Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Letters written on active service, M-W, 1914-1919
A 2661

[Transcriber’s notes: Letters from soldiers and a nurse in the field in Gallipoli, Egypt, France and Belgium to friends and relatives at home, including notifications of death and letters of condolence, photographs, postcards and newscuttings. Letters and items are sent by and/or written about:

Ronald Alexander Leslie MacDonald (pages 3-17)
William Thomas McDonald (pages 18-25)
Oswald Henry McIntyre (pages 26-34)
Frank Makinson (pages 35-49)
Robert Dowling Marrott MM (pages 50-58)
John Marrott (pages 59-60)
James William Masters (pages 61-69)
John Brady Nash VD (pages 70-74)
Leslie James Alexander Nightingale (pages 75-81)
Robert Otto (pages 82-179)
Walter Frank Philpott (pages 180-181)
Norman Rutledge Plomley MC and Bar (pages 182-184)
Hugh Raymond Guy Poate (pages 185-186)
George Eykyn Culverwell (pages 187-190)
Clement Ranford (pages 191-204)
William Reece (pages 205-225)
James Alexander Reid (pages 226-231)
Thomas George Richardson (pages 232-256)
Wilfred Rowley (pages 257-278)
Magnus Graham Saunders MC (page 279)
William Bismark Schaeffer (pages 280-305)
George Robert Short (pages 306-320)
Bryan George Cassan Simpson (pages 321-322)
D’Arcy St George Bagot Stack (pages 323-334)
Henry Herbert Stephen (pages 335-340)
Louis Vasco (Vasco Urbano Loureiro) (pages 341-390)
Charles Edward Viner (pages 391-394)
Clement Robert Walsh MC (pages 395-481)
George John Molesworth Watson (pages 482-483)
Mary Redfern Watt (pages 484-488)
Raymond Thomas Wharton (pages 489-494)
Arthur Henry Williams (pages 495-497)
Unknown (served Australian Army Medical Corps) (pages 498-505)

A short biography of each service person is given at the beginning of each set of letters, with information coming mainly from State Library of NSW catalogue entries, and records available on the websites of Australian War Memorial (World War 1 Embarkation and Nominal Rolls) and National Archives of Australia (World War 1 Service Records). Information about the content of letters and the letter donors is sometimes given. "Return to Australia" dates are generally the date the service person embarked in England; arrival in Australia would be six to eight weeks later. Some paragraph and line breaks have been introduced in the transcription for ease of reading.]

[Page 1]
[Front cover of bound volume.]

[Page 2]
[Inside front cover of bound volume with Mitchell Library bookplate.]

[Page 3]
[Private, later Lieutenant, Ronald Alexander Leslie MacDonald, No 462, a station overseer from Mudgee, NSW, Joined the Army on 25 August 1914 at age 25, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 20 October 1914 with the 1st Light Horse Regiment. He served at Gallipoli and in Egypt. He was killed in action on the Sinai Peninsula on 9 August 1916 and was buried in Kantara War Cemetery, Egypt.
Includes descriptions of the last troops to leave Anzac, and of the Battle of Romani.]
[On His Majesty’s Service]
3 Soldier’s letters (presented by Mrs E. Macdonald, "Erudgere", Mudgee)
By R. A. L. Macdonald

Evacuation of Gallipoli & Romani battle.

[On letterhead of the Allan Line.]
[RMS] Ionian
Dec 26th 1915

My Dear Mother

We reached Alexandria safely this morning after a good trip from Lemnos. I understand we don’t berth till 5 PM so our party won’t get off till tomorrow.
It is some time since I last wrote, there being no mails from Gallipoli during the last two weeks of our stay there.
The plum puddings & Xmas comforts came over were landed & sent straight back. So far the men have seen nothing of them, but they will come in for the New Year as by that time we should be settled.
I wonder what you are all thinking of the evacuation of Anzac & Suvla. When I first heard the rumour of what was likely to take place I could not believe it., & agreed with the others that half the men might be taken off during the winter. For the last week we were all at high pitch, especially as each

[Page 4]
day the thin red line kept getting thinner & thinner. For the last night we took picked men from each squadron & the others left early in the night. There were three officers on our sub section & I had to do all the work on my side of a dry creek to the top of a hill. This is always the work of an N.C.O, but every man left was wanted in the firing line so we did our own reporting every half hour.

I figure I tramped several miles that night & going up it was nearly all steps. Just think, round at the Lonesome Pine where the strength in the firing line has been 700, thirty three men held this till it was time for them to fall back.
They all had their boots off & blankets at the bottom of the trenches. With plenty of loaded rifles handy they ran up & down for four hours firing a shot or two every few yards. We had the honour of being the last to leave the peninsular & as the night wore on & reports came in that those on our left were leaving party by party we wondered

[Page 5]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details. Repeated at the top of the image is the note regarding gift of these letters that appears on page 3.]
whether our luck would hold. Of course if they had come in any numbers it would have been all "up" especially from front a flank.
About 12 P.M. a report came from our right that a hundred Turks were coming down the gully. We could have handled this little lot well enough, but it looked as if this was part of a general move forward by the Turks. However nothing came of it & we breathed freely once more.
We filed out from the trenches at 3.30 every man with socks pulled over his boots. I was on the extreme right of No 1 Outpost. They filed off in order from the left so I was the last to leave the trenches, & on the way down to connect with the sap that lead round to the pier, I saw the mine blown up on Walker’s Ridge. There were really two mines with a tremendous charge in, & it was a fine sight.
The Turks opened up with a very heavy fire immediately, however we were nearly in the sap by that time.

[Page 6]
10.12.15
I am finishing this letter in Camp having arrived here safely on Monday night. Clive Single was in the train coming up & I saw him at the Continental Hotel the following night.
We have been going like mad here since we came back getting the horses ready, regiment made up to strength etc etc. In the reshuffle I went to B Squadron & have a good troop there. First mounted parade this morning & no one fell off. My old horse has been destroyed I have two others but want a third.

I have been in to see Rania both nights in Camp, but am on duty tonight. Got measured for a uniform which is to be finished tomorrow, & some new clothes. There are a cwt of parcels for me, only had time to open an odd, so can only send my general thanks for the lot. I am going to try & arrange to have them sent on. We are likely to move very soon, no spell for which I am rather pleased as I hate these training camps.
Rania looks very well in spite of all her work.
These nibs my batman brought are the limit. Have pockets full of letters, but have only had time to glance through them yet.

[Page 7]
Romani
Sunday Aug 6th

My dear Mother

We are just through with one of the heaviest engagements we have yet had. Not quite so heavy perhaps as May 19th of last year, nor the August fighting on the Peninsular. I missed the heaviest part of that. It is nearly three weeks now since we first got in touch with the enemy ten miles further on. Since then it has fallen to the first & second L H Bgdes to keep in touch with their advance. Till the night of the third we have held them on a line about

[Written sideways at the top of the page is the conclusion of this letter, continued from page 14:]
most. I am writing to his wife but you might instruct the family secretary when forwarding the cheque to also mention I had a very high opinion of the poor man
I am very busy to day.
Yrs very affectly
R A L Macdonald

[Page 8]
seven miles out. Turn about in the firing line. It was very hard work lying out in the sun, advancing, retiring, with only one water bottle per man a day.
There were usually a few casualties every day. The horses were well managed & only a few got wounded, but it was very hard on them. It was usually about thirty hours without a drink & often a stiff gallop through loose sand sometime in the day. Having to keep them saddled in this heat plays up with their backs.
We looked after them as well as possible but it was not a time to study horse flesh. So long a horse could carry a man & a man could sit in the saddle they stuck to it. By night there were three officers patrols left with three men each to keep in touch & report any movement. It was a case of when they came forward we had to hop just far enough back to watch, & listen, & if they went back to follow & see.
I was the second officer for the Regiment for the job & all passed off well. It was rather thrilling on two occasions when we found their patrols between us & Romani; the moon & thick sandy hillocks with brush on them made the job rather difficult. One officer from the 6th was shot dead one night, & the morning before they were attacked McQuiggan

[Lieutenant William McQuiggin, a farmer of Rylstone NSW, joined the Army on 16 February 1915 and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A9 Shropshire on 17 March 1915 with the 1st Light Horse Brigade, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 3rd Reinforcements. He was killed in action in the Battle of Romani on 4 August 1916.]

[Page 9]
sent one of his men to report & he has been missing since. McQuiggan with the other two men had to run the gauntlet themselves. They were well entrenched on a commanding line of sand hills with snipers forward amongst the scrub to check us every morning.
Well, on the night of Aug 3rd they advanced in. The 2nd & 3rd L.H (part of this Bgde) were doing the outpost on a line of hills. We turned out at 12 & hurried over to their support. Met them retiring. This Squadron had rather bad luck in being split – two troops going to the right of one ridge & two to the left. George & I had our troops together on the left.

It was quite dark & everything was done at the gallop. George & I dismounted our troop, climbed up a perpendicular sand bank of 100 ft & met A Sqd. After the climb we were punctured, but somehow managed to keep going for another 300 yards. There down below this sand wall we had climbed were the Turks coming up in droves.
It was still too dark for any aimed fire. We took a troop of the 3rd Regt who were lost from their troop leader & poured a terrific fire in from 50 to 200 yards right on top of these men underneath us. Some broke, others attempted to push our left. C Sqd were here & some Tommies on their left again. Our two troops had

[Page 10]
the birds-eye view & this morning we had the satisfaction of learning there were more dead & wounded Turks in this Valley than in any part of the section.
I suppose it is only once in a life time one would ever have such a commanding position. A few Turks came up the sand wall we had climbed, any part such as this, one goes down to the knees in the drift. A bank of projecting sand kept them out of sight till they were within 20 yards. Suddenly their heads appeared & the men stood up on top & fired. It was a very lucky Turk if any got back they were only 20 yards away buried up to the knees in the drift sand & pumped after the climb.
We found them trying to push in between our flank & A Sqd so got our men forward another hundred yards. We could catch sight here & there of more men coming up & those in advance were trying to "decay" us. However a couple of volleys into the mob soon altered their minds.
The Turks we had been firing at in the valley had already retired & things were looking rosy. However their machine guns on our right got enfiladed fire on the line & their shells started coming. First a heavy curtain of shrapnel on the lead horses away to the rear

[Page 11]
& then on us.
We appeared to be particularly marked & sent back word that we would have to retire, especially as those on our left were falling back. There was a slight hollow back down where we had to go & they had the range to a yard. How we got back with very few losses I don’t know. There were about seventy of us in a pocket at the end of this hollow. First we sent a sergeant back with 20 men then George took another batch & when they were all clear I came back with the rest.
Going for all I was worth one shell in front, another behind, another just to the right, smothered in sand I didn’t know whether to duck or dodge. I suppose we were all the same. I ran straight ahead jumped the holes where the shells had just landed.
All this was taking place on the spurs of Mt Meredith our horses were behind. They came up the opposite side & got three more machine guns going from the very top.
Jumped on our horses & rode like mad, bullets flying everywhere & shrapnel bursting. Under cover of another ridge & then another gallop. Their artillery was first class & followed us all the way.
Poor McQuiggin from Rylstone one of the

[Lieutenant William McQiggin, a farmer of Rylstone NSW, joined the Army on 16 February 1915 and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A9 Shropshire on 17 March 1915 with the 1st Light Horse Brigade, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 3rd Reinforcements. He was killed in action in the Battle of Romani on 4 August 1916.]

[Page 12]
Sqd officers was killed, dead before we retired. I had one man killed & one wounded from my troop, but going back when the shrapnel was coming, got five more wounded – my groom amongst them. A bullet through below the knee & into his ponie’s shoulder. However the horse kept going & we got the others back.
This may sound like a rabble, but was part of a scheme. Just before we got back to where we finally pulled up, the shrapnel came in amongst us properly some of it not bursting too well. One shell knocked my horse nearly over one way, & another on the opposite side straightened him again. One of the sergeants from the next troop told me I was the luckiest man in the Sqd. Not a scratch on my horse & not a mark on me. A big lot of horses were wounded. We held on long enough for the infantry & artillery to get in position, then retired through them & spent the middle of the day behind cover.

Stray bullets here got a few horses & killed one man also. All this time their artillery were pouring in the shrapnel & high explosives. They had several big guns to the East of Romani & kept up a terrific bombardment on the redoubts. Their aeroplanes were bombing hard. Our artillery replied & it was not till next day that

[Page 13]
we saw the damage they had done.
At four o’clock we (the Regt) moved away to the west & rode till dark. Then took a line of outposts for the night. The big gun fire slackened off towards night.
The Manchesters came up & continued the line on our right. These men had been rushed up from the canal by train, landed further back pushed up on the high ground & had done good work.
We slept in the support. Most of us only had a shirt & pair of shorts on & fell asleep holding our horses. The horses had one drink & two small feeds for the day. The men had fared tolerably well for water & had carried their breakfast with them.
Well this ended the first days battle of Romani. Looking back one could not help marvelling at the wonderful organization they must have had to bring up the guns, ammunition etc etc & push an attack such as they did.
We were always inclined to believe the long sandy waste of desert would prevent them from bringing up any heavy artillery. They appeared to be well off for mountain guns & had some six inch & I heard some 9.4’s. I only wished for Australian Infantry, but we had the next best I know of – the Scotties. In their trenches & redoubts they suffered but not as much as the enemy on their front.

[Page 14]
This is the first big scrap I have had since I got my Com. One has too much to watch & think of now to get the tit bits as when a ranker.
The second day was interesting, but mostly a case of endurance for horses & men. I will ma[il] a separate letter of it.
I am writing to Father to ask him to send a cheque for £7.10 to Mrs Kate F Stribley 99 Sheppard St Sydney. He had given this amount to mind in Egyptian notes. The O/C told me to arrange things by keeping the money & paying him if possible from the other end. Poor chap was a married man & gamer than

[Private William Henry Stribley, No 1666, 1st Light Horse Regiment, killed in action 4 August 1916.]
[This letter concludes at the top of page 7.]

[Page 15]
Aug 7th 1916

My Dear Father

I have just finished a long letter to Mother with half the news. We are off again tonight & I am very busy today, I had one of my best men killed early in the attack on Aug 4th. He has left £7.10 to mind & as I have no chance from here of getting the money changed & sending it to his wife the O/C suggested the best plan would be for me to keep the money & pay his wife from the other end. I would be very glad if you would send this amount £7.10 to

[Page 16]
Mrs Kate F Stribley
99 Sheppard St[reet]
Sydney
as soon as possible on receipt of my letter.
We were in a very hot corner – first things all our own way, but their machine guns got a cross fire & the artillery came up & things weren’t anything too rosy. Stribley was one of my best men that morning that is saying a lot. Rob Wilson landed here the night before.
We had not enough sound horses to mount them when we moved off at 12.30 am. However every man had to come up later riding anything. They got under heavy fire but did not join the Sqd till we retired. Rob had got a fair horse from somewhere & seemed quite cool though I doubt whether he knew the points of the compass. He came on that night & next day. The squadron formed the screen on a six mile drive so I did not actually see much of him. However he is back here safe & sound, having gone through a stiff test at top speed all the time. I am very pleased at the way the latest reinforcements shaped.

[Private William Henry Stribley, No 1666, 1st Light Horse Regiment, killed in action 4 August 1916.
Private Robert Christian Wilson, No 2480, 1st Light Horse Regiment, returned to Australia 13 March 1919.]

[Page 17]
Give us fresh horses we have had one good long night’s sleep & we are better now than a month ago. The second day we fought in a hot sun on one bottle of brackish water & nothing to eat from mid-day the day before. This on top of 17 days skirmishing is a good performance.
I am writing to Mrs Stribley telling her what arrangement is being made re the cash I am holding.
Yrs affcty
R. A. L. Macdonald

[Lieutenant MacDonald was killed in action the following day.]

[Page 18]
[Captain William Thomas McDonald, an electrical employee (tramways) of Forest Lodge, NSW, joined the Army on 17 August 1914 aged 34. Prior to the War he was in the Militia and had served in South Africa. He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914 with the 4th Battalion. He took part in the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915 and was wounded at Lone Pine on 8 August 1915. He later fought in France and was killed in action at Mouquet Farm on 16 August 1916.

Includes a letter from Captain McDonald to Mr Harris of Glebe Point, NSW, and a letter written by Lieutenant Colonel J G Mackay, 4th Batt to McDonald’s wife Helen on his death.]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Sep 21 Rec’d

Mr [indecipherable] J Harris
55 Wigram Rd.
Glebe Point
Sydney NSW.
Australia

[Signed:] W T McDonald

[Page 19]
Sep 21 Rec’d

France
3. Aug 1916

Dear Mr Harris

Your ever welcome letter of the 12-6-16 to hand & was very glad indeed to hear from you. In answering your letters I have always mentioned the date, we have had a lot of papers just lately of which I got a very big bundle from you. I always pass them round among the men, so I like the idea of putting the stamp well over them, it helps to let everybody know the good work you are doing.
I certainly have not written much lately, in fact anyone away from this show, could have no idea of the work of a Coy Comdr. I find it very difficult to keep up a weekly correspondence with home even then my letters must often ramble, I have to knock off so many times & restart them. I never get time to start writing before 10 o’clock at night out of the trenches & when in trenches the writing of a letter extends over a couple of days. if we could only transport any one of you here for a day & just make you sit in a Coy Comdr dugout & watch the stream of orderlies passing too & fro, that alone would worry you, without dealing with any of the correspondence then to add to our worries we are continually getting letters from people telling me they have not

[Page 20]
had a letter from Pte So & So for three weeks would I mind letting them know by return how he is & would I write too them should he get sick or wounded & in one case even sent me the address of an uncle in Ireland & would I arrange to have him sent there if anything happened to him. of course that kind of letter gets very short shift & the man gets a flea in his ear, & advised to let his people know that a coy consists of 222 men & not 1. In the event of men killed except in a big push the coy comdr always writes to the next of kin, but in a big push that is impossible, as the work of reorginazition is something stupendous.

Thanks for the suggestion re support, our greatest trouble so far has been that, after getting brother Fritz on the run, our fellows are not fleet enough to catch him to often, fear lends wings & the devil himself would miss a good hun when he gets a move on.

I am very glad to hear of the progress of the old Division & hope that by the time we get back they will have reached 200 strong, some Division then eh? Glebe Division for ever. You say I will get in more efficient service while away than if there, but we will only get year for year while away so will not benefit by it at all however very thankful for that as it will help to keep the boys efficient so that the division can get some of its old members back with active service experience.

If in London will try & get a couple of swagger canes for you, but think you will have a long wait if you wait until I bring them back home however I would try & send them because we carry Rifles & bayonets here, no time for swagger canes and no where to put them by, so will have to forward them.

I am very sorry to hear that Mrs Harris has been an inmate of Syd Hospital, but hope & trust that she is her old self long ere this reaches you.

Lt Johnson got a p c from you. I thought it would better for the people getting the cigarettes to acknowledge them, so that subscribers would know that I was not using them for my own personal use.

I have not found any of the members of the division who are with the Bn yet, in fact have been too busy to look them up, a Bn is a big thing & men out of your own coy are completely lost, unless you know them real well by sight and just drop across them. I lost all the address you sent me in a note book but we had orders to destroy all personal notes before the big push so of course it went with the rest.

Now about this cock & bull yarn about letters In the first place is this man with his battalion or is he one of the happy Anzacs who are always posing before the camera either in London or Egypt unfortunately we have plenty of the type of

[Page 21]
hanger on, never fought & never will kind, but who can write long accounts of the engagements they have been in in France while they are still in Egypt or elsewhere. I regret to say that how ever trustworthy your informant may be in civil life, military life is different & the trusted ones & the man with a bad civil record, mummies little boy who has never been away from apron strings is generally the greatest waster imaginable for this game, the country chap who has knocked about will always come out trumps.

Another thing suppose the first part of his statement were true, we always have a sentry on our incinerator day & night, besides the sanitary man & no one would dare take a letter or anything else out of this receptical.

When letters arrive at Bn Hd Qtrs each coy gets a note to send postal orderly & pay Corpl together with 2 volunteers to sort mail, there are always plenty of volunteers & as the others cannot help the stand around where the sorters are at work like a lot of hungry wolves, so that it would be impossible for such a thing to happen.
A lot of the men we now have in the Bn were originally sent out for other regts, but as we were badly in need of recruits were sent on to us. Their letters go addressed to the unit they originally left to join, they are not know there, the papers are issued to men in the unit & the letters are sent to the base, during all this time as Ammunition & food are more important than letters, however much we like to get them, they have to take second place & during the time a big push is on may lay in a base post office for weeks & weeks before they can go back, they reach our base, they have more important things than letters to attend to, hence more delay, when they find spare time the try & trace the unit a man goes to & redirect.

No we must give the authorities every credit especially in France for the way they handle the mail which we get very quickly when directed to the correct unit, I get all my letters frequently. If this man is in Egypt why is he not with his unit? & whatever you do dont stake you honor on what you know of a man in civil life, he may be the biggest rotter alive in military life.

What a pity you did not get a fly for the Western Suburbs competition. I think they are all down on poor old Glebe, never mind it speaks well for them that these people are so frightened off them, they take every opportunity to cut them out of the competition, however from what I know of Glebe & their Supt it will take more than that to discourage them so go ahead & continue to keep them busy trying to keep you out & you will know that you are a foe worthy of their steel.

[Page 22]
It speaks rather well for the postal arrangements that in the stress of war a parcel went right back to you when it was wrongly addressed, of course McDonald is a very common name out here, I never thought we had so many in Australia. I have 5 in my own coy at present & shudder to think of the number that have been in the coy since we started.

What a surprise to hear that Dr Poate is married. It would most likely be a French lady & there are very few other than French or Greek outside the native races in that city of stinks & smells.

This letter reached me on the 2 Aug, but of course we have been in the big push, so do not know when the letters arrived they were waiting for me as soon as we dropped out for a spell.

This has been Some Push & don’t forget it, poor old Fritz will never forget Pozieres, if he lives to be a hundred years old, especially when he met the Australians, not the Anzacs please, that term is the favourite one used by the cold footed brigade who pose in front of cameras as Happy Anzacs

Give my best respects to all the members of the Division, not forgetting nursing division & with best regards to Mrs Harris & the rest of the family from your old comrade.
W T McDonald

[Page 23]
[Letter of condolence, written on paper with a black border.]
Copy

France
28th August 1916

Dear Mrs McDonald

I regret exceedingly to inform you that your husband Captain W. T. McDonald was killed in action on the afternoon of the 16th August 1916.

He was in command of an important section of our trench on the left of the 4th Battalion line in front of Mouquet Farm and while seated close to the side of the trench the fuse of a shell struck him in the chest and death was practically instantaneous

He was lifted into a shell hole & there buried by his men who also erected a small wooden cross on the grave to mark the spot.

The grave is near a culvert

[Page 24]
crossing the road from Pozieres to Thiepval and on the military maps the exact location would be – Map 57D, S.E. Square R33 A82.

It would be impossible for me to tell you how we miss your husband both personally & in the military sense and we, one & all, join in expressions of sincerest sympathy for you well knowing what his loss must be to you.

Your husband was one of the most trusted & most senior officers in the Battalion and was on all occasions a soldier every inch of him. It may soften your grief to know that he died a soldier’s death in a way that he would have admired himself.

Your husband’s work will

[Page 25]
leave its mark on the Battalion and its impression on all who know him for no memory of the 4th Battalion in the first two years of its history will be complete without his figure in it whether as Quartermaster in the early days or latterly as Commander of B. Coy.

Such of you husband’s papers as were not wholly destroyed and his other personal effects have been secured by the Quartermaster & forwarded to the Base in the usual way and I hope that you will receive them in due course.

Once more let me tell you of the sense of loss which we all feel and assure you for myself & the rest of the Battalion that you have our very deep sympathy

Yours sincerely
J. G. MacKay
Lieut Colonel
commanding 4th Battalion

[Page 26]
[Gunner, then Bombardier and later Corporal, Oswald Henry McIntyre, No 8976, a station overseer of Telegraph Point, NSW, joined the Army on 14 September 1915 aged 33, and embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on HMAT A39 Port Macquarie on 16 November 1915 with the 2nd Divisional Ammunition Column. He served in Egypt and France, returning to Australia on 15 May 1919.]
[Envelope]
[McIntyre O.H.]

O. A. S.

Mrs H. H. Parker
Bridge Street East
Port Macquarie
New South Wales
Australia

[Written sideways on the left:]
Don. 13.1.20

[Page 27]
In the Field
France
26/3/18

Mrs Parker Senr
from nephew
Bomb. O. H. McIntyre

My Dear Auntie

Just how pleased I was to receive your letter of Jan 23rd I can hardly say, I love getting your letters, they are always so newsy & Bright, I only received it a couple of days ago, & am going to answer it right away,
You will have known that the great Fritz offensive has at last been launched & so far my Unit is not in the fury of it, but expect our time will come, so will get this off while a good opportunity offers. We all expect to be kept very busy for the next few months, the history of which will be remembered by the world for ever, very big battles are expected, & during

[Page 28]
the last few days tremendous battles have been fought. I wouldnt like to give you a description of the enormous cost to the enemy, but perhaps the papers tell you a little of it, Let us hope that in a few months they will be satisfied that all their efforts are fruitless, & take a tumble to themselves, So far they have had lovely weather for heavy fighting, & it looks as though it would continue, We are having a very early Spring here this year, after a fairly mild winter, in comparison to the first winter we were here,
It is just two years yesterday since I arrived in France, & baring the few days leave to England, I havnt yet been out of my Unit, So what a lucky

[Page 29]
beggar I am & with the good Wishes of you all & God willing I ought to get back, when a good old Peace is once again reigning the world over. Oh what a time we will have, you & I Auntie will have the first waltz, & finish if with the highland fling.
I am glad you received the photo safely taken in England, I believe I look very savage in it, but that doesnt matter much, so long as you all like it.
Dear Aunt I am very pleased know that you all are getting on nicely & especially to hear that dear old Mother & Dad are living in Port again near you all, it will be much better for them, & just the very thing I have been wishing for the last five year’s, May they live there in comfort for the rest of their days.
Love to you all dear Aunt & best wishes
Your loving Nephew
Oswald

[Page 30]
In the Field
France
9/12/18

PS Wrote this laying down having a spell so excuse the scrawl

(Corporal McIntyre)

My Dear Old Aunt

I was very pleased indeed to find amongst my budget of letters from Australia this mail a letter from you, as a reward for your kindness I am going to answer it right away. First of all I am quite well & feeling pretty fit with the exception of a few chilblains on my feet from the cold, but that is a mere detail & nothing to worry about.

Well you were a pretty good judge after all when you said the war was nearly finished. Since you wrote, what a lot has happened. After over four years of constant hammering day & night without an interval of five minutes rest the Allies have fought for their cause & on the 11th of Nov at 12 o’clock, right on the tick of midday the last shot was fired, right along the long line of hundreds of miles, can you imagine the feeling that went through the soldiers during that hour! I dont think so, it was beyond the imagination,. Poor old Fritz after all his mighty power, preparation, & bluff, had to crawl

[Part of an envelope appears in the image for this page. Not transcribed here; see image for details.]

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very humbly in the finish to his hated enemy, with the white flag & ask for an armistice & to gain it, had to hand over everything that he was likely to be able to use against us in restarting the war, which I dont think he has much of an appetite for now, we gave him all the fight he was looking for during the last five months & I guess he has some sort of a idea that when a German, an Austrian & a Turk get properly into holts with a Britisher, a Frenchie & a Yank (not to mention the Aussie) he is up against a pretty hard nut to crack & one that was always too good for him,
We bent & we buckled backwards & forwards but in the finish when he was just about played out we were pounding him with our guns heavier than ever, & just about as he was going to come an awful crash, he came across with the white flag & cried off, & he got off lightly by doing so, It is only a matter of time now for the Peace Conference to be held to settle the final terms of Peace,
We are taking it easy in the meantime, just keeping ourselves fit, all in readiness if he gets up to any of his funny business again, to hop right into him at a few hours notice & well he knows it, as a consequence he is carrying out the terms of the

[Part of an envelope appears in the image for this page. Not transcribed here; see image for details.]

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Armistice to the letter so far.

Well as you can imagine a lot of us are looking forward to getting back again to Australia very shortly, that is early next year, especially those that left in 1915. I think the 1914 men are nearly all back again ere this, so I might to be soon on my way home again, & then for that hop of ours Aunt – we will put a few extra sprints into it in honour of our splendid victory, so you had better do a few trots around the room every morning to get yourself in trim,
Well it is a very mild winter here so far, & I dont expect that we will feel it much as we wont be in the open too much now. I think we will be in Charlerio for Xmas which is in Belgium, & from all accounts it isnt a bad sort of a place although it has been in the German occupation during the war.
Did I tell you I had another trip to Scotland a few months ago, & went up to Oban it was around there that the old MacIntyre Clan used to hang out when Scotland was in its infancy, I even saw the old Castle they used to fight in when their neighbours wanted a go at the other fellow’s bone,
Well Aunt I must stop as other duties call, wishing you all the best of health & best wishes, with love
From your Afft Nephew
Oswald

[Part of an envelope appears in the image for this page. Not transcribed here; see image for details.]

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[Note written on the back of the previous page:]
Written by Corporal McIntyre
(After big Hindenburg Offensive)
who returned safely

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[Envelope]
[McIntyre O. H.]
O.A.S.

Mrs H. H. Parker
Brickfields
Port Macquarie
New South Wales
Australia

[Written sideways at bottom left:]
Don 13.1.20

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[Private Frank Makinson, No 879, a solicitor’s managing clerk of Neutral Bay, NSW, enlisted on 14 September 1914 aged 35, and embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on HMAT A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914 with the 13th Battalion, H Company. He served at Gallipoli and in France where he was killed in action on 29 August 1916.

Typewritten copy of a diary sent to his mother, Sarah Theresa Makinson, covering the period 10 April 1915 to 28 May 1915 and describing his journey from Egypt to Gallipoli, the landing on 25 April 1915, and the subsequent fighting. Parts appear to have been edited for publication; see images for details.]
Diary sent by Private Frank T. Makinson A Company 13th Battalion to his Mother Mrs J. F. Makinson, Neutral Bay – In the trenches from April 26TH To May 31st. [1915] Written in a dug out.

I have just been in hospital here for a couple of days, the Doctor having sent me back from "Gaba Tepe".

10/4/15. A Company (only) of 13th Battalion left Heliopolis Camp at 7.15 p.m. and marched with band playing through Heliopolis to Palais de Zebbub (?) Railway Station (about a mile) and entrained for Alexandria. We were cheered by all our chaps at Heliopolis Camp as we marched out, and by the soldiers and crowd in Heliopolis – train moved off at 11.20 p.m. – packed pretty close in train and chaps sleep all over the floor and under the seats.

11/4/15. Arrived at Alexandria at about 5 a.m. and embarked on S.S. "Seeang Bee" – A Company of 13th Battalion and 2 Companies of New Zealand’s and 1 Company of the 15th Battalion and 1 of 16th – about 1100 troops all told – great military activity in the Port – many transports, English, French and Australian taking troops on board – moved away from the wharf and anchored out in the stream – taking in cargo all night from lighters.

12/4/15. Left Alexandria at 6.30 a.m. beautiful weather and sea but still a little rolling made some men sea-sick – food good and plenty of it – no work only muster parades on deck – it is said we are going to some island off the coast of Turkey which we are to use as a base for operations in Turkey.

13/4/15. In Mediterranean – had a nice shower of rain – passed several small and apparently uninhabited Islands – were served out with 200 rounds of ammunition each – informed we are en route to Island of Lemnos.

[Page 36]
14/4/15. Fine sunny morning – other boats in sight and also Island of Lemnos where we anchored at 7.30 a.m. in a nice little Bay where numerous other transports and men-of-war and gunboats are anchored – Lemnos, a rocky Island with hills and peaks – few trees or shrubs but several small villages and many cultivation patches in view, also numerous old-fashioned round wind-mills for grinding grain – nice green cultivation patches here and there – some troops are ashore here – had practice climbing down rope ladders into boats and back with all our full marching gear and rifles.

15/4/15. Beautiful day – nothing much doing – some more transports arrived and war-ships are going – a little drill aboard ship – we are now part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force".

17/4/15. Message from General Birdwood re conserving water and food during the first three days of our attack on Gallipoli read out. We are warned we may get no more water than we can carry in our water bottles during that time.

18/4/15. Sunday – Usual Sunday service. The rest of the 13th are on the S.S. "Ascot" here. We hear that a Turkish Torpedo boat chased a British transport which was making for here and fired three torpedoes at her which missed but caused a bit of panic on board, which resulted in some going overboard and being drowned – also that subsequently two British Cruisers chased the Turkish Torpedo boat and ran her ashore and blew her to pieces – the transport subsequently arrived here O.K.

19/4/15. Went ashore with full pack climbing up and down ship on rope ladder – had a much needed swim on the beach – many of the local (Greek) villagers came round selling edibles, cigarettes etc. Saw some English troops ashore who appear to be much smaller men on average than our chaps. (Recd. letters Mother’s and Mary’s).

20/4/15. By order each man cut a small faggot of wood from the waste Seal cases aboard to take ashore as it is said firewood is very scarce where we are to land.

[General William Riddell Birdwood, later Baron Birdwood of Anzac and Totnes, born in India in 1865, was appointed commander of the Australian and New Zealand forces by Kitchener in November 1914 and led their Gallipoli campaign. He later served in France and was highly respected by the troops. He died in 1951.]

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21/4/15. Colonel Burnage came aboard from the "Ascot" to have look at us.

24/4/15. Several transports and battle ships leave this harbour – told me we are leaving tomorrow.

25/4/15. Those sleeping on deck heard big gun fire during the night and it could be heard this morning. – presumably the allied fleet bombarding the Dardanelles. We left Port in company with the "Ascot" clearing Lemnos Island about 11.30 a.m. We carry very heavy packs including three "Iron" rations (little bags containing biscuits, small tin of bully beef and little packets of beef extract) 200 rounds of ammunition and bundle of firewood.
The "Ascot" has the rest of the 13th aboard – heard the big guns going an hour after leaving Lemnos – heard bombardment all day off Gallipoli (in the Gulf of Saros). Saw our warships all along the coast firing continuously and many transports lined up along the Coast ready to land and some landing and some transports which had landed their troops returning. On arriving close inshore saw the warships firing distinctly and could see where the shells landed – anchored off Gallipoli about 4.30 p.m. and had dinner – many other transports and battle ships all around us.
In the evening just before sunset the warships round us shelled all the hills in front of us and raked the whole of the skyline with schrapnel. Several Turkish shells fell in the water amongst the transports close to us and some transports moved further out. Our aeroplanes went up and made several reconnaisances. The fire from our ships seemed very accurate.
Some of the troops from our boat landed at sundown and through the afternoon and night rapid rifle and machine gun fire could be heard. We were ordered on our troop deck fully equipped to disembark about 6.30 p.m. but later orders came that we might not disembark till 1 a.m. and to sleep in sack as best we could in the meantime – numerous naval launches came alongside during the night – some with wounded aboard and various rumours of our losses current. (We had heard earlier in the day that those of

[Lieutenant Colonel Granville John Burnage, 13th Infantry Battalion.]

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our Australian and N.Z. troops which had already landed had occupied a ridge on our right).
Had coffee about 1.30 a.m. and waiting orders to disembark – chaps in good fettle and very cheerful being glad to get into the real biz at last. Four chaps who were sent ashore early in the evening were sent back aboard as wounded. The bombardment of the Turks positions on the hills (there is only a small beach opposite us where the troops are landing, and then very steep hills and gullies) was a fine sight and demonstrated the accuracy of the gunners and great method – every command from the boat directing the fire being carried out smoothly and quickly. Just been up to the Hospital and find two men wounded in head, 1 in leg, 1 in arm. Order given that nothing would be doing till daylight, so all turned in to get what sleep we could.

26/5/15. Gun fire started at daylight again shelling the hills. (The "Queen Elizabeth" is now with us). Troops still landing from transports being take ashore by torpedo boats which transfer them to barges close inshore, guns from our ships keeping up fire to cover them – our shells and schrapnel bursting over top of hills and in gullies and throwing up columns of smoke.
Behind our boat an observation balloon has gone up to a great height – our aeroplanes are not scouting – fine day and cool. Had breakfast aboard about 7.30 a.m. and immediately after went aboard torpedo boat which took up [us] near shore and transferred us to a punt with open ends (like a horse punt) from which we landed getting wet to the waist in doing so – schrapnel was bursting all round us, the boat was making for the shore and one sailor was hit on the torpedo boat and one of our chaps on the punt. Most of the landing parties had some men killed or wounded in the boats.
One felt inclined to "duck" one’s head when one heard the schrapnel burst overhead – heard our chaps had captured nine Turkish machine guns and also various rumours as to our own horses – also that our [a] party of Turks had shown the white flag and then fired on our men with a machine gun when they advanced to take them prisoners.
Troops landing all the time and ships

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bombarding as they pick up the Turkish positions – aeroplanes are out and no doubt directing fire on ships – balloon is also up about 4 miles out at sea. We (A Company of 1eth [13th]) awaiting orders – told that on first lot of Australians landing on day before they had met the Turks right on the water’s edge and charged up the steep hillsides which rise from the sea. The Turks also had machine guns firing on our chaps in the boats as they landed, but our chaps jumped out of the boats up to the waist in water and went straight for the Turks (leaving many dead and wounded in the boats) having fixed bayonets while still in the boats. Charging up the steep hills and cleared the Turks out of their trenches – but of course we lost a good many.
The artillery are now landing, also horses and mules – a good bayonet charge is going on above us while we still await orders on the beach and continuous rifle fire all round and schrapnel bursting all round the beach. We went to the head of the valley and occupied a ridge (afterwards known as Pole’s Hill, after Colonel Pole). About 200 yards from the Turks’ trench we kept up a continuous rifle fire on them and they returned the compliment; many of our chaps killed and wounded, but I hope more of the enemy.

28/4/15. Been in the trenches since the last note with the exception of yesterday afternoon when our section were posted on the left of the hillside to pick off snipers who were concealed on the hillsides and shooting our men from the rear.
We have occupied and made trenches on three sides of the position of which a valley is the centre and also hold the other side under control by fire from the ships. We are sending out parties to clear the hillsides of snipers who are shooting a lot of our men from the rear and right and left flanks. Several men and officers of A Company wounded and dead. Very deep ascent up to our position. You can hardly get a foothold – enemy keeps us at it day and night and if we show ourselves at all snipers spring at us. We have shot many of the snipers however. It is difficult to locate them however, as the hill are all covered

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with short scrub and undergrowth. Had several narrow shaves from bullets lobbing up against me while digging cover with entrenching tool, – our chaps on the right of the position have had to retire at times from part of the trenches on the right, but have always reoccupied them with a bayonet charge. The Turkish artillery is pouring schrapnel into us all the time – some more transports with an escort of warships arrived this morning (we can see all the boats below from our position high up on the hills about a mile and a half from the beach).
Our aeroplanes go out scouting every day – fighting on our right very stiff – one of our mine trawlers sunk on the beach by the enemy’s shells. They are now burying some of our dead at the head of the valley on the right – poor Tom West shot dead by a sniper in the trench alongside me – shot through the mouth.

Our machine gun is about six yards above me on top of the hill and it draws a lot of the enemy’s fire which we get the benefit of. We had to dig ourselves in deep and bank up the sides and rear of the trench as we are being sniped at from the right back and rear left.

28/5/15. Still in the same trenches and we have had to take turns for a sleep, as we have not been relieved since we came here, – feeling pretty good but very cold at night, as we had had to leave our packs and overcoats on the beach (being too much to carry up the steep hillside) – very hot in daytime and very cold at night. We keep up fire a good deal in daytime and it goes on merrily nearly all night on both sides.

29/4/15. Still in same trenches – enemy’s schrapnel still going strong and the shells from our ships and artillery below whiz close over our heads on top of the hill on its way to the Turks’ positions beyond – some of it comes uncomfortably close – got relieved about 7 p.m. and went down the hill about a hundred yards below for a sleep, having had only a few dozes in the trenches since we landed – find our Company has lost a good

[Private Thomas West, No 1072, 13th Infantry Battalion, killed in action 27 April 1915.]

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many killed and wounded since we went into this position – made dug outs for ourselves and went off to sleep but were called to arms twice during the night as it was thought the Turks were advancing down the head of the valley just opposite our position.

30/4/15. Got up at day light and went down the valley and made a dixie of tea (first since we landed) and had breakfast – returned to our trenches in the firing line about 6.30 a.m. – find Turks had dug some more trenches during the night on the crest of the hill on the right about 400 yards in front of us and about 60 yards from our chaps trenches on the other side of the valley ("Quinn’s Post") – hear while below that Willie Coleman had been shot dead in our trench and of others of our crowd wounded – later in day machine gun played on our trench and had to lie very low – Crowley and Cadman with me in trench.

30/5/15. [1/5/15] Turkish machine gun on us again and kept us low in trench – dug deeper – continuous rifle fire most nights and intermittent rifle fire and shell fire in day time every day.

2/5/15. We came out of our trenches about 7.30 p.m. all hands having first given the enemy a terrific fussilade of rifle fire for about 20 minutes – another battalion taking our place – we went up gully quietly (orders no one to fire if avoidable) to attack Turks in trench in front of the trenches we had just come out of. Some one ahead took wrong turning and instead of one platoon coming out (it was pretty dark) where they should a part of it (which I was with) got lost and ran into a hail of bullets – whose we didn’t know – we all laid down for a while and then went on a bit, but the officer in charge was lost and a few yards further on we found ourselves between the fire of the Turks and our 16th Battalion – the bullets zipped everywhere amongst and around us and many of our chaps fell wounded or dead – amongst those near me Crowly and Johnson fell badly wounded.
The fire became too hot for anything and those of us left trooped into the head of a gully into which the officer cleared for shelter singing out for us to follow, here most of the

[Private Matthew Nicholas Crowley, No 839, 13th Battalion, died of wounds 6 June 1915.
(Probably) Private Albert Johnson, No 47, 13th Battalion, killed in action 3 May 1915.]

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bullets flew a little high over us but many went amongst us. I went back and brought Crowley in; someone else got Johnson and some others who had fallen when we ran into the fire – the bullets were still as bad as ever, and it was very unhealthy anywhere there.
Stayed in gully for a while and helped a first aid Ambulance chap bind up Crowley’s wound and a lot of other wounded – the top of the gully – or rather the narrow bed of it, was full of dead and wounded and I had to pick my steps moving about for fear of treading on them. We sent the word down for stretcher bearers for the wounded and took wounded as far down gully as we could to be out of the fire. Got word back stretcher bearers could not come for a while as they were removing the wounded further down the gully who were blocking up the way.
Started out to find the rest of the 13th Battalion, and after getting into 16th trenches and we eventually found them, about 3 p.m. on Monday morning 3/5/15. They had driven the Turks out of their trench and occupied it. We dug down trench deeper and a support trench at the rear. Some English marines were at the rear of the trench we had taken in the open.
At dawn we found we were enfiladed on both sides by Turkish machine guns and the marines who were outside the trenches were shot down wholesale before they realised what was up. Many of our chaps in the trenches were also wounded. All that day (a Monday) we had to duck down low in the trenches, as the Turks had a continuous stream of machine gun fire on us from both flanks and rifle fire on one front.
A good many of our men were wounded during the day in the part of the trench I was in, and one near me who exposed himself above the trench was shot dead through the heart. Sgt. Gordon Mitchell very pluckily exposed himself to pass sand bags up from the support trench to the firing line and was shot, I believe three times by the Machine gun – but not (I think) very seriously.
I had no water, having given all mine to the wounded during the night before and most of us had nothing to eat all day, but we didn’t think of that we were so busy crouching down to dodge the bullets. At dusk we evacuated that position, taking our wounded with us and

[Sergeant, later 2nd Lieutenant, Gordon Robertson Mitchell, No 877, 13th Battalion.]

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were very thankful to get out of it. We lost a lot of men that Sunday night and Monday and it was the hottest thing we have had to date. The Sunday night when we were lost for a while was a perfect nightmare, and we couldn’t shoot ourselves and yet were being shot at from all directions – getting a good deal of our own bullets from the 16th trenches which we got in front of by mistake. However we had driven the Turks from their trench and must have killed I think more of them than they did of us.
We were all dead done up and went down the valley for a spell. I then heard of many of my mates who had been killed and wounded – one or two had had their heads practically blown off by bombs – others were "missing" – which I am afraid means in most cases dead.

4 & 5/5/15. Still resting and feeling a bit better now – we wanted our spell and the sleep badly.

6/5/15. I was one of the burial party to bury the dead result of scrap of 2 & 3/5/15 (so far as we could – of course there were many we couldn’t get near as they were under the enemy’s fire) – buried many of our chaps and some Turks – one Turk in particular had been dead about a week and was very "unpleasant" (N.B. that isn’t my exact note). The 14th Chaplain searched the dead before we buried them – some Turks had a couple of pounds and more in Turkish money on them, which goes to headquarters.
Went back to our old trenches in the afternoon. Schrapnel bursting over our heads a treat as I write this note, and makes writing a bit shaky – you bet.

7/5/15. In the trenches. Turks pouring in a lot of schrapnel, but not doing so much harm as would be expected – on picket duty myself that night and until next morning. Have got poisoned hands – very sore. Our battalion got some re-inforcements.

8/5/15. Came back to our old trenches – very cold at night without overcoats.

9/5/15. Sunday – comparatively quiet, but snipers got several men in our part of the trenches and the Turks dropped in some

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shells which killed or wounded a few in trenches.

10/5/15. Enemy sent in a lot of schrapnel amongst our chaps in the valley and it was flying all over the place – several men wounded and Norton (in charge of our Pioneers) killed near me. We kept up a steady fire most of last night to cover the attack of the 15th on the enemy’s trenches on the right. They took the trenches but had to retire later, being enfiladed.

Got letters from Mother, Mary and Joe. The 15th report that they lost a good many men in their attack last night, but when they got into the Turks trenches they found so many dead Turks that they piled them up in front of them in some places for shelter. They say the Turks had dummy trenches in front and when they reached these the Turks opened fire on them from the real trenches – cute trick.

11/5/15. Spelling – things quiet – went down valley a bit – saw General Birdwood talking to some of the 15th who were lined up in a gully – he asked several men "Were you in the charge last night". They shook their heads and said "No, Sir", I was in the supports". Our Brigadier Monash was standing by and he chipped in "Most of those who were in the charge last night didn’t come back, Sir". It was reported that a Turkish artillery officer and 40 men with 4 guns surrendered to-day – they say they were without water for 3 days (Note. We get some of our water from the ships and some by digging for it in the valley). Our artillery in the valley has been firing a bit erratically the last two days, many shells bursting short and landing on our own trenches where I am and wounding several of our own men.

12/5/15. In trenches in our old position.

16/5/15. Have been on the beach doing "fatigue" work for the last three days the 13th having been relieved in the Trenches by the Light Horse (who came here as infantry leaving their horses behind them in Egypt) last Wednesday. The enemy are

[General William Riddell Birdwood, later Baron Birdwood of Anzac and Totnes, born in India in 1865, was appointed commander of the Australian and New Zealand forces by Kitchener in November 1914 and led their Gallipoli campaign. He later served in France and was highly respected by the troops. He died in 1951.]

[Private Roland Norton, No 894, 13th Battalion, killed in action 10 May 1915.]

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putting a lot of schrapnel amongst us on the beach and knock a good few – but nothing much considering the number of shells they send. Our party dug out a post office in the hillside opposite the beach and roofed it with sand bags.

17/5/15. Fatigue – unloading cargo from barges on beach – much schrapnel and a dozen or so hit. Am camped in a dug out on the hillside with Cadman. Very hot day. Warships are replying to enemy’s shell fire. Enemy also firing some very big shells at our warships lying off the beach. Hands all over sores, and several boils on me – feel vey off color. Insects (sic) damnable.

19/5/15. Got hit in shoulder by a spent bullet while unloading cargo on the beach about 1 a.m. this morning. (We do this work mainly at night because of shell fire). A glancing shot just cut my shoulder a little – no damage done. There was a big attack by the enemy on our lines all round last night and this morning, but we repulsed them with very heavy losses. Big shells bursting all over the beach and hillside where I am this morning. One which struck the hillside just above me nearly filled up my dug out with dirt and stones. A boat load of our wounded being taken to the Hospital ship lying off the beach just missed a big shell by a boat’s length. It sent up a column of water 20 or 30 feet high. It made us ashore very anxious for the boat full of poor helpless wounded chaps. But although a few more shells went after them none were close and they got aboard alright.

20/5/15. A Company came back from beach and rejoined Battalion in gully – foot very sore – big shells (9 in.) (Jack Johnsons" we call them) falling on our trenches and several fell near us as we went up the gully. Turks lost very heavily in their attack on our trenches last night.

21/5/15. 13th went into trenches on "Quinn’s Post" – trenches

[Page 46]
very uncomfortable and cramped and not much good to fire from. Turks trenches only twenty five yards in front of us. We threw some bombs into their trenches and they returned some which shook things up a bit, but damaged no one. Deuced awkward not knowing when a bomb is going to land on you (bomb throwing being nearly all done at night) and have very little room to get away from it.

22/5/15. Still in trenches on Quinn’s Post – can’t show your nose above it in day time. They even broke several of our periscopes – it is too easy to shoot straight at 25 yards. Things quiet – we used some big new bombs thrown from the mortar would kick up as much dust as 3 in. shells. Moral effect on Turks very good.

23/5/15. Rotten day – very damp and muddy in trenches. No fighting in the trenches, but we and the Turks exchanged bombs during the night – one man injured. Gerald Fox, who came over with our reinforcements, Officer in charge, in my part of trench, had a yarn with him.
Major Chisholm of Light Horse came along during the night, trying to improve our trenches to fire from by making loopholes with sandbags. It is a month yesterday since we landed. We have been fighting ever since. The stench from the dead around the trenches on Quinn’s Post is very bad. In one place the trenches are only 12 yards apart - had our first issue of fresh meat and grilled some of it and had a good, square feed. Armistice all day till 4 p.m. to bury the dead.

24/5/15. Both sides came out of trenches and stood on top of them and our chaps yarned with to some of the Turkish soldiers who could speak English. As soon as the white flag went down rifle fire started again. Our chaps say they saw hundreds of dead Turks on the left.

25/5/15. The Turks blew up part of our trenches, as we and they had both been sapping to undermine each other’s.

[Handwritten lines at foot of page, showing through from a later page; not transcribed here.]
[Note: the images for this page and the next one are in reverse order; transcribed in the order in which the document should be read.]

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The explosion threw up a lot of earth and buried some of our sappers alive, and injured some of our men in the trenches, and shook the whole of the top of the hill where I was. Our chaps threw bombs and drove the Turks back again to their own trenches. We lost some men but the Turks losses were much heavier. The attack was general, but the main attack was on Quinn’s Post.
When things quietened down a bit we got the dead out of the trenches and laid them on the hillside at the back of our supporting trench. This heap of dead was a ghastly sight in the daytime as most of them were fearfully mangled with bombs. Our Colonel (Burnage) was wounded on the arm by a bomb.
We were relieved about 4 p.m. by the Light Horse, and went down the valley for a spell. The Sergeant, my mate in dug out, was wounded while having a wash in a biscuit town [tin]; taken down to the valley to doctor. Most of the battalion have gone to the rest camp. Doctor Clayton of the 4th Field Ambulance sent me on a mine sweeper to Lemnos, where we boarded the Cunard liner for Alexandria Egyptian Hospital.

Above is a copy of short notes I made in my note book from time to time. I expect to be out of here and back in the firing line inside a fortnight. I have been remarkably lucky so far, having had very close shaves time out of number. There is a lot of luck in it. Chaps have been shot dad right alongside me, but I have escaped so far. However, there is a long way to go yet.

[Lieutenant Colonel Granville John Burnage, 13th infantry Battalion.
Captain, later Major, Henry John (Harry) Clayton, 4th Field Ambulance.]
[Private F.T. Makinson was evacuated to Egypt and thence to France in August 1916, where he was killed in action on 29 August 1916.]

[Page 48]
[Note written on the back of a sheet of paper with letterhead of the South British Insurance Co Ltd.]

[indecipherable] Burns eldest son
151

[On His Majesty’s Service]
Private F. T. Makinson

[Page 49]
[Duplicate of the note at the foot of the previous page.]
[On His Majesty’s Service]
Private F. T. Makinson

[Page 50]
[Private, later Sergeant, Robert Dowling Marrott MM, No 122, a clerk of Waverley NSW, enlisted on 25 August 1914 at age 20, and embarked from Sydney on 20 October 1914 on HMAT A14 Euripides with the 1st Field Ambulance, B Section. He served at Gallipoli and with the 14th Field Ambulance in France. He was awarded the Military Medal on 20 November 1917 for bravery in the field. He returned to Australia on 31 January 1918.

His letter describes his time at Gallipoli and the work of the Field Ambulance, written from Lemnos Island. A letter from Robert’s brother, John Marrott, follows.

Letters incorrectly labelled on this page as being from R A Marrott.]
R. A. Marrott

[Page 51]
Isle of Lemnos
31/9/15

Dear Uncle, Aunt & Cousins

It is such a long time since I have written that I will commence with excuses. Since the end of last March we have had no opportunities. We began preparations for leaving Mena camp & embarking then, & were in Lemnos for three weeks on the transports before our landing. For at least two-months after landing I did not have the chance of writing a letter home & for the rest of the time we averaged an issue of one piece of paper & one envelope per man per fortnight. We have been relieved for a spell after twenty-one weeks incessant fighting & solid work, so I have seized the opportunity to purchase pens ink &

[Page 52]
paper from the local Greeks & write a line or two.

