY CUP. DAY Usually (with me) a day of gambling so not to be out done I will x50Pt a chance at 2 up
Tuesday 25
Anzac Day, very warm, was put by in good fashion, washing wishing whistling & walking cheers Jack
Wednesday 26
Warmer still, but it agree's with me, like Johnny Walker I'm still going strong
Thursday 27
I am getting well fed and I eat a hell of a lot getting stout and feel very fit

[Page 54]
Friday 28
Just before breakfast the band played "Just for tonight. I felt sorry for awhile & then began to sing. Australia
Saturday 29
Pinched a bottle of J Walker and made life jolly with the glowworms
Sunday 30
Cairo the city of sin & shame, the most degrading sights of the universe I never wish to witness again
Nellie Breen just a lass from Riverina and although in Cario my heart is with her

[Page 55]
[May, 1916.]
Monday 1
10th Reinf 17th Batt Ellis Skinner the first of above company to depart to the great unknown R.I.P
Tuesday 2
I hardly know what to jot down, for today I am here right in the mess officers mess writing letters
Wednesday 3
Strolling across the desert with Letty good company for Letty is a Terrier
Thursday 4
I wonder, yes, I wonder where she is who she's with and what they are doing, good thoughts

[Page 56]
Friday 5
I have a letter from Elsie, poor little girl never mind old girl boys will be boys and go fighting
Saturday 6
10 years ago I arrived in Sydney for the 1st time and made my home at Randwick Jockey. Jack
Sunday 7
I have come to the conclusion that Egypt is the best washer-woman country in the globe dry in 2 hrs and the sun draws the dirt out
A sunny Sunday in Sunland, with a merry mind memories of Manly and my maid ELSIE

[Page 57]
Monday 8
[This entry is written upside down]
This is how I feel about things arse up but I suppose I will soon land on my feet and carry on indepentedly
Tuesday 9
Beer, beer glorious beer had a bottle today beer on the desert is indeed glorious off the ice
Wednesday 10
Nine weeks since I left home, not very long ago but it seems like a month of Sunday
Thursday 11
I Never felt better nor thirstier talk about dry, why my throat is like a drought

[Page 58]
Friday 12
Life is sweet when sweetness is on the menu, out here its slow, sour, stuffy and sad
Saturday 13
Believe me I'm looking for a war but I guess and calculate there's no war on about T.E.K
Sunday 14
575 art though weary art though languid
575 dear brethryn let us sing
In Cairo again beastly place

[Page 59]
Monday 15
Same old game early to bed and early to rise feeling A1
Tuesday 16
We shifted camp, only a mile away but it was a buggar very hot 120 in the coolest place
Wednesday 17
Hot as love nine days old it dont affect me Gunga din about me
Thursday 18
Drunk on the desert gin and need water
laugh, I did laugh

[Page 60]
Friday 19
Good Bye for a while to the good old 10th
Jackie the first man of that brigade to leave for the firing line
Saturday 20
Aboard the Cunard liner S.S Ivernia, at Alexandria left T.E K last night at 7 minutes past 10 still going strong, feeling sleepy
Sunday 21
Bound for France, left Alex. This morning, a destroyer on the port side with cruiser in the distance, Manly to the Mediteranean a long way
I am getting nearer to this "ere" war" by jove - yes for we have to wear life belts, night and day

[Page 61]
Monday 22
Blue Skys Blue Sea"s everything beautiful so far the whole business as been a picnic
Tuesday 23
Malta our next Port you made me do it" a horrible dream, and so real, a returned soldier and a girl, Sunday. S S Ivernia
Wednesday 24
All that I now possess is what I stand up in some friend took both my bags good bye to my beautiful socks
Thursday 25
Standing at our posts waiting to be torpedoed Very pleasent; I dont think, nearly to France

[Page 62]
Friday 26
Marsailles, looks alright, we are just going in time 4.30 A M
Very glad to be here for I am not to kean of the water, Balldale, 3 months ago
Saturday 27
France beautiful France
I am now travelling through some of the most magnificent country imaginable tell you all about it S.O.D
Sunday 28
God guide me home, to tell my loved ones of this trip, still in the train bound for Paris & then Bolounge
The French girls are like our own pretty sweet good sociable and they like the boys

