Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

A. Clyde Giles papers, 1914-1919
MLMSS 1841

[Page 1]
T.S.S. Maunganui
Melbourne
9-5-1914

Dear Father
Arrived here yesterday morning. Had a very fair trip there was a bit of dirty weather on the coast but didn’t last very long. I am storekeeper now also have the smokeroom & bar. Mr White the Chief Steward left on a three months holiday in Dunedin. Mr Buchanan is chief now & Mr Anderson 2nd. I was given the store &: smokeroom. Will be a bit better off now than before as it means better wages also will make a bit out of the bar. The other boys are a bit jealous of me for getting the position. Not that it is troubling me what they think about it. There won’t be much in it for a while as there are not very many passengers travelling just now.

They say things will be better when we get on the Sydney Wellington run. It was pretty cold in N.Z this time

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especially at Wellington. Miss Bert not being here this time as we met here both trips before. If you are writing him tell him of my rise he will be glad to hear it as we were talking about it last trip when I saw him. Mr Anderson the 2nd steward was telling me just now that he heard the Atua was to be here on Tuesday. I hope so would like to see him. Harry Lauder is a great attraction just now. His photo is posted up every where they say the Ladies are copying him in hats. They are all wearing Lauder hats. Well Father there is nothing to tell. Won’t be long before we are in Sydney again now.

Tell Miss Smith I haven’t secured any P. Cards for her yet but am on the look out for some. Love
From your sincere son
Clyde

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[Envelope with a 1d Australian postage stamp and a Melbourne post office stamp dated 6 May 1914 1.30am]
Mr J C Giles
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N.S.W.

[Page 4]
Maunganui
17th. 8. 1914

Dear Father
Was very pleased to receive your letter today. Now there is no need to worry about me. We are up to sail from here for Wellington tomorrow at noon. There seems to be a lot of doubt if she will get away or not. You wouldn’t know this boat now she is painted.

There were about 30 boys paid off here this evening. The rest of us are to go over with the boat. It depends on the Government then who they take as they take the boat over then. I have been told I am pretty certain of going. I will be terrible disappointed if I don’t go with her. A few days now will decide. Of coarse there is the chance we will never see the port we are sailing for but there is always that risk. If I get across I am going to try to enlist over there. That is if they will pay me off. I am not wanting to go out of any bravado. I think it the duty of any young single man to go that is my way of looking at it: I don’t suppose you will

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hear from me for some time after we leave Wellington. Not before we reach the port we are to land the troops at. No one knows where that will be as yet. There is one thing I will see a bit more of the world before we get back. I want to see England when I have done that I will be content to try for something ashore &: settle down but not until I do. Failing this boat I will come straight back to Sydney &: wait for the third Expeditionary to be formed & join that. That is the force I belong to. There is one thing I am determined to get there. I don’t care how I do it. I wrote Gran on Sunday. It will be a bit of a shock to her I am afraid. I didn’t think to tell her if she wrote straight to Wellington Post Office I may get her letter before we sail. I have heard the 28th is the day fixed for us to leave there. Now Father don’t worry about me I am not afraid of what may be ahead of me. I also know the risk I am taking. Am not running into this without thinking it all out. Did that between Wellington & Melbourne. There was one of the young fellows that are guarding the Power house alongside of us has got shot in the leg this morning. His mate was fooling about with his rifle &: blew the calf off his leg near off. It is wonderful what things are allowed a rifle they seem to think it a toy. No more Father now cheer up I am looking forward to going also to the day of return. Love to all always yours Clyde

[Page 6]
Address
Storekeeper H.M.N.Z.T No 3.
London or elsewhere Please forward
29.8.1914

Dear Father
I really havent had time to write you sooner. We have been up to our eyes in work. Arrived here at 5 o’clock last Sat. Set to work straight away getting fittings ashore. Sunday set to at seven in the morning & had to keep on the go until 10 o’clock that night. Have started at six every morning since & worked until ten. I am feeling a bit tired I can tell you. I we signed fresh articles last Thursday for six months to be brought back here or sent and to sail to any port in the world they want us to. They wanted it to be for an indefinite time but every one objected to that so it was made six months. I don’t know when we are to sail from here. There is no information given at all. The papers gave out the people would be given two days notice before sailing. There are about six boats going from here all together. This one

