Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

T. Darchy war diary, 16 June 1917-21 January 1918
MLMSS 1178/Item 1

[Page 1]

Please return to
T. Darchy
No 4072
11th / 1st Pioneers
A.I.F.

[Note: Entries start on pg. 17]

[Page 17]

June 1917

S 16 Left Sydney 12.30 PM On Transport A72 Beltana

M 25 Called Freemantle for about 3 hours Did not land
Left about 9.30 PM

[Page 18]

July 1917

F 13 Arrived Durban 6 PM

M 16 Left Durban 12.30 PM

Th 19 Arrived Capetown about 5 PM

S 21 Arrived Capetown Landed
S 22 Landed
M 23 Landed
Tu 24 Landed

F 27 Left Capetown 1 PM

[Page 19]

August 1917

Th 9 Arrived Freetown Serra Leone about 10 30 AM

S 12 Left Serra Leone 10.45 AM

F 24 8 AM Arived & Disembahked 10 AM at Plymouth
Sat 25 Arrived Fovant Camp

[Page 20]

September 1917

Th 27. Went to London on a days disembarhation leave

[Page 21]

October 1917

Tu 2 Returned to camp

Th 11 Left Fovant arrived Sutton Viny

[Page 22]

November 1917

M 19 Went to Fovant on Working Party

[Page 23]

December 1917

Th 6 Returned Sutton Viny from Fovant

[Page 24]

[Diary entries begin June 16 1917, on Jan. 1 1917 page]

June 16 1917 Saturday
At 2 am Coffee & biscuits were turned on & soon afterwards we turned out the roll called & we were of on the old trip Liverpool to Sydney – How long before any of us would take that trip again.

We lined up at Sydney as the day broke for the march to the boat but it was not a success from a Military point of view. There was a big crowed to see us off mostly girlies & of course we were all mixed up. There was no delay at the Barier & by 7 AM we were all aboard the trooper A72 (Beltana)

[Page 25]

At 10 oclock we pulled out from the Wharf & it was imiadetially filled with wating friends who cried & chered as we went out in the stream At 12.30 PM we left the bouy on the start proper for the great adventure – What will it bring forth Why think about it the future will tell No arrangements had been made to feed us so that when dinner came on about 2 PM the men mostly had a full meal & as there was a fair see running sickness held full swing sway and many a good soldier cared not

[Page 26]

for King or country

As night fell the sea got worse also the sickness I faced going below about 7 PM & managed to swing a hammock & hop into it. It proved more comfortable than it looked & I slepped without a break untill 6 in the morning.

We sleep & eat in the same place & it is very stuffy in rough weather when the port holes are closed. Otherwise things are good

Sunday 17/6/17
Had an excellent nights sleep in spite of unusual conditions The ship was not steady

[Page 27]

in fact when I first closed my eyes She seemed to stand first on one end & then on the other. The Hatch was covered with a tarpaulin to keep the water out & it used to flap up & down in the wind making a great noise. A good many men were sick & most of them did not reach the deck to be sick we had shipped a little water so the floor was in a horrid mess by morning.

Monday 18/6/17
Weather is still farly rough & cold the sick are recovering slightly & the messes filling up

[Page 28]

Tuesday 19/6/17
Wether still bad. This Boat is very fond of shipping water in a small way & many have got good wettings to day Canteen opened

Wed 20
The rougest night we have had so far waves comeing right over the bows. I am on guard today

Thursday 21
Came of guard this morning. Just the same old thing as Liverpool. Only not quite as much style. No arms are carried & the relief cannot march very well up & down gang ways

[Page 29]

Friday 22/6/17
The wether has improved greately quite nice & fine today. It is reported we are to call at Freemantle Much letter writing is the order of the day. Shoses issued today

Sat 23 Sunday 24/6/17
Two nice days fairly calm nothing out of the way happened
Monday 25 There is a report that there is melingitis on board & that we are to call at Freemantle

[Page 30]

to be quaranined There was a medical examination for sore throtes. YMCA distributed lollies & cake

Monday 25
Passed Albarny Ran North all day & the lights of Freemantle came in sight just after dark. We came to anchor & one stretchr case & the mails were taken of & we left again about 10 PM

Tuesday 26
All sign of Australia

[Page 31]

well gone this morning when we turned out a strong wind with a fairly rough sea running. It was a great disapointment to many not landing at Freemantle. I was very pleased we got a mail off.

Wed 27/6/17
Sports held on deck Nothing to record

Thursday 28
A quiet day. The YMCA started deck sports News of the Mongolia sinking by Wireless I am ships Orderly Cpl

[Page 32]

today
The magazine was supposed to be tampered with last night an armed guard was has been put on

Friday 29
2 weeks out it seems to have passed quickely The gunners had 3 shots for practice to day at a very small target which I believe they hit

Sat 30
Sailing vessel sighted Nothing startling to record Started to learn Morse Code

Sunday July 1st 1917
Service at 9 AM and singing in the afternoon & evening. What an

[Page 33]

easy time the Chaplins have. They do nothing for any one through the week as far as I have seen The YMCA gave lollies at tea time

Monday 2nd
The most beautifull day since we left Have never seen such a blue sea Have just washed my clothes

Tuesday 3rd
Wireless today that a raider is out no lights tonight as a precation. We are not takeing the news very seriously. A court martial today 96 days for disobaying an order

[Page 34]

Wed 4/7/17
Nothing out of the way

Tursday 5/7/17
On Guard. Absolutely calm

Friday 6th
Had a good night. Haveing no lights made very little difference as it is full Moon. Not being able to read was the only draw back.

75 Men have been picked today for a perminunt Guard to look out for Subs & Raiders Boat drill this en evening. A big whale showed up just after we fell in. The first excitiment for some time.

Sat 7th
Nothing

[Page 35]

Sunday 8/7/17
A good searmon song service in the afternoon Lollies supplied at tea time.

