Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Compton diary, 18 March 1916 14 February 1917 /A. R. Compton
MLMSS 1243 item 2
[Compton enlisted on 15 February 1915 at age 20. He had previously served for 2 ½ years in the 31st Infantry.
Diary opens with Compton in Egypt having seen action at Gallipoli. Sailed for France on the Transylvania on 2 June 1916 and was appointed Temporary Company Sergeant Major, 11 June. Moved to the front near Bailleul. In action, 27 June. Reduced to Sergeant, 9 July. Near Albert, 31 July. Action at Sausage Valley, Pozieres, 10 Aug wounded in shoulder 12 Aug. Transferred to England - Carrington Hospital, Nottingham, 21 Aug. Monte Video Camp, Weymouth, 4 Sept. On leave 10 to 22 Oct. London, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ulverton, London. Returned to France, 12 Nov. Etaples, Amiens, Albert. In action, Grease Trench nr. Gueudecourt, 5 Feb. 1917. camp near Memetz, 10 Feb. 1917]
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A. R. Compton
Diary
18 Mar. 1916 14 Feb. 1917
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18-3-16
Out on parade this morning these fellows the majority of same rather are men not wanted in their old Batt therefore out they go. they are a bad look our officer is a dream This afternoon out again about 3.20 a storm put in an appearance it did rain & blow. of course we had some sand before hand which of course means back to camp parculiar Dusty appearance afterwards.
19-3-16
It rained heavily early this morn our tent was wet some rather fresh abo when we got out of bed church parade. this morning
I saw CO about my transfer but he said he would look into it. I saw Capt Barton whom said he would try & get me back to 13th Btt. other Sgt paraded about seniority but nothing doing much length of service.
20.3.16
Parades as usual today this morning squad & Platoon drill no rifles. this afternoon out for a march another Sgt & I. Artillery practicing gunnery saat sat down at the old Battle ground. very hot today.
21-3-16
same old parades just the same as yesterday beautiful moonlight night. last night glorious [indecipherable]
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More promotions here 12 reinforcements of the 16 Batt got commissions,
OK it is scandalous the ways things are done I have parade for [indecipherable] rather about my transfer windy day but nothing has been done in the matter.
22.3.16
On parade again as usual & the boys counted out the officers they are a beautiful lot. The Prince of Wales visited the Whole camp he is a slim youth no build or make about. What a mob of offsiders around sikien. beautiful horse with the cross flag Commissions are falling on the men when knock kneed bloody shame Half Holiday to day. very hot. Big mail today
23-3-16
Parade as usual but I took my platoon out by myself. I sat them down for a while & then drilled them for an hour Our usual Half Holiday again to day 4th Brigade sports 13th Batt won tug of war & Platoon drill 13th Batt won two cups.
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24.3.16
aeroplane this morning - first
Nothing doing to day since leaving Ismailia other than parades.
rumors of leave [indecipherable]
25.3.16
rumors about moving camp Sunday morn early. issued with karki trousers jackets helmets same as English Tommies also few towels dixies boots etc. no parades today very funny to see the boys dressed in same they do look hard nuts. The 4th brigade & my Batt. are the 4th Pioneer Batt is to move of early to morrow.
sent bomb home also diarys
26-3-16
Revellie 3.30 this morning. Packing blankets in fact everything in general. Big camal camel corp going with use Beautiful sight: started off 7 oclock & marched until 12 with breaks of 10 minutes each hour. we are marching to Syrapia [Sarapeum] on the canal Suez. Boys knocking up wholesale. Bands with Battalions grand sight to see men marching in route we started again about 3 oclock & marched upt until 5 oclock with the usual rests men very tired excellent preparations made.
27-3-16
We got our blankets so we had a good sleep after a few fatigues plenty of water. very cold this
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morning. (Cap
(Chap in limber with horse tied to same Laugh)
Revellie again 3.45. had breakfast Loaded Camels and every thing required our about our camping ground & started of 6AM Heavy fog. Hellish muggy walking We were travelling rather solid this morning. We had dinner under trees about 12 oclock we had an hours spell. Good resting camp in natives farm. Off again about one oclock. We arrived at Moascar at 5 oclock [indecipherable] afternoon what a walk loose sand me beat. we walked 22 miles today Band played us in the last stretch into resting place. Camped near New Zealanders Liverpools owns two dixies of water Great sight to see the camels train.
28.3.16
Last night New Zealander opened that their canteens to our boys so you can see what good
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pals we are or they are we moved our again from Moascar 7 oclock this morning after the usual messing around & started our last but trying day. as we were leaving same the Alago X Alogos Band Played us out it was splendid. we went across the sweet canal near Ismailia in a westerly direction along the sweet canal for 12 mile what a walk the men falling out in dozens hellish road sandish surface we were forced on to much for the distance we came men growling, a two dead camels beautiful smell. one hour for dinner we marched on until 4 oclock when we halted near the suez canal so as to allow the troops ahead of us to cross same on a pontoon bridge niggers having the cloathes steamed in a boiler
they were as naked as the day they were born Train runs right onto the canal men in for a swim well we moved
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off again crossed bridge & marched to our camp about mile & half away formed up & [indecipherable] into tents again. men absolutely beat.
hardly walk needless to say they soon got undressed & had a sleep. our blankets were the here before us (Ponds) - [indecipherable] promotions this morning
29.3.16
Revallie 6.30 this morning it seems as though everything is done to annoy the men. Another parade at 10 oclock we marched out on Batt Parade ground & the Adjutant called the names of every man in the Batt & kept us all in the boiling sun until 12 oclock when we were formed up again & were dismissed would not allow men to go for a drink Swimming Parade this morning. No Parade this afternoon Small train running [indecipherable] out to the trenches great little train same as Lemnos Island Two big boats going through canal towards Port Said
30.3.16
Revellie 5.30. Parade 6.30 until 8.00 parade again 9. till 10 again from 4 till 6. so we [indecipherable]
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it is hellish hot here. terrible dust storm here to day. Two big water motor lorries also transport lorries here. Place is full of life we expect to be here some five weeks tucker in this Battalion (Re Pioneer) is rotten. My transfer is going along OK from what I can find out has come through so I am back in 13th Battalion again (Good OH)
1-4-16
I reported to 13th Batt last night & I am attached to A Co again. also its my old Platoon so I am in lucks way, usual 5 oclock out of blankets
Bands plays a tune also all fatigues to day I went for a swim in the Suez it was lovely worst of it is it is a Hellish long walk. very windy to day which of course means plenty of dust to chew. men being very well fed in this Batt
2-4-16
Sunday to day Church service Batt Co orderly Sgt very dusty to day More reinforcements today 13th some 14th Rein to 54 Batt.
Reinf arrived also [indecipherable]
3.4.16
Sick to day always on the move to the back of the camp the same old things. Heat terrific
4-4-16
on guard to day at west side of canal on railway siding
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niggers pinching bread & general [indecipherable] & yabbering as per usual. Big boat or rather steamers going through to Port Said. one with Japanese soldiers on. It looks very strange about 3 oclock, looked like same
5.4.16
Out on Parade to day. same old things drill and sat down & smoke mail arrive to day but did not receive any letters parcels etc. nothing doing afterwards other than inspection by Colonel at 11 A.M.
6.4.16
Told last night or rather early this morning. Went for swim about 7 oclock which means I missed a parade but that did not matter, it was beautiful. Two French boa steamers & one English tramp went through the canal passed whilst I was swimming wonderful how the go through. no parade this afternoon half holiday Greeks opened Canteens in rear of our camp to day it is murderous the price they charge for their articles.
7.4.16
Mail to day papers & letter from home also Mrs Sheath & J Ashtory Dusty days Tell Mother Dad
8.4.16
[indecipherable] am drill today [indecipherable] this morn other wise nothing doing
9.4.16
Church Parade to day good service march past I made a blunder in same needless to say no [indecipherable] others
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10.4.16
cool again this morning we made an attack which cut out the 2 later parade our Co only, same old thing on the other parades.
11.4.16
Papers from Jim to day three bundles good old Pal, attack as same as yesterday, we were all inoculated to day which means no parade to for the rest of the day Boys arms are very stiff. Letters from two Miss Patchings of G. Western Vic, re Xmas puddings. [indecipherable]
12.4.16
Div duty dates to day plenty of guards, to do I have to go to Div HQ on one for 24 Hours from 5 PM this evening. nothing doing other than men holding their sore arms
13-4-16
Arrived safe & sound at Div H Quarters for duty, about 7 oclock a beautiful dust storm put in an appearance it is blowing as hard as ever I saw any storm raging. sentry having an awful time continual all day few steamers passed south through canal to day Quigley
14-4-16
Relieved from guard 7 oclock last night storm still blowing [indecipherable] passing over canal in [indecipherable] Punt having a joke with
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Boys on same also drivers of timber wagon. Camels backed onto men which caused some language whilst on Punt, arrived back in camp about 8 oclock last night. Qugi Quigley was run over by motor train yesterday whilst dust wo storm was on. No parade for guards until 9 oclock sheds & tents blown down by storm Pay to night also taking orders for Anzac magazine. Letters from home Mrs S. [indecipherable] Pay to night
15-4-16
No early morn parade because we are going on a stunt re Batt mash with [indecipherable] out. uneventful other than plenty of halts. LCpl Walker also Turks in red cross wagon News of our Light horse capturing some turks also 1 officer 1 prussian officer on the 13th inst we lost one life 60 mile out. Boring for water. R.M.S. Orsova passing through canal north stores & troop ship had a game of cricket
16-4-16
Church Parade did no attend as we were co for duty I went for a swim with Harper very fast launch passed us. the backwash
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wet a lot of boys needless to say no linguage was slung after them very hot to day. Band to play to night
17.4.16
Band played a beautiful programme it was grand not for some the moon was shining it is been a nice cool breeze blowing. Hearts & Flowers Moonlight Bay & many other well known pieces. Same old parade this day I only attended one the early morn rush to the back. inoculation again this afternoon no parades for us whom have been done.
Band to play to morrow night again. Letters & pair of sox.
18-4-16
Band played last night not up to its usual form for all that it was good My arm as big as Billy OH Letter from Fetherson, Fred Mattews, 3rd Light horse Sgt getting a commission in 18th Batt hell of a row about it.
19-4-16
[indecipherable] for duty to day plenty of fatigues nothing interesting doing other than plenty of dust & wind men getting well fed roasts etc
20-4-16
General Murray & staff with Prince of Wales inspected troops this side of canal plenty of followers.
