Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

John Thomas Hutton war diary, 1 January 1918-31 December 1918
MLMSS 1138/ Item 3

[Page 1]
[Australian Comforts Fund –Gift diary 1918 – A.I.F.]

[Page 2]
[Map on which it appears Hutton has drawn by hand part of the Western Front]

[Page 3]
19th Century
The 5th Brigade and the part they played in the war of the century named Will shine in historys pages till the end of time & ages with the fires of glory flamed
B.H.Q Trimbres 9.2.18

[Page 4]
Hutton, J.T.17th Batt

[Page 16]
[Rifle Definitions]
Mary Princess of Wales a bonny blue eyed little girl, and I bet that she is as good as she looks, nothing haughty about her
Westminister Xmas Day 1918

[Pages 17-67 printed material only]
[Page 68]
Frank Simpson
Sunnyland
8 Hopetoun St
Brunswick Vic
1915

[Page 69]
Peter Boyd
27 Reserve St
Annandale
Sydney
If you wish success make perseverance your bosom friend experience your wise counsellor, caution your elder brother & hope your guardian genius

[Page 70]
4.2.18 France
Jack Hutton a wanderer on the face of Gods good earth at present in the Village of Niellis at the billets of the A.V.C half full of Rum

[Page 71]
4.2.18
A long walk in which, I passed through the Villages of Bayengham, Larte Seneghern Affingues Coulombie Nielles the countryside is beautiful
Today 16.6.18 I met the bonniest girl in the universe Miss Hutton-Sams a sister of the "Fighting Parson" well known in Australia

[Page 72]
We have fought a hard fight, this I think is the beginning of the end and if we are beaten we will have to shake hands with Fritz and admit it.March 24

[Page 73]
Pont Niepee
[January 1918]
The New Year came in very dull.Batt, in the line
1 Tues
New Years Day and who can say, how the year will fare
2 Wed
I made no resolves I’m just going to plod along with a b--- all spirit

[Page 74]
Brune Gaye
[January 1918]
3 Th
Shifting today but not a great distance a mile or two
4 Fri
Now sharing camp with the 18th Batt at Brune Gaye
5 Sat
Riding on icy roads is a very ticklish job

[Page 75]
Nieepe
[January 1918]
6 Sun
Went to church
7 Mon
Heavy snow storms the country looks fine
8 Tues
Making merry in an estaminet, our only form of pleasure
9 Wed

Batt.working with the 20th take over the front line every 6 days

[Page 76]
Rossignal
[January 1918]
10 Th
The aeroplanes are very quite this moon, no raids at all.
11 Fri
The 5th Brigade Concert party is a very fine show
12 Sat
We don’t like the moon with its brightness I wish that fought battles with hatchets instead of great big guns
[Printed illustration of a hunting hatchet]

[Page 77]
Cattacombs
[January 1918]
13 Sun
Just doing
14 Mon
A good rum issue on tonight boys all happy
15 Tues
Had a yarn to the General, he asked many questions
16 Wed
Battalion is being relieved tonight by the 20th Batt

[Page 78]
La Biset
[January 1918]
17 Th
Reporting to Brigade H.Q.full Marching order something doing
18 Fri
I am now orderly to Brigadier General Smith D.S.O C.M.G some job
19 Sat
General visiting the front line he left at 5 AM this morn

[Page 79]
River Lys
[January 1918]
20 Sun
Sun shining
21 Mon
Had a look at Nutty poor old boy looks broken hearted
22 Tues
So far I’m getting on O.K with the General but I smoked all his cigarettes – REPRIMANDED
23 Wed
For this time of the year, the weather is almost artificial it is lovely

[Page 80]
Steenwerk
[January 1918]
24 Th
I am broke, for they put the cost of cables in my book it cut out my credit
25 Fri
Met a few old pals one of them was Frank Hutson M.P
26 Sat
After all theres no drink like water for RUM is beastly stuff
[Printed drawing of water bottle]

[Page 81]
Kortepyp
[January 1918]
27 Sun
28 Mon
Good Bye "Brune Gaye" our stay was pleasant
29 Tues
Trois Rois Brigade H.Q now at Kortapex Camp
30 Wed
Hustle & Bustle for tomorrow we move out of action

[Page 82]
Neuve Eclistz
[January 1918]
31 Th
Left the front by train this afternoon going for a spell General gone on leave
1 Feb Fri
Now at the town of Sumbries in a good home
2 Sat
Went for a long walk to Bayengham I don’t ride now have no horse

[Page 83]
Lumbres
[February 1918]
3 Sun
Pay Day
4 Mon
Visiting the 17th at the Village of Coulomby
5 Tues
Stayed the night at the billets of the A.Vet Section
6 Wed
Heave oh my lads the wind blows free and with it heavy rain

[Page 84]
Bayengham
[February 1918]
7 Th
Doing nothing just wandering around like a lost puppy
8 Fri
Doing nothing which is very monotonous
9 Sat
Visiting the N C O’s school at Bayengham Lieut W R Haigh Officer in Command