[Page 63]
[May-June, 1916.]
Monday 29
France a perfect fairy land, still in the train and not far from the sound of the big guns feeling OK. N E M
Tuesday 30
Visited the Bull-ring full marching order and the Bull turned out to be a bloody cow
Wednesday 31
Eyes right eyes left, thirty miles from the firing line bully beef bed and biscuit long marches and short sleeps, 3 hours from London
Thursday June 1
Arms Armys Ammunition Aeroplanes Airships
Bombs Bully Biscuits & Beer parts of France

[Page 64]
[June 1916.]
Friday 2
I am thinking to night of the girls I love ELSIE Nell Muriel Dolly distance only lends happy thoughts
Saturday 3
Time passes quickly will be leaving for the trenches any day, just as well do my bit and get it over & hope for the best S.A.G
Sunday 4
Ah, me, life is a queer game one never knows what is next
Carnsdale is the place I'd like to be to day it is raining here miserable day

[Page 65]
Monday 5
Still playing soldiers and playing the game
Tuesday 6
Raining like 1 thing and here we are like tea towels after a big wash up, very damp
Wednesday 7
Writing this in full view of the North Sea with a German air ship overhead about 2 mile high
Thursday 8
Feet still warm but I hope I dont get shot, bless my heart I am game , so Cheers Jack

[Page 66]
Friday 9
Ought a young chap risk his life to gain nothing "no certainly not
Saturday 10
Pay day in France 40 Franc my lot something doing to tonight
Sunday 11
Sunday, the morning after the night before
Beer Wine Rum
"Oh mamma
Church parade and then shell Fire

[Page 67]
Monday 12
Raining like hell marching all night and swearing like buggarerey
Tuesday 13
Having a spell just wandering around & wondering all sorts of things
Wednesday 14
Issued with rum and the boys are all shickered but of course I am sober
Thursday 15
It would be a pity if I stopped a shell for theres Ellsie Muriel Dolly and Nell

[Page 68]
Friday 16
3 weeks to day we landed in France so far so good
Saturday 17
Nothing to do only read and write slow very slow, but better than being fast and furious
Sunday 18
Good old Sunday tis the same as Monday or Tuesday to us but they dont work on Sundays in Stralia
MEMORIES
of many things to numerous to mention
Feeling very lonely with a greasy smile

[Page 69]
Monday 19
The day after Sun. and the second day of the week, also 6 days from pay day "very interesting
Tuesday 20
Wish the big advance would start and then maybe the B- germans would S. UP
Wednesday 21
Night & the shadows falling o'er land & sea some where a voice is calling calling to me. THE BUSH LAND & ELSIE ARE CALLING
Thursday 22
I think, that I will write to Nell, and tell her some of the things that are written in this book or shall I send her the lot, book and all

[Page 70]
Friday 23
Believe me girls I am happy but I d love to be home with you
Saturday 24
Pay day once more that means more beer wine and rum I have a nip but not drink
Sunday 25
Give the Aust £ 1 each declare Berlin out of bounds and I'll bet they'll get there Same old game doing nothing but it gets slow but better than drill Beautiful day

[Page 71]
Monday 26
I am beggared if I know a very good tale that I don't want to forget
Tuesday 27
I'm enjoying myself Jackie Spare Colonel
Wednesday 28
Assistant Censor and other little jobs
Thursday 29
Something doing Artillery fire

[Page 72]
[June-July, 1916.]
Friday 30
They ars fighting like blazes, we ll win
Saturday, July 1
Sky one blaze of fire cannons to the left and right G Guiders
Sunday 2
Sunday bless every one at home, and S. A G me there
Doing things that I shouldent, never again

[Page 73]
[JULY, 1916.]
117th day from home, and the 17 week, be leaving for Aus next January 1917
Fuesday 4
I was dreaming, I was dreaming, of a nice little girl sweet persons of Nellie Breen
Wednesday 5
All day long the big guns keep speaking and very loud at that
Thursday 6
Still living in hopes, big hopes

[Page 74]
Friday 7
I suppose you wonder where I am I m in a good safe place but it may be otherwise next week
Saturday 8
Pay day more booze, but bless your heart it cheers a soldiers life
Sunday 9
Soldier boy, what are you thinking of.
I am thinking of my girls
Nell Els Muriel Dolly
All of the one class
Balldale Randwick Botany Botany