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we did not see them other than at a distance. Band at Revielle Boys cheer same. out on parade from 6.30 till 10 oclock in our best down for a swim
Berrima passed through canal with B English troops going south this afternoon
21-4-16
Good Friday to day Trezibond reported to have fallen to the Russians Church Parade General Cox appeared on the scene. Band played sorrowful music parade stood to attention. General Cox inspected us w men then having dinner & troop complaints also a march past.[indecipherable]
22-4-16
Parade as usual General Murray & staff inspected all troops here our rifle range only show ranges some good shooting hopeless mess up the way things were carried out but they pulled through. Storm dust gallons Letter from Daisy Band to night
23-4-16
I batt orderly Sgt plenty to do in the way of parades as to day is Sunday Markers. row in Sgt Mess a nice affair plenty of trouble. Band play to night Band played very good
24-4-16
Band played last night good program men cheered same
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parades as usual to day other than afternoon parade all the battalion working together I acted as CO Comander. I am now Co Sgt Major again for how long it is hard to say Great day tomorrow as Sgt Patterson up before beak but was abomeshed Tomorrow is 25 April sports is to be on also church service
25-4-16
Anzac Day. Church service this morning very impressive Band played. General Cox & staff present. Buglers played sounded Last post. 4th Div Sports this afternoon it would have been very good only for a hot strong wind blowing down canal which spoilt all the fun Boats which the Boys made. Bands played all sorts of tunes. H R Highness The Prince of Wales was present on a beautiful motor boat. ML 37 just like a Destroyer, with big staff. Our Sgt are to have a feed up to night. Turks supposed to be [indecipherable] on us
26-4-16
Lovely night last plenty of talk etc. all the Battles fought over again. Parades as per usual
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27.4.16
Co for duty so there is plenty of fatigues to get into shape I am now Co Sgt Major again plenty of trouble. Div day tomorrow
28.4.16
Up at 4 oclock this morning moved off at 5.30 very uninteresting 3 hours we would have been all wiped out at the real thing arrived back in camp 9 oclock & of course no parade this afternoon 16 Letters to day Cecils Photos, Pay to night Parcel from J Ashton
29.4.16
Nothing interesting this morning though this afternoon Batt in artillery formation Dussty all afternoon needless to say plenty of same in our eyes. Gift clothing to day
30.4.16
Church service this morning I did not attend as there was an inspection by GOC our co best lines. nothing doing this afternoon other than answer letters I have received out to 45 Base on bike last night darn hard work came back in train
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1.5.16
Same old parades as usual to day other than a lecture on the GOC General Cox or somebody Whisky bung stolen on Anzac Day. This afternoon parade was in full marching order just as though we were going to move away from here. we are to be inspected by General Sir Arthur Godley tomorrow afternoon so we are making all preparations for his visit. it is our last inspection prior to our moving off to where Laugh about our Parade station I had a bit of a discussion with officer about his numbers (Platoon) I won On the 25 inst somebody pinched General Cox whisky.
2.5.16
At last a change in work. one night attack. same as yesterday afternoon.
9 oclock lecture in mess huts in afternoon same old things.
3.5.16
Work same as per usual attack work. Boys charge Laugh Old Sgt Major late over job again he is under open arrest Half holidays
4.5.16
Attack work again. early Parade 9 30 parade lectures & salutingc etc Bayonet fighting. yesterday this afternoon Battalion at same work which ended up by a charge laugh at the rows when marching back to
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camp each company trying to beat the other, we were in line of Co talk about dust it was awful. I was trying to [indecipherable] dust will be there. the Brigade Capt sent over & told me to go out on the desert
5.5.16
Papers from P.O.Coombs. this mornings work the same as yesterdays.
a parade to day this afternoon as we are going out for a couple of hours to night. Rumours that the Turks are coming towards us in large numbers.
6.5.16
Not a bad night last very interesting while it lasted very quaint ways some fellows have. Parades as usual though this afternoon we went a little further than usual it was a terrible dry stunt chewing sand. Hell of a wind. there is a concert at the 13th Eng. camp to night. our Batt band is to play
7.5.16
Concert was OK band played Grand programme. some good singers Boys boxing two bouts, yes very good also fiddles made of kerosene tins. beautiful. The band got very good reception Shouted beer bandmaster & I had a good walk about 12 oclock. Church service to day splendid service & lesson
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[indecipherable] from Sydney Bulletin [indecipherable] washing day to day I washed a lot of clothes also had a swim which was OK. Hellish hot today, flis are awful. one cannot get any peace at all. Band to play to night in the lines
8.5.16
Band played splendid music just what the boys like & good tune
at reveille this morning bugles & drums hell of a row at the same time the band was playing the Boys of the Old Brigade. 6 oclock parade officers did not stay long so parade was handed over to me. we did not as too much. lecture after breakfast. at 9.30 parade until 11.30. afternoon parade no officers there again they went to a lecture Co Sgt Major had charge. & we did less work than this morning. whilst settling down a new bomb machine was firing bombs (Stokes) on the muzzle loading principle hellish report it makes (the bomb)
9.5.16
Late yesterday afternoon strings of big camels. same old drill as per usual Bands played last night roar
10.5.16
Rumours about leaving Serapeum for France usual artillery drill etc this morning Hellish hot today. 9.30 Parade lecture half holiday this afternoon.
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11.5.16
very close last night usual morning work. Lecture & feet inspection also. More camels today beautiful sights. All the Battalion went for new rifles H.V. across to Div Ordanance which cut our afternoon parade Last night mess meeting things in a hopeless mess.
(13.8.16)
12.5.16
very close last night usual morning work 9.30 Parade lecture the afternoon we marched out with towels & went for a swim. 103 in the shade. We left the canal for the camp at five oclock after a beautiful swim we marched a long way round because the sweeper had been along a beautiful dust storm sprang up which took all the good ness out of our swim Lot of transport on the lakes. this morning whirlwinds gallor. beautiful sight. Act Sgt Major again & wonder for how long Sgt Major to hosp. with mumps Pay last night our Sgt drunk again awful rows in the tents until early hours in the morning
13.5.16
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Hellish close again last night. Co for duty to day Late last night, 2 Platoon on fatigue did not return till 21.30. Plenty of fatigues to day. Hot is not the word for the weather here it is even hotter than yesterday men very sluggish. Plenty of beer drunk I can swear even in our Sgt mess they are doing nothing but bend the elbow. Our platoon out for early morning Parade also the 9.30 Parade no Parade this afternoon as we are going out 19.00 for a few hours for a change (an attack) water very short today half a bottle per man. mind we are getting tea three times a day grand meal on this evening Roast meat boiled spuds cabbage I received a tin of lollies from the two Miss Fullertons good OK Plenty of rumours flying about as to where we are going Some rogue stealing money in lines
14.5.16
Sunday to day. Last night a very bad dust storm arrived which means that there was to be no parade needless to say the boys did like same officers had a spree & hell of a row. the boys cheered them plenty of drunks in line Last night. usual church Parade this morning another dust storm to day plenty of dust to chew the heat is terrific. Men getting very lazy on it. Band to play to night
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15.5.16
Band played good programme last night. Another horrible day Heat & dust. papers from Coombs. Usual morning per this afternoon 1700. 18.30
kit inspection
16.5.16
Very hot on Parade yesterday afternoon Batt out artillery formation running etc men going off pop. Very close again last night usual parade to day same as yesterday. Terrible heat men going sick whole sale. Band to play to night.
17.5.16
Another scorcher on parade terrible hot wind I never have felt any thing like it in my life it was awful yet we did our usual stunts running & lying down. Band played us into camp it livened the Boys up. it also played last night which was just the thing quite a big crowd around same. Wind dyed down this afternoon. no parade half holiday not a breath of air.
18.5.16
Last night just on tea time the boys cheered us starting from the 16th Battalion & ending at the [indecipherable] it sounded very strange in such an out of the way place. I think the boys may have found a [indecipherable] or something in the stew.
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usual morning Parades with a few little alterations re Bombers Musketry exam afternoon parade wind blowing hard plenty of dust new stunt charging hell of a mess up
R.M.S. Mooltan passed through canal northwards a fine big boat when we marched into camp the band played us in & played a tune our band the old 31st Infantry used to play it brought pleasant memories back to me. Reveille the band played Hold your hand out you naughty Boy. the boys cheered when they finished.
19.5.16
Yesterday afternoon Parade 5 till 6.30 Batt drill
at tea time a cheer set up as per usual it came all along the line.
usual Parades this day other than afternoon which we did Battalion drill it was very interesting band playing march back to camp one trying to beat the other.
20.5.16
usual cheer last night. same parades as yesterday other than the usual hours. Band played us whilst marching past it was a good afternoon
[indecipherable] mail to day from
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home a Beautiful day to day it was Glorious it is wonderful how it changes here the weather
21-5-16
Usual work this afternoon today Beautiful day cool breeze blowing
22.5.16
Last last night Co order to parade 6 oclock full marching order which we did
a good turn out morning parade 9.00 in mess shed musketry instruction. afternoon parade Batt full marching order going through drill etc for inspection day hellish dusty now at Batt parade. beautiful sunset. [indecipherable]
23.5.16
received order last night that Batt would be inspected by B. General Monash men look great in full marching order with Aust clothing & helmets. General very pleased at the way same was turned out. Gave the men a good speech about discplin disciplline. when they get to France which will be very soon. 6 oclock Parade 10 oclock we fell in & had a swimming Parade it was beautiful in. We are Batt for Duty Div. we have plenty of guards etc to get away no parade this afternoon. Post card from Master Coombs [indecipherable] swimming. very funny
24.5.16
No Parade to day as we are going to have an all night stunt.
Div were to fall in at 5 oclock nothing doing to day
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Last night we marched over to the railhead a distance of about 5 mile it was a beautiful sight to see practically a full Div. with all transport etc. moving along the road we arrived there about about 8 oclock, we are to make an attack on the Suez. artillery formation men moved well operations carried out well until we extended when there was a hell of a mix up. no command & we dug in I mean us whole of the 13th Batt I was one of the screen we were back to camp at day break. it was very cold drill uniforms marching order with our Packs. we are to continue the attack to morrow noss morning at day break. we will not leave camp until 02.30. 26.5.16. We are moving any day now to France.
26.5.16
I was up at 0100 to rouse men up. everything went well & men were moved off to time 0230, Beautiful morning we continued to dig in & on day B we attacked. when that was over we filled the trenches in and came home we arrived in camp at 0800 after a good morning
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Pay to day A Co Sgt growling about the small pay paying the men passed off without a hitch. Sgt Major Horne in terrible state
27.5.16
All Parades to day were quite easy we sat down in mess huts. musketry instruction, spoken to about being half a minute late handing over the company. I made my complaint.) I asked CO O.C. about fixing thing up as regards Co Sgt Major & got a very favourable answer. things very quiet to day (Short arm inspection laugh)
Hobson Sgt mess [indecipherable]
28.5.16
Late last night I received orders that every man had to take all his clothing down to be fumegated which was to take place at 0600. what a fine job in getting the men out of bed. we arrived there safe & sound beautiful & cool going across canal this morning to the place said above. whilst waiting for our bags to come out again a water with two horses in bolted the driver lost his head which meant that there was a spill he was not hurt much. very luck as the cart fell upon him. we arrived back in camp just on 0800 oclock Leather goods [indecipherable] men going crook . General inspection tomorrow by General Murray G.O.C. of all forces in Egypt. Lecture in officers mess about parade for tomorrow few new men arrived to make up strength
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of the Battalion Young Pearson of [indecipherable] amongst them, another boil on my neck a beauty.
