Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Fox diary, 25 June 1915-20 December 1916
MLMSS 1170
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Diary
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This War Diary was typed by me from day to day on my return from the line to Headquarters.
The portion dealing with the doings on the Gallipoli Peninsular was typed from rough notes.
[signature] Captain
Late D.T.M.O. 4th Australian Division
2/6/20.
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Diary Commencing June 25th 1915
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June 25th 1915 The night of the 25th was spent at Liverpool Camp, all kits had been sent to A 35, the Berrima.
The last night in Australia was very cold indeed and a roll call was made at midnight.
An early rise was made amid a kind of silent excitement, a roll call taken and the blankets rolled up ready to be taken to the Depot.
At 8 A.M. The 20TH Battalion paraded for the last time and were inspected by the Colonel. Shortly afterwards the Battalion with machine guns, signallers and band marched off in full marching order with bayonets fixed, and scabbards on.
The Battalion was cheered all along the route and there was a lot of shaking of hands. The entrainment was very rapid, it being done in 10 minutes.
It was a stiring and memorable time, we were cheered and waved at all along the line and at length arrived at Sydney Station. The march down to the boat was a very sad one and for ever will be remembered by all the 20th. The ladies got into the ranks and there was a very deep feeling amongst us all. It made one inclined to cry as lads dragged themselves away from their people, girls and etc and pass through the gate to the wharf.
After a short delay in order to form up the men we went on board the Berrima were allotted messes and remained down below until the District Commandant, Colonel Wallack inspected us. My parade state being ready and the inspection being over I gave the words Go on deck", there was a mad rush for the deck all being very anxious to get a last look at their people. The cheers were loud and long which caused a ships officer to remark those people are loyal alright". You could read in every mans eyes deep feelings working and many could not help giving way to tears. All those over strength were sent back by a waiting tug as the ship had pulled out into the harbour. When we got outside the Heads the sea became a little rough which caused most of the troops to feed the fishes. During officers mess hurried leave to be absent was obtained from the Colonel. Before going outside the heads we were anchored off Rose Bay.
The pilot boat signalled Good luck and a safe return" It was 5 pm the clock on the 26th of June
That night was spent in settling down, the men learning how not to swing their hammocks. I had a hot salt bath and turned in early as there being nothing to do.
June 27th All were up early and wandering about the ship trying to find out all they could about the ship, which to many was a new experience.
It was generally known that we were bound for Melbourne, for one reason the paymaster was on board
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June 27th continued (board) was instructed to get off at Melbourne.
June 28th Letters were to be ready at 4p.m. on the 28th, and sensored. I took a hand in censoring which I soon found was not an enviable job, although some of the letters were amusing.
June 29th Arriving at Melbourne at about 1p.m. we found a tug waiting with some Victorian Artillers reinforcements to come on board the Berrima. A Naval officer boarded and supervised the loading of the troops who were cheered heartily by the Tommycornstalkers"
June 30th The Victorian Troops appeared very anxious to know if they got marmalade in camp as they got nothing but plum jam. The tug drew away to get the hammocks which had been forgotten.
The Colonel has been in bed nearly all the time and so have many others. I myself have not yet been taken ill.
The Wallaby is very sick and cannot understand the sea it would appear.
The deck space is very cramped. The Colonel makes an appearance on deck.
Played three games of chess. Am learning how to use the folis from S.M.Alexander, ex-member of the Alexander school of Arms.
July 1st Ship sighted in starboard bow steaming in same direction, looks like a cargo bound for Colombo. Sea rougher than has been before, the spray comes all over the ship.
Cricket is being played on deck. Rumour that two cases of scarlet fever are on board. No afternoon parade as seas too rough. The Berrima proves herself a good sea boat.
July 2nd Nothing of interest has occurred. The sea is not nearly so rough. One case of scarlet fever and two of measles reported.
Colonel Lamrockappears at mess.
July 3rd Remainder of troops not vaccinated were done at 2.30 pm. The accommodation on the Berrima is third class to all and from Australia via the Cape. The food is fair.
July 4th The sea got rougher during the night.
We saw the last of Australia at about 2 of the clock, a high peak could be seen over the horizon, a part of the Stirling Range. The light off Cape Leuwin
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July 4th Cape Leuwin was seen by the officer of the watch at 10p.m. Church parade. Last night the Sgts held a concert during which the rumour got round that a mail was to be put off this morning and in the course of a few minutes only four remained, the others having gone to write letters. Sergeant NOBLE and Lance Cpl. Randel are placed on the strength of my Platoon. Major O'Halloran takes R.C. parade.
July 5th The ship rolls heavily causing plates and etc to roll off the table. It is reported that there is a German on board by the A.P.M.Staff and he is reported to have said They will give you Australians hell"
The N.C.Os lecture the men on the parts on the rifle.
July 8th Travelled 328 miles during the last 24 hours
July 9th Travelled 330 miles. C.S.M. lectured the men on The duties of a Soldier". There are 30 cases in Hospital.
The Berrima magazine is published. Weather is hot and oppressive. Lectured in the description of targets to the Sergeants Class of Musketry.
July 10th Half Holiday. Dinner held at which the Ships Officers attend.
July 11th Church Parade.
July 12th Travelled 330 miles. Ships engines are 7000 hp. Using Welsh coal which gives greater speed and less smoke.
345 miles
July 13th Boxing tournament commenced. First night spent on deck.
July 14th Fourteenth anniversary of the Republic of France. Dinner held, junior ships Officers invited. The batman Derois made a French speech. Kings health was drunk and the president of the French Republic, President Poinchare.
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July 15th CRoss the line. King Neptune reads a proclamation and marches round the deck with drum and band. Cpl Brown and Leavy take part.
Only one ship has been seen since we left Australia. The wireless sends 800 miles at night and 240 by day. S.W. Monsoons. The engines on the boat are said to be of the very best made. A grand concert was held at 7.30p.m. The Adjutant, Major O'Halloran, Lieut Evans, Sprinall and Connor were ducked in a bath and shave, the usual ceremony when cRossing the line, the equator.
july 16th The lights of the whole ship are controlled from the Captains cabin in order that they may be extinguished at a moments notice when it is necessary. Was ordered to parade to the orderly room for using expression which are said to be against the French people. The statements were afterwards found to be false and the man Derois who made the statements deserted at the first opportunity, it being then quite clear his object was to get out of the Australian Army now that it was getting near to some fighting.
July 17th The sea gets very rough the propeller is out of the water. Port broken.
July 18th Nothing.
july 19th The 4th Officer of the ship relates the following experiences;
Place. Off Socotra, where the natives are cannibals.
I was on the Star of Australia an Australian Steam Ship bound for London, with wheat. The propeller shaft broke and we drifted at the rate of 50 miles an hour. When we got near the Island of Socotra the natives saw that we were helpless and tried to board us but were kept off with a horse whip and the life boat launched which brought us help in time. We lived on boiled wheat for 20 days. cost Company 1700 pounds for salvage.
July 20th Nothing
July 21st Boots ordered to be worn instead of rubber shoes. Saw land Sudan and also native boats called doughs.
Passed light house.
July 22nd Nothing
July 23rd Nothing
July 24th Build a bullet proof barricade round the bridge, the regulations insist on this being done.
Sudan is frequently visible. It is very rocks and devoid of any kind of vegetation. Officers from the Indian troop ship
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July 24th (continued) Teesta visited the Berrima and had mess with the Military Officers on board. The night was spent at anchor in the harbour.
July 25th We are in doubt as to whether we are to go by rail to Cairo or through the Canal.
July 26th Disembarked at Suez and left for Cairo by rail. There are three classes on the Egyptian state railways, the 3rd class is used exclusively by the natives. Our rout lies through the desert with occasional oases at which the Stations are built. Stations show signs of European workmanship although they are very small and alive with natives selling all kinds of tropical fruit. Made a half way at a place called Zigazag at which we all hoped to get drinks as it was very hot. The train being late we are unable to get drinks and anyhow are informed that the canteen had been closed owing to some of the soldiers who had already passed through playing up. We were all very amused at the natives who tried to sell us grapes, melons and etc-. The native police tried their best to keep them off with big sticks but no sooner was the policemans back turned than they were at it again. The young natives who are nearly nude are first rate beggars and call out Backshies" as they run along by the side of the train which passes by the edge of the road in places with no fence between.
After a run of 6 hours we arrive in a very sleepy condition at Benhar ? at 11.30 a.m. and march to our camp which is about 2 1/2 miles from the Station. Our camp is nothing but desert and the dust is beastly. The remainder of the Brigade are camped nearby and also the 12th Light Horse, with some Artillery.
July 27th The Officers Mess is started and the catering is very unsatisfactory, and also the natives, who wait on us, are miles too slow although they keep themselves clean. The bread is a very dark colour with a peculiar flavour which nobody likes.
C" Company was due for duty and we spent most of our time pitching tents. The tents are very fine and have an inner lining to make them cool, they hold 25 men. Some of the men are accommodated in huts built of match wood by the natives. Each is provided with a long table, one for each section.
There is a Mahomidan cemetery near by which we are requested to keep sacred. No green is visible anywhere, nothing but sand in view. The sun is very hot indeed and so it is arranged that we parade from 6 to 9 and from 5 to 7 at night. We have a lecture or indoor parade at 11 o’clock.
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July 18th We are inspected by Brigadier ,General Holmes who gave a very fine address on military subjects. He said we had three things to do in the way of training. Shoot, march and dig. The weather is very hot and oppressive and requires a lot of getting used to. We are al issued with shorts at 10 o’clock at night and informed that General Maxwell was to inspect the Battalion at 7 o’clock in the morning.
July 29th General Maxwell inspected the Battalion and afterwards gave an address chiefly concerning discipline. A native boy came to the camp and gave an exhibition of rifle exercises and bayonet exercises showing very remarkable aptitude, it was impossible to give him an order which he could not correctly carry out. I gave a lecture on discipline to the Company. We four Subs have a tent to ourselves, it is a large E.P. Tent and one sleeps in each corner.
We all rushed out of the tent in order to obtain a photo of a native Corporal of Police who came along to the camp. The Native Police Corporal looks quite grand on his black horse and is delighted at the idea of having his photo taken. They carry a carbine slung over his shoulder.
July 30th The shorts are a great improvement and are very comfortable. We have now all settled down to the conditions and are fairly comfortable. The sand and glare of the sun is very trying for the eyes. The climate is not quite so bad as we were led to believe and the general physique of the men as long as they keep away from the drink and women is good. There are wet canteens for all ranks.
July 31st Nothing
August 1st Visited the pyramids and Tombs. Mena House is ¾ of an hours ride from Cairo in the electric tram. We left the camp I the morning in a native four wheeled vehicle called a Garry accompanied by a native guide who we had engaged for the day for 1 pound, 100 Piastres. The guide paid all expenses. The day was very hot and we did not like the idea of getting out of our drill dress of shorts.
Arriving at the trams we had a soft drink and the guide asked us if we required anything to eat but as it was so early we said no. We went straight out to the Pyramids passing over the river Nile and some of its tributaries and finally finished up at the base of the pyramids, hired a camel each and rode up as far as we could get.
It was my first experience on a camel and in early got pitched off when the camel got up and down, their stride reminds one of a small boat on a rough sea although they can get up a fair pase. The one I had was ten years old and I was informed that they live about as long as a horse.
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August 1st continued We has our photo taken after the guide and the owner of the camels had argued for a considerable time and to which we had to put an end or they would have come to blows. The Sphinx was a few yards to our right, the Pyramids which are said to be 450 feet high a little further on. The guide got donkeys for us and we got aboard and speaking for myself I felt ashamed to get on the poor little animals, the saddle nearly slipped off as I got on and I found difficult in keeping my balance especially when the donkeys began to gallop.