I shall do not bore you with an account of our landing & the ensuing three wild & wobbly days & nights.

I had the honor of being part & parcel (with the other stretcher bearers of our Ambulance) of the landing troops that morning. We have since learned a terrible lot from the Sydney papers of various things that were supposed to have happened such as the Light Horse man who through Turks over his head. We saw his photo & emoluments in the last mails we received & you should have heard the roar of derision.
The Light Horse did not land until three weeks after we made good & it was some shock to see the

[Page 53]
photo of one of them as being the man who achieved the practically impossible & threw Turks over his head.
The Turks who happened our way at the start were Regulars, fine big fellows, that I would say averaged at least fourteen & a half stone in weight. Some judge to of weight, from the number of wounded we’ve fortunately had to collect.
The slaughter on both sides has been terrible from the start & our old First division of Infantry is merely a remnant. The third contingent, who relieved us, will have better time than we had as our Boys, by solid work, have wiped out most of the initial difficulties.
For the time being however we are away from the inferno & as

[Page 54]
one is apt to be downcast when looking backwards & recollecting the mates he has lost, one dismisses the past & looks forward to a brighter future.

We are at present camped in big marquees, fifty men to each with plenty of squeezing. It’s some job writing under the circs, two parties of Nap & Bridge players in full swing, "Snowy" Chudleigh (Barney knows him) banging discord? from his commotions & ex Woolloomooloo policeman Flynn in opposition with his mouth organ. To make matters worse a dispute of on War is heard waging hot & strong when the others harmony lulls somewhat.

Notwithstanding the foregoing it’s a real treat to be spelling away from

[Private Herbert John Chudleigh, No 59, 1st Field Ambulance.]
[Private, later Sergeant, George Murdy Flynn, No 23, 1st Field Ambulance. A letter and postcards sent by George Flynn are in the State Library’s collection, in A 2660 Volume 1, letters written on active service, A-L, 1914-1919.]

[Page 55]
Turkey. The Rest camp is situated where all is quiet with a Greek village or two roundabout. The climate is grand & they’re giving us fair food, fresh meat, eggs, vegetables etc, quite a change from the hard fare at Anzac. Not but that is was was badly needed, as everyone was rather seedy.
I daresay you know that John contracted Rheumatic fever after being in the firing line for a couple of months. I had the good luck to see him several times, good luck insomuch that he is in a different Division & miles away, & while being sorry to hear that he was ill, I was also pleased to think that there was only one of us, instead of two, likely to be bowled over at any moment. I heard from him

[Page 56]
when he was at Malta & besides writing to say he was having splendid attention, sent a late note to say he was going to England The trip was fully earned, anyone in my estimation, who had done a couple of months trenches being at least entitled to a trip round the world.

Young ? Concannon wishes to be remembered to Uncle William & sends kindest regards. He is our cook.

Hoping all are in the best of health & enjoying life,
I remain
Your’s Sincerely
Robt D Marrott

P.S. What’s happened Easts & Souths this season? They say here Easts want "Dally"

[Private, later Lance Sergeant, John Concannon, 1st and 14th Field Ambulance.]

[Page 57]
[Envelope]
[On Active Service]
Mrs J Marrott,
"Carinya",
Belgrave St,
Waverley,
Sydney
Australia

[Signed:] R D Marrott

[Page 58]
[Envelope]
On Active Service
No Stamp Available

Mrs J. Marrott
Carinya
Belgrave St
Waverley
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 59]
[Lance Corporal John Marrott, No 644, a telephonist of Waverley, NSW, joined the Army on 9 September 1914 aged 19, and embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on HMAT A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914 with the 13th Battalion, H Company. He served at Gallipoli and returned to Australia 12 Dec. 1915 following hospitalisation with rheumatic fever.

His letter describes the fighting at Gallipoli and follows a letter written by his brother Robert Dowling Marrott.]
"Carinya" Dug-out
Firing Line

Dear Mum, Dad and all at home

I have received all your letters and papers ok and you can’t possibly imagine what a refresher they are so keep on writing although perhaps I cannot write back owing to lack of materials, I swapped my issue of tobacco for this paper. I have sent a couple of field service post cards and I hope you received them.
I suppose you have all read the news by now and are aware of the fact of what constituted my birthday greetings. Rob is enjoying himself immensely dodging shrapnel etc. and I may say I’m a fair expert at it. We are having a spell now after five weeks of the trenches in which things were pretty lively, the [word blacked out] tried to oust us out of it but had as much hope as fly. Of course we have all had the usual run of narrow squeaks and I may hopefully say your prayers are being answered. I’ve been under machine-gun fire, have been blown up by a mine, had a Johnno-o lob about four yards in front of my dig-out destroying my happy home and here I am as lively as a school-kid.
We are being fed like fighting cocks and every man has to cook for himself of course and I tell you when I come back ‘God willing’ I will show you some of the most complicated mixtures you have ever seen.
We had an armistice the other day for the [word blacked out] to bury their dead and our boys and them had some sport swapping tobacco and changing money etc the funny part being as soon as it finished we must start blazing away at each other again.
Rob received your letters ok he is away on the right flank and paid me a visit during the armistice (Empire day) [24th May].
We can go down for a swim and it is great although a bit exciting at times when the shrap. begins to fly.

[Page 60]
Dear Mum you say in one part of your letter, You thought sometimes You had made a mistake in letting me go as I was a bit young. Well let me put your anxiety to rest by saying that I will never in all my life regret the day I enlisted especially now, we are having the time of our life here. Dear Mum where would You sooner me be flying around with girls or over here amongst men of men proved to the world? If You were only here to see the position & heights we have won and held You would never regret the day that I enlisted.
We are well supplied with all the latest news having a paper printed here called the "Peninsula Press".
I must close now as I cant say much owing to Censor but cheer up we’re giving them nothing and hope next letter will be via Constantinople.
Hoping you are all in the best of health & spirits same as
Your Loving son
John Marrott

P.S. paper’s scarce here and envelopes but will sent post-cards whenever possible.
J.

P.S. Rob has just paid me a visit and he is looking great and as "brown as a berry" gets a swim every day lucky beggar. He received all your letters here so keep writing.
I am getting as brown as a berry now and get about all day in a rather Chidlytian dress as climate is rather hot.

[John Marrott developed rheumatic fever and returned to Australia in December 1915.]

[Page 61]
[Private, later Sergeant, James William Masters (Jim), No 1075, a labourer of Balgownie, NSW, joined the Army on 30 May 1915 aged 23, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic, 25 June 1915 with the 19th Battalion, C Company. A musician in the Battalion Band, he served as a stretcher bearer at Gallipoli, and on the Western Front with the 20th Battalion. He returned to Australia on 19 June 1919.

His letter describes the sea journey from Australia to Egypt, action at Gallipoli from August 1915, the evacuation, and his journey back to Egypt.]

[Typed letter with handwritten note at the top of the first page.]
Presented by J.R. Masters, Balgownie, Bay View Crescent, Annandale.

Egypt.
24th February, 1916.

My Dear Brother,

Now, as you have had all news from papers and, etc. I will endeavour to try and give you my full routine as a soldier since leaving dear old Sydney, just nigh eight months since; On the 25th June, as you already know. Our march to the boat was one we will not forget for some time to come, quite new to the game, as you know. I never gave you a chance by letting you know my final flutter; it came hard to me I must give in to see all of the boys getting their perhaps last farewell from so many, who are always so dear to them, and not one of my own to give me good cheer, perhaps for the last time, but with my cornet to my lips, I drowned all sorrow by making up for my mates, bogging in, until we reached the wharf, where we boarded the ferry which conveyed up to our transport, S.S. "Ceramic".

Once on board, we were all a bustle till we got settled on our troop deck, which, I must say, proved the best part of the ship "amidships"; taking a time for all to get settled down, we moved off at 4.30. Quiet a lot of good friends accompanied us in motor boats and ferry boats in a wild state of excitement. I with my mate climbed to the top of the rigging to have a last fond look at the dear old city. Once outside the Heads, we kept up for a time while slowly moving down the coast to see the dear old Wollongong Lighthouse. Our next excitement was as to whether we were to call at Melbourne or not. It seemed as if we were when nearing the Port, but we were disappointed, just pulling up for a pilot boat to take our mail off; moving off again we left the coast altogether. Had four days out on the water before we sighted the coast of Western Australia, which was our last fond look for a time (a whole fourteen days). Then we had "the life on the ocean wave" before sighting Aden, which proved a most welcome change. We manouvered round for an hour, our transport turning round after getting signals. My first thoughts were of us returning to India, but we turned round once more towards Suez, our next port of call. Here we got our first reception of the "Gippo", as we call him, coming along side with their quaint old sailing boats, selling oranges, melons, etc. We put our sick off there, to travel by rail to Cairo. We then moved off, passing through the Canal, where we are now camped, a distance of 90 miles, about half way between Port Said on Suez on the Arabian side, way in about ten miles in the wilderness from the Canal, but we will leave that alone for a time. We then dropped anchor at Port Said, after a nine hours’ run through the Canal; we had some more fun here with the natives while coaling.

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We then moved off for Alexandria, where we landed on the 23rd, July (Friday). We took train from there to Cairo, a distance of about ninety miles, landing at our camping ground, Heliopolis, at four o’clock Saturday morning. By the way, our routine of drill coming over for the troops – morning – physical; afternoon – rifle inspection and drill, just to keep one fit. Of course, mine with the band practice, morning’s play programmes for Officer’s Mess every other night, taking turns with the Eighteenth Band. Sunday afternoon programmes – Church Service mornings. As you already know, our boat was terribly crowded. I suppose there must have been over 3,000 troops aboard; our sport mainly was boxing tournaments, concerts and all sorts of games, which passed away the time, and proved good pastime for the boys. The tucker consisted of a little of all sorts – beef, mutton "under ground mutton" or rabbit, all kinds of vegetables, with a little custard or prunes to top them off. On the whole, it was very good. We had a canteen there where you could get a change of tin fruits, which I hit up very much; plenty of cordials, which were very welcome, coming through the Tropics and Red Sea, being very hot.
Our most fun was when crossing the Line. Every one had to be thrown into a big tank of water, then Father Neptune lathers you up with a big white wash brush with soap, shaves you, then with a big wooden razor, then throws you in again. Of course, they have a few more colleagues in there all the time to duck you. They are all blacked up. Officers and all get their turn. It was fun I can tell you. Our band played out for the occasion; didn’t matter what clothes you had on; if they got hold of you, it was good-bye, in you would go.
We had six deaths coming over, which I must say passed a gloom over the ship. Our trip on the whole was O.K. It is to be hoped we will be as lucky on our return, to get as good a transport as the dear old "Ceramic" and crew.

Well, our stay in Egypt was very short – three weeks – and then to business. As you have already had my doings in those three weeks, I will cut it out. Orders to pack our instruments away, leaving all that we could in our kit bags, just taking what was necessary to make a light load. Packing all up what we were to leave behind, we took train once more to Alexandria, leaving Heliopolis 8.30 a.m. 15th August, arriving in Alexandria quarter past five Monday morning. Boarded another transport S.S. "Aaturnia" [SS Saturnia] which was a dirty old thing, just by way of a change from the "Ceramic", bound for Lemnos, leaving the wharf 6.30 p.m. that night. Had a pleasant trip through the Meditteranean, calm as milk pond, landing at Lemnos Island, Thursday the 19th. After a twenty-four hours spell, we transhipped to another transport the "Osmeniah" [Osmaniah], sneaking out after dusk, we proceeded for another four hours’ run, which I must say was quite exciting. All lights out, no cigarettes butts – silence – no one allowed to speak. We steered on our way in between destroyers, doing patrol, and keeping a sharp look-out for submarines.

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At last we eased down – orders to get prepared to cast off: anchored about a mile from shor[e], taking some time for the lighter to take us all ashore. Presently we hear the crack, crack of the rifles. This was morning; it was just breaking day when we landed on shore, and there were still another couple of lighter loads to come. All landed, we moved off under the range of a big cliff, so we will call it. Such a march – under difficulties – I will not forget it, as a stretcher beared with a full pack, over two hundred rounds ammunition, rifle and stretcher, carrying doctor’s paniers. By jove, it was a good introduction with our "joke" of an old quack and Sargeant squeaking to keep up. The best of the fun was we had only about 300 yards to go, when we turned into a gully known as "Rest Gully", where we camped that day. After settling down, we prepared to cook our first meal – not too much of the cooking by me, but I had a good mate, our trombone player, who afterwards proved himself one of the best. So long as I collected the wood and water he did the rest, Mat and myself (I was forgetting him). We had a little sleep and then – suddenly woke to hear a terrific bombardment starting from our battleships and land batteries creeping up the side of the hill. We viewed the proceedings, which were on our left, round towards Suvla. There were shells bursting everywhere. This lasted for some time then eased off. Suddenly we hear the crack crack of the machine guns and rifles. This, as we afterwards found out, was the charge of the 18th got cut up in; that night after dusk, we got orders to move round to where we had viewed the bombardment, where they were still mixing it, as on our way we passed quite a number of them getting carried in. As passing each lot of stretcher bearers, we used to get a reminder – "I pity you poor [dash] there’s any amount of you round there. stumbling across rough ground, dark, just practically following the leader, we were led up in another gully, known as "Reserve Gully", behind where the 18th were at it. This was about 10 o’clock at night; we laid waiting for a while for orders, keeping well in under the ridge from the strays coming over the ridge. At last we got orders to dig ourselves in. Whilst in progress, one of our boys got popped with a stray one. "Our squad for duty" – Mat (a Victorian boy) and myself. This was my first experience as a stretcher bearer – a boy, he said he was 12 stone, by jove he seemed about 24 before we dropped him. Still carrying our rifle and equipment, dark as pitch, not knowing the run of the place, it was one I will never remember. Had orders to take him to a certain Base Hospital; didn’t know where it was. We plugged on, came a cross a New Zealand Hospital, woke the doctor up to have a look at our patient. Putting us on our track, we set off on our way again found out we had missed the "sap" we were told to take. We thought so too, by the way the bullets were flying about us, the machine guns and rifle fire were deafening. Anyhow, we scrambled back, finding the sap, which led us to the Hospital. That was our first introduction and Mat’s only one – getting back to our Battalion again, we started to make a dug-out for ourselves, when a stray one came over the ridge, getting my mate in the fleshy part of the leg.

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It was a miracle how it missed me; must have just shaved my head in the position we were standing. Well, Bob, you can guess how I felt to lose my mate, not practically 30 hours after landing. I was dumb-founded, as the saying is; all sorts of queer things passed through my brain. I got about as if lost, not caring should it be my turn next. After seeing him to the hospital we parted "Au-Revoir", he was the second in our Battalion to get wounded, there was a spare man the Trombone player he was put with me, then, well we had just got nicely settled for a couple of hours got orders to move off. I think they got about for [four] in that Gully. We got orders to leave our packs there, which was a signal there was something doing, all prepared we moved off again round to our left farther getting closer to Suvla Bay, all that time just at the back of us there was a continuous fire all the time; getting round to our position we had to cross a flat about two hundred yards length, which was quite visible to our enemy from their positions they must have spotted our move, if they had only waited till night they could saved it all, the first Company of our Battalion in the front had to cross over in extended order, that about eight at a time a distance of twenty yards apart.
The first Company got across "O.K." then they started to put the schrapnel in, all the time this was going on we were looking on waiting our turn, you would just get about half way across when they would put two or three in quick; Suddenly they got a stray one in it seemed amongst where we were sitting, by jove, you should have seen the scramble to shelter. Our turn came at length so we proceeded, just as we got about half way across, bang just over my head as luck happened or I should have been a goner; my mate dropped the stretcher at the back, I thought it had got him, looking round he was slowly rising again, so we off for our lives got across threw everything off come back to collect our wounded, such sights I don’t wish to see again.
Well we grabbed the nearest chap to us, had his arm nearly blown off, took into hospital which was a continual stream all the time, as soon as they were dressed you had to take them on for another couple of miles to the clearing station. They got twenty five of our boys in that lot, so that was a fair introduction. The best of the fun was when going back to collect wounded they never offered to fire on us. We received a message from them afterwards to say when carrying stretchers always close them, otherwise they would fire on us, of course, we were carrying the Doctor’s Paniers on them. We got orders then when moving into positions we had to carry stretchers closed, which I can tell you was much appreciated by the boys, as they used to make mules of us.
Well after that lot we were camped with the Gurkhas for a week, our boys digging trenches linking up the line, between the Tomies from Suvla and the Gurkhas from X to Hill under 971, this was tedious work for our boys; carried on only at night out in the open, practically at foot of Hill W, which was held by the enemy. You had to go for your life so as to get yourself under cover. Our work here the three weeks was our worst occasion, one here and there getting popped over; we were called out at all hours

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of the night to go out and bring them in. Many a time I often wished it was me instead of the patient I was carrying. If you were not on duty you were on guard at the base, which was at the end of our lines. To give you an idea, while carrying one of our boys got three holes through his overcoat another while carrying the patient received another one, to which he promptly remarked the "B[dash] have got me again. It was just alongside the Gurkhas our camp was, they are great little fighters, every night as they would pass.
Whilst here we done absolutely the best joke by one of our boys to a General as you would wish to hear, the subject of the joke is G. Williamson one of our old Bass Players, commonly called by the rest as "Doppie" after carrying in a wounded man returning happened to halt for a spell, his two cobbers were waiting on him sitting down opposite the General’s Dug-out forgetting all about his whereabouts, as he came up to his pals, first his mate remarked, where the hell you’ve been to Dopie. Where do you think I have been too; in the meantime the General wondering who was outside walked out just as Doppie appeared not knowing who he was, just as his mates asked the question, Doppie not knowing who he was pats him on the shoulders, and replied "What do you reckon old squire" if you had [dash] on four [dash] would you leave your [dash] Ah Whats" the General replied, do you know who you are speaking to, "Doppie" replied "No", the General replied" "Do you know you are speaking to a General". "How long have you been in the Army" Doppie replied twining to a Cobber, how long is it Mick?" Mick replied "Dammed if I Know", the General, "Be about your business quick or I will put you in the Guard Tent lively" the Squad quickly marched. What do you think of that one, it proved as one of the best yet; the Officers have got a hold of it, also the General now is in command of our Second Division – General Cox. – "Dopie", the culprit went away sick from the Peninsular, I believe he is now on "picket" in England. Leave it to Dopie, he has seen enough of the lead flying about, good luck to him.

To go on with our story as I will call it, although in many tight corners we always had our little jokes, it was always better than looking on the serious side of things. Well we had a week with the Gurkhas, who on passing our Ranch always with smiling faces on their way to the firing line, will always say "Turkey finish to-night", pull out their "Kuk ri" or knife, pull it across their throat, as if to mean it for the enemy. They were cheerful little fellows, great fighters, one of their common sayings, having great faith in the Australians was "One shell, English Tommie gets in his Dug-out, two shells Frenchmen lie flat on ground, three shell Australian look round say you B[dash] B[dash"

[Private George Tibbett Williamson, No 49, 19th Infantry Battalion.
General Cox: probably Major General H V Cox, British Army.]

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They had great faith in our boys. Excuse grammar Bob, but I am trusting this gets through "O.K" I want you to build on it. For a whole week, day after day was the same routine, then we moved round a little further into what we call the "Donga", it was one time a water course from the hills and mountain leading into the sea, which was about a mile away from our Camp. We had two more weeks here – We picked this spot as a shelter for our dressing station, our troops also were camped above us, I call it a shelter, but travelling backwards and forwards one was half exposed, our enemy so found this out, as day after day we could always expect a shell or two of Schrapnel; they got 25 of our boys in two days here, so that will give you an idea there was a couple of weells [wells] of water just below our ranch, one in the open which used to also get there turn; whenever they saw a mob there, one could always be on the alert.
It was here that our second in command – "Major McManeny" got killed. Him and the Colonel while on their way back from the beach, where they generally went for their morning swim; went to inspect the Well – Jonny Turk must have spotted them putting one in which got the Major, killed him instantaneously. I helped to carry him to his last resting place A little Graveyard, which was made just behind our lines. He was a fine man, one of our best Officers, it cast a gloom amongst the boys, who were always so proud of him – had great faith in him. This continual same routine day after day, odd ones getting poked over, here and there. If they saw a mob in swimming they could put a shell right amongst them, although our boys took no heed of them, that dirty and lowsey, one chanced the risk for a good swim. My mate and I never missed a day, we used to look forward to it, sneaking away when there was nothing doing.

The heat and flies were awful, after the charge of the 18th in which they got out up so, they took a couple of Turkish trenches in which we backed them up, the Hundreds of dead bodies lying between the Trenches and in them, our boys made parapets of them, covering them up with dirt, they began to swell up with the heat and the strays catching them at times, it made such an awful smell, then with the flies I can tell you that our boys had it pretty rough for some days. One had to eat his food with all this, but at the finish we got used to it; such a sight between those trenches I never wish to see again. Both sides were cut up, lying there to perish away; such were the conditions of this [dash] place. Our boys did a lot of work here, digging trenches at first, they were only about 2ft. 6 when completed, one could carry a patient through any of them without being exposed. Relieving the Gurkhas for two days, under Hill 60 in which I will relate another of my experiences.

It was dusk when we marched off, (two squads of Bearers) and one of our Companys (it was so dark) didn’t know where he was it was a case of follow the leader. At last we came to our

[Major James Whiteside Fraser McManamey, 19th Infantry Battalion, killed in action 5 September 1915.]

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destination ordered to make ourselves comfortable, as luck happened we never got a call. Waking next morning we found ourselves sleeping just opposite a dead Turk, who had buried in the parapets his feet just projecting out, the smell was "oncos" but being dog tired, once asleep one didn’t notice it.

Well that ended our career with the Gurkhas; getting orders to relieve the first division, who were getting a spell, the whole second division took their positions, which they won in landing on the historic 25th April, our position was where the Sixteenth Battalion were know[n] "as Pope’s Ridge", the trenches for a time were a bit strange for our boys, being very shallow and being used to our own round the left, quite a few of them got popped over all through the head, which means nearly instantaneous. After they were ther[e] a while they kept their heads down, this is where the Turks were so close on "Quinns Post" they were only fifteen yards away; ours were about seventy. That was the post next to us, Russell’s Top on our left which the 20 Battalion held.
Well this was quite a change from the left, being just like Garrison Duty, just holding the position. After a while they made lovely trenches of them, made a new one in front of the old one which took a bit of work tunnelling underneath, knocking the top down and also making recesses for the steep. Our worst lot here was the fatigue work, climbing up and down the hill which was like I should say, the last pinch of the bullock track, Mount Pleasant. Two stretcher squads were put on fatigue work, myself being one of them, also had to act with bearer, when needed, it was only on a couple of occasions that we were called out.
The first introduction was the "Big Stick" Bombs, which exploded like the effect of a hundred pound shell. They are fired out of a trench going about three hundred feet up in the air, then turning they come straight down behind the lines. The first six – they must have got about a dozen of us. The first shell caught a lot round the cook house just at dinner time, if you heard the report of the gun you would see the stick go up in the air giving you a chance to get under cover. They kept a sharp lookout for them, then those that used to give us warning to take cover.
The flies were also very troublesome causing a lot of sickness, a great number of our boys being sent away making it bad for the ones who were left behind. They ha[d] to bog in and make tunnels and recesses to get cover from the big shells. If you weren’t in the firing line, you would be on fatigue work, they kept us going. Our fighting here consisted mostly of Artillery duels and snipers doing most of the shooting, and of course there was a usual "stand too’s" morning and night, and on occasions when "Jhonny Turk" got a little excited we used to get orders to stand to, we also used to give a demonstration at times, which used to make John’s Turk wonder where all the fire came from. It was pretty to see these the different signals of rocketts flying about all colours, they were very nice,

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also searchlights from the Battleships just below us playing all round the firing lines, made a pretty spectable. Then came the crack of the rifles and Machine Guns it was fair "dinckum" sometimes Johnnie Turk used to reply, thinking there was going to be something doing, but he soon jerries to it after the first couple, This sort of thing went on day after day for the whole fourteen weeks, they were losing a few occasional men through snipers or else through Bombs. The bombs caused a lot of trouble the trenches being so close together one could throw them in nicely. Many a time I have stood and listened to the reports of them at "Quinns Post".
On Eight Hour Day 3rd October was a day I shall never forget, Johnny Turk must have got excited gave us a demonstration of Schrapnel, putting them in all along the line keeping it up for some time without effect, we only had one casualty on our post. We lost two of our Band Boys here, one being sniped while attending a wounded man, his name was "Harris", I went out to carry him in. The other chap our "Solo" Horn Player "A. Baker" while waiting a call, a small stick bomb came over and caught him on the leg nearly severing it, he died a few hours later, they were both fine chaps. We also had four others wounded "Mat" as you already know and two other chaps, there were also a number taken away sick (Mat) joining us up again in October. Out of a total of 28 there were 12 to return safely, since then there have been two or three of the old hands joining up again.

The Snow coming in November was an interesting spectacle being for the most of us, our first experience. It started about ten o’clock at night and lasted for about sixteen hours. Waking up next morning we found ourselves snowed up; looking out from our dug-out at the hills behind us, it looked as though someone sprinkled flour all over them. To get out we had to push it away from our little homes, I then wrote my name in it, afterwards Mat and I had a snowball fight, but it got too cold for our fingers. When the snow had finished falling it got very cold, making the hills in an awful state of mud and slush. Water was scarce at the time and gathering it up we put it in a jar and then lit a fire under it. Boiling the billy we had a blow out, up to then we had only been getting one cup of tea each day, I can tell you the snow came in very handy.

Well Bob, I had cold feet for three weeks after that experience. The next flutter was the introduction which led to the evacuation, "A three days silence, not a shot to be fired", although at the time we had no news to tell what it was for. Of course there were always "lantrines" as we call them flying about, anyhow Johnny Turk couldn’t make this out, and at time he got a bit bold, sneaking over to have a look what was going doing. The boys gave them a bit of hurry up to get back with. There was a Periscope poking up everywhere along the line, where as before-hand as

[Page 69]
soon as one appeared anywhere, he always got a reception to pull it down, "quick of course", they were always the same, they also got ours when looking through the loop hole they used to get our boys and you could scan the ridge and couldn’t find where the fire came from, they are great trench fighters. We heard all sorts of rumours that our Brigade was going to have a spell, never dreaming that the whole mob was to be evacuated, till three days before time. I can tell you there were some smiling faces then, we were absolutely fed up, our next thought was whether we should be stiff enough to stop one before we got away.
Things went very well, our doctor taking precautions in case we should get a bit of hurry up. He gave orders for us to carry our packs down close to where we were to embark, so as we could collect the wounded. As luck happened it came otherwise. Saturday afternoon came for the first lot to go, which we were amongst, we had orders to secure everything so as nothing could rattle, anything shiny we were told to cover, we also had to cover our boots, so as the trampling of feet would not be heard. We moved off about dusk, slowly following the leader through the Sap (or trench) such a march I will never forget. It was funny to see them going past with all sorts of old clothing on their boots, anyhow I think we had about a three mile walk to the beach from the position we held, and the lighter which conveyed us to our transport proved to be the old battleship "Mars" we reached it less than an hour, and I tell you there was a continual stream of troops coming all the time.
Once on board, and settled down, we moved off on a four hour trip to Lemnos Island "Goodbye to Gallipoli" arriving here about daybreak. It was here we spent Xmas and New Year, we camped here for a fortnight and the remaining rearguard joined us up safely, there were a big camp of Tommies here, had a couple of games of Football against them, with our 5th Field Ambulance. There were some quaint old Greek villages here which were quite interesting to us. Then we went to Egypt again by the troop ship "Aseanius" [HMAT A11 Ascanius] landed at Alexandria, how nice to get back to the old home once again, took train from there to Tel-el-Keba, spent a fortnight there, and then sent here in the land of the desert "Arabia" preparing for the so-called attack on Egypt.

Well Bob, old boy, you have it up to the present as near as I can give you, I have cut it a bit short at the finish, getting tired of it as I suppose you will be at the finish. Our next move is France we are led to believe, which I am eagerly looking forward to should it be my luck to get through safely, then to see old England will fix me nicely, and a safe return to dear Australia.

I hope you will be able to understand it O.K, you can build on it and show it to my other brothers, I cannot write them all one
hoping this finds you safe and in the pink as it leaves me at present.
I will conclude with "Au revoir".
Jim.
27/2/’16

No. 1075 Bandsman J. W. Masters,
C. Company,
19th Battalion,
A.I.F.

[Page 70]
[Honorary Lieutenant Colonel John Brady Nash VD (Volunteer Decoration), 1857-1925, a parliamentarian and surgeon from Sydney, NSW, joined the Army on 19 October 1914 aged 57, and embarked from Sydney, NSW, on HMAT A55 Kyarra on 28 November 1914 with the 2nd Australian General Hospital. He returned to Australia on 5 December 1915, escorting invalided soldiers.The Library holds John Brady Nash diaries and papers.

His letter describes action at Gallipoli and refers to the 1916 conscription referendum. Includes a note from P J MacNamara, auctioneer of Coffs Harbour, NSW, introducing the letter.]
[There are two separate items on this page.]
[On His Majesty’s Service]
Letter from the Front
Col. Nash

[On memorandum letterhead of P J MacNamara, Auctioneer, Stock and Land Agent, Coff’s Harbour & Dorrigo, NSW.]
[To] The Librarian
National Library
Macquarie Street,
Sydney.
29th Dec. 1915

Sir:–
I enclose a letter I received from Leiut. Colonel Nash M.L.C. containing a description of what our troops did at Gallipoli that I think is worthy of filing for further reference.

I have the honor to be Sir,
Your obedient Servant
P J MacNamara

[Page 71]
[On letterhead of Shepheard’s Hotel, Cairo]
C/O A.M.O. Cairo
Egypt
30 October 1915

Dear MacNamara

On reaching here from Galipoli your letter bearing date 8th Septbr awaited me. For it please accept my thanks.

Glad to learn that your piece of the Country is looking prosperous & hope that ere now you have been favoured with a copious rainfall.

The Norton Griffiths business is unsound in principal, in my opinion, and on that account has never appealed to me as being for the good of the Country, though its acceptance might have been for my gain financially it would not have received my support.

Sorry to learn about your Nephew Laurie, but please tell his Mother that she should be proud to be Mother to a boy amongst those who fought at Galipoli.

All accounts point to some loss of prestige in favour of Holman ’mongst his own people, he is a clever man who like the Prime Minister William has a knack for pulling the chestnuts out of the fire.

My earnest hope is that the Referendum proposals may be defeated this time, nothing could be more fraught with disaster to the stability of the Commonwealth than they. What will be the

[The bottom few lines from page 73 show at the bottom of this page. Not transcribed here; see page 73 for details.]

[Page 72]
financial condition after the war? Some of us may live to see and then may know. How all the trades unionist socialist ideas have crumbled midst the necessities of our time? Exploded & worn out over & over again it needed but a time of stress to snap them to fragments, and show how rotten was the whole fabric. I fear me that the British public has not yet waked up, it may be that the stupor will be so prolonged that the termination may be other than what we may wish.

Perhaps you and I shall meet sooner than either of us anticipates. Time will tell. Anzac? You should see the boys & men from Australia at Anzac? Your every nerve fibre would glow with pride as did mine, when you looked at the beach for landing, the hills and the valleys scaled & climbed in April last, the roads & paths they have made, the saps (drains as deep as a man leading from one place to another) they have dug, the dug-outs in which they live, the trenches wherein they stand to arms, the sand-bag redoubts, the tunnels driven, the shafts sunk, the bomb shelters in front of the firing line, the soldierly way in which they handle the rifle with its bayonet fixed & magazine charged, the earnestness with which each one looks stealthily through the loop holes or peers over the surrounding country with a periscope.

By jove it is truly wonderful. These men from every part of the Commonwealth, who not before twelve months ago ever expected to fire a shot in anger or handle a bayonet or use a bomb against any enemy, never intending to be professional soldiers. Eight

[Page 73]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
days and eight nights I live amongst them, many of the twenty-four hours round they designated quiet. A purely relative statement this must be because neither night nor day when I was awake did the rifles cease to fire, the machine guns fail to ring out their savage rat tat tat, or the Cannons to with a boom or bang hurl their missiles on the journey of destruction. These men, the farmers, the station hands, the ordinary workers, and their officers from our sunny land were playing one part like unto seasoned soldiers inured to the sounds of the battle field and the carnage of war. Without seeing no one can appreciate the work & the fighting done by those few down under.

Outposts of Empire they rivalling the Trojan and long-haired well greaved Greeks, who not far from Anzac more than three thousand years ago fought for the fair Hellen and the City of Troy. Then Paris, Hector, Agamemnon, Ajax, Achilles, Ulysses & the rest wrote imperishable names upon the scroll of fame. Surely there will come mongst us a modern Homer who will put in poetry or prose the acts of our heroes & in the form of a Classic hand their personalities and their places of origin to those who will be alive centuries tens of them and hundreds of them in the dim hereafter. Truly the prowess then as now is gift from Heaven yet is it none less laudable. Well might they their favouring fortunes bless whom those bloody fights

[Page 74]
at Anzac took part and passed thus far from wounds by shot and shell; for many a Briton many a Turk prone in the sand and side by side have been laid on days so numerous during the just ended six months. Mars, Mars, is as much the bane of mortals today as ever, though we have had mongst us those who professed so much faith in the animal man as to shout out loud: "We are becoming too enlightened in this twentieth century to offer the lives of men to decide any dispute whatever." Poor deluded creatures. How little they knew themselves and others? As there is war, I do earnestly thank God that he has allowed me to live long enough to visit the scene, in European Turkey, wheron has been born a New Australia, to be eye witness to the gallant sons, who have come from every part of the Commonwealth. To him who has fought there I shall always be prepared to salute or doff my hat.

The Turk is given by our men a certificate to the effect that there could be no more worthy foe or more honourable opponent.

Dr Henry from Grafton has been for some hours with me. We talked of you, Coffs Harbour & many other subjects in which you have like concern with us. He is a bright chirpy chap well informed in litterature and the current subjects of today.

Fancy John Haynes in parliament again? And for Larkin’s Constituency.

Goodbye. Good luck. May Fortune of her best bestow upon your family, your interests & yourself, and may her eldest daughter ever be a stranger to each of you.
I am
Yours Truly
John B. Nash

Franked
[indecipherable]
P J MacNamara Esq
Coffs Harbour

[John Haynes (1850-1917), journalist and politician. He worked for several country newspapers, moved to Sydney in 1873, and in 1880 started The Bulletin magazine with Jules Francois Archibald.
Edward Rennix Larkin (1880-1915), NSW politician, rugby league footballer, and administrator, killed in action at Lone Pine 25 April 1915. A letter and postcard from Edward Larkin are in the State Library’s collection, in A 2660 Volume 1, letters written on active service, A-L, 1914-1919.]

[Page 75]
[Private, later Staff Sergeant, Leslie James Alexander Nightingale, No 4443, library attendant of Camperdown, NSW, Joined the Army on 9 March 1915, aged 27, and embarked from Sydney on RMS Mooltan on 15 May 1915 with the 3rd Australian General Hospital and served at Gallipoli and on Lemnos Island, and later in England and France with the 12th Australian Field Ambulance. In 1919 he was granted leave with pay to take up employment as a library assistant at the British Museum, Department of Printed Books in London. He returned to Australia on 12 March 1920.

Letters describe his leave in England in 1915 and his experience on Lemnos Island later that year.]
[On letterhead of P & O S N Co.]
Address (Lce Cpl L. J. A. Nightingale.
No 4443.
3rd Aust Gen Hospital A.I.F.
Mudros
Lemnos
c/o Intermediary Base Records Office
Cairo
Egypt.

S.S. "Simla"
At Sea
22.7.15

My Dearest Doris

After a fortnight’s holiday in England we are again travelling this time it is for the Dardenelles.

The first half of our holiday I spent at Tidworth I have described this beautiful place in my last letter, the latter half I spent at Southampton & I might say it was the time of my life, the people simply lionized us. I made quite a lot of friend, I also managed to visit a Lodge meeting & spent a most enjoyable evening. I will endeavour to detail how I spent the week.

Monday. Arrived at Southampton Dock Station 4 P.M. was conveyed in Motor Lorries to the Rest Camp, tea 5 P.M. spent the evening with some people my Pal (Eric Mills who was stationed at Southampton all the time we were in England) had met.

Tuesday. I was detailed as N.C.O. in charge of piquet, managed to get into town for a few hours.

[Private, later Lance Corporal, Eric Thomas Clargo Mills, No 4429, 3rd Australian General Hospital.]

[Page 76]
Wednesday. This is the Red letter day of my life, it was spent in London. we left Southampton at 7.45 A.M. arrived at Waterloo Station 11 A.M. we then visited the Union Jack Club, this a club for the use of Soldiers while in London if necessary you can live at the Club, on leaving the Club we caught the Tube & travelled as far as the Stock Exchange from there we visited the Union Bank of Australia (my Pal works at the Sydney Office), then to the Bank of England.
we next caught a Bus & went as far as Piccadilly Circus, we wandered round for a while & then had lunch, we then visited the famous Liecester Lounge I was dissappointed in it, after an Egg Flip which cost 1/4 (One Shilling & four pence) each, we had a look at Nelson’s Monument, then the Admiralty Office, St James’ Park, the Mall on which resides no less than 17 Millionaires, next Buckingham Palace from there we went to Westminster Abbey, we saw the Crypt in which all Kings & Queens are buried, we next visited the House of Parliament we were not permitted to go inside as Parliament was sitting,
we then caught a bus visited Scotland Yard, the War Office. we took a bus as far as St Paul’s in the Crypt we saw the graves of Nelson Wellington (also the Funeral Carriage of Wellington) &

[Page 77]
Lord Roberts, as our leave expired at 9 P.M. we had to catch a train at 6 P.M. it was with great reluctance that we did so.

Thursday was spent working at the Docks loading our equipment into Railway trucks. in the evening a party of us visited a Lodge meeting there we met with a reception fit for Royalty.

Friday was also spent at the Dock, we were entertained at tea by the Y.M.C.A. after tea we had some music & all had a most enjoyable time.

Saturday. we completed our work at the Dock spent the afternoon & evening in the City.

Sunday. Church Parade, Afternoon visited Hythe (which is on the other side of the bay) had tea at a quaint old English Hotel. it reminded me very much of our trip to Narrabeen. the last boat returns at 7.15 so we had to return to the City we then visited

[Page 78]
some friends where I met a young fellow who was on final leave, strange to say I next met him on board the same transport as we are.

Monday. Reveille 4.30. Parade in full Marching order at 8 A.M. 9.30 A.M. w & marched to Southampton West Railway Station, at 9.30 A.M. we entrained. not one of us knew where we were going to. at Exeter we were all given a mug of tea & a bag containing a Sandwidge, a piece of cake & some fruit & a packet of Woodbine Cigarettes, in it was a card enscribed with the Mayor & Mayoress of Exeter Compliments wishing you Good luck, we were all very grateful to Mayor & Mayoress. I understand they meet all troop trains & treat them the same considering that hundreds of thousands troops pass through Exeter it is very good of them.
We next found ourselves at Devonport (which is quite close to Plymouth where we landed) & marched on board this old hooker we remained at the Dock for about 24 hours & then put to Sea.

Well Dearest I will now conclude as my borrowed pen has run dry. Trusting that you are enjoying the best of health also that you are doing well for yourself.
I Remain
Your ever loving
[indecipherable]

[Written sideways on the left of the page:]
P.S. I have not had any letters from you other than those at Adelaide
Les

[Page 79]
No 3 Australian General Hospital
Mudros West
Lemnos
24.10.1915

My dear Sister & Father

Your very welcome letter safely to hand a few days ago. I am pleased to hear that you are all doing well I suppose Ted is somebody now that she attends school. How is Arthur keeping.

Well Elsie I suppose you a wondering where & what Lemnos is, well it is a small Island in the Aegean Sea about 30 miles from Gallipoli it is a Greek possession but I think England has leased it from them. Mudros West is situated on a peninsular & it reminds us very much of Cremorne only there are no trees, in fact there is very little vegetation of any kind on the Island.

There are quite a number of small villages the largest is named Castro, I spent a day there about a fortnight ago or I should say I spent a day going & coming from there. we made the journey 12 Miles on very small donkeys they being the only means of transport available on the Island there is very little to see when you arrive at the Capital it consists of 1 Street which is very narrow & dirty

[Part of the envelope shown on page 81 appears in the image for this page. Not transcribed here.]

[Page 80]
it is a very busy place since the troops have been on the Island.

At present we have all that is remaining of the 1st 2nd & 4th Brigades of Australians (those boys that done such heroic work on the Peninsular) camped on the other side of the bay I have not yet come across anyone I know other than the girl Hogan’s husband from Kippax Street.

I sincerely hope for your sake that Bat does not come. I had a letter from Harry Wilson in it he said he was going to enlist I hope for his own sake that he does not as I do not think he could stand the test, it is a very hard life particularly so in the firing no one can imagine what those boys went through on the Peninsular in the 4th Bat’n there are only 46 out of the Bat’n 1,000 who have not been away from the Bat’n either killed, wounded or sick, so you can guess it must be very trying. Dysentery is very prevalent both here & on the Peninsular, I had a touch of it myself for the 1st four weeks we were over here fortunately I did not have to lay up with it.
In your letter you said you were sending a parcel I have not yet received it. I suppose it will turn up later.
Well Elsie I will now conclude trusting you are all enjoying the best of Health.
I remain your loving brother & son
Les.

[Part of the envelope shown on page 81 appears in the image for this page. Not transcribed here.]

[Page 81]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs James Nightingale
"Kingston Villa"
Kingston Road
Camperdown.
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 82]
[Private, later Sergeant, Robert Otto, No 7638, a baker, born in Auckland, New Zealand, enlisted in Cootamundra, NSW, on 25 July 1915 aged 21 years, 11 months, and embarked on 4 October 1915 with the 13th AASC, 11th Reinforcements. (Note: he does not appear in the Embarkation Roll.) He transferred to the 2nd Infantry Battalion and served as a baker at Gallipoli, on Imbros Island, in Egypt, and on the Western Front. He returned to Australia on 28 August 1919.

Consists of 19 letters written by Robert Otto to Miss Georgina King over the period February 1916 to August 1919 (when he was looking forward to returning home). Letters are written from Egypt, France, Flanders and England and mention the capture of a large German Naval Gun nicknamed "Big Bertha" (page 153), French women taking patterns of slouch hats (page 173), and a proposed visit to the grave of Nurse Edith Cavell. Also includes a number of souvenir photographs and postcards, including a souvenir booklet showing photographs of the Anzac Buffet in London.

Georgina King was a sister of Sir Kelso King and a respected amateur geologist and anthropologist. She worked with the Australian Red Cross and the War Chest during WW1. See Australian Dictionary of Biography and G. King Papers in the NSW State Library.]

Tel-el-Kebir
February 9th 1916

7638 Private R. Otto
13th A.A.S.C.
Field Bakery section
1st Division, Egypt

Dear Miss King

Just a few lines to let you see I have not forgotten you. I wrote to you from Colombo so I hope you received it all right: I have been over here now five months and am getting very fat and am having a good time only I wish this business was over. There is not much use wishing is there Miss King, so the only thing for it is to stick it until we are victorious, and I think they are all anxious to see it through.
It has been very cold over here. I can assure you your mittens and balaclava kept me very warm and am keeping them in good order for next winter. I felt it cold most at Imbros but now that we are back in Egypt from the Dardanelles it is not so bad.
There don’t seem to be any prospects of the war being over this year Miss King but let us hope that it wont be much longer. I am sending you a photograph of myself and a little monkey that was given me at Tel-el-Kebir.
I see where the Red Cross is doing great work in Australia and am sure the soldiers welcome their gifts I had a Red Cross shirt and a few other little things given me here and they were very acceptable. As news is scarce will close with kind regards from
Would like to hear from you soon
Private R. Otto.

[Page 83]

[Photograph of Private Robert Otto with a monkey on his left shoulder; see letter on previous page for more information.]

[Page 84]
[Reverse side of photograph in previous image.]
Kind Regards from Private R. Otto, Tel-el-Kebir February 9th

[Page 85]

[On letter head of The Salvation Army, With the Australian Expeditionary Forces with logo of crossed flags: the Australian flag and a flag showing the message "Blood and Fire".]
[Stamped note at top of page:]
The Censor forbids mention of Brigade and Division numbers

August 3rd 1917

Dear Miss King

Do not think I have forgotten you for that is not so. As you know we have had three mails lost at sea and as we have been waiting anxiously for mail from the homeland for some time I thought it better for me to write as you have a better chance of getting our letters than we have of getting yours.

Although we have not heard from Australia for several months we know perfectly well that our dear friends and people in Australia have written to us but it has been our bad luck not to get their letters. However we are not going to stop corresponding with our dear people for we know that they are always thinking of us and that they

[Page 86]
are anxiously waiting our return which I hope will be soon now, and by all appearances over this way we will see the end this year.

I think it will come a bit of surprise to you Miss King when I tell you that I have transferred to the 2nd NSW Battalion and in a week or two I will be up with the best of luck knocking Fritz’s. My reason for transferring from the Staff job which I was on is because Miss King that I am eager to be in the thick of it and I know my services are required. It is just joy Miss King to know that we will soon be in the scrap and I can assure you the boys who are coming away from Australia now are very anxious to get up and do something. They leave the Base

[Page 87]
very brave and have no fear in them.

That is a fine spirit Miss King to go into battle don’t you think so and believe me Miss King it is that spirit which has made Fritz run when they see are [our] boys hop over the top with the cold steel. Of course Miss King it is not very new to me to be in the front line for I had that experience on Anzac also once in france but at the same time that is the spirit of our boys both old and new soldiers.

Well Miss King we are having very bad weather here and it is a pity that it has spol spoilt our objective in this big battle, but it is valuable so we cannot grumble.
hope you Well dear Miss King I do hope you are in the best of

[Page 88]
health and that we are not loosing your services by being unable to work for us as in the past by ill health.

As you know Miss King by the time this letter reaches you I will be in the fun and I can assure you I will go in happy and contented and thinking of all my dear friends in dear old Sydney. Continue to address my letters to Headquarters Staff 1st ADBD France and in my next letter I will give you my new address.
I will now say good bye with best wishes and Kind Regards to self, Miss Robinson and all at Elga.
Yours Sincere Soldier friend
L/C Robert Otto 2nd Btn
A.I.F.

[Page 89]

[Picture postcard, signed Furia 1761/5, showing a drawing of a tank with an officer and young woman on board driving over trenches, with soldiers in the trenches trying to escape; see image for details.]

[Has the caption:]
All for Victory!
Tout pour la Victoire!

< a name="a4140098">

[Page 90]

[Message side of postcard in previous image.]
Kind Regards to all a Sydney
Robert Otto

10/10/17

Dear Miss King

Just a PC to let you know that I am still alive and well and come out in one piece after the Battle of Oct 4 which we took part in. It was awful in the trenches on account of the rain but nevertheless we gave Fritz all we could give and as you know we pushed him back up in Flanders.

That was the second fight we took part in the other being on the 28th Sept at Zillebecke Bund

On the 2nd of Oct before we hopped over Fritz counter attacked and we all stood up on the parapet and we simply mowed them down. They ran away from us something like on the other side of card but more of them.

[Refers to actions at Polygon Wood and Broodseinde.]

[Page 91]
Somewhere in Flanders
12/10/17.

Dear Miss King

Your ever welcome letter safely to hand and I was ever so pleased to hear from you again. I was pleased to know that the Souvenir of Anzac Day was a success in helping Miss G Owen in Recruiting and I was very proud to show your letter to my comrades. Well Miss King I am sending you some German Souvenirs this time and if they are of any assistance

[Page 92]
to Miss Owen I suggest you let her have them for her purpose they may be useful and as I go into another fight I will get you a German watch for a Souvenir of the Great War in which we are taking a great part in.

I am sending you a German Cap, postcards and a German letter which by the appearance of the letter is a love letter, so you may be able to have it interpreted and may be a bit interesting. I dont

[Page 93]
know whether you like keeping any of these articles or not but I am sending them on the off chance that they may be of use to some patriotic movement.
Now Miss King a little bit about myself. As you know I joined the infantry (2nd Batt) over here I have had some exciting times already. I have been in two Battles the first on the 22 of Sept and the 2nd one on the 4th of Oct. The first one was at Polygon Wood as you have read about and it was an easy

[Page 94]
victory for the Australians although we had a lot to do. I was very lucky and came out in one piece but got a terrible bruise on my leg from a piece of dirt thrown up by one of Fritz’s shells.
The second fight was a bit more severe as we had to take the last of the Ridges in front of Westhoek Ridge. We had terrible weather for it but never the less the boys took the positions without any opposition. We nearly cried with laughter at the prisoners

[Page 95]
as they came in and as soon as we went near any of them up went their hands and they said Kamerad. Some of the poor wretches you had to pity for they were in a terrible state and demoralized.
However I came out of it alright and although we left many of our comrades, we suffered heavy casualties on the Huns. If you had seen the boys hop over on the morning of the attack you would of cried with joy to think that our boys went over as cool

[Page 96]
and brave as a man could go and it was not long before we had Fritz on the run.
Well Miss King it is getting near Xmas so we do not know where we will be spending it but we have something to do before then.
I have not time to write much more as we are only out for a couple of days resting and I have a terrible lot of writing to do. I hope you are in the best of health as it leaves me at present with Kind Regards to self, Miss Robinson & Miss Owen

[Page 97]
and the season Greetings to Everybody in Sydney

Yours Sincerely
Robert Otto
2nd Batt. AIF
Somewhere in FR Belgium

Will write again soon and let me know if the Souvenirs will be of any assistance to Miss Owen.
Will send some more next stunt. (fight)
R Otto

[Page 98]
[Cover of booklet of souvenir photographs, titled "Souvenir Letter card of the Anzac Club, 94 Victoria Street, London".]
[To] Miss Georgina King
[From] Sgt R. Otto

[Page 99]
[Inside front cover of booklet of souvenir photographs – blank page.]

[Page 100]
[Photograph showing a group of Australian soldiers outside The Anzac Buffet, 94 Victoria Street, London.]

[Page 101]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing the Enquiry Office.]

[Page 102]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing soldiers eating in the cafe area.]

[Page 103]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing soldiers being served by staff in the cafe area.]

[Page 104]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing female staff at the buffet counter.]

[Page 105]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing soldiers relaxing in the Lounge.]

[Page 106]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing soldiers in the Writing Room.]

[Page 107]
[Photograph taken inside the Anzac Buffet, showing soldiers in the Billiard Room.]

[Page 108]
[Inside back cover of booklet of souvenir photographs – blank page.]

[Page 109]
[Photograph showing three men in part military uniform, and a dog. Probably German.]

[Page 110]
[Photograph showing a man in military uniform. Probably German.]

[Page 111]
[Photograph showing a family group of two women, two young boys in sailor suits and a young girl. Probably German.]

[Page 112]
[Photograph showing a soldier and his wife or sweetheart. Probably German.]

[Page 113]
[Photograph showing three seated men in civilian dress. Written on the back of this photo is the word "Germans"; see next image for details.]

[Page 114]
[Reverse of previous page.]
Germans

[Probably refers to all five previous photographs sent by Robert Otto to Miss Georgina King.]

[Page 115]
Somewhere in Belgium
15/1/18

Dear Miss King

Am dropping you a few lines hoping they will find you in the best of health as it leaves me at present. I have not received any letters from you for sometime or that parcel but as you said you expected me to come home with the first Division and writing on parcel not to be returned to you, that accounts for me not getting it, or perhaps it will come to light later on, but as long as some soldier got it, so much the better don’t you think so.
Well Miss King we are having very bad weather over here at present but it will soon be over now. Was very pleased to hear that the strike has ended and no doubt it was the IWW’s [Industrial Workers of the World] who were the cause of all the trouble, nevertheless I believe the Police have them well in hand as a friend of mine who is a policemen gave me full particulars about it.
What is Mr Hughes doing, now that he has been defeated on the conscription vote, I suppose he will try again but I am afraid the conscripts will not be required for the war must finish early this

[Page 116]
year.
Well Miss King we did not have a very good Christmas as none of our comforts arrived but suppose they will come later. It was a very miserable Xmas but there are better times coming and if we don’t have the next one home well I will be very disappointed.

I am expecting something good too come off for us but cannot mention it at present perhaps you know if not will let you know later.

I have not much news to tell you at present so will close wishing you are all well and that you had an enjoyable time at Christmas at Elga.

I will now close with best wishes and kind regards to all at Elga
Yours Sincerely
Robert Otto, 2nd Btn AIF.

[Page 117]
[Envelope]
[Active Service]
Miss Georgina king
c/o. Kelso King Esq
120 Pitt Street
Sydney. Australia

[Signed:] Robert Otto.