29.5.16
Big inspection to day a beautiful sight to see the 4th Div was wonderful [indecipherable] so General Murray G.O.C. of troops in Egypt. Indians on horses racing we had a march past we fell in at 4.30 & arrived back in camp at 6 oclock after a dusty walk men falling over like flies. General Murray
30.5.16
We are to embark at Alexandria to morrow night so we had a good swim this morning. Hospital ship women aboard same. We had a good clean out in lines which was badly needed spare gear etc roused on for coming [indecipherable]. this afternoon we had to carry our black kit bags to railway station about 1 ½ miles away a solid walk coming we back we had another swim road congested by wagon & troops, dusty later on this afternoon. Plenty of running about
31.5.16
Reveille 04.30 this morning plenty of fatigue re striking camp as we are to move off this afternoon from camping ground at 4 1630 what a joyful march to Serapeum west station we got there after a rough march as the road congested with all sorts of traffic we entrained about 1830, as
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we were moving off or rather before General Cox was speaking to us he is a fine little fellow iron jawed we have a dog called Anzac it jumped off the train & he went to catch it for us but could not & one of our chaps jumped out & captured same his staff also tried to catch the dog for us. Billy the Bantam is with us still also his mate. we are packed in open trucks (freight) 33 in each hardly room to move. Eggs I was robbed a native woman
1.6.16
One year to day since I landed on the Peninsular a hell of a night last. rather cool eggs & cooked the native used to come to us when the train would stop. where they come from I do not know. we arrived at the wharf about 02.30 & embarked straight away men were allotted to their sleeping berths without us doing any running about. Sgt [indecipherable] I had a hell of a job to find out where all my company was though I have them now & our first meal on board to night
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from all appearances she is a poor boat for food. her name is Transylvainia about 14500 tons. beautiful looking boat she is crambed up to the utmost with troops. 13th 14th 15 Batt. also [indecipherable] list of details A.M.C. etc. We also are for duty we have plenty to do guards etc it was a hard job to find the men but I scrambled through. Our band gave a program just after to this evening it was glorious. men packed around same. niggers loading up the boat etc the harbour is full of transports. The whole of our Div is going away (4th) messing tables allotted
2.6.16
Reveille 5.30 this morning break. 06.30 plenty of noise but all passed off OK. men getting rotten tucker we Sgt are faring likewise. fairly easy morning, muster parade also men allotted to boat stations with life belts what a way to handle men plenty of fops aboard in alarm parade this afternoon not bad turn out. the boat is zig zagging all over the place of course for a purpose
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we moved off from the wharf 1000 there three band take it in turns to play very nice thank goodness that it is the last of Egypt we may see for soldering. I inquired about the position I am holding & I received satisfactory reply & expect to be gazzeted.
3.6.16
Tucker very scraggy men growling hell of a rough road we have had a French destroyer with us all day to day the sea smooth as a mill pond, Given our money back in English coinage. Eletric globes stolen out of my cabin. Plenty of music aboard & alarm to day. Passed the Island of Crete
4.6.16
Very windy last night not enough to make our boat rock. Church service to day wind to strong to hear the service Bands playing during the afternoon. Tucker still rotten. Breakfast bread porridge butter & tea, dinner boiled meat & potatoes tea bread butter rice & prunes. My
cabin pulled about the contents etc same destroyer put in an appearance early this morning beautiful sight still windy
5-11-16
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glorious morning early we passed Malta miday a good distance from same though. we have had no escort to day at all nothing much to note during the day of course our usual inspection Our band 13th played for officers mess last night & it was beautiful to hear same. tucker a bit better to day. News of big naval battle in the north sea. News congested nothing definite yet but expect to get something later on.
6.6.16
News to hand about naval battle honours seem about even. Rumour about Lord Kitchener being killed around anyhow he is reported dead nothing official we expect to arrive at Marseilles early tomorrow. nothing doing [indecipherable] parade to day tucker still crook aboard this packet
7.6.16
I was walking about the deck last night & it was very cold. From all reports about Kitchener seems to be correct. with all his staff. we arrived at Marseilles about 9 oclock this morn we passed the Island of Monte Christo [indecipherable] a beautiful place cathedral suspension bridge municipal buildings made harbour French boats very [indecipherable] in
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shape. Sailing boats tugs. our band played in harbour splendid reception. dinner early disembarked 2.30 marched about 1 ½ miles great excitement band played grandly we entrained & started off about 2 oclock where not known we are told a long journey a few men missing tucker issued out. Kitchener report quite true bad luck for us. all our Batt & part of 14th Batt on train 45 carriages very long train we travelled along coast line for 1 hour or so plenty of tunnels on route great fuss by French people Lyon station.
8-6-16
Travelling all night we have travelled a good distance first stop for anytime when we got issued with rations was Macon. what a beautiful country this is (France) plenty of cultivation every piece of ground in use. it has rained all the morning. splendid reception all along the line grand roads here [indecipherable]
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plenty of beer the boys are having a good time (also wine) rain stopped about 12 oclock we had another issue of rations at 1600 Les Laumes & Alisia plenty of eatables bought by the last also boose. Road with trees alt all along sides of same large factories along the line what a grand trip it is some quaint engine here funny shape though there are some great engines here very fast. long tunnels we went through about 6 miles long Band played at Macon. Women & men tears rolled down their cheeks when the Marsilles was played French native troops big fellows I put steel helmet on today a very neat affair. Big station night loading coal beautiful engine
9.6.16
Same reception all day along the line ration issue also cigarettes & matches Red cross nurses issued us with cold tea we stopped Amines another big centre railway works muster parade at Abbyville awful mix up
scrambled through
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told to get our gear ready as we will be detraining early next morn.
We passed through Calias last night I did not see it but we did very few will beleive it, passed a host of hospitals. we detrained about 5 oclock at Bailulle about 10 mile from the firing line fell in after the usual fatigue & marched into our billets one company here & the others near by Steine Il. Muster parade 9 oclock beautiful country as we were marching to said billets 5 Aeroplanes they got a great reception from the Germans beautiful sight. plenty of messing about plenty of wine here for the boys Things very quiet all day. still raining off & on all day route march this afternoon
11.6.16
Still raining to day. Muster parade this morning had to straighten up the S bearers. I have about 300 men in our billet to look after had Church service this morning our A Co made it compulsory other company except one had 3 on parade my name was read out in Batt order as Temp C.S.M. A Co dated from 1-6-16 just a year since I joined up the batt. Our band played in the village square as the French church people came out. City Square Boys wear egg boilers & smoke drink wine majority wear long trousers. women folk are all in black one can guess why
[Page 35]
12.6.16
It has been raining all night lightly all night a heavy bombardment it is day break about 3 oclock. & it is fully 9 oclock before it is dark it would be splendid country for our Aust cockies I have [indecipherable] out a bike to day Parade at 7. 9.30 & 2 oclock route marches the roads are not very mucky considering the amount of rain there is here. Beer here is a penny a glass wine 2d in fact things are very cheap. Splendid news from Russian front near Galacia. Pigs pinched our barn [indecipherable] bacon.They have very big pigs here farm ones.
13.6.16
Raining again off & on all day. early morning parade this morning at 1145 we held a memorial service for Lord Kitchener, it rained all through the service it was held in the village square the church bell was ringing wether it was meant I do not know. impressive service
14.6.16
Threatening weather today, usual route marches pretty long roads rather mucky walking Aeroplanes first flight [indecipherable] one. Heavy bombardment over Ypres way.
15.6.16
We had an alarm last night it was a creditable
[Page 36]
performance it was only a sham one. Sunshine this morning Co for duty. time put forward an hour on account of [indecipherable] from what we are told or some other darn thing Leave to England to start tomorrow for 7 days when they leave France Length of service on the Peninsular counts first Like rain again rumour to the effect that we are going nearer the firing line. All the men broke financially. The 13th Batt Sgt mess no more after to day as it is [indecipherable]
We are to move on 17.6.16 to a place near Armentiers.
16.6.16
Early morning parade issued with gas helmets. mouthpiece. we are to go through the a gas test also a tear pit we went through same gas we but the tear she pit was a take in no parade in the afternoon.
General Birdwood [indecipherable]
17-6-16
General work about billets to clean up as we move today or rather about [indecipherable] which we did move off in artillery formations A Co leading the other companys following on behind The band played as our [indecipherable]
[Page 37]
B Co. it is beautiful country here plenty of crops & its OK. we had a 10 minutes halt every hour. with 40 minutes spell for tea. we marched through the village or town of Sailly in file 50 yards between platoons I met a Leichhardt chap Bourne. cobbles stones in the streets very few civilian people in same plenty of soldiers we arrived at our billets after a rotten march. about 8 oclock we are housed the majority of us in wooden huts. some in the barns trees all around us [indecipherable] hellish bombard last night she was pretty warm Plenty of soldiers & strange to say so near the firing line a good number of women & children whom seem to take no notice of the gazumps
18.6.16
Sunday to day only a muster parade no church service I went looking for Sgt Gilbert 17th Batt but gave it best & walked for miles. a couple of batteries having a go at one another. observation balloons. aeroplane last mentioned are always getting a great reception from the opposite sides. nothing much doing though last night it was dam cold we have only one blankets
19.6.16
Big bombardment about 12 oclock last night. both sides at it we were called out for a gas alarm & we were on for a couple of hours [indecipherable] night
[Page 38]
though nothing came of it so we went to sleep. we are situated in a parculiar position [sketch] it was very cold early this morning continual row before the close last night with G.S. waggons taking rations etc up to the firing line on parade to day as we are company for duty 50 men for Batts exchange of under clothing etc I found Sgt Gilbert & a hell of a walk & went into Armentieres & bought a watch the town is deserted with the exception of a few isolated cases. it is belted about a little. I got caught with my eyes open as the price I paid for the watch. very dull day to day though it is darn cold this evening I expect it will rain Factories still working it does not look as though there is a war on here by the way things look but in places there are some houses skittled etc.
20.6.16
Quiet night last. English mail to hand I received papers from (Coombs). Usual parade this morning. Plenty of shells flying around to day I went to Armentieres again this afternoon exchanged watch (French [indecipherable]) Hotel afire by German shell. Huns have been shelling town this afternoon. I had a ride in this a motor lorry Australian where to said he jump aboard. It rained when
[Page 39]
I came was returning. I had a few cherries very nice. I bought pocket wallet also a few odds & ends. nice girls. the town is in a awful mess I noticed to day that the billet we are in was built 1669. it looks as though it was about 50 years old. all the building here that is the farm house have a lake all around the house. what a beautiful country this is. Plenty of drunks about, it is shameful. yet if?
21.6.16
Things very quiet until late this evening a squadron of our planes came along & what a display of fire works.no were brought down. Longest day of the year to day.
22.6.16
I am to go out to the trenches after dinner today 12 oclock. I arrived at same at 5 oclock after a hell of a walk. met a few fellows I knew along the road also got a reception from the Germans re shells. Bill Harris 18th Batt. there is to be a strafe to night.