[Page 85]
Columby
[February 1918]
10 Sun
Just doing
11 Mon
Orderly to Cpt H.W Johnson for a day or so
12 Tues
Long walks on good roads
13 Wed
I will be glad when the Boss gets back

[Page 86]
Setques
[February 1918]
14 Th
General arrived home by motor at 8 Pip Emma
15 Fri
General decorated for the fine work done by the Brigade at Zonnebeke Glencoise
16 Sat
Wood & Menin Rd with the Grand Belgian Croix De Guerre

[Page 87]
Senigham
[February 1918]
17 Sun
Just doing
18 Mon
A nice ride on the Staffs grey pony
19 Tues
On the summit of Sunlit Hill the scene is raident
20 Wed
Everything going well, the G.O.C seems satisfied

[Page 88]
[February 1918]
21 Th
Riding horses in races
22 Fri
There’s a nice little girl across the way
23 Sat
General busy every day with his Bilyinns

[Page 89]
[February 1918]
24 Sun
Just doing
25 Mon
Sure at present its a lovely war
26 Tues
Fine day good tucker good bed so I cant grumble
27 Wed
A long ride on the staffs chestnut horse

[Page 90]
[February 1918]
28 Th
Field Manouvers so I suppose we will be moving shortly
1 Mar Fri
My Birthday kept up, with cold tea
2 Sat
Letters from home very cheering

[Page 91]
[March 1918]
3 Sun
Just doing
4 Mon
Left Sumbres by car motored to Wizernes & then took train to Bailleul rested at Trois Pois
5 Tues
Back at Brune Gaye it is just like being at home
6 Wed
The front is livening up raids ect & of course heavy gun fire

[Page 92]
[March 1918]
7 Th
Washing day shirts socks collars ect I’m a fair hand at Washing
8 Fri
Ironing day "ah" I am a dud at ironing
9 Sat
Met Jim Sharman & had a great yarn of old times

[Page 93]
[March 1918]
10 Sun
Just doing
11 Mon
A busy day.Up at 4.Heavy fighting
12 Tues
A new moon ah when its full there’ll be bombs
13 Wed
Life much the same slow & monotonous but it could be alot worse

[Page 94]
[March 1918]
14 Th
Washing day and then a good ride, I looked up old friends
15 Fri
Pay day that means a drop of wine
16 Sat
The Generals o haveing a busy time

[Page 95]
Brune Gaye
[March 1918]
17 Sun
18 Mon
A reunion of Corowa boys at Rue De Sac
19 Tues
Jim Sharman Ted Cowan Herb Freyer & Jack Hutton
20 Wed
A big raid on the german trenches by the 18th Batt which was successful

[Page 96]
Messines
[March 1918]
21 Th
The big hun offensive started this morning.Shifting today Relieving [indecipherable]
22 Fri
Kartenyp Trois Rois Camp now our home Down near Cambrai they are fighting hard
23 Sat
No news of the big scrap, just rumours, we are winning one hour, and next the germans hold sway, at any rate its critical "Cheerio"

[Page 97]
Midlands
[March 1918]
24 Sun
Thinking hard
25 Mon
Relieved the 8th Bdg at Midlands on the battlefield of Messines
26 Tues
The big fight still goes n we’ve still got a fighting chance, buck up Australia
27 Wed
Full moon, but the hun aeroplanes are very quite camped on the bounds of beggary

[Page 98]
Wulcerghem
[March 1918]
28 Th
The dug out here is a bonser 50 Ft deed ½ mile long
29 Fri
Good Friday on the field but all the same I had a Hot X Bun
30 Sat
A hard life early out of bed late back in to it, General very irritable

[Page 99]
Metterin
[March 1918]
31 Sun
Pay Day
1 April Mon
This shifting business is a b--.Arrived at Metterin 6 PIP.EMMA
2 Tues
Hustle and bustle, I am weary and ill at ease.This place is all life
3 Wed
Left Metterin at midnight, Marched to Castre.Left by train for the big stuff at 3 A M

[Page 100]
Amiens
[April 1918]
4 Th
Arrived at Amiens 5 A M Marched to Allonville
5 Fri
Left Allonville yesterday morning now at Bussy-Le-Daux.Blangy-Tronvill
6 Sat
Just got settled last night when along comes the order to shift, Marched 10 weary miles to a Village named Brettone, then into action at Gentellen

[Page 101]
Hangard Wood
[April 1918]
7 Sun
19 & 20 Batt attacked the huns & beat him.
8 Mon
A hail of shells all day (big uns) he has the range of this Village to a T
10 Wed
Fritz came over last night on our right he entered Hangard but the French soon shifted him

[Page 102]
Villiage Brettoneaux
[April 1918]
11 Th
A tornado of High explosives It is hard, my heart is thumping and my nerves all trembling but I am trying to be brave
12 Fri
On duty for 36 continuous hours but the job is good its that of despatch runner
13 Sat
We are the brigade of Englishmen that are fighting [indecipherable] with the [indecipherable] French Attached to 58 Div

[Page 103]
Centelles
[April 1918]
14 Sun
Drinking Rum
15 Mon
After 4 hours heavy shelling we were forced to quit our quarters
16 Tues
B H Q in a chalk pit.General sent me back to Boves, living in a chateau
17 Wed
My home is a musty old cellar my mate is a good sort, Jack Trenbeth.The boys are having a hard time.