[Page 75]
Monday 10
On leave to Paris
P large nice place but very slow place of money ect
Tuesday 11
I have had a ripping time, since I joined the army doing just as I please
Wednesday 12
I wonder if the huns are as happy as are singing, laughing & b- the Kaiser
Thursday 13
Though the day may be long, it goes forth with a song [indecipherable]

[Page 76]
Friday 14
With the snipers & jolly lot they are Mick Colin Arthur Jack Ray Jim all good fellows
Saturday 15
A happy family the details of the 17th Batt
Sunday 16
I go to church like a little saint and sing with all my heart
Mary Jim Darcy Allen Eunice Lena Mary Edith Bridget Nelly just [indecipherable]

[Page 77]
Monday 17
Elsie should get my cable to day I wonder how she is and if she still thinks of me
Tuesday 18
Might get a letter today big mail in
No luck - no letters ah me
Wednesday 19
We are making the huns sit up
Thursday 20
Have a tomato, I had 4 today a real luxury

[Page 78]
Friday 21
God, how they are fighting
Muriel Tillsons Birthday
Saturday 22
Pay day once again I wont be sorry when George V pays me off
Sunday 23
Sunday once again, and still happy
I dont care a damn, but I wish and wish

[Page 79]
Monday 24
Off to the line full of faith
Tuesday 25
After 24 hours ride in train we arrive at VICNACOURT
Wednesday 26
You'll soon know your fate Jack the same good spirit will lead you
Thursday 27
It's just like hell pure & simple

[Page 80]
Friday 28
Murder bloody murder
Saturday 29
God in heaven tis awful
Sunday 30
Sunday, on the scene of death
Hope and pray

[Page 81]
[July-August, 1916.]
Monday 31
Wipe the scenes away they are awful
Tuesday August 1
Thundering guns and flame lit skys
Wednesday 2
Men brave men of Aust. a heroic breed
Thursday 3
How long O Lord how long

[Page 82]
[August, 1916.]
Friday 4
Elsie Dean, my girl, 12 months ago to day I made her happy
Saturday 5
The boys went over last night and pushed Fritz back
Sunday 6
Sunday, and out of the fray, for a while, we lost good men
Tis a beautiful day we are camped about four miles behind the trenches

[Page 83]
Monday 7
Billited at a town named "Warboy" had a good rest in an old stable, everything O K
Tuesday 8
VAL. DE. MAISON
Jackie in wonderland resting until morn in an apple garden, tis grand after a long & dusty march
Wednesday 9
On the wallaby, plodding along, through wheatfields the country is similar to the Riverina district
HALLOY
Thursday 10
I'm bottle green and lousey wet outside, dry inside, but I'm bearing up, I wont cry, just sigh oh! thats all

[Page 84]
Friday 11
Its a hard life this soldiering job, but we will grin and bear it until the huns bubble bursts
Saturday 12
Writing home dear old home, Randwick Botany, and that loving land of milk and honey way down south CARNSDALE
Sunday 13
The day we d meet our girls and go loving "ah sweethearts, how we will cuddle up when our guns are cast aside
The nights are like scorned love, very cold but it wont kill us for our hearts are big

[Page 85]
Monday 14
A letter from Elsie news, of the grasswidor and the old maid it makes me "want to go home
Tuesday 15
Living like a winning side should live, on the best of everything chicken for dinner
Wednesday 16
We all go a travelling we're all on the road, we go a travelling and carrying a load. Full marching order, "Halloy" farewell
Thursday 17
At home we use to sing and talk out here in France we fight and walk and swear like drunken sailors

[Page 86]
Friday 18
On appearances, judging the homes, women, and ways of foreign lands I think Christ use to live in Australia the promised land
Sunday 19
Pay day at Harponville I don't save any cash but, I find it hard to spend, "queer is it not
Sunday 20
Going back to the firing line, full of confidence with the same good spirit leading me
The hours spent with you dear hearts were moving I cannot count them out one by one although I try