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is to be the flag ship of the fleet. I have signed on as storekeeper this time so have a pretty good billet.
I will be very glad when we get away from here. This laying alongside the wharf is just rotten. I have been wondering where Bert is. If they have started to fit the Atua up. Mr Anderson the extra 2nd has taken ill and won’t be abel to go with the boat now. They are taking him to the Hospital tomorrow. So it is hard to say who will be 2nd steward now. There is a new Chief on board a Mr Marsh. There is no need to say I am very pleased at the idea of getting away with the boat. Perhaps I will wish I was out of it before we return but will chance that. I know I am not on a pleasure trip but what one man can go through. I won’t be far behind. There is absolutely no news Father will write as soon as I hear definitely when we are to sail. Now don’t worry about me I will turn up some day like the bad shilling perhaps a bit the worse for wear but that is all. I will write you every chance I get. I haven’t time to write Bert or May but give them all my love. Tell him I am up to my eyes in work & dog tired. They will let me off I know. Remember me to the Miss Smiths. Love to all. Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 8]
H.M.N.Z.No3
Wellington N.Z.
11th..9..1914

[this first paragraph is a post script written at the top of the first page and follows on from the end of the next page]
N.B.
How is May keeping I haven’t written her since leaving. Don’t get much time to write any one. I think it is safe enough to write here. Watch for the Australian lot sailing & you will know whether we have gone or not as we are all to go at the same time. No more love to all. Your sincere son Clyde

Dear Father
I have been going to write you often enough but have been up to my eyes in work ever since coming here. At first it was taking in stores now the thing is getting everything entered in the books. Don’t think I have done as much writing in my life as I have had lately. It won’t be so bad when the books are all entered up.

There isent any word yet when we are to sail. I heard today we are put back until the 4th of Oct. I sincerely hope not. I am sick & tired of this places. There isent anything to see & no where one can go to. From the way we were bustled across here & had to bustle on arrival I thought we would have been half way there by this time. Mr Buchanan told me he saw where the "Atua" had taken up her run again. I am glad of that as this wouldn’t be a very good time to be

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out of work in Sydney. It won’t surprise me in the least if these troops don’t go at all. All the boats are ready now to sail. Have only the men & horses to get aboard now. They say twenty four hours notice & they can get under way. There have been a few boats lost lately havent there. Oh well it can only be expected. The way the mines have been laid.
We are to leave the wharf tomorrow and lay out in the stream until we are wanted. There was a farewell luncheon given on board here last Tuesday will send one of the Menues along. They are very stylish.
Well how have things being across there since I left well I hope. I haven’t had any letters since arrival here. Couldent say where to write to as we dident know when we were to leave here. I think I must be getting used to the wind & cold here don’t notice it at all now. Well Father there is absolutely nothing to tell you. To go about the town one wouldent think there was anything unusual going on. Except that the crews of the transport boats take posesionposession of the town at ten o’clock each night. That is when the hotels close. It is very amusing to see half a dozen walking down the middle of the main street singing at the top of their voices. No one interferes with them. They are allowed to do just as they like. I have seen more drunken men here in the three weeks than I have ever seen. Don’t think N.Z will ever get over it. As they are such holy joes. National prohibition will go through flying next election I should say after this.

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[Envelope with a 1d New Zealand postage stamp and a Wellington post office stamp dated 11 Sept 1.30pm addressed to]
Mr J C Giles
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N.S.W.

[Page 11]
H.M.N.Z.T. No3
Wellington N.Z.
17..9..1914

Dear Father
No need to say I was very pleased at receiving your letter the other morning. Can’t make out how it is you havent heard from me. I have written two other times since arrival here. Addressed to the office. There is still no news as to when we are to sail. Waiting on the convoy yet. The papers stated tonight we are likely to be here a couple of weeks yet. I hope not I am sick of being here it is deadly. We are laying out in the stream now. Have to go ashore in one of the ships boats. Rather a wet trip if there is any wind as it gets a bit choppy. I am sorry to hear May is too well. I had a letter from Cobbora just after we arrived here. Aunty said she had written May but hadent heard from her. Aunty said she would like to hear from her. Well the busy time is over

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for us now. Am just killing time now. I don’t go ashore much. There is nothing to go ashore for. No where to go so one is better aboard. I told you in my first letter I have signed on as storekeeper this time. It is going to be a pretty heavy job but that is nothing. I am not afraid of that.

There is only one thing I want & that is to get away from here. It is definitely fixed we are going to England. I suppose the troops will be kept there for awhile & trained I expect. This boat will be sent across to the scene of war with other troops. I am hoping so at any rate. We had to sign here under Naval Articles so are classed as R.N.R’s now. Will be alright if we are drafted to one of the English Man ‘o’ wars won’t it. Will see some fun then if there is any going. I would have liked to have been in New Guinea when they were taking it. It is very amusing to read the papers here re the taking of "Samoa". The N Zealanders take all the credit of the capture. It was the Australian Fleet whom they surrendered to. The N.Z troops landed after it was handed over. The accounts of late are better than they were as regards the war aren’t they.