[Page 118]
3/3/18

Dear Miss King

Your ever welcome letter to hand and I can assure you I was so pleased to hear from you again. In fact I look for your letters as much as I do for others so you can see your letters are so cheerful to me.
I also received your parcel and thanks from the bottom of my heart for it. I was just moving up into the line the day before after I received your parcel and of course I took it into the line with me and it was very useful also socks & mittens. I may say Miss King I have just made a dixie of soup out of the tablets you sent me and didn’t we enjoy it. Of course it is very cold yet and deep down below as we are now it was very nice.
I suppose you know what I mean by deep down below however it is not a bad place to be these times when Fritz is sending a few over.
I suppose Miss King you know our movements as well as we do so you will be hearing of something

[Page 119]
great being down by Australians soon and I hope I will be well in it.
I was sorry to hear of the death of Mrs Owen and allow me to remark that us boys over here has lost a good friend for I read of the good work Mrs Owen & her daughter done for us. I don’t think any Army has such good people as we have to look after their soldiers and Please God we shall soon be with them again.
Well Miss King I am sending you a nice souvenir in the shape of a piece of propellor of a German Aeroplane brought down by an Australian Airman just behind the lines were we were have a rest. I seen him fetch him down and with my mate we rushed the hun so as he could not destroy his plane and clear off. We were the first on the spot and believe me the Hun Airman

[Page 120]
did not know what to make of things. Well when the rest of our boys came on the scene the Aussy Airman who brought fritz down flew over our heads and we all gave him a hearty cheer which he acknowledged and then flew away looking for more Huns. I was placed on guard over the plane for awhile and of course I picked up a bit of the propeller and sneaked it up my tunic as I thought at the time this will do for Miss King so I hope you will be pleased with it. Of course Miss King I cannot send it for a week or two yet as I left it in my pack behind the lines so I will not be able to send it until I go back from the front line

[Page 121]
I carry your gum leaf and card with tobacco in it in my pocket for luck and I have also got the little Black cat yet that you sent me.

Well dear Miss King I hope you will excuse my short and scribbled letter as I am writing it under very trying conditions (front [dash]) so you will understand.

Thanks so much for your kindness to me I shall never forget you.
Yours Very Sincerely
Lance/Cpl R. Otto
C Coy 2nd Battalion AIF
France
Kind Regards to all the women and girls in Sydney who is working for us.

[Page 122]
[Envelope with rising sun badge labelled Australian Commonwealth Military Forces – Australian Y.M.C.A. Original address struck through and different locations added in two different hands, some parts difficult to read; see image for details.]
Turramurra

Miss Georgina King
"Elga"
Bayswater Road
Sydney. NSW
Australia

M[a]yfield
Turramurra

[Page 123]
26/3/18
Belgium

Dear Miss King

Just a few more lines from the trenches to let you see I am still in the land of the living although I am not in the best of health at present. I was slightly gassed about a week ago and it made me feel very sick and it was the most miserable time I have ever had.

I am well on the road to mend again only for a sore throat. The gas that Fritz used on use effects the throat terribly and nearly chokes you, but I may tell you he got some of the same stuff back for his trouble.
Well Miss King I hope you are all well at Elga and that

[Page 124]
you are all in the best of health.

I suppose you all know by now what has happened on the Western Front at the time I write this letter, but by the time you receive this it will be our turn and Fritz will get the biggest knock back he ever got in his life, for we soon hope to be mixing it with him.
I have just had my name taken for Blighty leave again so I will send you a little Souvenir and a photo of myself. I am anxiously waiting for my time and I think I will go up to Ireland this time. I have never met Major Selwyn King yet although I have tried hard to find him, but that on account of being in different Divisions makes it

[Page 125]
awkward.
I received your parcel before I went to the line this time and thanks awfully for your kindness. As soon as I get back I will send you the piece of propellor of Fritz aeroplane I was telling you about last letter so hope you receive it alright.

Well Miss King I think I have about told you all this time so will close with best wishes & Kind Regards
Yours Sincerely
L/Cpl R. Otto

[Page 126]
31/3/18

Dear Miss King

Just a few lines in haste as I have a little time to spare writing to all my friends. I will not get a chance to write again for 1 month so I am taking this opportunity. I suppose you already know that Fritz has started his offensive and we have been pushed back a little so we will have to sacrifice our letter writing and get at the Huns. We expect to be fighting for some time hence the reason for not being able to write for a month.
Well Miss King I am not in the best of health at present as I got slightly gassed the last time we were in the line but I am well on the road to mend again. This is the time we could do with Reinforcements Miss King so it is a great pity we did not get conscription. We will need all the men we can get to defeat the Hun this year and I tell you Miss King there is no one feels it more than we boys do when our company is not up to the full strength.

For instance when we go into the line (outposts) we should have about 12 men to an outpost, but we can only put 6 in on account of having no Reinforcements. Now if the Hun was to attack

[Page 127]
in any size at all do you think we would have much chance Miss King with such small numbers and apart from that if we have a fatigue to do and if we have only enou half the men required for the job, naturally it takes us twice as long to do the job, so isnt it annoying when there is plenty of men in Australia and us over here wanting assistance. However Miss King you never hear any of the boys growling and now that they all know that there will be hand to hand fighting with the Hun in a day or two nothing can satisfy their lust for Blood and their morale is wonderful.
We have only just come out of the line a few days ago after several weeks in and we are sleeping in little Huts. Of a night when they are all retiring to bed, there is always a rough house declared, and that means everybody is tossed about and there beds are pulled to pieces and never a word about the progress of the war mentioned only what we are going to do to Fritz when we get there (Somme) and we know that country pretty well so it will be to our advantage. We are well looked after these times so we have everything in our favour when the hour arrives. While we were in the outposts last time we used to get hot

[Page 128]
cocoa, boiled Rice, porridge ham bread jam tea besides good hot stews, so I think we are getting good food.

Now we have porridge bacon tea bread and butter and jam for our breakfast, and as for clothes, our Officers do nothing else all day but getting us new clothes and boots so everything looks like if we are winning.

Well Miss King I am sending you a photo of my company taken before we went into the line at Paschendale in Flanders in Nov 1917. I am very sorry to say that over half the men in the photo was killed during the November fighting so their places are not filled yet by a long way as far as Reinforcements are concerned. Many of them fell near me and how it is that I am alive to day is wonderful. I only hope I will come through the next severe fighting we have and then I think that will be all. I think I have about told you all so will close with best wishes and Kindest Regards.
Your Sincer Soldier Friend
Lance Cpl R. Otto

PS I am marked with an X in the photo

[Page 129]
[Envelope]
[Active Service]
Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq,
120 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW
Australia

[Signed:] Robert Otto.

[Page 130]
[Photograph of C Company, 2nd Battalion, AIF, November 1917.]

[Page 131]
[Reverse side of photograph – carte postale.]
4638
Lance Cor Otto, R.
C Coy.
2nd Battalion
Australian Imperial Forces
Nov. 1917

[Page 132]
[On letterhead of the Y.M.C.A. with the Australian Imperial Force.]
25/4/18.
Somewhere in France

Dear Miss King

Your ever welcome letter dated 17th Feb. to hand and was very pleased to hear from you again. You say you have not heard from me since you received the Xmas cards so I think some of my letters have gone astray. I sent you the cards before we went into the line at Paschendale so that is a long while ago and I wrote several lines since. However I hope you receive this alright and that you are in the best of health as it leaves me at present. We are having a very strenuous at present but you can quite understand why, and we expect to be doing a lot of

[Page 133]
fighting very soon. It seems a shame that the Huns have pushed us back (I don’t mean the Australians) for we fought very hard since we have been in France for the country Fritz has taken off us now, but at the same time we have not been defeated, for as the Huns did not get their objective (Amiens & Hazebrouck) they have come a terrible thud.

When we left the some [Somme] for were we are now we met Fritz in fact run into him and after the first bit of a scrap he got the shock of his life to find the Ack I F (AIF) opposing him and it was finish advance for him. The French cannot say enough for us and they praise us up as we have never been praised before.

[Page 134]
One French Officer says "My word we heard you australians were wild but you can fight" and one English Major in the Artillery who was fetching his guns back said to our Officer he was very pleased the Australians were in front of his guns and he decided to get his guns into position instead of retiring so what better compliments could be paid to us. I believe one of the AIF Divisions has been decorated by the French Army so I suppose you will know all about it by now

[Page 135]
Well Miss King I have only a few minutes to spare before I will be away and doing so will have to cut my letter short.

I have not received the parcel you sent but hope to do so any day now. By the way Miss King I was very amazed indeed to read the cutting you sent me of what Fritz would do if he got it to Australia and all I can say is If? and that he has the AIF to beat before he will be able to carry out his programme.
Well Miss King I will conclude with best wishes and Kind Regards to self and all War Chest workers from
Yours Sincere Friend
Lance Cpl R. Otto. 2nd Btn
AIF France

[Page 136]
[Envelope]
[Active Service]
Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq
120 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW
Australia

[Signed:] Robert Otto

[Page 137]
11/5/18

Dear Miss King

Your ever welcome letter of the 10th of march safely to hand and I was very pleased to hear from you again. In fact I am always proud of your nice letters and I am only sorry I cannot write such nice letters to you. I used to be a great letter write in peace time but now it is war and we do not get much time especially at present as we have been very busy keeping the Huns back and were just the ones to do it.
I suppose you have read of our wonderful doings lately

[Page 138]
and the french and the English are doing nothing else but praising us for keeping the Huns back at Amiens. In fact the Kaiser gives us praise for he says in one of their papers that the English are always putting the Aussies in the hard fighting, so he must be annoyed at us for holding up his advance.

Well Miss King telling you the truth the Aussies held the German Army up so he will try and have revenge on us. They stopped him on the road to Amiens and took victory out of his hands and our gallant 1st Division

[Page 139]
did likewise at Hazebrouck.

I have had some funny experiences during this fight.
On one occasion we killed 4 sucking pigs in no mans land and 20 fowls and even cooked them for our section in an old farm house with Fritz only 100 yds away from us. We also went out burning houses in no mans land which Fritz was living in and he came over and set fire to one were six of us were living. so we have had some exciting times.
Well Miss King we expect to be into it again shortly so you

[Page 140]
are bound to hear of our doings in the papers.

I think I have told you all this time so will close with Best Wishes
from Lance Cpl. R Otto.

Many thanks for the parcel I received while in Metern but Fritz has now got that village so I will get no more there what do you thing [think] Miss King. Will write you again soon.

[Page 141]
[Two envelopes.]
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq
120 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW
Australia

O. A. S

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq.
120 Pitt Street
Sydney. NSW
Australia.

[Page 142]
[On letterhead of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John.]
13/7/18

Dear Miss King

Am dropping you these few lines letting you know I am still in the land of the living. I think I wrote before and told you I were in Hospital with gas burns but have now been discharged to a convalesent camp.

It is run by the BRCS [British Red Cross Society] and it is a fine

[Page 143]
camp. We have plenty of amusement and any amount of good food. I expect to be back with my Battalion in a week or twos time, so I suppose I will just get back in time for our big push.
I have been due for leave 3 mon to England 3 months ago, so if I have any luck I expect to get it soon. There is no signs of the war finishing yet, do you really think it will go the year, it will be awful

[Page 144]

if it does. I am full up of it Miss King and I think I have done my share. 3 years of this is enough for anyone, so I think it is up to the shirkers to enlist and relieve us.
I have not received any letter from you for a long time so I suppose it is on account of me being away from my battalion. My brother is still in the thick of it on the Somne so he has been very

[Page 145]
lucky
I hope you are in then best of health Miss King and that we shall all be with you before the end of the year. I think I have about told you all so will close with best wishes
Your Sincere Friend
LCpl R. Otto.
C Company. 2nd Btn
Aust. Imp. Forces

[Page 146]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq.
120 Pitt Street,
Sydney. NSW.
Australia

[Page 147]

[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
[On letterhead of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John.]
1/8/18

Dear Miss King

Your ever welcome letter dated the 13th May safely to hand and was so pleased to hear from you again. Yes we are great favourites with the French people and they are now calling us "Digger", so it seems just like if they have known us all their lives. It is quite true about the French people saying they are all right when the Aussies are near them for it has been said to me by a poor old lady in Flanders when we were leaving there to go to another front, and the poor old soul cryed like a little baby, for she feared the Huns would break through as soon as we left and sure enough they did, until we came back and pulled them up and saved a big town for the French. The civilians do nothing else but praise us up for what we have done and we are the best of friends with them.
My Brigade has just taken a village, so see by the papers and also advanced on the Somme so the boys continue to gather fame for themselves.
I am sending you a piece out of the Anzac Bulletin, where an American General says the Australians

[Page 148]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
are some of the worlds best fighting men so that is a feather in our caps don’t you think so Miss King.

Well I am still in convalesent camp but hope to be discharged soon to my Base where I will be sent to join my Battalion again and I am very anxious to get back as I am due for leave to England again.
I was pleased to hear that you had such a great day for the Red Cross, and they must have worked hard to get such a sum as half a million. I have not received your packet yet or parcel but they may come along any day now. Thanks so much Miss King for sending them.
Pleased to hear recruiting is improving for I can assure you Miss King I want a rest badly also all the other old boys. I think Mr Orchard is just the man for that position for he was always for the soldiers, and Capt Carmichael is doing wonders, and as you say Miss King the Germans must be beaten and so they will.
Excuse scribble please as I am not too well at present
Your Sincere Friend
L/Cpl R. Otto

[Page 149]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq.
120 Pitt Street
Sydney. NSW
Australia.

[Page 150]

[Envelope]
[Active Service]
Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq
120. Pitt Street
Sydney NSW
Australia

[Signed:] Robert Otto

[Page 151]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
3/9/18

Dear Miss King

Just a few lines hoping you are in the best of health as it leaves me the same at present.

I have not received a letter from you for some time but I suppose I will get one any day now.

You will be pleased to hear that I have been promoted to full Corporal and I can assure you Miss King I feel very proud of it.

My pay now is 10/- (ten shillings) per day so if I have the good luck to pull through and reach Australia again, will have sufficient money to establish my self in some little business.

It was after the battle of the 23rd of August on the Somme that I received my promotion, so I consider I am going very well. I was in the second wave which

[Page 152]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
attacked the Huns on the morning of the 23 of Aug. and it was a very successful stunt.

I believe we have made a record for any army in the taking of prisoners, guns and territory, so I am very proud to belong to the division which has made such a glorious record. Of course Miss King people but those who take part in stunts have not the slightest idea of what it is like and I wish I were near you to tell you how the N.S.W. boys climbed the ridge (near where the big gun was captured) and how the huns ran away from them. It was a glorious sight, but I hope the day is near when I will tell you exactly what happened. Me being in the second wave about 150 yards from the first could see everything

[Page 153]
and how great it was to see the diggers taking the ridge. You may have read by now about the big gun that was captured and believe me Miss King it is a tremendous size, in fact I think it is too big for the authorities to get it back to Australia, but I hope they will make some attempt to do so, for it will be great for the people and children to see in time to come.

Well Miss King there is not much need for me to tell you about the great work the Aussies are doing, for you will read about their doings in the papers and what they will do in other fights they are put into.

I expect to be going to Blighty any day now on leave, so I am looking forward to a good time.

I will write you several long letters

["Big Bertha", a heavy 15 inch German naval gun, credited with much of the damage to the town of Amiens, was destroyed by the Germans before being captured by the 3rd Battalion on 23 August 1918.]

[Page 154]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
for I will have more time and convenience than I have at present.

I hope all the War Chest Workers are all well and that they are meeting with success in their great endeavours to raise funds for the war chest London, where we receive the best of treatment, and such a boon to us soldiers going on furlough to Blighty.
[The above paragraph is marked by double slash lines at beginning and end, and has the word "Check" pencilled in the right-hand margin.]
I think I have about told you all this time, so will close with Best wishes and Kind Regards from your Sincere Friend
Corporal R. Otto
C. Coy. 2nd Battalion
Aust. Imp. Forces
Abroad.

Excuse scribble as I am writing under awkward conditions
Robert Otto

[Page 155]
[Postcard – studio photograph of Robert Otto and his cousin in uniform. Robert Otto (standing) is in Australian Army uniform; his cousin is in New Zealand Army uniform. Both were New Zealanders.]

[Page 156]

[Reverse of photograph in the previous image.]
[Postcard]
Robert otto (Standing)

Photo of myself and Cousin sitting. Had not seen him for 9 years until I met him in Eng. and we were both on furlough. He too has the Military Medal.

[Page 157]
15/9/18

Dear Miss King

Your welcome letter safely to hand and I was very pleased to hear from you again, and that you received my two letters alright. I have just come out of the front line when I received your letter and it made me feel quite satisfied getting a letter from you.
We hopped over the bags twice in 24 hours and we done real well. They were only small stunts but our Commanding Officer was quite pleased with the results we obtained. We got 20 prisoners and 3 Machine Guns and took a ridge which gave us very

[Page 158]
good observation.

My Colonel has just left us to go back to Australia. His name is Colonel Stevens CMG. DSO. and is a very good man. If you happen to know him or meet him at any patriotic movement mention my name and he will be quite pleased. He comes from Armidale. There is also some of my friends out of the Battn. gone with him and I am sure they fully deserve it. I suppose Miss King my time will come next so I will have to keep my head down for a while.
You will be pleased to hear I have been promoted to Full Corporal and I can assure

[Page 159]
you I feel very proud of it.
I went over the bags on the 23 of August and took part in the taking of the monster gun (15 inch) by the Australians, also two thousand prisoners.
Well Miss King we are soon going to have a long rest and I think it well earned dont you? I will be going to England any day now and I am looking forward to a good time.
I am pleased to hear of the good work you good Australian people are doing for us boys and I am sure we are rewarding your efforts by continuing to make name for our dear homeland.

[Page 160]
Well Miss King I would like to write a lot but I feel dead tired and I have a lot of cleaning up to do, but when I go to England I will tell you a terrible lot of my war experiences and other news of interest.

I sincerely hope you are in the best of health and Best Wishes & every success to all the good Australian Women who are doing so much for us boys. May God protect you all in Australia from from the dangers of war and sickness

Your Sincere Soldier Friend
Corporal Bob. Otto.
C. Coy. 2nd Battn. A.I.F.

[Page 161]
[Active Service envelope]
Miss G. King
c/o Kelso King Esq
120 Pitt Street,
Sydney. NSW
Australia

[Signed:] Robert Otto

[Page 162]
[Printed document with handwritten note at the top.]
Some news of interest re our attacks

No. 2. 11th September, 1918.
Australian Corps News Sheet.
Extracts from Allied and Enemy Press complied from Press cuttings supplied by the Australian War Records Section, and Other Sources.

British Press
Comments on the fighting at Mont St. Quentin and Peronne.

The recent fighting in the Mont St. Quentin locality is explained in the Times, Monday, September 2nd, by the following telegraphic despatches received from General Headquarters, France:–

"Saturday, 10.40 a.m. – During the night Australian troops drove the enemy from positions held by him east of Clery, capturing many prisoners and a number of machine guns. Our advance in this locality is continuing."

"8.52 p.m. – By a daring and brilliantly executed night operation, carried out with great dash and enterprise, Australian troops have seized the hill and village of Mont St. Quentin, north of Peronne, thereby gaining possession of an important tactical feature commanding Peronne and the angle of the Somme River.

"In the same operation the village of Feuillaucourt was captured, and over 1,500 prisoners were taken by our troops. Our own casualties were exceptionally light."

"8.47 p.m. – This morning Australian troops captured Peronne.

"After beating off the enemy’s counter attacks at Mont St. Quentin yesterday evening, at 5.30 a.m. this morning the Australians renewed their advance in conjunction with the English troops on their left. At an early hour the attacking Australian battalions had stormed the German positions west and north of Peronne, and pressing on while fierce fighting was still taking place among the ruined streets and buildings, carried the eastern suburbs of the town."

The Daily Telegraph of Monday, 2nd September, in a long article from Mr. Phillip Gibbs, dated 31st August, says:–

"On the southern part of the fighting line the Australians, who have advanced no fewer than 20 miles since the beginning of our attacking in August, have struck again, and this morning (Saturday) have, by most brilliant generalship and the fine gallantry of the men, siezed Mont St. Quentin, which dominates Peronne on the northern side, and with it have captured prisoners amounting to at least a thousand, as far as I can tell.

"One fine feature of the Australian capture of Mont St. Quentin, which led the way to the taking of Peronne was the rapid manner in which they moved their guns forward over the Somme, and fired at close range on the enemy. This was largely due to the work of their engineers at the river crossings.

"Our Australian and Canadian troops were fresher than our English battalions, because they had escaped the previous battles more than those, and since they have done wonders. We could not have achieved these results without them, but the greatest glory of human endurance goes to the English, Scottish and Irish battalions, who fought in the retreat of March, who fought again in Flanders, who suffered losses which would have broken the spirit of weaker men, and who now, in these recent weeks, have beaten the enemy fairly and squarely back over the same ground."

The Daily Mail of Sept. 3rd, in an article pointing out the different characteristics of the various troops on the Western front, says, in describing the Americans:–

"Of course it must be remembered that these men have still the civil stamp on their faces, they are fresh from business and professions, whereas our men have acquired the queer, blank, casual look of war. And curiously enough the American in no way resembles the men from our Dominions – no, not even from Canada – while he is totally unlike both Australian and New Zealander, who certainly have the most decisive and self-confident countenances of any troops out here."

The A.I.F. in PALESTINE.

The following are extracts from various articles which have appeared lately on the work in Palestine:–

In describing the work of the A.F.C. on that front an article in the Times says: "Twelve Distinguished Flying Crosses have been awarded to the Australian Squadron in the month."

In another article in the Times of 3rd Sept., which was chiefly devoted to describing the hardships from heat and dust experienced by the Australians in the Jordan Valley, it is stated:–

"General Allenby, while presenting 38 decorations to the Anzac Mounted Division, has warmly congratulated the troops on their brilliant and consistant work. He expressed an always increasing appreciation of the fighting qualities of the Light Horse, and referred to the great part being played by Australians in France."

French Press.
The Echo de Paris of 1st Sept., contains the following:–

"Recently we captured some orders signed by the Commanding Officer of a battalion to relieving troops, containing the following interesting passages:–

"Forces confronting us consist of Australians who are very war-like, clever and daring. They understand the art of crawling through high crops in order to capture our advanced posts. One of their peculiarities is that they take few prisoners, and kill everybody with bayonets and rifles. The enemy is also an adept in conceiving and putting into execution important patrolling operations. The enemy infantry has daily proved themselves to be audacious."

The Special Correspondent of Le Journal writes an article on "How the Boche was vanquished at Mont St. Quentin."

"It required a forest trapper, or a hunter versed in the art of ambush and bush-craft – and the Australians, bold seekers after adventure, are these – to venture to attack on a stormy night a strong position like Mont St. Quentin.

"At the back of their barbed wire defences the German machine-gunners thought themselves impregnable and immune from capture. Their sentries watched behind their parapets. The citadel, with its three rows of trenches, stood like a dark shadow on the banks of the Somme.

"Only a few hours were necessary for the Anzacs to conquer this impregnable mountain. Of the garrison of 3,000 who defended it, more than one third are to-day lamenting in the prisoners’ cage behind the line ... To avenge this exploit a counter-attack was decided upon, but the defensive powers of the conquerors were equal to their offensive. They fought one against two. Three assaulting waves of picked men of the 2nd Prussian Guards’ Division and 21st Division were engaged in hand to hand fighting. These waves were shattered and mowed down by the frightfully accurate fire poured into them. At one time groups of Germans, protected by a smoke screen, established themselves on the slopes, but the Australians, counter-attacking them without allowing them any rest, captured 500 prisoners."

Marshal Foch, in acknowledging the congratulations of Australia on his promotion:– "I cannot adequately express my admiration for the Australians’ gallantry in the battles which are now raging."

Enemy Press.
Germany’s Colonies.
Captain Persius, in an article in the "Berliner Tageblatt," August 30th, writes in a spirit of resigned pessimism regarding the future of the German colonies. He believes that even the Colonial Secretary, Dr. Solf, has of late moderated his demands for increased German possessions in Africa, whilst he himself cherishes no hopes whatever of Kiaochau ever being restored to Germany, and expects moreover that Australian and New Zealand opposition will prove an insurmountable barrier to the return of Germany’s possessions in the South Seas and New Guinea.

Over

[Page 163]

[Printed document; continued from previous page.]
Extract from a captured German Divisional Order. The Division was holding the line near Clery when this order was written:–
"The Division must hold its new sector against all attacks of the enemy. It must be made clear to our men that by using our small arms and the excellent support of our artillery, we can beat off even a British attack superior in numbers. The infantry, however, must not leave the artillery in the lurch."

Note:– We captured Clery on the day after this order was issued.

Extract from a captured German Divisional Order to the Pioneer Battalion:–
"Corps has ordered that the bridges which are still standing at Clery, whatever happens, are to be completely destroyed and rendered wholly useless for traffic as soon as possible."

Extract from the order from the Pioneer Battalion to one of its Companies on receiving the above:-
"It is imperative that an attempt be made to carry out the above Corps Order. Perhaps it will be possible for a small patrol of 2 or 3 courageous men to cross the destroyed bridges on the northern arm of the Somme and reach the bridges which are still standing, and carry out the demolition with concentrated charges.

"Division offers the Iron Cross, First Class, leave and a money reward for a successful attempt.

"Men who volunteer for the task, and make a determined effort to carry out the task, will receive 14 days leave, even if they are not successful."

Note:– The result of the above order was that a German Platoon Commander of their Pioneer Battalion made a plucky attempt to blow up these bridges, but was only partially successful, as he says in his report, owing to the deterioration of the charges. He also states that "it was only by violence" that he could induce his men to go forward.

Effects of Our Artillery Fire.
The following extracts from the translation of a German order signed by Ludendorff shows the effect of the Allied counter-battery work:–
"August, 1918
"An accurate record of the wastage in heavy and field artillery material gives the following interesting result:–
"In one month the enemy’s fire has completely destroyed in round numbers 13 per cent. of the guns taking part in active operations. This figure clearly brings out the value of persistent counter-battery work."

Effect of Our Air Operations.
The following extract from a letter by a German soldier in a labour battalion was written on the 19th August, 1918, during the Somme fighting, and affords evidence of the effect produced by our bombing:–

"Dear Brother,

... "After travelling for 12 hours and wandering about for 8 days, we are now quartered near Peronne, and I can tell you that things have gone pretty badly with us.

"The English have just taken the Offensive, and no sooner had we detrained than a bomb landed on us, and we lost 14 men severely wounded and one killed. That made us want to bolt. You can just fancy that 200 to 300 men like that attract attention, and those beggars of airmen came as low down as one storey, and we wanted to wriggle into the ground. You must remember that those beggars have got the same sort of engines as ours, so that we cannot distinguish them. At night, the same sort of thing happened, so you can just imagine that we thought the world was going under; they have unloaded at least 300 bombs on Peronne."

A.I.F. Printing Section.

[Page 164]
[Card with pasted-on illustration of the Australian General Service Badge and wattle flowers, with the message "Crowned with Glory Fame and Honour.]

[Signed:] "Oilette", "JH" and "HAGY.".

["Oilette" postcards were produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons of London.]

[Page 165]
[Group photograph of German soldiers; see next page for details.]

[Page 166]
[Reverse side of photograph on previous page.]
9 29

Types of Huns that my Battalion can make run and put their Hands up. This photo I took off a Hun I took when we attacked on the 23 of August.

II. M.G.K.F.T.B.80

Corporal Otto.

[Page 167]
[Postcard illustration of A.I.F Insignia and an Australian Infantry Soldier, titled The Austrailan Infantry].

[Signed:] "Harry Payns", "Oilette" and "JH".

["Oilette" postcards were produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons of London.]

[Page 168]

[Reverse side of postcard on previous page.]
9.32

Best Wishes to all at Elga
Sgt R Otto

Dear Miss King
Am spending my 3rd furlough in England and am enjoying myself immensely. Have been promoted to Sergeant and recommended for a decoration (Belgium Croix de Geurre)

[No record of Robert Otto receiving this medal.]

[Page 169]
[Envelope with the badge of the A.I.F. Australian Comforts Fund]
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq,
120 Pitt Street,
Sydney. N.S.Wales
Australia.

[Page 170]
[On letterhead of the A.I.F. Australian Comforts Fund.]
1/11/18

Dear Miss King

Just a few lines letting you know I have rejoined my unit again from furlough and to my surprise when I got back there was your parcel waiting for me.

Thanks so much Miss King for your kindness during the last three years, I am sure I shall never forget you. The Buttons of the Australian Red Cross Day and of Capt Car is very good and I am keeping them as Souvenirs.

Well we are having a bit of a rest at present and by the news we have received the last few days, looks like if

[Page 171]
we shall never go into action again for I think Peace will be soon here. But one never knows what is going to happen, however I hope I will soon be paying you a visit so that sounds rather nice dont you think so Miss King. I had a most enjoyable time in England so I must settle down until I get home to dear Sunny New South.

We are just beginning to get the cold weather here so it is to be hoped we will not have to remain here for the finish of it.

Well Miss King I have no more news at present so will close with Best Wishes. Yours Sincerely
Sergeant R. Otto
2nd Btn. France

[Written at the top of the page:]
I’ve not received the decoration yet but hope to any day now.

[Page 172]
Belgium
28.12.18

Dear Miss King

No doubt you are thinking I have forgotten you, but really I have been so busy since the signing of the Armistice that I have not been doing any writing at all.

Well I hope you will excuse the delay in writing, and as we are nearly in the New Year we are making the necessary preparations for a little enjoyment.

It will be our last Xmas in this country thank goodness, and I am yearning for an Xmas under dear old Austral skies.

I think I will be leaving England for home about February 1919 so I have not much longer to wait. I am not certain at present, for it is only rumoured that us 1915 boys will soon be leaving for Australia. We are at present in Charleroi (Belgium) and it is a very large town, full of civilians who

[Page 173]
was with the Hun for 4 years.

They seem very nice people and they cannot do enough for the Australians and all the women folk are taking patterns off our Hats. They invite us to their homes take us to cinema shows, and tell us we are one of the family. It is great but not so great as it will be when we get to our own dear people.

I expect to be going to Brussells for 3 days and it will be a very interesting trip. I have bought a camera so am taking a lot of photographs of the most historic places. When I go to Brussells I am trying to get a photo of Nurse Cavells grave. It is only a short distance from Brussells so I am going to try hard to get one. Well dear friend I will write you a long letter next time. Wishing you all spent a Merry Xmas and A Happy New Year.

Hoping to soon be with you
Yours Sincere Friend
Sergeant R. Otto. 2nd Battalion
A.I.F. Belgium

[Page 174]
[Envelope]
Otto
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq.
120 Pitt Street. Sydney,.
New South Wales
Australia

7638 Sgt Robert Otto

[Page 175]
[Envelope with the badge of the Y.M.C.A.]
On Active Service

Miss Georgina King
c/o Kelso King Esq,
120 Pitt Street
Sydney, N.S.W.
Australia

Sergt R. Otto

7638 Sgt R. Otto

[Page 176]
[On letterhead of the Y.M.C.A. "On Active Service with the British Expeditionary Force".]
1.3.19
France

Dear Miss King

Am dropping you a few lines letting you know that I have commenced my long journey for home.

I left my Battalion on the 13th of Feb. for a demobilisation camp at Le Havre and expect to be leaving any day for England. I expect to be in England some time before I embark for dear old Aussie but nevertheless I will soon be home. We were very unfortunate not going to Germany, but I think the authorities were wise in not sending us.

I hope you are in the best of health after all the good work you have been doing for the last 4 years and I sincerely hope I return and find you all well and contented.

Best Wishes
Yours Sincerely.
Sgt. R. Otto. 2nd Battalion AIF.

[Page 177]
[Envelope]
Sgt Robert Otto

Miss Georgina King.
c/o Kelso King. Esq.
120 Pitt Street,
Sydney, N.S.W.
Australia.

[Page 178]
No 1 Aust Gen Hosp
Warminster
England. 18.8.19

Dear Miss King

Just a short note letting you know that I am leaving England for home on Sunday the 24th of this month (August) in the Hospital [ship] Kanowna.

While I have been in camp in England waiting for a Boat I took ill and it turned out to me Malaria fever, so they are sending me home on a hospital ship.

I hope you did not think I had forgotten you for I was so uncertain of my departure for home that I did not know whether to write or not. However I will soon be amongst you all and I think it time dont you?

[Page 179]
I cannot get home quick enough for I just detest this country.

I hope you are in good health after all your good work which you did for us during the war and I sincerely hope you are enjoying the peace which we took such a big part in bringing about.

As soon as I arrive in Sydney Miss King and am free I shall call on you so I hope you are still at Elga so I will be able to call on you and know where to go.

I will now fetch this letter to a close as it is getting near sleeping time.

With Best Wishes and Kindest Regards
Yours Sincere Friend
Sgt. R. Otto
2nd Btn AIF

[Page 180]
[Staff Sergeant Walter Frank Philpott, No 14002, a chemist of Geelong, Victoria, joined the Army on 28 June 1915, aged 24, and embarked from Melbourne on 20 May 1916 on HMAT A7 Medic with the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He served at Ascot Vale, Victoria prior to embarkation and then with the 5th Field Ambulance in France. On 28 December 1920 he married Marthe Caron, a Frenchwoman, in Paris, and returned to Australia on the Bouda on 27 January 1920.]
[Printed document]
Recruiting Campaign

A Soldier’s Letter

A soldier’s letter from over the seas,
And oh! how much it means
When the curtain of worry and doubt is raised
By those behind the scenes.
We may feast on the news that the papers give,
That is "writ by a skilful pen";
But give us the plain unvarnished tales
In letters we get from our men.
Frank Cubitt.

In a letter, dated 27th November, to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Philpott, of Geelong, Staff-Sergt. W. F. Philpott, attached to one of the hospitals in France, writes:–

We have had a exceedingly busy time lately. I cannot, or rather may not tell you very much concerning it, but if you compare the date of this and your own newspaper reports, you will understand why we had so much work to do. We have not received any Australians, always, "Tommies", but their patience and their courage have caused admiration from every member of this unit. I have seen many, many of them, and always they are cheerful, always laughing and joking. Even when leaving the operating theatre, still half dazed from the effects of anaesthetic, a joke is never far from their lips. Nearly always their first question is for the bullet, the piece of shrapnel, or other foreign body that had been removed. These souvenirs are more precious to them than untold gold. One lad was given a nice jagged piece of shell case, and he murmured, "The only souvenir I have got, and I was on Gallipoli". I thought that I was hardened a little to suffering, but no convoy comes in without leaving me with a very heavy heart. For the love of Heaven, spare no effort, spare no sacrifice, to give these brave chaps some comfort. It is so hard; 13,000 miles is such a tremendous distance, and Australia is yet to

[Page 181]
hear the sound of hostile guns. But if it could be possible for a few citizens to see the real state of things, what a tremendous difference it would make.

Great God in Heaven! what do the sensible people of Australia mean? Is it possible that they are going to permit such doings? Are you going to sacrifice the safety of a nation? "Give us liberty and freedom," you scream, and wave flags, thinking that liberty and freedom can be bought for nought. We, poor, miserable fools that we are, are giving you the liberty asked for. My blood boils at the thought of dear, sweet, free Australia having its fair name dragged in the mud; Australia, the laughing-stock – and justly so – of our enemies! Was it for this that Australia’s sons left their bones on the Peninsula? Was it for this that they are shedding their blood in France and Egypt to-day? If there is any man in Australia with an ounce of patriotism – and, thank God, there are a few – he will leave no stone unturned until he has helped to free Australia from the clutches of the fiends that are choking her. If not, farewell peace, farewell liberty, and, with these gone, what attractions does Australia hold out to any man to return to it? Certainly none to me.

Pardon me, my dear mother and father, but I must write what I feel. I am not indulging in heroics on my own part, because I am far from being a hero, but I know what a hero is, and my heart aches to think their country should treat them so scurvily. My bit is such a tiny bit compared to the task of others.

Take this to heart, and spread it near and far. The only way to win the war is for every man, woman and child to enter into the business with determination to gain complete victory. Sometimes the man in civilian clothes must work harder than the man in uniform. No matter what a man’s calling is, he can give some help to a tremendous cause.

The sooner Australia wakes up, the sooner will the boys come home.

Issued by the Director-General of Recruiting, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.

By Authority: Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer, Melbourne.

[Page 182]
[Lance Corporal, later Captain, Norman Rutledge Plomley MC and Bar, No 622, a clerk from Narrabeen, NSW, joined the Army on 18 August 1914 aged 22, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A19 Afric on 18 October 1914 with No 2 Company, 1 Divisional Train, Australian Army Service Corps. He served at Gallipoli, transferring to the 4th Battalion on 1 September 1915 and being allotted No 1704. After the evacuation from Gallipoli he transferred to the 56th Battalion and served in France where he was badly gassed. He was swiftly promoted to Lieutenant and later Captain, and was awarded the Military Cross "for gallantry and distinguished service in the field" on 9 November 1917 and the Bar to the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" on 22 March 1918. He returned to Australia on 23 September 1918.

His letter written from Gallipoli on 26 May 1915 describes the Gallipoli landing.]
[Typed copy of letter]
Copy:

Anzac,
Gallipoli Peninsula,
26th May, 1915.

My Dearest Mother,

A friend of mine in going to Alexandria to-morrow so I am taking the opportunity of smuggling a letter through.

We landed at this place a month yesterday and have been under fire practically the whole time.

In my last letter I gave you our movements right up to the night before we disembarked. I will go on from that point.

About 5 o’clock on the Sunday morning we were awakened by the booming of guns. We were up on deck and found we were anchored at the mouth of the Dardanelles with the warships strung out in front of us in two lines, bombarding both the Asiatic and European sides. The forces were then landing – the French on the Asiatic side and the English on the European. It was a wonderful sight. The Russian cruiser "Askold" was pouring broadsides into a fort and village situated on a high ridge on the Asiatic side and a little further along the French cruisers were doing the same, while an English battleship and more Frenchmen were standing off the point of the ridge as it sloped down to the sea and enfiladed the whole summit. They must have blown the fort to pieces and as for the town – well, we saw whole houses flying in the air.

The plan was, I believe, for the French to destroy the fortifications on their side and then re-embark and advance up the Peninsula with the English.

All this time about six English battleships and cruisers were bombarding the other side; and one fort together with its village (which was in rather an exposed position) was literally blown to atoms. You would see one of the Queen Elizabeth’s 1950 lb shells go clean through it, raising clouds of dust and smoke. Under the shadow of the fort was one of the steamers aground. One story was that she was packed with troops and had openings in the side for them to get out when she reached the shore; another, that she was filled with sandbags &c. and served as a protection for the landing parties in the pontoons and ship’s boats. I might mention that there were only three Australian transports that saw the landing at this point, viz., "Atlantean", "Californian" and "Austerlind".

It appears that the English wanted our pontoons (horse boats) of which we had six.

The landing place was a fairly easy slope with a hill in the background. The smoke from the guns had for a time blocked our view, but about noon it cleared away.

Our interest for the moment was taken away from the battle when a horse boat came floating alongside with four or five wounded men. One man was in a bad way, with half his face shot away. This is the first taste we had of the horrors of war.

About 1 o’clock we weighed anchor and proceeded up the outer coast of the Peninsula, about 15 miles, to the place where we are now. It seemed a very steep and difficult landing place, there being beaches on both sides; it looked as if they had picked a bad spot, but I believe these beaches were all thoroughly mined so they were forced to land here.

Our troops had landed first thing in the morning and had

[Page 183]
already made a name for themselves although suffering terrible losses. They had sprung on the beach under a terrible fire and charged up an almost impossible slope clearing the Turks out here with great losses to themselves. I will describe the position as best I can. Imagine a beach about 15 yards wide and over a ¼ mile long, backed up by a steep clayey ridge with small knolls on either end like the buttress of a castle. Machine guns over these projections could enfilade the beach. Anyway they gained this ridge and also another further up, and even charged further where the Turks led them or portion of them into a trap and inflicted severe losses. A great many officers had already been killed so the men in some cases were practically leaderless. Then they proceeded to dig themselves in and hold the position they had won. All this time the battleships were covering them with fire, sweeping the tops of the ridges, but they could not find some of the enemy’s hidden batteries, which were very well concealed and pouring shrapnel into our men and on the beach.

We landed the next afternoon and began making a depot on the beach. On Tuesday night its position was serious, as our men had been in the trenches since Sunday without reinforcements and the Turks were attacking repeatedly. About this time we received a message from General Hamilton to hold on and that reinforcements were coming. It was either Wednesday or Thursday when they arrived, and Oh! What a relief! They were a brigade of Marine Reserves and were not regulars as we had hoped. Pretty well the first thing they did was to be driven out of one of their trenches, which however, was recaptured.

Our orders are to hold this position and wait till the English-French make their way to us. We have already been waiting a month.

A little over a fortnight ago they took our 2nd Brigade down to the point (Cape Helles) to help the English-French. They were 2500 strong. They took a position down there which the others had been trying to take and arrived back here about 1500 strong.

The artillery through a blunder had not given them the necessary support, and although they gained the position they lost heavily because the Turkish positions had not been shelled beforehand. In their account of things they say that the French infantry are no good but their artillery is excellent. There is no doubt that our infantry is the best on this Peninsula.

Pretty well all the Light Horse regiments have now arrived (without their horses of course) and are being drafted into the Infantry Brigades to make them up to fighting strength. There are practically no horses with us, the transports being done by mules, our men taking them right up to the trenches.

I am now stationed in the Depot in charge of one of the Departments, but I had one trip up in the past few days.

The Turks made a very heavy attack over a week ago but were repulsed with heavy loss. Casualties about 9000. The dead were simply lying in heaps outside our trenches. Yesterday they had a nine hours armistice to bury them. We expect another fine effort from them in the next few days. We are continually being shelled on this beach with shrapnel especially in the first week or so. In one half hour there were about 40 men hit on or about the Depot. Major Young our Senior Supply Officer was shot in the arm a few yards away from me. Tom Milner was shot in the leg in his dug-out at another Depot round the beach. He had a miraculous escape. George Robey managed to get through alright, also "Long" McGovern and Fred. Harring (Dorothy will know the latter). The last I heard about Alan Mitchell was that he was missing. I can only hope that he is safe. Otto Rossiter arrived a few days ago but has not yet gone into the trenches. The ridge is now honeycombed with dug-outs and looks like a big ant hill.

[Major David Panton Young, 1 Divisional Train, AASC.]

[Page 184]
As for myself, I am very comfortable except when it rains (like it did last night) as it wets all my blankets. I have received a couple of letters from you since I landed also the Sunday Times, thank you very much for them. I also received a letter from Mr Vidler and a box of cigars, I wish you would thank him very much for me in case my letter to him goes astray. It was very thoughtful of him. How is Father’s eye? I hope it is very much better by now.

There has been a bit of a scare the last few days. A German submarine has been nosing about and consequently the battleships have been kept on the move, and most of the transports sent to Lemnos.

I suppose Father is getting books and papers on the war, if so, he might try and get the "Daily Mail" dated 8th May, as it cracks the Australians up to the skies. I have not seen it but I believe it is very good. There is no doubt they have done wonderful work but at what cost! Their trenches are perfect now and we will not be driven out now. The only thing that troubles us are their guns which must be manned by Germans. One runs backwards and forwards on rails. It comes out of a tunnel, fires a few rounds, and runs back again. They have several of this kind and neither the warships or our batteries can get them. We also get shells from the forts in the Narrows which are about six miles away across the Peninsula. One is a huge thing, we think it must be off the "Goeben". [German battle cruiser SMS Goeben, transferred to the Turkish Ottoman Navy in 1914]
It would weary you to give details of some of the Officers lost, but General Bridges had bad luck being shot by a sniper in the leg. He died on his way to Alexandria. I have to close now and can only say that the worst as far as we are concerned is now over, as we are becoming very cute when the shells are flying about. Very best love to Father, Dorothy, Alice and the rest of the family. We are not allowed to write letters, only Field Service postcards, so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me for some time.

With very best love,
I remain,
(Sgd.) N. Plomley.

P.S. I cabled you that I was well, did you receive it?

I have just witnessed an awful sight. I was addressing the envelope when someone yelled out "they have got the ‘Triumph’"! I rushed out and saw her with a heavy list, about 2 or 3 miles off the land. I could see that she was doomed. A submarine had got her. Torpedo boats, pinnaces &c. rushed to her rescue. She has just turned turtle, 16 minutes after she was hit. Many brave men must have gone down with her. At the time of writing she is bottom up. She has not yet gone down. Clouds of smoke could be seen coming from Cape Helles. Destroyers to the rescue, but they are too late, except that they might be able to pick up some of the men in the water. The "Triumph" has done marvellous work here, and had just returned from Lemnos where she received stores etc. It was terrible to see such a fine ship going down.

[Major General William Throsby Bridges, Headquarters, 1 Australian Division, died of wounds at sea 18 May 1915.]

[Page 185]
[Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Raymond Guy Poate, a surgeon of Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, joined the Army on 24 August 1914 aged 30, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914 with the 1st Field Ambulance. He served at Gallipoli and in Egypt and France and returned to Australia on 3 October 1917..

Includes a description of the Gallipoli landing and conditions there.]
"Somewhere"
1st Aug 1915

My dear Spencer,
Had a letter some time ago from Eileen but fancy I have not yet replied to it as we have been so much on the move for the past 4 months i.e. since we left Cairo early in April. I was up at the landing but did not get ashore. Our boat was quite close in as we had ammunition & so we saw it all very well – in fact came in for a few shells which dropped round us but did no harm. We were there 3 days and then had to bring a crowd of wounded back to Alexandria on one of the troop ships. Of course all our bearers got ashore at once but there was no room for the tent subdivision owing to the limited advance so ever since then we have been looking after sick and wounded on troop ships – mostly very unsuitable for the work. The proper hospital ships were very few in number & used to clear out as soon as they had their beds full & did not have to overcrowd as we did

[Written sideways at the top of the page:]
P.S. Dorothy says you sent me some books. Not to hand yet except the Poems of Hate for which thanks. Hope the mountain stay agreed with you all. H.

[Page 186]
altho’ they could have done it much better than we had to without any conveniences &c of a Hosp ship. Have had 3 trips to Alexandria & 1 to Malta as well as a lot of dodging about up here – have been on 10 or 12 ships! Now they have about 15 proper Hosp ships ready so we are no longer needed for sea work & are expecting orders any hour to proceed to the front.
The work has been rather interesting and exacting at times but the spirit of the wounded & their pluck & endurance wonderful. Do not believe any of those yarns re mutilation & atrocities by the Turks – there have been many rumours but in spite of enquiries from all quarters so far no authentic case found & no-one has come forward who could swear to having actually seen any thing – all rumours!
We want all the physically fit (especially re teeth) men we can get – also a great number of Hosp and A.M.C. orderlies – have stacks of medicos. The 3rd Genl. Hosp with Geordie MacCormick, Norton, Jamieson &c &c have just arrived to open up here. Will realise now what we early birds have had to put up with – inconvenience, dirt, dust, heat, flies &c!
My best regards to Eileen & the family & yourself – hope you are all O.K. as I am – had poisoned hand recently – rather serious at the time.
Best luck Yours sincerely
H. Poate.

[Page 187]
[Private George Eykyn Culverwell, No 4363.

Letter from George, surname not noted, with accompanying note from his brother-in-law F G Pratten.

From his service and other records, George can be identified as Private George Eykyn Culverwell, No 4363, a clerk from Woolwich, NSW, who enlisted aged 34 on 29 April 1915 and served with the 3rd Australian General Hospital. He was at Mudros on Lemnos Island in December 1915, suffering from dysentery, when the letter on page 197 was written and was later evacuated to hospital on Malta. He later served in Egypt and France and returned to Australia on 8 August 1919.

References: George Culverwell’s sister Amy married Frederick G Pratten at Annandale, NSW, in 1898 (NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Registration number 7306/1898) and his service record (National Archives of Australia – Personal service records) includes a letter from F G Pratten acknowledging receipt of two tickets to the Anzac Buffet to meet Private G E Culverwell.]
[On His Majesty’s Service.]
Letter from the Front.
from George
donated by F. G. Pratten.

[Page 188]
[On letterhead of Pratten Bros., Jamieson Street, Sydney.]
7th Mar. 1916.

Mr. W. H. Ifould,
Lane Cove Road,
Turramurra.

Dear Mr. Ifould,

Enclosed please find a letter for your collection. It is from my Brother-in-law who at the time of writing evidently thought his last call had come, but fortunately is now much better.

Yours faithfully,
F. G. Pratten

[Page 189]
Mudros
Lemnos Island
December 7th 19[15]
Dear Fred

I have not been quite up to the mark since last I wrote had a bit of a setback again feeling jolly weak but getting much better. The doctors tell me they want to get me away to Egypt as soon as they can arrange traffic very congested there at present
Very cold last week snow & sleet, lot of poor chaps frost bitten badly on Peninsular – very busy here, so much to be done it is rotten lying up. Doctors say I must & it is alright
Thinking of you all love to the boys & Amy Remember me to old Bill
No need to worry I am feeling much better send letters to same address will forward writing you soon
Just had your letter glad to hear & have paper
Love to all
George

Wish Graham happy returns birthday

[Page 190]
[Envelope; difficult to read.]
On Active Service

Fred Pratten Esq
Pratten Bros
Jamieson Street
Sydney
Australia

[Signed by censor:] W Anderson

[Page 191]
[Private, later Lance Corporal, Clement (Clem) Ranford, No 954, clerk, of Semaphore, South Australia, joined the Army on 28 November 1914 aged 18, and embarked from Adelaide on HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 1 April 1915 with the 3rd Light Horse Regiment, 4th Reinforcement. He served at Gallipoli, and in Egypt and Palestine, where he was killed in action on 31 October 1917.

Consists of typed letters and explanatory notes describing the fighting in Egypt and Palestine in 1917. Clem Ranford mentions his two brothers: Sergeant Herbert Gordon Maxwell (Gordon) Ranford, No 3183, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, who returned to Australia on 17 July 1919; and Sergeant Joseph Marmion Ranford, No 193, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, who was killed in action in Egypt on 4 August 1916.]
[Typed letter]
Letter received 23rd November 1917 from Lance Corporal Clem Ranford, Third Australian Light Horse, killed in action in Palestine 31st October 1917, aged 19, after over 2 years service.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ranford, Paxton Street, Semaphore, whose son Marmion was killed at Romani, Egypt 5th August, 1916, and whose son Gordon is now sick in Cairo Hospital.

The Beach Mediterranean, Palestine,
1st September, 1917,

My dear old Mother and Dad, –

Your ever loving and welcome letters and parcels to hand which latter were in perfect order and we had a lovely party I can assure you, and the papers and books were very acceptable.

I wish you would post the "Nash Pall Mall" Magazine to me every month for it has a few short yarns in it to read, in the tiny bits of spare time we have now and again.

Well my dears we are still on the beach of Palestine enjoying our bathes, I have not had my boots on for about ten days now, but have been walking about with just a pair of short knickers on and sometimes a shirt, and sometimes not anything, especially washing days for we wash fairly often back here to get some of the grime off before we go back to the dust and mud where they are lucky if they do get a wash once all the time we are there on account of old time.

But I was going to say the going without boots reminds me of the dear old Semaphore and Christmas Holidays.

We still have plenty to do though we do not get any night work, for there is the saddlery to clean and do up while we are back here and we have plenty of drill and rifle "jirks" which get on the chaps nerves for the same old thing has been chewed over and over for the last three years and gets very sickening to us though we do not care much so long as they leave us here till we pick up a bit after last six weeks of heavy work riding day and night.

It knocks "fog" out of a chap going without sleep, water, and food for times we do, and the picnics we have are not too enjoyable, or not as enjoyable as the papers say at

[Page 192]
times, about the cold footed Light Horse, and this picnic-ing cannot agree with everybody for our regiment has consumed 3,000 and over of reinforcements and we are still under the strength of 500, and a fair portion of that 3,000 have left this hell on earth and gone where there are no wars and troubles and they are out of it all and are serving a more peaceful and higher master than King George. They are with God.

We had a concert here a few nights ago and Gordon [Ranford] sang, it was "bonzer" to have a little drop of music and when Gordon sang you could have heard a pin drop.

They gave him a great hearing and I tell you they did praise him, they reckon he was something out of the Box and kept on calling him back for it is a long time since they have heard something good and I heard all the praise he got from the chaps for there were not many among them knew I was his brother, so I began to reckon I was (some) having a brother with such talent. He went down to the second brigade last night to sing; the chaps worried him till he did for our lot gave them a concert and they will return it soon I suppose.

We are often lying on the sand talking when the chaps will come up and ask him to sing to us and we enjoy it very much, I tell you.

The Roman Catholic Chaplain lectured and read on Jerusalem and Palestine and the doings of Samson and it was very interesting after what we have seen of the country.

We go to church every Sunday while we are here and we got talking of the prophecy of the Bible on this War, so we set to and read about it in Revalations and I finished up by reading the whole of the Book of St. Matthew and part of the book of the acts in the New Testament that Audrey sent me. So you see we have been quite good this last week or two.

My word Mum dear I never regret that trip I took through Skarrah and Memphis for it makes all those books on Egypt so interesting to a chap for they so often mention parts of Memphis. I found two snaps I took at Memphis of Ramses the Greats statue lying beneath the Palms. In one of a Sphynx body with Ramses head on it which stands in the centre of a pool of water and I got a nigger to stand on the paw to give you an idea of the sizes. I am also sending a few more photoes taken here.

Think I will close now, thank you for parcels, letters, papers, also Helen’s and Ben’s letters, so with fond love

[Page 193]
to all and double share for your dear old self and Dad,
Believe me,
I am your ever affectionate son,
Clem.