Monday 9th
The Head has been on to our O C. Concequently he has he on to us The mail closed at 9 AM today. Must be getting close to Durban We hear that we will be there each day up to Friday. No doubt one of those days will be right
Payed £ 1-0-0 today

Tuesday 10.
Drill this morning Sports in afternoon Did some washing

[Page 36]

Some birds about to day. Heavy showers this evening

Wed 11th
Pioneers won the Prize for the cleanest Deck & Tab second prize for cleanest table also won OGradie Drill. These are the first Prizes we have won. Sighted th a sailing Ship this morning a long way off. The water is not really as Blue as it has been

Thursday 12th Guard
An extra dose of yarns today as to when we would reach Durban

Friday 13th
All on the look out for land, Sighted about 12.30 P.M. The first Official

[Page 37]

order given out. Was that we would be in at 2 PM later it was changed to 4 PM. About 4.30 all troops were fallen in And I had to bring 3 sentries with fixed baynots to guard the companion way. We were still a good distance out, so were dismissed. Then later Assembly sounded & we fell in again more hunting up sentrys The troops were again dismissed & we anchored out in the harbour at dark.

Saturday 14th
I was put in charge of The Guard & no other N.C.O. was put on. So have had to stay up all night

[Page 38]

Finished at 9 AM today About midday we pulled in to the Wharf & started coaling. At 2 PM we got of & marched to the Town Hall about 2 miles. It simply poured & we were mostely wet through when we got there. Went for a Tram ride to Toll Gate quite a pretty suburb. Had several Ricksha rides, & several meals dear & not very good Could not get into the only picture show we found. Ricksha back to the boat about 10 PM

Sunday 15th
Marched to Town Hall & back to boat in morning To Town Hall again at 3 PM dismissed for afternoon. Fine day

[Page 39]

had several Tram rides free. They have quite a fine Puraide & baths on the ocean front Some of the people throw us fruit cigarettes
There are 2 or 3 blacks to one white. Found quite a fine Mosque at night & saw them worship

Monday 16
The Coaling finished this morning. All the work is done by natives with much noise. Postcards fruit Etc was sold all the morning & thrown on to the boat, and a lot of fruit was given away especially by a Miss Campble of the YMCA. Left about 12.30 PM with much cheering & cooeing.

[Page 40]

July 1917
Tuesday 17th
Last night was the rougest we have had a lot of water got down to our deck & as many sleep on the floor they got washed out. It was an awful mess, with kit bags clothes etc washing about in the dirty water We are keeping close to the coast. It is straight & uninteresting. Only (Boat broken last night) lost one man in Durban owing to the Pubs being Closed.

Wed 18
A nice day still close to shore It has been fairly high to day. Mountains in places. Passed East London yesterday about 3 miles out.

[Page 41]

July 1917
Thursday 19th
Table mountain sighted about 11 AM Anchored in Table Bay in the evening The Suvic A29 just beating us in,

Friday 20th
Done nothing all day The Town looks well at the foot of the mountain, But would like a closer acquaintan A very poor harbour, shallow & dirty. Counted 97 small boats out fishing this morning

Saturday 21
Marched up the town at 11 AM & were given strict orders to go about in parties of not less than four. Some of our lot started to get drunk as the Pubs were open for about ½ an hour after we were dismissed so Colllier & I cut off on our own. Bought post cards etc & had a look around town then took tram to

[Page 42]

July 1917
Camp Bay, 11 Miles the round trip. The line runs out along the coast at a fair height at times & comes back around Lions Head over The Kloof 700 ft heigh A splendid view of the town & bay. The people here treat us much better than they did in Durban. The Rest Hut supplies Tea, Coffee Cakes etc for 1d each item & there are good reading & writing rooms. There is a very good tram service. The side streets are very narrow. But well made

Sunday 22 July
Marched off at 10 AM. Wandered about untill lunch & then went to Camp Bay via The Kloof. This is the better way for secunery. Found a Buffet free to Troops. Had very

[Page 43]

July 1917
nice tea & cakes. Examined the Pier in the evening & came home early

Monday 23
Marched up town. Went around gardens very small & nothing out of the way to look at. Went through Museum. Fine collection of animals minerals etc fo did not take time to examine fully.

Plaster figures of Native Bushman are near lifelike Took Train to Newland & went over Groote Schuure in afternoon. Fine massive old house nice grounds did not go into house Good collection of animals running in large enclosures except the caged ones Went to the Memorial

[Page 44]

July 1917
quite a climbe. A splendid view from here. Have just 6d left & its borrowed

Tuesday 24th
On butchers fatigue so did not get off untill midday. Saw Picture Gallery not much and Old Koopman De Wit Collection old Dutch articles not interesting Had a Hot Bath best item on the trips programme Payed 10/- today. Needed muchley

Wednesday 25th
Moved out from the Wharf this morning & have been anchored all day It has been raining & every one is sleepy. Take it all round men have behaved very well

Thursday 26th
Still in harbour. Showery all day. Two Parraides. Fishing chief occupation. Fair number caught. Cook charges 3’ each for cooking them.

[Page 45]

July 1917
Friday 27th
Got the mud hook up at 1 PM & made a stack 5 troopers & escort HMS Afric. Made quite an imposeing line steaming out of the Bay No excitement this time a few Helieas flashing from the town. Formed into two lines in the afternoon. We are in the centre of the left hand line.

Saturday 28th
Beautiful day uneventfull. Ship Orderly Corpl to day

Sunday 29th
The usual programme. We do not appear to move at all now. The 6 big boats seem to all be at anchor except for a small ripple of foam at the bow. The lines are about 700 yds appart, and about 500 yds from Stern to Bow

[Page 46]

July 1917 August

Only one small light shows on the stern of each boat.