[Page 104]
Boves
[April 1918]
18 Th
It is miserable, rain and cold mists, the Brigade is being releived tonight by the Tommys
19 Fri
Left Boves after dinner and after a March of 12 Kilos we stayed at Querriu in a fine mansion
20 Sat
Once upon a time the home of Count Alcantara.On the move again.A beautiful March to Bihencourt living in a lovely chateau

[Page 105]
[April 1918]
21 Sun
Wishing & wondering
22 Mon
I’ve got a bellyache but the weather is top-hole
23 Tues
Reporting back to the 17th with a good resilence the job did not beat me
24 Wed
On again going into action near Albert halting for the night at Warloy.The hun made a big attack this morning

[Page 106]
[April 1918]
25 Th
Our Boys did not go into action the order was cancelled Spent the day on poker I won a few francs
26 Fri
Another full moon and a big fight soon the Brigade went into action today
27 Sat
Taking things easy reading writing and gambling and eating good tucker, but Im lousy I scratch my self to sleep every night

[Page 107]
Warloy
[April 1918]
28 Sun Letters from Australia dated 8.3.18
29 Mon
Back home with the 17th Batt, and taking charge of old friend Nutty
30 Tues
Detailed by the C.O to report to H Q at 8 Ack Emma
1 May Wed
And the job was to escort a bonny French Girl Lily to Nanas

[Page 108]
Querried
[May 1918]
2 Th
In the road again left Warloy after dinner, arriving at Montigny, just as the sun went down
3 Fri
A beautiful night [indecipherable] & ride to the Village of Pont-Noyelles
4 Sat
Pay day, but theres not a thing to be bought for miles & miles around Met Sid Smedly

[Page 109]
Allonville
[May 1918]
5 Sun
Moving to day.Allonville our station
6 Mon
Billited at the farm of Mr Hennessy of Three Star brandy fame
7 Tues
Revisiting old friends and how delighted they are to think that a chap should recall them
8 Wed
A long ride on (Nuttys new mate) Saxon to Querrieu

[Page 110]
La Huoysee
[May 1918]
9 Th
After a good March we arrive at the town of La Huoyosse on the Amiens road
10 Fri
Shelled out of our home four men killed now at Hopeful Outlook X X with our lines in a wood, full of Tanks
11 Sat
On the move again shifting to the forest near Freshoncourt I am being sent to hospital in the morn with boils

[Page 111]
Vicnacourt
[May 1918]
15 Sun
5th Field Ambulance and then C C at Vignacourt
13 Mon
The grey dawn is breaking and I view it from the cosy cot of a Red X Train
14 Tues
Now in the 1st Aust General Hospital at the city of Rouen operated on this morning
15 Wed
The treatment received here is fine everything so comfortable [indecipherable]

[Page 112]
Rouen
[May 1918]
16 Th
Given a whiff of ether and then operated on the sensation was queer
17 Fri
The nurses asked the doctor could they keep me for the duration of the war
18 Sat
The Commanding Officer of this hospital is Col Dick of Randwick We had a good yarn

[Page 113]
[May 1918]
19 Sun
Been to church
20 Mon
My back is as full of humor as an adders is of poison
21 Tues
Attended a concert given by Miss Lena Ashwell a good show
22 Wed
The Sisters are petting me as if I was black kitten that had strayed in

[Page 114]
[May 1918]
23 Th
Bob Huttons Birthday Ordered back to bed A lot of gassed men arrived today
24 Fri
Helping Sister to dress wounds and afterwards had the knife applied to my back
25 Sat
Some of the wounds are gasthly, but it is marvellous the fortitude of the boys in bearing them.

[Page 115]
[May 1918]
26 Sun Went to church
27 Mon
My back is almost better but the wounds are not healing to well
28 Tues
The hun offensive as recommenced, a very busy day in the wards I am helping the sisters
29 Wed
It is marvellous, the ways of modern surgeons, broken men remended in an hour

[Page 116]
[May 1918]
30 Th
In suspense, how goes the day, fair I should think for no casualtys have come in for 48 hours
31 Fri
The hun bombed the city of Rouen through the night The weather is just perfect.Still no caslualtys a very good omen
1 June Sat
This is an ideal rest which I highly appreciate I would like to stay here for a long time

[Page 117]
[June 1918]
2 Sun
Been to church
3 Mon
A big convoy in, many casualty gasthly sight.
4 Tu
Helping the doctor to sew up the wounds ect
5 Wed
Today I had a long yarn to Gen.Sir W Birdwood, he shook my hand on parting