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Of coarse it was known. The Allies were only trying to draw the Germans from their own territory. But there will still be some hard fighting to be done when they get back their own ground. They will have the protection of their forts then. I would like to see the two fleets get at it. Although it won’t be too healthy for we lot going across if they do come out & get split up. Oh well it is all in the game. I don’t think we have much to be afraid of. I am glad to hear Bert’s boat has started on her run again. There is one thing I could do with Father that is the washing I left behind. I suppose Bert would leave it with H Dodd. I will ask one of the boys on the "Manuka" if he will bring them across for me. Then if we have sailed he could take them back again. Will you ask Les to see if Harry has it to take it to the Manuka. Ask for Maxwell & let him know where to leave it on return in the event of our having gone from here. I have bought some more white suits but one can’t have too many especially on a run like this. We won’t see land for sixty days they say. The speed fixed for going across is only eleven knots an hour. A couple of the boats are

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pretty slow. They were very sudden on any one taking photoes of the boats while we were at the wharf. Used to wait until they had snapped the camera. Then the sentry would go &: take the film out of the camera & burn it. Some of them used to perform. They were cautioned about it through the papers so only had themselves to blame. I wish you had told me the name of the boat Mr Lunn is coming out by. They may call here. I would have like to have seen them. I didn’t think when they left. I would be waiting to go just as they came back. Oh in the event of the case being settled while I am away Father you can hand over to S. Prince for me. I hope it is all settled shortly or I am afraid the lawyers will have the whole lot. Well Father I haven’t any more to tell so will have to close. Give my kindest regards to the Miss Smiths & Miss Arnold. Tell them all I am still living in hope of being abel to bring back that momento for them.

I am just OK. Sorry to hear of your cold. I have had a beauty ever since we came here. It is not too bad now I am glad to say.
Love & best wishes from your sincere son
Clyde
N.B Haven’t heard from Les. I suppose he is feeling hurt at my no writing him tell him I haven’t forgotten him. A.C.G

[Page 15]
Troop No 3.
Wellington. N.Z. 23rd 9.1914

Dear Father
Received second letter from you this morning. Am very glad to see Bert got back to Sydney safely. Now there is no need for you to worry about either of us. Especially the lot I am going away with we will be very well guarded. They will have to sink our escort before they will get within sight of us. Certainly there is a risk but what of it. There is a risk in walking about the street. Well we are off on Friday some time. Have been loading horses for the last couple of days are just about all on board now. There is to be a reception in the Park tomorrow of the troops.Then they come straight on board. I think we will go out about midnight. I am jolly glad to be going I am sick of the sight of Wellington. There is absolutely nothing to see & no where to go.

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Am very sorry to hear poor Les has lost his place again. Oh well it won't be long before the shipping starts again. They are only waiting to smash the German fleet up. I don’t think it will be too long before they come out now. Of coarse it will make things worse as there are sure to be some slip through. They will have to be yarded. That is where out chief danger lays. What is the use of looking for trouble wait until it comes. This will be the last letter you will get from me for some time. Will write from the first port. Excuse this short note Father but it is all bustle & work now.
I have lost twelve lbs in weight since arrival here will have to pull that up. Love & best wishes to all.
Your sincere son Clyde
N.B. Havent heard from Bert or Les.
Wrote but don’t know if he received my letter.
Clyde

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HMNZT No3 Wellington N.Z.
10th 10 -1914

Dear Father
I think I owe you a letter have lost count. No need to say how pleased I am to get a letter from you.
We are still here as you will see by heading. Had a letter from Les the other day. I am sorry for him loosing his place again so soon. His luck is certainly out. He writes very cheerfully re his staying with Mrs. Field. It will be much nicer for him than being with the Fallers. I think he has learned a bit from his knocking about. I don’t think he will leave where he is again in a hurry. I suppose Mr Lunn is back in Sydney again now. This war would give him a bit of a scare. There have been a few boats arriveing here from England. They all report on the discomfort of having to put their lights out early in the evening. Well the war is still going strong & likely to from all accounts.