[Page 87]
Monday 21
Sitting in a once "hun" dug out (now Australian) reading a love yarn named "The Back of Beyond.(Hanley Station)
Tuesday 22
We are the ragtime army
But we'll prove in a ragtime way
To Kaiser Bill & his naughty son
That we'll win the blooming day
Wednesday 23
In the line, and not a button on my fly twas always thus always thus they will insist in all coming off at once
Thursday 24
It is not so rough as our last trip in, but quite rough enough, I am now attached to Head Qrts

[Page 88]
Friday 25
R.U.M. dutch courage. The damn stuff makes me feel afraid, no bon for the top piece
Saturday 26
"What did you do in the great war daddy" A question I hope to be asked one day in the future
Sunday 27
Over the sea far away they lie far from the land of their love. Our fallen mate's R.I.P Hades, bellum est
My friend's Trent Haigh and the good old Bulletin, the best paper on earth

[Page 89]
Monday 28
Relieved last night by the 7th Brigade. The field of action is now a huge puddle hole, mud and slime; Camped at Tara.[indecipherable]
Tuesday 29
Ready and strong marching along. But its damn hard last time dust this time mud. Warloy again
Wednesday 30
It is raining like blazes, we are camped in a rat infested dwelling, but grateful shelter
Thursday 31
Marching through beautiful country, as beautiful as the beauty of a woman thats done no wrong

[Page 90]
[SEPTEMBER, 1916.]
Friday 1
"Beauval", at present our home nice place, beautiful church good beer, lovely champagne and the women are pleasing to the eye
Saturday 2
Letters from Mary Elsie Nell Hilda & Muriel, a happy day Their health in champagne
Sunday 3
So long they power hast blest me sure it still will lead me on back to those I love
A chap is playing "Rememberance" it takes me far across the sea, to Botany

[Page 91]
Monday 4
We have had a grand time in this town, Allan Patterson Pickanice and Mac
Moving off in the morning
Tuesday 5
France "adeiu". We are now in Belgium at a town named Poperinghe seven miles from the famous YEPRES
Wednesday 6
Staying at an up to date house, sausages for breakfast with fried onions & tomatoes very good tres bon
Thursday 7
With a Scotchsman (Patterson) and an Irishman (McDonell) and of course drinking

[Page 92]
Friday 8
"Moving day" going back to the firing line after spending a good holiday still in good heart & faith
Saturday 9
Ypres by moonlight was a weird sight passed the night in the ramparts of an old fort
Sunday 10
Last night we three (two Mack and Jackie) were lost on the battlefield Boy's of the Limber Lost Camped in a brick tunnel
Chat's are sweet little crawling animals, that make me, take my shirt off four times each day

[Page 93]
Monday 11
Life in a dungeon is monotonous, but we contrive to make it happy, with a lot of tommy rot
Tuesday 12
We are like Vampire's, in our nests all day and doing our dirty work at night
Wednesday 13
My daddys birthday
The front here is very quite, and our list of casualtys very light
Letters from Eileen & Valerie
Thursday 14
Being relieved tonight by the 23rd battalion but only for a day or two. The mysterious Whisky bottle

[Page 94]
Friday 15
Back at the ramparts of Ypres, feeling O K and enjoying myself, to day we hold our hands out
Saturday 16
Here I am with 40 Francs and without any means of spending it Today I met Lieutenant Reg Gibbons he looks well
Sunday 17
A nice quiet day, on a nice quiet front. Rather be home, it would be quite alright
Letters from Elsie, Kitty, Emma, Maggie, Miss Caro, Valerie, & Eileen a busy day

[Page 95]
Monday 18
Raining like one thing, but thank providence, we are still at the ramparts
Tuesday 19
Today the germans dropped messages from their planes "WE WANT PEACE AT ANY PRICE"
Wednesday 20
Up we go with the best of luck taking over the trenches tonight. Good Luck
Thursday 21
"Valley Cottage Sanctury Wood" my present home not much good but it is better than none

[Page 96]
Friday 22
I must confess that my feet are cold, caused through wet boots & socks not funk
Saturday 23
It is a beautiful day and I have a beautiful cold in the head
Sunday 24
Did What did it feel like when the bullet hit you asked the tiresome old lady and after the eloquent Anzac had told her, she complained to the matron