[Page 118]
[June 1918]
6 Th
Major Wooster one of natives gentlemen & one of the best I’ve net in the army
7 Fri
Great preparations being made barraceades ect, around the wards in case of air raids
8 Sat
A big crowd of wounded in, but the list is not so heavy by far as to what was expected

[Page 119]
[June 1918]
9 Sun
Church
10 Mon
I’m busy as a honey bee doing all kinds of work
11 Tues
Clerk Runner Letter writer and the M.Os adjutant
12 Wed
A big show was given today by the Yankees very funny & good

[Page 120]
[June 1918]
13 Th
When your friend quotes scripture brand your cattle
14 Fri
No letters from Australia for a long time
15 Sat
A day in Rouen which is a very interesting and pretty place

[Page 121]
[June 1918]
16 Sun
Dear old Sunday
17 Mon Here I am the right boy in the right place.They like my storys
18 Tues
Believe me it is fine to mingle with the Australian Sisters
19 Wed
The 4th Divison Concert party is a very fine show

[Page 122]
[June 1918]
20 Th
A lull on the battle front, no wouned arriving Major Ferber is now our M O
21 Fri
Roses are blooming in Picardy sure France at present is a beautiful country
22 Sat
The longest day, ah well I’m strong and thank Providence no day is to long for me

[Page 123]
[June 1918]
23 Sun
Been to church
24 Mon
Another full moon but the hun as been very quite with his aeroplanes
25 Tues
He threatened to have the town of Rouen in flames this moonshine but so far so good
26 Wed
I have, at this place, as at all others made good but I daresay that I will soon get Marching orders

[Page 124]
[June 1918]
27 Th
The hun endeavoured an air raid on Rouen tonight, but he was beaten off by the aircraft guns
28 Fri
I can’t set my mind to letter writing, and I’ve received no letters for two months
29 Sat
A long day 17 hours of daylight.I have made a pal of Sister Bowtell fron Deniliquine

[Page 125]
[June 1918]
30 Sun
Vivtar to the Canadians
1 July Mon
The American lassies are "IT", very pretty girls
2 Tues
Rumors flying about that we are preparing for a big battle, on the "Somme front.
3 Wed
To day I was marked fir for Duty, it is hard to leave

[Page 126]
[July 1918]
4 Th
A big picnic on the Rouen football grounds by the Yanks Allies well represented
5 Fri
The Australian & American stunt was a big success, 2000 prisoners, and our casualtys were not very heavy
6 Sat
Now at No 2 C.Camp which is just near a big Waac’s camp and a good home

[Page 127]
[July 1918]
7 Sun One Sunday in France
8 Mon
Nelli Marthe Picot
Stfl.Des Cummees
Rouey
9 Tues
A fine little girl,
4 place des Luimierees
Rouey
10 Wed
Sick very sick, carried to hospital on a stretcher No 6 British Hospital

[Page 128]
[July 1918]
11 Th
I’ve got a faint hope of getting to Blighty for the doctor is sending them off wholesale
12 Fri
Temperature normal but the pains are very severe my complaint is P V.O (Trench fever)
13 Sat
It is a bloody shame the way they swing the lead.

[Page 129]
[July 1918]
14 Sun
Getting up today
15 Mon
The treatment received in this place is bonny
16 Tues
It is good, way out here to see the flags of America & England floating in the breeze
17 Wed
Now at No 2 Con Camp in comfy quarters very nice

[Page 130]
[July 1918]
18 Th
The hun is trying again for Paris but he will come a horrible gutzer
19 Fri
Today I donned the blue jersey of Australia, against South Africa in a game of rugby
20 Sat
The fight is going in our favour vague rumours keep coming through

[Page 131]
[July 1918]
21 Sun
FOOLING AROUND
22 Mon
A beautiful day, that makes me pine for the Australian bush
23 Tues
The hun as been very very quite with his planes this month
24 Wed
Pay day, 20 lovely francs a fortnight & a man as a credit of 23.10 0

[Page 132]
[July 1918]
25 Th
Now in the hall of the Soldiers Christian Association, conversing with a Miss Carr, she wants me to be a missionary
26 Fri
I am going to write Mr Billy Hughes a letter today, nothing like trying
27 Sat
International sports were held today the Aussies almost scooped the pool Madrillel Green Hantray

[Page 133]
[July 1918]
28 Sun
Au Revior "Rouen"
29 Mon
Now in the heart of France at Buichy a huge camp
30 Tues
Everything here is OK.I am to fight for the L.W.championship
31 Wed
A cross country run through very nice country

[Page 134]
[August 1918]
1 Th
Another month, and all’s well, but what of the next, who can tell
2 Fri
Good news keeps filtering through the hun is on the run so cheerio
3 Sat
A milestone three year tomorrow since I joined the army, but still we live

[Page 135]
[August 1918]
4 Sun
Running about barefooted
5 Mon
I am now a choir boy at the camp church Heavy storms
6 Tues
Here I am watching 500 men, gracefully doing the two-step
7 Wed
A cross country race of 2 1/2 miles 2000 starters I finished in the first 100, time 17 ½ Min