The guide did not say where he was going, so we followed him blindly into the dusty desert all mounted on donkeys with native boys running behind us with sticks to make the donkeys go. The sand was very difficult for us to walk in but the donkeys did not seem to be bothered in the least. We passed sand dunes and mounds, a native cemetery, villages and some Indian wheat cultivations which were irrigated from Sarduffs, these are scattered all over the place and are about 12 to 30 feet deep and from 6 to 10 feet in diameter. When we passed one large brick building well covered in with trees, the guide informed us that it was an English Company.
Our guide was fairly intelligent but his English was far from perfect. He told us that the natives work by piece work and not time, they have two harvests in the year. After a long and rather tedious journey on the not overly comfortable mounts we arrived near some ruined pyramids and our guide took us up to the tombs of the old Kings of Egypt who had died hundreds of years B.C. The walls were covered with carvings of all kinds of animals, donkeys, camels, cows, cows being slaughtered which by the way means that they pull its tongue out.
The vaults which contain the bodies are carved out of solid granite of great weight and covered with a massive lid of same material, the sides have carvings and are polished. We visited four of these tombs built underneath the ground and then went to a native house close by and refreshed ourselves with a large water melon.
Our return journey was uneventful but rather wearysome , McDonalds saddle slipped round when he was offering the guide a cigarette. The guide had not eaten anything all day and did not smoke till 7 of the clock, he then looked at the sun and asked for a cigarette saying he had come to the end of the fast of Ramadon.
Our guide also had a long drink of water which he obtained from the first native village he came to. We had travelled at least 19 miles on the poor donkeys over the rough sand. We then returned to Cairo by tram and had dinner. The guide kindly informed us that if we required a good lady" he could get us one. A card by some means was placed in each officers tint with a name and address on.
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August 2nd.3rd.4th.5th.6th.7th. Nothing
August 8th A great number have gone down with dysentery, Mr Evans was to go to; the Hospital but the ambulance did not turn up. I have not been affected.
I rode up to the 12th Light Horse on Major O'Hallorans horse to try and see Clive Hunter but he was not to be found. Captain ARNALD is now 2nd in Command. Major O'Halloran is not liked as O.C. and does not know his practical work.
August 9th Nothing
Owing to books having been lost when landing on the Peninsular and the impossibility of obtaining books much of the following is from memory up till the 23rd August
August 14th The 5th Infantry Brigade had received orders to leave for Gallipoli and the 14th was spent in making all the necessary arrangements. First we had as issue of colours, our colours being a diamond shape with green on the lower half and white the upper half, green standing for the Bde. and white the Battalion. They are to be worn one inch below the shoulder. We were issued with Enfield revolvers which are out of date and misfire now and again. Orders were issued that we were to take nothing more than could be carried on our backs. We wore our shorts, tunics and hats and full wed equipment, Officers as well as men.
Forms had to be filled in as to next of kin and so on to be left at the base in case we were among the unfortunate ones not to return. Our boxes packed we sent them to Messers. Cooks, Cairo for safe keeping and I hope mine will be safe as all my papers are in it, certificates and credentials. Our departure was unexpected and rather hurried. If I remember right it was on Sunday that a full Parade of Officers and N.C.Os. was ordered and we were all marched to the parade by the Adjutant and formed into a square with the Officers and N.C.Os. of the other Battalions of the Bde. General Legge Commanding the 2nd Division gave us a very fine speech and wished General Holmes (Brigadier) and the Bde. the best of luck and hoped he would join us soon.
All leave was stopped and a careful roll call taken. Major O'Halloran was sent to the 3rd training Btn with Liet. Mc Donald. Captain Arnold was sent to the 19th and Captain Ross came to C" Company of the 20th.
The change was in some ways advantageous but we all very much regretted Mc Donald leaving us and are assured that it was only ill feeling that caused the change to be made. For a Company to go into action for the first time short of two officers appears to me to be idiotic and the action of ignorant people.
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August continued. We were told that we were to relieve the 1st Division on the Peninsular and we all felt pleased at the idea of going into action. The Battalion was never very pleased with Heliopolis or Cairo after the novelty had worn off and the thought of being really in it made one feel pleased with things in general.
The 17th 18th and 19th Battalions left late in the day and the 20th, I think formed up to leave about 1a.m. We three Platoon officers packed everything and lay down to try and get a little sleep which I am afraid was a failure. We at length fell in and very carefully called the roll and made a minute inspection of each man. We moved out amid cheers and wishes of good luck".
Nearly at the end of a hot and uninteresting march we met an officer on a motor cycle who said something about the train leaving later but it turned out it left soon after we entrained. The entrainment was made in good order and saw the men fixed up as well as possible in an Egyptian train.
Leaving PALAIS-DE-KUBEIH railway station we tried to find room to put our packs. the Officers car was not much better than those used by the natives, it had electric lamps but we found that they would not light and so we had to use candles.
We passed through Cairo and shortly afterwards arrived at Alexandria wharf and embarked on the Saturnia. The old tub was packed with troops and the 19th Btn had already boarded. Everything was in a filthy dirty condition and the N.C.Os. had a bad time in regard to quarters until some were admitted to part of the Officers mess.
Times and dates
Left Helliopolis 11.30 pm Aug. 15th
Arrived at Alexandria 7.30 am 16th
Left Alexandria 6.30 pm 16th
On the 17th life belt parade.
Arrived Lemnos harbour on
Thursday the 18th at 5.30am
Ammunition and iron rations issued.
Arrived Anzac 11.30 pm on 22nd
Landed that night or early morning.
We now go back to what happened on the transport Saturnia’. We had no idea how long the trip would last as they do not take the usual route, and only had a vague idea of our destination. The ship had only just arrived back from a trip to the Dardanelles, so the Captain of the ship informed me, and so had no time to refit.
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August continued. They could not even provide drinks for the Officers mess and the food was very short and it took a long time to get it served up. We did not complain as we had made up our minds to put up with anything that came along. I managed to get a cabin to myself opposite to the one occupied by Hoskins and Evans. The heat became oppressive and I much appreciated the extra freedom a 4 birth cabin allows for one occupant. We did not yet know what kind of an O.C. we had struck and wondered who was going to take charge of No 9 platoon and also who was going to be 2nd in Command of the company. The ship took on a lot of A.M.C. stores and ammunition which was afterwards issued to the men.
At the wharf native, men and women came asking for backshis" meaning money and some of the men pitched them money and soon their numbers increased. The native police in their red hats and blue uniform chased them away with a thick stick which they carry. It was quite hopeless as no sooner was one lot chased away than another lot would take their place. One old woman with a baby I remember particularly was most persistent and when she was hit with the stick she made a terrible fuss. I wondered why the wharf authorities did not complain to the O.C. Troops , I could not make out. The civil authority tried to stop with all their might just what the troops were encouraging.
Alexandria was full of ships, and at least 6 Hospital ships could be seen and one came in while we were there. One or two Battleships were there, one being a French boat. We loaded two iron clad small boats, one on each side fore and aft. We all wanted to know what they were for, some said to clear the narrows of mines but of course they were only guessing. I remember little of the journey acRoss except that we had an armed guard on the boat deck each end and two machine guns ready to shoot at submarine if it appeared. It was certain that if we did get hit by a torpedo that half of us would be finished as the boats would not carry half the men, if they were seaworthy which was very doubtful.
Boat drill alarm was held and each Officer had charge of a boat. All ranks had to wear a life belt, and also to carry it about with him for the remainder of the voyage. To be orderly officer on Saturnis was just about the worst job I have ever had, everything was so mixed up that it was impossible to get satisfaction of any sort. Lack of proper organisation and method would have caused great inconvenience had the voyage been longer. If we had been hit by a torpedo I am sure I do not know what would have happened and did not like to think about it.
By this time we had found out that we were to land near the Salt Lake, make a road and connect up with other troops. The Salt Lake is just to the right of Suvla Bay.
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August continued. 1915
The country was said to be very rough and so we had orders to put on breeches instead of shorts. This order was cancelled shortly after everyone had taken the trouble to get the breeches out of the packs and do them up again. This caused a considerable amount of grumbling. Some of the foolish men had thrown their shorts away. All ranks were issued with 200 rounds of ammunition and two days rations. Water was said to be very scarce and so we were ordered to fill all available tins with water ready to take off with us. No one appears to realise that water carried in open tins on a small boat and carried down ladders and over all kinds of obstacles will certainly be spilt. It was on this famous ship that I learnt to my horror that the sun rose in the south in the Northern Hemisphere. I hope this officer will soon find out his mistake or he may lead his Battalion in the opposite direction to the one required.
August 19th We arrived at Lemnos, but land was first sighted at 6.45 on the 17th. The country was rocky with light barren soil, without any kind of vegetation except around small villages. Passed a burning mountain about 8 hours sail from Lemnos, the locality or name of which I do not know. As we entered Lemnos Harbour we counted 20 War ships, 10 Hospital ships, an over 100 other large steamers including transports. The Flag the Blue Ensign was raised as we passed the first War ship and all on board cheered. The flag was lowered after we passed.
We remained at anchor for three days and then changed over to another ship called the Osmaniah a small 20 knot boat, which before the war traded between Alexandria and Constantinople. She was fortunate to leave Turkish waters a day or so before war was declared. A dispute arose over the Officers mess. The English Officers managed to get a good meal served up to them and refused the Australian Officers admittance.
Before leaving Lemnos everyone managed to get a swim and some swam over to some of the other transports. The Staff Officer on the Osmaniah before the boat had hardly been made fast, called out through a megaphone The 19 Battalion and the number of men and officers, the 5th Field Ambulance will disembark on to the Osmaniah. The 20th Btn will remain on board for the time being. The Osmaniah soon got going and we passed lines of Warships, French and British, and also many transports from all we received cheers with occasional signalling and waving of hats. The fast boat with her Greek crew made the water fly away from her stern and we expected to arrive at the Peninsular that night. Some of us lay down on deck to try and get a few hours sleep after making many trips round the ship to prevent smoking, or any kind of light.
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August continued. I found the electric light full on in the wheel house and reported it to the Captain of the ship. Soon the guns could be heard in the distance and in a short time rifle fire, the flashes could be observed on the hills, there appeared to be a fight on. Shortly afterwards bullets began to fall on the deck, and a Greek standing on the bridge was hit in the stomach. A hospital ship loomed up and we anchored near to one of them and prepared to disembark. As usual everything was in a mess, no method and everyone in charge. The reserve of ammunition, medical stores, tools and etc had to be got off and it was found very difficult on the crowded ship and narrow passages on to the barges. A landing officer through his megaphone made a few attempts to prevent so much talking and to hurry us up with Will the officers in charge, kindly hurry them up"."Pack up close" His English affected speech rather annoyed the Aussies. At last we came to a small low wharf at Anzac, and after some difficulty landed. The sea was a little rough and it was no easy matter to jump on to the wharf with full pack, 200 rounds of ammunition, and two days rations. On getting to the beach we made a rather uncertain march along the beach to a Gully which we afterwards found was called Rest Gully. It was a very hard pull up as it was very rough and steep. As soon as we were given the order to halt we lay down exhausted and attempted to go to sleep for a few hours till morning, it was then about 3 of the clock. Major JENKINS was in command of the Battalion as Colonel was taken ill and remained behind in hospital. At daybreak most of us got up and had a look round, some tea and bully beef and biscuits.
August 23rd Several men were wounded on the beach and 4 GHURKAS reached ARGYLE GULLY. B" Coy. ordered to reinforce 8th Btn.
August 24th Battle was raging and wounded coming down fast. 8 men from No 6 Platoon shot
August 25th Heavy bombardment by warships in the early morning.
August 26th Went to Rest Gully again and relieved the 8th and 10th Light Horse on top of Walkers Ridge. Had a demonstration, fired 30 rounds per man. Another demonstration at 4.30 am and a call to arms.