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There isnt any news as to when we are to go away. We are not likely to hear either. Won’t be advertised like it was before. Did Miss Smith get the post card I sent her. Tell her I thought we were to go away the next day & wanted to send her something to remember me by. I know her weakness for comic P.Cards. There hasn’t been any thing startling of late. We are all getting tired of this delay. Havent heard from Bert yet have been wondering how they are getting along. I suppose the U.S.S. Co will be afraid to send their boats across to the Islands now. After the bombarding of Papeete wouldnt be very nice to get one of those boats after the "Atua" would it.
She would have to make herself scarce. I suppose things are much the same in Sydney as when I left. Wish we were taking troops from Sydney instead of here. This is not much of a place to be held up in. The troops are getting plenty of drill & marching out every day somewhere.
Tell Bert Mr Anderson has been transferred to the Movaki as 2nd Steward & Lloyd Lloyd is here in his place. I was sorry Mr Anderson had to leave. But it wasent good enough for him to go the way he was. Lloyd seems a very nice fellow. Mr Anderson wanted me to go to the Movaki with him but I am too bent on this trip. If this boat goes so am I. I don’t care what is ahead so long as we get away

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Will have a fair bit to tell you when we get back again. I received the washing alright thanks.
The coats came in very handy as I was just about on my last clean one.
Can’t send to the laundry as our leaving is so uncertain. Don’t want to go and leave half my clothes here. We are very well supplied with reading. The Newspaper offices have sent four or five big boxes of old magazines. The library have also sent all their discarded books. We have enough reading to last twelve months. They will be very acceptable to when we get away. I think it was a very good idea whom ever thought of it. All the boats have been supplied the same. Had a fire here last night on an Italian sailing boat. Dident do any damage but it might have done. Dident hear how it started. Carelessness I suppose. It must be a terrible thing a ship on fire at sea. Have no ambition to experience it out of my line altogether. I do hope they will make up their mind soon what we are to do. Either send us away or pay us off one or the other.
Had a letter from Aunty Nell last mail. She said Gran is wonderfully well again can walk

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about anywhere again now. Aunty also said she had a letter from May. She must think me a nice one I haven’t written her since coming across here. I can tell you by the time one juggles these cases and things all day you don’t feel like letter writing. Must try & write her tomorrow. Did you get the Menue I posted you. Was very nicely got up wasent it. Well Father time to turn in as there isnt any Sunday at this game. Sunday is the same as Monday. Have to close now Father. love & best wishes to all
Your Sincere
Son Clyde

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Envelope or post card dated 13th Oct. Marked Wellington, N.Z. 1914
Addressed to
Mr J C Giles
20 Marshall st
Stanmore
Sydney
N.S.Wales.

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If things are not going too well with our side when we get across the other side I am going to volunteer. Will be safe as eggs will have to shoot me on the run
You bet.
Yours Clyde

Troop No.3
14.10.1914

Dear Father
Well this is the last letter I will be abel to write you for a while we sail tomorrow. No need to say I am feeling happier tonight than I have since coming here. The escort is Jap. & Eng. Can’t give you any more particulars. Now don’t worry about me & remember no news is good news if we go under you will hear of it pretty soon.
While there is no news of us we are safe. You wont hear of us until we reach the end of our journey. Will write you the first chance I get. Won’t be for a while. Excuse scribble am hard at it tonight. Tell Bert received his letter also Les Can’t write them. Love to all
I remain your loving son
Clyde
NB
Tell Roy havent had a chance to write him. Very sorry May hasent been too well. Hope she is soon herself again.
Won’t forget you all. Clyde

[Page 23]
Envelope marked Bevington Camp , Poole with UK stamp
Addressed to
Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent street
N.S.W. Sydney Australia

[Page 24]
H.M.N.Z.T. No 3
20th.10.14

Dear Father
Dident think I would get the chance of writing so soon. Have had a very fair run so far was a bit choppy the second day from Wellington. As you can guess there were a good few sea sick. Things are going on very well up to now. There is no doubt when we get all the troop ships & convoy. It will be a sight well worth the seeing. Not allowed to say too much now only it is very pretty to see the boats at night now with the few we have. One can imagine what the full crowd will be like Will have a fair amount to tell you when I get back wont be abel to give any news by letter. I am first rate have been all the time The Government have taken over the canteen. So chief has given myself & mate charge of the saloon bar. I have all profits so there should be a little in it

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I am the white headed boy with our new chief can’t do wrong. Was very near promoted to 2nd steward before sailing Lloyd had to leave to go Chief of the Tahiti. We were without a 2nd. The chief said if he dident That was about a day before sailing. Heard after we sailed the chief had asked that I should go 2nd in the event of the other man not being in time. Now I have this bar the 2nd would like to strangle me. How are all at Marshall street well I hope. Havent time to write much as we are only calling at Hobart for a couple of hours. Will be abel to write again from Australia.
Love to all
Your Sincere Son Clyde.