23.6.16
There was a strafe last night it was pretty warm a great display of shell bombs & flares. things were very uncomfortable it started about 11 oclock. & ended about an hour then thing were quiet no rifle fire. very quiet until the
[Page 40]
time I left. a hell of a walk back I must have lost a couple of pounds of flesh I arrived home about 1 30 this afternoon. I found the company head over heals it was rotten men had been detailed for schools of instruction no list kept
24/6/16
Still detailing men off for schools etc my clerk had gone to another job things were very quiet to day back here
25/6/16
Rained this morning, just enough to make it uncomfortable. Letters from Mother Marge Compton, Dick Letter also a parcel from same
26/6/16
Hell cut loose last night about 12 oclock it was the warmest artillery duel ever I have heard, it last about two hours shells were falling around our place no damage around our way. things uneventful remainder of the day
27/6/16
I received instructions to go out to the trenches to night with one Platoon 2. we reached trenches after a rotten march ammunition waggons towards firing line we arrived about things were quiet all the way.
28/6/16
Things were lively early this morning. [indecipherable] took over trench stores what a hopeless job every thing ace of head But I suppose we will pull thing together when the remainder of our - will arrive
[Page 41]
to night it has been raining off & on all day Co Orderly Room
29/6/16
Hell of a stunt on our right last night our - arrived safe & sound. thing rather warm all along the line. shells fell here like hells. Aeroplanes out 11 all told our [indecipherable] & fly over to the Boch line. plenty of shots fired at them Rain again. we are at.
30/6/16
6 Batt or 7
I ration party last night rough passage rain again heavy firing all along the line there must be something doing somewhere close because we got a good reception here. C Co getting a rough time today. we got a good share late this afternoon. [indecipherable] beautes into the bargain. no casualties but it demoralises the men needless to say I am shakey [indecipherable] it is a rotten place the trenches are up to putty but I think I can see through the whole affair ?
1/7/16
Hellish bombardment last night all along the line things quietened about 9 A.M. both sides we got a good shelling by the enemy this evening about 6 oclock our aeroplanes were over enemy line
[Page 42]
Hundreds of shells fire at same though no planes were brought down. wonderful sight
2/7/16
Another night with no rest enemy at it again about 12 oclock until small hours of the morning. it was lively on our left 4th got it hot & strong they also got it warm this evening I have hell of a lot of work to do here
News of great British & French advance at Somme
3/7/16
another aeroplane display it was beautiful late this evening. We also had a bugger of a time our people made a raid about one 11 oclock it was hell cut loose it lasted fully 1 hour, both sides were at it as hard as any I want to be amongst she was rotten it was all along the line. I got my helmet knocked off what a sight it was. thing were very quiet with the exception of a few shots from Fritz Letter from Vera Compton Mrs [indecipherable] Jim Coombs
4/7/16
Hellish bombardment again last night on our left. companies changing over. we got a warm time also. things eased up about 2 AM. things quiet until about 3 oclock this afternoon when we got another peppering Parapets blown over. rain again I received a parcel from A Combs
5/7/16
Last night very quiet absolutely nothing doing all was quiet until about three oclock when the Germans rained in hells delight at us. a coal box shell burst
[Page 43]
in the trench or rather bay & killed two shaking up another chap & myself the out come of same was I was taken in to dressing station & then to 4th Field Amb as far [indecipherable] stopped there for the night. got a gas alarm there about eight oclock. I am sore all over though I am excedingly lucky to be alive. shell made a terrible mess of the two ites which it killed. I will be OK again in a couple of days again
6/7/16
Had a good sleep last night had breakfast this morning & then taken away to D.R.S. about 6 mile in rear of the firing line. had a good warm bath & a change of clothing which was beautiful I am progressing OK will be back again with the Batt I like any day now.
7/7/16
Nothing doing other than to roam about anxious about Anglo-French advance raining today up the cherry tree late this evening a good feed. Signaller acting as a [indecipherable] with blanket over his shoulders. Gas alarm last night
8/7/16
Still raining today. will be
[Page 44]
allowed to go back to unit to morrow I am now near well but it is a case of get pace for my job to be gazetted. not much news about big advances. Feed of eggs today also bought some cherries very nice. my foot & back is more than sore. the doc had me bending & touching my toes this is a rough hospital D.R.S. near Bailleul. It is quite light up till 10 oclock here it is a beautiful evening as the sun is shining brightly & a nice breeze blowing.
9/7/16
Beautiful evening yesterday. Left D.R.S. & joined Batt very shaky on it reduced to Sgt again which is only correct Burstill carrying on the job of CSM nothing doing to day other than the usual fall of shells I had a look at the German trenches opposite the salient terrible mess. Good news is heard from the Russians 13000 prisoners 200 officers 45 guns nothing about Anglo French moves to hand to day Received a whole lot of letters parcels from Ashton
10/7/16
Very quiet night last thank goodness we are being relieved by 29 Batt tonight & tomorrow. quiet day until the Germans sent heavy
[Page 45]
Boskers over near Latrine awful smell, made a mess of the trenches. Had a look at German lines our people had bombarded same a couple of days ago & played up somewhat Aeroplanes up both side. nearly hit plenty of ammunition fired
11/7/16
Our last night. also all day to day until about three oclock when our people started making a nuisance of themselves. remainder of us will be relieved to night for how long it will be hard to guess. where to is another thing. plenty of work this day handing over stores etc to incoming Co. at time of writing all is over (handing over) threatening weather. very nippy
12/7/16
Remainder of batt. left the trenches after a mess about. rough walk out down the saps also to [indecipherable] we were relieved about 12.30 M this morning & we were marching until close on 5 oclock. no system about anything that is done. we were on the move again at 1 30 PM for steente-je. a hell of a walk about 7 miles. will be on the move to morrow again from all reports
13/7/16
Received orders that we are to move again at 10.30 for Bailleul station where to goodness only knows some say Somme
[Page 46]
district. very close weather for marching Train left 12.28 PM. half trucks & carrages. Through Hazlebrouck. St Pol. first mentioned a fine place motor transport. we arrived at train journey end Fienvillers Candas at 6.30 PM. We started on another march where to goodness knows but we are going strong about 7 oclock
14/7/16
Long march since 7 oclock last night beautiful roads high tree border on each side of the road, some 7 mile march we arrived at our halting place at 10.15 PM. Domart. en. Ponthieu good sleep in today for a wonder had a good look around the village. it is in valley it can boast of a nice village square Our boys getting drunk. plenty of wine etc.
15/7/16
Hell of a night lads drunk fights etc some of them look very bad the morning which of course we had to suffer for them playing up we were taken out on a march for about 8 miles needless to say the boys are going dead sour over same it was a beautiful march the whole Battalion and new Brg officers [indecipherable] NCO. Also Anzac
16/7/16
[Page 47]
We are move off for new place of abode nothing doing this morn we left. Dom Domart 2 oclock this evening where it is hard to say eventually we arrived at Naours. about ten mile away 6 oclock. I was very close sweat beautiful country we passed through new Brg said Ύ mile it was fully 2 mile of [indecipherable] general [indecipherable], 15 minutes notice
17/7/16
Nice village very old dead nothing doing corn scarce here. Parade 10 oclock [indecipherable] but the after noon parade was a 5 mile march grand but rather close men [indecipherable] a treat. home again 5 oclock Reg mail
18/7/16
Rain last night things are rather sloopys 9 oclock parade bayonet fighting etc. march same as yesterday I did not go no boots [indecipherable]
19/7/16
Plenty of drunks etc last night hell to pay over same plenty of marching & parades. New Brg gave O. & NCO another dressing down. charging stunt this afternoon parade quite a change Our aeroplanes large ones
[indecipherable] bad news, from [indecipherable]. Dad letter re Ray
[Page 48]
Court this morning. Coy. mess up laughable. paynow & usual work this [indecipherable] March. 7 mile bonny but very close 2 oclock until; 5 oclock. Div artillery passed us they going up to the firing line we went to
21/7/16
Muster parade. & Brigade parade court martial. read out mens names had them in the square & gave the men a good talking to about time as the boys have not been playing the game. perhaps the booze is not up to the mark. sentences [indecipherable] court martial case to day lot of messing around [indecipherable] Batt. Loaf of [indecipherable] reinforcements arrived late this evening things very quiet here. Aeroplanes 8 of same ours beautiful sight
22/7/16
Foggy morning we are to go went out for the day starting at 9 oclock until 5oclock 3 oclock it was beautiful a good swing on we went about 10 mile I should say. the whole brigade were out a grand sight to see the whole brigade on the march. Heavy bombardment been going on for the last 2 days it is rumoured that the Aust. are going to make an advance
23/7/126
good concert last night
Church parade to day good
[Page 49]
service . Cards given by General Cox for raid. Brigadier gave out news about Aust move. favourable news I went to under ground caves. French people used to be in when the English used to be at war with them. very cold inside.
24/7/16
Cold again this morn. nothing exciting going on all to day. Horse in wheat sheaving.
25/7/16
On the move to day we left at 9 oclock where we will find out later. Beautiful country we went through about 8 mile. rest for dinner Breakdowns wounded [indecipherable] we were going forwards Artillery plenty of it all over the place hard march for some big stuff into the bargain we arrived at our destination about 6 oclock this evening. Rubempre
26/7/16
Rubempre Warloy is the name of the village we are in plenty of troops etc passing both ways. W plenty of soldiers we are stationed at a farm Big place (horses) Bayonet fighting all day
27
On the move again to day for where I am told Warloy plenty of artillery [indecipherable] & troops passed through village hellish muggy [indecipherable] drop down
[Page 50]
dinner at 12 oclock cavalry as far as one can see. [indecipherable] we arrived at Warloy. fairly big village. Plenty of troops going in & out.
28/7/16
Drill as usual to day Physical drill & bayonet all day. Great sight motor waggons both kinds passing through. First R [indecipherable] Howards
29/7/16
Big bombardment last night. Same old work as yesterday Sent to parcels home Pay to day. General Birdwood gave the boys some papers. Fine fellow. Our packs handed in on taking marching order with our packs with waterproofs & overcoats. ready to move at any time for some stoush up.
30/7/16
Church service this morning in a great little paddock inclosed by high trees. Colonel [indecipherable] gave a splendid speech. Be courages etc 13th Batt played 15th Batt football [indecipherable] game it was hard work I played. game was obanded owing to the ball bursting we were leading by 5 to nil. after half time when we arrived back we were told to be ready to move at 5 oclock we fell in & then were told to stand by
[Page 51]
until 6.30 when we moved off towards Albert. A & C Coys only moved out
31/7/16
We arrived at Albert about 9.30 last night it was very very close marching we passed through numerous villages inroute, we slept in an open paddock last night Blankets & waterproof & overcoat rather cool we had a drink of tea. we went out on a salvage job to day at La Bassie what a terrible mess things are in. trenches levelled with the ground (filled in) German dug outs are wonderful pieces of work about 30 feet under ground. beds etc they seem to have made all preparations to stop there. some of the dug outs are untouched. Mine craters ground full of shell holes. shells falling about to day. we have some great guns here 12 inch ones all over the place Ovillers & La Bassye there is not a wall left standing it must have been a terrible struggle advancing, we arrived back in camp about 6 oclock I went in the town & had a good look around. it is smashed up some what. the main church there is broken completely up the statue is smashed or rather leant
[Page 52]
[words deleted] right over & is hanging across the road marvellas how it hands there. chimney stacks are all got a lean on. The railway engines are running now for the first time for about 14 [indecipherable] so it is said. Rumours of a stunt by the second Div.