August 27th Bombardment by Ships and Batteries at 2 p.m. At 5 p.m. Battle very heavy, they are trying to take the hills on the West. 5th Brigade Charged and took two lines of Turkish trenches.
August28th Two Taubes fly overhead sapping within 15 yards of enemy trenches and 5 ft from sap.
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August 29th Dispatch rider shot on the beach by machine gun. Turkish Officer wounded and brought into the Hospital, looked intellectual and talked English. Features. Brown 6th Brigade landed complexion, dark hair. 5 feet 9 in. uniform only known by his waistcoat.
Sapping under Turkish trenches 75s fired at us.
30th 8 men killed and 20 wounded on store on beach. Turks attempted a charge but were repulsed.
31st Demonstration at 10.30 at night 1 and 2nd Reinforcements joined with Lt Harper.
September 1st Harper placed in charge of No 9 Platoon. Charge on the W.Hills by British and an advance made. Wire entanglements built by Turks. One killed and one wounded in No 8 sap
Sept 2nd Turks improved wire entanglements. 3 men wounded.
Three trenches gained by us on the right.
Sept 3rd Bombardment of the Chessboard by Batteries.
Scouts commenced duty. 5 wounded. Sgt Vince in charge.
4th Nil
5th Nil
6th Nil
7th Demonstration at 9p.m.
8th Attack on left and demonstration on the center
10th Bombardment by ships and Batteries at 4p.m.
11th Church Service in support trenches. Rained slightly.
12th Nil
Noted supplied by No 1353 J.R.Potter.Sigs.
Sept. 13th Dugout blown in a few seconds after I had left it.
14th Nil
15th Scottish 5 inch How. Battery landed. Comes from Glasgow.
Shell smashed mule cart up.
16th Movement expected along the whole front.
17th Strength of Battalion 890 including 1st and 2nd Reinforcement
18th Called out at 6 p.m. as attack was expected. I was on duty in the trenches and Sgt Sparrow reported bayonets seen in front line trenches in large numbers. I called everyone to arms and took up my position in No 5 sap.
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Sept 19th Church parade
20th Sailing vessel sunk in sight after the enemy had fired 50 shells at it, a Greek ship laden with wood. 10090.0.0 pounds drawn for pay. Orders taken for winter clothing.
21st Another mail arrived.
22nd A man named Hill had his hand and arm blown off through his holding a bomb too long
23rd Nothing
24th Something big in the way of a Stunt expected. Demonstration by us with co-operation of Navy and Heavy Artillery. I was on duty in the trenches and as the M.G. had not fired I sent word to find out why, they replied blown out come and see" Lieut Richardson and a Private had their eyes badly damaged by earth which was blown into them.
25th Very quiet.
26th Pte W.V. Power was hit on the head in No 5 sap . I was observing with an Artillery Officer just before, I handed him the periscope and as I did so a bullet came through the bags and hit Power. He was in pain and would be unable to write for some time so I wrote to his Mother.
27th Nothing
28th Message received from Lord Kitchener. Things are going well in France, on Sept 27th 23000 prisoners and 40 guns with more to follow". This should liven things up in the East. Mine exploded on the beach and 8 men rushed in to see what had happened and were overcome by the fumes and died.
October 1st Clouds obscure sea and ship
2nd Nothing
3rd Sunday Church Parade
4th Nothing
5th Note thrown into trenches stating that a party of the enemy wished to surrender. A note was thrown back with instructions as to where and when to surrender. A number surrender at Poes Post. Queen Alexandra’s, comforts issued, did not amount to much for each man.
6th Nothing
7th Nothing
8th Shell landed in Main Street killing one wounding four.
9th Severe storm at night.
10th Lieut Richardson went away ill.
11th New firing line opened at the Neck. Lieut Col. White and Adjutant of 8th Light Horse brought in from ground recovered. Bodies in very decayed condition.
12th,13th,14th Nothing
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October 15th Big Demonstration by us to try and make the Turks charge. Bag pipes played in the front line, Bugles sounded the charge, men cheered and orders passed along Seaforth Highlanders prepare to charge"."Woolloomooloo Lancers man trenches". Orders were called out so that the Turks could hear.
16th Canteen goods arrive
17th Church Services.
18th C" Coy relieved from the trenches."B" Coy. took their place. Major Uther in Command of No 1 post. I remained in the firing line. Had taken up my new dug out in Meldrum Lane dug by Sgt Proir
24th Church Parade
November 3rd ¼ ration of water issued
5th 26th Battalion 5th Bde Commenced to take over the line. C" Coy. moved from Walkers Ridge to Monash Gully. I was transferred to B" Company and had charge of the Coy for a few days. Captain Abbott was ill.
13th Lord Kitchen visited the front line posts. I was standing at the Anti aircraft M.G. Gun with Captain Paul when he arrived, he passed a few remarks to me when I saluted.
14th, 15th, 16th beach fatigues. Christmas Mail to Australia closed.
17th Heavy storm all were washed out.
24th Could not make out why things were being moved and wharves built. Silent stunt commenced. We were ordered to keep in the dugouts and no one was to fire. Word arrived that the Mail sent to Australia to arrive at Christmas had been sunk.
27th Fall of snow, is very cold. I made a fire place in the dugout.
28th Water pipes burst resulting in ½ issue of water. Everyone collecting snow to melt down for water.
30th Turks bombarded Lone Pine causing 121 casualties. Russels Top received very heavy fire.
December 10th Received my other star 1st Lieut about this time. 20th Btn began to take over Russels Top again from28th Btn.
12th Major Harcus Uther and Jenkins killed by one 75 shell going up to Russels Top to arrange for taking over.
[Page 19]
December 13th Ridge taken over. Lieuts Bailey and Mc Donald wounded.
14th Lieut Dodwell killed in Q.M.s dug out blown to pieces.
16th Shell killed two men in Bully Beef post, and two men of 28th Battalion.
18th Advanced guard left for the evacuation of the whole front. Lieut Evans went with it and had charge of the kits.
19th Arrived at Lemnos Island. Made our camp at Mudros.
21st Received Battalion comforts. Billies
22nd Raining
23rd We are camped in tents and do parades as usual.
24th We had a swim in the sea to try and get clean.
25th Visit native village to get things to eat.
26th Boxing Day. Church Parade and holiday
[Page 20]
PRIVATE War Diary. Commencing December 30th 1915.
Written by Captain S.J. Fox
1st Jan. 1916 New Years Day was spent at Mudros which is the port of Lemnos Island. It rained heavily and nearly all tents were flooded. At midnight flares saved from Gallipoli were fired up into the air. The 5th,6th and 7th Brigades were camped near the harbour, the ground was undulating, exposed and stony. Fresh water was difficult to obtain. I was in B Company at the time and in charge of No 6 Platoon. Visited the small village of Condia. Population appears to be about two thousand. People of two distinct classes. The peasant class dress in sheepskins, baggy pantaloons, black hair, sallow complexion, slow deliberate, swinging walk and older men always carry sticks.
The better class have intellectual faces, and a quick brisk walk. Dress like Europeans. Police look very smart in their blue uniform, black leggings, silver buttons and braid. They come from the mainland.
Houses built of stone and wood, two storeys. Cows particularly odd looking. All structures are in a simi-dilapited state. Cemeteries crude. A rough wall of stone painted white on top represents the boundary of the cemetery. Poor attempt at grave stones. Churches small, roughly ornamental, tower contains small bell, inside Similar to other churches, seats are of the old fashioned style.
Streets narrow, paved with kidney stones. Sanitation bad. Water supply wells and springs. Windmills are seen in every direction. They have no carts. People polite and keen on business. Shops sell chocolate, oranges, figs, tin-fruit, cigarettes. English money taken. Animals donkeys, goats, chickens, camels, dogs, cats, sheep. Women draw water. Use plough made of wood which can be carries away on a donkey after use. They do not plough deeper than six inches. Products-figs, oranges, cabbages, dates and nuts.
2nd Jan. 1916 Orderly Officer. Trouble about the lights in the camp. One Officer and ten men detailed to clean up excreta down Y Valley.
3rd Jan. 1916 Embarked on the ManitouB 12. On board 20th Battn. 5th F.A. 5th A.E. 120 mules and horses. Tommy A.S.C. and Artillery. Lt. Battersby and Holland. Prisoners, spies, 22 men and 5 ladies, (one prostitute and two others married) very mixed lot of commercial type, physically poor.
Sea rough when taken out by tug. Weather exceedingly cold.
4th Jan. 1916 Still awaiting orders to sail. Loading horses and water. Food for men fair. Boat clean. Good seagoing boat. Tonnage 8000, steams 8to 12 knots.
5th Jan. 1916 Transferred to A company as second in command. Officers’ accommodation good. Still in the same spot.
[Page 21]
6th January Bde Headquarters sailed in the Similar, the ship has a sea going torpedo boat for escort. The Islands which abound in this part are constantly patrolled by the Allied fleet. A concert was held in the Officers cabin, Sgt Mongomery played the piano and Pte Leeming the violin, these two provided most of the entertainment. All lights are put out at night in order to prevent any submarine from seeing the ship. The Lewis machine guns are mounted in order to use them against any suspicious object.
The Manitouhas a 1909 pattern 12 pounder mounted on aft of the ship. This gun had been used 3 times against German torpedo boats, one of the German boats was chased by a British and went aground. A British Aux. Cruiser signalled"follow me at 14 knots". The Manitoucould not do this so she signalled back cannot do it to which the cruiser replied follow at best speed. The Manitoumanaged 13 knots. The bag pipes were played by Sgt McIntyre in the Officer’s mess they make too much noise in the small room.
7th We have an Indian Prince on board who holds the rank of Staff Captain in the British Army. His name is Mahmet Abhar Khan Chief of Hoti. Said to raise 10000 Indian recruits. Sea is rough.
8th Nothing unusual has happened, we are expecting to arrive at Alexandria.
9th Arrived Alexandria harbour at 1500, It was noticed that the water had changed to a much more pronounced blue. The harbour is large and covered with low breakwaters, the entrance is guarded with two small guns mounted in the lighthouse at the entrance to the breakwater.
10th Anchored in the wharf. Men escaped from boat to Alexandria. The battleship anchored near (the Magnificent). Tommies on board.
11th Disembarked and entrained for TEL el KEBIR. Left 3 p.m. arrived 10p.m. Country passed through, low and flat and highly cultivated. CRossed NILE twice. The peculiar cow ,water buffalo drew much attention. It is of a dark Brown colour, bony, and has a hump on the back and very little hair. Large number of natives employed in deepening irrigation channels as we passed through. The native villages are built of mud and wood, all clustered together. Very insanitary. Cows, donkeys, chickens and dogs live in the same houses.
12th When we arrive at TEL el Kebir late at night we had to bivouac. Parade in the afternoon and then pitched a small number of tents.
13th Ammunition handed in. Took N.C.O’s. class. One man per Company allowed leave to Cairo. Half-holiday.
14th A Company duty Company.
15th Inspected by Maj-General MURRAY who said in his address The Australians are the best troops I have seen, better than the Canadians, who are good". Comforts arrived.
16th Church Parade. Chaplain Single made a very strong statement on the subject of gambling by the Officers.`
[Page 22]
17th Jan The Officers Mess was commenced and an effort made to make it very good with every kind of luxury. Troops continually passing in trains which can be seen from the camp. Parcels which were sent to men now wounded, killed, or sick are distributed.
18th O.C. Company Captn.Ross too drunk to remember what happened.
19th Nothing of importance happened.
20th Battalion route march over the desert.
21st Nothing of importance happened.
22nd Went to Cairo on duty. Left by 10.12 train. Spent the whole time shopping. Visited the National Hotel. Returned 6.15
23rd Orders received to move to Ismalia. Struck tents at 5.30 p.m. General Holmes had dinner with us. Entrained 1a.m. 24th.