PS Give my love to Alf, Nell and Children, and thank them for their letters and love to May and Stewart and Children.
Clem.

and we are still going strong.

Returning Franks letter it is "bonzer".

I am sending two Turkish Notes (money) home in this letter that I got off a prisoner at Rafa.

I have carried them for a good while but they are getting worn out so I am chancing it and sending them to you, hope you get them.

They are not very valuable in Turkish money but to show how short of money they are; the notes are worth in Turkish money, the larger one about a shilling and three half-pence, and the smaller one about two-pence half-penny, but I know you will value them.

Tell me if you get the snaps and letter of Frank’s that I send in this letter also the Turkish notes.

[Page 194]
[Typed document]
A short description from the firing line in Egypt and Palestine,
By Clement Ranford
Semaphore
South Australia.

[Page 195]
Preface
Some account of the Battles during December 1916 and January 1917 on the borders of Egypt and Palestine by Clement Ranford, 3rd Australian Light Horse, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ranford, Semaphore, South Australia. Clem Ranford is not yet 19, but served in Egypt, then at Gallipoli, and again in Egypt where he now, March 1917, still is.

His elder brother Joseph Marmion Ranford was killed at the Battle of Romani, Egypt, 4th August 1916, after serving in Egypt, through Gallipoli and again in Egypt. He was shot through the breast and died in about forty minutes, his brother Clement being with him when he died.

A.T.S.

[Page 196]
Our boys have been doing some of the greatest work mounted troops have ever taken on and the best part of it on their own.

Well we took El-arish it was a very important position of the Turks and I think it will change their minds a bit of ever attacking the Canal again. El-arish was also their gate or stronghold to Egypt, they have held the place for two years.

It is not a very large town, population of about seven thousands, Egyptians and Arabs mostly. It was a great victory though it did not take much taking, for our advance was that quick and great they could not get ready for us, so they had to go for their lives or be captured by the great Australian Light Horse, so they went and we only captured a few, and of course the town and position, which was a great loss to them in military value, for as I said, it was their gate to Egypt and the end of the desert for us.

It was a grand sight to see the greatest part of the Anzac Mounted Division with their wonderful horses and horsemanship moving at night over the great Sinia desert, and great steep white sand dunes, which only great horsemanship could move over at night, because some of the sand hills’ sides are almost perpendicular and it takes a bit of manoeuvring to descend their sides.

Well after riding all night through the sand, at the break of dawn we over-looked a great stretch of flat hard country and also could see the beautiful blue sea, and best of all we could see green trees, palms, and crops, and on the side of a small slope stood the town of El-Arish.

We advanced straight on over the flat and past the town taking a few prisoners till we came to another ridge of hills, then we made our position stronger on account of Johnny Turk, if changing his mind and trying to get back, but he soon gave it up and we never saw anything of him for four or five days, bar his aeroplanes, which always visit us and drop a few bombs, which make a chap feel very uncomfortable while he is over-head, but he does not do a great deal of damage, and goes for his very life when our planes come on the scene.

Well after we had been here for a while we went back to the green crops looking for water for our poor horses and selves, of which we found ample supply and of excellent quality to our great joy for it was the best water we had had all along the track. We went back a little further

[Page 197]
and found that all the vegetation around about was watered from a small creek which used to come down now and again from a large Wady further up.

The green of the crops did our eyesight good, for some of the chaps that did not generally notice anything, stood and gazed at it and drank all the beauty of nature in and said "thank God we have got over the sand and hope we never see any more of it.

Well then we had a look at the town, it was just like every Egyptian town, built of mud and one very high steeple standing out upon its own, which was the mosque of the town. All the people had stayed there for they knew we had to protect them.

After all that we went back to our camp, which was on the side of the ridge we advanced on, and we had a well earned sleep after our long ride.

The Light Horse must not rest at this, so two or three days later, we found out from our aeroplanes that the large body of Turks and Square-heads had split up into small bodies and posts of a little over 2,000 lots, so we made off one night in a southerly direction towards a place called Maghdara.

After getting out of El-Arish we entered a very large Wady which was a stretch of hard country between two high lines of ridges, it looks as though at some part of the year it was a water course.

It was a length of about 40 miles, lovely going for our good old horses though rather dusty. We advanced about 30 miles up this Wady that night, and it was a grand sight when it broke day for we found we were not the only part of the division then advancing, but nearly three quarters of the division was moving up the Wady with our Australian Camel Corps on the flank, as well as Artillery, and I tell you my eyes have never witnessed such a wonderful sight before.

Though our horses had heavy going they were prancing about and jumping out of their lives with spirit and seemed as eager as the boys to have a go at the Turk and Square-head. Well when we got near the end of the Wady we found Jacko was there, so we prepared for action and spread out and galloped into positions and when the word was given to go we galloped into their gun and machine gun fire, straight at them, over ground as flat as a table, no cover whatever, and to prove what a magnificent sight it was it terrified the Turks that much that they turned and tried to fly but

[Page 198]
they found that our troops had surrounded them, fortifications and all.

Well when we got close enough we dismounted and our horses were taken to cover and we tackled them on foot with the bayonet and with the aid of the artillery, we advanced and they surrendered in hundreds as we came on them, but they made things pretty hot while we advanced, because they were like the fox cornered and had to fight or die. So before dark we had captured the whole force and guns, camp and a large Camel transport. It was a hard day for us all but it was a complete success and best of all our losses were very light under the conditions. There were two French officers there to see our work and they said they had never seen such a great and grand sight in all their travels through the fronts, for they go right around, and they said the same as the Turkish officer we captured on the post, he said, the Australians beat "Hell" for they have no fear of gun fire whatever and charge straight ahead till they can get a dig with the bayonet and then of course Johnnie gives in.

But while I am blowing my boys out I must not forget our brave and splendid airmen who help us so. They were over and over us all the time and using their machine gun and flying very low which terrified the Turk for just the day before they were dropping a few bombs on them to cheer them up a little to meet us, so you can imagine how miserable Johns felt, and of course the German planes do not dare to come in sight of our planes, the dirty dogs.

I might mention that the planes that are with us now are all manned by Australians and they are great chaps, they come with us wherever we go like a guarding angel, and of course go a hundred miles further ahead over enemy country and give him a few bombs.

Well after our day’s fighting we mounted and leaving a small force to clean up and hold the place we started back for El-Arish with our booty and prisoners, and I tell you it was the worst ride I have gone through.

We had not had a sleep for 3 nights and not any food for two days and our water had spun out and the air was choking with dust. So in spite of it all I went to sleep in my saddle the same as I had done many times before, for my old horse is a good one and quiet.

Well we met our food transport just before daylight, so we got our rations and water and horse feed, and after about an hour’s rest we continued our journey back and got back and watered our horses, who were nearly mad for water and food.

[Page 199]
So we fed up and got our gear off our aching and sore bones, had a wash which refreshed us a little, but we wanted sleep so we fell down on our blankets into a dead sleep on Christmas morning. But one of my mates managed to wake us up to have Christmas dinner, but we were still very sore all over and were for three days after. Well we had dinner out of the good things we managed to carry with us that you sent me in the tins from home and from D. & J. Fowlers. We enjoyed them I tell you after being some time with an empty stomach, though we were half asleep.

Then much did not happen for two or three days bar outpost and short patrols, where we once went along the beach and found that there were steamers lying at anchor unloading already and small mine sweepers at work and a man-of-war protecting us, it reminded me of that awful hole Gallipoli very much; and we also found the railway not far behind us for they lay it very rapidly.

Well then we went out in an easterly direction along the coast of lovely country we had never seen before.

There were niggers camps everywhere, they do all the farming about here.

We pushed on to a village called Shiekh-Zowiet which was in a large plantation of palms, with a huge swamp.

We were lucky for we were in the advance screen, spread all over the country so we saw everything and as we approached the village we could see lots of white flags flying, and when we got closer the villagers got on the highest points waving the white flags and welcoming us in their Arabic which most of us understand, but they looked very frightened poor beggars, for I suppose the Turks had knocked them about, but when they found we were not going to hurt them they were as pleased as Punch. So I got down off my horse and took a photo of some of them and I had not touched the ground before two of them held my horse and helped me off it. When I thanked them in Arabic they were still more pleased, so I asked them some questions in Arabic and they thought it great, then they helped me on again and we pushed on till we came in sight of Jacko.

We then had a good look at him to see where he was and how he was but we did not hurt him that night, but we returned right back to our camp again at El-Arish and found everything alright, bar that the Square-heads had been over with his plane and dropped a few bombs but did no damage. There had been some very rough weather and

[Page 200]
had washed a mine sweeper aground and wrecked her, but no one drowned off her. We then had a spell for a few days bar for outpost parties and German planes coming over to see us, but we had a little surprise for him for he had no sooner shown himself when he was ringed with shell smoke and shrapnel, so he started to get off home for his life, but our planes followed him and found he was hit and had to come down, so that is one German that will not worry us again, but when the German dog found he could not get into us in daylight he tried a night raid like he used to on Gallipoli but it was not a success for him, for he did not do any damage and the night after our planes went over them and returned the compliment, but about ten times as bad, and continued it the next night so Jacko cannot be enjoying life too much, do you reckon?

But on the top of this our Division started to move out along the coast and spread for miles over the lovely new green crops that night and we led the way again.

We advanced all that night till daylight and then we found ourselves approaching hundreds of Bedouins’ camps and the country was simply lovely like one huge green lawn and as level as a table, bar a large green ridge of hills along the coast and they were a long way ahead of us yet. Well we got up to the Bedouins and they had goats, horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, camels, and other animals in hundreds scattered over the country and these people, or animals, for they are more like animals, live in flat roofed camel hair tents, with their sheep, donkeys, and other beasts all smuggled together to keep warm. They are naturally savages, live by stealing and murdering any stray that might come their way. They are said to be descendants of the Philistines, but they are a murderous looking crowd. Well anyhow being so many of them there it did not look as though they were there for our good with all that stock, so we had to round up all those of them who we thought looked strong enough to fight and put a guard over them. It was not the best of jobs for the black cows objected to being taken away from their women and some of them started to use knives and their old rusty sabres, or swords, pistols, and other weapons, but it was all no good for they had to come.

But they stabbed one chap, and cut another across the eyes but did not kill anyone.

Well after all this we advanced on towards the green hills which we found was the Turks stronghold and fortification of the town of Rafar.

So we advanced on, some of our chaps went straight on and took the town and we surrounded the Turks position and

[Page 201]
our artillery started to bombard the Turks while our good old planes watched the effect it had on them, then word was sent to us to charge up to the foot of the first hill on our horses then dismount and finish on foot with the bayonet.

Well we started and so did the Turks artillery and machine guns, but not horse or man care much about their artillery but dashed straight on.

It was a magnificent sight to see line after line, without a bend, of prancing horses and horsemen going at a hand gallop over the lovely green lawn country into shell and machine gun fire, but they reached there and dismounted for a go with the bayonet, and the horses were taken back out of reach of the artillery and they start to advance over country as flat as a table yet on a gradual slope of a hill where the Turks were blazing away at us for their lives and there was not a three pence worth of cover so we ran till we were blown out with our heavy load and still a good way from the Turks but their machine guns were hitting a few of our boys, but, however, we lay down and had to dig the top off the ground with our sheath knives, for the roots of the grass would not let our fingers go through, but anyhow we got cover by digging and the Turks Machine Guns got hot and the air was thick with bullets, so we stayed there for some time while our guns gave them what for.

You could not see the hills for black and white smoke, between their fire and ours, and our faces got as black as niggers.

Well we were in a position that we could not go forward for the fire was too thick, and to advance would be too large expence of life, so we stayed there until late in the afternoon when we thought we would have to retire and just then our boys showed up on the other side of the ridge charging and yelling for their lives with the bayonet flashing in the sun, so we made a dash for the last lap and got in the trench with Jacko and the square-heads, and they surrendered guns and all just before dark, so we collected them up and their gear and started them off back to El-Arish, while we reformed up and got our wounded away, which was a good few, but not many for the hot-corner we got into.

Just then the German plane showed up and came over some of the Bedouins camp and dropped bombs for our planes had gone, after their splendid days work, so the German thought he would take his chance to do some damage, but the bombs he dropped fell in among the poor Bedouins and

[Page 202]
we could see Bedouin women and kids with a goat or sheep under one arm and donkey under the other going for their lives poor beggars, so the square-heads nicked off and we started back for El-Arish, leaving a small force to protect the party clearing up.

We did not go back that night but camped for a few hours at Shiekh-Zourit and then got back to El-Arish next morning feeling very tired, and hungry, but very thankful to God for sparing us through it, though he took a few men out of our number and it made a chap feel pretty sad to see the empty saddles and the lead horses whose owners had been killed or wounded doing their bit.

It was a wonderful experience, but again it was an awful one.

Well we had a sleep for the rest of the day and next morning I managed to get over and see Lieutenant Jack McDonald who was wounded through the upper leg, not very bad but bad enough and also saw a lot of my own comrades who were there in the field hospital wounded. They were all bearing their pain like brave Australians do.

The next day we were lined up and had a lecture from our old General and he explained everything to us about the fight, and finished by saying he was perfectly satisfied with our work and that he was very very proud of his old Brigade. He is now Major General of our Division and he thanked us for doing our work so well over and over again and our own Brigadier General said just the same, that he was proud of us and to be an Australian.

Then before that the General over all the desert forces, who was an old English Cavalry General came and thanked us and said he had served many years in the British Army and he had never read, seen, or heard of mounted men to ever take on such a bit of work, let alone make such a complete success of it. He said he had the greatest confidence in us and thanked us and left.

So things are going along quietly for a fair while and in the old style, so I hope to have a little more time to myself, though I hope we push on for I feel interested in this old little country.

We are not allowed to say about certain things and it makes it a very hard job to write at all.

I am sending a snap of my dear old brother Joe’s resting place.

They are going to erect a large monument on the banks of the Canal in memory of the boys who fell fighting for

[Page 203]
their country out of the Anzac Mounted Division so as it can be seen by the ships that go through.

Note:–
Bedouins are a Bad Lot; – The "New Zealand Times" remarks: – The Bedouin, one of the desert tribes of Egypt is evidently a poor specimen of humanity according to Trooper P. W. Burges of Rongotea. The trooper says that the Bedouins are a wild race and a bad lot, and do a lot of spying for the Turks.

"The Bedouin is the worst type of man I have ever seen" asserts the writer. "He is worse-looking than the Australian black. It is a mystery how he lives. Of course when the dates are ripe he is well fed, but when the dates are finished I think he must live on the sand. To give some idea of what they are like, I need only say that these devils have been known to come along at night, dig up the dead, strip them of their clothing and leave them on the sand. We were never lucky enough to catch any of these inhuman creatures, or they would not disturb another soldier in his grave."

Duplicated by
The Howard Printing College Ltd.
Printing Works

[Page 204]
[Printed copy of a letter written by Clem Ranford.]
[Handwritten in the left-hand margin:]
Don. Saunders. Dec/18

Written by Lance-Corporal Clem Ranford of the Australian Light Horse in the field, Palestine, 14th October 1917. He was killed in action in Palestine 17 days afterwards. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ranford, of Paxton Street, Semaphore, S.A., he was 16 when he enlisted and was 19 when he was killed, after over 2 years’ service in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine. His elder brothers, Marmion and Gordon, also served in the Australian Light Horse. Marmion was killed in August 1916, and Gordon still serves as a Corporal, and is now, December 1917, in hospital at Cairo.

I was glad you received our cable all right. I may send home for a few pounds later on, for a friend of mine and I are fighting hard for a trip to Luxor, and if we get it it will cost a few pounds, but it would be money well spent, for it will be out of my reach once I get back to Australia, and now I can do it for about twenty pounds and have a good time at the same time, and in peace time and as a civilian it would cost nothing less than eighty pounds. Of course, some people who know nothing about these things, say, "What do you want to go there for? There are only broken down walls there." Well, I say these broken down walls have a charm for me, and I want to know more about them; more about the great ancient city of Thebes, and the wonderful hall of Karnak and temples. Why! The modern architecture is nothing alongside the huge and magnificent structures of those ancient ages. We had a lecture here by the Rev. Colonel Doctor Maitland Woods on Palestine, more of its ancient history, and mother, dear, he was the most wonderful and interesting speaker I have ever heard. He had us – dumb – spell-bound, and he had me worked up to such a pitch that my head pained and I felt as though I had done a hard day’s ride. Wonderful: he touched on the old Bible stories, the old Testament, then of the ancient Greeks and their great reign in Palestine and Egypt, and of the beautiful cities and churches they built, and he said they used to put in lovely floors in their churches; all kinds of designs done in mosaic work, and every design has a meaning. We, the Anzacs, have found several of these old floors among ruins buried, but now they are removed to Cairo until our people can make the English Government decide that we can have them, and send them to dear old Australia to show our people some of the ancient and beautiful work of that wonderful, but now decayed race of the Greeks. Then he touched on the Romans; clever people, but not the class of people the Greeks were in those days.

He said they over-ran the Greeks and their country, but they never conquered them, and the consequence was that they took up the way of living of the Greeks and tried to build and construct buildings the same as them. They certainly built lovely structures, but not nearly as good as the Greek, for we have proof of it here, because the Greek ruins are in a far better state of preservation than the Roman buildings are to-day. Well, dear, he has made this wilderness 100 per cent more interesting than it was to me, for we are seeing things now that have been barred from the white European race for 1,400 years, and we, the Anzacs, are the first to see this wonderful old historic wilderness.

Mother, dear. he said what a wonderful and yet strange thing it is that the Australians, the youngest democracy in the world, going through, clearing and opening up the ancient trade route of the oldest autocracy known, that has been closed to everybody, except the Bedouin or the Amalekites, as the old Testament calls them. There are here to-day the biggest murderers, thieves, and lowest animals in the world. They have at times killed our wounded, robbed our dead as they did in David’s time. It makes my blood boil to think of them; the uncivilized dogs they are. When you pass them in a body they look at you and grin, and show their beautiful, but devilish-looking teeth, and if you were on your own they would have a go at killing you for your clothes, the dogs, and yet we are not allowed to shoot them, but protect the devils.

I have sent photos of them home to you some time back. We are certainly opening the old route up to Gaza on our very own, and have laid the railway with the assistance of the Egyptian Labor Corps that existed in Moses’ time.

The chaplain said he reckoned he was born 100 years too soon, for it won’t be only a Cape to Cairo railway, but Cape to Vladivostock railway, and he said that where Kantarah (which means bridge) is now will be a large city of vast importance. There will be a large swing bridge there, and that is where they intend to put the "Anzac" memorial in honour of our dear brave boys who have given their precious lives that this Holy Land may be free from the awful Turk and all our dear ones may live in peace for many years to come.

We are not fighting for land or money, but just peace and home, which we long for, and our leader lives in mansions not built by man. The Light Horse, that such a lot of people wonder about and think they are not doing much are wrong, for they are doing the most glorious work they could, and in history their name will shine like diamonds.

Well, dear, I could go for a week about this "bonzer" lecture, but father Time is in the road, so I can only give you an idea what the lecture was about, so come back to the present day.

Well, we have had two or three concerts here lately and Gordon has taken the main part in them. He is in our Brigade Pierrots, and he has made a great hit here among Tommies and all. They reckon he has a splendid voice, and we enjoy it I tell you.

We are very quiet here at present. Nothing doing and both of us are doing well and going strong, so fond love to all.

[Page 205]
[William Reece, No 338, boilermaker's labourer of Waterloo, NSW, enlisted on 31 August 1914, aged 20, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A23 Suffolk on 18 October 1914 with C Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion,. He served at Gallipoli, where he was wounded in both legs on 25 April 1915. He later served in France, and returned to Australia on 7 June 1918.

Includes several hand-made postcards, and a short description of the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915 (page 209).

Also includes part of a letter from William Reece’s mother, Mrs M Doolan, describing life at home, her wishes for his safety, and the arrival in Sydney of two guns from the "Emden" (page 222). On the back of this letter William Reece wrote a reply from Gallipoli on 9 May 1915, noting "Paper is scarce so I had to write on back of yours as you see".]
From Letter Carrier E M. Doolan

Letters of Wm. Reece

To W H Ifould esq.
Principal Librarian & Secretary
Public Library
Sydney N.S.W.

[Page 206]
41 Pitt Street
Waterloo
26.12.15

To Mr Ifould

In answer to your advertisement in the SMH Re Letters written by Australian Soldiers I am enclosing a few letters & PCards of my sons if you care to accept same.

Yours etc
M Doolan

[Page 207]
[Envelope]
To Mrs E. Doolan Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt St
Waterloo
Sydney
N. S. Wales
Australia

[Signed:] R. O. Cowey

[Page 208]
[Envelope]
[On Active Service}

To Mrs E. Doolan. Jnr.
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt St.
Waterloo
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Page 209]
Head Quarters
Second Bn
7th May 1915.

PS Address letters as before
they will find me.

My Dear Mother;

No doubt you will have heard by now that I was wounded in the scrap we undertook on the Gallipoli Peninsular a couple of weeks back. I might tell you that I am quite well again. I stopped a mauser bullet right through my left leg it then travelled across and caught me in the right ankle but neither wound was serious.
Well we left Lemnos Island for the Dardanelles last Saturday week and landed on Sunday. When we arrived there we were landed torpedo-boats and pinnaces the turks were entrenched only 50 yds from the shore so I can tell you we got it pretty hot from them with rifle fire shrapnell and machine guns but the boys bore it well and charged up the hill and drove them before us at the point of the bayonet we had advanced about 3 miles in a little over 2 hrs The "Queen Lizzie" was here with us she makes an awful noise when she fires that 15" gun of hers she had a lot of the places there on fire all the other ships done well also.
I think it was a shame the Turks fired on our red cross when they were attending the wounded. My old Captain Captan Dignam was shot in the stomach poor old Chicken Crockford that used to be in our tent in Kensington was killed outright.
I am expecting to be back in amongst it in a few days. I dont think the Turks can last long against our Brave troops
Well Ma I must close now with Love to all at home I remain
Your Loving Son
William Reece

[Captain Arthur Reginald Dignam, 2nd Infantry Battalion.
Private Cyril Grove Crockford, No 277, 2nd Infantry Battalion, killed in action 2 May 1915.]

[Page 210]
[Envelope]
Mrs E. Doolan. Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41. Pitt. Street.
Waterloo.
Sydney.
N. S. Wales.
Australia.

Australia.
A. I. Force Inf
Egypt

[Pages 211 – 214]
[The following four pages consist of part of a letter written to William Reece by his mother Mrs E Doolan on 17 April 1915 (first and last page), plus a letter written by William, dated 9 May 1915, to his mother, written on the back of her letter (second and third page, plus a short note on the first page).

Both letters are transcribed here as they should be read. Some parts are difficult to decipher; see images for details.]

[First page of the letter written by Mrs Doolan (page 211):]
excuse scrawl as I have a bad pen

41 Pitt St Waterloo
17.4.15

Dear Willie

In answer to your ever welcome letter by this mail I was pleased to hear from you also to hear that you were in Good health as this leaves us all at home thank God.
I am pleased also to hear that you met Tom. Also your Uncle Ern hope he is well. Kindly remember me to him if you see him again & tell him I wish him luck & a safe return
I do not have to go up to the Barracks for your Cash. they send it to us I get a Money Order every fortnight & go to the Redfern PO. for it by the time you return please God you will have a nice cheque to draw. if all goes well you may have enough to open a business for yourself & not have to work so hard as you had in the past

Daisy was quiet indignant when I told her you said to keep her at school so long I tell her it is the happiest days of her life but I suppose she is too young to realise it yet

[Page 2 of the letter written by Mrs Doolan (page 214):]
Daisy had a letter last mail from Beaty but there was not much news in it. The next Contingent leave on Saturday the 22nd Inst there is to be a public send off The School children are to sing in (Hyde Park) Daisy is one of the picked to take part She is in raptures over it She is also to sing & dance next month at Canterbury at a Concert for the Belgians. She is up there to day practising in the Tableau She takes the is dressed in Russian Style.

I dont know who you mean was drowned in Newcastle I told you a young chap was killed at the Steel Works but I forget his name Granny O’Brien & Doolan are fairly well. Two of the (Emdens Guns) arrived here today on the Steamer Montoro it is probably that they will be publicly exhibited in a few days. I expect there will be thousands going to see them

There is a rumor that you re leaving Egypt shortly but there is nothing in the press about it as yet Some of the men told their relatives in their letters

[One of the guns taken from the German Raider Emden can be seen in the south-east corner of Hyde Park, Sydney, NSW.]
[Page 1 of the letter written by William Reece (page 212):]
"Gallipoli Peninsular"
9th May 1915

My Dear Mother

Just a few hurried lines during my Middle watch to let you know that I am still pegging along safe and sound hoping that all at home are the same.
This life in the trenches is getting very monotonous. I wish the war was finished it is a very trying life. We are tuckering as well as can be expected under the circumstances We get fresh meat every second day the other day we get Bully Beef and Bacon but the only thing I dont like is that we cannot obtain bread it would be a very welcome visitor just at present but still Australia’s sons are never down hearted.
It is a very hard thing to get water here as it is a scarce item unless you walk about 3 miles to get it what myself and my mates do we sit at a little trickle down in a gully for about 2 hours to get a kerosene tin full you grow very weary of it but we stick it alright. We also get an issue of cigarettes and matches weekly.
I had a very narrow squeak the other day there were 3 other of my mates myself and "Tom" having a swim of the beach when a schrapnel was fired just passing over our heads and burst to about 5 yds away. but none of us were hit.
Well Mar I think that I will close with love to all at home so Au Revoir but not good-bye from
Your Loving Son
William Reece

[Page 2 of the letter written by William Reece (page 213):]
Continuation of other letter in reply to yours, 25th of 4th and. Do you think that the 3rd force are a better stamp of men that our force who are in the firing line. Yes I received the papers alright No I missed Uncle Ern we went away from Egypt too soon. No Tom is aright and well. Albert is doing well too the last I heard of him No I never received a card from Dad yet Yes remember me to Mrs Richardson please tell her I am well again and back fighting once more after my wounds.
I am sorry for Emily if Jack August has been discharged Remember me to Phill Foran and tell him I hope he is better soon also to Frank Raper.
Received Papers & Bulletin O.K.

from Your Loving Son
William Reece
"Hotel de Dug out"
Sari Bair
Gallipoli
Turkey

PS Paper is scarce so I had to write on back of yours as you see

[Additional note at the top of page 211, written by William Reece:]
Our Colonel Colonel Braund V.D. from Armidale was killed about a month ago. Capt Dignam is still going strong.
Will

Reece

[Lieutenant Colonel George Frederick Braund, 2nd Infantry Battalion, killed in action 4 May 1915.
Captain Arthur Reginald Dignam, 2nd Infantry Battalion.

[Page 212]
[Part of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 211.]

[Page 213]
[Part of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 211.]

[Page 214]
[Part of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 211.]

[Page 215]
[Address side of a Field Service postcard.]
To Mrs E. Doolan. Jnr.
Grocery. Store.
41 Pitt. Street.
Waterloo
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[The message side of this postcard has not been imaged. Using the standard messages on it, it reads:]
I am quite well.
I have received your letter dated 14th 4th ‘15
Letter follows at first opportunity.
[Signed:] William Reece
29th May 1915

[Page 216]
[Improvised postcard with hand-drawn stamp featuring the Union Jack and Australian flags and the following words:]
On Active Service

Dug. Out. Post. Card. Coy.

Post. Card.

No writing paper available.

8th July 1915
To Mrs E. Doolan. Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt. St
Waterloo
Sydney
N. S. Wales
Australia

A.I.F.

Dear Mother.
Just a line to let you know that I am still well hoping all at home are the same. Things are quite the same here now only duck your head to a few Jack Johnsons which whizz about now and again but they are quite harmless here. Well good bye & love
From your ever loving Son
Will. Reece.

[Page 217]
[Reverse side of the improvised postcard on the previous page, showing part of the packaging of a tobacco product from the company Major Drapkin & Co, United Kingdom. Not transcribed; see original image for details.]

[Page 218]
[Improvised postcard with hand-drawn decoration showing the flags of Great Britain and Australia and guns.]
On. Active. Service.
No writing paper available

Post. Card.

To Mrs E. Doolan. Jnr.
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt. St
Waterloo
Sydney
N. S. Wales
Australia

[Page 219]
[Message side of the improvised postcard on the previous page.]
3rd July 1915
same address as usual

Dear Mother
Just the usual to let you know that I am quite well hoping all at home are the same. There is nothing here to write about only that it is hotter than Australia & the flies are a lot worse. We had a bit of a thunderstorm here last night but I didnt get very wet. I have had 2 or 3 letters from England lately and all are O.K over there. Things are very quite here now I hear that things are at a standstill over in the old town our hundreds are enlisting well it will do some of them good to come and live here in the ground like a mole for a while. Tell me when you write what Eddie Kearns & the "Bagnalls" are leaving for the Front with. Well I will close with love to all at home
From your loving Son
Will.

[Page 220]
[Envelope]
[On Active Service]
To Mrs E. Doolan Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt St
Waterloo
Sydney
N. S. Wales.
Australia

[Signed:] William Reece

[Page 221]
[On letterhead of the "British Red Cross and Order of St. John".]
Hospital
"Lemnos Island"
Oct. 13th 1915

Dear Mother Just a line to let you know that I am still doing well. My toe is a trifle sore yet and will be some weeks before it is well. I was operated on last Friday I had the nail taken right out so it will be some time before I will grow another nail.
It is getting very cold over here now. It is not to bad over in this hospital it is under canvas it is the biggest hospital in the world under canvas.
I might get a trip further out of it to Egypt or possibly to England Well I must close with love to all at home
Your loving Son
W Reece xxxxx

Give love to "Daisy Maud"

[Page 222]
[Envelope]
[On Active Service]
To Mrs E. Doolan Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt St
Waterloo
Sydney
N. S. W.
Australia

Australia

[Signed:] cpl W. Reece.

[Page 223]
[On letterhead of "The Y.M.C.A. with H.M. Troops: On Active Service; For God for King & for Country".]
[From] William Reece. "Signal"
2nd Batt. 1st Bde. Head Qrs

[Address reply to:] Same as Before

My Dear Mother

Just these brief few lines to let you know that I am well once again hoping that you and all are the same my legs are all right once more thank God. I have been discharged from hospital and am now in camp on the sand again but I’d sooner be in the firing line than be here there is to much sand and dust to be contended with and the temperature is well over 100 % each day it is getting unbearable. I am getting tired of soldiering I wish I was back in Australia
Well I will just give you a graphic story of how I landed in Turkey 6 am on Saturday 24th April we heaved up the mud hook and sailed out of Mudros Bay in Lemnos Island. well we sailed up the coast a bit in the west whence we turned the corner and sailed due north and anchored in another bay the other side of the Island where we waited for the rest of the troopers

[Page 224]
Then the allied fleet came with the Queen Lizzie leading. Well we got orders to sail at 11.45 pm so we heaved anchor again and made for Cape Gaba-Tepe on the west coast of the Gallipoli Peninsular. Well our "Reveille" in the morning was not a bugle but the booming of 12 and 15 inch guns from the fleet. The first thing I saw when waking up was the earth flying in all directions
well the H.M.S. Majestic was about 50 yds from us and she firing double broadsides right over us which shook the ship all over then there was the damage she done ashore.
Well the 3rd Brigade landed first then we got the order to land and away we went aboad a Torpedo Destroyed called the "Usk" which we went ashore in under heavey fire all the time
well we got ashore and we drove the Turks out of their trenches at the point of the bayonet they ran from us like a mob of sheep. we did tune them up
well I went strong until about 12 noon when a shrapnell burst over us a bullet hit my mate just above the knee and a piece of shell hit me on the thigh well I managed to get down on the beach and help my mate down alright but after I was dressed I walked along the beach and I only went about 10 yds when a sniper fired and shot me through both legs of course I dropped instantly and was carried on a stretcher aboard ship where we sailed for Egypt and sorry to be back here
Well this is all this time so I will close with love to all at home
From
Your Loving Son
William Reece

[Page 225]
[Envelope with the badge of the "Y.M.C.A. with H.M. Army & Navy".]
To Mrs E. Doolan Jnr
"Grocery Store"
41 Pitt St
Waterloo
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

on Active Service

[Page 226]
[Lieutenant James Alexander Reid, a mining engineer, joined the Army on 23 December 1915 aged 48 years 11 months, and embarked on 20 February 1916 from Sydney on HMAT A38 Ulysses with the Mining Corps, No 2 Company. He served with the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company in France and returned to Australia on 24 July 1919.

Includes a Season’s Greetings card showing images relating to the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company, and two postcards.

Donated by the Dunlop family of Newcastle, NSW, who also donated other letters in this series.]

[Envelope]
Mrs. N. J. Dunlop
"Evenlode"
Hamilton
via Newcastle
N. S. Wales.
Australia

[Signed:] J A ReidimpS

[Page 227]
[Greeting card for Christmas 1917 and New Year 1918 from the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company. See original image for details.]

[Page 228]
[The inside of the greeting card on page 235, with the printed message: From Officers, N.C.O.’s and Men of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company "Somewhere in France".]
Dr. & Mrs. N. J. Dunlop
With our best wishes for "A Merry Xmas & A Bright and Happy New Year."

from J. A. Reid (Lieut)
"Dug-Out" Belgium – Nov 1/17.

[Page 229]
[The back of the greeting card, showing the badge of the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company.]

[Page 230]
[Postcard with two views of the Cloth Hall at Ypres (Halles d’Ypres) during and after the bombardment in November 1914. See original for details.]

[Page 231]
[Message side of the postcard in the previous image.]
Don Dunlop 9.8.32

P.S. Will write you later.

Belgium Apl 16. 1917

Dear Norman
Just to say that "All’s Well" with me, and like "Johnnie Walker" am "going strong". Weather has been intensely cold, – 30° of frost but Spring is trying hard to pop its nose above ground. Kind regards to Mrs. Norman & all your folk.
Sincerely yours
J A Reid.

[Page 232]
[Private, later Driver, then Fitter, Thomas George Richardson, No 32104, a coach builder of Lidcombe, NSW, enlisted on 3 October 1916 aged 33, and embarked from Sydney on RMS Osterley on 10 February 1917 with the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column, 10th Reinforcements. He served with the 2nd Australian Field Artillery Brigade in France. He was gassed on 22 March 1918, and, on returning to service, was wounded in action on 16 August 1918. He returned to Australia on 20 June 1919.]
When you answer write to my battery
no 32104
Fitter Thos. [dash]
5th Battery
2nd Brigade
Aust Field Artillery
France

Hurdcott Convalesent camp
Salisbury plains
May. 8.5.18

Dear George & Jennie

You will see I am in hospital. I got a blighty on March 19th but I am alright again now. It is nearly 3 months since I heard from you untill to day and I got your parcel & note March 11th also note from Ethel. Thanks very much and it came alright I sent Ethel a card by the same mail as this letter.
Well things have been very lively for the last few weeks before I got away and they have been worse since it was very hard to have to fall back but it paid us to as the way Fritz comes up in waves of mass formation he was looseing four to our one & we

[Page 233]
were fighting about 8 to 1 around Bailuel. I have been over a good bit of the country that we had to evacuate. but any how it is no good getting down hearted as we will win in the long run but He cannot keep up like He was going on but He is checked now.
our Battery drew out of Ypres and went to Albert then when He was held there we came back to Armentiers sector
I have met a good few of the boys out of our battery and they said the battery had had about 40 casualties up to the 30th of March I expect to go back by the end of May and I dont mind going there are about 1.400 Australians here and a good few of them are working their heads trying to swing the lead but they come some gutsers some of them. The

[Page 234]
causalties have been fairly heavy in this push but not many killed so we have not done to bad. I met a great lot of men in hospital who was in the thick of the push & they say it was terrible the way Fritz was cut up and the dead were there in hundreds.
Some of our divisions are cut up a good deal and they are breaking up some of the Battalions to make the others up to strength but I see by the papers that they are enlisting fairly well in Ausie but they will be a long time before they are in the line.
There seem to be plenty of Yanks about London & I have me very few in France but they have come over a good bit of late.
Well the flowers were just lovely and the quantity of daffadills & narcisis & Tulips and the size are great. the flower sellers in

[Page 235]
the street. And then the flowers in the windows. The carnations I never seen anything to equal them & the Roses. Heath & Heather. and various other kinds the most of them are grown in hot houses and the seedlings were all out in boxes the Wallflower it grows to perfection here & forgetmenot daisies & pansies I saw some beautiful beds of them in front of Buckinham Palace
I have had my sick leave I went to Exeter and put a few days in there then went to my Aunts at Norfolk. My Uncle George’s Wife Jen would remember Him but He has been dead 18 years this April but his Wife was very kind to me & done every think she could for me so I did not put many day in London but I saw a few good nurseries on my way up & down. Suttons have a fine place. They have acres of

[Page 236]
Daffadils. and you see them grow wild
I came back through Cambridge and when we were about 14 miles out of Sydney I passed acres of glass houses and they are looked after by girls and you could see them full of tomatoes and cucumber they are a great price so I expect they pay to grow them in such quantities.
The wild flowers are coming out and every where you look the place is full of the primrose and blue bells & they look very fine when they are growing wild. All the trees are out in leaf & the fruit trees in blossom and it make a big contrast after seeing nothing else but Limbless trees & stumps in France. but the bulbs were out in flower when I left.
I was up before a board to day and I am going to be transfered to an artillery camp

[Page 237]
on Saturday so I will be over in France sooner than I expected but I am satisfied I would sooner be there than messing about these camps
I am glad Mabel was over to see you. Well the Hero Jim Scott got home safe. I am glad you got the seeds they are lovely big poppies.
You are in Lucks way with the motor trips and to see some of the old spots you knew so well also the unions came a fall like they did. I am not in favour of strikeing at this time
Well I think I will have to cry off now. So Hopeing you are both well & wishing you the best of Luck I am getting on alright so Good Bye for now tea is just on So. Cheerio
Kind regards to all Friends also Ethel
Yours Sincerely
Thos. Richardson

[Page 238]
Heytesbury
July 6.7.18

Dear George & Jen

Your letter of April 17th a couple of days which I was very pleased to receive and hear you were both well.
Well there is not so much need to be excited about Fritz advancing a bit as we are sure to go back every time He attacks the way He does in the close formation & wave after wave but as long as He is looseing four to our one it wont matter so much.
It has cost us a lot of men but it is costing Him more to get it back but He is getting weaker after every stunt as it takes Him longer after every one to build up again. but we are keeping Fritz going now the Yanks are at it and the paper gives them great praise they are fighting with the Ausies so I will see for myself as I am going over again on Monday the 8th and there is a big push coming off this month so if I get through it

[Continues on page 240.]

[Page 239]
[This page is out of order. It is page 4 of a four-page letter, written on the back of the first page. Page 2 of the letter is on page 240.]
around. I saw a big procession of women workers on Saturday about 3.000 they marched and looked well in their different uniforms it is wonderfull how the women have put their hands to every thing.
Well I will have to ring off they are just starting Love to self & Jennie I will write again soon. Kind regards to Mr. & Mrs. Sutch & all Friends Hope you are both well as this leave me. so cheerio

Your sincery
Tom

[Page 240]
[Follows on from page 238.]
I will try and get a letter through telling you how things got on. I had four days leave last week and went to London & had a good time I was out to Richmond & Windsor and the flowers are just beautifull in Hampton Court also in Hyde Park they are at their best every sort stocks, Carnations. Pansies. Bigonias. Sweet peas very large the best I have seen for size yet snapdragons & the Delpheniums as tall as me & blooms 3 feet long never seen the like beautifull blues single & double & the Peoney Roses. & the Geraniums & Marguarites and various other sorts was just like a rainbow on the lovely kept lawns. also fine beds of Petunias. The are plenty of Roses about now 1d a flower that is what the flower sellers in the street is chargeing. Carnations as big as cups they charge 6d & 8d each but only in the shops you can buy them and they have some fine orchids they grow ever sort of flowers in pots even to Lucene trees.
I am glad you went

[Continues on page 241.]

[Page 241]
[Follows on from page 240.]
for a drive through Hyde Park I saw a fine show of Dahlias there also in the Centenial.
It wont be to bad if Bob will only keep the trips up. You done well out there with the War Loan. Some of the big firms here had prizes for any one who bought a war bond through them and they done very well that way & got custom to.
I am glad some of the seeds I sent you were good I hope the sweet pea was a success. I hope you got the two paper knives I sent you but I expect there will be nothing left of mine when I get back to the battery but I will get what I can the battery has had so much shifting about & one of the chaps that would look after my things has been badly wounded.
I am alright again now but had a bit of a doing but will have another slap at Fritz in a few days. We had a holiday on the 4th. for America day we had sports but I wrote letters. I am trying to write this in the Y.M but a lecture is on & they are danceing all

[Concludes on page 239.]

[Page 242]
[Active Service envelope]
Mr. G. Blakeman
19. Parraween St.
Neutral Bay
Sydney
New. South Wales

18.8.18

[Signed:] Thos. Richardson

[Pages 243 – 247]
[The original of this nine-page letter, spread over five images, has two pages to an image after page 1. The images don’t present the pages in chronological order. Transcribed in the order in which it should be read; some line breaks introduced to aid readability. See original for details.]
France
Aug. 18th. 1918

Dear George & Jennie
Your letter to hand also parcel of Lollies. you will see by the papers that we have all been doing hard fighting. we had had a lively day & had just finished bombarding Fritz for four hours & the ammunition waggon had just arrived & they gave me the parcel so five of us had a fill.
Well we put Fritz back about 17 miles on our front we were in the centre supported by Tommies on one side & Canadians the other we could have gone further but had to wait for our flanks but Fritz went for his life He only put up a fight on the ridges & we had mostly flat country to go over. We soon got out of range & would shift up to

[Page 2]
1.000 yards & go again it was all open work in the middle of the field & no cover ove[r] shell holes. any how we got through with very few causalties
We came out of the line to day & are haveing a couple of days spell & going to another part where Fritz is holding them up. The Ausies captured 4.000 prisoners & over 100 guns and left plenty of dead I got a few German buttons & the shoulder straps & a couple of pieces of a German plane He came a beauty.
I saw dozens come down during the Stunt but one of our Camel planes brought down two Fritzs in about ten minutes. The first one you could hear the machine guns & all the heads popped up from the reserve trenches & all about were looking up & then Fritz burst into flames and the boys gave

[Page 3]
a cheer the pilot jumped out to save getting burnt to death but was dead before He reached the ground then the second fight & a good go & clever flying then Fritz came down in flames & I am sure Fritz must have heard the cheering I only saw four of ours come down.
The Boys go through the Fritz prisoners for Souveniers when they come down from the line.
The best sight I saw was The Cavalry & Infantry take a wooded ridge full of guns & machine guns & they we supported by our Tanks which done good work they are a lot faster than the old ones & nothing seems to stop them the barb wire it goes through it as if it was not there. We watched them take hill from a little distance off and it was a sight one will never for get then on

[Page 4]
another afternoon we went up & had to blow some machine gun positions & we completed the Job in a very short time Fritz must have been taken unawares we captured a field hospital & staff also a german head quarters & staff
they have fine dugouts about 30 ft under the ground & have the best of every thing there was plenty of drinks & the Boys soon got rid of it. Some of the wounded are only boys about seventeen the common soldiers have stinking dug outs you cannot go in them one batch of prisoners were almost in rags & were very tired they put up no fight
our artillery killed a good few as the could not get through barage & some of the guns had there crews killed all the guns the fired till the last minute then they

[Page 5]
were flanked off & our Boys did not spare the bayonet.
at one place we captured a big dump with thousands of pounds of material also a hospital train & ammunition train full & a railway connection also a light railway & no doubt Fritz has his head on the right way He had got all the guttering & spouting & galvanised iron off all the roofs of the houses & all cast iron railing & all sorts of material in heaps.
Then in another shed were all the bronze figures out of churches & houses & Tools of every sort so I got a new kit out of them before they had time to put the guard over the dump.
The Fritz planes play a good stunt of a night with bombs & all the cover we had was to dig a hole about two feet deep to hold

[Page 6 – marked "to follow 5"]
you and material was scarce. He had cut all the crops that was on the ground. & left nothing about. all his shells were in dugout under the ground.
We only had one day of gas but only had the masks on for a couple of hours. He has been fireing incenary shell & then watches for a gun that is fireing & drops bombs on them & He plays a good stick He likes to find the horse lines as one bomb is likely to kill 20 horses & each plane carries about a dozen you can always tell his machines from ours
The weather has been fine lately but when we first went in we had mud over tops of our boots.
The traffic is wonderfull with artillery. transports. ambulances. cooks carts water carts & infantry in thousands you just

[Page 7 – marked 6]
wonder at the organisation then the balloons have to follow us up. & the A.S.C for food & fodder for horses & field dressing stations have to come along to. so you can guess what a traffic there is.
The Fritz carry down all their own wounded when they are taken prisoners. & sometimes our own.
I have put in a slip of paper & it shows where we were fighting & the next push will be in another part.
The people are beginning to come back to Amiens now since we pushed Fritz back He has not knocked it about to much but the towns we have just gone through are mostly on the ground what with Him shelling us out a few months ago & us doing the same to get rid of him
The dead Fritzs & horses are beginning to smell very high

[Page 8 – marked 7]
now & some of the other bodies have been left from the retreat & only skeletons remains.
I was very tired the first stage looking after the guns & helping dig in a bit then help with ammunition & practilly no sleep at all for 3 days & nights & plenty shooting day & night & following up as soon as we got out of range.
We are camped near a cannal for a couple of days I have just had a swim so thought I would drop a few lines & thank you for your parcel and we enjoyed them very much you cannot buy a lollie of any sort here a chocolate now & again & some times you have to go for weeks as soap is very scarce at times I have done a bit of washing to day you have to change as often as you

[Page 9 – marked 8]
can to keep the chats down but I have been fairly free from them but these French Billets & Barns are lousy but they keep you mind in occupation when you are a bit lonely.
I am glad the Pansies were good also that your garden is looking O.K
Well George I will have to ring off I would be able to tell you more so it will have to keep. Enclosed is a shoulder strap off a dead Fritz.
So I will say good Bye for now & thanking you one both once again & hopeing you are well as this leaves me.

With best wishes
Yours Sincerly
Tom

[Pages 244-247]
[Part of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 243.]

[Page 248]
From T Richardson to accompany letter of Aug 18. 1918

Mr Blakeman
Tom R.

17.8 18

[Page 249]
[Newspaper clipping]
Non-Stop Australians.
3,000 Prisoners for 1,200 Losses.
Mr. W. M. Hughes, the Australian Premier, received a cable of Wednesday’s date from General Monash, commanding the Australian corps, stating: "The Australian forces attacked to-day, gaining all their objectives, including the ridge which dominates the Hindenburg line, and captured over 3,00 prisoners, 30 guns, and hundreds of machine-guns and trench mortars. Our casualties so far reported are under 2,000."

From C. E. W. Bean.
With the Australians, Wednesday.
To-day, in one of the most completely successful operations in which they have been engaged, the Australians not only captured the old British front line and outposts, which was the object of the battle, but also pushed on and took the front trenches of the Hindenburg system itself, and established themselves beyond the crest line on which the line is situated, and which looks down upon the Saint-Quentin Canal and main Hindenburg line beyond.

The Australians too 3,150 prisoners, including 120 officers, one a regimental commander and two battalion commanders. Our line now overlooks rolling brown moorland, on the opposite slopes of which can be seen the white parapets and broad bands of wire of the main Hindenburg line. Our losses were made much lighter by the splendid services of the British tanks.

[Page 250]
[A German shoulder board, showing crossed red grenades and SM 83 on a yellow ground. See original for details.]

[Page 251]
[A German shoulder board marked T 1, red on a grey ground. See original for details.]

[Page 252]
[Active Service envelope]
Mr. G. Blakeman.
19 Parraween St.
Neutral bay
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

21.9.18

[Signed:] Thos. Richardson

[Page 253]
France
Sept. 21st.

Dear George & Jennie.

Just a few lines to thank you for your parcel of lollies & socks which I recieved on the 19th a couple of days after your letter. The last parcel I got when we were in action at Posiers now we are miles away from there now.
I have put a couple of cuttings out of the paper of the 20th we get them every day 1 per sub section through the Y.M.C.A. but they are a day late but they are always welcome although we get news through Brigade Headquarters and we always know if our own sector is alright by our amount of shooting we do plenty harrising fire & keep him bobing & He has put plenty over to us. He has made a couple of counter attacks but only lasted a bit over an hour I would not like to be on his side. there is some noise when all our guns open out & they range for 3 inch to 15 and they are well up.
We have got a glimpse of the

[Continues on page 255.]

[Page 254]
[This page is out of order. It is page 4 of a four-page letter, written on the back of the first page, and continues on from page 256. Page 2 of the letter is on page 255.]
went off. it sent sparks hundreds of feet in the air. one incident as we were coming up Fritz was shelling the roads & the rear batterys had to advance while the others kept going four Germans were carrying one of their own wounded down on a stretcher escorted by a Tommie when one of Fritzs shells killed the lot out right you have to go at the double in those places & they were run over a good few times before they could be shifted. it sounds hard but when your dead it dont matter much.
Well thanking you once again also the Boys in my sub. only five at the guns. I was longing for a lollie as you cannot buy any here only a stray stick of chocolate no & again we had just been shooting for two hours & had been going all day so we just sat round the gun & enjoyed them. they all said they were tray. that means good so with best wishes to you both. Kind regards to all. Friends. Mr. & Mrs. S. –

Yours Sincerely
Tom.

[Page 255]
[Follows on from page 253.]
Hindenburg line but dont know whats doing as you dont know when a stunts coming off but you have & idea.
Well this has been a success short & lively but only a couple of mile you will see that we took half the guns & prisoners & there is plenty of Dead huns about all about His front line
our barage was great by the look of the ground and caught His Machine gunners they are lieing in batches of fives some blown almost to pieces armless & legless. they are the gamest of the lot also His artillery they stay till the last but what happens when our Boys catch them I cannot say.
I saw very few of our Boys dead mostly wounded. The Tommies are on our left and there was a bombardment all day. then at night a counter attack I went on to the ridge & watched it It was a great sight just on dusk to see all our guns & flares. Red. green. & white & our S.O.S go up & then Fritzs for more artillery you could see his shells bursting on the ridge & back on the supports it was about 800 yards off our sector.
But last night it was quite & yesterday morning Two

[Continues on page 256]

[Page 256]
[Follows on from page 255.]
Battalions of our Boys hopped the bags with the Tommies the Balloons have gone up so things have gone ahead.
We have not much shelter the country is like waves up & down the night we advanced just dug the gun in & it rained so had to sleep on the ground I got near a big log & rolled up in my waterproof sheet but you can sleep even with a wet shirt tail. It brings back happy memories when the children were babies. It gets very muddy & you get in a hell of a mess.
It has been a bit quite to day had a wash & chatted my shirt had a change & washed it but only muddy water out of a shell hole water is very scarce here. Fritz has gone & poisoned all the water in wells in the villages He has gone through & most other water has to have Chloride in it a rotten taste even when its made into tea.
Well George I have put you in another shoulder strap off a German Lieutenant also a disk off another dead Fritz.
So I will ring off now there is a good stunt going on on our right just now. Fritzs played a good stick last night with his bombs & dropped them fairly close. one plane came down a fire & there was a great row when some of the

[Concludes on page 262.]

[Page 257]
[Private, later Sergeant, Wilfred Rowley, No 641, a clerk of Paddington, NSW, enlisted on 22 March 1915 aged 22, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 25 June 1915 with the 18th Infantry Battalion. He served at Gallipoli and in England and France and was wounded several times. He returned to Australia on 8 April 1919.

Wilfred Rowley was an employee of Angus & Robertson, book publishers and sellers of Sydney, NSW. Letters are to a colleague Albert Spencer, his son "Master G Spencer", Wilfred Rowley’s employer, Mr George Robertson, of Angus & Robertson, and from George Robertson to Mr W H Ifould, Principal Librarian and Secretary of the Public Library of New South Wales.

Rowley mentions his marriage in England (page 277), an air raid on London in July 1917 (page 273) and fellow employees George Edward King (page 261, 277) and Harry Gordon Hodges (page 277), whose letters are also in the State Library’s collection.]
[Pages 257 and 258 are a typed copy of the handwritten letter on pages 259 and 260 (minor differences in punctuation).]
16/11/15.

Pte. W. Rowley, (641)
18th. Battalion,
Australian Base,
Weymouth.

Dear Mr. Robertson,

Just a few lines to let you know what part of the world I am in. I also have to thank you for your great kindness in cabling to Mr. George of the Australian Book Company. Well it was bad luck, for I had just finished my furlough, 14 days, when I received a letter from him. He wanted me to come and stay for a couple of weeks, but on account of some men deserting, the authorities would not grant me a further furlough. I promised, though, that I would come one week-end. That also was hit in the head. Anyhow I was one of the men picked for Lord Mayor’s Day to march through London, but as we had to tramp all day in the wet it was no good going up to see him.

Well Mr. Robertson, tomorrow I am off to the Dardanelles again to do a bit more, so if I get out of this lot, I shall be very lucky. During my stay in London I went to Essex for a week and lived with the Hon. Mrs. Ives, who treated me like a son instead of a plain soldier.

Well Mr. Robertson I am an awful letter writer, for I’d sooner do a hard days work so you will have to excuse me for not writing more often. Before I do finish I shall have to wish the Firm a Merry Xmas and a Prosperous New Year. I don’t suppose you will be very busy there as they are all very slack here. So I

[Page 258]
shall have to conclude now, thanking you once again.