[Page 26]
27.10.1914

Dear Father
All going first rate so far. We havent left Australia as yet as you will see. All letters censured so can’t give any news oh well it is only done for our own safety so only right we should be careful. A young fellow died on the " Rouapaiu" the night before last. Gave him a military funeral yesterday evening at a quarter to four. The first one I have seen. Also the first sea burial. We were all told about the funeral so collected on deck to witness it. All boats were stopped the Rouapaiu came along into the middle. Then stopped we were too far away to see all. Saw the body carried to the side of boat in what looked like a flag. (Union Jack) Then passed overboard. There were three volleys fired after. Then the bugle sounded the last post after that all flags were dipped. Shortly after all colours were hauled down. They had a band on board you could hear them playing the dead march I suppose it took a quarter of an hour altogether.

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I think there was a man lost overboard the day before off the boat ahead of the Roup. Not sure. They were cruising around for a while as though they had was told he was picked up Will have a lot to tell you when I get back can’t say any more Dont know if this will get through (Same address as before)
Best wishes to all at Marshall st. Tell them am just OK & feeling just it Have had very good weather up to now
Love from Sincere
Son Clyde

[Page 28]
Envelope marked Western Australia, dated 16 Nov 14
Addressed to
Mr J C Giles
20 Marshall street
Stanmore
Sydney N.S.W.

[Pages 29-36 not transcribed

[Page 37]
Troop No 17
11th May 1915

Dear Father
Now don’t be surprised when you read this. I have given my notice in & am leaving the boat next Monday. Coming by the "Mouaki" Would have been across sooner but have to stand by to give the new man a start. Handed the keys over to him today. The company are giving me a passage across. Have the offer of a train or boat - ticket to Wellington think I will come by boat. No good to me this time Father they are putting 1450 men on board. Was tough enough with 700 can picture what it will be like next time. Did no good this time dropper on the deal. Was very near a mutiny at Albany will give you all the particulars when I come across. Hope all are well at Marshall street. Received you letter on arrival. Had to smile at Miller’s letter don't know where he got the idea I had got into trouble over here. Just the opposite am a general favourite with all. We only went as far as the Suez this time. Was rotten. Nothing to see there.Oh the run is too monotonous. Was hoping when we left this last time we would have been sent straight to the

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Dardenell’s. Would have liked to have been at the landing. Must have been pretty lively. I don't think these boats will ever go through the canal again. Don’t know what I am going at next may join one of the Australian transports as a couple of those went through this time. Dident I envy them their luck. Well Father dont feel too good tonight so won’t write any more. Will be abel to give you full particulars when I come across will only be a few days after this arrives.
All love & best wishes
From your
Sincere Son
Clyde

[Page 39]
Envelope marked Presbyterian Church of Australia, State of New South Wales
Field Service Department On Active Service.
Australian Stamp

Addressed Mr J C Giles
"Government Printing Office"
Bent street
Sydney

[Page 40]
Private A C Giles
7th of the 3rd Reinforcements
Liverpool 24/6 1915

Dear Father
Just received your note.You will see by the heading I have been Transferred to another company. We are to leave here tomorrow week on the "Orsover" Have been away all day for musketry practice. Havent forgotten how to shoot yet. Passed with a first class grade today. Are to go back again tomorrow to finish. Well Father would have been in on Tuesday night but funds wouldent allow it though you said you were sending me something on Tuesday Havent the price of a stamp at present –am full of this intend getting to Sydney on Sat morning if they hang me for it. I wont be surprised if we are let of for final leave from then as soon as the musketry is finished No more love & best wishes to all your sincere son Clyde

[Page 41]
Private Giles
Y 1 company
28.6.1915

Dear Father
Well reported at nine o’clock this morning along with all the rest that had been on final leave. We were issued with all equipment. Order came just when we werent wanted for the reinforcements & were to go back to A2 again. Handed all in again. Then they found A2 had been filled up so we were sent to Y1 in the sheds again. Had only been there about an hour when fresh orders came for us to go back to the 7th again just got ready when that was cancelled & we were told to stay were we were. I dont know what we are going to do. Our transfers are being held back until tomorrow. It appears they caught a good few of the deserters from the 18th & 19th before they sailed so they had to go then the men from the 7th that had been sent