24th Travelled down in open trucks. Arrived at Molaska just as it was getting light. Molaska is about one mile from Ismalia. We commenced a very trying march on the desert, it rained and we could not reach our destination had to pitch tents enroute.
26th The Officers Mess was opened in record time. The wind became strong and some of the tents were blown down. Marched out towards Australia Hill. We soon came to the end of the made road. The rest of the route lay over the desert. Stones were being carried by the camels to make the road. Long streams of these camels appearing at intervals on the crest of a hill. We at length arrived at Pinch Gut Gully in an exhausted condition, to add to our discomfort it commenced to rain and the camels carrying the tents had lost their way. The camels at length arrived and a number of tents were pitched in the dark.
27th Our camp is situated on a slight rise in the desert. There is no vegetation to be seen anywhere. The canal and lake are just in view from Australia Hill which is close by. In places a kind of hard white clay can be dug up out of the sand. The roads are made from this. In places there are tufts of course grass which the camels appear to like. The camels, of which there are a large number, carry a load of five mounds equal to 400pounds, some carry more than this. The Officers stove was brought by one camel, which also had another box on the other side to balance it. It took 8 men to lift the camel up. Once on its feet it carried it five miles. The long swinging stride of the camel takes along at a pace of about 5 miles an hour.
[Page 23]
28th Jan. The 30th. Battalion are camped near Australia Hill. Lt. Wark is a 1st Lieut. in the 30th Btn. It rained heavily this morning. Weather is most uncertain. Half-holiday. Men are very discontented over the food. B.and C. Companies parade to, the Colonel over the matter.
29th Starting musketry instruction. I shaved off my moustache which I have had ever since I have been on service.
30th Party of Turks reported three miles away. Turks also reported sixty miles away signalling. The Battalion band parades.
31st Sgt-Major Alexander becomes regimental S.M. Cpl. Brown is tried and let off for using obscene language. Sand bags were used to build huts and cook-houses. Just as these works were complete all sand bags were called in. The O.C. has drunk the Officers Mess dry. Weather changes and turns fine and hot. No sand storms yet. Mount Sinai or Mosesis not a great distance away. It is said to be 7000 feet high.
[Page 24]
February
1st to 5th Lieut Rae goes to the machine Gun School. The Battalion 82 reinforcements, no Officers. Nothing of interest has taken place.
6th Church Parade. Visited Ferry post. Took a photo of the camels loaded up with sick men.
7th Nothing of interest takes place.
8th Battalion changes camping ground. A" and B" Companies remain near Australia Hill C"and D" went to a place called Lithgow 1 ½ miles away.
An inquiry is commenced into the conduct and work of Lieut Rawlingson, he is charged with neglect and being drunk.
9th A Company goes trench digging, the trenches are not far from the camp. The sand makes it very tedious work as the sand keeps falling in, they are dug out extra large to allow for this. 4feet 6 inches deep Traverse lift at base and 9 at top fire step 23 feet long. The 5th Australian engineers have the construction of these trenches in hand, they are not the original engineers who were on the Peninsular with us but they were formed in Aust. and have not long arrived.
Mail received and the Battalion was paid. Captain Ross is very funny when paying the men, some he sends back to have a shave others to have their hair cut.
10th I have come to the conclusion that the bump of organisation is not highly developed in the Australian, the bump of pleasure is however very prominent.
Being Orderly Officer I was ordered out on a 3 hour parade at night. I am doing all the censoring. Received another mail.
The men are treated without the slightest consideration by the Officers, they do not appear to me to understand how they treat educated volunteer soldiers; for one thing the difference between familiarity and congeniality is unknown. Good fellowship does not exist between officer and men. The true idea of discipline is not understood by the Australian. Far too much criming goes on and at times the men are made criminals by the bad management they receive.
Drill is never by any chance made progressive or interesting. Generally speaking they are worked too hard. The Officers cannot judge character, this refers particularly to the younger ones.
11th Major Ross informs me that I am to be Captain and second in Command of A" Company.
12th Sent a remittance of 27 pounds, 17 pounds to Mother and Dad, to be given to Percy.
[Page 25]
10th Feb. Sand storm. Trench digging discontinued.
14th. Gambling, boxing is the chief means of amusement. Deviation of railway commenced. Drew maps of trenches. While the officers were at mess, some men called out loud enough for all in the mess to hear who is a bastard? Ross". The cause of this was that a man had been ordered to carry a pack filled with sand, which caused him to collapse.
Seventeen guns were left behind on Gallipoli, six French, and eleven British. Surplus ammunition was exploded by being fired at by the war ships. All the guns were successfully blown up.
15th. Out-post was placed in front of Australia Hill to intercept possible Turkish raiding party. An aeroplane circled round and round the camp and dropped a message stating that the camels carrying a party of Arabs had been fired on 10 miles away. Out-post caught Arab behaving suspiciously, saying that he wanted to go to the 9th Battalion and then had no mission.
16th. Raining heavily. It is rumoured that we are to go to France. Lt. Baily has been given the D.S.O. and Sgt. Brennan the D.C.M.
17th. Weather very unsettled, strong wind.
18th. Visited out-post. Five men reported five miles from HOG’S BACK making a reconnaissance. Light horse went out to investigate. It is considered possible that the Turks may make a raid. We hear the news of the fall of ERZEROUM. General Townsend is said to be in difficulties at KUTE-AMARATHE which is just the other side of Bagdad. Large Turkish patrol said to be in the neighbourhood.
19th. General Legge reviews the Battalion and gives an address chiefly regarding discipline. He considers one man who misbehaves himself is a pro German and is equal to seven Germans owing to the trouble he causes and the guards which have to be mounted over him. He says that though they do not know it Australians are bashful about saluting. That English officers are reticent with regard to the Australian soldiers.
General Legge also mentioned that some Australian soldiers tried to cause damage to the trains by cutting the signal wires on the railway line a most outrageous and dastardly act. Being drunk is no excuse for committing crime. This is an amateur Army with all classes mixed and all trying to do their bit for their country.
At Maltaan Italian lady was good enough to take Australian wounded soldiers out for drives in her motor, when she was forced to run away to avoid insult. There are few tyrannical Officers in our forces.
[Page 26]
War Diary continued
19th Feb. The question has been asked, is it safe to let Australian soldiers into Belgium would they be as bad as the Germans themselves?
20th Church Parade. Weather dull, cold and windy.
22nd Two hundred mounted on camels reported fifteen miles away. A Turk tried to swim the canal but was caught. 3rd Brigade report a man three miles our acting in a suspicious manner. A Turkish reconnaissance in force may be expected. If this arrives by day they are to be resisted outside main line of defence. General Holmes is annoyed at the gay life the 20th Battalion Officers have been living, and particularly dislikes gambling.
23rd Battalion comforts distributed. Three cases have been stolen in transit. Colonel Lamrockis most impartial in all his dealings. There are a large number of defaulters. The Cameroons have been captured. General Holmes, Colonel Wisdom, Major Viney and Lt. McCallum have dinner with us. A very fine menu is arranged. Major Viney remarks these Englishmen are no damn good". Lt-Colonel O'Halloran is to be in charge of a training brigade.
24th There is supposed to be a very strained relationship between U.S.A. and Germany. Colonel Lamrockwas the last Batallion Commander to leave the Peninsular. General Holmes was the last Divisional Commander. Captain Ross was the last to leave the trenches at RUSSEL’S TOP.
25th)
26th)
27th) Nothing of importance
29th Lt. McCALL joins the Battalion. Captain Paul promoted to Major.
[Page 27]
1st March Weather very dull. The S.S.Maloja reported sunk off Dover. The French fort of DOUAUMONT N.E. of Verdun has been recaptured by the French.
2nd Rumour persistent that we go to France. Sub-Lieut. two Petty Officers and six sailors come to stay with the Battalion. Severe sand storm. Lt Hoskins promoted Captain. Cpl.Jenkins promoted to 2/Lt.
4th Visited out-post and got lost.
5th Nothing
6th Move from KANIMBLA VALLEY to FERRY POST WEST. A hard and fatiguing march as the men had full pack and blankets to carry.
7th Left FERRY POST WEST 9am. The march through ISMALA was very tiring even the sight of the green foliage and habitation did not revive us. We continued to march for hours in the hot mid-day sun. En route we passed by various hospitals, among which was an Indian Hospital under the shade of the trees. A GHURKA stood guard with his drawn knife. Arrived at MOASKAR about 2 pm and very glad to find tents already pitched.
8th Battalion marched to the lake for a swim, band leading. Every one inoculated including myself. A general Officers Mess meeting held. Major Paul moved that all spirituous liquors be cut out of the mess. Mess showed a profit of 46 pounds A lecture was given to the Officers on the use of gas helmets.
9th Volunteers are asked for the Divisional Cyclist Corps. All clothes are fumigated. All temporary Majors are to revert to the rank of Captain. Weather is exceedingly hot.
10th)
11th)
12th)
13th) Nothing
14th We are refitting and expect to leave for France on the 17th. Ismalia is a very pretty little town, at present full of military hospitals. Reported that there are drums there, and our men are said to line up, 30 deep and await their turn. The club is a very fine building and is thrown open by the people of Ismalia for the use of all Officers.
15th)
16th) Nothing
[Page 28]
17th Received marching orders. Corporal Murray is awarded 12 months imprisonment by Court-Martial. Tin box arrived from COOKS. Entrained at MOASKAR station 1700. All travelled in horse trucks.
18th Arrived at wharf at 4.30 and boarded INGOMA. The INGOMA is the best troop-ship we have yet travelled on, tonnage 4000, speed 12 ½ knot. Stewards are Laskars. My cabin is No 20 on the starboard side. Spent a few hours in Alexandria and visited the museum and had dinner there. Alexandria is a fairly nice town as towns in EGYPT go. As is usual there are two distinct quarters, the European and the native. The European quarter is quite good and up to date; the native quarter is dirty and dilapidated. There are electric trams, garries, taxi cabs and motors. The streets are narrow. The museum is chiefly full of mummies and broken images.
19th Left Alexandria at 1500 with a strong wind and a rough sea. At mess nearly every one had to leave owing to nature’s call. Men’s quarters in a fearful mess.
20th Sea still rough.
21st Band played on the boat deck.
22nd)
23rd) Expecting to arrive at Malta. Did not call at Malta. Turned off towards Cape BON. Passed within easy sight of the Island belonging to SICILY called PANTELLARIA, 45 square miles. A wireless message came through from the S.S. MINNEAPOLIS that a submarine has been sighted and later on the S.O.S. The MINNEAPOLIS was sunk at the same spot at which we were at 7 o’clock yesterday morning. Later in the day another wireless came through that a submarine had been sighted off VALETTA Island, which spot we also passed yesterday. Cape BON sighted at 4.30p.m. Can see the ruins of an old Moorish Castle. The famous town of CARTHAGE destroyed by the Romans can be seen in the distance. Am OFFICER of the watch and on duty from 10 to 2. Ship golf, forms the chief amusement.
24th Sighted SARDINIA. Men medically examined.
25th Arrived Marsailles. Marched through streets of Marsailles to the station. The march was a disgrace. Men straggled all over the place and officers did not appear to know the different traffic rules. The accommodation on the train is comfortable.
[Page 29]
25th March We passed a place called ORANGE a town about the same size as ORANGE in N.S.Wales, we remained here ¾ of an hour and obtained something to eat. This was our first experience of the French way of serving up meals. This first days journey was very interesting to all and every one was struck by the beautiful scenery and the French girls with their high colour and good features. The strong smell of flowers also attracted much attention. The electric trains were a novelty to the Australians. German prisoners were working in different places in route; the men did not show any signs of hatred to them outwardly.