[Page 136]
[August 1918]
8 Th
The eve, I believe of a big push by the allies, thank the Lord I.m not in it
9 Fri
The big stunt took place and success attended it, 17,000 prisoners 300 guns
10 Sat
Way out in the bush miles from anywhere with a big picnic party which includes 4 lady [indecipherable] girls from England

[Page 137]
[August 1918]
11 Sun
Lead Kindly Light
12 Mon
Grouse shooting begins but we still are shooting & caging huns in large number 30,000 prisoners
13 Tues
Had a fight today with a Tommy I won but the referee thought otherwise
14 Wed
The weather is ideal and the conditions almost perfect

[Page 138]
[August 1918]
15 Th
At a very fine concert and just as soon as it was over the hun made an air raid
16 Fri
Jackie the little black bloke, the real Australian and absolutely the hardest & roughest thing in France Sargent S.Sargeant 46 in A.IF
17 Sat
Out for a picnic at the wood of Monterilar The affair is arranged by the Padre (Red Dunlop)

[Page 139]
[August 1918]
18 Sun
Trying to tell a tale to Marie
19 Mon
3 weeks yesterday we arrived here 500 of us with 90% dead drunk a funny story
20 Tues
Success attends all our efforts on the front very cheerful
21 Wed
The worst of this war will end with the year, about time to so cheerio

[Page 140]
[August 1918]
22 Th
Harvest moon, and what a love she is bright as a happy life
23 Fri
A nice little girl last night was knocked off her bycicle & robbed by five soldiers who were Australians
24 Sat
Out blackberrying in a part of the country that resembles a flower garden

[Page 141]
[August 1918]
25 Sun
Singing like a bird
26 Mon
Trying to tell a little girl a tale but she wont listen to me
27 Tues
"I am blessed if I don’t think we are winning"
28 Wed
A beautiful day and a very interesting day for we are holding sports

[Page 142]
[August 1918]
29 Th
I am as hard as a rock strong as bull active as a cat and of good heart
30 Fri
The summer Sun is on the wane and winter comes sneaking in slow but sure.
31 Sat
"Good Boy Jackie" greets me on the football ground, at the ringside ect, everybody seems to know me and talk about me

[Page 143]
Buschy
[September 1918]
1 Sun
Just doing
2 Mon
I’ve had a lovely rest, that will soon end, "ah" well never mind
3 Tues
5 beautiful weeks of all that could be desired tomorrow I leave for the WAR steadfast & confident hopeful and happy
4 Wed
Dawn at Buchy Station Au Revior to a fine home Now in the train bound for Harfluer, with a load of hun prisoners

[Page 144]
Harfluer
[September 1918]
5 Th
Base Depot Situated in a valley of gloriousness at the rear of historic Harfluer
6 Fri
Now at the city of Le Havre at the leading hotel dining with the "Elite" I don’t care a d--- what it costs
7 Sat
Sore feet & Heavy Storms

[Page 145]
Le Havre
[September 1918]
8 Sun
At church
9 Mon
With my rifle on my shoulder faith theres no man could be bolder
10 Tues
Left Roulles yesterday midday still in the train, arrived at Bray for dinner then Marched
11 Wed
15 kilos barefooted along the river Somme to the battalion at the Village of "Frize"

[Page 146]
Somme
[September 1918]
12 Th
Now in the vicinity of Peronne, the country is bare but it as not suffered much from shell fire
13 Fri
Nothing much doing on this front, 2 hun planes brought down in flames.Brigade sports held
14 Sat
Out on this sector we seem to be cut off from the world no news of anything and not even a cigarette

[Page 147]
Cappy
[September 1918]
15 Sun
A gallop to "Cappy"
16 Mon
Sports held today A great show, tote bookmakers ect
17 Tues
A swim in the "Somme" at dawn, very refreshing after a night before
18 Wed
Heavy fighting this morn French & British advance on a 25 mile front very successful

[Page 148]
Susanne
[September 1918]
19 Th
A ride on Nutty to the Village of Suzanne in quest of material for the batt banquet.
20 Fri
The aeroplanes are wonderful, hundreds in the sky day & night floating about like gulls
21 Sat
A ride to Peronne with Major Fusell & Cpt Ronald, passing through Biaches and Fleurilles, and Cleary

[Page 149]
Peronne
[September 1918]
22 Sun
Church parade of 5th Bde
23 Mon
3 Oclock in the morning after a long ride to Peronne.Good news from HGLand
24 Tues
Heavy cannonades in the vicinity of St Quentin evidently a barrage on the Hindenburg line
25 Wed
A long March 30 kilos and then an advance behind tanks alongside Warfussie Rd

[Page 150]
Frise
[September 1918]
26 Th
We are moving up tomorrow in quest of great adventure for we’ll attempt to take HINDENBURG line off the hun
27 Fri
Moving off tonight at 8 AM with a long March in front of us (all night).Big things in view, with every son of a gun confident of success
28 Sat
Last night was hard a trying March (20 K) & then we slept on the lawn in full Marching order minus blankets very cold the fun starts in the morning