Monday 30th
Put Wet equipment in forward hold today, Well out of the way. Did some washing Lecture on Ropes & Splices Borderer had gun practice

Tuesday 31st
Sports on deck. Crew have started putting awnings up Lecture on Knots

Wednesday 1
The Hororaia pulled out of line today & fired 3 shots for practice. Roumer of course says there was a buryial Concert this afternoon. Lecture to N.C.Os on Map Reading

Treevers YMCA man had tea with the 1st & spoke later He seems a good sort & there is plenty of room for him to improve most of us. The

[Page 47]

August 1917

Clugie have not come to tea so far.

Thursday 2
Sports again today. Otherwise uneventfull. A few nights ago some of the 18th decided that some of their men had not been bathing enough. And they were taken up by force & given a shower. Of course things went a bit too far & clean men were ducked for fun Since then they have been paraided to the shower Treevers for tea tonight & one Padre came down for a time afterwards. Treevers is trying hard to get the swearing cut out, its an uphill job as there are so many boys in the 17th & 18 Batlns. A canvas ventilator has been put in

[Page 48]

August 1917

at last. Would have been very useful when the Hatch & ports were closed. Every thing has been opened since Capetown

Friday 3rd
The Afric took a trip on her own this morning went almost out of sight & came back to her old place. This evening she sent up 3 small ballones & practiced on them with her her anti-aircraft guns no hits.
The awning has been put over the forward well deck. Boxing contest on this afternoon also a lecture on the aft well deck by one of the Paders. YMCA gave us chocolates for tea Quite warm tonight

[Page 49]

Saturday 1917 4th August
Yesterday the Corned Beef was very hard to take at dinner time so we got extra chees for tea. It was mostely uneatable today the Pudding was condemed by Dr & was not replaced – This shows true economy. Fire & Boat Drill also yesterday.

Noticed many flying fish today. Boxing this afternoon The Ballmoral Castle dropped out for gun practice this evening – could hear the shell bursts distinctly. This is the first day in the 4th year of the War

Sunday 5th
Church Paraide a in shorts. It has been overcast & showery for some days. Today the

[Page 50]

sun shon. But it is not unpleasantly hot. Cpt Bryce Cpt Knight gave a lecture on why the Church is so divided He is a good speaker & has studied a great deal Ships Orderly Cpl today

Monday 6th
Started training for Physical Drill Compition Another lecture by Cp Bryce on Missopotamia from which place he has just returned. The Gun fired 4 shots all misses I belieuve. Have crossed the line several times in the last 48 hours.

Tuesday 7
Did quite a lot of Physical. Lecture by Lit Heart on The War in East Africa where he has been

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Aug 1917

for some time. Not a good speaker. Altered our course slightly more W this evening. Our deck got first prize for cleanliness & 2nd for best table again

Wednesday 8th
Physical Drill compition today 18th 1st we got second. This means a bob or two for each of the 10 that were in the team. It will be very useful to me as I am reduced to 1d and a Krugie 2/- that I cant change Boat drill this evening a great rush as we were given no warning. Asembly sounded just at dusk & many rumers passed around as Subs are supposed to be about

[Page 52]

The real reason was the Chapplins had were giveing out 1 Pkct Cigs between each 2 men Boats are all in line tonight.

Thursday 9th
Formed up in 2 lines again early this morning & land came in sight. Anchored about 10.30 AM in Port Freetown, Serra Leone, W. Africa It is very pretty here a small town right on the water edge with wooded hills behind. Every thing is beautifully green right to the waters edge. There seem to be no wharfs It is an open harbour, with torpeodo nets across the entrance. Niggers out

[Page 53]

Aug 1917

in there dugouts diveing for coins & selling fruit M Workers won the Tug of War. Concert on deck at night

Friday 10th
Wet & miserable all morning but not very hot. Takeing in water & Niggers coaling today more noise than work. Four other boats came in from England Officers went on shore A good many have been sleeping on deck for some time Have not tried it a there is rain nearly every night & it is hard to get a dry spot A supply of Smoke Boxes were put on board today. They are boxes about 2 ft square filled with an inflamible material to be used in makeing a

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Aug 1917

smoke screene if attacked

Friday Saturday 11th
Still admireing the well washed green hills of Serra Leone. Coaling has finished & the duty Niggers have left us Australians make the great mistake of being to friendly with them

Sunday 12
About 10 AM the “HMS Affric" went out with 4 Boats going Cape town way & We followed imediately after. There are 9 Boats includeing 1 Battleship & 1 Aux Cruiser in our lot now. I wonder if they will all get through No one was glad sorry to leave Serra Leone. As we were not allowed any leave

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Aug 1917

An order was given this evening, to weare lifebelts day & night. How tired we will get of them, and anything that will float is not to be thrown overboard in the day time. Usual services today. Was on Guard this morning, But the Submerine Guard was put on so only did 3 hours No more bugle calls are to be sounded Y.M.C.A gave out chewing gum

Monday 13
Trouble about tucker today. It was not of the best Convoy does not keep the same formation. Changed several times today. We are running last in the left row tonight. The Cruiser has been out of sight all day. Sports in afternoon. Our final Lut A H Gurnsey admitted to hospital One of the Sub Guard let his rifle off by mistake. Bullet

[Page 56]

Aug 1917

went through a water pipe

Tuesday 14th
Much as usual, Except the meals were better, grilled chops replaced our old friend Stew. A lecture by an R.F.C Lut on Flying machines & Flying. Physical culture class got properly going again today

Wednesday 15
Much cooler. Awnings all down again. But our ventilaton has been taken away & the last two nights were very hot down here I tried to get it put in again but none seemed to care much. The Auxly Cruser caused some excitement today. She was about 5 miles out on the Port side all

[Page 57]