I remain,
Your Obedient Servant
(Sgd.) Pte. W. Rowley.

P.S. Excuse writing as there is no ink in the firm.
Remember me to all the rest of the firm, also their wives and families.

A Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year.

[Page 259]
16/11/15 Pte W. Rowley (641)
18th Battalion
Australian Base
Weymouth.

Dear Mr Robertson

Just a few lines to let you know what part of the world I am in. I also have to thank you for your great kindness in cabling to Mr. George of the "Australian Book Co". Well it was bad luck, for I had just finished my furlough, 14 days, when I received a letter from him. He wanted me to come & stay for a couple of weeks, but on account of some men deserting, the Authorities would not grant me a further furlough. I promised, though, that I would come one week-end. that also was hit in the head. Anyhow, I was one of the men picked for Lord Mayor’s Day, to march through London, but as we had to tramp all day in the wet it was no good going up to see him.
Well, Mr. Robertson, to-morrow I am off to the Dardanelles again, to do a bit more, so if I get out of this lot, I shall be very lucky. During my stay in London I went to Essex for a week and lived with the Hon. Mrs Ives, who treated me like a son instead of a plain soldier.
Well Mr. Robertson I am an awful letter

[Page 260]
writer, for I sooner do a hard days work, so you will have to excuse me for not writing more often. Before I do finish I shall have to wish the Firm "A Merry Xmas & a Prosperous New Year". I dont suppose you will be very busy there, as they are all very slack here. So I shall have to conclude now, thanking you once again

I Remain
Your Obedient Servant
Pte W. Rowley

P.S. Excuse writing, as there is no ink in the firm.

Remember me to all the rest of the Firm, also their wives and families.

A Merry Xmas
and a
Happy New Year.

[Page 261]
[On letterhead of Angus & Robertson Ltd., "Booksellers to the University of Sydney, and the Public Library of N.S.W."]
5/10/16.

Dear Mr. Ifould

You already have a Rowley letter or two in the Mitchell. Here is another. I enclose a copy of some verses by the King who was shot at Rowley’s side. King’s brother (George) is on our staff and is at the front.

Yours faithfully,
George Robertson

[Signaller George Edward King, No 507, 19th Battalion, killed in action 4 December 1916 in France. George King’s letters are in the State Library’s collection, in A 2660 Volume 1, letters written on active service, A-L, 1914-1919.]

[Page 262]
[Pages 262 and 263 are a typed copy of the handwritten letter on pages 265 and 266 (minor differences).]
Copy of letter from Wilfred Rowley.

Colchester General Military Hospital,
Essex.
11/8/16.

Dear Albert,

Just a few lines to let you know I have been wounded again and back in the old dart once more. Have been through some solid fighting down at Pozieres, on the Somme. My battalion was there 10 days consolidating our position before we charged. I was with the Bombers, but the first day we got there a Welsh regiment went over bombing and were repulsed, so they called on the 17th and 18th Bombers and over the parapet we went. The first person I caught sight of was George King’s brother. He was quite near me throwing bombs, when all of a sudden he fell, shot through the head. I helped carry him in, poor devil, but I don’t know whether he died or not. I looked George up in a few days and told him, but did not mention that it was serious.

Well, Albert, we threw a few bombs at Fritz, and played havoc with him as his artillery could not get at us on account of our being too close. We were relieved after doing 5 or 6 hours at this and came out 8 strong out of 32 men and 1 officer. I lost two of my best mates in this; but for one of them I would surely have got it. Poor devil, he was alongside me and was a sort of protection to me.

Well, what do you think of the war now? Do you think it will finish before Xmas? If it does I dont think I shall get to the Front again.

How is the old firm doing? Remember me to all, and tell them my wound is not too bad. Tell King’s father that I saw his son shot – all I hope is that he did not die. Tell them all at work that George is going strong and puffs his smoke with the rest now.

Now I shall have to conclude as I have a lot of letters to write,

[Page 263]
as I have not been able to write since we started at the Somme.

Remember me to all the bosses, also to your wife and children, and I hope they are enjoying the best of health, also yourself.

Yours truly,
(signed) Wilfred.

[Page 264]
[Envelope]
Rowley 11.8.16

A. Spencer Esq.,
C/o Angus & Robertson Ltd
89-91 Castlereagh St.,
Sydney
N. S. Wales
Australia

[Page 265]
Colchester General Military Hospital, Essex.
11/8/16.

Dear Albert,

Just a few lines to let you know I have been wounded again, & back in the old dart once more. Have been through some solid fighting down at Pozieres, on the Somme. My Battalion were there 10 days before we charged, consolidating the position, & all sorts of other things. I was in the bombers, but the first day we got there, a Welsh regiment went over bombing & got repulsed, so they called on the 17th and 18th Bombers & over the parapet we went.
The first person I caught sight of, was George King’s brother he was throwing them near me, when all of a sudden he fell, shot through the head, I helped to carry him in, poor devil, but don’t know whether he died or not. So I looked up George a couple of day after & told him, but never mentioned to him about it being serious.
Well Albert we threw thousands of bombs at Fritz, & played havoc with him, & as his artillery could not get at us, on account of our being too Close. We got relieved after doing 5 or 6 hours at this, & came out 8 strong out of 32 men and 1 officer. I lost two of my best mates in this, in which only for one of them, I would surely have got it, only he was protecting me, by being at the side of me "poor devil".
Well what do you think of the war now, do you think it will finish before Xmas, if it does, I dont think I shall get to the front again.
How is the old firm doing, remember me to all, & tell them my wound is not too bad. Tell Kings father

[Page 266]
that I saw his son shot, & all I hope that he did not die. Tell them all at work that George is going strong & puffs his smoke with the rest now.
Well Albert, I will conclude now, as I have a lot to write to, as I havent been able to write, since we started at Somme
Remember me to all the bosses, also your Wife & Children & hope they are enjoying the best of health also yourself
Your’s Truly
Wilfred [Rowley]

[Page 267]
[Envelope, letterhead of Angus & Robertson Limited.]
Rowley, W

W. H. Ifould Esq.,
The Public Library of N. S. W.,
Bent St

Mr Wright
Although only a copy you had better preserve this with the rest.
The reference to Kaeppel may, years hence, gladden someone’s heart.
W.H.I.
24/11/16

[Page 268]
Letter from Wilfred Rowley.

641
B Company, 18th Batt.
29/9/16

Dear Mr. Robertson,

Just a few lines to let you know I am back in camp and getting ready for the Front once again. I had a very good time on furlough, visiting a lot of places that I missed last time I was in London. I also called on Mr. George with whom I stayed for four days. He wanted me to go with his family for a holiday, but I was not able to go as I wanted to see my brother and stay with him for a few days. I only spent one week in London and then went to Weymouth for a week.

The Australians were reviewed by the King two days ago. There must have been 100,000 of us altogether. When he was leaving we gave him a hearty cheering, which I think brought down the rain for we got a good drenching coming home.

I see Mr. Kaeppel is with my battalion he is in charge of the machine gunners, and a game little chap he is, and looks after his men well. I believe he has been awarded the Military Cross.

With the best of good luck to the Firm
I am
Yours sincerely,
(signed) Pte W. Rowley.

[Page 269]
[Envelope]
W Rowley. 10.7.17

A. Spencer Esq.,
C/o Angus & Robertson Ltd.,
89-91 Castlereagh Street,
Sydney,
N.S.W.
Australia.

[Page 270]
[On letterhead of the Australian Branch B. R. C. S. (British Red Cross Society). The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
9/5/17

L/cpl W. Rowley (641)
18th Batt., A.I.F.
Ward 3.a.
Racecourse Hosp
Cheltenham
Gloucester.

Dear Albert
Just a few lines to let you all know I am in "Blighty" again, but you will have to excuse the writing, as I can’t get off my back.
It is a lovely hospital, it’s surroundings are lovely, & the nurses very good & gentle, which makes your wound feel much easier. I have tubes put in, about three times a day, & that is the only part I don’t like, but still it has to be done, on account of the swelling & etc.
I stopped a piece of a high explosive shell, it entering just below the knee & coming out on the opposite side, down at the ankle, another inch further down, & I would have lost my lower portion of the leg, so I’ve got something to be thankful for.
One thing beats me is, that where it entered, it made a hole the size of a dollar piece, but I suppose it struck a bone & turned.
My word it was some fight, we got told it would be easy, but fritz knew it was coming off, & he had all his best divisions there, so the papers here say, but still that don’t stop the boys. It was between Bullecourt & Quaint, so if you read anything about that zone, you will see for yourself, it was some fight.
I was on the left flank with my section, & being in the eight wave, we had to take the furthest objective. Well didn’t

[Page 271]
we get shelled, & what with the machine guns, one can hardly imagine, how men get through it. I got through as far as the hindenburg line, or as I should say on the brink, when "Bang" right at my side, & down I went like a wet sock, I then felt to see if my leg was still there, & there it was as large as life, but trembling & throbbing like anything, so I crawled to the nearest shell-hole & layed there for about half an hour, till the bearers arrived, & back I went.
I got carried for miles, from one dressing station to another, & I might tell you that this is the time when stretcher bearers do work.
Well Albert I got wounded on the 3rd & I was, large as life in England on the 5th, so that is some going, isn’t it.
I came across the channel from Boulogne, to Dover via Folkestone, in King Albert’s Royal Yacht "Peter de Conick" [Hospital Ship, Pieter de Coninck"] which was the first hospital ship to be armed, & she is also painted like a battleship, & she is also fast, doing 27 knots.
Well Albert old boy, I might have a chance of getting back to Australia now, but it is a hard thing to say until my wound heals up & the Nurses think it will be two or three months at the least; but I am going to try hard, for I wouldn’t like to spend another winter in france, for it is something awful.
I won’t you to tell Miss Robertson that I received her Cigarettes the day before the charge, so will you thank

[Page 272]
her very much, & tell her, I & some other wounded enjoyed them very much
Well Albert, I will have to conclude now, so you can remember me to the Firm, & all the Employee’s, as I can’t write to all, so will say Good-bye for the present.

Your’s Sincerely
Wilfred

Another blessed old dressing now & I’m bound to poke faces & grind my teeth, but still I have to crack hardy. Good Luck

[Written in the top left-hand corner of this image:]
Rowley, W.
May 9, 1917

[Page 273]
L/cpl W. Rowley 641
18th Batt., A.I.F.
Ward 3. a. Racecourse Hosp.,
Cheltenham
10/7/17

Dear Albert

Just a few lines to let you know, I am still in this hospital & doing well, although my leg hasn’t healed up yet, & I am still lame. I may be getting transferred to one of our own hospitals shortly, as the Doctor says it might take some time, & that I would be better off, in one of our own, but to tell you straight, I would not, as I have a lovely time here. I go to the Doctor’s place once a week for tea, & I alway’s manage a good feed there, as his wife knows what Australian’s like.
Then I always manage a drive, to various places with the Nurses, who are simply lovely. Of course, I still get about with the old stick, & I will soon need a new one, as I am always knocking it about, such as playing golf with stones, & also playing hockey, with the other cripples.
There has been another big air raid on London, but with fewer casualties this time, & one can hardly imagine, that they do not kill more, as the streets are always packed.
The papers here are kicking up a great fuss over the Mesopotamia muddle, & it is on every body’s lips, & I reckon it is awful myself, & must have been a lot worse than the Dardanelles affair.
Well Albert old boy, there is not much news this time, so I will ask you, to remember me to everybody, & hope they are all in the best of health, the same as it leaves me at present.

Your’s sincerely,
Wilfred.

P.S. I don’t know whether my last letter to you, went down with the "Mongolia" or not, so bad luck if it did. Hoo-ray.

[Page 274]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Master G. Spencer
"Jesmond"
Devonshire St
Chatswood
Sydney
Australia

[Page 275]
France
13/2/18

Dear Little Friend
just a line thanking you so much for the lollies you sent they were very nice but not so nice as you for thinking of me.
Well as you see by the date, I did not receive the parcel for Xmas but I was in Paris for Xmas and fairly enjoyed myself but I am wishing I could have one in dear old Sydney that would be much better never mind this war will soon be over and we shall all return again to the friends who have been so good to us.
Well I must close with my best thanks to you and all at home

From your friend
Will

[Page 276]
[Envelope, with badge of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, Australian Y.M.C.A.]
Rowley W
Mar 6, 1918

A. Spencer Esq.,
C/o Angus & Robertson Ltd,
89-95 Castlereagh Street,
Sydney,
N.S.W.
Australia.

[Page 277]
6/3/18

L/cpl W. Rowley 641
18th Batt., A.I.F.
Sandhill Camp,
via Warminster.

Dear Albert,
Just the usual few lines to let you all know that I am off once again to France. I cannot grumble as I have had a fair rest, having been marked unfit for general service for the period of six months. I was fit pretty well all the time, but the doctors word must be obeyed. Fancy being here for ten months, with only four of them in hospital, extremely lucky don’t you think. I am as fit as a fiddle now, as the saying goes, so will endeavour to account for a few more huns.
I suppose you have heard about me getting married, it is a fact, so I will have to settle down in future, & not act like a single chap. A Sydney girl it is, late of Manly but her parents reside at Darling Point at present. You see it was like this, being pals with her two brothers, they must ask me to come to Southend-on-Sea with them, & there I fell in love, so that is the whole story in a nutshell.
I feel so pleased & happy to be married that I wish this great affair in Europe was all over, still it does not look like it, now that the big bear has thrown the towel in, so now we will have more to kill of the enemy on our front, which is some place.
Will you thank the Girls of the Firm for sending me that parcel, which Mr Shenstone informed me, as I was unlucky & did not receive it, still the boys of my company must have, so it is all the same in one way, so thank them for me, as they are very good to think of me.
I never come across any of the boys from the Firm, except Harry Hodges, & my rowdy pal George King, whom I see a lot off in France, & I do make him laugh, as he seems downhearted at times, I suppose through losing his Brother, I feel so sorry for him.

[Page 278]
Well Albert, it is solid training in this camp, & no time is wasted during parade hours, still you soon get into the way of it, that it becomes pleasant.
They fit us right out now, in case we are needed any moment. They do seem uncertain about the offensive, that one side is afraid of the other, still if the hun comes at us, or anywhere along the front, he is sure to suffer, as everything is ready to stop him, & stop he will, but his shell are pretty solid, though not as good as the British, still he can put the wind up to us at times.
Well Albert old boy, news is pretty scarce, so the best thing I can do is finish. So remember me to the Firm, & also all the others, & the Best of Luck to Yourself.

Your’s sincerely,
Wil Rowley.

[Page 279]
[2nd Lieutenant, later Captain, Magnus Graham Saunders MC, chief cashier with Dalgetys in Adelaide SA, joined the Army on 16 September 1915 aged 28. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on 3 March 1916 and embarked from Adelaide on HMAT A70 Ballarat on 12 August 1916 with the 10th Battalion, 19th Reinforcements. He served in England and France and was wounded several times. He was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" on 31 September 1917 as a result of the action east of Ypres on 19 to 22 September 1917, which he describes in this letter. He returned to Australia in 1919, and also served in World War II.]
[Printed letter. Some line breaks introduced to aid readability.]
Letter from Lieutenant M. Graham Saunders, M.C., describing his first battle, 20th September, 1917.

France,
Tuesday,
25th September, 1917.

I told you in my last letter that possibly I would have more news for you when I next wrote, so possibly you gathered we were about to go into action. Well, my dear, such is the case, as we have been in a big stunt, and we are now in a peaceful spot away from all the noise and dust, with a view to straightening things out and getting ready for other events. Just at present I am sitting against a tent pole with the writing paper on my knee.

Well, my dear, I am afraid it is quite impossible for me to describe what has happened in the last few days, as it is all beyond description. Whoever used the term "Lifting the lid off hell" was just about right. In my last letter I think I mentioned about a 12-in gun keeping us awake, and just where that gun was was our last place before going into the line. From this place another fellow and myself had to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning and go up nearly to the line, so that when the Battalion moved we would know the way, and therefore things would be easy.
At this particular place, where we were camped right up to the line, guns were going off in all directions. However, we started off, and it was not very long before we were amongst the falling shells of the Germans. This, of course, was my first taste of the real thing, but it did not worry me. As we were a good way back from the line, the shells were not very thick, but lobbed here and there. However, as we got nearer so things became hotter, and judgment and care was needed. They had one particular corner picked which was made fairly hot, but we got past all right. We did what was required of us and then returned. On our way back we had to get down several times for safety, as you will imagine the explosions were pretty near when I tell you we were splashed with filthy water and mud. When we got back it was a case of get ready, as we were to move that night for the real thing.
As I said before, mother, I will not attempt to describe the stunt, because it is impossible. Only those who have seen and heard for themselves can understand. The whole thing was wonderful, the organisation perfect, the discipline of all was beyond praise, and I know now why it is that our boys are thought to be the finest this old world can produce. Don’t think I am sentimental when I say that it makes one swell with pride to know he is one of them. Whoever said Australians are not, and cannot, be disciplined is nothing short of a fool, and I should say he has never been in action with them. As things are, some of them may not win prizes on the parade ground, but their natural instinct and initiative is simply wonderful.
By this time you will, of course, have read about our success in the paper, and all praise is due to our C.O. (Lieut.-Col. Wilder-Nelligan) for his forethought and training. From the highest to the lowest every one knew just what was to be done, when it was to be done, and where it was to be done.

[Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Wilder-Neligan CMG, DCM, DSO and Bar, born Maurice Neligan in England in 1882, enlisted in the AIF on 20 August 1914 as Maurice Wilder and served at Gallipoli with the 9th Battalion, and later in France. He had a distinguished service record and was officially known as Wilder-Neligan from September 1915.]

Well, my dear, we got into position, not without mishap, as the Germans were shelling us very heavily, and then at a given time things started to move. It was the most wonderful thing I have ever witnessed, and I understand nothing of its kind has ever happened before in this war.
There was a comparative calm, and then at the exact moment the "lid of hell was lifted," not for us, thank goodness, but for the Germans. There must have been hundreds and hundreds of guns of all shapes and sizes, and these just wiped the German position off the face of the earth. As soon as this barrage opened, so we all hopped out, and the action was launched. It was just before daylight on Thursday, the 20th September, and if you look up the papers just after that date possibly they will have mentioned such places as Nonne, Boschen, Glencorse Wood, and Polygonwald, as these were the places we took.
We first rushed into a wood, and in a few minutes everybody’s face was just about black with the smoke from the enemy’s shells. The smoke was very thick indeed, and you could not hear yourself speak for the terrific din. A bit on our left through the thickness could be seen an old tank blazing away for all he was worth, and no doubt giving the Huns some hurry up. I had a look back at our artillery, and it reminded one of a moving picture show with a very bad flicker. Of course, the other side was heaving stuff at us just as hard as they possibly could, but I am now convinced that their artillery is not in any way to be compared with ours. Gee, it is wonderful.
The German "pill boxes" (a concrete structure and fearfully strong) were much in evidence, and had to be dealt with, but very soon strings of prisoners were being taken to the rear. As we passed over the ground we could see just what work our guns had done, and really there was not an inch of earth that had not been disturbed.
Well, mother dear, we did what was asked of us, and then proceeded to prepare to hold our ground. It was rather swampy country, and we could not "dig in" on account of the water which came into the trenches as soon as a spade was put in. However, breastworks were erected, and we got prepared for the usual counter-attack. They tried it on but with no success at all.
Did it mention in your papers about the Australians reading papers under the shell fire? They mentioned it in the English papers, and it is quite a fact. It was a novel idea of our C.O.’s, so when we got settled down in position I handed some "Mails," "Mirrors," &c., around to the men. It was purely a battalion idea. Each man was well equipped with eatables as follows:– Bully beef, bread, &c., chocolate, sandwiches (with ground-up meat in them), and they were just great, and everybody was happy). Also, the men had more cigarettes than they could smoke. Talking of cigarettes, it was good to see all the chaps smoking as they were doing their work, and coolly getting a light off one another.

Well, the stunt is all over and we are out again. The "heads" are wonderfully pleased, and no doubt the whole thing was a success, you will be pleased to hear that I have been recommended for the work I did (not that I did much), but I will not get anything out of it, as others have been recommended who are old soldiers and have been due for decoration many times before this. Still, it is nice to know that one gave satisfaction, as I was not too sure how I would go on my introduction. Don’t mention this, as it would not do, but the C.O. congratulated me personally and told me of his recommendation. Still, everybody did well, and I am convinced that our chaps did fine.
Last night I heard that Percy Wald’s Battalion is not far from us on their way to the line, but I expect, as usual, I will not run into him.
We are living quite near to a fairly large town, and just at present a concert party is showing there under the management of Doug. Walsh. I think I have already told you that he is in charge of the Divisional Concert Party formed for the purpose of amusing the men when they are out of the line. Doug. is very lucky, but still he has seen a good deal of fighting. The party is very good indeed, and amongst its members is one Lindsay Kembell. Do you remember this chap? He was once in the Courts in Adelaide for dressing up as a girl, and deceived many people, including one of our leading lawyers. He takes the part of a girl in this, and really in voice and appearance he is great; you would mistake him for a girl anywhere.
Well, my dear, by the time you get this I expect you will have started to unpack your summer clothes, while in these parts winter draws on, but for the present the weather is perfect. There is a bit of talk about the originals of the 1st Division getting a holiday to Australia, and it will be fine for them if it comes off, as they have had a long go in.
Give my love to all the people that we know. I am fit and well save for a little bit of a cold, but I have got the tincture of quinine going (which you sent me), and should be A1 in a day or so.

[Sergeant, later Lieutenant, Percy Britten Wald, No 980, 43rd Infantry Battalion.]

[Page 280]
[Private, later Company Sergeant Major, William Bismark (Will) Schaeffer, No 283, foreman storeman of Waverley, NSW, joined the Army on 22 August 1914 aged 26, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914 with the 3rd Infantry Battalion, B Company. He served with C Company of that Battalion at Gallipoli where he was promoted Company Sergeant Major on 1 May 1915, and killed in action on 16 May 1915.

Includes an introductory note from his mother, brief mention of the sinking of the Emden by HMAS Sydney (page 290), a description of the "Crossing the Line" ceremonies on the troop ship Euripides (pages 290-291), and the official events when Egypt became a British Protectorate in December 1914, including three coloured postcards of Egyptian scenes (pages 299, 302-307).]
To Mr. Ifould
Principal Librarian
Mitchell Library
Sydney N.S.W.

Dear Sir

I am forwarding you 4 letters, & 3 cards I have had from my son, the late Sgt W. B. Schaeffer, made Sgt Major on field, killed in trenches at Anzac 20 May 1915 – if same should not be suitable for yr purposes, will you be good enough to return to me & oblige

Cathleen M Schaeffer

C/o "Tara"
No 5 McPherson St
Waverley
Sydney N.S.W.

Decber 16 – 1915

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
ackd 18/12/15
H.W.

[Page 281]
[On letterhead of The Salvation Army, Naval and Military League, Australian Imperial Force.]
Indian Ocean. At Sea.
13th Nov. 1914

My Dear Mother.

After a very long time I am able to send you a letter again ever since leaving Sydney I have been in the best of health possible not being sick a least bit. The weather all through the voyage has been very good at times being as smooth as Sydney harbor. Dear Old Mum you would hardly know your loving boy he has got so fat & brown (nearly black.) & a moustache that makes a great difference.

So far we have lost two men who died & were buried at Sea. One from A. Company & one from B. Company who was one of my men in the Section his name was Signaller J. S. Lowe a very smart fellow & very much liked by myself & all the members of the company His funeral was very impressive he was carried to the shute by some of his comrades & despatched to his last resting place. The Chaplin read the service after which the Last Post was sounded. I was the chief mourner being his Section Commander. In the afternoon his personal effects were sold by auction to the company who responded with great heart. The things bringing

[Privated John Selby Lowe, No 295, died en route to Egypt on 9 November 1914.]

[Page 282]
close on sixty pounds.
Well I expect you have heard the news of H.M.A.S. Sydney & her smart bit of work in regards the Emden. I can tell you we were in range of the trouble & things were very exciting while things lasted I may say that it means a Bar for us being in action the first we have had so far. little did we expect a naval medal.
We are now nearing Colombo having passed the line yesterday & I can tell you I will remember it to my last days. I was watching the fun when all of a sudden I was grabbed from behind by about half a dozen men & carried off & put through the initation afterwards being thrown into the canvas bath & ducked trod on finally being nearly drowned. I may say it was raining all day & of course made things pretty slippery on deck. The Officers formed a Tin Can Band & played all round the ship making a great bedlam & causing no end of fun. They also played Father Neptune & his Queen & attendents to his throne which was on a platform

[Page 283]
in front of the canvas bath & then the fun started close on two hundred going through the agony of being shaved & dosed with Soap Pills & Oil Tonic.
To day has been very busy cleaning up ship & getting things ship shape for our arrival in port to morrow. I have had the job of Troop Deck Sergeant since leaving Albany and I can tell you it is not the best job on the ocean.
I say Mum how is Ruby & all the others. I do hope they are all well & in the best of health. Say Mum dear how has my intended getting on tell her I intend to come back one of these fine days & then we can have a good chat altogether about what has happened during the voyage. Remember me to all down at Nobles & say that I am AI at Lloyds.
Well Mother I ask God to bless you & keep you safe & in good health until I return to my Native land
Your Loving Son
Will xxxxxx

P.S. Will write again very soon

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
Sgt Major W. B. Schaeffer killed in the trenches at Anzac, 20th May, 1915

[Page 284]
[On the letterhead of the T.S.S. "Euripides".]
Red Sea.
29th Nov 1914

Dear Mother

Since last I wrote we have had very calm weather with great heat the juice simply pours off you & makes grease spots on the deck.
The Coast Line from Aden is very Barren sand as far as the eye can see & huge mountains of sand. The H.M.S. Black Prince bombarded a Turkish fort near the Island of Perim & demolished it they intended having a pot shot at the transports as they passed there are 40 ships in the fleet of Transports. I may say when we passed the place we had our Glasses on the fort & there were large holes in the Sides also the roof was blown off & the Fortifications were all demolished & the garrison fled for their natural.
Later on we passed the Island of Perim & then passed through a place called Hells Gate & the Twelve Apostles which are huge rock formations on the coast of Africa. We are now very close to the Suez & then it will not be long before we are on land again as we are going

[Page 285]
[to] Cairo in Egypt where we are being sent on account of the Turks Taking a hand in the affair. I may say it is known that they have German Officers at their heads. They are one hundred miles away from Egypt so we may have a bit of a mix up with them before long. The H.M.S. Black Prince has gone ahead to bombard a Turkish town by the name of Akaba where they have several forts.
So far we have had no news from Sydney & we do not expect any for a long while as our letters have gone on to England & we will have to wait until they are returned.
We are going to be fitted out in a new uniform. Cork Helmet Short Pants 3/4 Socks & boots & I suppose we will look a lot of knuts until we get used to them. Will have a Photo taken & send it along home so as you can see how we look in the new rig out.
Well I hope to be able to send you a longer

[A "knut" was an important person or a "swanker".]

[Page 286]
letter next time & will also send Rube one too. Remember me to Erne & Ann. Amy & Wall. also Eddie.

I send my love to you Mother & Rube
Also Maid.

Your loving Son
Will xxxx

P.S. My address will be
3rd Battalion A. I. Forces
Cairo
Egypt

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
Sgt Major W. B. Schaeffer killed in trenches at Anzac, 20th May, 1915

[Page 287]
[On the letterhead of the T.S.S. "Euripides".]
Sunday 13th Dec 1914
Mena Camp
Via Cairo
Egypt.

My Dear Mother.

I now take liberty to send you some news as regards myself & the rest of the Australian forces. After leaving Colombo as I mentioned in my last letter I was taken ill with pluresy & Infleunza & was sent to Hospital for a week & two days & had a very bad time my temperature was very high being 106.4 & my pulse being very low. Say Mum I fought a great battle & won I can tell you truly that quite a lot of things of the past came before me & also my thoughts we also of those I left behind. I think Mum dear that it does a chap to have some sickness like that to tune him up & let him realise where he is.
Well dear Mum just before reaching I was out of bed & in the convalesent ward & enjoyed the welcome rays of the sun & of the surroundings. We reached Aden the day after I left Hospital & I can say that the scenery round about there

[Page 288]
is of the very dullest there being nothing but Sand & stone for miles. The place itself is not the best on this earth the place & the people living there being very dirty.
We left there the next morning after taking water. Well we had a very calm voyage to the next port which was Port Suez. The monotony was broken when nearing the Island of Perim there was a Turkish Fort with a mixed garrison of Germans & Turks who were waiting for to come by & have a bit of big gun practice.
But I can say they were very disappointed because were were sent news of their intentions & the HMS Black Prince was sent ahead to give them a shake up which she did & as it happened we were up in time to see the finish out of the fight the Black Prince was standing at about 1.000 yards distance from the fort & sending some great shots home & the Forts firing was very erratic. I can tell you it was just alright to see the Fortifications tumbling down in great heaps. She landed a force of Bluejackets & they were not fired on at all. When they reached the fort the Birds

[Page 289]

had flown & so they just finished things by burning the structures that were there down
Well after that we were not molested again until passing through the Canal where we had a few pot shots sent at us by some Turks who were knocking about there skirmishing. Well there was no damage done only a few chips & Holes knocked off the Boats.
We reached Port Said the next morning & I can tell you that all the nations of the world are represented in that place & it is also very dirty & I was not taken very much with the place, The same night we left under orders for Alexandria which we reached the next day at 10-30 am & was greatly taken with the beauty of the place it has a great sea wall & a very pretty little Harbour. The day after we arrive there we ie A & B Companies were sent as an advance guard to Mena about ten miles out of Cairo & situated right under the great pyramids Cheop & Rameses

[Page 290]
& there is sand for miles.
After leaving the ship we went by train to Cairo which we reached at between 1 am & 2 am & then transhipped into trams which carried us to the camp we now are at. I may say it was freezing cold the morning we reached here & it has been so all along up till a few days ago we were bivouaced in the open & it rained for two days & nights so you can imagine I can fully realise what it is to sleep in wet blankets & wet clothes. When one got up in the morning he was like a piece of frozen mutton & had to wait for the sun to thaw him (Say a feather bed would be just alright now eh what!)
Up to know we have had not much trouble only a few skirmishes, with no casualties The Terriers wiped out a tribe of Bedouins & had a few wounded. They were under General Maxwell
To-morrow we start on very strenuous

[Page 291]
training which is for six hours in the morning & also in the evening for night manouvres. I can say that we will be as hard as nails when we finish up here.
On Christmas Day we are going to annex Egypt & raise the British flag & then you can bet there will be a hot time. by then there will be 150.000 British Soldiers in Egypt. I say mum dear there will be something doing when the Dear Old Flag is hoisted.
As it is we have been given a note to vacate here on the 20th of December by the Turks but are taking no notice of them as we intend to wipe the dust with them at the first opportunity. We all are anxious to have a scrap & so break the monotony & get some of the fat off. I can tell you I am getting to tight for my clothes.
I am sending two photos taken of part of the Company in front of the Spinx. You will have no trouble in picking me out as I am on a very trusty steed ie a donkey & holding a Camel with my right hand. The Photos I am sending to Maid

[Page 292]
who I have told to give you one. later on I will if I get time have a photo taken by myself & send it along.
Well Dear Mother I will now close as I have to make a Tattoo report out & see that the men are all asleep & well tucked in for the night (I’m Mother now)
I am at the present time in good health & a little home sick having the feeling that I would like to see your Dear old face again then I would be satisfied. Well Dear Mother I ask you to give my best love to my Sister Rube & tell her I will send her a letter when I get another opportunity. Also remember me to Amy Kit Sam Wal Ernie & Annie & all the little ones. I also ask you to look after Maid & cheer her up for the future when I come back again. Also remember me to all at A.I at Lloyds & tell them I will write soon
Well Dear Mother I ask God to Bless & Keep both You Maid & all the others in good health & happiness. I wish You All a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year. Good night Mother
Your loving Son
Will
xxxxxxxxxxx

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
From the late Sgt. Major W. B. Schaeffer
Killed in the trenches at Anzac, 20 May, 1915.

[Page 293]
My address is at present
Mena Camp
Via Cairo
Egypt
Not New South Wales

P.S. up to the present I have had only one letter & that was from Maid,
Billy

Have lost your Address

[Page 294]
[Coloured postcard of Egypt showing the Sphinx and Pyramids.]

[Page 295]
[Page one of a three-page letter written on the backs of three coloured postcards of Egypt.]
Mena Camp
21.12.14.

Dear Mother

Yesterday we took part in a very historic event it being the taking over of Egypt as an English Protectrate & The Accession of the new Sultan to his High Office. I can tell you it was a grand sight & the Colours were very gorgeous
The harness of the horses was covered with precious jewels & Gold & Silver mountings The procession was fairly large. first of all came a Squadron of Native lancers. then two criers & the Sultans Carraige & then another Squadron of Lancers They were mounted on white & jet Black Arabs
The next to come were a squadron of Yoemanry & then General Maxwell & another Squadron of King’s Own Yoemanry & a lot of English & Egyptian notables.
We were formed up along the street to keep the natives from getting two cranky as it was we arrested nearly fifty Turks. While waiting for the procession to come along they struggled but not for long as we soon quitened them

[Page 296]
[Coloured postcard of Egypt showing a street scene at Esbekieh, Cairo.]

[Page 297]
Well after we had been standing for two hours & were pretty tired so we were taken to Kes Sl Neh Barracks [Kasr-el-Nil Barracks] where they gave us light refreshments after which we marched back ten miles to camp & made a record doing it in 2 hours & a quarter.
Well Mum Dear the Commanding Officer was so pleased at the discipline & general carriage of the troops that he gave the Battalion general leave for one day. As I am on duty I was not able to have the day off.
Well dear Mum we were told that within the next 6 weeks we will be leaving for Europe. So then we may see something interesting in the shape of war.
You asked me Mother Dear how much I left behind for you the Amount is five shillings per day. So you should get somebody to go to the Barracks & see the Pay master about it my number as you know is 283. B Coy 3rd Batt.
Well dear Mother I hope you & Rube also all the others of my Brothers & Sisters are in the Best of health & happiness

[Page 298]
[Coloured postcard of Egypt showing the Arab Bazaar in Cairo.]

[Page 299]
also Eddie. Well Dear Mother I will now have to end my letter till I have time to send you another later on. I ask God to Bless & keep you Dear Mother & also Rube in Good health & happiness

Till we meet again
Your loving Son
Will
xxxxxxx

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
From Sgt. Major W. B. Schaeffer,
Killed in the trenches at Anzac, 20th May, 1915

[Page 300]
Mena Camp
24th Feb. 1915

Dear Mother

Yesterday I received both your loving letters which gave me great comfort indeed as I have not had any letters the last three mails I may say I have not had any letters from Maidie for some considerable time & it makes a chap think. I say mum dear would you find out & let me know whether things are the same as of old I say mum it was very good of Mr Lloyd to speak as he did & also send you the check. He is a white man alright.

Harry Stead is in the best of health at present he was down with measles about a week ago but it did not last long as he was put in hospital before it had got a firm hand. The other tent mates are all in good condition with the exception of Sgt Palmer who is in hospital seriously ill with Infleunza & Measles Last week we buried one of the boys of D Company who died whilst in hospital. he was given a military funeral with all honors. it was a very impressive sight. we

[Private Harry Fenton Stead, No 539, 3rd Infantry Battalion, enlisted 17 August 1914, killed in action 23 July 1916.
Sergeant Herbert Leopold Palmer, No 285, 3rd Infantry Battalion, enlisted 17 August 1914, killed in action 11 March 1917.]

[Page 301]
started away early in the morning & marched to Cairo where he was laid to rest. first came the firing party then the gun carriage with the coffin on it & the pall bearers each side of the carriage the band also was there. we are having a bit of bad luck as all the good chaps are being taken & the rough ones left.

I say mum it is a bit rough on the part of the correspondent who is with us. condemning the lot of us through the weakness of a few bad characters who happen to be causing trouble & I can say the boys here are very indignant. I can tell you the first time they lay hands on the correspondent he will get a very rough handling. I may say he is not game to come near them for fear his pretty face may get hurt.

Mum Dear you would laugh if you could see me now sitting here writing this letter to-day it is too hot to do any drilling so we are having a holiday & trying to keep cool I am wearing a summer costume Short pants & Singlet no socks only wearing sandals & also killing flies by the hundreds. I say they are the greatest pest one can have

[Page 302]
Mum Dear I expect by the time this letter reaches you we will be at the front as we leave next week for there. I may say you could watch the papers & see how the third behave themselves under fire. I can tell you we have been waiting a long time for the news to leave & when we were told by the Colonel we made the Pyramids Shake & tremble with our cheers. I may say it was the best news we have had since landing here. Every thing here is in a bustle getting ready for the move which I expect will be in the early hours of the morning when Cairo is asleep.
Several of us were offered positions in the Egyptian Army as officers with increased pay but we humbly refused as five years in this place would be too much of a good thing. I said it may stand consideration after the war if things in Australia were not happy for me to return & had my name enrolled for consideration then. Where we were wanted was at Soudan in the garrison. There are several of us down for

[Page 303]
Commissions in this force as soon as the vacancies occour so it may not be long before we gain our rank as officers.
I may say mum we have plenty of sport of an evening now in the shape of boxing the other night I was boxing with a chap & I got worked in a corner & when trying to work my out got a beauty in the eye which closed it up completely but you can bet I gave one in return a few minutes after.
To night our company is having a concert in the mess room & I can tell you there are some characters who sing comic songs we also get the nurses along to sing a few songs as well & the men appreciate them very much.

To-day Thursday we are again trying to keep cool as it is to hot too drill we parade to day at 4. p.m & get back to camp at 10. p.m. I can tell you it is beautiful at night here as the moon is always bright & the nights cool so we do not begrudge the night marches & hot coffee when we return is just alright. We have only two meals here breakfast & tea it is

[Page 304]
too hot to eat at mid day. Well Mum I hope that Rube & Ed are keeping in good health & happiness also yourself & the rest of my brothers & sisters. Tell them Mother that I am always thinking of them by day & by night & that I do hope I have the luck to return again & be in their presense.
Say Mother Dear when we get into action which will not be very long now I hope to do my duty as a soldier well & not turn my back on the enemy we are as you know leaders & have to know & read our men like books & also gain their confidence so that they will follow their leader through thick & thin. I am pleased to say I have a very good lot of men under me they are rough but I am sure they will fight like tigers when pressed to do so. So you can be sure to see some very good accounts by them from start to finish. they have all been told that there are some to go down & never to return but they all say they will go down fighting like a true soldier with

[Page 305]
face to the enemy.
We have just received three bags of mail & I am waiting patiently for them to be sorted to see if I have any luck

I see by your letter that Kit has started he[r] nasty tricks again I’m sure that one of these fine days she will wake up to the fact that her ruses are not sportmanlike & will drop them alltogether.

Say Mother give my best love to Maidie & tell her I am still keeping in good health & I wish her & all the rest of their family the best of health & happiness. I sent a couple of postcard Photos to Maid one of which is for you.

Well Mother Dear I must now say Good bye for it may be some time before I will be able to write you again also keep up a strong heart & don’t worry every opportunity I get I will drop a line & let you know how things are in general. Say Mother thank Mr Lloyd on my behalf for his kindness to you.

Good bye Mother Dear & may God Bless & keep you in good health & happiness in your old age.

Your Ever Loving Son
xxxxxxx Will xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx

[Note in red at the bottom of the page:]
Sgt. Major Schaeffer killed in trenches at Anzac 20th May, 1915.

[Page 306]
[Major George Robert Short, bank manager of Newcastle, NSW, joined the Army on 14 April 1915 aged 54. He was commissioned Major on 4 May 1915, and embarked from Sydney on 12 May 1915 on HMAT A32 Themistocles with Headquarters, 5th Infantry Brigade. He served with the 17th Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli and in France. He suffered from jaundice in 1915 and influenza in 1916, and in 1917 was seconded to the 5th Training Battalion at Rollestone, England. He returned to Australia on 21 December 1917.

Includes letters and postcards and mentions several other Newcastle men who served. Also includes reference to the conscription referendum of 28 October 1916 (page 316), women doing hard manual work in France (page 316), and to the air raid on London in July 1917 (page 319).

Letters donated by the Dunlop family of Newcastle, NSW.]
G. R. Short

[Page 307]
[Envelope]
Active Service

Mrs Dunlop
Surgery
Hamilton
N/cle, NSW
Australia

[Signed:] G R Short

[Page 308]
Gallipoli Peninsula
20.9 15

Dear Mrs. Dunlop

Just a line to say I am well & happy in wearing your knitted socks. The Autumn is here & soon I think we will get real Winter but as for we have had only 2 months of cool weather with a snap of cold in it for the past 10 ½ months it will be a change.
We are engaged in plenty of daily work some of it grim, some pleasant, usual lights & sounds of active warfare one sees almost daily but our men are cheery

[Note written along the left-hand margin of the page:]
Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 309]
even though often hard worked
of course we all are inured to Rifle fire & the fall of Bullets & occasionally shell & shrapnell fire too. I must say I most distinctly do not like shrapnell & dive for shelter when I hear it comming. Sniping if we are at long Range is treated by all with Contempt but if our ardent friend is at short Range then one & all are wary & so Casualties are avoided by care & common sense
I trust you & the Dr. are both well. Diarrhoe seems to be the chief complaint if a man is sick, I am glad to say that I have kept well up to the present we have a Dentist here & I have had the novel experience of having a Tooth stopped in the open [with] the Trenches active

Grace will give you my address
Best wishes to you all
G R Short

[Page 310]
[Envelope]
Active Service

Mrs N J Dunlop
The Surgery
Hamilton
NSW
Australia

[Signed:] G R Short

[Page 311]
[A French postcard showing an elderly peasant woman in her home, with the following hand-written note:]
a true Type of French Peasant at the Sea Side Country

[Page 312]
[Message side of the postcard on the previous page.]
First Australian Division Base Depots
S17. France 24/5/16

Just a line to say I am in excellent health. Landed in Marseilles on 4 april, spent two days & nights in a troop train & am now here on the Sea Coast. censorship is strict so no towns are mentioned. I have plenty to do & see many Australians, Mr Hingst’s son, Young Ford of Wickham, Lt Morton (Dalgety & Co) & other N/cle people here. Vaughan has charge of our 2nd Division Camp – The Country is so pretty now, Trees in green leaf. The Cuckoo & sometimes the Nightingale are heard. I wrote Grace fully so no doubt you hear some of my news at times. no one knows when the war will cease. I hope all of us here will see it through. Best wishes to the Dr & yourself also your niece if she is with you
G R Short

Don. Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 313]
[An embroidered postcard showing a bunch of pansies and the message "I don’t forget you".]

[Page 314]
[The back of the embroidered card on the previous page.]
Don. Dunlop 9.8.32

From G R Short
War Zone
France
Xmas ‘16

[Page 315]
[Envelope]
O.A.S.

Mrs Dunlop
Hamilton
Newcastle
NSW
Austalia

[Signed:] G R Short

[Page 316]
5th Training Battn
Rollestone
Salisbury Plains
12/4/17

Dear Mrs. Dunlop

I received, after a fairly long postal delay, your good & newsy letter written after the Referendum results had come out. It was disappointing & if only those who turned it down had seen as we have done Not a single man of Military age visible in the various Villages of France & women shovelling iron ore, coal, & metal out of Railway trucks & doing hard Navvy toil as there were no civilian men to do it I think they would have felt well ashamed of themselves.
I suppose Grace told you I got a turn of Rheumatism & Influenza & after 17 Days in Hospital I came over in Decr. I left convalescent Hospital on 14 Jany & was passed fit next day after filling several posts I was sent here just a day or two before I was returning to Etaples with a Body of men. The Q.M here had died & so I am fixed. I have now for the first time a Room to sleep in

[Note along the left-hand margin of the page:]
Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 317]
in Camp for nearly 2 years & it seemed Quite strange at first
Snow has fallen the past five days & the glass reads 35° to 39° at 8 am in my Bed Room & this is Summer all English people say the Winter is the most severe they have known

I stayed with Mrs. Wood a week when on the sick List & they are very kind. I got a note from her today they have left "Lauder Style" & moved to a new home about 1 ½ miles away & not far from a Railway Station but in the same neighbourhood. The Woods were & always have been kindness itself to me. Strange I should have spent the last two Xmases in London owing to sick leave. In each case I had the pleasure of being with my Cousins.

I had not heard of the adoption of your Baby Margaret nice for you both & good luck for the Baby The women of Australia seem to be well at work on war charities & necessities; wonderful how they have taken up a big burden as a joy & made it a great success as they always do when they put their minds to it.
We seem to have got "the wind up" on the Huns the past week in the present Arras advance. The more of them they can kill the better. This Camp is the training Centre for my old Brigade (17th to 20th Bns) so I am amongst friends
I am in excellent health & am well & happy. Just now I am working off in my leisure the correspondence which accumulated whilst I was moving about It is always a pleasure to hear from my friends
Best wishes to the Dr. your niece & self
Very sincerely yours
G. R. Short (Maj)

[Page 318]
[First side of a plain postcard]
5th Training Bn
Rollestone
Salisbury Plains
14.7.17

Dear Mrs Dunlop

The enclosed pamphlet, will I am sure, interest you.

The weather keeps fine now, such a change to the winter This is the second Summer I have seen in England & it is indeed beautiful

[Note along the left-hand margin:]
Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 319]
[Second side of the plain postcard on the previous page.]
Pity we lost the frontage on the Belgian coast in 9 Inst. but I think we are getting ready (by the air fighting) to deal out another Blow.

We got a bad thrust on 7 Inst by the 21 Hun planes attack on London at 10 am on the Saturday morning. They got the corner of London Bridge, dropped a Bomb on St Pauls church yard, & a couple on Charing X Station, & set the top story of the GPO on fire for 3 or 4 hours. of course nothing appeared in the papers
Best wishes to all
G R Short

[Page 320]
[Address side of an envelope, with calculations (pounds, shillings and pence) – added later. See original for details of the calculations.]
O.A.S

Mrs N. J. Dunlop
Surgery
Hamilton (N/cle) NSW
Australia

[Signed:] G R Short

[Page 321]
[Private, later Second Lieutenant, Bryan George Cassan Simpson was the son of Sydney barrister George Hamilton Cassan Simpson (died 1898) and Lilian Thompson (nee Salomons). He served with T Howitzer Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery (British Army) in Flanders, was wounded on 22 July 1915 and died from his wounds (peritonitis) on 29 July. He is buried in the Lijssenhoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.

Includes a letter to G Marr Thompson, music, theatre and art critic for the Sydney Morning Herald.]
[Address side of an envelope, with additional note as to contents, and part of a sticker resealing the envelope that reads "[Ope]ned [b]y [Cen]sor".]
Letter from Bryan Simpson a few months before his death in France

G Marr Thompson Esqre.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney
Australia

[Gerald Marr Thompson was a music, theatre and art critic for The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.]

[Page 322]
28th May 1915

Dear Mr Thompson

Thank you very much for your letter and congratulations. It was nice of you to write to me, and I wish I had more time to reply. However we have been in action for some time, and are still very busy – We have got along very well with hardly any casualties, but were gassed rather badly on Whit monday – I have been in H Battery for a fortnight as my O.C. went sick and there was a general changing round of officers – Now he is returned and I am back with the column and rather bored – With very best wishes to Mrs Thompson and yourself

from yours affectionately
B G C. Simpson

[Page 323]
[Private, then Corporal, and later Lance Sergeant, D’Arcy St George Bagot Stack, No 5506, a clerk of Manly, NSW, joined the Army on 16 April 1915 aged 25, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30 September 1915 with the 5th Field Ambulance, 4th Reinforcements. He served at Gallipoli as a stretcher bearer, at Mudros and in Egypt. Later he transferred to the 15th Field Ambulance and, attached to the 57th Battalion, served on the Western Front where he was wounded in March 1917. He returned to Australia on 28 March 1919

Includes a covering letter from D’Arcy Stack’s mother, and letters from him with detailed descriptions of his arrival in Egypt and voyage to Mudros Bay, of shipping in the harbour there, preparations for departure for the front, arrival at Anzac Cove on 7 December 1915, his time at Gallipoli (until 16 December), and return to Egypt.]
AOK

Writer was In A.M.C.

Presented by
From Mrs W Harding
Scarness
Chatswood

Write to her for full name of writer & names & addresses of parents.

? D’Arcy Stack of Chatswood
W.H.I.

[Page 324]
[On letterhead, address Scarness, Chatswood]
5506
Corp D. Bagot Stack A.M.C.
57th Battalion
15th Brigade A.I.F.
O.A.S.A.

W. H. Ifould Esqr
Sydney

With Mrs Harding’s Compliments

[Page 325]
23.10.’16

Clon-Elliott
Fairlight Crescent
Manly.

Sir

Mrs Harding has asked me to reply to your memo. of 16th Octr. addressed to her at Chatswood, requesting the full name & address of the Soldier "D’Arcy", whose letter you have accepted as a Donation for Mitchell Library – My son’s full name & rank is 5506. Corp. D’Arcy St. George Bagot – He is a Stretcher bearer, now – A.M.C. 57. Battalion 15th Brigade in France – At the time of his writing his letter, a copy of which you have – he was in 5th Field Amb 4th Reinfcts – My Husband’s address is George Bagot Stack – Resident Engineer Cheepie Queensland (Western Rly – Construction.)

[Page 326]
Thanking you
Faithfully yrs
Elizabeth Bagot Stack
Clon-Elliott
Fairlight Crescent
Manly
N.S.W.

[Page 327]
[Typed letter; typographical errors corrected in the transcript.]
Recd April 7th ‘16

Tel-el-Kebir,
February 27th, 1916.

My dear Mother

If this letter reaches you it will be per favour of Private Dearberg, and will give you a fair idea of my travels of late. When we left the boat at Suez, we had a great trip overland to Cairo, and landed at Zeitoun Camp at 9.15 p.m. on October 31st. This place was a sandy hole but very near to Cairo, which was reached by train for the price of ½ piastre 3rd Class. Of course you may guess this lad travelled 1st and 2nd class at the 3rd rate fare. The drill was solid and finished at 4 p.m. and then all to Cairo. While waiting at the station our boots were cleaned by the natives who get about in dozens. The Red Cross men are all called "Doctors" by the natives and every Private is known by "McNuff" or "McKenzie". There was plenty to see in Cairo, but I had had enough when we received orders to proceed to the front on November 12th. The next day we were up at 5 a.m. and after a breakfast of "Bully-beef" and solid biscuits we entrained at 9 a.m. It was a great trip through irrigated country to Alexandria, which was reached at 3 p.m. I tried hard to get in touch with Dorothy but no hope. You can just imagine the pleasant surprise we had when we saw the "Argyllshire" at the wharf waiting for us. Her number was A8 on her last voyage and this time Z44. We embarked at 4 p.m and laid in stream till the following morning. Alexandria, or what

[Private John Louis Dearberg, No 5476, embarked from Sydney on 30 September 1915 on HMAT A8 Argyllshire with the 2nd Australian General Hospital, 9th Reinforcements.]

[Page 328]
we saw of it is a fine place, and I would much prefer this place to Cairo.

When we awoke next morning we were a fair way out to sea, and with a smooth sea and cool weather to start our trip, and all in good health and spirits.

At 10.15 a.m. next morning the alarm was blown and of course all life-belts had to be worn. There was much excitement when in the distance four boats were seen, and at the time looked very much like submarines. I will tell you Mother, that I had a queer feeling and was very glad when they turned out to be the life-boats of the "Orange Prince" carrying mails to Anzac. You will never imagine the excitement this incident caused and especially when we heard that the "Orange Prince" had been sunk just three hours before. The explosion of the torpedoe killed three men. When the men were taken on board and the boats cast adrift, "full speed ahead" was given, and the lads settled down to talk to the crew of the disaster. We had to keep life belts on all day, and our gun was trained on some object astern, which was believed to be a submarine following. Next day the Greek Archipelago was sighted, as well as our Destroyer Escort.

This begins the finest portion of the trip. These islands must be something like the islands off the New Zealand coast, but far more in number. It was a case of winding in and out. At midnight there was a big crash, and most of us thought we had hit a boat, but when I went on deck found out that we had got mixed up with the torpedoe nets, and the immense buoys banging against

[Page 329]
the side kicked up a [dash] of a row. After a lot of trouble we got safely into Mudros Bay, and when we awoke the next morning the most wonderful sight in the world was before us. This was Wednesday November 17th. Of course the first thing to do was to pack up our kit ready to go ashore, but the lads were disappointed. The sight before our eyes, was about a dozen fine Hospital Ships, much bigger than those visiting Australia, Troopships of all sizes, and from the latest Battleship down to the smallest Submarine. Hydroplanes were there also, and paddle-wheel boats, which travel about 20 knots. Mother, one can never describe this place. Battle ships and Men-of-War going in and out, as well as Troopships, and Hospital Ships. Well Mother, this is no description but when I get home, I hope to give more news. Towards noon a Southerly Gale sprang up, and the old "Argyllshire" dragged anchor and slowly but surely drifted on to the "Guildford Castle" Hospital Ship, and bumped with a tremendous crash, and smashed two of our life-boats. There was much excitement on board, especially on the other ship. After freeing ourselves from this ship, just missed the "Gloucester Castle" by inches. The old "Argyllshire" still keeps the record, – towards evening, nearly went ashore and only for the wind dropping, we would have gone ashore.