The bright green vegetation called forth much comment, some remarked this is a country worth fighting for". At every place we passed the French people turned out to welcome us, their manner showed every good feeling and the Australians much appreciated this and showed their appreciation by cheering all the time. The train as is usual with troop trains was very slow.
26th Passed through VERSEILLES, MARSEILLES,LYONS and within sight of PARIS. The boys turned out and asked for souvenirs from the Australians who freely gave them anything they had.
27th Major Ross, Captain SINGLE, Lieut BYRNE and myself travelled down in one ordinary carriage and during the trip I had a heated argument with the Chaplain.
28th Saw the palace of VERSEILLES in the distance and also PARIS in the distance. Arrived at the end of our journey and marched to our billets at STEENWORK.
29th Went to BERTHEN Trench Mortar School and about nine miles away, travelled in motor buses and had a very interesting trip. Passed some of our own transport and as we were the first to arrive in FRANCE much enthusiasm was shown by both the transport men and ourselves. We were soon observed by the hats we were wearing. The troops passed on the way cheered and we all enjoyed the trip.
30th Had mess with some English Artillery Officers at BERTHEN. Attended the school and found it very interesting. Weather cold. The firing can be heard from here and enemy TAUBES fly over at times.
31st All the 5th Bde officers think that the Trench Mortars are no good and so interest is not very keen. BERTHEN has a rather nice church and it always appears in use. Our mess is in the parson’s house
[Page 30]
April 1st-4th Hear that 800 Canadian soldiers are casualties in the bombardment which we can hear.
Returned to the 20th Battalion.
5th Did rifle drill and Coy drill with A" Coy.
6th Receive orders to leave STEENWORK at 9-12 on the 7th. We are to take over the trenches now held by the 103rd Bde of the 34th Division. Troops will march via OUTTERSTEENE, HAZLEBROUCK, BORNE, STRAZEELE and to ERQUINGHEM.
Marched passed GENERAL JOFFRE not far from STEENWORK.
7th Left for ERQUINGHEM.
8th Arrived at L’HALLOBEAU.
9th Received warning to take over A" Light Trench Mortar Batty.
10th Took over a 4 inch Trench Mortar Battery from 2nd Lieut SUTCLIFFE.
11TH Changed the Billet and went to H.10.D.22 Rained hard all morning.
12th Organising the Battery. Men go to the Baths at ERQUINGHEM.
13th Raining. Trying to get equipment for the Battery.
14th Raining.
15th LEEMING got a violin at ARMENTIERES for 25 francs. Rumour Germany has asked for armistice, no one takes any notice of these rumours.
16th)
17th)
18th) Nothing
19th Returnees to 5th Bde Headquarters are chief annoyance just now. The people at whose house we are billeted are very kind to us.
19th -27th Was sent to a Trench Mortar School, the Bde Major saying he must send someone and you are the only one I can send. 17th Battalion are shelled out of their billets. We remove to ERQUINGHEM railway station. Steel helmets are issued to the Battery. Two shells fell in Erquinghem and killed a woman and 2 babies also killed a soldier.
27th-30th Nothing
[Page 31]
1st May Was at Trench Mortar School, TERDINGHEM. Met a large number of British Officers from all regiments imaginable. English, Scotch, Australian, Canadian, Irish and Welsh. Captain LEE is Commandant. He was in the reconnaissance in force which took BOIS GRENIER and nearly got into LILIE. The school is run on very good lines, coupling amusement with instruction.
2nd)
3rd)
4th) Nothing
5th Heavy bombardment of the salient in front of BOIS GRENIER by the HUNS. They fired 3000 shells on a front of 300 yards in about 2 hours. It commenced without any warning whatever. A" and B" Company of the 20th were in the front line. B" Company got particularly smashed up. Lt BLANCHARD captured, afterwards died of wounds in the enemy’s lines. Lt.CONNOR killed, amongst others. Total casualties over 100, killed 30-40. Two strokes guns belonging to 5A 2 Battery were captured by the HUNS. The raiding party was armed with bombs and revolvers. One of our wounded men was shot on the ground by a German. The man lived long enough to state what had occurred and then died. The 18th Batn. Relieved the 20th that night. It was reported that many men were killed in their dug-outs in sitting postures and unwounded. Four of my Battery casualties, Gnr.JOHNSTON, killed, Cpl. DICKSON wounded, Gnrs.ROWE and HANSON wounded. Cpl.DICKSON’S life was saved by his steel helmet, a piece of shrapnel penetrating through the helmet, but not touching his head.
5th to 17th Too busy to write anything. Brigade Staff in a funk over loss of guns. Battery Officers placed under arrest. Received some ridiculous orders from Brigade which caused me to write to the General and say that if he cannot see his way clear to let me alone to do my job, would he return me to my Unit.
18th The following notices were nicely printed and placed out in front of the HUN trenches on various occasions ‘John Bulls White Slaves". This way to Paris via Verdun". Advance Australia Fair (if you can)". We did not come to fight the sons of murderers and convicts.
19th Saw a Hun on the parapet, had a shot at him but missed. He was wearing a grey uniform, steel helmet Similar to ours, and black boots and gaiters.
[Page 32]
20th Lt. Pye killed while out scouting by his own men who did not know he was out. The bullet went in his right side and came out his back. Lt. Parker promoted Captain. Box helmets issued. Gas is expected and many false alarms are given.
21st Weather is very nice and fine. Foliage is beautifully green. Lts. Shaw and McMeekin are being tried for neglect of duty. Wrote and asked the General for special leave. It was refused in an uncourteous manner. Second DIV.D.A.D.O.S. appears to me to be of more help to he Germans than to us, cannot get necessary stores. Clothes indented for and obtained for men now dead or wounded D.A.D.O.S. refused to have returned and informed me that I should have to pay for them. Was there ever anything more absurd.
22nd Fired a few rounds. Lt. CHEADLE killed out scouting. ARMENTIERS had a few shells put into it, one killed a father, mother, and children. Scouts say they are more afraid of their own men than of Germans.
23rd I moved into dug-out in White City on the 17th. We were billeted at ERQUINGHEM RAILWAY STATION and received very good treatment by the people there, and they said they would do anything for soldiers. They have two sons at Verdun.
24th Lt. PORTEOUS killed in dug-out by shell whilst talking to Captn. ROPER. Captn. ROPER was only knocked over.
25th Did a bit more firing. Wet again. Went to Brigade to give my summary of evidence in the case of Major Viney. Major Viney is charged with neglect of duty, in that he did not pass certain instructions on to Lt. SHAW O.C.5 A 2 Bty.
26th Germans place the following notice in front of their trench, The war will be over in fifteen days, but before that the trenches will be flowing with Australian blood".
17thto 19th Nothing
30th Returned from the trenches having run out of ammunition, and unable to obtain more.
31st At 10 minutes past 3 on the 25th the artillery and mortars opened the bombardment of the enemy trenches, 5 A 1Battery taking part and firing from newly constructed emplacements. Leeming promoted Bombardier. 7th Inf. Brigade make a successful raid in the enemy trenches. The raiding party are given leave to England. We have changed our billet to one near the firing line called LA TOULETTE. The 16th Battery is immediately behind us and every time they fire everything is knocked down.
[Page 32]
!st June LA TOULETTE has been partly demolished by shell fire, but it was straightened up and made quite comfortable. Lt-Col. LamrockC.O. 20th.Batn. has been made C.B. and has returned to Australia as unfit. Major FITZGERALD second in command has been given the D.S.O. Weather is continually wet.
2nd to 13th Nothing
14th Captain FERGUSON is killed in his dug-out. The night previous I sat on the same spot that he was killed on, and while discussing dug-outs remarked I am willing to take my chances here. Lt.CAMPLING has his arm blown off in the same dug-out, and is killed by shrapnel while being carried out. Sgt-Major Alexander is promoted 2/LT.
15th Have invented a buzzer by which to fire guns.
16th to 19th Nothing
20th 5th Brigade Machine Gun Company have 14 casualties, from one shell which penetrated the billet while an instructional class was being held. The Germans appear to have less artillery on this front.
21st On the 13th of June LT.CLIVE HUNTER was shot through the head and killed while looking over the parapet just after stand-to in the morning. Lt-Col.Wisdom was slightly wounded. Visited CLILVE HUNTER’S grave and wrote to Mrs HUNTER a letter of condolence. The 4th Division are to relieve us shortly. Rumour says that the Germans have captured 19 guns from around YPRES. The 7th Bde. make another raid which is unsuccessful. We are having raids and artillery bombardments very frequently now. I have a Battery of Stokes Guns now. Enemy shelling severely during stunt in which we were taking part, a piece of shrapnel hit my steel helmet and glanced off, I was not seriously hurt. We remain at LA TOULETTE although our infantry have been relieved by the 4th Division. Orders state that I am to return to my Battalion at my own request, and Lt. RICHARDS is promoted T/Captain and O.C. Battery, this is a trick by General Holmes by which he made use of my knowledge of the work, but has made use of the opportunity to promote one of his RABOUL men. I am much annoyed especially as I had spent at least 5 pounds on equipment for the Battery. I appeal to the General and he informs me through the B.M. that I had applied to be returned to the Regiment.