Aug 1917
(Boxing today)
morning. At midday she started fireing & manuvering fired about 17 shots at what most of us took to be a target. Some are convinced it was a Submarine. In fact the yarns go so far as saying 2 were sunk & at night one or two men I know moved there hammocks nearer the steps to be able to get out quickley. I have a good position so can afford to laugh

Thursday 16th
For the last 24 hours it has been a bit rough. The first time we have had a ripple since leaving Capetown

Friday 17th
The Convoy has done quite a lot of manovering today

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Aug 1917
Turned completely around once & has changed course several times. The 17th were payed 8/- yesterday. Was Orderly Corpl today. The number of sick seem to increase in proportion to the ammount of stuff sold at Canteen & one can form a good idea of the financial position by the amount of rubbish about the deck

Saturday 18th
We were to be payed 8/- today. But were had to sign for 10/-, 2/- being kept back for to cover shortages in Ships stores, such as utensells hammocks blankets Etc These shortages cannot be made up untill the

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last day & should not be more than 6d. There was so much growling about signing for what we did not get that it has ended in getting no pay for the present Identification Discs issued today. Now we can die in peace. Boxing tournament finished today.

Sunday 19th
Church Parade in morning. Lectures Singing Etc in afternoon. Mr Treevers of the YMCA has gave us chocolates at tea time & has just delivered a short sermon & given out Testements. I think his talking has had some affect on the swearing.

Has been a beautiful day. Bright sun quite hot a wonderfull blue in

[Page 60]

Aug 1917
the water, & just baby wavelets. We are not allowed bellow in the day time now except for meals. It would be more dangerous if we were torpeoded

Monday 20th
In spite of all the talk we got 8/- today I payed the Mess Orderlies in full 7/- & 1/- for 2 copies of the Beltana Bugle just cut it out. They say a Cruser passed early this morning & a steam boat passed a long way off this evening. Sports on deck. The sea is calmer than today than I thought possible

Tuesday 21st
Another boat

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Aug 1917
passed today. Got our water bottles out today have to carry them full all the time, but not of Rum

Wednesday 22nd
Had a full Marching Order Parade today Got my fiver out of Orderly room today. Small steamer passed this evening Fair sea running strong W wind. They are making out a long list of all our trades or kinds of work we have done. Mine is a fairly long list

Thursday 23rd
Fair sea and much cooler. But am still wearing shorts

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Aug 1917
After many false alarms the Torpedo Destroyers 8 of them – turned up about 2 PM today causeing quite a flutter of excitement We should certainly be safe now allthough I have never felt otherwise No Paraides today. Have just heard that we disimbark at 2 PM tomorrow

Friday 24th
The above was quite out as it is now dark & no land in sight We have put our blanket & hammocks away & will have to scratch for a bed tonight. Have our Kit bags & equipment out all ready for landing Fair sea running today Passed 2 or 3 small boats

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1917
Sat 25 Aug
Spent a very uncomfortable night only an overcoat for nap. Land was in sight at daylight. About 9 were anchored of Plymouth even quite small sailing boats carry guns & there seem to be crowds of destroyers about. Saw a Seaplane for the first time. No time was lost (considering we were soldiers) in disembaarking. All went in one big Tender & landed right at the train. Got away about 12.30 for Dinton a near Salsbury. It was a very pleasant day for every one. Oldhands & new. The small rectangular fields, some green some white, harvesting was going on in

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places. The old stone buildings Quiet Stock just as it is in the picture books or Landscape Targets The Mayross of Exeter gave us a bottle of tea & a bun about 3 PM it was very acceptable as only a few luckie ones had been able to get a 4d pie at Portsmouth Landed at Denton about 7 & marched to camp between 2 & 3 miles & up a long steep hill to finish off. By now it was quite dark & after messing around a bit had tea consisting of 2 slices of Bread each margarine & Blancmange & Tea We only had our mess tins & clasp knives so the Blancmange was very hard to handle

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Aug 1917
3 Blankets each were given out & we were allotted to tents with board floors. Our kit bags had been left at the railway

Sunday 26
Spent a fair night Good breackfast Medical Exam & Inoculation. Kits issued and just got fixed up nicely when a lot of us had to move into new other tents Showerry all day

Monday 27
Rained nearly all day. Did not feel well so stayed in bed most of the day as there was nothing doing the camp is muddy although there is a good fall

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Tuesday 28th
Rained most of the night & blew some of the tents over – not ours fortunately – Had a very bad night as I was sore from lying on the hard boards so long. Still she rains. Moved into huts this evening a great improvement Are supposed to be in Isolation. It is the rule when you first land Am feeling fairly well again. The isolation is a fraud as we go about much as we like.

Wednesday 29th
Very little doing today. Rained a fair lot. Had a

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Aug 1917
letter from Les Walsh in France. Went for a walk in evening. Through Ye Olden Village and down rustic lanes. It is all very pretty & old. What surprises me is that people have gone to so much trouble with this country. It has such a vile clymate. But things seem to grow well

Thursday 30
Started work today & it was quite fine. The method here are better than Aus. But must not say to much untill I have seem more of it. The meals are good & plentyfull Bought this pen today for 5/- it is better than using pencil. Should have written a lot more

[Page 68]

Aug Sept 1917
30
lately but did not feel up to it. However am feeling pretty fit again & a few days work will put me in good form again

Friday 31st
I have done nothing today as I was on Picquet & it means doing very little It has been a beautiful day, no rain & quite warm

Saturday 1 Sept
Fatigue work Moved out of isolation. got Straw beds issued a great improvement Concert at YMCA in evening not much good. I think there is an improvement in the spirit of the men. They are inclined to take things

[Page 69]

Sept 1917
more seriously, & do there best at what ever they have to do Polers will in future get a rough time

Sunday 2nd
Church Paraide as usual a poor specimen of Padre. Went for a Walk in afternoon. One sees little else but soldiers about here. There is no where to go

Monday 3
Nothing unusual. On Picquet in evening went to a little Pub “The Popplers", to keep order just the sort of Pub you read about even to the oldest inhabitant but it was a bit overrun with soldiers

Tuesday 4
Second inoculation & issued with new pay books today.