We spent most of the time on deck watching the boats going to and fro, and wondering all the time when we should go off ourselves.

While we lay in this Bay, on the boat till December 4th, one could write a book if time could have been spared. We was four of the largest Ships afloat. "Acquitania" 50,000 tons, "Britanic"

[Page 330]
52,000 tons, "Mauritania" 32,000, all Hospital Ships, and "Olympic" 42,000 tons, Troopship. We had great times cheering all the lads leaving for the front, as they passed the "Argyllshire", which was helpless owing to the nets still being tangled round the propellors. French and English Troops arrived in numbers each day, and as we were close to the entrance, we gave them all good receptions. We had some very cold weather, and snow for a couple of days, and the hills around the Bay next morning looked fine covered with snow. Another torpedoed Crew of the "Helmshire" taken aboard, and just after this the "Knight Templar" Z49 crashed into us at Midnight. Excitement ran high. She smashed a few more life-boats for us. Badges were exchanged for Cigarettes, as we were short owing to the long stay on board.

December 1st was the best day on board, owing to the issue of cigarettes, and another day, the second pay day. Cigarettes were worth 3d each just before the issue. More excitement when a French Hospital Ship went ashore, but floated out again the next day. All the time we were wondering whether we were wanted at the front and one day orders came for the ship and all on board to proceed to Alexandria. You can just imagine how we felt, and were much relieved when the order was cancelled. A lot of time was spent writing letters but as there was a strict censorship on board the letters were short. On December 4th we were up at 5 a.m. and "by George" it was cold, after much meddling and delay we left the boat at 12 Noon. Goodness only knows why they pulled us out of our bunks at such an early hour. When we landed we had a three

[Page 331]
mile march with all kit, and arrived dead tired at the Anzac Detail Camp at 4 p.m. After looking round the Camp, and having a cup of coloured water, and a few biscuits, we turned in at 7 p.m. Next morning Sunday December 5th, we were up for kit inspection at 6 p.m. [a.m.] and until noon were busy fixing up our tents. After dinner Marshall and myself went across to one of the many Greek Villages and spent the last couple of shillings we had on Oranges, Chocolates, and figs. These places were very interesting and especially the Greek Church at the top of the hill. We were informed during the day that we would wait here for the 5th Brigade which was coming across to rest. On this Island there were thousands of troops of all descriptions. All the Greeks wear Goatskin Vests in the Winter. Water was very scarce and one had to line up for it and wait at the Village well for about an hour to get the water bottle full. Next morning on parade were told to pack up and proceed to the front. We embarked on board the "Osmariah", speed 22 knots, and travelled to Anzac with lights out, no smoking, and absolute silence.

The first glimpse of war was passing Cape Hellas, where the British Troops were, and those guns did "hum some". There were numbers of Men-of-war all round us, and at intervals a search-light would show out. All the trip along the coast to Anzac, guns were firing on shore and on the ships. We anchored off Anzac at 8 p.m. We were altogether at the stern of the ship, waiting to go ashore, when there was a groan from a fellow not far off, who had managed to stop a spent bullet. It was hard luck to be sent to the Hospital Ship wounded so near Anzac, and not to see the place by day.

[Page 332]
Another fellow also got it on the hand. You can see Mother, that we had plenty of excitement before going ashore. We lay about awaiting our turn to go ashore and to 6.30 a.m. I spent my time watching things "going their hardest" on shore. The A.M.C. as usual were last ashore which was about 2 miles away. There were a number of Hospital Ships taking wounded on board, and the green lights and Red Crosses made a fine sight in the dark. At times going across in the Barges, bullets were "Zipping" in the water.

The trip to the 5th Field Ambulance at Rest Gully was on the dangerous side and at times I thought the whole of the Turkish Army were firing on us. We received a great welcome at the 5th, and had breakfast at 7,30 a.m. on December 7th. Everybody wanted to know about Sydney, and we were the "knuts" alright. The Colonel inspected us and gave a short address. We were given tools after breakfast, and told to dig in 6 ft and big enough for four. I may tell you after the lazy time we had had, we found the work solid, but all the men were good to us and at times gave us a helping hand.

We had our first experience with Shrapnel that day and it did "rain some". I wont describe the surroundings, as they are published in the papers every day. There was a big bombardment from sea during the day by a number of Battleships. We were busy for two days at the dug-out, and then started carrying wounded.

On Sunday December 12th, I was detailed with others to Quinn’s Post, just behind the trenches, and my work [word] the bombs used to go everywhere there. The "Carries" at midnight used to make us think,

[Page 333]
and Charlie Felton, whom I carried with, used to wonder whether we would get through safely, and made arrangements about some of our things in case of accidents, I would have liked to carry with Marshall, but they put Charlie and myself in C. Section. There were a number of Aeroplanes about, and at one time I saw four British Planes together.

It was at Quinn’s Post we were asked to volunteer to stay till the last, and the six of us stepped out together, but when we arrived at Rest Gully we found the whole of the 5th had volunteered, so you see that the 5th are not so bad after all. Well to cut a long story short Stacky’s name did not come out of the hat, and had to be among the few that went off as a sort of advance party, which was on December 16th, a couple of days before the last lot left. Before we left thousands had already gone away, and although we were not the last, we were among them. We went aboard the "Princess Eva", and arrived at Lemnos the next day. I have told you in previous letters of our doings at Lemnos also of my stay in the Hospital. On January 1st, 1916, I was in hospital and on January 3rd, we embarked on "Maniton" for Egypt. left Mudros Bay on January 6th, with two cruisers as escorts owing to the presence of submarines. When we arrived at Alexandria on Jan 8th I saw an Englishman’s yacht, and she reminded me of the "Mawhiti". We disembarked on Sunday Jan 9th, and arrived at Tel-el-Kebir at 9 p.m. Marsh was another of the volunteers whose name did not come out of the hat.

[Private Roy Charles Felton, No 5502, embarked from Sydney on HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30 September 1915 with the 5th Field Ambulance, 4th Reinforcements.]

[Page 334]
Since leaving Anzac, owing to the little illness I could not smoke, and it was not till January 11th, that I had my first cigarette.

Here we had an inspection of all Anzac’s by General Murray, and nothing in Sydney could come near it. Tel-el-Kebir is nothing but old trenches of the Battles of 1882, and I have a couple of Curios which I hope to bring home with me. Gypos do all the fatigues, and some of them are very dirty. They wear numerous garments, and often finish up with an old chaff bag as an overall. How they manage to carry all this, goodness only knows. The higher class in Cairo, are in cases well educated, and one sees fine looking men and women.

On February 7th we left for the trenches at Ismalia, where we arrived as usual at night. Ismalia beats anything I have seen in the way of towns, that is leaving the slum portion out. Our camp was just the other side of the Canal at Ferry post. This was a great position as we could see all the ships passing and we had our daily swim.

There is a chance we might get to France in the near future, so we are told. We are back again at the old camp close to Cousin Walter, and I went down to see him a couple of days ago.

We are in A. Section, 15th Field Ambulance, 15th Inf. Brigade 5th Division, A.I.E.F. All C Section of the 5th joined C. Section of the 8th. This means you have finished with the 5th F.A. Comforts.

I hope this gets through safely Mother, and that you make head & tail of it. Excuse writing as we have not the best of writing-desks here. Give my kindest Regards to all. My best love to all at "Clon-Elliot". Best love, from your loving son D’Arcy.

[Page 335]
[Lance Corporal, later Squadron Sergeant Major, and then Lieutenant, Henry Herbert Stephen, No 341, farmer of Glenelg, South Australia, enlisted on 22 October 1914, aged 24 years 11 months, and embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A10 Karroo on 11 February 1915 with B Squadron, 9th Light Horse Regiment, part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. He served at Gallipoli and in Egypt and Palestine where his unit took part in the capture of Jenin (20-21 September 1918) and entered Damascus on 1 October 1918. He returned to Australia in July 1919.

Includes covering letters from John Daniel (Jack) Fitzgerald (1862-1922), Member of the NSW Legislative Council (1915-1919), and from Henry Stephen’s father F W Stephen.]
[On letterhead, with the crest of the New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council.]
Oct 22, 1920

Dear Mr Wright

The enclosed is a letter from Mr Stephen Acting chief Engineer for Railways – S-A. who at my request, sent a letter from his son as a contribution to our library.

Yours &c
J D FitzGerald

[Page 336]
4. Saltram Road
Glenelg. S. Aust.
17. Oct 1920

J D FitzGerald. [indecipherable]
Parliament House
Sydney

Dear Mr. FitzGerald

I enclose a copy of a letter my son wrote from Damascus. He was lieutenant in the 9th Light horse – raised in this state. He had a great experience – first on Gallipoli, from about 6th May to 24th October 1915 – Rejoined his regiment on 7th Jan 1916. after being invalided at Malta and was in every fight of the Palestine Campaign except those fought when he was away from his regiment for two months at an officers school. After taking Damascus – The Brigade 3rd was camped on a Creek a few miles South of that city with 4000 Turks about a mile above them – dying from all sorts of diseases. The whole Brigade were ill – they lost their Field Ambulance – & men laid on the ground for 5 days before the ambulances came up. The hospitals at Damascus were crowded out – Fortunately the Turks were not able to seize the opportunity.

[Written in the left-hand margin:]
Don Stephen 4-11-20.

[Page 337]
but surely it was not a wise move to camp below the city – instead of above it – The water runs right through Damascus – However all well that ends well and though the malaria he caught in the valley of the Jordan is still with him he was fortunate enough to escape being wounded.

With kind regards
Yours faithfully
F. W. Stephen

[Page 338]
[Typed copy of a letter; typographical errors corrected.]
[Damascus]
October 17th., 1918.

At last I am able to send a few lines altho I do not feel too well. I have been in the Field Ambulance for about a week broken up after the recent operation and could not eat anything, legs and head aching. It seemed to be a sort of epidemic.

Well now about the stunt. It is just about a month since we started out on what eventually turned out to be one of the greatest moves in the war. Our part was to make for a place called Jenin, 50 miles behind the Turkish lines. The infantry made a gap in a very short time through which we went through two Divisions of mounted men. We reached our destination after 36 hours of continuous riding and found the place, or rather their dumps and aerodromes in flames. The main road along which they were retreating ran into Jenin, and that night I was detailed with the troop to assist some of the 10th. to meet the enemy as they came retiring along this road.

They had no idea we were there and came along in batches of 100 or so. The road ran between hight hills, passed over a bridge, and then on to about 10 acres of clear, flat ground which was covered with waggons, guns, packed mules, etc., belonging to their Headquarters, but they were just too late to get away. We would allow the enemy to pass over the bridge, then bail them up and disarm them, and then take them out to the flat. There was a great amount of booty in the waggons, etc., and it didn’t take us long to go through it. It was full moon. We struck some good cigars and there we were with about six revolvers each smoking cigars bailing them up. We must have looked like the Kelly Gang of bushrangers. The Germans were very much surprised and could not make out how we got there so quickly. One asked me how the war was in France. I told him "pretty good for us". I got an Iron Cross and several other medals, a good revolver, a couple of daggers, two good watches, also had thousands of pounds of Turkish notes, but tossed them away as they are no good, but have kept a set as curios. I have also a number of stamps. They had a large stock of champagne at this place which was pretty decent.

The next morning we pushed on to a place called El Fule and I had to take over 2,000 odd prisoners. I never want the job again. Poor devils, they were dying like flies and only got half a feed in two days. They were mad for water so I drove them down to the creek like a lot of sheep. Some tried to get away so we had to shoot them. The Germans were very frightened of the Turks and asked me to put them in a different place but I told they had no chance. The Germans were offering a sovereign for a drink at times. I got a good pair of binncoulars also at Jenin worth £10 any day. Also a waterproof coat also a couple of green Turkish towels.

Pushing on from El Fule we passed through Nazareth at night so could not see much of it. It was high above the road which twists and turns in all directions.

[Page 339]
Going all that night we came to the Sea of Galilee at Tiberius just as dawn was breaking and that is where I received your mail dated August 17th., so it came very quickly. I fell asleep reading it.

After a while we had a swim in the Sea which is fresh and felt much better. Our squadron under Clive Bleachmore had to push on that afternoon to reconoitre a couple of Jewish villages. They were pretty places, red-tiled houses and gardens. The people were pleased to see us but half an hour after we were there were trying to sell us bread for 3/- a loaf. The Jews!

We were going on practically all that night and the next morning I found myself detailed as "screen" – that is, out in front of the whole Division. I had to reconoitre the Jordan to see if they had blown up a bridge. Then within a mile or so of the River one of our planes came over flying very low. He had been brought down but managed to land safely and I rode across to him. The pilot was shot through the leg and the observer said ‘the bridge is blown up and about a dozen of the enemy are holding it with a machine gun’. I pushed on but making the next ridge I could see nearer 1,200 and we were shelled. I got a section right down to near the river into a village but they were soon emptied out with the guns. The lance-corporal got the Military Medal for this as he gained valuable information for me. Well it was all day before we could cross the River. We had to climb a hill like Mount Lofty leading our horses. I never felt so tired in all my life. We had a spell that morning and then pushed on.

We ran into the enemy again about 5 pm. They were holding a high hill commanding the road and waited till we were right up to them and then opened up with 10 machine guns and a battery of big ones. A fair number were hit but I managed to get away to the left over the rough country. At night we made a dismounted attack on the place and soon had it. Chiefly Germans were holding it, and they said they never thought it possible for horses to get off the road like we did and they reckoned to kill us all. That night after we got the position we put out our posts all round. A couple of hours afterwards I went fossicking among the rocks and dragged out four Germans who were hiding there. One started to cry because he made sure I was going to shoot him. The big kid. I punched him in the jaw and told him to "shut up".

Pushing on from here, Damascus was our objective, and it was a long ride. The country right through was very rough. High, rocky hills everwhere and the flat country was also rocky.

As we approached Damascus we met with a little opposition but there was not much fight left in them. We had taken in all some 70,000 prisoners. I was in the "screen" the afternoon approaching Damascus and our brigade had to move right round to the North to cut off a road. We got right up into the high hills and suddenly we ran into a place where, looking down, we could see the enemy retiring along this road through a very pretty village. Well in no time we had a hail of lead along that road and the next morning, when we passed

[Page 340]
over it, it was not a very pleasant sight to witness. This was four miles North of Damascus at a place called Duma. Talk about water, it was everywhere. I do not think I have seen a prettier place.

The brigade rode through Damascus, the people lining the streets and cheering us. It looks strange to see the Turkish police still keeping the crown [crowd] back. Further in the City they were still scrapping. We passed through to about 12 miles the other side and the next morning took 1,500 prisoners. I took a Divisional Commander prisoner that morning and one of the chaps took his gold watch and a hundred pounds unknown to me. When the German came back he reported it, consequently I had to get back for him.

We lived pretty well out there for about a week on fresh mutton, tomatoes, potatoes and grapes. There are some lovely vineyards all round this place. Damascus is surrounded with fruit gardens and trees, mostly walnuts, and everywhere it has a running stream through it. Electric trams run there but it is a dirty place, all breeds of the world congregate there. Outside the Turkish hospital there was a pile of their dead and waggons heaped up. Choleria must have been rampant or some other epidemic. We are just waiting now for the boat to take us back and the way things are in France it should not be long.

Address:– Lieutenant H. H. Stephen.

[Page 341]
[Sapper Louis Vasco, No 16136, born Vasco Urbano Loureiro, a well-known caricature artist and draftsman, was born in England and enlisted on 11 May 1916 aged 33 years 6 months. He embarked on 11 November 1916 on HMAT A29 Suevic from Sydney with the 11th Field Company Engineers (FCE), November Reinforcements and served in France. He died in a Military Hospital in England from the effects of a spinal injury on 3 August 1918 and was buried at St. Albans, England, on 8 August 1918.

Includes a letter to Harold Burston of The Bulletin magazine, manuscript of an article by Louis Vasco for The Bulletin (1907), and letters to Louis Vasco’s wife; Includes several original drawings and annotated postcards.]
Sapper Vasco
No 16136
Field Engineering Co
A.I.F.

[Page 342]
Mrs G. Erelos
5 Rycroft Hall
Shell Cove Rd Neutral Bay

[Page 343]
Burston Esq
Sydney
Bulletin
Australia

I sent him a copy of this.

[Page 344]
On Active Service.
At sea.
Nov. 30th 1916

Dear Mr. Burston

The Life on the transport is every bit as good as it was when I left Sydney in April 1906 on my trip "Round the World on a Pencil" stunt. The lightening Caricature Bizz was never more flourishing.

It is  About twelve years ago since I first "went astray" hitting off bob portrait sketches at a bar-maids’ picnic on one of the Hobson Bay Boats. Since then I’ve followed the sun round the map working summer seasons on the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane pleasure boats. The Isle of Man boats, Cafes in France, the Hudson Day line and Coney Island steamers, Palm Beach, Panama, Mexico, ’Frisco, Los Angeles, the Canadian Pacific triangle run between Victoria Vancouver and Seattle. Across the Rockies and Canada with Stewart Whytes’ London pierrots and back home

[Page 345]
via Honolulu and the Auckland Exhibition. Time has passed like lightening.

Coming back to Melbourne made one feel like a cat that had led eight out of its nine lives. Bye the Bye, there are two of us now, only two. The tailor who pressed my green bow tie and glaring cheque suit stared at me with a grin of recognition. "Aren’t you the bloke who drew me down the bay on the Hygea for a bob?" The old skipper was eighty four years old when I left Port Melbourne. He’s still eighty four. [dash]?

With pride the proprietor of the a leading seaside resort pointed points out to me the great improvements at his hotel. A wash basin, a couple of roller towels and some soap had have been erected during my absence.

It’s great coming home!

Right in the camp military camp at Enogerra, in Queensland I meet men whom I’ve caricatured years ago. One who worked

[Page 346]
a steam-shovel in Panama, a bar tender from Vancouver, someone from the Isle of Man, a merry-go-round operator from Coney Island and so on a one string violinist from the Barbary Coast and so on "Round the World on a Pencil" still remains in book form shelved as an elusive bait for critics.

"Is Mr. Souter in?" The door to the left at the end of the passage says the girl at Brooks’ just as she did ten years ago.

But life’s grand in the open. On a transport simply great! Right wheel! Quick march!!!

Yours truly
Sapper Vasco
No. 16136 Nov. Reinfts.
A.I.F.
Field Engineers
On active service abroad.

My wife’s address is
Mrs. Gwendolyn Vasco
c/o Mrs Maughan
Ashfield St
East Brisbane
Queensland.

Should you ever be up that way you will be served to a medley of vino italiano and spaghetti and guitar at the shortest notice.

[Page 347]
You might show this to the Lone Hand Editor [plus] Enlarged photograph.
don’t worry about copying or correcting.

[Page 348]
Copy from the Sydney Bulletin
Round the World with a Pencil

April 18th
1907

Vasco Loureiro writes from Melbourne.

Next Tuesday (16th) I leave for London by the Medic and start the first chapter of my illustrated diary "Round the World with a Pencil". Last year I tried my luck as a Shilling Portrait Sketch Artist in the Hobson’s Bay excursion steamers, working the various picnics. As a business it panned out splendidly. When the Melbourne season was over I sought the nimble shilling in Sydney on the Manly Ferry boats & if passengers were scarce I studied navigation & took a turn at the wheel. Then to Brisbane in August, Cains tourists on the Wyandra and the wonderful me at the Queensland shows gave me plenty of work. I was always earning a living. At the Brisbane exhibition my neighboring fellow-artists were a man who sold "your fortune with a lump of butter scotch" for 3d and the Gippsland fat girl who exhibited her bulk for 6d in a tent. One day an

[Continued on page 350.]

[Page 349]
[Notes written on the back of the previous page.]
1907
Matilda

Black
Elsie Reed
5 St Marys Tce
Sydney
Father
Sydes
Bonnet
Bessie
Lorimer
Port Adelaide
Post Office

[Page 350]
[Continued from page 348.]
old farmer came along with a prize bull and wanted me to do its portrait for a "bob". My word – the size of that piece of beef! It is quite touching sometimes when a careful mother, or a fond & needy father wants 2 children sketched on the one sheet for the same old shilling.

This idea of ½ price cubical capacity of children is rather embarrasing. The first difficulty in dealing with a crowd is to make a start, but with experience you can look around & count your marks. The man with a waxed mo. and the flower is a certainty, & then come the people you would least expect – hard working men. The most amusing experiences are with an Eastern Market push when "Lousy Bob" Creeping Jesus" or some well-known fish shop chef is held down in his chair to be sketched blushing furiously the while. Women & drunks

[Page 351]
need most attention. From London I go to Liverpool with the intention of working on the boats that run to Douglas (Isle of Man) where I hope to get steady employment a 12 pence a job.

After 8 years tramping got back to sydney on the "Makura" Nov. 23 1913
Leave for Melbourne on the Karoola Wednesday.

[Page 352]
[Page 352 has 11 sketches or caricatures, around which the text has been written. The page of sketches is titled "Ragtime Sketches at Durban. Dec. 1916" and are mainly of heads, with some full-body sketches. Two are individually labelled: "Come on my penny" and "Popcorn". See image for details.]
Clive! Clive O’Hara. "Wonders never cease". We just look across our drinks at one another. "Do you know the minute I saw you and the sketch book I knew you were Vasco. We discuss our last Champagne blow-out in Los Angeles, and of all places to meet him in Cape Town. Oh Gwen Precious One, of all glorious seaside places. We must really put in a season here. Would you believe our transport has stayed two weeks. Two weeks of route marches, plenty of leave, seegars (just wonderful ones made from Natal tobacco that make me feel you trotting and laughing alongside me), motor cars, hansome cabs, evening dress dinners, carmen concerts and surf planing. There’s been such a rush of fun and excitement that at nights it is just lovely to get quietly into bed beneath the blankets and stars and well you must feel it too. That distance makes not one scrap of difference. You know I have great little tete a tetes with you. Don’t say you don’t or I’ll image I’ve been speaking to someone else. I often whistle our old Victoria B.C. "waiting outside your window" tune and hear the echo on your mandolin.
There’s a town about six miles from here. They call it "Vasco" where the famous South African mineral water comes from. Seeing that all pubs are closed

[Page 353]
to soldiers Vasco water has been in great demand. The name’s all over the town and bottles with "Vasco" labels are a standing joke on boad. I am allowed to take my book on all route marches and the result is friends everywhere motor car rides, theatres, banquets and whips of fun. Yesterday Christmas was spent under Australian gum trees with my jolly good friend, the ship’s Sergt. Major Joseph and a South African family (white). They’ve all seen your photograph (Oh, she’s a dear!) and what’s more they all want us here "after the war" I feel sure we would be the usual "huge social and "financial success" apart from enjoying chianti concerts and surf, sunshine.
Our transport lies anchored out in the stream. A picquet has been sent ashore for straglers and the latest rumour is "sailing tomorrow". Dear one, I posted one or two trifling bangles. Kaffir Kuriosities. The red beads are the South African lucky beads. I just hope they are genuine and that you may be wonderfully happy. Love to Jen, Jack, and all at home and with [dash] well I really can’t there’s a censor about

Your only Vasco.
xxx
The day after Xmas 1916.

No. 16136
Field Engrs.
Nov. Reinfts A.I.F
on active Service abroad

[Page 354]
[Envelope]
Missed Post in Cape Town

On Active Service

Mrs. Gwendolyn Vasco
c/o Mrs. Jack Maughan
Ashfield St.
East Brisbane
Queensland
Australia

[Page 355]
Address
Sapper L. Vasco
No 16136
c/o British Australasian
115 High Holborn
London

Perham Downs
Salisbury

Feb. 21

London. The biggest village on the face of God's earth.

I have a military overcoat and I want to have it cleaned. A woman in Ludgershall, the village by our camp would do so right away but her fire is out "If you walk down the road and find a chimney smoking they will clean it for you"

I find the fires are all out. I ask the village shoe-maker to put protectors in my boots. He carefully wraps his muffler around his neck and regardless of his wife’s atrocious beauty, leaves me alone in the gloomy shop for about half an hour with her. After buying about a bob’s worth of protectors he spends about ten minutes driving them in. I ask "How much?" "A penny halfpenny Sir" is the humble reply. Is there a chemist’s shop here

[Page 356]
I ask. "No sir but if you go into Roy the Grocers." I go there. "Have you any Boracic ointment". "Yes sir, a penny a tin sir" and then to the village barber. A small boy is standing up having his hair cut. I’m next for a shave (darn this nib). How much do I owe you "Pay at the desk please Sir. I ask the girl. A penny-halfpenny Sir, thank you sir. And then London!

There is the lord of the manor. That tame king (not a bad sort of a chap) being drawn round by six white horses. Trafalgar Square covered with huge soap box ads. "Your money or their lives" The Great War Loan. Go to your bank Your Country NEEDS you.

Sapper Vasco
On Active Service
Portraits sketched while you wait
Double chins a speciality.

[Page 357]
Gwen Dear,

Just a few dashed off lines. Had a glorious time "up" in London. British Australasian took four pages of sketches. Have sent through their London agent a big batch of sketches for the Sydney Mail to chose from. I feel sure the Lone Hand (Sydney) the "Queenslander" or some of the other illustrated Papers could use some. Keep all money for yourself. Don’t ever send any thing here for me as arrangements are rotten.
So far (3 weeks) have received not a word. Nothing since leaving Sydney, things in a rush. Head too scrambled to think. Address Sapper Vasco c/o British Australasian, High Holborn London.

Love for ever and ever from your Vasco. Miriads of Kisses from (who do you think)
Same as usual to Jack Jen and Max. Not forgetting Hughie, the children and Peter.

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:]
Have just received three letters from the dear little mandolin player. The kisses were awfu’ good!

[Page 358]
[Envelope – registered post.]
Mrs. Vasco,
c/o Mrs Jack Maughan
Ashfield St
East Brisbane
Queensland.
Australia

[Page 359]
[Envelope]

On active Service

[The following address struck through:]
Mrs. Vasco
c/o Mrs Jack Maughan
Ashfield St
East Brisbane
Queensland
Australia

[The following name and address are written twice, in the space around the main address; difficult to read:]
G. Borton
Warhaugar [Waragah – source: Toowoomba House Names.]
The Range
Toowoomba

[Other notes on this envelope indecipherable.]

[Page 360]
Sunday May 27th
2 June as
(warm as Brisbane and the singlets’ fine)

Somewhere in France
Dear Mother",

Glorious France!

The last week has been absolutely boshter. [boshter, Australian slang, now obsolete, meaning ‘excellent’ or ‘delightful’]. Not everyone has the priviledge of leaving his camp in England with dozens of good friends wishing him good luck, jamming extra special brands in his pockets, tying a pair of baby’s shoes with blue ribbon (for luck) on the back of his pack and promising everlasting friendship.

You should have heard the echo of the bones and tin whistle, the cheers and cooees as our company marched past the Bank

[Page 361]
and Exchange, St Pauls, along the Strand from Waterloo Station over London Bridge.
It was terrific.

And France! An eighteen mile march for a start with a 120 lb. pack. If it hadn’t been for the bones and tin whistle, joking with orange girls along glorious roads through sunny villages, the joy of finding French far easier than English to speak I’d have never reached the base. The people are grand. And fun. Mon Dieu! They’re alive! The queer part is they will not believe that I’m not French.

Cafes wine and grub are immensely better than I found in the part of England we left –

one day’s leave in a large French port. A princely time at a leading Parisian seaside resort. Casinos and real life once again.

Portrait bizz booming 1/- = 1 f. 35c. meet dozens of Canadians I know from Vancouver and Nanaimo. Plenty of men from Melbourne and Sydney. Good officers.

Have posted you a Jeanne d’Arc brooch two envelopes

[Page 362]
of postcards, one of music cards, also look at the back of little (pen run dry) grey photo frame behind the Suevic picture – you’ll find a sun bath.

We go up the line any moment now. Never felt better in my life Censorship too strict to allow giving full vent to expression of marital affection.

Love to Jack and Jen. Tell Jen I’d never trust her old man over here. Luckily your spouse has well balanced gin labels.

All kinds of luck dear dear one and everlasting love
[and] xxxxx
Your Vasco.

Do send my love to Mrs Daley, my sister and Father.

[Page 363]
[Label for packet of postcards: 12 Real Handcoloured Postcards
of Ludgershall. See image for more details.]

[Page 364]
[Coloured postcard of Winchester Street, Ludgershall, with arrows and comments by Vasco indicating various shops.]
Seegars 3½d 4½d
Shave 2d.
Music
Sausages and Eggs!!! ¼
Building with inscription H.S.S. 1791
washing done here

[Page 365]
[Coloured postcard of The Old Market Stone, Ludgershall.]

[Page 366]
[Coloured postcard of Castle Street, Ludgershall, with note by Vasco.]
Right here in the doorway on Sunday in about a foot of snow Portraits while you wait amongst roars of laughter from rosy cheeks and Khaki Australians.

[Page 367]
[Message written on the back of the postcard on page 364, which shows Winchester Street, Ludgershall:]
Dear one

Make the address
"Vasco"
c/o "The British Australasian"
115 High Holborn
London
England

I must get news somehow and do pray that all’s well.

Drop a note to the Editor
I haven’t been to town yet. But shall write to him.

[Page 368]
[Written on the back of the postcard on page 365, which shows the Old Market Stone, Ludgershall:]
Monday Feb. 5th 1917.

Sapper Vasco
No. 16136 Field Engr
November Reine A.I.F.

Be sure to write the address in full.
On active Service Abroad

"I never saw worse in the back West bush tarns of Queensland" says one of our Engineers as he takes a spell from pelting the good natured villagers with snowballs. "They’re a little more up to date with their streets out there!" "What’s it all in aid of cobber?" he adds nodding at the old market monument that sparkles as a jewel in this vision of pure loveliness.

[Page 369]
[Written on the back of the postcard on page 366, which shows Castle Street, Ludgershall:]
Monday Feb. 5th 1917.

Had a glorious evening in the Queen’s Head Inn. (ten minutes from our camp) All the local celebrities are already caricatured on the walls. The whole village is a fairy land of snow and the "pots" of beer warming right in the huge fireplace more wonderful than any picture you could ever imagine.
Opposite the "Inn" is the little "Sweet Lavender" tea room and a few doors down the snowy street a sign "Officers Messes supplied with Meat. Wreaths and
Crosses a Speciality".

[Page 370]
[A postcard-sized card showing a series of caricatures of officers and civilians, drawn by Vasco, and headed "Australian Heroes Chermside". ( Chermside is a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland).]

[Page 371]
[Postcard of The Hard, Brightlingsea.]

[Page 372]
[Written on the back of the postcard on the previous page, which shows The Hard, Brightlingsea.]
April 17th.

At the Anchor hotel I met two naval officers off U. Boats who were both caricatured on the C.P.R. Boats in British Columbia on the vary same pad I have now.

The beer here is excellent and drawing great fun.

Talk about types!!!

Vasco
April 1917

[Page 373]
[Postcard of High Street, Brightlingsea, with arrows and comments by Vasco indicating various shops and his billet]
Bloaters & Perriwinkles.

Ye Old Swan Inn.

Tailor Lucas

Mrs Crosby
43 Tower St.
Our Billet

Our Parade ground is right on the street
A glorious view of the pubs.

[Page 374]
[Written on the back of the postcard on the previous page, showing High Street, Brightlingsea:]
April 1917.

You should see the crowd that collects round Lucas’ window. In my spare time I have caricatures of everyone of note in the town from the commandant to the local butcher (a great sport and like Jack a musician and my best friend)

Love to all at home
Vasco

[Page 375]
[Coloured postcard of St. James Street, Ludgershall.]

[Page 376]
[Written on the back of the post on the previous page, which shows St. James Street, Ludgershall:]
Saturday night. Do you remember the skating out of doors in Vancouver – You should see them here! The white hedges – stout at the sign of the "Ram" by a roaring fire The Tydworth market. "Little Red Riding Hood" at the garrison Theatre; 7d. A better show I havent seen for a long long time. red cheeks coffee stalls. Talk about hot chipped potatoes and port wine and brandy amongst snow capped haystacks.

[Page 377]
[Coloured postcard of Castle Ruins, Ludgershall.]

[Page 378]
[Written on the back of the postcard on the previous page, which shows Castle Runis. Ludgershall:]
First morning on Parade "Snow falling fast"
Dental Parade Sapper Vasco No. 16136. 48 hours off duty (thank GAWD!) extractions. Luckier by far than six fellow sappers who get the order "From here to the left right turn QUICK March" through soft snowy fairyland to a cemetery armed with miniature seaside spades and great picks never dreaming for one moment they were to bury three heroes on the spot – A bit sudden this icy douche on the Perham Downs Salisbury Plains after our tropical Turkish bath at Sierra Leone. There is frozen ink ½" thick in the bottle right here.

[Page 379]
France
May 21st 1918.

How is the Popsy Wops? I have received no news since your cinquieme letter dated Feb 12th.

Dear One. I’m writing from a bed in the C.C.S. (Casualty Clearing Station). Don’t be alarmed. I am quite well and a jolly side safer than I’ve been for months.

Things have been pretty strenuous during the past few weeks. Above my bed is a field medical card. Date of Entry 19.15.18. "3 months incontinence day and night. Constant dribbling. No history of illness except malaria 5 years ago."

As a matter of fact doctor I can’t hold my water. Sleeping in wet clothes has played the deuce with my already too elegant legs. I feel sure all this is highly edifying to the ever patient Popsy Wops. Precious One. If there I one thing I pray for it is to be with you again. All I hope is that you are well and happy. I can promise you that I have been marvelously lucky so far and the spell of lying in spotlessly clean pyjamas, a snow white bed in a tent hospital in glorious French country with French birds singing their hardest in the trees is like a wonderful dream. A rest almost too good to believe true. From here I am to be sent to the base hospital. In any case a welcome change.

[Page 380]
Since joining the company last October we’ve passed through dozens of villages slept in the open, in cellars, barns, pig-styes (do spell it for me) attics, dug-outs, occasionally on a salvaged bed. Once I used an unhinged closet door for a mattress with stars for a roof. Early in the morning one of the section pointed out the agitated figure of the farmer’s Madame moving rapidly towards the sheltered side of a bush with a blanket, evidently intended for "camouflage".

The "cabinet" seat was in full view of our cook house! Poor old girl. The door now swings on its hinges with a notice – "Not to be Used by the Troops" –

The 23rd of last month things were becoming too comfortable to last long. I told you about our boudoir in the barn in a former letter.

Late that night I said something about it’s being the 23rd with 23 francs in my pocket book and told a few of the "diggers" the Yankee receipt for Skidoo pudding (take 23 eggs and "beat it")

It must have been about three o’clock when it came like a tornado, Crash! Crash! Crash! bang! Crash! Bang.

Shouts of GAS! GAS! They’re shelling the town! Shrieks of wounded and dying. Hell was turned loose.

In the flashes of bursting shells I could see men in their masks waiting their chance to dash from the barn door across the "cour" on to the open road leading to the wood. There was no need to look for matches or a candle. Even though a pitch dark night a flash from a bursting shell and I grabbed my trousers another flash and a rifle, and so on. It all seems a miracle how we go out –

Charlie Jones – Corporal Jones from Bananaland.

As I repeat his name Sapper Andy Townsley 10902 in the bed alongside says, "Not a braver man in the whole British Army." It was he who came back to see whether everyone had got away from the billet.

In spite of the "Skidoo" joke I was caught properly. Fancy waking up in a woman’s little singlet (far more comfortable than the issue) that I had found in a deserted village and a salvaged pair of "froggie" pajama trousers.

[Sapper Andrew Townsley, No 10902, embarked from Adelaide on 31 May 1916 on HMAT A29 Suevic with the 11th Field Company Engineers. He returned to Australia on 19 October 1919.]

[Page 381]
On a capock (? How’s the spelling?) double mattress resting on a straw foundation me "somewhere in France" ["x me" inserted after "som" in the word "somewhere" – see note following this paragraph for explanation, and see original image for details.] surrounded by all the luxurious appointments of the Quartier Latin comfort. Copies of "La Vie Parisienne", "Le Sourire" "La Boheme s’amuse" "Le Bandeau" illustrated by Kirchner Willy’s Mon Cousin Fred" and "Maitresse d’Esthetes" Forain’s drawings and Zola’s "Le Reve". Jack Burbidge my literary and sleeping partner was away on survey work at C.R.E.

[Footnote at the bottom of the page:] x This is no base pun but a locality trick.

"What are you doing here?" shouts Jones voice behind the mask. "I’m looking for my other sock and that long cigarette holder. DAM the cigarette holder "you’ll get us all killed Get out!" Grabbing my old sketch book and nearly choking in my gas mask I fumble through the barn door under the military yoke nearly falling over four bodies at the gates of the estaminet yard.

Further down the road two six team transport waggons, horses and men had been blown to pieces and lay in ghastly heaps right across the road. Shells fell like hail. It is difficult to believe. Masked men bent under the weight of packs move through the dark. Things happen quite as a matter of course.

When the storms over things they go on just the same. The country’s wonderfully beautiful. Birds going on singing in the sweet spring air revelling in Natures freedom, lucky to belong to the kingdom of blue blue sky and green green grass and not depending on Lord Rododendron’s rationing cards.

Next morning a great cheer went up as one of our sappers came into camp leading the company’s salvaged cow, She had been forgotten and left behind during the bombardment. With the gifted stoicism of the "purple cow

[Private Percy Burbidge, No 375, embarked with the 4th Cyclist Company, 2nd Reinforcements, and later served with 11th Field Company Engineers in France.]

[Page 382]
in the pasture blue" her benign smile contrasted strangely with the expression I remember on Mrs Patrick Campbell’s dial when as Lady Macbeth she says "O what a terrible night I’ve spent" (please verify quotation)

I went back next day to have a look at our digs. One side of the building was levelled – to the ground – a mass of bricks and rubbish. Our glorious bed was riddled and covered with bricks and tiles, "Psyche at the Bath" a full page caricature of a fat woman from the "Le Sourire" hanging on the milk separator at the back of our heads had been indiscreetely wounded. This war isn’t a bit particular. You should see the hole clean through my water color box "Some Souvenir!"

There’s a "digger" shaking hands with "nurse" as he leaves the hospital on his way back up the line". "Good luck and come back again" she says with a laugh.

Yesterday I posted you a field service post card. There were no green envelopes. About a week or so ago a hurried and jumbled note late at night about a french book "Le Bandeau" that I ordered to be posted to you from Ed. Mignot 78 Bd. St. Michel Paris. I had not already read it andat the time but was carried away by the charming illustrations. Felicien Champsaur the author – Great Scot well I’ll give him credit for even shocking Me! Should you get it. Hell you know the drawings are good. Otherwise c’est trop "pollison" or is it one l and two s’s. My dictionary’s lost.
I do hope you got the French books I posted you about two months ago. I shall be Dear one I hope I hav’nt been too dramatic with my letter. Should you think any of it of use for the Mail or Bully use it but I feel people must be sick of descriptions by this time.
Best wishes to Jen Jack the Duffies and all good friends. Love and kisses forever and ever and ever from your Vasco who loves you all the time xxxxxxxxxx

[Mrs Patrick Campbell (Beatrice Stella Tanner Campbell), 1865-1940, British actor, who played Eliza Doolittle in the first production of Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.
Felicien Champsaur, 1858-1934, French novelist and journalist.
"polisson" – naughty.]

[Page 383]
[Active Service Envelope]
21st May

Mrs Vasco
c/o Mrs Jack Maughan
Main St
Kangaroo Point.
Brisbane
Queensland Australia

[Signed:] L. Vasco.

[Page 384]
[Several coloured sketches by Vasco, with descriptive comment about each one. See image for details.]
[Sketch of soldier with note book, standing on a snowy track and observing an aeroplane, two black birds by his feet. With comment:]
Points of interest [arrow pointing to wings of aeroplane]
First thing next morning. How the aviator doesn’t do a perish with the cold isn’t explained.
Rooks

[Sketch of an Australian soldier with his ears and hands covered by socks to keep warm, coming out of a "Troop Wash Places", located by an ice-topped sea wall with robins sitting on it and a lighthouse in the distance. With comment:]
All the way from Liscard and Brixton
Jan 30th 1917.
After eleven weeks and three days on board the "Suevic" zigzagging to dodge tin fish via St. Helena and Sierra Leone with no shore leave since Durban and Cape Town I was on picquet and had the pleasure of seeing Eddystone Lighthouse once more.

[Sketch of a long line of soldiers marching through snow to barracks. With comment:]
A day’s train journey from Plymouth to Tidsworth. Hedges like the tracery in a church window. Rows and rows of chimney pots and backyards. Cold and gloomy ruins ivy covered ruins. Bleak and dismal. (Tell Jack never to budge an inch.) Presented with a bun (free) and a cup of tea by the Mayoress at Exeter. Reached our camp huts on Perham downs after a two mile march across country as dismal as the canadian Prairie. Salisbury Plains at midnight.

[Sketch of the inside of a hut with comment:]
What time’s reveille 6.30 !!!?
our Boudoir and Breakfast Room.

Hut 19 accomodates thirty. Fourteen on one side to make room for a feeble stove. For all the world our studio might be the an undertakers workshop. Coffin sides are stacked alongside the wall and put together [plus] paliasses and blankets keep some of the cold out. The would be corpses rise from a certain death from freezing and reassert their circulatery equilibrium by vigorously pacing up and down the sixty foot enclosure.

[Sketch of a plane and page signed:] Vasco Jan. 1917.

[Page 385]
[Several coloured sketches by Vasco, with descriptive comment about each one. See image for details.]
[Sketch of ships at sea from the deck of a ship where a soldier stands disguised as a ship’s funnel. With comment:]
Submarine Picquet.
One of the Ned Kelly Type
a suggestion for the War Office

[Sketch of a soldier in a hammock, with comment:]
In the Sappers’ Boudoir.
Time. Before reveille.
Sapper Vasco has one more look at his wife’s photograph.

[Sketch of a destroyer, with comment:]
One of the five little torpedo-boat destroyers which dash out to meet our convoy, of nine within a couple of days of "the old Dart."

[Sketch of a cruiser, with comment:]
The armored cruiser "Almanzora" our escort and guiding star from Sierra Leone. taking her morning dip.

[Page signed:] Vasco Jan. 1917.

[Page 386]
[Active Service Envelope]
March 26 – 1918

Mrs Vasco
c/o Mrs J. Maughan
Main St.
Kangaroo Pt.
Brisbane
Queensland Australia

[Signed:] L. Vasco

[Page 387]
Somewhere in France
May 25th 1918

Bonjour Ma Cherie!

How goes it? Have you received any French books. Which ones? Did you get a letter dated May 20th from the C.C.S. France, describing a "tout suite" "hurry up" from a sapper’s barn boudoir.

A line in your letters speaking of one or two things written about in my last notes to you will alleviate suspense.

The glorious rest in the Base Hospital is rather wonderful. "Grateful" can hardly express one’s feelings for the kindness and goodness of the "sisters’" treatment to us in Ward I.4. The old carcass once more in the inverted prone position it loves so well just revels in horizontal repose. To lie between clean white sheets in a well made bed and rest – close one’s eyes – In the words of Popsy Wops
"C’est vraiment "vertigineuse".
If "eprouver des sensations" be a way of enjoying life the military one, while it lasts, is brimfull of unexpected contrasts.

Since I last wrote after a night and a mornings’ travelling in a palatial hospital train came the queer sensation of watching the streets of a French coast town reeled out before one’s stretcher as the nymph driven Ambulance car flew up the winding road leading from the train to the hospital on the hills. Oh the Smell of the Sea. (Forgive bad language. Its English. I can’t think of another word.)

Our stretchers are carried quickly through the receiving room.

[Page 388]
Your name? No.? Coy? Age? Next of Kin? "Mrs Vasco c/o Mrs. Jack Maughan" and a smile trembles through my "orora borealis" as I hear the echo "next of kin? next of kin? next of skin!
English is an impossible language for lovers!

The procession moves on. "Take a spell." I tell my bearer. "I can walk." "No, you’re a stretcher case." I feel an awful fraud but subside into more than sedan-chair sumptuosity to be finally deposited in Bed 8. I.4 ward.

The gramaphone is going "Hullo! Hullo! Hullo! a different girl again." at a mile a minute. A nurse’s voice sounds strange. I haven’t heard an Englishwoman’s voice for months. Even though they belong to the "Oh you won’t forget to put your autograph in Mother’s album" type, they are good.

A fearful temptation to rattle my bones (they’re alongside me with the Vasco tin whistle and the red leather case you gave me holding our photographs) seizes me. I overcome it and keep the bones out of sight. One mustn’t (spelling?) look too well. A true artist should always have something up his sleeve.

A Pyjama suit sits up in bed at the end of the ward. The voice calls out "Say Vasco how would a trip to the old Koopa go?"

Some Yorkshire Pudding in bed 21 opposite. "Say Chum didn’t I see you sketching up in [dash] Fritz has got that estaminet now with those dials of "Duck Board Lizz" and "Camouflage Kate". (By the bye, I hear experts from the Ecole des Beaux Arts are busy at work removing Puvis de Chevannes’ masterpieces from the walls of a celebrated building in Amiens to save them from the Boches. One can’t be too careful, can one?)

In the bed alongside me is a Vancouver boy! A Yank of the clean cut, fair hair on end and brushed back type. I had caricatured him during the Coquitlam Campaign "Let your money work while you sleep."

"What about a gin ricky at the Strand or some oysters at the Dutch Grill? Say! did you gnaw a guy Bill Murchie, dapper sort of little chap, worked down at Spencers on Hastings St. Too wise to come over here. He’s swinging it on a soft jarb in a quartermasters’ store in Blighty. Yep, I byked round quite a bit with Bill in Salonica
You’d have laffed. One night Murchie gets so tight the tents caught on fire. It was some jarb getting him out. We got him out though

[Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824-1898), French painter, President and Co-founder of the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts.]

[Page 389]
You’ll be interested to hear Spencers’ former tea room manager is now
521120, Private W. K. Murchie
No 5. Canadian General Hospital
Kirkdale
Liverpool
England
and that B.C. headed the list in the Canadian Call to Arms.

"Squire, Milk or Cocoa?" "Jock" the Ward Orderly wakes me up. A "froggie" walks through with "Theee Deleeee Mayle". We’re sick of war news.
"Mon ami avez vous le dernier numero de "La Vie Parisienne" ou "Le Sourire?" I anxiously ask.
"Mais Oui mon vieux les voici!" comes the delightful answer. "Thank GAWD!" (spelt with four capitals)

All the books I’ve found in the ward are two – one Robinsoe Crusoe the other Oliver Goldsmith’s unconciously true life of that TERRIBLE OLD WOWSER "The Vicar of Wakefield".
"The Vicar of Wakefield" to quote my immemorial Popsy Wops once more "Rolled Oats in abundance" with thick side whiskers.
If you haven’t had the "pleasure" do just read it. It’s part of the process – "Eprouver des Sensations" and certainly a literary No. 9 Pill in military hospital parlance after "La Boheme S’amuse"

I must say I have enjoyed this afternoon. Just a real heart to heart talk with the Gwenny Pops. In my last letter I mentioned the medical card above my bed "Incontinence urine" [asterisk – see footnote below] You have absolutely nothing to worry about on my account. Dear Girl I just pray day and night that you may be well and happy and I feel sure that some of those French books however "pollison" they might at first seem will cause many a quick smile and twinkle in the corner of my dear little wife’s eyes. Love to all at home. Yours convalescently
Vasco xxxxx for ever and ever and ever.
(not convalescently.) xxxxx. "By Christ what are you writing, a Book artist?" The lastest!

[asterisk] again I repeat, English is no language for lovers.

[Page 390]
[Active Service Envelope]
May 25th

Mrs Vasco
c/o Mrs. Jack Maughan
Main St
Kangaroo Point
Brisbane
Queensland Australia

[Signed:] L. Vasco.

[Page 391]
[Lieutenant, later Captain, Charles Edward (Chas) Viner, an accountant of Unley, South Australia, was born on 16th July 1852 in South Australia. He joined the Army on 16 June 1915 and embarked from Adelaide on HMAT A13 Katuna on 11 November 1915. He served with the 32nd Battalion, 8th Brigade on the Suez Canal Defences and later in France, where he was promoted to Captain, with the 5th Divisional Salvage Corps. He was mentioned in despatches and returned to Australia on 30 July 1919.

Charles Viner’s letter to his sister Myrtle describes life in Egypt in December 1915.]
[Address, written on a small piece of paper:]

Miss M. Viner
c/o Mrs Mcgarry
Cosmo
22 Charles St.
Petersham.

[Page 392]
Suez Canal Defences
English 31.12.15
Arabic [date written in Arabic numerals; see image for details.]
Dear Myrtle

Spending new years eve in my tent on the banks of the canal which is a marvel in the amount of sand that had to be shifted, no doubt the work was done by the natives who for centuries have worked under the lash and still do. Under my very nose here every foreman has a whip and uses it too on young or old men that work about 10 hours a day for 1/- to 1/6 a day. Yesterday I bought one of the whips for 2/6 & will bring it home in my trunk.

The situation of my tent is most delightful, it is the best spot on the Canal I am told. A grove of trees kept alive with Nile water brought by a small canal for about 60 or 80 miles keeps them growing. Other spots on the canal are not so delightful because no fresh water is at hand to grow the trees. My tent is right against the Suez Canal & I see all the boats go through, today a big boat had 31ft forward & 29ft aft in the water. The Canal is supposed to take up to 32 feet deep so there was not much room underneath eh! even then she passed another big ship in the canal 100 yards from here. The Canal is 40 yards wide at the bottom & about 140 yards wide at the waters edge.

[Page 393]
I have seen the spot where the Turks put their boats across when they attacked on Feby 4 1915. Had a ride in one of the boats in fact some are being used by the various outpost Companies as ferry boats not Sydney Ferry boats but row boats, they are of Galvinized Iron about 14ft long. A cross of wood marks the spot where the German officer is buried. Turkish Ammn can still be picked up and I have some of it, I intend to put some in my first parcel to Thirza.

I have only been into one Egyptian Town Ismailia, half way between Suez and Port Said. It is a very interesting spot to spend the day. Half is French and half native, of 11,000 inhabitants 40 are English except for the troops. Hundreds of small private Bathing houses are on the lakes edge. House-boats, white . The Bazaar is funny dirty, everything in the Street. Ducks for sale tied up to verandah posts. Tables were you eat out on the path & road. Various kinds of sweets, dirty of course Baked crabs. A shoe maker in the road holding the boot with his feet whilst he sewed it. Public letter writers. I went to Dinner at a French Cafe cost 2/6 I had Fish, Roast Lamb, Prunes and Lovely Coffee. Turkish coffee is used at Ismailia, absolutely delicious if made properly. The noise and filth in the Streets is terrible. You can only rely on imported goods and these are dear Biscuits 2/- lb for any kind is stiff. Eggs are very small 3 for 2½d oranges are cheap 3 for 2½d very thin skins & sweet. Tomatoes are grown by the ton 2¼d lb & cheaper. Butter 2/6 lb, local has no salt in it. Cigarettes cheap 2½d for 10 & cheaper. The natives clean out our jam tins &c. On the wharf they ate all our scraps even the cook peelings off our potatoes.

Their houses are made of Bamboos & plastered with mud no windows flat roofs or none at all, it does not rain 1’ per an they depend on the Nile and irrigate otherwise the ground that cannot be touched with the Nile water is a sandy desert and my word it makes you tired walking on it. All the Camps on on Sand now for hundreds of miles because you understand it is only the gardens that are green. It is 3 miles of heavy sand from here to the Rly Station. Camels & Donkeys are used, no wheeled transport is any good. The native houses are about 7 feet high & the goats are inside with them. Special little mud houses are built to house pigeons & fowls, about 3 feet high like a Beehive with an entrance to admit the birds. Women cover their faces from all men all the time, they reserve their Beauty for husband alone, they dont wear transparent dresses like Aust women.

The Entertainments do not start very early. I enquired because my train was to leave at 9.30pm if any thing

[Page 394]
was on. Yes the Cinema starting at 9 pm. I saw by the local paper that Pictures are to have the Early Closing Act applied to them, but they are getting up a petition to be allowed to meet the authorities half way, they are willing to close up at 1.30 in the morning and not midnight as per act. Sunday is the same as any other but the Govt offices closed a couple of Sundays ago because it was the anniversary of the accession of the present Sultan.

I have not seen anything of your boy, his corps is not here but it may come here later on. The A.S.C Coy that is here is one number lower than his Coy.

Before closing off I must mention how anxious I am to hear how Gerty got on, I expect a letter is already on the way to me and I hope it contains the best of news, I am anxious to congratulate her & Don. To both of them give my best regards and as I have not time to write all this over again please allow them to have some of the news.

Write & tell me how you are getting on.
Your sincere Brother
Chas. E. Viner
Lieut.

Landed every horse fit and I have never felt better either.
Ted.

[Note written in red at the foot of the page:]
From Lieut. C. E. Viner
32nd Battalion, 8th Brigade.

[Page 395]
[2nd Lieutenant, later Major, Clement Robert (Clem) Walsh MC, a pharmaceutical chemist of Newcastle, NSW, joined the Army on 9 September 1914 aged 25, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A39 Port Macquarie on 21 December 1914 with the 7th Company, A.A.S.C., 4th Infantry Brigade. He served throughout the War, first at Gallipoli and later in France and Egypt. He rose to the rank of Major and was awarded the Military Cross on 5 June 1917 "for distinctive service in the field". He married Mary Kathleen Hayes Harrington on 12 May 1919 at Croydon, England, and returned to Australia on HT Friedrichsruh later that year.