[Page 33] [Page 34] 21st to 30th Nothing [Page 35] 19th Captain ASHER arrived and took over the duties of D.T.M.O. from me. He commenced in a very business like way. 20th Nothing 21st Captain ASHER and myself attended a conference of Artillery officers and Infantry Brigadiers. Among those present was General Cox, General Nairne, General Glasford and Col. Ryan G.S.O.I. 22nd to 25th Nothing 26th Captain Asher and myself left St LEGER for the headquarters 4th Division to attend a meeting of Trench Mortar Officers. The expert Trench Mortar Officer of the 4th Army was there and tried to give us information which would be useful. 27th The 12th and 13th Infantry Brigades move out to the line. Had a row with Captain Asher, he tries to treat me as a clerk, he is really annoyed that I know more about the job than he does. 28th Went to TALMAS for pay. 29th Left St LEGER for VALEREAUX 4th Army Trench Mortar School with the whole of the Heavy Battery and stayed there 3 days and put in some very useful instruction. The instruction was done by myself alone I think very successfully. 30th to 2nd Nothing [Page 36] 4th and 5th Nothing 6th Left HERISSART for Albert in lorries and bivouacked outside Albert 7th Took over two Heavy French guns from the 2nd Division. Walked all over the battlefield of Pozieres walking over the dead and also some of our own Engineers who had been killed in the sap of the night before. This was rather a shock to some of the men who had not seen dead men before. I left a party of men to go on digging the Heavy gun pit. 8th to the 10th Nothing 11th Captain ASHER wounded at the chalk pits. Men are doing well at the gun pit and have it well forward, it has been considered in possible to get the Heavy gun up to the pit when it is completed, I do not think so however and am going to try. 12th Sgt. RUSSELL DAVISON shows himself cool and collected under fire and is doing some very good work. The gun has been got to the pit by Davison and a fatigue of about 60 men from the 49th Battalion and the Pioneers. The gun was carried under shell fire to the pit and the men working on the pit gave a cheer when they arrived and spoke very highly of their work. Casualties 2041a Gnr TURNER G.T. shot in the rump. 13th Promoted Temp.Captain. German balloons up. Rumours received that the Huns are massing for a big counter attack. We are making attacks every day and the losses must be very heavy. The lAHORE DIV. offer to do anything for me so as to help to get the Heavy gun in action. [Page 37] 14thAugust Brought the remaining gun from Chalk Pitto billet. General NAIRNE sent for me and gave orders for the Heavy Gun to be fired between the hours of 6 and 7.30 p.m. Lt. Pinder Sgt-Maj. Wheeler and party left about 3 p.m. to prepare the gun for firing. Myself, Sgt. Russel-Davison and two men left later, after obtaining the special charges. [Page 38] 15th General NAIRNE sent for me, as he was anxious to know how we got on. I did not feel at all well, but shaken up from the day previous. The General was very kind and thoughtful and expressed satisfaction at what had been done. I asked that Sgt. Davison’s work receive recognition. I returned to the billet and rested and went to bed early. I learnt that the attack which took place the previous night had failed, owing to the fact that the Germans attacked at the same time. The bombardment which was taking place while we were firing the gun was their preliminary to an attack. 16th 1st. Div. Trench Mortars arrive. [Page 39] 22nd Nothing 23rd Went to see Major Paul up SAUSAGE GULLY. I am not feeling at all fit, nerves are not nearly so good as they were. Guns firing around cause me considerable annoyance. 24th I am appointed Temporary D.T.M.O. while Captain ASHER is away wounded. The troops on our right and left made an attack during the night on points near Thiepval and obtained many prisoners. 25th Received instructions to put guns in Quarry, and I went up with Mr.Hirst to explore the position. There was not a great deal of shelling. On the top of the ridge over which KAY trench passes there are dozen or so of men killed apparently while trying to dig a new trench. This particular part is very dangerous and there are old and new remains of dead bodies scattered about. [Page 40] 26th. An attack was made at 4.55a.m. by the 6th Aust. Inf. Bgde. They took almost all their objectives with the exception of point 54. They were also, driven out to point 31. The O.C. Y 4 A Battery 2/LT. Hirst proceeded to Quarry in the afternoon with instructions to have the gun in position by 9 a.m. on the 27TH. Difficulty was found in cRossing the ridge leading to the Quarry owing to heavy barrage which FRITZ was putting over. At length the gun was placed in position. The 4th. Aus. Inf. Bgde. 27th. Nothing [Page 41] 30th Telephone laid on to C.R.A. 31st General asked for heavy mortar to be got into position at the Quarry. Lt.PINDER says he can do it. Try to obtain English ammunition in order to get greater range. [Page 42] 2nd. Gave a short lecture to the officers on the WHITE STAR GAS and also mentioned discipline. 3rd. At 4.45am. after heavy artillery bombardment the 4th Australian Division (13 Bde) attacked Mouquet Farm as well as other points. The main attack was against Mouquet Farm. Mouquet Farm was occupied by us and the dug outs entered, they were found to have steel doors. It is quite uncertain how the position stands at present. Some say that our troops have been driven out, others that we have taken it again and holding onto it. Casualties heavy on our side. Went to WARLOY and obtained acetylene lamp. Canadians relieve 2nd Division. 4th CANADIAN D.T.M.O. arrives. 86 bombs dropped on METZ. ZEPPELIN brought down near LONDON. Canadians take over our line, still uncertain if Mouquet Farm is in our hands or not. Raining heavily. 5th Nothing. 6th Relieved by the 1st Canadian Division. We proceed to AUTHIEUIE by lorries. 7th Went to Doullens. 8th Medium mortars left Doullens by train at 3.10 am. For HOPONTRE from there we proceed via POPERINGHE to RENINGHELST to Headquarters 4th Div. Artillery. We then proceed to DICKEBUSH to relieve the 3rd Canadian Division. Relief carried out the same night Y4 A Batty going to the trenches. An accident occurred with one of the Mortars and Gnr.Read A.C. was wounded and afterwards died. The accident was caused as far as is known by a premature. It was the first round fired from the Mortar. A reconnaissance of the front was made by me to find a position for the heavy gun. 9th 10th Nothing [Page 43] [Page 44] 12th. Guns and equipment are in a very bad state. A heavy gun pit is being constructed at I.33.C.9-0 13TH. Nothing 15th. 147 rounds fired from |Medium Mortars. Our telephone line was cut in two places by wire cutters near our billet. This is the second time this has occurred. 16th. Nothing 17th. 22 rounds fired on point A.4.a/2-4 15 on Craters. Retaliation was heavy. 18th. Weather wet. 19th. Y 4 A Batty relieved from duty. 20th. Made out notes for Heavy and Medium Mortars. 21st. Nothing [Page 45] [Page 46] [Page 47] Y4A Bty. Covered HOLLANDSCHESCHUUR SALLIANT,BOIS QUARRANTE,SUNKEN ROAD SALIANT and CROONAERT CHAPELLE. Front line, supports and communications were systematically strafed. Much material observed to be displaced, duck boards, wire and ravetting. Much trouble encounter with rifle mechanisms. Cpl. BLAKE particularly commended for firing greatest number of rounds in spite of having to remove rifle mechanism at least six times. Mechanism eventually burst also clamping band. Retaliation consisted of a feeble volley of rum-jars and a few rifle grenades. a name="a5998048"> [Page 48] a name="a5998049"> [Page 49] [Page 50] [Page 51] 7/12/16 detailed Lt. Hirst and two other ranks to instruct at Corps T.M.school. Fritz is shelling Albert occasionally, and yesterday killed two men who were going on leave, at the railway station. He also hit the hospital and tore up a bit of the railway line. 8/12/16 Bdr DAWSON T.E., Gnr PENDLETON F., Gnr MARTIN G.F.W. have been killed while working on a railway line at the 10th Bde and Gnr BUDGE W.H., Gnr DENNY W.E., are wounded. [Page 52] [Page 53]
[Page 54] 9/12/16 Lt. Hirst, Sgt Stafford, Cpl Selby and one officer and nine other ranks from D.A.C. left by motor lorry for T.M.School at FREMONT> Mr Lloyd George premier. Hill 304 at Verdun retaken by Germans. 10/12/16 Made arrangements to move up to live at C.R.A French report having retaken HILL 304 from the Huns. 11/12/16 Moved to Headquarters in the morning and attempted to make ourselves comfortable. The condition of the ground is such that it is impossible to keep ones feet dry and clean. It has been raining off and on all day. 12/12/16 Proposed new was council, Lloyd George,Henderson,Carson,Bonar Law. Seven disabled Tanks in the neighbourhood of Flers and Guedecourt. 13/12/16 Visited Trench Mortar School at FREMONT. Also NAQURS,AMIENS at latter place we had lunch. The KAISER informs his army that he has actually proposed terms of peace, but in the statement of the REICHSTAG, which was also made in VIENNA, SOLIA, and CONSTANTINOPLE, Bethmann-Hollweg only said that Germany was ready to negotiate with a threat that if the Allies do not listen, worse horrors would be let loose on the world. The cause of the German peace trick are clear, the German losses on the SOMME, put officially by the French at 700,000 (it is known that they have been surrendering pretty freely lately) their other losses, and their peoples empty stomachs. 14/12/16 FRITZ put over about 12 shells into POMMIES REDOUBT, they did not do any damage but it was distinctly uncomfortable. The size of the shells is unknown some say that they were 9-4 inches and others that they were 9-2. It is supposed they came a distance of 16 miles, a good many of them were duds and one of them they are digging for and find that it is down about 16 feet. Received a report that Sgt STAFFORD and Cpl Selby are inefficient as instructors. 15/12/16 I go to Albert and MAULTE on the way to Mericourt but was taken ill on the way and had to return and recover at the billet in Albert . Peace talks still continue. 16/12/16 Went to Albert an sorted out 2 complete 2 inch guns to go to the Trench Mortar School at FREMONT. The French have captured 9000 prisoners and 81 guns near Verdun. [Page 55] 19/12/16 The Staff captain went on leave, and I took over his duties. [Page 56] 23/12/16 I am finding the work a little trying and heaps to do. The Brigade Major and myself will not agree, I am very much afraid he is inclined to be snobbish and arrogant but it may only be his peculiar manner. The A.D.C.2/Lieut Halford seems a decent chap but is at present new to his job. He is as far as I can gather an artist or a teacher of art and an Englishman. [Transcribed by Trish Barrett for the State Library of New South Wales]
21st continued I saw the B.M. of the 4th Div. who told me to see General ROSENTHAL. The General was very business like and asked me no end of necessary questions, to which I was able to give satisfactory replies. The General said that he would see General Holmes to substantiate my statements, and if all was well he would transfer me. I called to see him the next morning at EQUINGHEM and he said that everything was alright,"do you think that you could manage the Heavy Battery" to which I replied yes". He told me that I would have V 4 A Bty. And to put in my application for a transfer and he would sign it there and then. I went to SAILLY the next morning in the car to 4th Artillery Headquarters. I went with the 4th Div. Medium and Heavy T.M. Batteries and relieved Capt. BrownE D.T.M.O. of the 1st Div. The 1st Div T.Ms. had no steel or box helmets, rationing arrangements had to be made, and I had no staff, only LEMMING and myself. I went to Headquarters and obtained one bicycle, 8 phones and steel helmets. We carried on the line under difficulties and in a short time got into working order.
Bdr. KIRKUP was wounded by a short round from our own guns. The same shell also wounded two infantry. We continued to work there until relieved by the 5th Division who had 1 ½ guns which they did not know how to use. Lt.KELLY was acting D.T.M.O. he was most ill-mannered. We then went by lorry and G.S. wagons to BAILLEUL WEST railway station and entrained there for a place we did not know but were informed unofficially that we were to join the LAHORE Divisional artillery which turned out to be correct. I visited BAILLEUL and had dinner there. Bailleul is a fairly large town with the usual market square. No young girls or fit Frenchmen are to be seen anywhere. We spent that night in the train and arrived at about 3 a.m. at Doullens. Y 4A Battery at CONDIA. I had difficulty in finding out where we were to go and to obtain transport to get there. At about 10 a.m. I obtained two lorries to take the guns, kits etc. to DOMART and then to ST LEGER where after difficulty I found billets for Officers and men. I saw General NAIRN C.R.A. of the Lahore Artillery, the Brigade Major and the Staff Captain. We were billeted comfortably.
1st to 18th July Nothing
3rd August While at the Trench Mortar School we made a patent elevating arc and also Lt Pinder invented a patent clamping wheel wrench. We were able to watch much firing but were called away the day before we were to fire ourselves owing to the idiocy of Captain ASHER.
We returned to the remainder of the Trench Mortars who were at HERISSART.
Note Pozieres, CONTALMAISON, LA BAISSELLE,OVILLERS are in absolute ruins and nothing but a heap of debris is to be seen. The country around is simply one mass of shell holes. Dead are to be seen everywhere unburied just as they have fallen as it is impossible to bury them owing to the continued shell fire. On taking over the 2nd Div. many of the Medium Trench Mortars were buried by shell fire. Our Artillery are continually shelling with guns from 18 pdrs. to 15 inch. In SAUSAGE GULLY the 16 pdrs. are practically in the open and only a few yards apart and they keep up an incessant bombardment.
German dug-outs are exceedingly well built, anything from20 to40 feet deep, spacious and lighted with electric light. In some cases the steps are made in a zig-zag manner in order to prevent the possibility of bombs falling down. Divisional Artillery Headquarters are situated at a place called TARA HILL which was originally part of the French main line of defence and is shelled occasionally particularly at night.
We took the opportunity of riding as near the line as possible in a box car. The driver was game and so we went well in the danger zone with the car. Eventually after an exciting trip we arrived at the gun-pit.
Enemy shell fire was intense. We found no one at the gun-pit, and quite expected that PINDER and his party had been blown out. Having overcome so many difficulties we found that we were unable to fire the gun owing to the absence of clinometer and prismatic compass, which Lt.PINDER and party had. The Bosche bombardment intense.
We waited half an hour in the hope that the others would turn up. Then Sgt. Davison went to try and obtain a clinometer, with instructions not to be away more than half an hour. In half an hours time two men turned up with a clinometer, and as Sgt. Davison had not returned in the time given him,
I made an effort to align the gun by the row of trees which were marked on the map along the road leading to Mouquet Farm. After scrambling about for some time I found there was no line of the road or trees to be seen. I then went to Battalion Headquarters and was knocked over on the way and quite dazed. Arriving at the 50th Battalion Headquarters I was delighted and surprised at being able to obtain a prismatic compass.