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to make up their number were sent back to the reinforcements. So we have to go back also. I won’t be surprised if we are called up again yet though should we be moved from this company before Wed will let you know. Will apply for leave on Wed night wont be as hard to get away from this lot as it would have been in the reinforcements. Tell Miss Smith the cold is just O.K. it was only the want of the good old fashioned stew. Living at Marshall st was to heigh after what we are used to here. No more just now Father will see you Wed if all goes well.
Love & Best Wishes
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 43]
Private Giles A C
YI Company
Liverpool 1.7.1915

Dear Father
Yours to hand today. Roy delivered the watch yesterday safely. Thanks very much for it it is a very nice one. The case dident fit it Father so I bought one here was afraid I might break the glass while uncovered. Gave Roy the other case to take in with him. Was pay day yesterday so couldent get away had to stay & collect the cash. Was going to break leave tonight & come in but the cold isnt as well as it could be so thought I had better stay in camp. Will put in for the week end leave don’t know if I shall get it. Can only refuse it. Dont know what kind of a crowd of non coms we have yet. Only sargents in charge at present. I have had a couple of arguments with different ones. They have no more idea of system than well a rabbit. It is a fair game of grab for food in this company. I spoke to one tonight asked him why it couldent be served out better. He started to tell me what we would get on active service he looked very small when I told him I had served out more rations for active service than he

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had seen. Think he is just out of the school. We have one very good man but that is all. The O.C. is to be back shortly I believe so things should take a change then if he know anything. I would have liked to have been in last night. Roy stayed here & caught the half past eight train home. My word we have had a couple of lovely frosts the last couple of days. Have written Aunty Lily today & thanked her for the invitation on Sunday. Think I will come to Sydney though if I can get away no more just now Father hope to see you Saturday night or Sunday. Love & best wishes
Your sincere Son Clyde

[Page 45]
9th Rein of 1st Batt
Liverpool
8.7.15

Dear Father
Would have written you sooner but have been going to come in each night. Was coming last night but we had a funeral in our company so had to attend that.Then Aunty Lily wrote to say she was coming out to see me. As it happened we dident get back until about five o’clock. Aunty & Rita & some other girl came. It was too late to show them around the camp. Aunty brought me a box of cake. Won’t care to go back to Jam again when it is finished. They caught the half past five back again. I asked Aunty to come out one night & go to one of our concerts. She said she would come. Well Father I am putting in for leave on Saturday Friday for sat & sunday dont know how I will get on. If they won’t give it to me well I am just going to take more leave than I have

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had up to the present. Received all the letters safely thanks. Also one written to the 7th of the 3rd Batt from you. How is the cold better I hope. Any word from Bert as to when he is likely to be back. I would like to see him before I go. I believe we are to get our uniforms shortly. Don’t think we shall be here very much longer hope not at all events. Will close now hoping to see all on Sat night. love to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 47]
Copy of telegram
Dated 21 Jul 15 Petersham NSW

Liverpool Military Camps 16 6 4.30
Mr J.C.Giles
20 Marshall St. Stan

Ten days contact camp
what luck writing
Clyde
434

[Page 48]
Private Giles A.C.
A2 company Inf Depôt
Liverpool Camp 16.7 1915

Dear Father
Have been waiting to hear when you are coming up with the concert party. Was given out there would be a party from Sydney on Friday night so conclude that is the one. Have had a concert here every night up to the present & the rest of the week is booked.
Had a very good lantern lecture last night on scot’s expedition to the south pole it was very interesting. Troops are on the move from here every day now. Harry Cross has’ent gone yet Told him last night I will beat him away yet The officer in charge said yesterday we will be away inside another five weeks appears they are getting short of reinforcements for Well I have been ratted for what money I brought up here with me. Serves me right I suppose to be prepared to be cashier for the amount of my fare to Sydney at least. I can’t get away to go into the bank so wont

[Page 49]
be abel to get anything until we are paid at the end of month. Yesterday was pay day in camp but not for our crowd. We have to wait until the 30th.There is another thing I want badly Father that is a small tin box I can lock. one about fifteen inches long would do just to put a few shirts & things in.You see the shops are closed Saturday evening so wont be abel to get myself.
Have applied for the week end leave from 12 oclock saturday until sunday night dont know how I will get on yet.
Well hope to see you on Friday or before drop a line & let me know for certain.
Love to all. Your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 50]
Envelope addressed to
Mr J C Giles.
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent street
Sydney

[Page 51]