This series of 13 letters and postcards, photographs and printed materials spans almost the entire period of the War, from 1915 to 1918, written to Dr and Mrs N J Dunlop of Newcastle, NSW. Some letters are out of chronological order.

Includes a letter written from Egypt prior to leaving for the Dardanelles (pages 465-468) and letters written from Gallipoli, including one describing the evacuation (pages 420-433). An edited version of this letter was printed in the Newcastle Morning Herald newspaper.

It also includes a photo of Clem Walsh (page 438) and mentions several prominent Newcastle medical practitioners who served (page 400), as well as Major George Robert Short whose letters (pages 306-320) are in this collection. It also includes a leaflet warning soldiers about venereal disease (page 469) and briefly mentions the influenza epidemic (page 475).]
[Envelope]
Clem Walsh

From Lieut. Clem Walsh
From Gallipoli [indecipherable] & others

[Page 396]
[Active Service Envelope]
Drs. Dunlop & Crawley
521 Hunter St
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 397]
[Scrap of paper with the words:]
Turkish Bullet

[Page 398]
[Envelope]
(On Active Service)

Mrs. N. J. Dunlop
Beaumont & Cleary Sts
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 399]
[Note: An undated letter, written prior to this one, from Egypt before embarking for the Dardanelles, appears, out of chronological order, starting on page 465.]
On Active Service
7th Coy A.A.S.C.
4th Infantry B’gde
N.Z. & A. Division
20/06/15

Dear Mrs. Dunlop.

I have just received your welcome letter & of course have a better relish for the "hard tack" meal now about to be dished up. Things here are much the same as when I last wrote to the Drs’ about two weeks ago. Of course that is only applicable to the position where I am but I understand progress is being slowly made elsewhere. Our strategical position will not allow of an advance until we have protection to hold captured positions, this protection we expect from the troops who are now working up from [dash].

Understand of course, we have a lot of the enemy kept engaged & this will allow our forces elsewhere to act on the offensive. The people in Australia must not be

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:]
Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 400]
disheartened if the troops we engaged on the Gallipolli Peninsula for a long period. They must remember that. – We are invading, – the hilly & elongated territory make it easily defended & modern warfare is a war of engineers, therefore necessarily slow.

I am please to hear Dr Pye is leaving for the front for he was a very keen man on military matters all his life. My dad served for 27 years & latterly with Major Short whom I also learn from you is leaving with a contingent. Colonel Bean is in Egypt and has a base job. Colonel Beeston is here & Dr Nickson’s son Toby. The stretcher bearers have won great praise here for their bravery & run a risk all the time. I have just received a letter from my sister & am pleased to hear two of my brothers are "off" to the front. I saw a paper with an account of Dr Eames "outfit" & am pleased to see Newcastle is so well represented in it both in the medical & nursing sections.

The enemy are still sending us their usual greetings in the shape of shrapnel but any dangerous

[Major George Robert Short, bank manager of Newcastle, NSW, embarked from Sydney on 12 May 1915 on HMAT A32 Themistocles with Headquarters, 5th Infantry Brigade, and served with the 17th Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli and in France. His letters are in this collection (pages 306-320).
Lieutenant Cecil Robert Arthur Pye DSO (1890-1917), medical practitioner of Newcastle, NSW, embarked from Sydney on 22 August 1916 on HMAT A18 Wiltshire with the 17th Infantry Battalion, and served in France where he was killed in action on 4 October 1917.
Lieutenant Colonel Harold Knowles Bean, AAMC, embarked with the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Lievesley Beeston VD CMG MLC (1859-1921), embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 on HMAT A35 Berrima with the 4th Field Ambulance.
Staff Sergeant Wilfred Lievesley (Toby) Nickson, No 2011, born in Newcastle in 1894, also embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 on HMAT A35 Berrima with the 4th Field Ambulance. (Wilfred Lievesley Nickson’s father, Dr Wilfred J Nickson, married Ann J Beeston in Newcastle in 1891 (Source: NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages), no doubt explaining their shared unusual middle names.)
Dr William L’Estrange Eames (1863-1956), medical practitioner and soldier, lived in Newcastle NSW, where he was in general practice with Dr J L Beeston and had served in the South African War. He was visiting England in 1914 when war broke out, and was appointed to command the Australian Voluntary Hospital at Nazaire, France, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.]

[Page 401]
work, we do at night. We have not Enteric fever here to any extent – not like Sth Africa. This is a matter we ought to be thankful for. Just think what it would mean if an infectious disease broke out in the little "plot" we occupy. It would be worse than the Germans’ gas, which we have not had a taste of yet.

We have just finished a rest, which we enjoy in a sheltered gully, but fortunately we have no bother about getting a "locum". I hope when this reaches you, that yourself & the Drs are in good health. I will finish my short note with thanks for your kindly interest in patriotism’s cause for much good can be done at home as well as abroad.

I Remain
Yours Gratefully,
Clem Walsh

[Page 402]
[Envelope]
On Active Service
No Stamps

Mr M. Walsh
25 Union Street
Cooks Hill
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

C. R. Walsh [indecipherable]

[Page 403]
[Envelope]
On Active Service
No Stamps Available

Drs. Dunlop & Crawley
521 Hunter Street
Newcastle N.S.W.
Australia

[Passed by Censor] A. Bushell
C. R. W.

[Pages 404-409]
[Some of the images for this multi-page letter have two pages to an image, and the images are not always in chronological order. Transcribed in the order in which it should be read; some line breaks introduced to aid readability. See original for details.]
[Written sideways in the left-hand margin of the first page:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

Re Gallipoli

On Active Service
No. 7 Coy A.S.C. Divisional Train
4th Inft. Brigade
N.Z. & A Division
6-5-15  
6-6-15

Dear Drs.

My anticipation of the last letter to you was correct, in regard to my next visit to another country, in what appears to be a circuit of the globe.

Well we struck camp at Heliopolis on April 11th & after a 4 hours run in the train we were at Alexandria about 10 A.M. Then we viewed the steamer that was to transport us. It was about the size of the Namoi & on board this packet were stowed over 1000 men, 250 horses & rations for men & beasts to last 40 days, besides the usual cargo.
This steamer had no accommodation, being a tramp & we spent a fortnight on board; crammed just like an excursion to Port Stephens. Everywhere men were lying about & it was difficult to go from one end to the other. The men at once started on the bully beef & biscuit ration & the officers to the number of about 40 were invited to the Saloon. Well, in the saloon the dining table accommodated about 8 & and as I am not a colonel yet, I usually preferred tinned beef to the cold sausages & curry & rice which was the sterotyped menu.

[Page 2]
After we were out from Alexandria 3 days we received a wireless message that a transport was being fired at by a Turkish torpedo boat about 30 miles away & life belts were given out & boat drill carried out. The men imagined that this was the ordinary routine. The Turkish boat fired 3 torpedoes but all missed. The reason accounted is this. The close range & the light trim of the transport which allowed all 3 torpedoes to go underneath. About 50 men were drowned, in trying to get away in small boats which capsized in launching, when the enemy were recognised. I suppose they were packed as close as we were.
Our next port of call was Lemnos Island in the Aegean Sea. Here is a grand harbour & this was the port of concentration. The entrance which is about a mile across had a torpedo net across the entrance as a guard against submarines. Inside were transports everywhere. I had my first view of the Queen Elizabeth along with many other battle-ships here & saw the River Clyde which was to be run ashore on Cape Helles in the landing scheme.
After I forgot to mention that this island formerly belonged to Turkey but after the war with Greece, the Greeks occupied it but it was not mentioned in the settlement at the close of the war. The position is now that England has taken it over & using it as a base. I went ashore & it struck me as being an ideal place for leading the simple life.

[Page 3]
An interpreter we had on board, told me that on the island of Mitylini which is close by people live to a great age. 110 & 120 years being nothing rare. The principal diet, sour curdled milk & the absence of Trains, telephones, travellers & taxes seems to work wonders.
Just as we were leaving Lemnos an accident happened which was a preface of death which overtook many of those who witnessed it, later on in the day. Two hawkers’ boats containg 5 men were alongside our transport & when we started they lost control & got under our steamers propeller. It was a terrible sight the way the boats were chopped to pieces. Two men lost their lives & the remainder were rescued by a small boat.

The Australian & NZ Divisions landed at Gaba Tepe. First of All the warboats bombarded the slope cliffs while torpedo boats & trawlers towed barges & boats to the shore. They met with a terrible fire & of course just had to wait until they reached the shore to get a shot at the invisible enemy. A couple of boats got adrift & was were carried with the current to the north. Every man in them the boats was shot & even after they drifted on to the beach no body could go near them until a week later as the enemy had control over that area.

[Page 4]
On reaching the beach, the men rushed the cliffs for it was no time for orthodox movements & all units intermingled. In some cases men did not get back to their regiments for days afterwards. The first 3 or 4 days every available man was continually in the 1st line of trenches but all the time they were well fed.
I should have mentioned that the men on dis-embarking had a very heavy pack to carry, extra ammunition, rations, & a small bundle of sticks for firewood which is scarce. Most of this impedimenta was thrown off when the shore was reached & then men charged in grand style. Our losses were heavy but is only reasonable when you consider that except for the warships not a shot was able to be returned until the shore was reached & then the small shrubs gave excellent cover from observation.
The Australian landing place, Gaba Tepe is about 10 miles north of Cape Helles where the English & French landed & is a small cove, which continually reminds me of the ground between the 2 tunnels along Merewether beach. All the foreshore is occupied with pack-mules, supplies, dressing stations etc, & up the slopes are all dug-outs for the enemy are continually dropping shrapnel over the cliffs. Of course the work must be gone on with & the sooner these guns are put out of action the better It is indirect fire & some of the shots fall on the dressing stations for the enemy can not see the red cross flags

[Page 5]
The supposition is that they are worked from a light railway & the position continually changed.
The Goebden [German battle cruiser SMS Goeben, transferred to the Turkish Ottoman Navy in 1914] on the other side of the Peninsula fires about 4 or 5 shots across at the fleet anchored here each day & then shuts up. One shot hit a collier but did little damage. The Naval people have a captive balloon for observation purposes & a couple of seaplanes. An enemys aeroplane has dropped a few bombs amongst our fleet of transports but so far has not found the target.
All the transport is done with pack mules along a dry river bed & we have lost quite a number. At first we had to bring water in kerosene tins, 4 on a mule, to the trenches but now a good supply is obtainable. The officer who has the other section in my company, is in hospital with a bullet through his thighs & so far we (my company) have about 20 casualties. The Turks have snipers scattered about & they do a lot of damage for the country is favourable to their existence. During the night they are placed in holes between the enemys & our lines & with a good supply of ammunition, food & water. Here they have to remain until shot, so they accordingly sell their lines as dearly as possible. Some that have been shot were painted green, others kharki, on the bare skin down to the chest. Our men wear leaves & twigs stuck around their hats from which they have cut the brim off except the rear portion.

If you were on shore you would hardly recognise the Australian Officers. We all dress the same as the men & when walking carry rifles. All revolvers, map cases,

[Page 6]
Sam Browne belts and the usual Officers rig is only an invitation to a sniper to pick you off. The conservative British officer I am afraid will never even discard his monocle, let alone his convential toggery.
It is wonderful the way a person involuntary "ducks" when a shell comes but you get used to it. The first day I fell right down & felt quite ashamed when no damage was done, yet when one of our men was hit about 3 yards away I did not hear the report. The shrapnel shell has a large radius when it bursts & scatters bullets about the size of a marble everywhere.
Large Numbers have been sent back with their minds unhinged through the strain, but now everyone is seasoned a little. When this effect was produced on our side, what must it be like amongst the Turks when the warboats get busy with shells from the Queen Elizabeth which weigh nearly a ton & seem to burst like a volcano out of the ground. The Indians are grand fighters & appear always cool. They are doing great work with their mountain batteries which is the heavist artillery they are equipped with (A reason) It is carried on mule back & can be got into position anywhere that cover will allow.
The food is good & cigarettes & newspapers are supplied. The postal delivery is O.K. although I have not been too fortunate with receipts. I often have a swim when down at the shore & it is a great advantage to the troops while resting.

[Page 7]
Let me know if this reaches you as it is going via Egypt through the regular post-office, so am able to write fuller. I have not had a line from Miss Williams yet. I guess she is still going like Johnny Walker. I am expecting a note from you, about this time, in answer to my 1st letter.
I have not had a chance to weigh myself but really this life is agreeing with me. I must have looked very tough, for on leaving Australia I have had my age guessed up to as high as 32. I always keep my head cropped very short all over for I am getting bald, but as a recompense I let it grown on my top lip. Of course it is not as robust as Steve Ashman’s who, by the way, I found embarked across the Styx.

I don’t know how the Australia Public are taking John Norton but I never heard yet of him enlisting to lead his 6/- a day "tourists", thousands of whom, poor chaps, will never need a return ticket.

[See page 498 for a description of John Norton, editor and proprietor of "Truth" newspaper, who was the originator of the term "six bob-a-day tourists" as applied to Australian troops.]
It is a reflection on the patriotism of the people of Australia if his slanders are allowed to pass without notice. I saw by the papers of the great procession in Sydney but of course many attended out of curiosity & for self enjoyment. Not until a few shells land from an enemy, in Sydney or Melbourne, will some people realise what we are up against.

[John Norton, 1858-1916, newspaper proprietor ("Truth" newspaper) and politician, who coined the term "six-bob-a-day tourists" to describe Australian soldiers. See a further reference to this on page 498.]
[Page 8]
I will close this epistle, which you can judge by different pencils I have used, the number of times I have added a little to complete it, by hoping all at "521" are enjoying the best of health & happiness.

Well, Au Revoir
Yours Gratefully
Clem W[dash] Lt.

[Page 405]
[Pages 2 and 7 of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 404.]

[Page 406]
[Pages 3 and 8 of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 404.]

[Page 407]
[Page 4 of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 404.]

[Page 408]
[Page 5 of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 404.]

[Page 409]
[Page 6 of a multi-page letter. For transcription, see page 404.]

[Page 410]
Wishing you all a Merry Xmas & a happy New Year & trusting you are in good health.
I remain
Yours faithfully
Clem Walsh

7th A.A.S.C.
N.Z & A Div. Trn
N.Z & A Division
On Active Service
1-11-15

Dear Drs.

I received a letter from Dr. Crawley dated 30-7-15 & well as a letter, which I have answered, from Mrs. Dunlop some time previously. Many Thanks.

I am back at Galipolli & generally contented. At present diarrhoea is the cause of putting large numbers of the troops out of action, a number of Enteric cases contributing also.

The situation is quiet, compared with earlier stages and the action here in co-operation with the Suvla Bay Landing is the last important "scrap". I am at present at the junction of Chailok & Aghyl Deres (Two gullies) or I should say, on the range at the head of them.

It is some of the new area we captured in August. A "hot" place too. One of my men received the Military Cross for bravery & resourcefulness under fire. Out of sixty who landed only 13 are here now. Many were killed, wounded

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9-8-32

[Page 411]
or evacuated through sickness.

My brother is in the Light Horse (dismounted) here. He is about 5 miles from me & at present he is safe & well. Dr. Beeston was made Assistant Director of Medical Service but is now away "out on grass".

Its wonderful, the way apparently healthy men fall away after being here a while.

Not that the food is scanty or un-nutrious. No, not by any means.

We are better sheltered, clothed & fed than the troops were in the Sth Africa War & no forced marching to do, over extensive territory. Here we have more risks.

I visit friends at different parts of our line & so obtain a good idea of the whole situation.

I visited Capt. E. Harnett, whose father is Sec of Pansy Lodge, a few days ago, on Quinns Post. There, the trenches are 10 or 12 yds apart. The Turks, probably in honour of my visit, started bombing & being close, I was covered in dirt from one jam-tin "cracker" that came my way.

[Corporal (Shoeing Smith), later Sergeant, Patrick Bernard Walsh, No 400, clerk of Newcastle NSW, enlisted on 9 February 1915 and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A29 Suevic on 13 June 1915 with the 4th Light Horse Brigade, 12th Light Horse Regiment. He returned to Australia on 5 January 1920.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Lievesley Beeston VD CMG MLC (1859-1921), embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 on HMAT A35 Berrima with the 4th Field Ambulance.
Lieutenant, later Captain, Edward Thomas Harnett, clerk, of Merewether, NSW, joined the Army on 20 April 1915 and embarked from Sydney on HMA A32 Themistocles on 12 May 1915 with B Company, 5th Infantry Brigade, 17th Infantry Battalion. He served at Gallipoli and later in France and returned to Australia on 23 July 1919. He also served in World War II.]

[Page 412]
Our fellows then started on Abdul with a garland mortar.

The charge is gelignite, about the size of a hen’s egg, with a detonater. To ensure of it striking head down, a piece of ribbon 12 inches long is attached. It is fired out of a piece of piping about 18 inches long – quite a crude & uncertain piece of artillery. It is fired at an angle of about 45° after the style of a shuttle-cock. We also have a huge catapult for throwing cricket ball bombs.

The country is mostly covered by shrub s about 3 or 4 feet night & very hilly.

With all the strife, it is very ironical to see the number of olive trees about.
I’m afraid I will take a couple of sizes larger in clothes before this war will be over as the end is a long way off. Still you can never tell.

Water has to be carried on pack-mule 3 miles to where I am at present. It is served out as a ration which has to do for drinking & washing purposes

Tell Miss Williams I received her sweets all O.K. They went fine here. Please convey her my thanks & tell her I am expecting a letter from herself.

[This letter concludes at the top of page 410.]

[Page 413]
7th A.A.S.C.
4th Inft. Bgde
N.Z. & A Divn
On A. Service
2-12-15

Dear Drs

It is some while since I had a letter from you but I heard that measles, smallpox & probably a few more of the 7 ancient plagues are keeping you busy.

I am still in the land of unpleasantness & doing well.

Jaundice is common here & monotony of diet gets the credit of its origin.
I understand it differs from the ordinary complaint, in that the intestines are the seat of the trouble. It is mostly accompanied by diarrhoea with the usual yellow skin & eyes.
"Played-out" swells the sick reports. Mumps & Measles add to the list.

The Anzac Medical Ass’n, is the latest institution here. I cannot say who they have on their black list. Probably it is the Turks & The Ordnance Dept.

Pow-wows are held regularly every 2nd Sunday – Shelling permitting.
All the high-browed specialists

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 414]
have their brass plates on view at Lemnos. Some "top-notchers" amongst them too, & plenty of all the latest gear, etc.

In proportion to the number of medicoes registered, I am told Australia has the record, of supplying most followers of the ancient art.

The Imperial custom is for M.Os. to sign on for 12 months
With the A.I.F. the contract is – when the job is over or three months longer if required.
Davies & Connington’s almanac for 1917 had better be sent to my present address.
Our surburban allotment at Anzac was extended a while ago, to a homestead selection with full time residential conditions & no allowance for improvements but, [dash]. Are we downhearted? NO!

We had a fall of snow 5 days ago & the last of it is just disappearing.
It was that cold we could not sleep & had to get up & mark time of a night.
Those artists who paint landscape snow-scenes, never include chilblains, wet feet & rheumatism on the same canvas.

[Page 415]
Some of the saps are that steep & slippery in the wet weather I have had to crawl along on all-fours & then it was a sort of toboggon style of progress on the down grade.
I would suggest anti-skid chains to be twisted around the boots.

I have a regular round of visits to do each day along the firing line & then down to the beach. My job is not so monotonous as some for, I hear all the news in each section & see how things are going by the aid of periscopes

Except in an advance, the firing line is the safest place possible. No Shells or snipers to bother you & machine guns have no targets there, except cutting sand bags at night.
It is just like in a rifle-butt with iron loopholes & lids on them when not used. Stray bullets do count for no provision can be made for them & rifles are sighted to 3000 yds & kill you there the same as at 50.

All day long you hear the swish of bullets around you & when by chance one hits you, it counts for Abdul. The night time is usually the time

[Page 416]
for rifle fire. Each side letting the other know that they are awake & trying to bluff them sometimes as regard to their numbers.

One of my men got the D.C.M. the other day for bravery under shell fire.

We have had a unusual proportion of casualties. I mean our branch has.
The same applies to the A.M.C. fatigue parties & others of whom it was usually thought had a safe job. A number of clergymen who done good work lost their lives, poor chaps.

A Battalion I am camped with had a "bathing" parade to-day. The sea is too cold.
The cooks warmed 4 buckets of water & then the men paired of to wash each other with about a pint of water apiece. The best method, owing to the water ration, is washing with a shaving brush. It is impossible to wash every day, when away from the beach for water is carried here on the backs of mules.

The Indians manage them & have wonderful patience (they want it too)
I have never seen them use a whip, just make a soothing noise or whistle by sucking in their breath. It is the only way.

[Page 417]
I have never had a day’s sickness since I joined the force.
Perhaps I could not say that if I had not enlisted. War is not the only place people die, is it?

I much prefer being here to Egypt. In fact, I don’t fancy ever going back to city life. Still "Coalopolis" is just as good, to me, as anywhere & I hope I am allowed to return, when this job is over, to that place. ["Coalopolis" refers to Newcastle, NSW.]
I would give anything to be able to see the war through, without being invalided. I think I will too. Never felt better in my life.

I sent a Army Christmas cake (ration biscuits) to you. Did you receive them.

I appreciate Miss Williams papers.
The Bulletin & N/C Herald are my favourites. Bulletins should be wrapped in ordinary newspapers. They are stolen otherwise I think.

Dear Drs I wish you the best of Greetings & Benefits of Health & Contentment this coming year.

Remember me to Mrs Dunlop, Miss Williams, Nellie Gray & the dispenser.

Yours Faithfully
Clem Walsh Capt.

[Page 418]
[Envelope]
On active Service No stamps available.

Drs Dunlop & Crawley
521 Hunter St
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Page 419]
[Envelope, with letterhead of the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Ltd., with address and additional notes; see image for details.]

Jan 13/9/16

Lieut. Clem Walsh’s Letters
On the Evacuation of Gallipolli

Mrs N J Dunlop
Hamilton

This is the best acount of the evacuation I have read it was printed in the New M.H.

[Page 420]
[The pages of this letter all stamped as passed by the Censor.]
I trust you & Dr Dunlop are enjoying the best of health & spirits & wish you both a happy continuance of these blessings. I sent you a Xmas greeting some time ago.
I remain
Yours Faithfully
Clem

7th A.A.S.C.
N.Z & A. Divn’l Train
N.Z. & A. Division
On Active Service
12-1-16

My Dear Mrs Dunlop

I received your lengthy & welcome letter just before leaving Anzac.

Many thanks for your news & cheerfulness. Give me a nice letter anytime, even before, [dash] an Australian Billy-can & they are hard to beat for comforts, as we found out by the useful & thoughtful articles they contained.

Many thanks Mrs Dunlop for your kind offer to forward anything for my men or myself. But, thanks to you good people at home & the Government, no troops were ever looked after better than the A.I.F. We share in all goods, which that are "pooled" which I consider a very fair system.

Therefore you see, my men & I have already shared in your generosity & good works so along with others, you have a nation’s continual thanks. I am well & have been promoted captain since last I wrote.

News is scare here so I will enclose an account of the evacuation which might interest you & the doctors. Being present on the first & last day I am lucky to have seen the Alpha & Omega of an exciting, though unsuccessful attempt to force the Dardenelles

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 421]
For weeks prior to the evacuation of Anzac & Suvla Bay, by our forces, things denoted that troops would be shortly withdrawn from that area.

The rumour that went the rounds to account for the gradually clearing of hospitals, removal of troops & the diminution of Ordnance & supplies, was that the garrison was to be reduced by ½ owing to winter approaching & a reserve force kept on the Island of Imbros, about 5 miles off the coast.
I must say this gossip seemed to satisfy mostly everyone & if the departing troops were not off for a rest then Salonica must be their destination.

Then the news, that 1 gun per battery was moved during one night. Still we never thought of such a thing as evacuation.

On 15th of Dec. 5 days before we finally left, no doubt as to what was going to be done, existed.

I happened to be near Mule Gully where the Ordnance Dept had their stocks & witnessed a sight which perhaps reminded me of a Bargain Sale at Winns. [Winns Department Store, Newcastle, NSW.]
An officer announced that the stores were "open to the public" & immediately the yard was a mass of struggling soldiers. Cases were burst open & if the contents was not needed, then others were serched. Gum boots, revolvers, ankle boots, water-proof

[Page 422]
capes & other articles were in most demand. Who wanted ordinary soldiers’ equipment when we were clearing out?

Some amusing scenes I witnessed included men stripping all their underclothing & uniforms off & getting into new clean clothes, right on the spot.
I threw my old hat away & got a new cap.

As the men were carring the goods back to the trenches, afterwards only those who had a written order to procure goods were admitted to the stores.

I might here state Anzac Cove where all the waterside traffic had been carried on from the date of our original landing till a few months ago, had not been used. Besides being enfiladed by a gun called Beachy Bill the sea in rough weather would come right up to the base of the hills. The jettys here too were washed away some time ago.

Again, Anzac Cove was under observation from Gaba Tepe so all over water sea traffic was carried on at Walkers & Williams piers situated a few hundred yds north of Anzac & around a short point.

A tramp steamer was purposely sunk here about 4 months ago to form a breakwater for the jetty. It was fairly effective in the rough weather we had

[Page 423]
Now roughly speaking, there were about 60,000 troops from Anzac to Suvla Bay.
It was decided to embark stores & men both from the 1st & 2nd named position. Suvla, from a strategical point of view was alright for a area from which to evacuate as the position occupied, back to the wharves, was comparatively flat. This feature made it possible for the navy & machine guns to give protection by covering fire, in the event of a rear-guard action having to be fought.
At Anzac, the Turks had a salient into our line just above where we intended to embark & besides being only 15 or 20 yds from our trenches, the Turks were closer to the coast than in any other part. This is where our anxiety came in. If they broke through our weakened line at this salient, above our evacuating point, our flanks from Lone Pine section & Australia Valley would be cut off from the jettys & isolated.

Provision was made to deal with 5000 casualties in case it came to a fight at the finish.
A proportion of the hospital staffs were to be left behind until the end & if all went well, then they would embark too. They were provided with a notice each on which was written in French & Turkish

[Page 424]
information & a certificate that the bearer was a bona-fide member of medical service, under the Geneva Convention.

As the Turks were only about 200 yds from our wharves, they could plainly see all our transportation after the lighters had proceeded 100 yds. Till then the high cliffs screened our movements & the base for stores & ammunition.

The way we removed stores was most barefaced. All day long for the last week self-propelled lighters were busy taking impedimenta off to transports.
At night they carried 400 troops each trip & heavy guns & animals.

Although we had to move men away to the transports in bright moonlight, it gave us a counter advantage in showing up the enemy, should they attack & making the position defensible by reduced numbers.
On the 18th Dec the Garrison was 6,000 men in Anzac position. That night 3000 were got away.

Now one way of reckoning an enemy’s numbers is by observing the amount of rations & water taken to the different positions [so] we had to keep men & pack mules moving along the different communications to make things appear normal. The Indians who controlled the mules left 3 days before the end. Infantrymen took their places

[Page 425]
attending to the mules & leading them up & down.

Now the Turks could see men going off but of course it has been a usual thing on both sides to send men away for a rest. They probably thought that others were coming to replace them.
Again, we may have only been decoying them to come out & attack us while seeming to have a reduced force. Anyhow it is a puzzle to me.

So as to make any cessation of fire seem commonplace, we had been ordered about a month previously to abstain from firing for 24 hours & try & give the enemy the idea then that we were evacuating. Of course not knowing the sequel of the scheme which was our real evacuation, we all thought that it was a very weak attempt to draw the enemy from his trenches.

In some quarters the impression was that the enemy were only holding their line with a small force.
Now the success of our move would be increased if in addition to getting off men guns & munitions we could destroy what was inadvisable to move.

Fire was not to be resorted to in any great extent as the enemy must see the blaze & combining that with other incidents would tend to confirm

[Page 426]
[This page, originally written in pencil, has been rewritten in ink. See image for details.]
any suspicions that they might have.

Stacks of stores near the jetty were saturated with paraffin & made ready to fire.
At midnight on 16th Dec these caught fire by unknown means & made a great blaze. It was smouldering when we left 3 days later. Probably it was set fire by some thoughtless person for the sake of excitement or else by a shell.
Anyhow it looked as though all arrangements would be upset for it lit up all that portion of the shore where we were getting men & stores off.
It could also be taken that we were intentionally destroying stores.
Although the scheme was arranged no dates was given but only that the final stage of "shooting the moon" would be spread over 2 nights.

The Naval authorities controlled all movements once the troops reached the pier. The weather had to be studied & any rough water when once the [dash/indecipherable] stage was passed meant disaster.

On the last day 19th Dec 3000 men were holding the line of defence around Anzac with 2 guns, much worn.
The Artillery, to keep up the idea that we still had the usual number of guns, kept these 2 pieces busy. First firing a couple of rounds in one direction & then in an

[Page 427]
[This page, originally written in pencil, has been rewritten in ink. The first half has been struck through in pencil, but is transcribed here. See image for details.]
altogether different direction area.

All artillary was removed with the exception of 2 guns & these were finally destroyed
Out of about 700 horses & mules we got them all away at Sulva Pier, with the exception of about 50 which at the last were worked night & day They were not destroyed by us probably as a reward for good & faithful service. Anyhow they were played out. Only one of the original mules, out of hundreds remained. He was known as Enver Pasha & spent the last few months as a pet. He had a number of bullets in him. Our losses in mules used to be fairly heavy. [Ismail Enver Pasha or Enver Pasha, 1881-1922, was a Turkish military officer and politician, serving as the Turklish Minister of War during World War 1. ‘Pasha’ was a military rank equivalent to Brigadier.]
Although the enemy never bothered us much by air reconnaissance our people took no risks & we continually had an aeroplane up to keep their aeronauts from coming over. On the 2nd second last night we heard an aeroplane overhead & were much relieved when we learned it was one of our fleet.

The 3000 men were got away in batches timed to embark at 6, 9 & 11 pm.
The distances from the flanks to the piers was about 2 miles so you can image how much depended on the enemy not breaking through our defence in the centre.
I was timed to go at 6, but there were a few too many so had to wait near the pier till 11.

[Page 428]
[This page, originally written in pencil, has been rewritten in ink. See image for details.]
The piers were covered with sacks to deaden any noise made by walking on planking.
Everything went off excellently. The Turks were putting out barb-wire till the last which seems to show that they were unaware of our move & perhaps on the contrary protecting themselves against an expected attack from us. Again another sign that seemed to denote that they knew nothing of our scheme was no unusual shelling of the beaches & the pier area.

They had a trump card ready as we well knew for on the 5th Dec. they gave us a taste of the real German High Explosive.
Shells landed in a hospital on the beach & it was an awful scene.
Stretcher patients who were there & escaped, crawled out & attempted to get away. It was the first & last of this particular brand of shell we had hurled at us. More of it would have arrived later I suppose.

All rum, I suppose there must have been hundreds of gallons of it, was destroyed 4 days previously. The jars were knocked against each other at the waters edge in the presence of the Provost marshal & his staff. No risk was being taken or men getting muddled heads. All supplies that remained were dealt out freely. The warships destroyed anything remaining by shell fire the next day. Altogether the enemy got very little.

Individuals may have got comforts & tropheys.

[Page 429]
[This page was originally written in pencil. The first full sentence has been rewritten in ink. The rest of the page is still in pencil and has been struck through, but is transcribed here. See image for details.]
that’s all.

So that rifle fire could be kept up till after we had got to the boats, some ingenuous devices were used.

The principal one was managed by charging a rifle. A string was then tied to the trigger & after running through a loop a can was tied to the end hanging down.
Above this tin can was another one with a hole in the bottom, so that after a certain amount of water had run from the upper can the weight in the bottom one pulled the trigger of the rifle. By different sized-tins and holes, difference in the time of discharging the rifle was brought about.

We destroyed a number of bombs but those kind which are set going by a friction tube were used a good deal by the men for making "booby traps".
The bomb would be made fast to a blanket etc. & buried in the ground a few inches. The idea was when Johnny Turk picked up the object, he sort of pulled a Xmas cracker. I suppose they pulled mostly prizes.
Understand, was not done by military orders & not for vindictiveness by the men. It was done as a sort of joke, I should imagine, as they would play at home only there it was intended to cause loss of life made lawful, by "civilized" people.

[Page 430]
[This page, originally written in pencil, has been rewritten in ink. The second half has been struck through in pencil, but is transcribed here. See image for details.]
Every machine gun was carried away the last which was very creditable
Not a single casuality which was incurred which could be attributed to the evacuation.
We were told by navel people that the Turks never came down the following day at all but bombarded the beach heavier than usual. They must have been surprised when they discovered our departure. Generals superceded & all that sort of thing I imagine would be the result in the enemy’s army.

It was an extraordinary success. (Only the evacuation I mean) & helped to gild the bitter pill of having to leave what had cost so much.

One consolation is that I never heard a person say after Aug when the opposing lines were consolidated "We can advance & now they are taking us away". Everyone, of course I am not speaking for Generals, seem to agree that it was not worth hanging on.

The enemy had the best & higher positions. We had to depend on overseas for munitions which could be interrupted by rough weather The Turks had only to shell a limited area ie along the beach where our stores & working parties were. We had to shell the whole Peninsula & chance getting at their congregations & stores.
They would have blown us out in a week if they would have had better Howitzers. They were getting German ones down the Danube

[Page 431]
[This page, originally written in pencil, has been rewritten in ink. See image for details.]
So we heard.

Yes, if they would have had better Howitzers & plenty of ammunition, we would have been away months ago & in an awful hurry too. Probably the deciding argument in evacuating Gallipoli was when Germany linked up with Turkey, as a result of the Balkan situation. Never mind, they say the first 7 years of a war are the worst.

About midnight we got on board the steamer & had a cup of coffee given to us.

We arrived at Mudros next morning at dawn & when we got ashore about 3 oclock in the afternoon I had been in 6 steamers from the time of leaving Anzac. We were hungry & sleepy & my back was nearly breaking. I carried an infantry knapsack full, 2 blankets greatcoat & a valise besides the ordinary gear.

We stopped at Mudros about 2 weeks & there it was I spent Xmas I got an Australian Billycan & inside was, chocolates, cards, cigarettes etc.

A German aeroplane came over twice & tried to drop bombs on our camp but missed badly. The bombs seem to depend on concussion for their value, for when we dup up pieces, it was only the thickness of a shilling.

A quick run over to Alexandria with 6 generals on our steamer & then a train journey down to near the canal.

Yours Faithfully,
Clem

[Page 432]
Rough Sketch from Memory

Showing where troops were evacuated from Anzac Gallipolli 18 – 19 & 19 – 20 Dec. 15.

[Sketch map shows Suvla Bay, Anzac Cove, Cape Gaba Tepe and other points including trench lines, Lone Pine, Mule Gully, piers, etc.]

[Page 433]
[Printed business card with handwritten note.]
Many apologies

Ernest J. Gamgee
Sub-Editor
"Newcastle Herald"

[Page 434]
[Envelope]

Mrs [indecipherable – probably Mrs N J Dunlop.]
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
NSW
Australia

[Page 435]
7th A.A.S.C
4th Aust. Inft Bgde
B.E.F.
21/1/17

My Dear Mrs Dunlop.

Your pretty Australian Card with best wishes & the enclosed letter, came to hand to-day. Many thanks to you & the dear Dr. Its the next best thing to a trip home, to gaze on at least the picture of ones homeland & the national wattle

Only 20 minutes ago, my mates were asking how it is that people do live in a country like "La belle" France with its climate, so dreary for 6 months of the year? I suppose its a case of knowing none better, through lack of travel, they are satisfied. I must honestly say that for a couple of months it is very nice here.

At present it is snowing & has been so for the past 3 days. We are in a very busy area & please watch the papers for further announcements in the Spring. Depend upon it, the circus will show, wet or fine then, with Haig as the ringmaster. Ah, sure we are disgusted with the NO conscription vote. Still, I half expected the result as it was, for many cold-footed individuals had shown by their actions in not enlisting previously, how they valued their skins with their honour. By such a referenda, taken 2½ years after the commencement of war, it was like asking Bill Sykes if he desired to go into such a nasty horrid place as gaol. [Bill Sikes, a criminal character in Charles Dickens’ "Oliver Twist".]
What a number of our poor Yes’s are under the soil – deprived of upholding a Nations Honour

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 436]
at the Ballot Box, in consequence of their Patriotism.
No vote was ever taken whether we should enter into the War, – was it necessary to keep the same war going? Never mind, I hope to have the satisfaction some day of asking individuals to shew me what part of the map they inhabited between August 4th 1914 & [dash]. & why?
I have had a new job the last few times our Division has been in the line & it is my most responsible one to date. Also the most trying one on my constitution. At present I feel a wee bit run down owing to last time being too enthusiastic in the manual part of the job. Hope to tell you more later.

This is a country of mud in the Winter. You can never imagine it. Twice I have been bogged & had to leave my thigh rubber boots behind so as to get pulled out. There are shell holes everywhere & in more places that not, they overlap each other.

My orderly, was killed by a shell the 1st day we came into the line, this time. Hard Luck poor chap.

Oh, it is cold, these times. Never mind, I hope to be with you all (D.V) by next Winter.

I must be careful not to let such a gap occur in my correspondence again.
Will now conclude with Best Wishes to You All
Yours Faithfully
Clem Walsh

[Page 437]
[Field Service Postcard]
Dr & Mrs N. J. Dunlop
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Written sideways on the left-hand side:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 438]
[Postcard showing a photograph of a soldier on horseback. It would seem from the following page the rider is Clem Walsh.]
Best of Wishes
Clem Walsh
France
11/5/17

[Page 439]
[Message side of the postcard on the previous page]
My Dear Dr. & Mrs Dunlop

Only 2 hours ago I rec’d your usually kind letter. This only a "Whiz-Bang" (The term was originally used to describe the shell of a high velocity field gun) to say, "All’s Well and to give you a sample of the work of a French, Oliver Godfrey, I happened to meet once! It was 2 months before I could get to him again. The horse I am riding was brought from Sydney in 1914 by my late Colonel & its main value consists, after 2½ years service, in being an old friend. It was really for the remembrance of my old nag that I faced the camera. Will write to you, more fully later on.

Best of Wishes Clem

[Written sideways on the left:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 440]
[Envelope]
Dr & Mrs Dunlop
Beaumont & Cleary Sts
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Signed:} C R Walsh

[Page 441]
[Envelope]
On Active Service No Stamps Needed

Dr & Mrs N. J Dunlop
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

Censored
C R Walsh
A.S.C

[Page 442]
[Photograph of two soldiers sitting on a stone wall. See next page for description.]

[Page 443]
Pat & I at Anzac. Gee Whizz!! but the flies do trouble one, when you have been through the ceremony of the tonsor. Dont I look a queer citizen. All the same I found it nice in the warm weather. When we haf the cold ‘snap" I had to sleep with a regular sort of turban to keep my top story warm.

The photograph is unfortunately under exposed.
Looking at this again later, I would say fortunately.

Just came across this photo, which I previously intended sending home. I decided later not to, do so as it might hinder recruiting.

Clem Walsh
20-3-16

[Page 444]
7th A.A.S.C.
4th Austrln. Divisn’l Train
4th Austrln. Division
On Active Service
20-3-16

Dear Dr & Mrs Dunlop

By a great stroke of luck, I received your long & interesting letter of 27th Jan. about a week ago.

The reason I connect luck with the receipt of my mail is, that of late, I have become a sort of Will-o-the Wisp to the Postal Dept. You see, I have been attached to a new Division but the chief reason is that I have been on trek."

The coy. I previously went Turk hunting with was divided into 3 parts about a month ago. Each section formed the nucelus of 3 new formations, the numbers being made up, by new arrivals. Thus each had a "stiffening" of men who had experience on the Peninsula.

About the middle of January I sent you a letter with an account of our departure from Anzac owing to us not being on friendly terms with our neighbours there. Did you get it alright?

[Page 445]
I arrived back in Egypt on 2-1-16 after showing a clean pair of, [dash] propellers to a German submarine on the run across. It was probably the one that sank the "Persia".

We were put into a train at the wharf & until a few days ago were on the move from one place to another.

Travelling with a light outfit & once or twice getting seperated from my blankets I decided that there’s no place like Anzac for settling one’s differences, after all.

Of course, there is nothing like the same danger here from "fireworks" although we had one Army Service Corps officer killed (Sth Australian) & a couple of men as well, by the Senoussi. They are brave but ill-equipped for modern fighting.

At present I am in the Suez Canal locality and, along with another Australian Officer & a few men, we are the only "Kangaroos" in this camp. All the remainder are English troops, but a week ago I was with Australians. I met Dr Marolli twice, he was M.O. to the [dash]th Batt.

[Captain, later Major, Giuseppe Enzo Marolli had come to Australia in 1906 and settled in Newcastle NSW, where he had a medical practice in Denison Street, Hamilton. He embarked from Sydney on 9 November 1915 on HMAT A72 Beltana as Medical Officer with the 3oth Infantry Battalion.]

[Page 446]
He told me he was trying to get into a new formation. He looks splendid. Capt Dr St. V. Welsh is now Major. I met Dr Greaves, late of Stockton, he is on a base job but yearning for a mobile position. He had his son with him. He went down to Sydney with me, when I first, was sent there. I read where, Dr Odillo Maher died. What a great loss to humanity.

I don’t think the Turks will trouble about invading Egypt. Still nothing is being left to chance.

Of course we are all wondering where we will go to from here. If I am was allowed to vote, my ballot paper would be marked; Salonica. Not that I think, that is our destination, but the conditions would be more primitive & therefore interesting.

Well, its a good thing for us Turkey has shown her hand. It has settled the protectrate question in Egypt & £80,000 per annum is saved which we also paid her for exercising control of over Cyprus. We have lost no territory & has opened our eyes to putting the Suez Canal in a

[Captain Herbert Locksley St Vincent Welch DSO, medical practitioner, embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 on HMAT A18 Wiltshire with the 4th Field Ambulance and served at Gallipoli and in France.
Dr Greaves, late of Stockton: probably Dr Frederick Wallscourt Blake Greaves MB ChM, 1886-1956, senior medical officer at Newcastle Hospital in 1915. There is no record of service in WW1 in the Australian War Memorial or National Archives sites. (Sources: Sands Directories of Sydney and New South Wales, Australia, 1858-1933.; University of Sydney Archives; NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages; TROVE newspaper archives.)
Dr William Odillo Maher, ophthalmic surgeon, 1858-1916. His son Dr (Captain) Herbert Odillo Maher served in the First World War with the Australian Army Medical Corps from July 1916 to September 1918 when he returned to Australia.]

[Page 447]
permanent state of defense. My word, the railway from Port Said to Suez has come in useful to us.

Supposing we did not have command of the sea & an enemy landed troops in the Northern Territory. Why they would have a better line of communication than we, who had been there for 100 years. I wonder will we profit by the lesson we have learnt? Probably not.

Dear Mrs Dunlop, don’t be afraid that your’s & the other good people’s efforts at home are unavailing. Everywhere here, we have examples of the good work carried on by those at home.

Of course, the economical production of the result, in my opinion deserves careful consideration. To give a parable, I will pirate an article I saw in "The Bulletin".

Clerks, business men & others, mostly more or less mental workers, attended to clear scrub at De Why or Pittwater in their spare time. Now, I suppose these men, owing to their unsuitability, hardly cleared sufficient land to pay for boat fares, tram fares, meals & I’ll bet, broken wedges & axes.

[Page 448]
They could all have produced better results by doing work, of a clerical nature, even of distributing War census cards and their places as "grubbers" taken by a few paid experienced men. Now, as regards the application of my argument to auxiliary War Aid societies. The few of them the better.

I would divide them roughly as follows. Those intended to provide staffs, comforts & accommodation for sick & convalescents, under the control of the army. This can only be done satisfactorily, by residents on the spot. Unfortunately the English population here is small, but they are energetic.
Hospital comforts can be sent to them by having a representative here. I feel sure in this section, Australia’s assistance in England is not needed.

Comforts, not provided by the Government, for men in camps & in the field.
In the camps here & in Australia I would suggest that, that grand body, the Y.M.C A be intrusted with the providing of amusement & the distribution of comforts to the troops in health. They have the staff

[Page 449]
the organization & the experience.

Give them cash or the goods & I’ll guarantee they will handle the proposition more satisfactorily & economically than 200 disunited funds. Of course my idea is to keep all local societies going, make no distinction of regiments or towns & pool the lot under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A or another body. The first society for preference.

At present the Y.M.C.A. seem to cater mostly for the entertainment of the troops & they do it well. Most camps have a large marquee with papers, piano etc. I cannot too strongly urge the necessity of no distinction being made as reqards towns & regiments. I admit, it is an incentive to contributing

Our distributing scheme has not been brought to a sufficiently fine art to carry this out successfully. Individuals & small societies sending their seperate lots, is all right to wipe off the annual deficit of the Commonwealth Postal Dept. but it is against the law of economics. Those "billys" were just the thing. I got one on Xmas eve from a padre

[Page 450]
Articles contributed to augment those used & supplied by the Govrmt.
This section would include, sandbags, bandages & dressings, first field dressings, socks, Balaclava caps, mittens etc. crutches, splints, Invalids clothing.

All these should be delivered to & only handled by the Army Ordnance Dept.
Even though sandbags can be made cheaply in India from jute on the spot I consider all used commercial sacks should be made up into sandbags. If new hessian is used I would think that after duty, freight etc. is paid on it, that the Goverment could manage better, by getting them made in India by machines, cheaper. Labour is cheaper there too.

Now as regards knitted work. Men are supplied with caps & socks by the Ordnance Dept. on a regular scale. If they have just had socks from issue & a comforts lot arrives will men will waste them when they are plentiful as you know. The Dept. could use all knitted work by issuing it, where a check is kept on a man’s kit.

[Page 451]
Provision to be made for men returning from the war.
I know the C/W Govrnt are looking after this matter. We have been given cards to fill in, concerning it.

Perhaps I am wide of the mark for I have had no experience in these things. Also I am looking at things only from this end & know little of affairs in Australia.

You told me Mrs. Dunlop that you sent me a parcel at Xmas & enquired by if I received it. Many thanks for your kindness but I am also including the thanks of the chap who probably received it. Never mind, depend on it, a "soldier somewhere" received it & rejoiced. I will send you a Turkish Cartridge by the next mail.
Excuse all the scratchings & mistakes. I know it is bad form attacking the remarks but I feel I must excuse myself this time. Going at full speed, to catch the mail in the morning. Best wishes to you both.

Yours faithfully
Clem Walsh.

[Page 452]
7th A A S C
4th Aust Divn
B.E F
25-6-17

Dear Dr & Mrs Dunlop,

Many thanks for your most welcome letter of 1/4/17 which I rec’d only 2 days ago. It was 12 weeks in the mail-bag but I won’t growl for, these times all effort should be given to matters directly concerned in winning the war.

Now I’ll discuss the prevailing weather. It was just this time last year that we arrived in France & strange to say, quite close to where we are now.
Probably I told you then, how delighted we all were with our surroundings, the climate and the people.

All these changed, when in the Winter we went to the Somme district in Picardy. I’ll try & forget those 6 months. Really, this place is picturesque & from May to October the climate is all that could be desired. During this period I would decidedly say it is a nicer country to be in than Australia – of course I am only speaking of the country, for it is a big drawback to be away from home & people. It is hard, for an

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9-8-32

[Page 453]
an Australian especially, to admit that there is a fairer country than his own, even though it is only for a fraction of the year.

We have just finished one of the most successful "stunts" so far. Sort of, got a very good value for our expenditure. Sometimes even after a success, it is hard to read the Bill of Costs, in the shape of a casualty report where many a good comrade is included.

Along with the N. Zealanders & Irish we took [dash]Ridge. Everything went off (besides the mines) with such precision that all objectives were reached & at the arranged times too.

Not that it was a one-sided affair by any means. Not The Germans knew of it & we knew that they knew. They also knew that we knew that they knew. Do you get me?

At present we are resting & this bulletin is being pencilled in a loft over a farm house. The surroundings are varied by a collection of harness, timber, grain, farming implements & the household furniture of refugees. I have not included the rats for they are accepted on the same terms as myself – lodgers.

[Page 454]
A few days ago the Germans shelled a church within 500 yds of here & killed the local priest besides four civilians, included in the casualties was a baby. The 1st shot hit the steeple & down it came.

This tabernacle was in a small hamlet miles behind the line & was used by the Huns only to range their gun on. When they got the distance then they started on perhaps a legitimate target.

Personally, I think they would not have done the damage (at least, for economical reasons) if they had know the distance to the target which had some military importance but it shows how little they stick at destroying churches, which are usually the highest point in a village, & consequently a good aiming mark for the mathematical calculation of gunnery targets. It is only the carrying out, I suppose, of the teachings of Moltke & Bismarck which are still in their military text books, to make war a success – make it morally, terrible.

26-6-17 To-day I have been "hob-nobbing" with Royalty. The military Routine Order did not call it that, but said it was a review of representatives from different units by The Duke of Connaught who I have discovered is the King’s uncle, he being the Late King Edwards eldest Brother

[Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898), Prussian statesman and strategist.
Helmuth von Moltke (1848-1916), Chief of the German general Staff at the outbreak of World War I.
Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850-1942), seventh child and third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; Governor General of Canada 1911-1916, and King Edward VII’s and the Canadian Commander-in-Chief's representative through the first years of World War I.]

[Page 455]
Well, Mrs Dunlop, my good looks got me the job of representing our lot amongst 25 officers from the Division.

As the rendezvous had been bombarded by Taubes fairly often, we had a couple of our planes overhead all the time to see fair play. Later on, the trophys of guns, mortars & machine guns captured in the last "stunt", were inspected as they stood in a village square, close by.

Dr Douglas left here to-day as he is returning to Australia. I had dinner with him a week ago & he told me Dr Horsfall was away with the Navy. It must be hard on him with his partner going away & leaving the practice to locums. At least I should image so. It is a wonder he did not wait until Dr Douglas returned. All ranks were sorry to lose the "wee" captain & his major told me that he was one of their best officers. I hear that Drs Eames & Dick are listening to 99, 100 in The Old Country still.

We have had quite an epidemic amongst our captive observation Balloons the past week. The Huns consider we are too inquisitive & over comes a couple of their "planes".

[Dr (Captain) John Campbell Douglas, of Adamstown, NSW, embarked from Sydney on 23 October 1915 on SS Hawkes Bay and served in the AAMC. He returned to Australia on 22 July 1917.
Dr W M (William Nicholas) Horsfall, physician, Hamilton, NSW. (Source: Sands Directories of Sydney and New South Wales, Australia, 1858-1933.)
Dr William L’Estrange Eames (1863-1956), medical practitioner and soldier, lived in Newcastle NSW, where he was in general practice with Dr J L Beeston. He served in the South African War. He was visiting England in 1914 when war broke out, and was appointed to command the Australian Voluntary Hospital at Nazaire, France, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr Robert Dick, MD CM, physician and health officer, Newcastle, NSW. (Source: Sands Directories of Sydney and New South Wales, Australia, 1858-1933.)]

[Page 456]
Then in spite of Anti-aircraft guns they swoop down out of the sky, & fire incendiary bullets from their machine guns into the big gas bag. I have seen them bring 3 down adjoining each other in the one raid. Still we do just the same when the enemy fly theirs. We always outnumber the Germans, on all fronts that I have been on, in the number of observation balloons.

The aeronauts jump out in parachutes when they seen an attacking plane coming & one day there was such a craze on for this sort of "sport" that six men were floating down from balloons at the one time dodging "planes".

Like a happy bride sending a piece of wedding cake to her friends, I am sending you a small piece of ribbon from a Military Cross which happened to come my way. I hope to get the long service medal in about 14 more years. Still – I have not given up hope of getting down the gangway of a transport at the Kings Wharf yet. Probably they will berth up near Tighes Hill or Smedmore then. Just heard of the S.S. Mongolia going down – probably had some letters & parcels of mine on board. Trust yourselves & the baby are all well in health.

Best Wishes
Clem

[Tighes Hill and Smedmore (part of Wickham) are suburban areas of Newcastle, NSW.]

[Page 457]
[Envelope]
Dr & Mrs N. J. Dunlop
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C R Walsh

[Page 458]
[Field Service postcard]
Dr & Mrs N. J. Dunlop
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Written sideways on the left:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 459]
[Messages side of the Field Service postcard on the previous page. Message reads:]

I am quite well.
I have received your letter dated July
Letter follows at first opportunity.

[Signed:] Clem Walsh
29-9-17

[Page 460]
[Envelope]
Mrs N. J Dunlop
Beaumont & Cleary Sts
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C R Walsh

[Written in a different hand:] Ans Aug 24th

[Page 461]
In the Field
16-6-18

My Dear Mrs Dunlop,

Once again, even though belated, I start to answer your last few letters. I was afraid you would have had the bailiff in on me, for my debt, ere this. Never mind, – I’ll start right now and try to make up some of the leeway, caused on my part.