I then scrambled back to the gun-pit, and found that Sgt. Davison had returned. I then aligned the gun by compass, which entailed three things;-going some distance from the gun to avoid contact with the iron, to remove steel helmet, and to remain perfectly still in the open while Fritz was shelling. The lip of the pit had to be cut away and the men worked like Britons in the open, pushing the earth down into the pit.
The German bombardment rather increased in intensity. Three rounds only were fired. This does not sound much, but those who were there can realise what those three rounds meant. After firing the three rounds we left hurriedly, making a dash for the only remaining good sap which was about a quarter of a mile away.
Having arrived safely at the sap we all felt exceedingly thankful. Somehow I felt very weak in the knees and found difficulty in getting along. Sgt. Davison who was leading the way, commenced to roil about in an uncontrollable manner, and at length broke into a frantic rush, cursing and swearing at the Huns. He was apparently suffering from over strain, and the part of the trench from which we had on the way up thrown out one of our own men just killed, started Davison on his headlong career. He at length fell exhausted in the trench, and recovered sufficiently to be able to walk. His memory had gone, and we had difficulty in getting him along. He recognised me and said Is that you Capt. Fox. I will follow you to death, no one ever yet found Davison a coward". We at length arrived at the junction of the trench and the road, where Davison would persist in sitting down and talking to a man who apparently just died on a stretcher.
We here found an infantry man who had lost his way and was demented. We brought him along with us. Davison again started a charge all on his own, charging down the road at full speed, fortunately in the right direction. He came acRoss some Tommy machine gunners whom he started to lash into, fortunately he was unarmed.
When the others came up he set upon them as well, and gave one man a vigorous smack in the mouth. I rode ahead on a bicycle and obtained an ambulance wagon to take us all home to the billet. We were all considerably shaken and heartily glad to get back. Davison’s memory improved and he asked after Mr Pinder and party.
17th Rode to WARLOY to have teeth seen to.
18th. Went to WARLOU again.
19th Nothing
20th. Lt. PINDER and Sgt. Davison have discovered an O.P. to overlook Mouquet Farm.
21st. Aug. Received instruction to fire the heavy gun between the hours of 1.30 and 2.30 p.m. Sent Lt. PINDER and telephonist up to prepare the gun and lay the line. Went up myself and commencer firing at 1.40. Found line cut to O.P. I observed three shots the third of which went right into Mouquet Farm. The burst of the 240mm shell can be distinguished from all other bursts by its greater height and the tremendous amount of earth and stones it throws up. I then returned to the gun and we fired 5 more rounds, when we received a note stating that some of our shells were falling near our infantry trenches. The concussion from the gun, when fired is tremendous, in a covered in pit or dug-out. The place is filled with dust, the ground shakes and large pieces fall from the walls. This was the first time that we had used the No 31/24 D.A. fuse. It was successful. The Huns were putting a few shells over but there was no intense bombardment. Our infantry made an attack at 6 p.m. and gained their objective.
DAILY MAIL report- Gradually the British troops are pushing nearer to Theipvalle. In LEIPZIG SALIENT yesterday they advanced to within a thousand yards of the town, while near Pozieres they made considerable progress, advancing on a front of half a mile and establishing themselves just outside Mouquet Farm which is almost due east of Theipvalle and overlooks it. Trenches were also taken south of MARTINPUICH.
Had as enjoyable gallop to WARLOY
25th cont. The Chalk Pitwe found occupied by C Coy. Of the 21st Battalion. The O.C. of the Company pointed out all the German trenches to us, and particularly Point 54, and advised us to concentrate upon it. I observed a German poke his head up at strong point 54 and regretted not having a rifle. There were two Stokes Guns in the position and a large quantity of ammunition stacked in an unsafe position, the cap end of the cartridge facing the enemy.
We returned and visited the heavy gun pit. They have made the KAY DUMP within a few yards of the pit, connecting it by a tram line. We obtained our bicycles from the engineers dump at FRITZ’S WELL and returned. I had a clean up and then went to see the C.R.A. with regard to the possibility of placing the gun in the Quarry. I came back and gave instructions to Y4A Battery to get one gun and 15 rounds into the Quarry. X4A Battery had instructions to fire one gun from their position, but when they got up there they found that everything had been buried. The bombs were scattered all around the top of the shell craters. They returned without any casualties. One mans received a slight wound with a piece of H.E.
expressed great satisfaction at the mortar being there. This was noted as a rather unusual circumstance, as the infantry are not usually pleased to find medium trench mortar placed near them. Lt. Hirst reported to the C.O. of the Battalion on whose sector he was operating and was asked by him to co-operate in an Artillery stunt which was about to take place on Point 54. Six rounds were fired by the medium mortar and were observed to be very effective, three of them landing among enemy working party.
28th 2/LT.ANDERSON and party of four men went to repair trench mortar position at R33 b o 4. Beds are dug out and bombs collected. The usual shelling was in progress. The beds were put in position so as to fire on Mouquet Farm and point 04
28th ,29th continued V 4 A Battery fired 12 rounds at Mouquet Farm obtaining 4 direct hits and 1 short round, which was fortunately a dud. This was the first round fired, barrel had been warmed. Enemy retaliation feeble. X 4 A Battery fired 29 rounds at Mouquet Farm under cover of artillery fire. Lt.ANDERSON then returned to observe for heavy gun. Y 4 A Battery engaged Strong Point 54, observed all his rounds, and swept the area and communication trenches.
The direction of the communication trench was observed by watching the course pursued by stretcher bearers waving a RED CRoss flag previous to his firing. Shooting considered most effective. The 16th Inf. Bgde. expressed a wish for this mortar to cover their advance on that night. They offered to carry bombs to the gun. They could not however obtain enough men to do so. Lt.Hirst and detachment returned and got soaked through on the way.
1st September. Visited G" Company special R.E. 3rd. Corps and witnessed experiment with 2 inch Trench Mortar bomb filled with WHITE STAR GAS. I sent in a report to C.R.A. regarding the experiment. Lt.Pinder fired 4 rounds from Heavy gun in 1 1/2 hours excusing himself by saying it took a long while to get the gun into action and the telephone would not work.
11th. September Y 4 A Batty fired 12 rounds
14th Right section Y 4 A batty fire 15 rounds.
22nd September. Owing to a large amount of work being on hand commencing on this date it was found impossible to keep the diary up to date and so from this date a summary of events is being written.
Telephonic communications was very bad at the commencement of operations on this front. I got a shed fixed up as an office which was very convenient and comfortable.
The weather began to get cold and it rained frequently. At this time we had X and Z Battery in the line but we were shortly ordered to take over a front from the 3rd Canadian T.MS. extending to the VIERSTRAAT ROAD. Y 4 A Battery took over this front, it is a fairly active front as the Huns have a greater number of Mortars on this front. I find it very fatiguing inspecting the front. I have got a very good horse from Headquarters called BEN. and also another from the D.A.C. for my groom Gnr. HIGGINS to ride. The Menium batteries are placed under the groups, heavy Battery is placed under the Command of C.R.A. through the D.T.M.O. My position is that of general adviser to the Division on Trench Mortars. I still have the administration to do.
Bdr. WELSHMAN proves himself a most capable and thorough man at his work. Bdr. LEEMING is doing well as the Quarter Master. I have written to try and obtain a typewriter and it is long in arriving.
The typewriter at last arrives and we are trying hard to learn how to use it. I have been getting on fairly well and do most of the Routine Orders so far. I cannot obtain a typist from the Batteries. Everything is running very smoothly. I am promoted to Captain from Temp. Captain, 2Lieut Mc Pherson, Anderson, Hirst and Pinder are promoted to 1st Lieut. I have made out two good maps of the whole front and have put in the co-ordinates on all the positions.
Lieut. Sherwood is promoted Temp. Captain. We have obtained 16 cases of comforts from the Australian comforts fund and also a Gramaphone. We are again ordered to take over a front called the BLUFF. Z4A Battery is taken out of the line and sent to the front and the X4A Batteries front is extended over the front Z Batty had. The 1st Australian Division are on the BLUFF front and they have built sone very good gun positions and dug-outs. They have two heavy gun positions which they are handing over to us, one of them is very badly chosen and afterwards falls in, they are not quite finished and we continue to work on them. The Heavy gun position on our original front is getting on well. I go on leave to England, I am very surprised as I did not expect to go just yet. I ride to PROSPERINE station and go to BOULOGNE, after having something to eat at the Hotel on the wharf I go on board the boat and try to obtain a cabin but cannot, the sea is rough but I do not expect to be bad as I think I have got over that trouble.
War Diary continued.
Boat leaves between 1 and 2 o’clock, packed with Officers and men going on leave. When the boat got well clear of the wharf, to my astonishment and annoyance I began to feel ill, and spent the remainder of the time in the lavatory. I got a Canadian Staff Captain to book me a seat in a Pullman car in the train travelling to Victoria Station. We arrived at Victoria station at about 9 o’clock.
I then obtained a ticket for Norwood Junction and left by the first train, after telephoning up 72 and asking for a carriage, but not letting them know who it was for.
As I am not likely to forget the leave I am skipping this part.
Arrived at Folkstone on the 27th and boarded a very crowded boat, which was not expected to sail as the weather was so rough and wet. It did however much to our annoyance, and we had a beastly trip, getting drenched through to the skin, and being ill. We passed the remains of a sunken boat, which we heard was destroyed by a German channel raid by seven destroyers, two of which were sunk. The Queen the boat on which I went over was sunk by the Huns, and also a destroyer. Arrived at BOULOGNE and had to wait till 9.15 for a train, going to ABEVILLE. I was mis- directed by the R.T.O. and had to return and go to HAZEBROUCK. At HAZEBROUCK I telephoned and asked for horses to be sent to meet me at POPERINGHE and arrived at DICKESUSCH at about 7 p.m. I then set about making arrangements for the registration of the heavy mortar to take place on the 4th.
Report of Operations herewith;-
X4A Bty. Owing chiefly to L.E. mechanisms getting out of order and one of the beds giving out it was found that the 100 rounds could only be fired from one gun. This was No 1 gun on the Craters, which fired for 75 minutes.
Ammunition expended as follows:-
No 1 -100 rounds on the Craters
No 2 -25 rounds on the Craters
No 3 -35 rounds on F.L.T. in P3D
No 4 -45 rounds on F.L.T. in O4A
No 5 -25 rounds on F.L.T. in O4A
Enemy Trench Mortar retaliation was brisk all along the sector covered by X Bty. Artillery surprisingly quiet. Stokes and M.G. co-operation good throughout. Enemy Mortar, thought to fire shells about 12 to 15lbs. from smooth bore, range at least 800 to 1000 yds. came into operation towards end dropping 40 or 50 shells along OLD KENT ROAD. They appeared to have delay fuze but did little damage. In addition to torpedoes and rum-jars, the enemy used the original rum-jar.
War Diary continued
Ammunition expended as follows:-
No 1 70 rounds
No 2 66 rounds
No 3 56 rounds
No 4 58 rounds
Z4A Bty.No 1 and 2 guns on PICADILLY FARM, Front line and supports.
One round from No 2 gun fell just out of the mortar and fortunately failed to explode. This was put down to faulty cordites. No 3 gun fired on F.L.T., supports and wire. Trouble experienced with four joints of extension frame and the gun overheating. Enemy mortar retaliation damaged parapet of No 1 gun. Several 5.9s fell in the rear of the pits doing no damage.