1/8/16
No stunt last night as rumoured though there was plenty of shells flying around last night & early this morning Germans shelling Albert all around the church Out again to day cleaning up. two of our chaps wounded. we arrived back home after a few shells we thrown at us. Very very hot.
2/8/16
Lively night again last night wonderful sight to see gun firing 12 inch gun fired near us to day what a mess wonderful Plenty of aeroplanes about. only seen two up to date of the enemys. big guns on railway Letter from home today. I did not go out today.
3/8/16
Thing quiet to day of course shells still falling about
4/8/16
Hell of a row last night an attack it seemed thing quiet Germans still shelling Albert the town
[Page 53]
is knocked about. Balloons up plenty of our but cannot see any of the enemy. Mind you they may be there Planes up this evening shells all around them
hard to say whos they were.
5/8/16
Big stunt last night second Div gained their objective from what we are told. great number of prisoners. Terrible noise with the shells bursting. we expect to go in to the firing line any time now. Germans shelled railway station this evening what a display one shell dropped in the waiting room of course life is trade mark. Cigars from home to day & letter
6/8/16
Thing lively last night last night great activity on back sides. We left Albert for the firing line Baru Hill at 5 oclock in morn just as we moved the place was shelled. we arrived in Sausage Valley about 6 oclock to day. Wonderful the numer of gun around about here Aeroplanes on both sides plenty of ammunition used hit same but none brought down.
7/8/16
[indecipherable]
Things were lively again Enemy firing all around our bivouacs. we got into a trench near Batt on the move to day for Sausage
[Page 54]
Valley we arrived the about 1 oclock amazing the number of guns about of all descriptions & calibre. Enemy dropping big shells near by marvellous escapes sleeping in old trenches. German prisoners fine stamp of men. One amongst our chaps strolling along as though nothing had accoured
8/8/16
Nothing doing much other than the usual hum of shells flying around very very close all day. to night there is a small stunt on by the 15th Batt.
9/8/16
At 9 oclock last night it was a wonderful sight to see our batteries open out at. given command same carried on for close on an hour then the usual shelling but a mess up from all reports the Suffock did not come forward so the 15 or half of them had to retire the other half is still in regained trenches. 16th Batt is having a [indecipherable] at the half that failed last night to be taken. we A Coy will be reserve Coy to same. so we move forward about 6 oclock to night mail today
[Page 55]
I did not receive any letters 2 bombs each
10/8/16
Two years to day since I met Angela. Two days more & I shall be gazetted Co Sgt Major. We left our position with the 16 Batt to take up a possy of our own. About 9 oclock we left Dead all along the saps we were in an open sap till time of writing 6 oclock the enemy shelled us like Billy OH we relieved the 15th Batt. 16th Batt gained their objective
11/8/16
We made an attack last night it was lively while it lasted we gained our objective. our Capt missing also 1 Sgt 3 men hell of row when the enemy opened out about 4 oclock this morning & it has been continuous all day in fact it is still going on now all enemy firing amazing how men can live under such fire. we are to make another advance to night if possible
12/8/16
[Page 56]
About 7 oclock last night I was buried in the trench same fell in it was an awful
shock sleapt in a German dugout close by all night I think something is broken. Bone in shoulder Still bombarding the enemy all night our boy advances again about 150 yards
Went to dressing station early this morn sap levelled with the ground dead all over the place about two mile walk then in a horse ambulance to dressing station then to Warloy in motor ambulance from Warloy to Pushvillers stopped there an hour or so entrained for Etaples near Boulogne at 4 oclock still travelling at time of writing 6 oclock food on train
13/8/16
Arrived at Etaples about 12 oclock last night after a nasty journey very close & plenty of stops etc into receiving room then for a warm wash & then bed clothes then to bed Doctor cannot make out what is the matter with
[Page 57]
my shoulder. good food here in hospital. it is a Canadian hospital strange way of talking here. Band this morning very nice. hospital near station we are near the sea nice & fresh.
14/8/16
Nothing doing other than making a nuisance of oneself about the place Band played here today Aust old tunes which our old band used to play 31st
up early morning shoulder torn muscles not fractured
19/8/16
Went before Board & was passed for Blighty will be on the move tomorrow went for a walk
20/8/16
Woke up about 4 oclock this morn for to get ready for the old Dart train to leave about 6 oclock into ambulance to train put in OK fine carriages on train long one we got a cup of tea & piece of bread & then we started as the saying goes for Calais we arrived there about 12 oclock after a beautiful journey we passed through Boulogne
[Page 58]
fine city we also went along the coast for a few mile. roads very near railway line at station we were put aboard same no sooner than we got settled down we got a lovely stew it was grand plenty of same too. we moved off from wharf at 4.30 PM for Dover England. the boat Newhaven hospital ship about 900 tons she was fast we did the trip in one hour & half[indecipherable] old we arrived at Dover about 5 oclock sat about for a few minutes & then entrained again for Nottingham at [indecipherable] a fine station at Dover.
21/8/16
Dressed in blue
Arrived at Nottingham Station (Victoria) then conveyed to Carrington Hospital by motor car. School converted. Fine hospital 12 oclock for bath & then to bed. up at 8 oclock visited by doc. (civilian) allowed out by myself from 1 to 7 oclock. Chat Brown fine fellow, 4th Batt. went into town & had a look around fine city [indecipherable] double decker trams very slow. half fares for soldiers women conductors. not a hurry & bustle here like Sydney wonderful railway system different [indecipherable]
[Page 59]
one line crossing another over head. Bridges etc. Flappers Splendid food in this hospital.
22/8/16
Nothing doing until went out this afternoon & made tour of inspection of a lace factory wonderful sight, great machinery Gee it is hard to understand the people in their talk. had lunch in town & then home again we are near the famous Sherwood forrest
23/8/16
Sitting around as usual until time to get out & have a look around. Bought some lace at place we visited yesterday had a look at Nottingham Museum fine place for a town like this there do not seem or there is not any big factories here there are big buildings but they are sub let. lunch again in town gee wiz how slow the people are. starting to rain drizzleing one does not see blue skys here.
24/8/16
Nothing doing here at all other than the usual routine in the morning (PS sitting around) out for a walk though there is nothing to see close at hand
The flappers
25/8/16
Things very quiet out for a walk this afternoon
[Page 60]
started to rain this afternoon again drizzling rain
26/8/16
Morning passed off as usual quiet received answer from Horseferry road in answer to my enquires out this afternoon were looking for a band but did not find same so went to moving pictures not bad.
27/8/16
Sunday today Church services held this morning in hospital Heard a band in Nottingham Forest park very tame. a rain storm came over half way through programme so we had to get a move on. the shops here have got no veranders in front of same
28/8/16
nothing of interest during the last three days here other than plenty of drizzling rain.
1/9/16
We are to leave this hospital (Carrington Military) for our own Aust. one received our clothing which had been fumigated it is all spoilt through the terrific heat to morrow
2/9/16
We left Notts hospital 17 of us at 12 oclock to day to Victoria Station Great Central railway we arrived London
[Page 61]
MarlyBone station at 3.30 pm 23 minutes late after a fairly fast journey beautiful train overcrowded. we had to wait until 4.45 on account of missing the 3.7 train for Harefield from the same station walk about the town. we got train which did not go direct to Hairfield. Same to Bush Ruislip change there for Harefield. it was rotten to have to change so much when we got there we had to wait until the motors came which came at 7 oclock. we arrived at Harefield 5.13 18 mile. went through the usual [indecipherable] inspection by doc placed into wards & then some tucker as we had not had any since 6 oclock same morn.
3/9/16
Sunday to day raining as per usual (drizzling) doc did not see us to day out for walk this evening rather cool. big hospital good way of catering for mens meals etc New about zeppelins above ten on last night
4/9/16
Saw doc this morn. marked for Weymouth to leave tomorrow that means I leave young Brown here fine little fellow Rain again to day news about Zepp being brought down.
[Page 62]
Up early this morning to get clothing 7.15 so as to be ready for orders I being put in charge of the party 47 all told a rough mob into the bargain we were taken to Denham station by red cross motor. got aboard train to MarlyBone then a mess up about warrant Tube railway [indecipherable] ) to Paddington station after some excitement. train left 12.25 we arrived at Weymouth at 4.15 after a slow journey not bad scenery in route & taken to Monte Video camp about 2 ½ mile out of town inspected by doc & then had some tea in a hut we were all put into until we are classified to morrow
6/9/16
I had a bed last night but no sleep Up at 6 oclock parade soon afterwards & then we we taken to pay office to be put on the pay roll there. then breakfast & parade to doc. 9 oclock for classification my turn did not come until after dinner. put into hospital there a rough place Sgt mess.
7/9/16
Nothing doing to day beautiful days a massage today
[Page 63]
Lady Birdwood visited the hospital today Slim woman. nothing doing afterwards
8/9/16
Half a sleep last night, before doctor again to day he cannot make out what is wrong a bit of a mists mystery about it Beautiful day again just nice for a good swim. food OK in this hospital, fellow has sunstroke here in my ward a pitiful sight in fact one sees same wherever he looks now.
9/9/16
22 years old today. beautiful day.
10/9/16
Nothing of any interest Sunday to day. Still in hospital. Weather beautiful went for a walk this evening towards Weymouth (town) on bridges Beautiful girls going to church quite a difference to what I had seen previously about
wrote letter to adjutant 13th Batt
11/9/16
Nothing doing other than to eat & lay about the joint etc
12/9/16
Letter from young Brown Hubert in answer to mine. out of hospital
[Page 64]
& put in No 2 Coy Class C.1 Plenty of men coming here from hospitals all over England darn shame to see them dressed in Tommy clothing because there is plenty of our own clothing about.
13/9/16
Massage to day after break of 3 days Under electric treatment also to the dentist he wanted to take my tooth out the one I had trouble over on the peninsular but I would not hear of it, so he is going to do the best he can he said I had taken great care of my teeth. before the doc again he said nothing about my shoulders.
14/9/16
Nothing doing other than the usual parades Reveillie 6 & parade 6.30 until 7.30 9 oclock & 2 oclock went to Weymouth for walk. a beautiful beach saw destroyer steaming gracefully in to harbour People here [indecipherable]
[Page 65]
shot people
15/9/16
Before doc again at massage room but he still remains quiet Concert this afternoon Mrs Spencer Brown Commandants wife directions good [indecipherable] for the boys all attended same. R.C. Preist.