So, Poor old "Fergie" is out of action, Eh? It must be a great consolation to him, to have a companion in Mrs Ferguson as he is at present. He appeared to live a very quite life and kept to himself a good deal. I hope the remote chance comes his way, of once again driving about with his chestnut pony, in the town where he is such an old identity. What is Dr Doyle’s pet hobby these stirring times, besides telling patients to order a wooden jacket at Neves & fighting the local hospital?

Is he a war enthusiast or was his name in the "47,000"?

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 462]
I have been limping about like the oldest inhabitent, with sciatica & lumbago for the past week or so but, am on the mend now. I have just left off to see an awful accident to one of four balloonists.

Hearing a lot of machine-gun fire, I looked out and saw a Hun aeroplane approaching on[e] of our captive balloons. The two occupants jumped out and, one of the poor fellow’s parachute failed to open successfully and he came down at a pace that he must certainly have been killed. The Hun plane then fired into the balloon and it came down in flames. This is the first occasion I have ever seen a parachute fail to open and I have seen as many as five in the air at the one time. Again, I start my chronicle on the following day to recording the above accident but have a correction to make. By a miracle the balloonist who came down with only his parachute half open, landed amongst some trees and escaped without a bone broken and only received a severe fright. Isn’t it wonderful the luck he had for here, the trees are very few.

I was looking through my glasses at him coming down and could see him trying to jerk the parachute right open, while his partner came down quite slowly in the other one. At present, I am bivouaced on a hill which overlooks the enemy’s position at one point and our artillery keep a constant fire on the Germans. I suppose you all were a bit depressed at the Germans’ advance the last few months. Well, that is not the case here and would not be, even if the Germans had been twice as successful. Nobody here, ever doubts but that we will win. Time is only the unknown quantity as regards the end of the war or, at least that is the feeling of the men in the field.

The weather at present is perfect and excels any that I have ever experienced in N.S.W. It is a pity that the Winters, discount the climate such a lot later on in the year. It is now 9. P.M. and I am writing this inside without a light. I cannot understand why the people of Australia repealed the Daylight Savings Bill

[Page 463]
especially as they have not even the twilight of the Western World.

How has Dr Douglas’ practice got on in his absence? You know, Mrs Dunlop I’m afraid all these army doctors will lose that sympathetic bedside manner so essential to a successful family physician since dealing with the "Billyims". I can see them telling Mrs Brown that her husband is malingering and ordering him to do a route march, as a punishment when the poor man wants to go on the lodge for a days spell. Lt-Coln Mosley (he did locum at the "surgery", once) is Assistant Director of Medical Servises of this Division. Lt. Coln Thompson (about 28, glasses, a smile, & prominent teeth) who was doing locum just after the outbreak of war, is now in command of a Field Ambulance. Most of the Drs about here now are very young and the older men appear to be working in more comfortable & settled jobs.
Well, News is scare so, wishing you All Good Health & Spirits, I’ll say
So-Long
Clem Walsh

[Captain John Campbell Douglas, medical practitioner of Adamstown, NSW, embarked from Sydney on 23 October 1915 on SS Hawkes Bay and served in the AAMC. He returned to Australia on 22 July 1917.
Lt-Coln Mosley: probably Colonel Arthur Henry Moseley, 5th Field Ambulance, joined the Army on 26 March 1915 and returned to Australia on 21 June 1919.
Lt. Coln Thompson: probably Captain (Dr), later Lieutenant Colonel Clive Wentworth Thompson MC DSO, 1882-1941, medical practitioner and soldier, embarked as a medical officer with the 1st Infantry Battalion from Sydney on HMAT A19 Afric on 18 October 1914. He gave distinguished service at Gallipoli, where he was awarded the Military Cross, and with the 14th Field Ambulance in France, where he was mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He returned to Australia on 23 October 1919.]

[Page 464]
[Envelope]
Mrs N J Dunlop
Beaumont & Denison Sts
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C R Walsh

[Page 465]
[This four-page letter is undated but is written from Egypt prior to Clem Walsh’s departure for Gallipoli, and so predates the letter beginning on page 399, written from Gallipoli on 20 June 1915.]
4th Coy. Divisional Train
4th Infantry Brigade
N.Z. & A Division
On Active Service,
c/o Victoria Barracks
Sydney.

Dear Drs

I am still at Heliopolis which is about 7 miles from Cairo, to which it is connected by electric tram, equal to the suburban railways of Australia.

The Totalisator is used on the racecourses here but the prize money is small compared with at home. Most of the horses are fine symettrical animals but are only about 13½ to 14½ hands high & although seeming to have better stamina, they have not the speed of our English racehorses.

Cairo is worth a visit, en route to Europe, if ever you go abroad and can easily be worked in by leaving the steamer at Suez, then a train journey of about 100 miles to Cairo. After a week in that city antother run of 120 miles to Alexandria of 50 to Port Said.

I understand some bad reports appeared in the Australian Press concerning the Australian troops in Egypt & I will try & give you the facts.

At the time of the "Stinking Fish" Press articles, appearing in Australia, nothing had happened here to warrant

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 466]
their publication, when the surroundings in which the troops found themselves are taken into consideration

Perhaps there was disorder & crime but would not the same state exist in Australia as any other country if 50,000 soldiers, usually not Apostles of Aestheticism, are landed in a strange country where the legislative & executive control was weak & mismanaged, gaiety the sole object in life and the morals of the people bad.

The facts are, the country being under different nations & different systems of control, with a very cosmopolitan population, has developed inferior laws, bad administration and the extremes in the possession of wealth.

The judicial power over foreigners is vested in their consuls who are usually lenient to their own countrymen and the country whom they represent having no control over Egypt is not conducive to them acting for the reformation of this land.

Everywhere, in the administration "Backsheesh" plays an import part & scandels are announced every day in the newspapers, which, by the way, are of an extraordinary low standard as far as the English ones are concerned.

I have seen the native police in the street openly demanding ransom from intended prisoners and fruit sellers purchasing the right to trade by a gift of their wares.

The Municipal control is mysterious. I read in the newspaper that at Suez, the qualifications of an elector were unknown & depended on the favour of a committee who granted franchise to a man one year & cancelled it the next according to their fancy.

The education of the nation is neglected and is only to be obtained by fees, which are far beyond the reach of the bulk of the inhabitants, the primary school costs about 5/- per week.

Everywhere you see poverty & the results of disease, children working in the streets up till 12 o’clock at night – & then sleeping in their rags on the footpath. The shops are open every day & up till 12 o’clock at night and nearly every second one selling ixtoxicating drink, for no fees are paid here for a liscene to sell but only the usual inland revenue tax is collected from the brewers.

The hospitals supported by the Government are few and the bulk are assisted by religious & and foreign communities.

The homes of the peasant Arabs are as primitive as the Australian Gunyah & sanitation is unknown.

[Page 467]
Now just image 50,000 troops landing here where everything is strange after being confined on a steamer for 6 weeks and the military authorities receiving practically no assistance from the civil administration but instead, holding out temptation to vice, in every shape and & form.

Of course there is no excuse for crime amongst soldiers and neither am I offering any for their misbehaviour. In my opinion all the trouble was inevitable & it is greatly to be deplored on account of the mixed feeling in regard to The Occupation.

Gossip says that the present Sultan was not keen on getting his present job and 2 days ago an attempt was made on his life.

I enclose a pamphlet given us on arrival by Dr Barrett of Melbourne, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist [See page 469 for the pamphlet – on venereal disease.]
I have increased my weight slightly since I left Australia & feel grand.

We leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination along with a lot of French Colonial Troops, which we join at Alexandria.

Horses have spare shoes, Swords & Bayonets are sharpened & other businesslike arrangements completed Perhaps ere this reaches you, the Australian papers will have told you our doings in the Gallipoli Peninsula. [I have not mentioned my departure from Egypt to my people]
From this on, a very strict censorship will be exercised over all our letters, so do not expect too much news. I will look forward to getting a note from each of your kind selves at all times and trust that you both are in good health.

Give my kind remembrances to Mrs Dunlop, Miss Williams Nellie Gray & the dispenser. I would like to hear from them all, for it is only when away that a person realizes the value of a letter from home.

Dr Beeston & his command are close to us & leaving with at the same time. He is still like Johnnie Walker & has brought along a twin brother of the Australian terrier he had in Newcastle. This one he found in Melbourne and I believe it is the only one that has not been lost, for it is impossible to keep a dog. They seem to think that all kharki figures are the same. I have lost three. In our Company we have as pets, a donkey, kangaroo & 2 monkeys.

Could you please find out "John Barron’s horse brand? All officers now have to wear the same uniforms & equipment as the men to prevent them being made a special target of.

I spent Good Friday acting as prosecuting officer at a Court-martial. I had been attached

[Sir James William Barrett KBE CMG MD MS FRCS, 1862-1945, ophthalmologist, of Melbourne, Victoria, was appointed head of the Australian Red Cross at the outbreak of the war and sailed from Brisbane on 21 November 1914 on HMAT A55 Kyarra. He served in Egypt as registrar and oculist with the 1st Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis, and was promoted to Major and later Lieutenant Colonel. As a result of administrative problems he was relieved of his duties in February 1916 and resigned his commission. Ignoring an order to return to Australia, he instead went to England and there joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving as a medical consultant and in other roles in Egypt. He returned to Australia in 1919.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Lievesley Beeston VD CMG MLC (1859-1921), embarked from Melbourne on 22 December 1914 on HMAT A35 Berrima with the 4th Field Ambulance.]

[Page 468]
previously to one for purposes of instruction.
The accused got 125 days hard labour & afterwards escaped but was recaptured in a few days.

I hope you dont think there is too much of the Faster Fraser strain about this letter but of course I hope some day to give you a account personally of how things are here. Well with many "Salams"
I remain
Gratefully Yours
Clem.

[Page 469]
[Printed leaflet warning soldiers of the dangers of venereal disease, with handwritten comments. See image for details.]
[Handwritten:] The truth of Below was the cause of summary reprisals on the part of the troops; hence the scandels.

Warning to Soldiers Respecting Venereal Disease

Venereal diseases are very prevalent in Egypt. They are already responsible for a material lessening of the efficiency of the Australasian Imperial Forces, since those who are severely infected are no longer fit to serve. A considerable number of soldiers so infected are now being returned to Australia invalided, and in disgrace. One death from syphilis has already occurred.

Intercourse with public women is almost certain to be followed by disaster. The soldier is therefore asked to consider the matter from several points of view. In the first place if he is infected he will not be efficient and he may be discharged. But the evil does not cease even with the termination of his military career, for his is liable to infect his future wife and children.

Soldiers are also urged to abstain from the consumption of any native alcoholic beverage offered to them for sale.

These beverages are nearly always adulterated and it is said that the mixture offered for sale is often composed of pure alcohol and other ingredients, including urine, and certainly produces serious consequences to those who consume it. As these drinks are drugged, a very small amount is sufficient to make a man absolutely irresponsible for his actions.

The General commanding the Australasian Forces, therefore, asks each soldier to realise, that on him rests the reputation of the Australasian Force, and he is urged at all costs and hazards to avoid the risk of contracting Venereal disease or disgracing himself by drink.

Printing Office, S. Press, Mousky Str. – Cairo.

[Handwritten:] This was given to the 2nd Force on arrival

[Page 470]
[Envelope]
Mrs N. J Dunlop
Beaumont St
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C. Walsh

[Page 471]
31/1/19

My Dear Mrs Dunlop.

Many thanks for your letter written on the day following the declaration of the armistice between Agression & Liberty. It was the 1st news I received of Australia’s rejoicing. The length of time it (the war) has been in progress must have made even that old chap, Mars, "fed-up". I wrote & and told you how we celebrated the event, some time ago.
How, I wish I was in the old "burg" on the 11th Nov 1918. At present, every one is talking & thinking of Home Sweet Home. It will not be long, before we are all back again, although, now I have lost precedence, through being appointed to a job with this Division. It was only on this understanding, that I was promoted Major. After waiting so long, I did not like to lose the opportunity of rising to Field Rank, even if it was to be only for a day. Besides, this job is more interesting & will help to clear some of the grit out of the grey matter in my [indecipherable] before putting on, "civvies".

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don Dunlop 9.8.32

[Page 472]
We had our 1st fall of snow this year on 26th Inst. and the ground is still white. At present chilblains is the fashionable complaint. Tates Whiskey is the remedy used By some, it would appear that they suffered with this trouble on their tongue & are most exact, in the treatment.
I got a bit of a shake up to-day. Was in a motor smash. The driver got a nasty gash on his head & I got a fright. About a month ago, I had to return thanks to my lucky star also. A gun burst & put 2 of my friends in hospital.
Well, Dear Mrs Dunlop, I’ll close this hasty note by bidding you all at "Evenslode", my Best Wishes.

Yours Faithfully
Clem Walsh

[Page 473]
[Envelope]
Mrs N. J. Dunlop.
Beaumont & Cleary Sts
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W.
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C R Walsh

[Page 474]
HQ’Rs 3rd Aust. Divn’l Train
A.I.F
28-4-19

Dear Mrs Dunlop,

Just a short note to show that I am still on this same planet. I suppose that by the time this reaches you, Peace will be signed.

I am still in France where conditions are returning to a normal state with the civilians. I saw by the newspapers that the Australians received a great reception on their march through London on Anzac Day, when they were priveledged to parade in The City with fixed bayonets, an honour granted to very few regiments.

One picture, shewed an Australian soldier sitting on the head of Gladstone’s statue in The Strand. He defied all the policeman to get him down. No doubt our mens natures are distinct from all other British nationalities. It seems strange to me that only the environment of the Antipodes has changed us, and then, in only a little over 100 years or, should I say 50 years, for that is when Australia started to become populated to any extent.

Excuse my national pride when I say that, after I return to Australia, I will never want to leave again. Before returning, I intend to have my sciatica attended to. If possible, at Bath where a friend of mine had his trouble cured by "new fangled" ideas. I’m afraid mine has got past the Lin. Tereb [Turpentine Liniment] stage.

At present we are in a very small, and very dirty, little village of about 300 people. My C.O has left for Serbia, where his sister is working in a canteen. They are both then going home from there.

[Page 475]
I am at present handing in the equipment etc. and winding up the show. All Horses have to be divided into classes both as regards age & their future disposal. Did either of the Doctors or your self have the "flu"? My Word! it did affect a big proportion in the British Isles.

The International Army rowing race took place a few days ago in Paris & was won by our New Zealand cousins with the Yanks in second place. The Australian team had to withdraw as, owing to the space between the Seine bridges, it would have necessitated them shortening the length of their oars. N. Zealand also won the British Empire football competition. The Australians had the satisfaction of knowing that when opposed to the Winners during the competition, that beat them. How is the Baby? She must be growing some size now.

Well, Dear Mrs Dunlop, I hope you are all in the Best of Health & Spirits at "Evenslode". Please give my Kindest Regards to the Drs

A bientot
Yours Faithfully
Clem Walsh

[Page 476]
[Envelope marked Australian Comforts Fund headquarter, 66, Victoria Street, London, S.W. 1.]
Mrs N. J. Dunlop
Beaumont St.
Hamilton
Newcastle
N.S.W
Australia

[Signed by Censor:] C R Walsh

[Page 477]
[Front cover of a coloured card showing soldiers and guns in the field, with the caption:]
Australians advancing from Villers-Brettonneux, August 8th 1918.
From Original specially painted for the Australian Comforts Fund
by Captain Will Longstaff A.I.F. War Artist.

[The interior of the card is shown on page 479, and the back cover on page 480.]

[Page 478]
[Voucher from Australian Military Forces to "Admit Bearer" to the "Anzac" Buffet, Domain, "to meet a Returned Soldier".]
[Marked:] Ship "Friedrichsruh" [The ship on which Clem Walsh returned to Australia.]

[Page 479]
[Interior of the card on page 477. Pasted onto the card is part of the medal ribbon for a Military Cross – see page 456 for mention of this being sent to the Dunlop family by Major Clem Walsh.

Card contains printed text and coloured paintings showing the capture of Hamel Village and a German tank; text transcribed below:]
Villers-Bretonneux – The Start of the Great Attack 8.8.’18.

On the night of 24th April, 1918, the Australians made a daring and clever counter attack in the darkness, recaptured Villers-Bretonneux, stopped the German advance and saved Amiens. This, and the Battle of Hamel, were only a prelude to the smashing advance which commenced on 8th August.

Extract from Australian Corps Order, issued on 7th August –
"For the first time in the history of this Corps all five Australian Divisions will to-morrow engage in the largest and most important battle operation ever undertaken by the Corps."

85,000 Australians were engaged (with Canadians on their right and British Divisions on their left) supported by powerful artillery, tanks and aeroplanes. In this battle 7,000 prisoners, 150 guns with an immense number of Machine Guns and war material were captured. On August 31st and September 1st and 2nd Mont St. Quentin and Peronne fell to the Australians in three days, defeating the flower of the Prussian Guard.

In the centre of the picture a dead German is seen behind a captured gun. During the months following many important pitched battles were fought and won, over 20,000 prisoners taken, and over 250 guns, heaps of munitions, machine guns and stores, together with over 120 villages.

[Painting, with caption:]
Capture of Hamel Village, July 4th 1918. Australians assissted by a detachment of Americans.
From Original Painting specially executed for teh Australian Comforts Fund by A. Pearse, War Artist.

[Page 480]
[Back cover of the card show on pages 477 and 479, with coloured drawings and text, plus a handwritten note from Clem Wash; text transcribed below:]
Australian Comforts Fund.
Xmas & New Year’s Greetings 1918-19.

"The Glorious Fourth."

The Battle of Hamel on 4th July, 1918, was the first occasion on which Americans fought side by side with Australians or other British Troops.

The picture [on previous page] shows Aeroplanes of the 3rd Squadron, A.F.C., dropping Ammunition to the assaulting troops by parachute, (an Australian idea, put into practice for the first time). The village burning on the left is Hamel, while the wood behind the barrage, in the centre background, is Accroche Wood.

The tracks in the right foreground are made by the caterpillars of the Tanks, the white mound is part of an old trench which had just been cleared of the enemy.

The Battle of Hamel paved the way for the great advance of 8th August, 1918, from Villers-Bretonneux.

[Drawing of a German Naval Gun, with caption:]
Captured by teh Australians
A 14 C.M. German Naval Gun intact with its Train & Equipment.

[Hand written note:] To Dr & Mrs N J Dunlop
[Greetings from:] Clem. Walsh

[Page 481]
[Reverse of the ticket to meet a returned soldier shown on page 478. It advises the bearer
"to ‘pick up’ a Returned Soldier quickly"; see image for details.]

[Page 482]
[Trooper George John Molesworth Watson, No 56954, a clerk of Double Bay, NSW, joined the Army on 9 August 1917 aged 21, and embarked from Sydney on HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 10 June 1918. He served with the 6th Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron, in Egypt and Palestine, 1918-1919. In June 1919 returned to England to take up non-military employment. He returned to Australia on the Konigin Luise in 1920.

Letter written to Miss Wyndeyer thanking her for a Christmas parcel – probably the same as Miss Windeyer of the Mitchell Library, referred to on p 495.]
Palestine
10/1/19.

Dear Miss Wyndeyer,

Thinking that you might be interested to hear, where your Xmas parcel finished up, I am writing to tell you that I was the fortunate person. The 6th Regt. parcels were issued a couple of days before Christmas day, together with an issue of War Chest comforts & hundreds of plum duffs from some other fund. The whole combined made a great Christmas dinner & certainly the brightest that the Light Horse have had in Palestine or Sinai Desert.
We were then & are still camped at Raffa, about 130 miles north of the Canal, & in sight of the Mediterranean, on which we have been watching mine sweepers at work every day. Our days pass pleasantly enough now in the thought of soon returning to Australia again. We drill all the morning & indulge in football in the afternoon & one of the Y.M.C.A. Secretaries usually has something

[Page 483]
on for us in the evening.
The health of the boys is, on the whole, very good; although those who were unfortunate enough to catch malaria in the Jordon Valley, are constantly feeling its effects. Poor chaps go down at a moments notice & they never really know one minute if they are going to be bad the next. Needless to say everyone is anxiously awaiting orders to move further south & thus nearer the boat but from present indications we will be here a long time yet.
Well Miss Wyndeyer as you probably have lots of friends on this front I will not weary you with what would probably be stale news, so shall close. Thanking you & all connected with the 6th & 7th L.H Comforts Fund for your grand work on our behalf.

Yours sincerely
Geo J Watson
"C" Squadron
6th Regt.

"Cadaxton"
William St
Double Bay
Sydney

[Cadaxton, William Street, Double Bay was the address of George Watson’s mother Mrs Matilda Watson.]

[Page 484]
[Sister Mary Redfern Watt, a nurse from Dubbo, NSW, joined the Army on 24 April 1915 aged 35, and embarked from Sydney on RMS Mooltan on 15 May 1915 with the 3rd Australian General Hospital. She served in Egypt, England and France, returning to Australia on 13 October 1919.

Includes a covering letter from Mr Prince Wood of Schute Bell & Co Ltd, wool and produce brokers of Sydney.]
[Letter on Schute, Bell & Co. Limited letterhead]
Decbr. 10th 1915

[W H] Ifould, Eq
Librarian
Public Library

Dear Sir

In response to an invitation which appeared in the Columns of the Herald to send along any letters, descriptions or giving any information – regarding the Dardenelles Campaign, from those on active Service –

I enclose a letter from Sister M. R. Watt which generalises the position from a Nurses point of view – & the inconveniences attached to their labors –

Hoping it may be of use to you
[indecipherable]
Prince Wood

The letter was written to my wife

[Page 485]
[Note]
From Sister Mary R Watt
No 3 General Hospital
Lemnos Island

13.10.15 Sent to Mrs Prince Wood

[Page 486]
[The individual pages of this two-page spread are not in chronological order. Transcribed as they should be read; see image for details.]
No. 3 Aus. Gen. Hosp A.I.F
Lemnos 13/10/15

My dearest Amy

Many thanks indeed for your chatty & cheery weekly letters, it is jolly to know you write weekly but quite a lot miscarry, however I’m hoping they will eventually catch me up & anyway the ones I do get are very charming & it’s sweet & kind of you. The last I recd. yesterday enclosed Nudges with the address of Arties’ boys in & I’m very glad to get [indecipherable] as it’s hopeless trying to find them out without full particulars.

My dear I’m being both good and careful – So don’t worry: & one really has to be both for theres quite an embarassment of men round: Stacks of them over in the rest camp those who were in first landing & who escaped more or less unscathed but who – the brave dear things they are – go back cheerily knowing that its a hundred chances against their ever coming back again. It’s fairly heartbreaking at times. The stories one hears told so casually, in little terse sentences leave one gasping at times & glad

[Letter continues on the next page.]
[The end of this letter is written sideways in the left-hand margin of the first page:]
pitiful for them not to get a few homely comforts – & we could help there with things sent to us.

With much love to you & Prince. I’ve written him at Foster as I suppose he’s there a good deal.

Keep on going ahead Amy. it’s good to hear of your improvement.

Much love
From
Dun

[Page 487]
& proud all over at our men. Any brag is about the other chap & never of himself but the "other chap" is really a wonder.

There’s nothing & never has been anything as fine as our lads – their cheeriness against all odds & discomforts & in the wards the difference when they are our own lads! Happily I’m in charge of an Enteric Ward of 42 beds & nearly all our boys. They do wonderfully well too T.G. but the variations in diet as comp with a civil & what we considered the typical Enteric order of things gives one positive fits of anxiety until one sees it work out O.K.

My dear I am wondering & hoping that you have seen the advt that all Xmas things for No 3. A.G.H. can be sent c/- of the Secs: to a room (Receiving depot) at Winchcombe Carson’s who will also send on all goods: Mrs Syd. Jamieson & Louie other lady are the Secs. I’m not begging for myself dear but we should be so grateful for gifts for our men in Comforts foods delicacies wines &c. &c. ad lib: Just at present we expect to be put on ½ Rations next week as the Ordnance Dep "through whom all supplies come state that 2 or 3 of our large supply ships have been sunk so that Xmas looks like a time for fasting & prayer rather than a festival Season for us! – if you & your friends address parcel c/- of me – I shall see to a judicious distribution of same & shall be intensely grateful – We are still in tents & feeling the cold a great deal at times. I’ve had a sharp attack of dysentery but easing off a bit now – of course am still on duty that goes without saying

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin in red:]
From Sister Mary R. Watt
No 3 General Hospital
Lemnos Island]

[Page 488]
in charge of an Enteric ward of 42 beds nearly all our own too T.G.

By the way books magazines &c. will all be gladly read: any old used ones will do excellently too. I haven’t the faintest hesitation in asking you or Prince because I know you have both a wide circle of influential friends who can & will help – Butter is one of the most difficult things to obtain here – & everything we get is tinned even potatoes when they do appear or [indecipherable] for Pts! Butter, tinned fruits dried do. preserves: sweets: Coffee (one never sees that unless some of our men visitors off the boats bring it along: They are dears that way They evidently know the way to our hearts is via little Mary) Cafe au lait in tins: tea: potted pastes: &c. &c: & warm woolly comforts: Candles are almost unprocurable so don’t forget them & Kerosene almost unheard of. We get a crude pet. which won’t work primus or anything. Winter will be pretty awful – & we are hoping to be in huts but no more so far.
Must write you a longer and more interesting letter next time: By the way I had better explain too that we’d like to have some things available for distribution among the men at the Rest Camp as they – poor dears – do not benefit by any Red Cross distribution & cannot requisition for same & as they are men who have been on Peninsula since 1st landing & here in a nerve shattered condition it seems

[Letter continues and concludes in a note written sideways on the first page of this letter; see page 486.]

["Little Mary" was slang for stomach, belly.]

[Page 489]
[Private Raymond Thomas Wharton, No 2143, butcher of Redfern, NSW, enlisted on 28 April 1916 aged 19, and noted that he had served 6 months in the Fiji Defence Force. He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A68 Anchises, 24 August 1916 with the 36th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements. He served with the 36th and later the 35th Battalion in France where he was wounded in action on 6 May 1918. He was hospitalised in England and returned to Australia on 16 January 1919.]
Somme where in France
3rd May 1918.

Dear Brother Arch.

Just a few lines to let you know how I am living here, am in the trenches in a very quiet Sectre and just waiting for the Hun to push us back to his 1918 Spring Offensive Object "Amiens".
Well,the weather is fair to middlein and the scenery very much Camaflagued with shell holes and trenches. except the sky which is and always will be the same and the fowl that sings therein, nature, still proceed’s in the same old way and the Sun still shines and gives heat that gives the earth life and friction. (Some poet me).
I am in my man hood sphere now and seem to know everything and can talk about everything according to the law of nature since I have been here and seen how men come and go for ever, I have thought much about the, Ways, Habits, and different Ideas of men, this is the place where men express their the opinions from a good Christian point of view and not that selfish, narrow minded, pessimistic way which they did before, as a saying goes,

[Page 490]
Fear of God, Endurance of Earthly Hardships, opens the Hearts of the Wicked and gives Knowledge to all. R.T.W.
May be you think I am getting a bit of a psalm singer more-or less, but I cannot help being a little insane, at times I consider the Fijian has more brains and common-sense in his simple life than my civilised educated Fast life.

Those socks came in very handy and the trinkets were amusing I remember seeing those two nails at home now I come to think of it.

I have not recieved any letters from you lately either from Uncle Jim but hope to get a big mail soon. Hoping this letter finds you and your family all in the best of health as this leaves me at presant. Remember me to all I know.

I remain
Your Affectionate
Brother
R. T. Wharton.

[Page 491]
[Envelope dated 14 May 18]
Mr. A. G. [F Wharton]
23 Abercrombie st
Redfern
New South Wales
Australia

Wharton

36

[Page 492]
Hospital in,
England.
13/5/18.

Dear Brother Arch.

I suppose you think I am dead not writing to you and letting you know how I got hit.

Well, 11.45 P.M. May 5th we were waiting for our Barrage to stop and when it stopped my officer said "go" and we went and some stayed there hit, mostly killed, for a moment I thought it was the prettiest sight I ever saw bursting shells, high and low, explosions and machine guns going then a star shell which lit the whole affair up. However I only got a few yards when a shell burst five yards behind us I would taste its strong fumes the next thing I remembered was that I was on the ground dident know whether I was hit or not, then the officer sang out for the seargant to take charge and at the same time fell alongside of me holding the back of his head with both hands.

(over)

[Page 493]
the next thing was to get out to the Dressing Station which was a mile away and alsort of obstacles, like trenches, wire, and shell holes, any-way I was hot and ran all way like hell when I got there I got cold and begin to feel queer then I discovered I had been hit twice in the left leg.

3 hours after I was hit I was operated upon and a shrapnel pellet size [sketch showing size] taken out of my leg which I intend showing you in the near future "thats if I am spared". The pellet entered the silverside just under the cheek and travelled downwards never touching a bone, or vain (very luckey) too and stopped inside about 4 inches above the knee, the other wound was caused by a piece of the same shell it broke two bones in the left foot the two little toe bones about 3 inches back from the toe nails it went right through and maybe I wont be able to go to france for some time again but I guess the yanks will do my bit.

2143. Pte. R. T. Wharton.
No. 14 Ward.
No. 2 Battle Hospital.
Reading
England.

It will be a few months before I am properly right but while I am here I will have a good time.

I forgot to mention in my last letter that my Battalion was split up among the other Battalions in the Brigade owing to the shortage of Reinforcements. I am in the 35 Battalion in the same Brigade. but it makes no difference who youre with you have to fight where ever you are.

[Page 494]
it was a strange thing me writing such an optimistic letter the day before we went over to Fritz but I am a strong believer in the Good Spirits that look after me in my hour of need.

I dont know what you think of the pres[en]t state of the war but I am confident that the Allies Must Win owing to the fact that Americia has thrown her wait at the hun and you may dipend that the Yanks did show good judgment when desiding which would be the wining side as you know the Mighty Dollar is their god. but as I said before I don’t worry myself about it, just carry on and live a good Christian sort of a life its absolutely the best. tell Mother, sisters, Brothers, where, and how I am wounded hoping you are well, as I am not too bad myself.

I remain
Your Brother
R. T. Wharton.

[Page 495]
[Private Arthur Henry Williams, No 6407, farmer of Stratford, NSW, enlisted on 27 October 1916 aged 23, and embarked from Sydney on 11 November 1916 on HMAT A29 Suevic with they 18th Battalion, 18th Reinforcements. He was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, Salisbury Plain, England on 22 February 1917, from where he wrote the letter that appears in this collection. He later served in France, was wounded in action on 15 April 1918 and hospitalised in England again as a result. He returned to Australia on 20 October 1918.

Letter is written to Miss Wyndeyer, c/- The Mitchell Library, Sydney – probably the same Miss Wyndeyer referred to on page 482.]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Williams

Miss Windeyer
c/o Mitchell, Library
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia.

[Stamped:] Capt. Chaplain Terry.

[Terry Thomas, Church of England Chaplain, embarked from Brisbane on HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 28 March 1916.]

[Page 496]
[On letterhead showing the AIF Rising Sun badge.]
Fargo
Military Hospital
Sailsbury Plains
28/2/17

Miss M. Windeyer

Dear Madam,

As I promised you I would write and tell you how I enjoyed my trip I will commence. Firstly I will explain myself for being in hospital. I am now on my feet again after an attack of Bronchitis and Gastritis. It is heart-breaking to see the way the Australians are dying on these plains. The average for this week is 28. Quite a large casualty list on its own.

It was 21 days after leaving Sydney on that eventful morning of the 11th Nov. before I set foot on land again. Then it was a Durban. I quite enjoyed my self there for the three days that we stayed there, It is a real botanical Garden on its own, for every where one looks he sees the most beautifully kept lawns and gardens, All the streets being planted with flowering trees, I was quite amused with the darkies and their little sulkies I had a ride in them. They can go at a fair pace too and shy like a young horse. Then After leaving Durban we set out for Cape Town, I did not like being there at all, There is too great a mixing of the nations there. The streets being very narrow and not the interest taken in them as in Durban, We spent 16 days there during which time we had plenty of drill. We took on a gun and picked up 2 New Zealand troopers and 4

[Page 497]
other Australians, It was a fine sight to see us all going out of the harbor together. The cruiser Glascow [Glasgow] was our escort as far as Sierra Leone. We put into St. Helena for a couple of days then on to Sierra Leone, We did not get a landing at either of the latter places,
Off again and had nothing of an exciting nature, finally landing at Plymouth on the 30th Jan being 83 days on the voyage I was not the slightest bit Sea Sick, but got very tired of the water,
After landing we entrained for Reollestone Sailsbury Plains, It is a very barren looking place and bleak, We were welcomed by a weeks snow, The heaviest of all being 1 ft in one day. We got 4 days leave after being in camp for 11 days, I made for my Uncle’s place and was sick during all the time during my leave,
I see flying machines daily and do not take any notice of them now, The Artillery are practising close by and I used to get a shock when they opened fire but that too now is out of nothing to me, I expect to go to France in about 3 weeks time, So I will be in the big push, It is the only topic in England, Food is getting very scarce here as the submarines have been playing havoc with the shipping.

I will now close, Kindly Remember me to Miss Lucy and Miss Jeannie.

I am, Yours Sincerely, Arthur. H. Williams

[Page 498]
[Authorship of the following typed copy of a letter is unknown, but it was possibly written by a member of the Painters and Decorators Union. The letter writer served with the Australian Army Medical Corps, sailing on (HMAT A49) Seang Choon to the Dardanelles and from there back to Lemnos Island with wounded. Written from Lemnos on 29 July 1915, the letter describes the carnage of the 25 April 1915 landing wounded were received on the writer’s ship, and the early lack of treatment they received.

Letter donated in 1950 by Mr Alex M Burt of Chatswood, NSW, formerly Secretary of the Amalgamated Painters and Decorators Union. His covering letter appears on this page.]
[Letter stamped Mitchell Library, Sydney, 13 Mar 1950.]
30 Victor Street
March 18th. 50
Chatswood

Dear Sir.

The enclosure has been in my possession for some years. I had almost forgotten its existence until I came upon it by chance this morning. Unfortunately at this long lapse of time it isn’t possible to say who the writer was, or whom "Kath," Dave, Sam, Dick or Alf could be. "Johnny Norton," I thought at first to refer to the then foreman painter at the Manly Ferries, but which must be the editor and proprietor of "Truth" newspaper, and the originator of the term "six bob-a-day tourists" as applied to Australian troops.

"Dear Bob," to whom it is addressed is evidently the secretary of the Amalgamated Painters and Decorators Union and the typing of the letter from the original script would be done in that office, Bowen’s Buildings. Railway Square.

About 450 members of the union served in the Armed Forces in World War I, but unfortunately all record of them was destroyed and their names do not appear on the Honor Roll of the Operative Painters at Trades Hall.

On reading it through it occurred to me that it might be of sufficient historical interest to merit acceptance by the Mitchell Library. The vivid descriptions of what the writer saw and experienced should be useful to you. I do not, of course, know if he returned safely.

Robert Hardy Adam, the then Secy, was a South African War veteran. I succeeded him in office (1918) on the amalgamation with the Operative Painters & Decorators Union

Sincerely yours
Alex M. Burt

[Page 499]
Lemnos Island
29th July, 1915

Dear Bob,

This letter is intended to be general, of course, as are all my letters addressed to the G.P.O. In answering a letter which Kath was good enough to send along to me I told her that I would answer yours by the following mail but before I got the chance to carry out this good intention our hospital began to take in wounded and men suffering from the usual round of complaints. As a consequence I have had little or no time for writing other than those at home, which I consider absolutely necessary. I often recall your words of advice on this matter among other things you were thoughtful enough to lay before me on leaving. I can truthfully say that I have never neglected to write home every week that it has been at all possible to do so.

I found great pleasure in reading your letters but fancy your considering it necessary to mention, after relating your little jokes about the machine room – that "it might seem trivial to me." Why, do you know, it is just these little touches that go to make up a truly interesting letter. It brought up a perfect picture in my mind of my dear old friends in the shop. I can image I can see Dave coming in through the back door after his "take in." And poor old Dave. I think his age should exempt him from these jokes.

To make my letter interesting to you I would need to tell you what has been happening to us boys; but there is such a restriction on what we say that I am afraid it is almost useless wasting the time and paper that such a record would utilize. Nevertheless I intend to send along a letter that will give you some idea of what we went through on the memorable 26th April and the week that followed it, believing that an account of my impressions and the story from an A.M.C. man’s point of view may interest you. I am fully aware that many of you may have wearied yourselves with the repeated history of the part Australia played here at the Dardanelles, so I will try and confine myself to that which directly concerns myself and those intimately known to you all.

In relating my experiences I don’t think I can do better than give it to you as I wrote it in my diary, for the reason that it was written as soon after the occurrence as I found it possible and therefore contains impressions which have since become commonplace to me, and which for that reason I may neglect to mention. On glancing through it as it is now before me I am afraid it will eat up a good deal of paper, but if I curtail it a little and write small I think I can get it in about a dozen pages, and I will have to chance the censor.

After an entry relating to our leaving Egypt and our arrival at Lemnos Is. (Friday 23rd May) it goes on to say: –

"S.S. Seong Choon [Seang Choon], Alexandra, Sunday 2nd May. Had I written on the morning after coming at anchor I should, no doubt, have had a lot to say about this harbour – I can’t say port – as under ordinary conditions I don’t suppose ships often call here. But on this Saturday morning there must have been over 300 transports and vessels of war in the harbour, few of which could be seen from the open sea; and to anyone like ourselves it comes as a surprise to find such a wonderful large bay with so small an entrance. It was very impressive sight that met our eyes on the morning following our arrival. There was every type of war craft represented from the sub-marine to the now famous "Queen Lizzie," whose 15" guns none of us (who were at this time on the trams ship "Hindoo" [Hindoo transported wounded from Gallipoli to Lemnos Island]) ever thought to be witness to the deadly work they accomplished. All day on Saturday the 24th troopships of the Allies continued to sail out and away without making any apparent difference to the number of ships left. We on the

[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] Don. A. M. Burt 17.350

[Page 500]
"Hindoo" had little else to do but to watch their departure, and at this time had little doubt but what we would have to land on the island and there set up our hospital. But about four o’clock Sam came to me with the news that he, with his Captain, was to leave us to go aboard one of the troopships. Not ten minutes later Dick was told off with another party. I was just congratulating and wishing them "good luck" (not knowing whether I should ever seem them again) when my name was called, and with a party of 15 men, with three English doctors in charge, we put off in a boat and were placed on board the "Seang Choon". As things happened my party was the first and only one to leave that night, as, due to some misunderstanding, the others had missed the boats they were intended for, and so had to wait until morning for further orders. That is the last I have seen of any of them. As to whether they got away at all at present I do not know, but if they did, and were there to witness the landing on Sunday, they, like us, experienced an awful time.

Well, to take things in order; We got aboard the boat we are now on, and found it occupied by part of the 4th Brigade; mainly the 14th Battalion. I thought at the time that it was just a bit of bad luck that it was not the 16th Batt., in which case I would have seen our boys. But nevertheless we were thankful to find that we had struck fresh bread and meat, not less than that we were to find such a luxury as butter and puddings. This was heaven after dry biscuit and tin dog.

It was about 9.30 on Sunday morning that the "Seang Choon" weighed anchor and joined in the line steaming out of the harbor. Our orders were to sterilize 900 blankets, as we would very likely have 300 wounded. We were to take only "slightly injured," and when we had this number aboard we were going to signal "full up." We intended, so soon as we got under weigh, to start on the blankets, and when the infantry left the boat at Gallipoli, to clear the ship up and prepare for these wounded.

It is only a few hours from Lemnos to the Dardanelles, so it was not long before we began to distinguish the boom of the distant cannon. It was a strange sensation to listen for the first time to the sound of this firing, and to know that each time it roared, human life was being blown to atoms. Yet it did not seem to affect our boys any more than to make them as school boys going to a football match. Everybody was in the best of moods, "slinging off" at one another and singing. Poor devils! How many of them have now paid the toll, I wonder? I get prouder every time I think of these wild, happy-go-lucky, spirits. One chap, I remember, as we got near to the scene of strife, set everyone singing by thumping out "Everybody’s doing it," and as the rattle of the machine guns began to be heard there was a great cheering aboard as it was naturally supposed that our boys were giving the Turks hell. But little did they think that the little white puff of smoke bursting in every direction was not our shell, but that of the enemy’s shrapnel cutting our boys to pieces.

As we brought up at anchor directly in front of the fighting (about 12.30 p.m.) we began to look upon the scene as one might at some great drama, not realising its meaning. On every side were the Allies’ battle ships belching out death, and we began to find even pleasure in following up the screech of the shell, and tore through the air, and landing where a minute before a white puff of smoke among the bushes had shown us that it was one of the enemy’s guns they had located. For two or three hours everyone waited and watched these shell burstings, for we were too far off shore to see the movements of the men. We saw landing parties going on

[Page 501]
shore on destroyers packed like sardines and in tow of these were barges no less packed. Many of these men were shot on the boats and tumbled overboard; picked off by snipers. The W.A. third field ambulance got badly cut up in this way. It was about 5 o’clock that a tug was seen with three big barges in tow making in our direction, and as they got nearer we were able to make out that they were wounded. This was the first intimation of the real seriousness of the thing we had been watching for so long. We rolled up our sleeves and waited in readiness; that is, just as far as ourselves were concerned. As far as the ship, nothing was ready. Our infantry, so far, had not left the ship, consequently nothing had been done in the way of preparation, as we were given to understand there would be plenty of time after we had got rid of the soldiers from the boat. From this time on till the early morning they continued to bring the wounded aboard. I shall never forget that awful night, or others that followed. Three doctors and 15 privates trying to look after 640 wounded men, some of them in an awful state.

Nothing that I could write could ever enlarge upon the horror of this period. And it is not with the intention of making a gruesome story that I write of it at all, but, as I mentioned before, its intent is just a record of facts. Before morning every available bit of space had been used. They were lying on top and underneath mess-tables; in fact it was difficult to walk, so closely were they packed. There were no mattresses for them. They lay on the bare boards with hard cork life belts for pillows, with arms and legs all smashed up, squeezed against others, with their faces half blown away.
Men sat all night and well into the next day with congealed blood hanging from their mouths, unable to speak, but with an awful appeal in their eyes imploring you to bring the doctor. I could shed tears as I write to recall the cries of these men in their agony. The doctors were doing their best and were working unceasingly, but it was impossible to attend to so many. One man begged of me to take five sovereigns he had just to bring the doctor to him for a minute. God knows I did not want money for such a service if it were only possible to carry it out. There were hundreds in just the same plight. I can’t make out how flesh and blood was able to stand what it did.
There was one man, which a piece of shell had struck on the upper teeth, it had torn away all the roof of his mouth, the tongue was lacerated to ribbons, and the piece of shell had passed out of the back of his neck. This man sat while the doctor cut away loose bits of flesh and bone, an operation which lasted a quarter of an hour or more. He was quite conscious, and would sit up now and again to swill his mouth with water. This same man was walking about the next morning doing his best to help others.
There were young chaps with nothing left of their hands but one or two fingers which hung on to their wrists by bits of skin which were once the palms of their hands. Cases such as these had been caused by explosive bullets used by the Turks. Many died that night with bullets through their lungs; some of the latter died in great agony.
We buried 18 of this boat. For the first two or three days it was a common sight to find men sewn up in their blankets lying about the deck in different places. On the Monday there were 11 placed there and I remember finding a sort of fascination in looking on their faces. I thought of them as being better so on noting their suffering expressions. But of those waiting for theirs? It was brought home to me at this moment the part the women have to play in this awful game of war.
I have wondered since how I did hold up through these pitiable sights. I could not help thinking of Wal, and other boys who were my dearest friends, which I know were out there in the night, and I thought at the time I would rather they were killed outright than to know that they were somewhere suffering what some of these chaps were doing. At the time of writing I have to fight

[Page 502]
hard to keep under the terrible anxiety which will always be there until I know how they got through; yet it may be weeks before I find out.

I might fill pages in telling of individual cases, but there is a lighter side which must be spoken of; a light side only inasmuch as it is in contrast to the terrible dark aspect of this awful week, and in relating it I am prompted by the wonder with which I was struck at it being possible for these men to laugh and joke in their misery as they did.
There was one man who could hardly speak owing to a bullet in his lungs, that asked me to let Johnny Norton know that the six-bob-a-day tourist had met with a slight accident while motoring at the Dardanelles. Tell him, he said "We were doing a bit of shooting at the time." This fellow died a few hours later.

[See page 498 for confirmation of "Johnny Norton", the editor and proprietor of "Truth" newspaper, and the originator of the term "six bob-a-day tourists" as applied to Australian troops.]
Another chap who had a bullet in his leg, which had gone right through all but about an inch, was having it pushed the remaining part of the way with a long probe from behind. He seemed to find it easy to joke about the matter all the time, although the lines of pain were deeply marked on his face. "You’re making a bit of a ‘welter’ of it, ain’t you Doctor? Anyhow, we’re providing a bit of amusement for the on-lookers." He remarked that when he got hit he thought it was the gun itself that had hit him; but, he said "that probe feels like an ammunition column going through my leg." The poor devil fainted off in the middle of his joking.
Another man who had a bullet passed right through the front of his forehead was an ideal optimist, and was, by the way, a bit of a mystery, even to the doctors, they having passed him by without attention as being a very hopeless case. Anyhow on the Monday I dressed his wounds and washed the blood from off his face, which, until I did so, was unrecognisable. In dressing his wounds I noticed what appeared to be a small boil on his wrist which I also put a bandage on. This seemed to amuse him, and on asking him a little later how he felt, he said he was all right only he had his arm a bit poisoned which caused his head to ache a little. He seemed to get better each day, and although he had a hole on both sides of his head in which you could have put a large sized walnut, and from which you could see the brain protruding, he complained little. He would sit up and eat bread and jam and drink tea until further orders. This man received no attention other than that I was able to give him, from the time he was wounded on the Sunday until he got to Alexandria on the following night (Friday). If he lives, which in view of his wonderful stamina and constitution, I don’t doubt but what he may, he will be a walking wonder. (Since I wrote this I have seen his name in the list as having died of wounds).

Many fellows lay on the hard deck for five days with broken limbs and gaping shrapnel wounds, without better attention than such as myself was able to give them. Yet, when they came to understand that they were getting all the attention it was possible to give them, there was never a complaint. In fact you could almost say that they were cheerful. They cracked jokes, and sang little ditties, not just to keep up their hearts but because there was nothing else to do that was worth while. What men these fellows are. You who read this just fancy yourselves with a great open flesh wound as big as the palm of your hand and try and think of something funny to say; or, having it painted all over with iodine. Put a little on a small cut and try the experiment. Yet this is but a poor illustration of what some of them came through smiling on.
We were working very hard doing 20 hours on with four hours rest. It was only made possible to feed them by the fact that a Company of transports men, who it was impossible to land up to the time the boat left, and so were able to look after this and other conveniences of the wounded. Every one worked more than well and no one of us thought to complain through this awful time.

[Page 503]
To revert back to my movements, it was some time towards morning that I was sent down on the barges to give a hand getting the wounded from there into the ship. This was another trying experience. There was a swell on and the men and to be sent up by the slings. It was a terrible job. The barge was going up and down and the poor fellows got a terrible time. To make matters worse, just abut this time it began to rain, which added greatly to the misery of everyone concerned. I eventually had to give up the job owing to sea sickness brought on by the dreadful sights, and more from the smell of the human blood than from the effects of the sea. I shall never get the smell of blood out of my nostrils. The place simply flowed with it. I fancy I can still feel the warm, claggy stuff, running up my arms as it did as I lifted the men into the slings who were just bleeding to death. Some of them had been lying out there without help for close on 24 hours, wet through, and more dead than alive. They stopped bringing them aboard about 8 o’clock on the Monday morning but it was not until the Tuesday midday that the boat left Gallipoli. We waited there two days with these poor fellows aboard in the hope that there might be a chance of landing the transport and supplies belonging to the 11th Battalion, which had left our boat.

Many were the stories of narrow escapes. There was one young New Zealander who was under my care, who, after having received his first bullet in the thigh was crawling back after his Company had retreated, when in the two miles so covered he got four other shots in the body at different intervals. Yet with the exception of one that touched off one of his lungs none of them were serious. There was another, where a bullet had threaded its way all down his coat, going in and out, without more than singeing his back a little. There were many cases where shots had passed through different parts of the equipment, things in the pocket, through the boots or the clothes and hats worn, without touching the skin, although they afterwards received shots which landed them on our ship.

Men dragged themselves along the ground for miles with broken limbs and gaping wounds, so great was their fear of being taken prisoners by the Turks. One young chap told me that a Red Cross man carried him on his back for over a mile and then was shot from under him. He then had to crawl the rest of the way back with a broken arm and a great hole in his ankle that you might have put your first in. The latter had been caused by an explosive bullet. Many Red Cross bearers were shot off by snipers while carrying wounded.

I won’t attempt to write down here all that I wrote at this time, as much of it is more than likely what most of you have read over and over again in the papers, and told by men better able to speak of it than I am. I am afraid that there will never be written a full account of the awful conditions under which some of us had to bring these wounded to Alexandria. I believe the London Times gave those responsible a fine shaking up about it. It would almost appear that they forgot that there would be any wounded, so little proper arrangements were made for them. I will proceed to pick out that which I think will interest you most.

On Tuesday morning early, shells began to fall among the transports lying off the shore, which up to this time had been considered safe, as there were no forts with heavy enough guns to make our position dangerous. But these shells were said to be fired by the "Goeben" from the narrows. We were not long before we shifted our position so as not to let them get the range. [German battle cruiser SMS Goeben, transferred to the Turkish Ottoman Navy in 1914]
We left for Alexandria about 12.30 p.m. on the 27th. Our passage was a good one, fortunately, otherwise it would have added greatly to the misery of things. We reached there two

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days later (Thur. 29th), and took off that night only 50 of the most serious cases. The last of them did not get removed until Friday evening.

Wed. 5th May: We are now on our way back to the scene of action. We left Alexandria at 6 p.m. (3rd May), and were it not for the haunting fear I have about our boys I would be having a very pleasant trip. Everything is in contrast to the last week. At present we have this great ship practically to ourselves, living on the best of grub and sleeping on feather beds with clean white sheets, for the first time since I left Australia. Yet this does not prevent me from having bad dreams. The thumping of the ship is bursting shell to me in my sleep, but I suppose I shall soon get over this.

In recalling the feeling which prompted me and gave me the desire to join as a soldier, I remember it was being faced with the ordinary, never changing, things of life. To-morrow meant nothing more than just another day. I wanted something to happen to stir the stagnant pool in which I was living. I wanted the thrill which this expedition promised; but I never realised what the excitement I was seeking really meant. Now I would forfeit all the enjoyment I have had in the last few months if only it were possible to erase the excitement of the past week. I got the thrill and stir, but at what expenses to others? I think my desire was being well fulfilled up to the time we left Egypt, without such awful happenings as are still in progress. Not that I am sorry that I was there for I feel that it was the most useful time of my life, but it is the cause of it all that I deplore. I am sure one could never realise what war means until he sees the actual sufferings of those who have to take part in it. The smashed up limbs, the gaping wounds, and the running blood. It is a horror only to be understood when witnessed.

Well, Bob, I have run all through this account of my happenings of this time, and I don’t think it is necessary to pick out any more of it. I am not in the habit of keeping a diary, but I thought at this time it would be just as well to keep a record of the most exciting and stirring time in my life up to that time, whatever the future may hold out to me. I have written pages and pages of it, but the majority of it is much as you have read from the accounts of others which appear in your daily press, and it would be more or less a waste of time going over it again. What I have written may give you some idea of what it is to be on such a ship. I was going to say hospital ship, but there was not the slightest preparation made in that direction, and I will always look back on it as a crying shame on those responsible for it. There were many boats such as ours, although I don’t think there were many with so few men to look after the number which fell to our lot. Dick and Sam were on different ships, and although they had a real bad time and had to work just as bad as we on the "Seang Choon," they had a large party of attendants and were apparently better prepared. But even under these conditions it was hell.

We have ourselves not been without our moments of extreme danger. There were shells which landed at times far too near our boats to be in any way pleasant, and since landing here at Lemnos we have had the aeroplanes over, dropping bombs, which thanks to their poor achievement in the way of "eye drop", we are still alive to tell the tale. But we can talk of these things on the happy day of our return.

You will not wonder that after such an experience as I have here related that I have taken a strong dislike to the nursing part of the business. I, with Sam, have found contentment in the cook-house, and I can tell you that when he and I get back on that Swan river of ours there’s going to be something doing in the way of cooking. I like the cook-house, for apart from the better living one gets it has many advantages. One knows exactly each day what one has to do, and you are only under one Boss, the sergeant cook. Besides, it goes to show a man’s adaptability. I might

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write for a week and not tell you all that I might tell you of about ourselves. I could tell you more now but I am afraid you might think that I have little else to do but write letters. I can tell you that I have had the greatest difficulty in getting this in.

Tell some of the boys to shake themselves up a bit about letters. One from Dave to Alf giving some little idea about Union matters would be very welcome. Letters would be everything to us here, and although I seem to spend most of my spare time writing I get more disappointments than letters in return.

Well if this interests you it will have been worth my while writing it, and I hope it won’t interfere with the work in hand when the boys have to read it.

Yours with best wishes and good health to all.

[Transcribed by Barbara Manchester, Val Ridley, Linda Magee, Peter Mayo, Jean Hart, Alison O'Sullivan for the State Library of New South Wales. Biographical notes by Barbara Manchester]