Ammunition expended as follows:-
No 1 gun 31 rounds
No 2 gun 60 rounds
No 3 gun 56 rounds
No 4 gun 70 rounds
V4A Bty. Very careful preparations had been made for the registration of the heavy gun on RUINED FARM. The mortar was trained on the Farm at a range of 1000 yards, 200 yards more than the actual range, to obviate the possibility of a short round falling in our own trenches. The barrel was cleaned, sponged and warmed. The first round was observed by Captn.Sherwood to fall about 15 yards from the pit, and did not explode. The second round travelled about 450 yds. And was likewise a dud. Fourth round just reached German front line (600) yds. and detonation was observed to be perfect. Fifth round was a repetition of the fourth. Sixth and seventh rounds dropped 600 and 300 yards short of the point aimed at. As all these rounds were fired at the same range and elevation, Captn.Sherwood considered it unwise to expend further ammunition and therefore ceased firing at 3.30 p.m. The erratic shooting was considered due to defective charges. It afforded great satisfaction to those who had spent so much time and labour on construction of the pit, to know that the bed proved in every way satisfactory.
The failure of the heavy guns to prove satisfactory was most annoying but the same thing was experienced by the 47th Division who had relieved us on the BLUFF front and again in a few days time the firing of the gun was stopped from Headquarters.
I made arrangement for another stunt straight away. The Battery Commanders had done very well and they soon managed to get up more ammunition with authorised help of the Infantry.
Herewith a report on the second operation:-
Battery X4A. In accordance with instructions received Z4A Battery opened fire at 2 p.m. on the 10th inst.
No 1 gun was unfortunate in having great trouble with the mechanisms and finally the gun blew out of the frame; the gun was in action only 45 minutes but during that time fired 50 rounds.
No 1a gun was firing on the craters had even worse trouble, after 18 rounds had been fired the gun bed split down the center and the steel cRoss head blew out of the wood work.
No 3 gun fired 101 rounds
No 4 gun fired 100 rounds, the mechanism had to be changed on this gun also. A field clinometer was used with this gun. Great damage was done all along the line to enemy trenches and wire at 0.4.a.5.51/2, the enemy front line is breeched for 30 yards and the support line for 10 yards.
The bombs fired from No 4 gun threw up timber, wire bags and etc. The damage was far in excess of the expectations of Lieut. ANDERSON the Battery commander.
Enemy Artillery retaliation was very feeble except on the craters where he put over numerous whiz bangs. Enemy Mortar retaliation was heavy, particularly on ESTAMINET LANE and OLD KENT ROAD. ESTAMINATE LANE was blown by torpedoes for about 20 yards. Several enemy torpedoes air burst occurred. No casualties to personnel. The battery commander reports that his men worked in excellent fashion and hopes that they have carried off the championship from the other T.M. Batteries.
No 1 gun numbered 186 Gnr Wookey N. 50 rounds
No 1a gun numbered 723 Bdr Edwards V. 18 rounds
No 2 gun numbered 4619 Gnr Smart J. 46 rounds
No 3 gun numbered 1703 Gnr Davy C.J. 101 rounds
No 4 gun numbered 4907 Gnr Wilson T.J. 100 rounds
Average per gun 63 rounds
War Diary continued
Battery Y4A
Y4A Batter opened the bombardment of the enemy trenches and wire at 2 p.m.
No. one gun –the ground being in such a bad condition, the emplacements and approaches had to be pumped out prior to the communication being established with gun positions. The gun crew worked in 10 inches of slush. A heavy minenwerfer appeared to be trying to drive the gun detachment away by air bursts. Sgt STAFFORD observed.
No2 gun:- during the firing of this gun one charge ignited as soon as it was placed in the piece, owing to the overheating of the gun and scorched one of the men’s eyes. This caused a delay of 10 minutes. The bed gave trouble near the finish and it had at least 14 inches of play lengthwise. A heavy minenwerfer operated around the gun firing 12 rounds.
2/Lt BARRON observed.
No3 gun:- on firing the 7th round the rifle mechanism blew out. All that could be found of it being splinters of wood. The thread of the piece was damaged and firing had to be discontinued. Shrapnel was fired at this gun.
Lt.Hirst observed
No 4 gun:- Surplus ammunition from No3 gun was transferred to this gun. Rifle bouts had to be exchanged several times. This gun was in a new and well constructed emplacement and had the only Newton bed in the Brigade. Without this bed the result of 125 rounds fired in 59 minutes could not have been obtained. Retaliation consisted of fishtails on supports and field guns on CHICORY LANE, fifty yards of which was badly damaged. The rate of fire caused an almost constant ascent and decent of debris in the enemy territory.
The time that the gun was firing was checked by Lt Hirst who was observing.
Targets engaged were: Wire F.L.T. and supports on HOLLANDSCHES-CHUUR SALIENT. Wire at N12d02. Wire and trench at 07c63, supports with T.M. positions at 07c59 and 07c61/291/2, and front line wire at 07b65to 22.
Retaliation- 35 rounds from two heavy mortars falling to right of POPPY LANE. 80 rounds from small T.M.(fishtails) on POPPY LANE and around the four positions.
No 1gun Cpl. Young 40 rounds
No 2 gun Bdr. Brooks 7 rounds
No 3 gun Cpl. Blake 125 rounds No 4 gun Cpl. Beck 78 rounds
Average per gun 61 rounds.
Z4A Battery operated on Craters, PICADILLY FARM and wire. No 1 gun in charge of Bdr. Dawson fired 102 rounds in 55 minutes, at which stage ammunition was expended. This gun was worked from an open spot and retaliation was severe. No 2 and 3 guns were
Occupied on craters and considerably damage appeared to have been done, according to the quantity of material dislodged. Unfortunately a short round from this gun which fell only eight yards from the gun and exploded caused the death of Gnr. Vogel.
This sad circumstance, cast a shadow over the shoot.
No 4 gun fired 54 rounds and the emplacement was wrecked by the continuous firing and the water-logged condition of the ground. The mud splashing up over the gun each time the gun was fired.
No 1 gun Bdr. Dawson 102 rounds
No2 gun Bdr. Smith 34 rounds
No 3 gun Cpl. Sutton 54 rounds
NO 4 gun Sgt. Conkey 45 rounds
Average per gun 58 rounds
Casualties:- 10590 Gnr. Vogal killed
War Diary continued
|The D.T.M.O. of the 41st Div took over on the 12th Nov. and we then went to VICTORIA CAMP near RENINGHELST and with great difficulty in obtaining accommodation. The Town Major told us that we could have what the British Cyclist Corps did not want, the idea being that the Australians could have what the British did not want.
On the 15th we left VICTORIA CAMP travelling in 10 motor lorries of the 4th Aust. S.A.P. At ABELLE we joined the rest of the Park. The convey consisted of 44 lorries. We travelled south all that day passing through STEENVOORDE, HAZEBROUCK,LILLERS, RERNES, ST POL, FREVENT and to BOUQUEMAISON at which point we stayed the night, after having great difficulty in obtaining billets for the men and myself, but none for the other officers. Next morning we resumed our journey at 8 o’clock and passed through Doullens, BEAUVAL, TALMAS, ARMIENS and thence to Albert leaving the remainder of the lorries parked en route. I reported to Anzac Headquarters and was instructed to go to BELLEVUE CAMP. Arriving there after dark we found insufficient accommodation for the men and very poor accommodation for the Officers. I slept in a tent. Bellevue Camp we found to be an example of perfect organisation (I don’t think). Infantry arrived there when there was no accommodation and not possessing any blankets, and had to sleep out in the open. The weather was very cold on the journey and is very cold still. The next day I went out and tried to find Div. H. Qrs. and found they were at POMIER’S REDOUBT just past MAMETX WOOD to which place I got by walking and riding on motor lorries. Roads and surrounding country in a fearfully boggy state. I reported the condition of BELLEVUE CAMP to General COX and asked to be removed elsewhere. The General promised to do what he could and ordered a report on BELLEVUE CAMP to be sent in. On the second day in Bellevue Camp we got up to find there had been a light fall of snow during the night. Obtained billets in Albert from the Town Major, and moved into them and found them very much more comfortable than the sheds, and also we had not to supply fatigues to the Camp Commandant. I obtained my two horses from D.A.C. after much argument. The Batteries were distributed among the D.A.C. and F.A. Brigades for duty. Lt.Anderson goes on leave and Lt. Pinder goes to hospital. General GLASFORD killed in sunken road near GUEUDECOURT. Went to AMIENS and got a petrol lamp.
One officer and 18 other ranks from D.A.C. are at Albert awaiting to proceed to CORPS Trench Mortar school at FREMONT which is under the Command of Captain Brown D.T.M.O. of the 1st Division. Lt Hirst and Sgt STAFFORD and Cpt Selby.
Military Humour
The Daily routine of a Soldier’s Life Told by a Few Well-known Hymns.
8/12/16 (Cpl Selby) are going as instructors.
The Huns made a raid last night with aeroplanes and dropped a few bombs, damage unknown.
Commenced the duties of Staff Captain so as to be ready to take the place of Captain Forrest while he is on leave. I am very comfortable at Headquarters and think I shall like it better than being with the Battery Officers.
17/12/16 Nothing
18/12/16 Visited front line on front of Flers in company of General Rosenthal. Flers is nothing else than a mass of ruins. We have two Batteries of 18 pdrs. In Flers. The country is undulating and bespattered with shell holes. Two tanks,(male and female) are stuck on the main road between Flers and Ligny-Thilloy and about a quarter of a mile from Flers. The Hun can see them and shell them. There are a great number of dead mules about Flers.
20/12/16 Again visited the line in company of the General. When we arrived on the right of Guedencourt the enemy commenced shelling with 5.9s. Some pieces of a shell flew past us and the General was hit in the right thigh. He was able to walk and insisted on going on although there was still considerable shelling and some were coming unpleasantly near.
Although we got within a hundred yards of the front line trench there were no communication trenches leading up to it . An enemy aeroplane flew not more than a hundred feet from us and directly over us. The pilot was easily distinguishable and we all stood and gazed at it in surprise. There are a great number of dead in front of Guedencourt not yet buried. The country is undulating and many good places for battery positions were found.
We returned to Bernafay Wood after a fatiguing walk of about twelve miles. The General’s wound having been properly dressed we returned in an ambulance wagon. The medical officer who attended to the General’s wound was the very same one who first attended to his wound on Gallipoli. The General also had the same pair of breeches on that he was wounded in then. Met General Holmes on the return journey and also Cpt Norman
Sgt Crook came to Pommiers and I met him in the C.R.Es hut and lent him one of the horses to go and find the 4 Battalilon. The General went down to an ambulance to have a piece taken out of his leg and did not return. He will be back on Friday it is expected. The General is a man of wonderful energy quite fearless and keen on his work. A little action like this serves to illustrate what kind of man he is When walking on the duckboards where there is not room to pass the General id he sees that a man has his pack on will get off the duckboards himself and let them go on in spite of mud etc and in the case in point when he had a bad leg."
21/12/16 Nothing of importance has taken place
22/12/16 Nothing of importance has taken place. The General has returned from the Hospital
24/12/16 Sunday again and it passes the same as any other day and work of course continues the same. Went down to Albert and also to the 14th A.S.C. to arrange for a supply of wood for Xmas day.
25/12/16 This being Xmas day it recalls the last Xmas day which I spent on the Island of Mudros after the evacuation. At 11.30 am the Left Group0 of the Anzac Artillery gave the Hun 2 minutes gun fire as a Christmas box, the Heavies gave the quantities of iron rations earlier in the morning. The weather is beastly raining, blowing and generally miserable. We had a very good dinner of turkey and etc but I was not very bright as I had a bad turn in the morning through eating fish I think.
Captain Style an expert horse master came, his job is as far as anyone knows to see to the horses and that care is taken of them, but he has not been out here before it does not seem to me much good sending him as he cannot understand the conditions under which they exist at present. The poor horses have as bad a time as anyone, the mud and the cold cause a very heavy mortality.
The N.C.Os and men on Headquarters have arranged a nice dinner with champagne and other wines. The General went to see how they were getting on, they drunk his health.