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Sept 1917
Wednesday 5th
Payed 15/-. Sports at Herdcot about 2 miles away were marched there. They were very fair but it was hard to get a place where one could see decently.

Thursday 6th
Had a letter from Etty Murray today.

The inoculation dodge worked well had all day off. So have done nothing gracefully. It has been quite hot today Some of the boys gambled by match light untill 12 last night & have been at it most of today They will be broke tomorrow which is well

Friday 7th
Just drill. A very good conjuring entertainment in the YMCA to night

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Sept 1917
Saturday 8th
Was put on the Sanitary staff today with 2 others Started digging a pit for rubbish Rambled down the country lanes in the afternoon & bought about 18 very nice plums for 6d

Sunday 9th
Rained gently most of the day Went for a walk in the evening

Monday 10th
A very fine warm day. On the sanitary job all day.

Tuesday 11th
Quite hot today Things as usual

Wednesday 12th
Gave up the Sanitary Job & went on pariade. Went through Miniture Range Score 38 Went over to next camp

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with Collun to Conjering show Same as in YM here only the man was very full

Thursday 13th
As per usual. Told we are to get leave on the 25th This leave has been a very prominent question ever since we got here. There have been roumers about it every day.

Friday 14th
As per usual. The physical drill & Bayonet Fighting in the forenoon is far the best part of the drill. The instructors are keen on the work & keep us going. The Musketery are just the opisite do as little as possible

Sunday 15th Saturday 15th
Rout marched about 10 miles although many estimates made it a lot longer as

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Sept
had our packs up & it was quite a hot morning. The roads are very good for marching but a bit hard. In many places they are only just wide enough in many places to march in fours. That is supposed to be 10 ft. Had a very large dinner & then went for a walk with Baker about 3 miles extra for fun

Sunday 16
Church Paraide

Monday 17th
Picked for Guard today & had a very easy job going through Guard duities all day. Was chosen as best dressed man when the Guard was mounted so got off quite pleased as it is a wet night.

[Page 74]

Sept
Tuesday 18
Have been B.O.M today not a bad job but you are kept moveing

Wednesday 19
Did 15 minutes PT for the days work Rained most of the day. Concert in evening quite a good one. Payed 10/-

Thursday 20th
As usual. The hut was very quiet last night considering it was pay day.

Thursday 21st
As usual. Good concert in evening. Had 2 Aussie letters today

Saturday 22nd
Went over the hill in front of the Camp as a start for the march did about 10

[Page 75]

Sept
miles. Nice cool day so came home quite fresh Concert at YM more high class than any of the Camp tournouts I have been to.

Sunday 23rd
Open air Service to day. Walked up to top of hill in front of Camp & examined Riseing Sun & other badges. The turf is cut out the right shape & filled in with chalk They look very well. Especially the sun it has been layed out very well & is about 50 yds across the base Had an extra good tea in the vilage Ham & Egg 1/8½ with Tea & bread & butter

Monday 24th
Lice were found

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in the Hut this morning so we managed to get it thouroughly disinfected & changed our blankets The blankets are of poor quality. As we have not changed our ticks the whole thing is very little good. My idea is they are not lice & the Drs is the same

Tuesday 25th
Emptied our ticks & had them disinfected Rifles were issued last night my No 150324

Wednesday 26
Morning as per Afternoon Returned rifles Payed Medical inspection Etc in readiness for Leave tomorrow. Showery today. What will we have for our holiday

[Page 77]

Sept
Thursday 27th
Early breckfast Busseled about without any reason caught train at Dinton 9 AM Arrived Waterloo about 12 Marched to Horsefury Rd & were turned loose. Had dinner at War Chest an exelent instituon Wandered around (4 of us) & got a room at 150A Southamton Row Near Russel Square. A Salvation Army place & very good. Wandered about some more & went to a rotton play A Little bit of Fluff

Friday 28th
Went to The Bank & Wax Works Etc Lindfield Gardens in the evening

Saturday 29th
Met Miss Murray had a look at Picture gallery & spent most of the day at Kew Gardens

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spent the evening at Linfield Gardens. Had quite a good air raid or rather several

Sunday 30th
Caught 9:15 to Harwich & met Mab on the Station Cycled out a few miles & had tea in evening.

Monday 1st Oct
Went shopping in Harwich in morning Cycled out for tea again to a very pretty wood Have learnt quite a lot about Submarines Etc Air raid in evening.

Tuesday 2nd
Caught 10 AM train to Victoria Liverpool St Messed around a bit & caught 6 PM for Dinton in camp by 9-30 after a very pleasant 6 days. Fine wether every day we were on leave

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Oct
Wednesday 3rd
Medical inspection etc & all the little things attended that happen on return from leave Today was longer than the last 6 days

Thursday 4th
Wet so nothing was done Payed in afternoon Wrote quite a lot of letters Sold my fountain pen for 7/6 – 2/6 proffit.