[Page 97]
Monday 25
Three months for Xmas How time flies I have been 201 days, away from Australia
Tuesday 26
A very heavy artillery duel taking place and the shells are falling close I'm in my funk hole
Wednesday 27
To nights the night for our bretheren 19th are coming up to let us go back. We had a few casualtys
Thursday 28
Andy Fisher was up to see the Colonel and I but the old man was out, Andy looked well

[Page 98]
[Sept.-Oct., 1916.]
Friday 29
Living in comfort at the ramparts sleeping on a real live bed wire matress and alive with chats, but its good
Saturday 30
Now at the barracks Singing to night at the battalion concert nice stew for tea (meat beans spuds tomatoes & bovril)
Sunday Oct. 1
In a cafe with Irish English Scotch Welsh Australians and Canadians
Drunk as old Dave on a farmers picnic
This little book as been in action seven months to day Blue Eyed Nell 1.3.16 [indecipherable]

[Page 99]
Monday 2
8 hour day, and not a racecourse for miles, Had a jolly day yesterday
Tuesday 3
The British soldier is a good sport and the back bone of a great empire, BUT -
Wednesday 4
By the British officer those worthy soldiers are considered to be very inferior chaps scum of the nation
Thursday 5
This bird and that bird but we're birds of a feather, and just as good as they are

[Page 100]
Friday 6
Good Bye Ypres entraining to night for France where we are going to spend a whole months holiday
Saturday 7
Last night was a fair buggar we got lost, marching for six hours, and then slept in the rain
Sunday 8
Living on a farm tis just like being at home, and I am sure that the stay will be enjoyable
Mary, nice girl, but today we move to another selection
Denice a sweet little thing of 17 summers

[Page 101]
Monday 9
Picking potatoes with Marcella a labour of love, beleive me the girls about here are O.K
Tuesday 10
Vanderlyneden Farm & Winniezeele, & Steenvoorde very nice places in Flanders. I had a very happy evening last night
Wednesday 11
Teaching a sweet little Flemish girl to speak English, and she is a good pupil
Doo-neeze
Thursday 12
Good Bye Winniezeele, tis just like leaving home the girls were bonny

[Page 102]
Friday 13
We are in little wooden huts, and back in Belgium, cold winds and rain. We had a long march yesterday
Saturday 14
Feeling sore and stiff after playing football N S Wales versus Victoria 5th Brigade & 6th Brig
Sunday 15
On the track again this time to an officers school near Calais A.1
So far so good. I have been in some nasty corners, but not with standing all that Ive had a good time!

[Page 103]
Monday 16
Arrived at St Omer last night and marched to a village named Whisque, and made our home at a monastary
Tuesday 17
The monastry is a fine building. 4 stories and situated in a nice park, bands ect very pleasent
Wednesday 18
12 months ago today I joined the army. 365 days of pleasent cruel wierd & wonderful experiences. Still going strong
Thursday 19
Sunshine & shadows the way of life, yesterday a day of sore feet, to day OK [indecipherable]

[Page 104]
Friday 20
The first touch of a strange winter, "oh so cold but now (dinner time) tis lovely
Saturday 21
14,000 miles from home a long long trail but it dont seem far for I am happy and feel sure of getting back
Sunday 22
9.30 Sunday morning in France is 7.30 Sun night in Aust, I wonder where they are N.E.M
I doubt that we Anzac's will stand the winter for this morning we could not feel our hands, twas bitter cold

[Page 105]
Monday 23
At a french home in a small villiage teaching the kids the difference
Tuesday 24
If ever I reach home which is all I live for, I'll have some queer tales to tell
Wednesday 25
My poor old tunic, for 5 months, it as been a friend slept in, used for a pillow blanket towel ect and they wonder why tis shabby
Thursday 26
Jocks Paddys Taffys & Biljims, birds of a feather we have some great fun in the attic [indecipherable]

[Page 106]
Friday 27
At Hellines, sipping wine and telling Madam'sle all about Australia
Saturday 28
The war is still going on but down here we have forgotten all about it, having a good time
Sunday 29
This war so they say will sink social differences but I think not, come over here. Offficers & Privates
The work of art in this building is magnificent
To day I am having a trip to St Omer