Liverpool
5.8.15

Dear Father.
Have one more day in felt a bit collar proud at first. Dident do any drill yesterday. All the company were away at Long Bay for Musketry. They are to finish today.
There are about twenty six of us here yet to go through again. Are to start on our elementry tomorrow for four days then have to go to Long Bay. They say we are getting away Wed fortnight. Can’t say what truth there is in it. We were given our bayonets & new rifles on arrival on Wed. Mark 3 the Lithgow rifle. How is the cold hope it is alright again. You will have to look after it. As you seem to catch cold so easily now. Went to bed at a respectable hour last night. Half past eight. They tried to get us out at four this morning when the others were going to the range but we all turned

[Page 52]
over & went to sleep again. Thought we were there until eight but had to get up at seven. One of the drill instructers came round to put us through our bayonet drill. I had a narrow shave of getting one a bayonet through the arm. The fellow along side me went to sheathe his bayonet rather awkwedly & pinned my cardigan Just graezed the arm. Will feel the bayonet soon enough I dare say. Certainly have no ambition at present. We got flooded out again last night or evening Think I will speculate in a life belt. Well Father there is a very good concert on here & want to drop Miss Smith a line so will close. Hoping the cold is OK. Love & best wishes
from your sincere son Clyde

[Page 53]
Envelope
Dated 20 JU 15 Liverpool
Addressed to
Mr J C Giles
"Government Printing Office"
Bent street, Sydney

[Page 54]
Liverpool
Aug 11th 15.

Dear Father.
Am writing to tell you we are to have three day’s Musketry at Long Bay. So I won’t be here on Friday. The new man we have here says all troops should have three days shooting at the least. Kirkland has gone from here left on Tuesday. I am afraid no one shed any tears without they were for joy at his going has been called back to Melbourne & may they keep him there. I arrived home alright on Monday night. No one questioned the pass. Nearly broke my neck though. I had a hard job to keep awak to Granville. I changed there as usual. Dont remember the train leaving there. All I remember is getting into the Liverpool train there. The next I was on all fours on the ground here. I must have gone to sleep as soon as I sat down. Whether some one called me at Liverpool or not I don’t know. Have a faint recollection of seeing

[Page 55]
all hands getting out. I got up & walked out the nearest door. Well the train had drawn past the station or the carriage I was in had was under the bridge I found later. Well I walked out & went to step on the platform as I thought but it wasn’t then I went into space luckily I landed on my hands & knees. Needless to say I woke properly. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I got up & found I was at Liverpool. Only seemed like five minutes from the time I had got into the train. I found my way to my tent lay down boots & all. I died until six next morning. I consider I got off very light. We had a pretty rough day Sunday then Sunday night. I shouldent have gone in. But can’t resist the temptation of getting to Marshall st at every chance. How is the cold father better I hope. Mine is much the same. I dare say a few more meals of stew will fix it alright. Will rub the stomach with the dixie lid if one fails the two should succeed. Tell Mrs Smith I received her letter the following morning alright. There were five men died here on Monday night. This menongitis & are still going off with it I believe. There is a rumer they are going to quarantine the camp. don’t know how true it is but if it keeps on something will have to be done. They say it is contagious if that is true they should certainly take some steps

[Page 56]
to prevent it spreading. There isn’t any news as to when we are to get our final leave. The pay corporal is busy on his books says he is to have every thing fixed before the 23rd so it seems as though that is the date fixed for our sailing. I am putting in for the week end leave this week. I tried to get the evening of this evening but they wouldn’t let me go. Said if I left the lines others would also want to get away. Did very well at the range today. Tired & all as I felt. Had to keep walking about to keep awake. There was one thing I wanted to ask you to do for me father. When you are paying Miss Smith give her a £1 for me. I dident offer to pay her for the four day’s I was there. I thought she would only refuse it. If you give it to her for me she may accept. I will give it to you on Saturday when I come down. I don’t like going there to stay & not pay her. Living isent at its cheapest now. I would feel more contented if I knew she was getting something. I don’t like to offer payment. You don’t know how she would take it. Sydney would be pretty deadly if it were not for Marshall street. Well Father I am dead beat. Will go to bed have two more early call’s yet. Love & best wishes to all
your sincere Son
Clyde

[Page 57]
Envelope
Addressed to Mr J C Giles
20 Marshall street
Stanmore
Sydney
(Urgent)