[Page 151]
Longavesnes
[September 1918]
Sun 29
The big fight commenced at 4 50 Am
30 Mon
The winter came in like a wolf on the fold, his winds they are bighting his frost "Oh so cold!
1 Oct Tues
Going into action all roads leading to the line are nought but a seething mass of traffic having dinner at HAGINCOURT
2 Wed
Now at the Hindenburg line at Ribequete and what I’ve seen "Oh God", makes a man sick with horror

[Page 152]
Capt Ronald Wounded
[October 1918]
7.30 Am
3 Th
The big battle is now raging barrage opened at 6.AM a good morning, we now await the result.(10 AM) Many prisoners & Still advancing
4 Fri
Fritz your beaten although our list of casualtys were 281 but you bombed us hard last night
5 Sat
6th Brigade went over this morning on ferry prisoners Tonight the 2nd Div are being relieved I am on pick BEAUREVIOR

[Page 153]
A gallop to Nauroy and then
[October 1918]
6 Sun
Going out of action to Hervilly
7 Mon
Entraining at Tincourt for civilisation.The batt numbers about 190
8 Tues
After an all night ride we arrive at Vignacourt, it is raining & so cold
9 Wed
The Angelus is ringing & pretty girls friting about, life in billets is good, after up the line

[Page 154]
Off to Blighty
[October 1918]
10 Th
Wine flows free, the boys are happy song & mirth,"Marching" with the deathless army of the A.I F
11 Fri
Left Fignacourt last night, rested at St Vasbri & slept for the night at Saint Savavour then took train to Bolounge at Ailly Sur Somme
12 Sat
Bolounge to Folkestone a very nice trip, arrived in London for tea Feet very sore.I am being sent to hospital Signal of distress ulcerated Feet

[Page 155]
Uxbridge
[October 1918]
13 Sun
Now in paradise at Harefield
14 Mon
My tootsies were lanced this morning, May be I will be here 1 week
15 Tues
Peace Peace let there be peace, but on our own terms, for the day is ours by conquest
16 Wed
A fellow soon forgets the hardships of war when out of the fighting zones.

[Page 156]
Harefield
[October 1918]
17 Th
Good news Lille Ostend and Douae fell today Sure she must end soon
18 Fri
A dinkum case in hospital gets a fair deal, but the malingers makd a chap sick of soldiering on
19 Sat
I will be here for a few more days and then I’ll get my leave, and I guess there will be some thing doing

[Page 157]
Hu Chin Chow H M
[October 1918]
20 Sun
A miserable day
21 Mon
At the pictures same old love storys, same old comics
22 Tues
A beautiful walk from Denham to Uxbridge then on to London
23 Wed
The Better Ole at the Oxford and at night Drury Lane."Shanghai" Dorrie Brunton

[Page 158]
Scotland
[October 1918]
24 Th
"London, life luxury & gaiety, one can hardly realise theres a war on at all, but a fellow spends a lot of cash
25 Fri
St Pauls, Westminister and various other places of interest visited.Leaving for Ireland tonight via Stranraer
26 Sat
In the saloon of the S.S Princess Maude doing the grand with the big bugs.Being escorted by destroyers & an airship "Laine" in sight

[Page 159]
Derry
[October 1918]
27 Sun
St Patricks church Coleraine
28 Mon
Renewing acquaintance with the wee lassies of Ireland "och sure
29 Tues
You’re a luck boy Jack to have made friends with the ONiells of Co.Derry sure tis a lovely home
30 Wed
Off to the old town of Londonderry.Now on the old battle wall of Derry built in 1688 a very nice old place

[Page 160]
Antrim
[October 1918]
31 Th
Halloween Eve Ballycairn an old fort that overlooks the country, a beautiful sight of a beautiful land
1 Nov Fri
A long cycle ride around the district, and then the guest of Mr & Mrs McFayden
2 Sat
Alls Souls day and theres a soul here light & happy

[Page 161]
Chester
[November 1918]
3 Sun
Church again
4 Mon
At Raheny the home of Mr R ONiell J.P Doreen
5 Tues
Guest of the Mayor & Mayoress of Coleraine Leaving for "Scotland"
6 Wed
Chester the best cleanest & quaintest place I’ve met in all my travels

[Page 162]
London
[November 1918]
7 Th
London at dawn just waking up, but it is enveloped in a fog.
8 Fri
Hippodrome A show in aid of the Yanks", Violet Lorraine George Robey Harry Tate & many other good artists
9 Sat
St James The eyes of youth Gertrude Elliot a fine show
Lord Mayor of London Show
Sure this is the life A wonderful world.