16/9/16
Rain this morning but parade as usual then we returned half holiday this afternoon
16/9/16 17.18/
Nothing doing other than the usual parades
19/9/16
Detailed to take a party of furlouge men to London to day. left 9.30 from here got train arrived at London 5.30. left for home 7 oclock Waterloo train
20/9/16
arrived at Weymouth station 12 oclock last night after pleasant journey
21/9/16
[Page 66]
inspected by doc again to day Class 2 shoulder still bad usual parades
21/9/16
Detailed to take party P.O. men to Salisbury Plains. Perham Down to day left Weymouth 10.30 arrived Ludgershall 4.30 after a rotten journey changing to many different trains. left the above station for home 8 oclock
22/9/16
Left 8 oclock last night for Weymouth & could only get to Dorchester where I arrived 4 oclock in the morning owing to the trains running late & arrived at Weym camp 9 oclock after waiting in Dorchester for a few hours as cold as charity. letters from Aust to day
23/9/16
Nothing doing other than dodging the rain
reply to letter
24/9/16
usual routine dodging
25/9/16
Church parade to day very good
[Page 67]
25/9/16
Answer to cable 20/10/0
usual routine today
26/9/16
Conducted another draft of unfit men to Salisbury Plains. Change at Poole thence to Amesbury then a walk of about 2 mile each way. call in at Lark Hill to see cousin Herbert he had gone to France. Left Weymouth Camp 7.20 am. Band played us down again also played us out of station, arrived at Rolleston Camp about 5 oclock. no (rto officer) Handed men over returned travelled all night Andover jnc Basingstoke, Eastliegh, Dorchester the usual wait. Sgt Jenkins23 Batt.
27/9/16
[indecipherable] this morning on parade [indecipherable] as per usual doc inspection asked for furlough expect same any day now
28/9/16
[Page 68]
Pay to day went to town Last night (Maud) fine girl sport. Military funeral this afternoon very impressive it was. Sydney [indecipherable] town
Had a good tea in town.
29/9/16
Raining like Billy OH today plenty of letters from all over the place. usual parades to day
30/9/16
Nothing doing of any interest other than walk in rain
1/10/16
Church service today, Maud engaged. Came back later to day
2/10/16
Nothing doing again other the usual routine. notification from Batt about my promotion
3/10/16
As per usual routine rain again
4/10/16
Boys drunks [indecipherable] Norm. Miller hell of a time with them. got home alright
5/10/16
Nothing doing other than watch the rain
[Page 69]
6/10/16
X Ray taken of shoulder to day
7/10/16
Raining again all day
8/10/16
Church service to day beautiful day
9/10/16
I go on furlough within the next couple of days nothing doing other than watch the rain falling.
10/10/16
Am on furlough starting from 12 0clock today. 10.50 train from Weymouth
11/10/16 arrived at London Waterloo 4 30 AM this morning motor cars waiting for us. driven to where we want to go. Kings X station no train to Dundee so waited & got one to Manor Park saw Mrs Coombs & Master Lennie. fine little home etc. Lennie & his train etc Left about 6 oclock arrived at Manor Park 7.30 had hot bath at public baths it was hot into the bargain.
[Page 70]
Woodgrange Park station came back to London by electric motor train East Ham station wonderful the way trains can run here in England. arrived back in London about 2 oclock. had a very short run about Piccadilly Square marvellous sight to see the traffic here all kinds. Westminster Abbey & short look around a glimpse of House of Commons
[in margin] [indecipherable]
12/10/16
went to picture show until 9 30 & then walked about the girls here are warm why you cannot walk without them speaking to you. I caught the 11.30 train last night the flying Scotsman for Dundee where we arrived at 10.30 this morning train late passed Newcastle Edinbourough enroute Had a look around at Dundee [indecipherable]. Caught train for Edinbourough 3.50 arrived at 5.45 & had a good look at the Forth bridge also the
[Page 71]
Tay Bridge both wonderful Fourth Bridge about two mile long. Beautiful [indecipherable] to day
rotten trams cable ones
13/10/16
YMCA last night went & had a look at HMAS Australia went over Forth Bridge again had a hard job to get on board of her the Ausie. arrived back in Edinburgh about 6 oclock went to picture show very good it was. [indecipherable] at Temperance Hotel or rather going to good feed in [indecipherable]
[in margin] Flower Clock
14/10/16
Good sleep last night raining like hell to day. Went & had a look at Edinburgh Castle caught train for Glasgow at 1 oclock to day arrived there at 2.30 raining here to so will not stop it is a fine city. will leave by 5.55 train for Ulverston women work here
15/10/16
Arrived Ulverston 1 AM this morning quite a romance to find F. Matthews in the dark slept with a couple of railway chaps in their lodings did not go sleep or bed until 3 oclock however I found Fred this morn had a good talk met all the girls of [indecipherable] house
[Page 72]
also Freds pals staying with him there. nice people raining again to day. We went into Barrow & what a wonderful stream of human beings work there Barrow is a fairly sized place or rather town but dirty walk with Fred
16/10/16
Nothing much doing to day other than went for a walk with a pal of Freds named Herbert from works. then along the canal near by & home again talk about rain it just did.
17/10/16
Rain again this morning Fred took me out with him on his motor cycle. went to Windemere Lake beautiful sights enroute great ride Belt broke she would not go again for some time, however we got home again without a stop Bowness. some 40 miles we went all told.
18/10/16
Raining again to day left Ulverston for London 1 oclock went to Wigan. Dirty place arrived at London 9.30 went to U Jack Club Waterloo Rd London
19/10/16
London a fine place had a good look around here or rather [indecipherable] Parliament houses
[Page 73]
Piccadilly Circus etc.
20/10/16
Queens Hall last night Glorious music. am having a look around again to Buckingham palace saw guards change there very poor performance. Grenadier Guards Band etc Hyde Park. Horses there after Trocodero Grill Room for dinner. very chilly today here
21.10.16
Trafalgar day to day. Nelsons monument great turnout Paid a visit to National Art Gallery St Pauls Cathedral. Tower of London Entrance to the city
Lord Mayor of London St Michaels. roamed about the strand all afternoon.
22/10/16
Went to Pedecoat lane this morning & funny sights got the 12 oclock train for Weymouth arrived there 5 oclock after a slow journey raining like so & so
23/10/16
Parcel from Mrs Lillie Fred Matthews (Les Bowler) Fullerstons lollies & whole lot of letters. Photo from home Parades as usual
24/10/16
Doctor called me out from the ranks & had a good look at my shoulders
[Page 74]
the docs could not agree what the trouble is. rain again. plenty of same
25/10/16
Awful storm last night wind & rain quite miserable day to day nothing but rain rain
26/10/16
Conducting party to Amesbury to day left Weymouth 8.20 arrived at Rolleston at 3 oclock what a glorious day it has been beautiful trip in train. Poole fine little place splendid train trams there. Sailsbury (new tank) improvement 180 gallons of petrol.
27/10/16
Went ot Codford last night & saw a few chaps what I knew there at the 4th Training Batt rotten night nothing but rain cold arrived back in Weymouth 2 oclock today had dinner in town. back at camp about 3 oclock Photos from London of myself Proofs
28/10/16
Nothing of much interest to day other than to watch the rain like hell
[Page 75]
29/10/16
Sunday to day did not go to church Notice to be prepared to leave Weymouth for Wool Tuesday next. on our way back to France. Letter from Mother.
30/10/16
Girl in taxi Pavillion [indecipherable]
Nothing of interest today Hellish windy & needless to say cold. rain also
31/10/16
We left Weymouth for Wool 2 PM, arrived in to new camp 4 oclock rather a well laid out camp Raining like Billy OH Marched through Weymouth with band
1/11/16
Rained all night rather cold into the bargain 2 blankets each before medical officer passed OK etc usual parade during the day morning noon
cabled for 15/10/0
2/11/16
Rain again today placed in charge of a draft for the 4th Div a hopeless mix up it is. plenty of work & no instruction.
3/11/16
No leave granted here so broke camp went to Weymouth in motor car a fine beano. we arrived back in camp about 12.30 it was glorious trip 6 of us
same old messing about today
[Page 76]
supposed to have gone away to day for France but we are still here & likely to remain for a couple of days from what one can see & hear
4/11/16
Raining ever so hard again to day. still frigging around with draft.
5/11/16
Went to Weymouth last night raining all the time motor car rather slow. ran over a dog stone over the wall Weymouth Beach we are supposed to go away to France to night. fall in 6.30
6/11/16
Transferred to staff coy today but it is no good. I am getting transferred back to the draft nothing but rain again today Boys refused to move on parade the draft quite nice show it was however nothing came of it other than a little bad language spilt.
7/11/16
With the staff coy to day will be transferred back again to morrow raining again to day as per usual rather early went to Weymouth by train saw nobody of interest
[Page 77]
other than Peggy
8/11/16
Raining as per usual same old parades
9/11/16
Glorious day sun shining all day went for a fine march big falling out when
returning this afternoon.
10/11/16
Usual parades warned to go away or rather to be ready to move tonight. but was cancelled this afternoon pay today Boys having a good beano re bar etc.
11/11/16
Warned again to day to be ready to move off tonight 10.30 whether we will or not is another thing I went to Weymouth last night in car, missed train 10.10 one & walked home a matter of 15 ½ miles arrived back in camp at 2 oclock this morning beautiful walk new boots overcoat etc Letter from [indecipherable]
12/11/16
We move off this time for France intrained at 1 A.M. this morning lot of boys drunk but not to bad laughable We arrived at Folkestone at 7.30 this morning after a long trip in train good reception from people enroute school kiddies. Breakfast in rest camp a good meal. Beautiful seaside resort Folkestone is glorious so natural quiet a long march from railway station (Shorncliffe) we are [indecipherable] we sailed at 12 oclock
[Page 78]
for Boulogne when we arrived 2 oclock quite a lot of messing around as per usual it was cold coming across the channell the destroyers HMAS (Victoria London) about 1000 we disembarked & marched out off pier to a square in town. fell in & marched off to a rest camp where we arrived about 6 oclock more messing around rotten arrangements Fishermen & plenty of fish
13/11/16
Had a fairly good sleep last night parade this morning [indecipherable] Sgt Major [indecipherable] laughable he was. We are moving off at 2.45 after waiting about for some time Lad drunk again but not troublesome at all. 3 of us went into Boulogne a fine town bought Xmas cards Fine women. Had a good feed opposite St Nicholas Church RC. fine building it is bought a few things back to camp in time to move of intrained for Etaples rotten journey compared with the English trains arrived there 6 oclock at station issued with rifles into camp soon afterwards after being lost.
14/11/16
Hell of a job to find our camp but got there after some bad language from the boys last
[Page 79]
night hellish cold inspected by the Doc this morning. Saw sister Orr 1st Canadian General Hospital whom got me berth to England
15/11/16
Cold again last night down to the Bull ring as it is called where all the boys do their daily drill 5 ½ miles there & back from 8 oclock in camp ½ hour smokes then arrive home at 8 oclock cold all day
16/11/16
Usual cold night rifle range to day minature range my shoulder gave me hell. Have run across range & not shot fired at same.