[Page 107]
[Oct.-Nov., 1916.]
Monday 30
Midnight in an officers mess they are all drunk and yet we privates are crimed for being so
Tuesday 31
A drop of spirits is all we have to make our future cheerful but we never get any, at least very seldom
Wednesday Nov 1
Drunk as a fool
Thursday 2
Sleep and forget the day will come
P.R.I 2 ARMY

[Page 108]
[November, 1916.]
Friday 3
The Duke of Connought was here today along with a lot of WHISKY complexioned generals
Saturday 4
The flow of wine gin whisky ect is immence if the huns drink more well they are alway drunk
Sunday 5
Been to church, and now in an estaminat wondering how long and what the future as in store for me
Muriel a letter
Elsie likewise
Mary a cable
Oh dearie me

[Page 109]
Monday 6
Waiting on French generals at a millitary dinner great style & pomp
Tuesday 7
Raining in torrents But thank the Lord I am under the roof of the Convent
Wednesday 8
At a town "Wizernes" with a bonny French girl by my side
Thursday 9
Fighting for the L W Champ 2 A S

[Page 110]
Put up a good go just got beat but I received a great reception
Saturday 11
Off again, in battle array, Farewell to a good home. Convent of Mercy Wisques
Sunday 12
A night in Calais had a good time in the Garden of Eden
A Railway ride in Europe can be likened unto life, you never know when it will end

[Page 111]
Monday 13
In the city of Abbeyville now after cash hope we succeed Got [indecipherable] 1st, 17th 18th & 28th Batt.
Tuesday 14
A tourist our 4th day in the train and the end not yet in sight now at Romescampis
Wednesday 15
Now at Albert, arrived here last night and the huns greeted us with bombs & machine G fire
Thursday 16
I am as Cold as ice is stranded on the Albert station living on biscuits

[Page 112]
Friday 17
Falling shells are making things very uncomfortable, still on the station
Saturday 18
Snowing and tis very cold, but thank the Lord, I am warm & under shelter
Sunday 19
Making the best of a bleak time still waiting for the transport at Albert
The Battle front is very quite to day not a sound to be heard

[Page 113]
Monday 20
Once more with the Battalion this time in the line, in front of Bapume. A sea of M.U.D
Tuesday 21
Being releived tonight by the 5th division half of the batt are away in hospital
Wednesday 22
The trenches and road's are what we Australians term "A fair bastard" Now at Ribemont
Thursday 23
Last night I had the first genuine meal after ten days of bully & biscuits

[Page 114]
Friday 24
A lucky day, parcel from Muriel and letters from Elsie Nell Bridge Louie, & Lottie
Saturday 25
A parcel from Elsie yesterday was spent with J McCredie and Jack Levy of Corowa
Sunday 26
Mud and Rum at present the chief factor's of France [indecipherable]
Roast beef cabbage spuds & beans custard & apricots Sundays dinner

[Page 115]
Monday 27
Talking to a chap from Lochart "Oh" what memories of home
Tuesday 28
Everything is wet and miserable & tis a hard job to be happy
Wednesday 29 17th Batt
Bob Warren 3946
Bill Elder 3820
Jack Hutton 4141
Good naughty boys (AMIENS)
Thursday 30
On the track, a long march, putting up at village "Cardinet"

[Page 116]
[December, 1916.]
Friday 1
I'm cold I'm hungry and it is Nell Breens Birthday
Saturday 2
All the boys are coughing their feet are sore in fact in fact it is one huge home of illness
Sunday 3
General Legge with a hell of a big staff inspected us yesterd
Pickle my Pickle I'd love to be with YOU

[Page 117]
Monday 4
The first good day for a long time A.1
Tuesday 5
Helping "Madam" to make butter
Wednesday 6
GOOD. LUCK
Elizabeth Bay
IT. IS
Elsie Deans 22nd Birthday
Thursday 7
This war I'm afraid will get worse before it gets better

[Page 118]
Friday 8
This is a lovely war at any rate, that is what we gather from the speeches made at home
Saturday 9
But if they were out here in the muck and mire they would soon think otherwise
Sunday 10
Amiens again, the cathedral is a beautiful building
While in that House of worship I prayed for all at HOME