Friday 5th
Same old thing Wrote to Leo & Ned today

Sat 6th
Did about 1 hour PT then messed about No rifles to use as they have been packed for our move next week. Collier & I walked to Lesbury a small

[Page 80]

Oct 6 1917
place 5½ miles away half the town is very old the rest near the railway more modern It is a pretty walk

Sunday 7th
Was about I minute late getting on Church Paraide this morning & fell in for Main Guard

Monday 8th
Guard has been quite a good job. A good fire in the room and plenty to eat The C.O sayed we were the worst B- guard he had ever seen and told the Sarg we were to get extra training – That is the last we will hear of it. Was in a raffle for a Bike but my 2/- has gone & am not the posseser of the Bike

[Page 81]

Oct 1917
Tuesday 9th
Packed the our Kit Bags this morning & put out in readiness for our move on Thursday . We are doing practicaly nothing these days just putting in time

Wednesday 10th
Swinging the Lead very sucessfully today Put on to load Kit bags in morning finished at 10 Fell out after dinner and stayed in hut all afternoon

Thursday 11th
Revalie 5.30 Breackfast 6 Drew dry rations 2 pieces bread each 1 tin salmon to 5 men Fell in stood about & all the usual performance At 8:50 about 1,000 statuard Ausies marched

[Page 82]

out of Fovant Camp at 4 PM nearly the same number wandered wearily into Sutton Vissy camp The walk was about 15 miles It was a beautifull day after the frost in the morning. Cool & bright Cannot say I am tired With a lot of struggle & strife we got blankets ticks & boards simed out & got a neary fair tea about 7 Hot stew – well it was a sort of stew. A few of us had extra tucker on the march today. Our Hut had a good fire all last night as Jones & I went straight into the coal yard & took a bag of coal It was stealing but as we did it with many looking they thought we had a right to it

[Page 83]

Friday 12th 1917 Oct
Showery most of the day Early morning paraide has been cut out This is going to be a muddie camp I think most of the paraide ground seems that way

Saturday 13
As usual. Went for a walk around Warminister It looked like a town just ocupied by Aussie troops

Sunday 14
Open air service Explored Warm fully it is quite a large place but nothing of particular interest

Monday 15
Went on a working party 100 strong today marched about

[Page 84]

2 miles to another camp & the Officer evidently could find nothing to work at for we loafed about & then marched home were told not to fall out on Paraide as we were wanted again. Did as we were told & just stayed in the Hut all the afternoon

Tuesday 16
One hours Musketry this morning loafed rest of day Showery all day Have to wear overcoats with equipments over them on all paraides now. But tags on my coat to day to keep it out of mud

Wednesday 17
Drill very good lecture afternoon by Archdeacon

[Page 85]

Thursday 18th
Unloading coal all day concequently the hut is not short of fuel tonight

Friday 19th
Working party Building a Clink at No 13 camp Mostly barb wire work am Wire expert. Pared 15/- event to Warminister

Saturday 20th
Working party Warminister in afternoon payed 8d to see a very roton play

Sunday 21st
As usual walked around Sutton Viny in evening. Had 3 drinks of stout.

Monday 22nd
Still wire expert on the Clink

[Page 86]

Tuesday 23rd Oct 1917
Still Clink building

Wednesday 24
Clink Cold wet & windy day

Thursday 25
Same

Friday 26
More Clink Came in at 1.30 for Dental inspection loafed remainder of day

Saturday 27
Clink

Sunday 28
Church Parade at 9 AM went O.P.D (other prodestant denomonations) a good sermon Text Man know thy self. It was a good straight talk for men But as a clean straight life is not very fashionable in the A.I.F. don’t think it will much good
Detailed for Flying

[Page 87]

Picquet Start at 8.45 PM & walk the Warminster Road untill about 11 To bring the drunks home

Monday 29th
Still toiling on the Clink

Tuesday 30th
Finished Clink

Wednesday 31st
The Clink was not just a success as the Birds pulled some of it down last night We are working on an [indecipherable] Coupse in the same Camp

Thursday 1st Nov
On working party. Quite a hot day

[Page 88]

Friday 2nd Nov 1917
Working Party. Did my first bit of Sandbag work They make such a neat job

Saturday 3rd
Working Party Went to Warminster in evening what a dull place Weight 11st 3lbs

Sunday 4th
As usual. Attended evening service at the Home Hut Miss Osbourne spoke A splendid little sermon

Monday 5th
Same old Working party same old work

Tuesday 6th
Hard job finding work on the working party. Have a very good little mate on the job an old hand. He is no loafer like so many are. His brother is a VC man & he did not tell about it untill we had been 2 weeks together

[Page 89]

Wednesday 7th Nov
Came rather a gutser today. Had to get on to a Wheelbarrow & cart much about 150 yds What one could call uninteresting work.

Thursday 8
Same as yesterday The midday meal was a bit light today so tried the Salvation A hut. Had a very decent meat pie & good cup of tea for 3d

Friday 9
Same old job

Saturday 10th
Same. C. Watson shouted for us Take your choice Beer or cigerates, took the later

Sunday 11th
As usual.

[Page 90]

Monday 12th November1917
Working party as usual

Tuesday 13
As usual

Wednesday 14
Muster paraide & working party letters from home

Thursday 14
W Party

Friday 15
Went on Paraide for a change Messed about all day & did nothing

Friday 15
Full of Paraide went back on Working Party

Saturday 16
Mess Orderley Not much of a job as I like to see things clean & that means work & not verry

[Page 91]

good results as there is no proper way to scrub the floor. Managed to get the tables properly clean

Sunday 18
Picked on Working Party for Fovant

Monday 19
Early breckfast & with very little messing about got to the station well before time. Had a 2 hours wait at Wilton Arrived Fovant about 3 PM & were soon fixed up with a hut blankets etc in No 4 camp The first lot out of the 11th Reinforcement started for France this morning including Pat Buchman one of

[Page 92]

the best

Tuesday 20th
Our job is cleaning drains arou in this lot of camps. What a come down for would be fighters

Wednesday 21st
Same

Thursday 22
Same

Friday 23rd

Saturday 24
Same ½ day. Hall & I walked to Tisbury in afternoon a good concert given by an infintary company Had bacon & eggs bread butter etc for tea a good meal cost 2/- each

Sunday 25th
Went for a

[Page 93]

Nov Dec
walk in the afternoon a cold windy day

Monday 26th
Same old futile scratching in the drains.

Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th
At drains all the time Got some timber to make a wooden floor in one drain where it has been washed out

Saturday Dec 1st
Went to Sailsbury in afternoon Getting passes left us a bit late. Arrived about 4 per Car 2/6 each Just had time to have a look at the Cathedral very fine. Went to a

[Page 94]

mixed picture show & variety turns quite good. Had 2 good meals. Started home per Buss at 10.30. It was over full so about 10 of us got on a tailboard arangement, which promptly broke as soon as we started We knocked around for a time & eventually got a car arriveing home after midnight

Sunday 2nd
Hall & I walked to Wylie a village about 5 miles away. Quite a nice walk & the road was new to us.

Monday 3rd
Just pick & shovel & drains again. The cold is starting Heavy frost last night. Ice in sheltered places all day

[Page 95]

Dec
Thursday 4th
The ground was frozen yesterday for about 2 in down in places same today. Very hard to pick Snowed for about 10 minutes today. Do not feel it out of the way cold

Wednesday 5th
Drain makeing

Thursday 6
A fresh party arived yesterday to take our places as we were nearly all untrained men We started this morning in time to miss the 9 train had wait untill 12 arived Sutton Veny about 2. Verry heavy frost this morning

[Page 96]

Friday 7
Drill in morning M O & Dental inspection afternoon

\Saturday 8
Scrubbed out Mess huts

Sunday 9
Church Paraide Hall & I went for a walk around Warministir

Monday 10th
Minitune Range Had a night stunt out about 2 hours Spent a lot of time standing about fortunately it was not a cold night

Tuesday 11th
Voted on conscription

Wednesday 12
Started Musketery course on A

[Page 97]

Range Sutton Veny Heavy frost nice day had light.

Thursday 13
Shooting another nice day Good light Did not shoot well Issued with new rifle last night N. 61277 for active service

Friday 14
Finished a Musketry Course Scored 97 thus being classed as a First Class Shot. Did not do as well as I should have done.

Saturday 15th
Route March with Packs about 10 miles

Sunday 16
Started snowing when we were in

[Page 98]

Church this morning About an hour of it The sun came out afterwards & made things very slushy

Monday 17
The slush froze hard last night & made it very hard to get about – one sliped & slid so much. Issued Lectures on Bombing Mills 23 Mark 21 – hand grenade Hales Rifle grenade Etc

Tuesday 18
More bombing threw 2 live bombs We used to get spattered with mud & ice if the bombs were not thrown far enough

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[Page 99]

Wednesday 19
Gass Lectures & fitted with Box Helmets

Thursday 20
Gass Chamber Tear & Chlorine gas a smellie business

Friday 21
G.S.O. (Group Staff Officers) inspection Had a go at Squad Drill Physical Thaming Gassing Baynot Fighting. Musketry Bombing. Through the lot before dinner. A slack sort of inspection to go through as a test of being fully trained A few failed to pass am now a fully fledged soldier

Saturday 22
Medical inspection as we go

[Page 100]

on leave tomorrow after being frozen all the week thawed last night.

Sunday 23rd
Roused out at 4 AM Quite a mild morning. Caught the train at 7.50 arrived Paddington about 10 Had lunch in a YM for 1/- & got out to Aunt Susie about 1 PM Have written this up on Xmas morning & will leave the holiday untill I get back

Monday 24th
Saw a good deal of the Town lunched a New Palace Hotel Could not get into a

[Page 101]

Dec

so spent some time in a Picture Show

Tuesday 25
Went to St Pauls & several other places. Lunched at Trocadro quite a swell place 4 courses

Wed 26th
Wandered about considerably & saw a good deal Aunt stayed at home

Thursday 27
Westminster Abby etc left London at 7.55 reached camp about 11 PM. Have not bothered about details of all the things I did & saw on leave. The days are short for sightseeing especially

[Page 102]

when one turns out late.

Friday 28
Medical examination Put on Coal Guard

Sadurday 29
Off Guard at 9 this morning. Did some washing in afternoon.

Sunday 30
Did not fall out on the O.P.D Paraide waited for the R.C. & fell in with them the OPDs just happened to come allong just then so sliped in with them & missed Church Paraide alltogether

Monday 31
Went to the

[Page 103]

Dec

Bull Ring this morning fully determined to go on with Drill untill I went on Draft But came a guttser being put on Main Guard

Tuesday Jan 1st – 18
Spent the first day of the N Y on Guard. Snow during the night just enough for snow balling

Wednesday 2
Went

[Page 104]

Jan 1918

to the Butts with a markinh party

Thursday 3
Still at Butts Have Hegarty for a mate. Hall on next target. Backed our score against his for suppers. We won

Friday 4th
Got another cheap supper

Saturday
On the Butts Won again Went to Warminster in afternoon, Banked £ 5 Saw the Pictures & had 2 fair meals

[Page 105]

January 1918

Sunday 6
Went to Church & a walk in afternoon came on to rain the first for some time Have had 18 Australian letters through the week

Monday 7
Marking on Range Hall won the Suppers today

Tuesday 8
Range again also another win for Hall – Rought march at night

Wednesday 9
Same as yesterday finished today Drill in afternoon. A cold day

[Page 106]

Thursday 10th
Bull ring same old stunts

Friday
Bull ring Got on to Wire [indecipherable] & knotting today for the first time A bit more interesting than the old drill.

Saturday 12
Rout March about 12 miles
Warminster in afternoon went to Pictures

Sunday 13th
Church Paraide Had a stunt putting out a fire there was no fire just practice Monday 14 Walked to Hytesbury in afternoon had tea came home

[Page 107]

Jan 1918

Monday
Got on a Bayonet Fighting compition squad

Tuesday 15
Practicing Bayonet Fighting
Snowed all Sunday night about 8 in of snow on the ground in the morning. Lots of snowballing. An organised fight between 2nd & 4th & other Co

Wednesday 16
Compition came off today No 2 Co won. Our Guard

[Page 108]

mounting team was also beeten A little snow today Rain all yesterday

Thursday 17
As usual

Friday
Picked for Guard then put on Draft & taken of again

Sat
Mobilization Stunt Went out with full Packs for about a mile march taken of Draft

[Page 109]

Sunday 20
Went to Westbury a fair sized town 5 miles off

Monday 21
Put on Guard again & then on Draft after dinner Have had a very busy afternoon Dr Drawing clothes etc

[Page 110]
it is now after ten oclock & have just about finished packing kit & putting things away.