17/11/16
Bull ring again to day Hell of a day all the water in buckets had turned into ice also all pools around the place likewise & it stopped like it all day it is awful at time of writing I do not know how we Ausie are going to stand the winter here as it will be cold beyond doubt
[Page 80]
Cold again in fact it is snowing up the line a bit. trains with snow on them Hail stones it is that cold that the rain turns into ice same all over the place Bull ring to day again through gas & tear shells practice Germans in hospital near by they look sore & sorry Hellish cold today I am horribly chafed about the legs.
19/11/16
Sunday to day did not go to church service
20/11/16 to 24/11/16
Nothing of much interest during the last four days other than the weather has been a little warmer News of the Hospital ship Brittania being sunk by mine or torpedo
21/11/16
Usual cold weather today
22/11/16
Letter from Mother. news of another hospital ship being sunk
23/28/11/16
Cold weather during last few four days
29/11/16
Nothing doing other than it is now
[Page 81]
that hard to keep warm. Billious attack today
30/11/16
Cold again Saw Ned [indecipherable]
1/12/16
Cold again always cold Bull Ring to day did nothing Ice on ponds
2/12/16
Hellish cold again today mist about whitish colour awful hard to keep warm news about Rumania getting knocked about etc a sorry plight by the look of things
3/12/16
Sunday to day nothing of any interest. Saw Abel Sheath today
4/12/16
Nothing doing rather cold
5/12/16
Quit a number of letters today from Aust. Post card from (Xmas) Mrs Sheath [indecipherable] Vera Compton
6/12/16
Cold still as per usual Rumania looks rather glumb
7/12/16
Rumania dished up properly raining now.
8/12/16
Another draft off to day but none for 13th Batt so will have to stop here a while longer raining all day Saw Abel Sheath again to day
9/12/16
Nothing doing other than to read English papers about the Pleb
[Page 82]
in Parliment about time something was done about the weak kneed government [Australian referendum on conscription]
10/12/16
Sunday to day did not go to church raining again Hear Lord Derby
Band last night at the Camera in camp here it was beautiful
11/12/16
Raining again today usual [indecipherable] reading about politics we are to move off to morrow a draft
12/12/16
Raining early this morning. Sleet later on in the day beautiful sight it is to watch same [three lines deleted] (myself I mean) we were to have left Etaples to day but it was cancelled
13/12/16
We left Etaples camp at 7 oclock this morning at last a big draft different Batt we did not intrain until 8.30 & the train moved off at 9.30 passed through Amiens a fine town from looks. we arrived in Albert right in the town at 6 oclock quite a difference since I was here last 4 months ago
14/12/16
We disentrained 6.30 P.M. last night after the usual messing around marched about two miles in mud ankle deep we passed our camping ground going out so we turned about & got settled
[Page 83]
in the rest camp in time for some tea & drinks & a couple of blankets
15/12/16
We are in mud ankle deep here Heard the shells dropping on Albert last night we moved off from rest camp in motor lorries fore for Rebemont where our Batt is & joined them up. What a change there is in the Batt officers etc makes one cry to see same. I am in B Company now.
transferred no books nominal rolls etc beautiful mess, things are in a muddle all over the place.
16/12/16
Parade to day Brigade parade a band playing etc only band in same
Br. General gave us a talking to about Amiens & the evils thereof also about the good work about of the Brigade also about Officers & maps getting into the Germans hands turned out good job for a wonder. went to concert last night in a village near by. very good indeed
money from Commonwealth Post 15/10/0
17/12/16
We moved off the whole Brigade at 9 oclock this morning full packs up for our different village to billet until early in January 1917. we arrived at our village at 4 oclock after an awful march in mud ankle deep in many places
[Page 84]
much deeper. just on 15 mile march talk about sore feet it is pitifall to see the men with bad feet although the men whom were bad were carried on motor lorries it rained a little during the day plenty of German prisoners. they are not forced to work land. poor chaps they look dead tired of everything in general
18/12/16
Nothing doing other than messing around the place one parade to day. pay also papers from home (Life etc) no letters Aeroplanes about our own giving us a fine display of [indecipherable] things
19/12/16
Snow to day though only light beautiful sight seeing same falling it fell for about an hour. a few letters to day one from Mother.
20/12/16
I went on leave to Amiens today same is a fine city as the france cities go. had to get a feed there bought a few mementos. tried to change a fiver & they sent a young girl with it to the bank what a fine girl she was but she could not compry English a hell of a walk to the town from where we are Ciosy. Baumpre Cathedral also many other public buildings. hellish cold on account of it beginning to thaw
News about peace term thrown out by the Germans
[Page 85]
21/12/16
Rain again to day nothing of any interest Pocket wallet from Rob & his wife
22/12/16
Hellish cold weather it is of late wind from all directions more sights with aeroplanes flying above
23/12/16
Parade to day for issue of tickets for work rendered in the in the field Batt (Gallantry) rain again. Sports to be held Coy Batt Bgde final preparations being made for Xmas dinner.
24/12/16
Parcel from Mother Xmas one great preparations for Xmas dinner. plenty of work etc. I went to 8 GHQ met [indecipherable]
25/12/16
Xmas day to day plenty of talk about peace terms amongst the boys of course it is only talk We had a great day here. dinner plenty to eat & drink in fact you would not think a war was on. Plenty of [indecipherable] there all ended well our B Coy had the band playing for us. Down in Tennessee etc
I was am invited to the bands dinner they are having one amongst themselves
26/12/16
I went to the bands dinner another chap & I were the only non players amongst
[Page 86]
same had quite an enjoyable evening. usual joke etc Parcel from Mrs Ashton Batt sports day musketry squad tug of war
27/12/16
Freezing cold last night needless to say like wise to day ground quite hard
28/12/16
Raining today visited 8th G.H.Q. mess Sgt amm park.
29/12/16
Raining hard today mud & slush all over the place. Went to Amiens on special duty bought prisoners etc muf & fur for Mother also handkerchief left same behind at 8th G.H.Q. on way home
30/12/16
Light rain today mud etc Parcel from Mrs Coombs very nice nothing interesting doing otherwise
31/12/16
Nothing doing today until later in the evening New Years Eve tonight
1/1/17
I went over to 8th G.H.Q. with B. Master Copp what a time we had a musical evening & arrived here about 11 oclock Very cold today of course the boys spilt some beer etc Brigade sports I did not go to tired
2/1/17
We had issued to us socks from Comfort funds quite a lot of same from state school Victoria also flannell shirts we are to move forward towards the
[Page 87]
front line plenty of work etc
3/1/17
We started off 9 oclock today different way we came main road to Albert [indecipherable] dinner 12 oclock mud day wonderful sight transport going forward arrived at Ribemont about 4 oclock into different billets good ones this time.
4/1/17
Plenty of messing around to day expect to be picked company to represent the Battalion in an inspection any day now. which means plenty of fun [indecipherable]
5/1/17
We were to be inspected to day but it was postponed no reason stated. something wrong somewhere very cold today little rain. Aeroplanes when we were having a little drill.
6/1/17
We were inspected by the Brigadier to day a good turn out [indecipherable] us. no rain as [indecipherable] about our billets etc. also. Afternoon devoted to getting ready to move tomorrow again to little further up towards the line
7/1/17
parcel from Mother No 1. also cigars from Dick Lillie. we moved off this morning for Mametz Wood where we are to stop for it is a fine place what a trek it was on foot
[Page 88]
one continual stream of traffic of all sorts of course military train lines at the right of Albert we arrived here at 5 oclock the usual messing around the place
8/1/17
Nothing of any interest other than the usual noise with the artillery
9/1/17
Supplying fatigue parties etc to day. plenty of rain during the night darn cold to day ground slightly frozen I went for a walk & the cold on my face it was not too nice
10/1/17
Same fatigue parties to day Batt inspected by Brigadier plenty of messing around with equipment to the Colonels liking our Coy was picked out by him as the best again. really it was fine
11/1/17
Very cold today sleet falling off & on during the afternoon very heavy bombardment last also during the day it was going rather hot. plenty of mud
[Page 89]
etc.
12.1.17
Sleet again to day snow last night Bombardment still at top speed went for a walk to the Fricourt today wonderful the life there is about just like a big mining centre. Parcel from Mrs Sheaths & letters from home also
13/1/17
Hellish cold snow & sleet
Heavy bombardments
To 16/1/17
17/1/17
Woke up snowing like hell about 6 inches deep Lads throwing same about all over the huts etc Officers in fact got some aimed at them. grand sight to see same everywhere the eye can see. not cold
18/1/17
Snowing a little today snow still lying about still Our guns bombarding as per usual Went to get two teeth filled to day. Guedecourt Wood in ambulance but did not get attention to busy. hellish ride wonderful sight to see traffic etc.
19/1/17
Nothing doing other than I went to get one of my teeth filled
[Page 90]
swine of a dentist. Guillemont wanted to pull my tooth out
20/1/17
very cold to day usual routine
21/1/17
Mail today Mother Dad etc as usual cold again ground as hard as iron.
22/1/17
Snow today again beautiful sight etc. mail again today from Mother. we are going to the front line in a few days
23/1/17
Hellish cold to day ground frozen of course slippery. our observation ballon up & Fritzs aeroplane came over & fired at same & hit it which of course it started to leak. the observers came down in parachutes fine sight it was Fritz after them also but from seen they got out of it all right. Our guns at work after them but got no where near them. great sight to see ballon floating around but away after
24/1/17
We moved off from camp to supports today arrived at the above after a hard walk slipping on duck boards Delville Wood. Fritz aeroplane [indecipherable]
rotten trenches where we are [indecipherable]
25/1/17
[Page 91]
one of our tanks out in front of where we are. Flers not been to see same yet. I expect all has broken down or stuck in the mud cold as can be. usual shelling going on all day
26/1/17
Cold as per usual plenty of fatigues etc good tucker Letters mail to day I did not get any went down to Batt GHQ last night rotten trip slipping etc. Plenty of bombard etc during the day sun shining but a cold wind blowing
27/1/17
Last night Fritz sending over a good many shells etc new ones to me and when burst a light came out of them which made a fine glow put some shells very near our humpys I was to have gone on leave but no the O.C. said wait until come out of the line, he said we are short now. about 4 oclock this morn. our guns on the right I should say about 4 mile away opened up. well the outcome is that the news we received to day was that the 14 A Corps had taken 6 officers 200 other ranks so it was a stunt on. of course we got some shells back in return. sun shining again but a cold wind blowing. plenty of Fritzs shells falling near by all day
28/1/17
Usual shelling going on both sides great activity by Fritz with their aeroplanes.
[Page 92]
Fine airmanship. still cold
29/1/17
Fritz shelling again last night very close to us. our first casualtys usual sights to day aeroplanes etc, a few comforts came up today
30/1/17
Snowing again today this morning though not much. Fritz up again in planes he is getting into his old stride again what is doing goodness knows a beautiful afternoon but cold of course a little warmth in same if sitting in a dugout Fritz on to us & [indecipherable] afternoon Silver sunset
31/1/17
Beautiful sunrise about 6.30 red glow ball. Fritz up again doing good work etc. He gave us hell in supports today. Big stuff he was throwing about & had a close shave in our trenches. Mail up Big one I received a few old letters Great news about a stunt coming off at ----- on the night of the 1/2/17. Sincerely hope it will fix matters up about the war of course that is if it is true.