[Page 119]
Monday 11
According to days paper the crops at home are spoilt by rain, uncheerful news
Tuesday 12
"Water, Water, every where but not a drop of Rum
Wednesday 13
The jottings in this book havae been writen in some queer places and at queer times
Thursday 14
Par Villers Bocaye Madam V-Delahtaye "Cardonette" my French mamma

[Page 120]
Friday 15
In despite of the conditions under which we are living I never felt better
Saturday 16
Au Revior to Cardonette the best home so far in France
Sunday 17
Arrived at Franville at 2 oclock yesterday. long march
Left Franville at 9 this morning, arrived at Dernacourt for dinner S.A.G

[Page 121]
Monday 18
Met many old pals today, from all parts of Aust. Jim Sharman was one
Tuesday 19
Back in the firing line at Fricourt, very cold
Wednesday 20
Moving higher up to a place named Montabaum. Snow & ice this morning
Thursday 21
Wind and rain. Walking duckboards is a fine art

[Page 122]
Friday 22
It is marvellous what a man can put up with, and yet be happy. A parcel from Emma. K
Saturday 23
The land of rumour's out here we never see a paper, but hear a lot of queer tales
Sunday 24
Xmas Eve another hopeless dawn but after breakfast we received our comforts
Moving today up towards Ginchy feeling OK and still in good heart

[Page 123]
Monday 25
"Peace on earth goodwill ect but a bombardment is now taking place. Miserable place but it could be worse
Tuesday 26
When I forget Xmas Night & Boxing Day, I will be down under
Wednesday 27
Cold, Cold & muddy his he, in fact I am like a little wild man
Thursday 28
Needle Trench it is cruel

[Page 124]
Friday 29
The good luck is still with me I missed the stunt in the line a Q.M
Saturday 30
Wallowing in the mud like pigs but it cant last for ever
Sunday 31
(Finis) I pray to the "Lord of War that the year 1917 may bring peace and that He leads me in the future as He as led me in the past. AMEN

[Page 125]
[NOTES FOR 1917.]
Since Jack left Balldale the places he as visited
Sydney Colombo Suez Said Tel El Kebir Cairo Alexandria Marsailles Vienne Chasse Lyon Anse Creches Beaune Barbentane Avigny Laroche Yonne Chalon Cezy Etigny Sens Champigny Villenevue Laroche Montereau St Mamme's Sablons Moret Fontainebleau Melun (Lieutsaint Mossigy) Brunoy Paris Etaples Albert Doullens Beauval Halloy Harponville Ypres.

[Page 126]
Winniezeele Zeelebeke Steenvoorde Canaples Paris Plarge, St Omer Wizernes Hazebrouk Calais Abbeyville Amiens Ribemont Cardonette Franville Bonnay Mametz Fricourt and 100 other places Martinquich Le Sars Le Barque Warlencourt The Butte Grevillers Bapaume Vaulx

[Page 127]
Somewhere in France is the name I have given to my dug out

[Page 128]
Laure Minarth
Wizernes
My little French girl

[Page 129]
The contents of this book have been written at random so please do not take offence at any personal remarks.

[Page 130]
I am as happy as Darcy
31.12.16

[Page 131]
"Jackie" the regimental pet of the 17th Batt

[Page 132]
Balldale
1st March. 16
Delville Wood
1st January 17

[Page 133]
Commanding Officer of - after my fight. "Hutton you're as game as any man in France

[Page 135]
3 Feb
31 March
30 April
21 May
12)85(7
84
1
12 Week ago Carnsdale
11 " " Manly
Cunard liner
S.S.Ivernia
21.5.16

[Page 139]
My Tent known as
The Glow-worm
Gentlemen everyone
Jackie
Mac Invalided home
Mossie Brig HQ
Ruls MISSIND
Murm INV HOME
Corp In England
Chiller K.I.A
Johno ARTILLERLY
[indecipherable] WOUNDED

[Page 140]
Please return this book to
Nellie Breen
Glenburnie
Balldale
Via Corowa
NSW
Written on
23 3.16
Crossing the line

[Transcriber's notes:
Tel-El-Kebir occasionally spelt Tel El Kebir or Tel-El-Keber
Marseilles spelt Marsailles
Boulogne spelt Boulounge
For a list of places where John Hutton served in 1916, see pages 125 and 126]

[Transcribed by John Corbett and Barbara Manchester for the State Library of New South Wales]