[Page 163]
St Savour
[November 1918]
10 Sun
London "Au Revior" I like you
11 Tues
The troops & civilians are overjoyed the scenes are thrilling "Ah how good it is
13 Wed
We are I believe going to Germany to do garrison work for a while, I had a fight today

[Page 164]
Vignacourt
[November 1918]
14 Th
No bread jam or butter on issue for our rations as gone to feed the hungry huns
15 Fri
The French are admirable, I shall never forget them.They love the Aussies
16 Sat
Spoken at an Aust Cemetry by the Mayor of Amiens
People of France you can never repay the debt you owe to Aust All women should be as mothers sisters wifes & sweethearts to the full by caring for their graves for all times

[Page 165]
Aust & Amiens
[November 1918]
17 Sun
A fine ride to Rebumfrie
18 Mon
An evening with the school mistress Mollie Albertine very interesting.(The germans shall never pass)
19 Tues
Waiting to go home, is going to be very monotonous, but when we get on the move the time will soon slip by
20 Wed
The weather is not to bad, it is very dry for this time of the year, but by jingo it is cold heavy frost and dense fogs

[Page 166]
Bohain
[November 1918]
21 Th
"Vignacourt" this is the 3rd time I’ve bid you good bye 1st time when going to Pozieres 2nd when going to Rouen, this time bound for Germany.Leaving by train this evening 5 PM
22 Fri
All night in train arrived at Marcoing at dawn, then on to Cambria, disentraining at Bertry then Marched on through Marety & Brisigny to Bohain at dusk, staying for a day or so
23 Sat
The Villages about here are in fairly good order not knocked about by shellfire at all but the townhall of this town was smashed by the hun before he left & the women who have been her in the hands of Fritz for 4½ years had a hell of a time.Veneral Disease is very much prevelant

[Page 167]
Nazzerhiem
[November 1918]
24 Sun [26th after Trinity]
We ought to be home next 26th after Trin
25 Mon
18 Kilo March through Morlain & Mazzerhiem to Ryel de Beauvil Miserable weather.Now that the war is over we realize what we’ve been through
26 Tues
Another March passed through Catallion and Le Groise to Prisches Rations very light.The tales told by the willing are very nasty
27 Wed
A pacel of Fatty Cakes from Muriel.Thanks awfully much.I have a good home The germans were hard & harsh to the civilians

[Page 168]
Prisches
[November 1918]
28 Th
Raining like hell but here I am with Rosa learning French & making her laugh, like shes never laughed for 4½ years
29 Fri
The French civilians are beaucoup mechant avie allemandes petit après la guerre nous will invade germany
30 Sat
Och sure the people on this farm are tres bon I am living altogether with them and they cannot do enough for me

[Page 169]
[December 1918]
1 Sun
The King paid us a visit
2 Mon
1000 days of active service and I am as good as ever
3 Tues
La belle Mademoiselle Francais, tres chick tres bonne.Le Soldat Australie jamais oublieur votie complaison
4 Wed
"Oh" this is a great home, "Mamma Papa & Sister" who are treating me like a long lost son they reckon I am tres gentiel

[Page 170]
[December 1918]
5 Th
Nutty the old b—is having a royal time good grass & stable, he reckons it is just like being at home.
6 Fri
Letters from home ar pleadings of "amour", but that sort of stuff with me is dead a mans mind as been altered with the war
7 Sat
It matters not what men assume to be, good or bad, they are but what they are a statement with a lot of meaning some men think or assume to be wise and clever, and others big things with talented ideas but I (Ca ne fait sien)

[Page 171]
[December 1918]
8 Sun
A nice bright Sunday, had a good bath
9 Mon
The old moon is bright again, but now we have ceased to look at it with awe, good old moonlight
10 Tues
Mail very scarce, today I received a picture of Elsie nice girl Elsie but as the French say "Tres Serious Le Photo
11 Wed
A whisper, today, that I Maybe sent to England to take up a position at Horseferry Rd I’d like it yet I wont like it

[Page 172]
[December 1918]
12 Th
The Educational scheme is in its infancy, but the boys seem to be out to learn and refresh their minds on all subjects
13 Fri
Good Bye Nutty good bye the 17th Batt for I am off to England today to take up a job.A long March to Vaux Andrecie where we caught a sleep in a warm stable.
14 Sat
Boarded the leave train at 4.30 this morning at V-A proceeded to St Orente thence [indecipherable] Amiens and crossed the battle field of V.Brettonuex

[Page 173
Bolougne]
[December 1918]
15 Sun
France good bye RMS.Victoria
16 Mon
Appointed clerk in the Finance Dept.Horseferry Rd London.I will make good
17 Tues
London youre a great big lonely place,when a chap is stiff, nobody knows you.
18 Wed
Commencing duty in the office on the top floor plenty of pretty girls

[Page 174]
[December 1918]
19th
A Mans first love is always his most perfect, because he has no other love to compare with it
20 Fri
Humor is the consciousness of the nothingness of anything.
21 Sat
No work until Friday A visit to Richmond to view the match (Rugby) N Zealand v.England a good game the Maoris won 16 to 0