[Page 111]

[Blank page]

[Page 112]

[Blank page]

[Page 113]

ADBP
Walsh. L. J.
No 11427
53rd Battery. Field Artillay
14th FAB

Killen G
No 1246
9 Runt 6 Regiment
2 A.L.H. Brigade

Mrs Scratton, Shotley Lodge
Shotley Gate. Suffolk Train Liverpool
St to Harwich

Miss E Murray, 5 Lindfield Gardens
London N.W 13

Mr Alf Tizard 13 Bisham Gardens
Highgate Ga London

E.E.Johnson C/o Mrs F Heaton-
Ellis 19 Muswell Hill London N

Jack Moore 31916 Arthur 31915
8th Run 9th Brigade A.F.A.
C/o A F Jenkins Esq
ABC Bank 37 Threadneadle St
London E C

[Page 114]

Mrs Best
The Hill Jirrits Pass
County Amagh

E E Johnson 5th M Gun Coy
N242 AIF. France

Mrs F H Ellis Tube from
Chring X to Highgate Buss
to Muswell Hill get off at
Wordland Rise

Mrs Will Murton
Bellila Mildura

Private Rooff. J. No 4172
1st Anno
A.B. Coleman No 4060
C.G. Cannon No 4065
J Black No 4055
P.D. Buchman No 4043
H.L. Ford No 4085

[Page 115]

Reece Jones No 4118
I Green 4223
A.J. Hegarty 4103
C F Warne 4203
Middleton

[Page 116]

3368
Keith Carmichael
B-Co. 57 Btn
15 Trarning 11
No 2 Camp Codford
No
Fritz Darchy
2378 13 Co
9 Btn 3 Brigade

[Page 117]

A. Raynur.
21 Adelaide 8th
Parkeston. Essex. England
Or C/o 46 Kingsclear Rd
Alexandria. N.S.W.

[Page 118]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 119]

Xmas Cards forwarded
16/10/17 J Joyce. Miss Finch Belle Mary Callie
Mrs King Mrs Walsh Hedley
Mollie Aunt Ada Vaugn K
Fannie Holmes Wallice
Elsie Mail.
Elsie McK Coral Mary King
Maggie K Fred Grace
Letters written

Ethel T 16/11
[indecipherable] B 23/10
Ruth N 15/10
Margie 23/10
K. 8 22/10
Annie E 25/10
W. Y 9/11
Marion 12/11
Mrs C J King 2/12

[Not transcribed]

[Page 121]

[Not transcribed]

[Page 122]

Letters
Amy – Lesley – Hanana – No. Name
4/11 – 1 – 9/11 – 1 – Dig
26/11 – 2 – 14/11 – 2 – Dad
4/12 – 3 – Les – 20/11 – 3 – Mum
11/12 – PC – Les – 3/12 – 4 – Dig
18/12 – 4 – A m – 11/12 – 5 – Dad
10/1/18 – 5 – Am – 23/12 – 6 – Mum
13/1/ - X – Les – 7/1/17 – Dig
- - - 14/1/18 – 7 - Dad
- - - 14/1/18 – 8 – Dig

[Page 123]

to Kew Gdns.
Allowance for Wind
- 300 – 500 - 1000
Mild – 1’– 2’ – 3 yds
Fresh – 2 – 4 - 6
Strong – 3 – 6 – 9
Shotley Gate
Harwich Railway
From Liverpool Stn
Sunday 9-9.15 aM
Soldiers Hostel
150 A Southamton Row W C 1
Mr W M Neuton
Bililla
Mildura. Vic
Miss Lowe Mildura

[Page 124]

Raymer, A. R
21 Adelaide St
Parkeston
Essex, England
Rifle No W150324
Issued 24/9/17

Kennington Rd 8E

To Hampton Court & Kew Gardens

Train from Waterloo Stn to Twickenham then tram to Hampton Ct. BACK. Tram to Twickenham, then train

[Page 125]

Letters Written
Mother 22/6/22/8/18/ 4/10.1/11
Amery 23/6/21/7.29/8/16/9/4/10/ 4/11/
Aunt Mina 23/6/9/10/2/1/18
J King 23/6 30/10/17
C King 23/6.11/9/17 25/11
M.A. 24/6.9/7/17, 15/7/17, 24/7/22/8/25/
Dad 9/7/1725/10
Lesley 9/7/17, 7/9 – 21/10.
Jig 15/7/17, July 24 27/8/12/10
Parents July 23, 7/9/ 2
Bill Thomas July 23
Coral July 22 PC
Annie Chin July 22 PC.
Mollie July 22 P.C. KCHope 21/11-
Junnie Joyce 27/8
Aunt Annie 7/9/17
Roy 5/9/17 15/1/18
Tom Steve 7/9/17
Aunt Rose 9/9/17
MA. 27/9/13/9./26/9/16/10/21/10 14/11 15/1/18: 5/12/1/1/18
(Mum Dad Jig) 18/9/
Miss Lowe 4/10/
M & A [indecipherable]11/10
Mr A Sumners 11/10
Marsden 11/10 – 15/1/18.
Blanchie 15/10
Aunt Aggie 15/10

[Page 126]

No 4072
DARCHY. T

1st Pioneer Battln
11th Reinforcemt
Recruit No 70873
Weekely Statement No 1072
Enlisted 18th Jan 17
Went to Camp 8th Feb 17

[Page 127-129]

[Printed matter only]

[Page 130]

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