[Page 93]
1/2/17
Little snow again today Fritz up again also O Ballons up too also ours. funny day to day sun tried hard to get of its case as the saying is but failed. Guns on both sides very quiet today, the good old saying calm before the storm which is to come to night. We are to relieve the Battalion to morrow night. they are to hop over to night to straighten up a bit of trench. we will get a bit of the wash back I am thinking. that is if they gain their objective which I do not see why they will not
2/2/17
The Batt who went over got the allright, but got driven out this morn about 5 oclock no doubt Fritz is some fighter Fine sight to see the bombardment last night from both sides. Our signals Fritz put them up two he is [indecipherable] with out a doubt. We relieve the Batt to night how long we stand in is not settled. I expect we have to get at the Germans or rather their trenches. it was a hot
[Page 94]
stunt without a doubt, Rumours about Arras stunt being a failure if so old Fritz has put the wind up us again
3/2/17
Glorious sunset last night red ball waves across ball beautiful red colour all around sun Last night our people sent over a few shells etc to Fritz. Yet he did give us a few returns he has without a doubt fine artillery. Our people were bombarding all day more so on the extreme left about Arras way. Also about where we are & of course Fritz gives us it all back hot & strong.
We are to hop over tomorrow night & try to take the trench which was taken but lost the other night. We have quite a lot of help from other Battalions on our left & right but I think things are going to be warm as the arrangements about same do not appear to me to be OK of course I may be wrong.
4/2/17
Aeroplanes fight 2 [indecipherable] to 8. Another glorious sunset yesterday evening wavy clouds just like silver. fine all day long there has been one incessant raw of guns firing & shells bursting we are to hop it to night
[Page 95]
so you can guess why our guns have been speaking. when our people were easing up a bit Fritz got word & what OH. Gad they have fine artillery without any doubt at all. Our trench mortar near by is firing & what a noise when same is fired. time is not settled about hop over yet
Fritz aeroplanes up again to day in good number fine machines they are to snow white
5/2/17
Well we hopped over last night 2 minute barrage everything was left about arrangements until the last minute as the saying goes over at 10 oclock last night. great surprise to all concerned. with skipper all night some of our chaps are rotten cold blooded murder they killed Germans when they begged for mercy damned shame I was knocked over with one of their bombs did not explode luckily we had everything our way great barrage by our people. wonderful stunt some 60 prisoners including a couple of officers. not bad looking lot of men more like saxon by they were Scholswig Holestein or
[Page 96]
some name like it. first trench large amount of booty. Gad what a display of artillery from both sides Fritz did put it at us all night Gave company on our right hell of a doing very dimoralising he has been shelling us all day long
our Batt supported by next to us [indecipherable] last one I never expected to see the stunt come of as well as it did very slight loses. coming over but now we are loosing. Fritz did not counter attack but we expect him too to night. Boys great on mementos. Fritz prisoners very shy poor devils dont want to fight
6/2/17
Things are were quiet today thank goodness mind not so gazump still falling around very cold etc today in fact the weather here is damnable. Comforts sent up to us today Fritz aeroplanes in great nick
7/2/17
Things in general were hot last night both sides shelling etc [indecipherable] we are in a salient & get shelled from each flank not forgetting the front we should have been relieved last night but no we have to hang on for a few more days. rotten luck
[Page 97]
Fritz aeroplanes here all day now. ours are never up when they are about
of course they may be elsewhere
8/2/17
I went down to get my back rubbed yesterday to Chalk Pit & went through the old trench we left to come where we are now well there is nothing left of it so to speak it is marvellous to see how things can be smashed up. Fritz aeroplane very low firing his machine gun at our boys & got a few , what is wrong with our [indecipherable] I do not know (I washed my feet they were awful)
Coming home three of us got a hot time with Fritz shelling us no doubt about it he is clever how on earth he could see us I do not know but we got a nice half hour. three times we tried to pass.
Our artillery is some thing damnable or was last night falling short etc knocked hell out of our boys & trenches absolutely demoralised them it was a shame but our telephone would not work & we could not stop them so we got it hot & strong
[Page 98]
8/2/17
I went along with a dixie of rum to give each man of our company a nip each so as to buck them up a bit after the [indecipherable] we got Very cold last night beautiful moonlight nights of late Fritz gave us a bit back later on or rather early this morning. what fine shells he has anyway the explosion is wonderful which of course has very [indecipherable] effect upon anybody
We are being shelled from front & flanks the advance our Batt made was 200 yds on a front of 600 yards. Fritz has plenty of pineapple bombs & two trench mortars & machine gun endless number of bombs
I have had the job in our sector to get [indecipherable] returned to Chalk Pit. Fritz aeroplanes have got all their own way here up all day & not one of our plane
[Page 99]
8/2/17
to be seen. Shelling all day. rather hot [indecipherable] has better luck so far our people opened this afternoon & gave the Germans a few from rations. Laughter about how I issued rum out last night.
9/2/17
Things were quiet for a while last night about our way but on our right the was a big stunt on by somebody [indecipherable] barely new to hand about Germans clearing out of a village near Theivpal late last night Fritz gave us a little [indecipherable] as per usual
Glorious night moonlight but darn cold . Our Sigs relieved last night but we are to be relieved about 7 oclock tonight then we go back to Mametz [indecipherable] long walk about 8 miles.
10/2/17
Hell of a rush last night we were relieved by 46 Batt Fritz put over a few pineapples
[Page 100]
10/2/17
But no damage done all went of nice & quiet until we we near Bgde HQ when big shells Germans burst near us nobody hit. Hell of a march I had 3 german bayonets 3 caps steel helmet 3 haversacks 1 German rifle besides my own gear we arrived at Bgde HQ about 9 oclock when we received a cup of coffee we entrained there on motor train rough ride however most welcome At Delville Wood we changed trains to a steam one this time
Laugh as we were starting or rather the train, sparks etc Boys just like school boys cheered as the sparks flew out of chimney
Arrived at Quarry siding about 11 oclock disentrained & padded the rest on foot nice moonlight night but rather nippy arrived home about 2 AM this morning then to have a sleep No parade this morning but one this afternoon Div & Brigadier commander gives us some hot air about our stunt 3 of our Batt recommended for V.C. quite a number of others to in company
Church parade to day cold standing while the service was on very nice
[Page 101]
the ground is beginning to thaw so we are in for a nice time. Met (Hubert Compton) this afternoon Fritz sending shrapnel over on us it is a long range gun sure enough my feet are very sore also fingers
12/2/17
Parades as per usual drill etc. plenty of work squaring up books after the stunt
13/2/17
Trying to snow today but it did not last long, sick parade today half the coy on same.
14/2/17
Sent home 3 caps 1 bag gas respirator German pipe [indecipherable] etc
[indecipherable] today usual routine
15
[Page 102] E Bywater Mr & Mrs H Sykes [Page 103] 1 furlough pass free after ½ fare Sister Chadwick Frank McClure High Commissioner Horesefield Rd [Page 104] Coyne [in margin] 3 5 [Pages 105 -106 not transcribed] [Page 107] [Page 108] [Page 109] Sgt Compton Gilmour [Pages 110 -111 not transcribed] [Page 112] CSM Wm.Harris [Page 113] Communion Service 642 [indecipherable] CSM Cunningham [Page 114] 11 Spring Gardens Sgt McNabb AJ 343 157 CSM Duncan A.S. [Pages 115 116 not transcribed] [Page 117] Master E Jones Miss Elsie Dwane [Pages 118 120 not transcribed] [Page 121] Sgt D. Gourlay 2672 Mr R. A. Stewart Register Hotel [Page 122] Register Hotel No 1 Platoon A.R.Ccmpton 1838
[Transcriber's note: [Transcribed by Peter Mayo and Grahame Bickford for the State Library of New South Wales]
The Union Jack Club
Waterloo Rd
12 Adelaide Rd
Edgeley
Stockport
nr Manchester
War Contingent
Association
for furlough
Sister Scott
at Harefield
72 Victoria St
Aust Military Offices
Draper 5 7
Foster " "
Brennan 7 9
Elder " "
Golmour 9 11
Podmore " "
Coyne 11 1
Magnay 11 1
Bousfield 1 3
Jones " "9 10 am
Magnay 10 11
Bousfield 11 12
Jones 12 1
Draper 1 2
Foster 2 3
Brennan 3 4
Gilmour 4 5
Bodmore 5 6
Dawe 6 7
Coyne 7 8
" 5
5 7
28801
Compton
Coyne
Whittaker
Forster
Gilmour
Draper
Brennan
Dawe
Boisfield
Rodman
Magnay
Bolton
Cottle
Elder
Phillips
Jones EJ
Vera - Leichardt
Angela - Bondi
Maude
Prudie - Weymouth
Amy - Leichardt
Emma - Weymouth
May Weymouth
Sgt Compton
Pte Coyne 1`
Jones 2
Draper 3
Whittaker 4
Gilmour 5
Lumb 6
Dawe 7
Meldrum
Cairo Piquet
Pte Coyne Rocks
Jones EC Symons
Draper Low
Cottle Alderson H
Mellor Alderson FS
Reineker Aving
Bentley Gilcrist
Buckle Giddons
Meldrum Evatt
Thomson Garvan
Magnay Bullen
Shaw
Dargan
Forster
Lumb
Dawe
Whittaker
Williams
15 & 16
Brennan
Elders
Draper
Gilmour
Dawe
Coyne
Whittaker
Forster
Magnay
Jones
Boisfield
Bolton
Podmore
No 14 Hut.C.Coy.
9th Scottish Officers Cadet Btn
Gailes, Ayrshire
Scotland
Reveille 6 AM
C.H. 7 AM
All the base details will fall` in on their respective parade grounds 8.30 AM
Right markers to report to camp Sgt Major 8.15
125 Shirley Street
West Melbourne
Kit Bag
Tunic [indecipherable] towel
[indecipherable] Greatcoat [indecipherable] C.C.
F. Shirts
[indecipherable]
Socks Trousers [indecipherable]
Boots [indecipherable] Gloves [indecipherable]
Rodwell
Mrs Ruse. Weymouth
1st Batt
6th Brigade
Worgret Camp
Wareham
Worgret Camp
10th Batt Warham
Wareham
Master Allan Cowles
47 Hale St
Mosmans
Sydney
21 Gordon St
Mosmans
Sydney
Leumeah College
13 Harbour St
Mosmans
Sydney
Miss S. Graves
4 The Boulevarde
Leichardt. Sydney.
7 th Batt
2nd Training Batt
Perham Downs
"Mauchline"
12 Dudley St
Leichardt. Sydney
[indecipherable]
Sgt Goolie 7th Batt [Gourlay]
2957 Pte Kirby T.
D. 3rd Batt
2957 Pte. Kirby
[indecipherable] Sharpley G.A.
c/o Miss F Beech
3 Charlwood Place
Victoria London SW
3113
4th Reinf
13th Batt
4th Rein. 13th Batt.
Page 95: See account in Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18, vol. IV, p. 37]