[Page 175]
[December 1918]
22 Sun
At Hammersmith
23 Mon
Wandering about London
24 Tues
Xmas eve I visited the Princes Theatre "Jolly Jack Tar" good show, and then I journeyed to Hampstead and spent the evening with Mr & Mrs Pugh
25 Wed
I attended Westminister Abbey and when the royal party were leaving the church they stopped right by me, "Mary P of Wales looked nicely at me & I looked nicely at her and smiled
Xmas dinner at Wimbledon

[Page 176]
[December 1918]
26 Th
Today I witnessed the arrival of President Wilson great doings, at night I was the guest of people at Brompton but London you’re lonely with all your life
27 Fri
Letters from Elsie they were only written in June It aint a bit of use you grumbling old girl these thing will happen in a great war
28 Sat
A lovely little photo from Esther Mitchell a welcome surprise Playing football in London for Australia I cracked my shoulder

[Page 177]
[December 1918]
29 Sun
30 Mon
Jack Curphey
Clowes Hotel
Trafford Rd
Salford [Indecipherable]
31 Tues
A cheerful eve with the folks of London in the best of humor.1918 a wonderful year Good By
1 Jan Wed
Rockmacraney Aughnacloy
Muckamore
28191 Gn C.D Bell 103 Horse Batt
G Murray
2 Th
Miss Sams
Emberton Rectory
Neuport Pagnell
Bucks

[Page 178]
Hindenburg Line smashed 3.10.18
Jack Marlin
San-Diego California
U S A
Emmureees
[indecipherable] 320,30 26 Batt

[Page 179]
Standing to, for a big attack is expected from Fritz, everything ready to move off and meet him at 10 minutes notice A violent artillery duel is in progress
Allonville 8.5.18

[Page 180]
A fatigue party sent to Village Brettoneux, found a large quantity of good champagne, needless to say another fatigue party was sent to bring them home for they were fou the nou Noisy Wood Cachy 11.4.18
The loot in these towns is beyond realization Sunday 21st April

[Page 181]
Sitting a well kept garden, recently evacuated before the huns advance the artillery is livening up right along the front, overhead the aeroplanes are soaring about in large numbers
Before Amiens 6.4.18

[Page 182]
Going into action resting for an hour at a deserted chateau all of the staff in the front room piano gramophone, and al other home comforts (Bussey) 4.4.18

[Page 183]
Nien Nien Kamerade Get use to them just as I did the camels
L Cpl.Dabelstein 6245 15th Bt
A I.F Rosedale N Cst Line
Queensland
The management of this war is as funny as a circus we cant find a home in 50,000 acres

[Page 184]
Black Green Diamonds White Seams purple sleves Brown Cape, my racing jacket with an ounce of luck
Everywhere I go, I am made a favourite
Sunday 29th Sep.The attack on the Hindenburg line was set in motion at 4 50 this morn & up to midday everything was going well.

[Page 185]
Live your life while you have it, life is a splendid gift
Girls waiting on german officers in the costume of Eve, before the fig leaf age
39065 Le Gras NZMC
French Men stripped naked and Marched around the women

[Page 186]
Marthe Foriache
Lumbres P D C
J Trenberth
26 Ace St
St Paverley
The 17th Battalion were the unit who stormed Mt.St.Quentin on the morning of 31st Aug

[Page 187]
Miss E Scutt
64 Darwin St
Walworth S.E.17
(Au )
(Livre D’Or )
The Book of Gold
Show your grit stick to it and (D P) you will see it through 18.4.18

[Page 188]
Lumbies 26 Feb
Be just be merciful be fair to everywoman everywhere
Any old failure can live but it takes a man to fight Smile and die Pacitna Gaye 12 March

[Page 189]
With Avec Be Sais this evening
Life out here is hardly worth living, tis but the thoughts of Home that keeps a chap struggling & hoping surely the day of Peace, cannot be far off
18.4.18

[Page 190]
Dr Lang
Albury Rd Corowa
Dr Redall Randwick

[Page 191]
The eve of a bloody fight, Brigade.H.Q situated at the villiage of Gentellau south-west of Amiens, goodness knows how the dawn will fare, but I’ve got a good feeling 6.4.18

[Page 192]
M Gallagher Sct Guards
North Villiage
Pumpherston
Midlothian
Edinburgh

[Page 193]
The darkest hour is before the dawn, things are going hard with us all leave stopped and men recalled from all quarters
Trois Rois 23rd March

[Page 194]
We are attached to the 18 Div of Imp Troops Essex.10th Esses. We join up the French at Hanyard Wood Fritz as attacked us twice but he got it good and hard
Gentellas 13.4.18

[Page 195]
Dutys on ordinary days –
Clean gear-6.30
Cup of Tea -7.30
Hot water- 8.0
Shaving gear-.15
Breakfast
Clear Room)9.0
Make Bed)
With sundrie jobs till dinner time
Afternoon

[Page 196]
A great battle raging from here it would appear that the end of the world had come for the earth is a mass of flames 12.4.18
Nutty don’t like the report of the guns – neither do I 1.10.18

[Page 197]
[Map – The Great European War Eastern Area]

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