[Page 58]
At Sea

Any Information wanted
apply to Minister for Defence
Melbourne

Dear Father.
We are going along O.K. Splendid weather ever since leaving hardly a ripple on the water. There was a fair crowd on the wharf to see the boat. Then the launches were flying about all the time we were anchored out. I saw the Captain Cook coming out. Had a look if I knew any one on board but dident. There hasint been any sickness yet. The weather has been too good. Coming from the railway we had more civilians in the lines than troops was a great crowd. Our quarters are right forward in the first hold. Have to sleep in hammocks. They are very comfortable. It was my first experience of a hammock as well as a number more. We were all wondering how

[Page 59]
long as we should stay in them but all hands were safe and sound the following morning. Things were a bit mixed here at first but re the Mess but they are settling down a bit now. Well Father it is no use my writing the Miss Smith’s there is so little to tell or we are allowed to say. Just a case of am all O.K. Will write from each port we call at.
love 2 best wishes to all at Stanmore.
your sincere
Son Clyde

[Page 60]
Envelope Postmarked Perth W.A.
Stamps not available

Addressed Mr J C Giles
20 Marshall street
Stanmore
Sydney
N.S.Wales

[Page 61]
At Sea

Dear Father
We are still on the go as you will see by the heading.
I received the books alright. One of the stewards had them. He found me about a week after we sailed & gave them to me. Needless to say they are very acceptable. Although we are not too badly off. The Chaplan had some boxes of books & magazines on board & has distributed them around. Every thing is going just OK havent been washed out any more so far & don’t want to be. I suppose Bert has been drafted into something before this wont know where to look for him until I hear. Whether he sticks to the A.M.C or goes into the Inf. We have had one death so far Pneumoniadied from Peunomia. There are a few more cases of it on board now

[Page 62]
But that is nothing unusual for this run. This is the third Sunday we have been out haven’t had any church parades yet. We have had to get ready each Sunday but something has turned up each time to put it off. Bad weather at first & today it has been raining too much. All on board seem in good cheer. I haven’t heard any one complaining about the length of the voyage. Of coarse we are having a very good time. Concerts very often & boxing take up the evenings. I seem out of place on board not having anything to do. I haven’t seen anything of N Tait since the 2nd day out I think he must be in the hospital. I didn’t take any notice at first as there were not many that were not sea sick. The morning I saw him he was looking very off colour. Well there isent anything to write about so will have to close. Love & best wishes to all at Marshall st
your sincere
son Clyde

[Page 63]
Envelope marked " on active service"
5th [indecipherable]
O.C. 9th Reinforcements of 1st.
Mr J C Giles
Government Printing Office
Bent street
Sydney
N.SWales (Australia)

[Page 64]
Heliopolis, Egypt.
8th Nov. 15

when writing Father just put the address I gave you coming across. I dare say before you get this we shall be in action. The camp isent too bad. We have large huts to sleep in similar to Liverpool only built of pine & no floor’s. We get the usual army rations that is what we had in Liverpool. Then the Egyptians Government allow us 8d a day per man extra. That is to buy anything we care to in the grocery line. The mess sargent get’s a slip of paper to the value of what ever the company is. He can cash that in goods from the camp store. We get eggs & tinned fruit & things. I can tell you we are living very high. will will close this now want to catch this mail & have some more letters towrite will be abel to give you an idea of the Pyramids next time. love to all your sincere son Clyde

Dear Father
We have landed at last as you will see by heading. We had a very good trip across. With the exception of the first couple of day it was a very good trip. We landed at Suez & came across by train. I wasent looking forward to the train journey at all but it turned out to be interesting. We left Suez at half past ten in the morning & arrived here at half past five that evening. It wasent at all hot in the train. We had a good breeze all the way. I was always under the impression that Egypt was a barren hole. That idea has been knocked clean out of my head. When leaving Suez you see a few palm trees & things along the canal. but as you come along. The belt widens. Corn is the principal thing grown. As far as you can see on both side of the line is nothing but corn. Thousands of acres of it. Also date palm’s.

[Page 65]
The whole journey was very pretty. I wouldent have missed it for anything. We are only about a mile from the railway station (Zeitoun) I haven’t been across there yet. Have been across to Heliopolis & Cairo. There is no doubt there are some very fine buildings here. Sydney wouldent get a look in at one corner even. I can’t describe what they are like. Will get some card’s & send across to you. I am going to take a run out to the Pyramids on Saturday evening. We are about eight miles from Cairo. Takes about half an hour in the train, The fare is1 Piastre ½ piastre each way. that is 2nd class. They have two classes in their trains here 1st & 2nd. ½ Piastre 2nd & 1 piastre 1st. Piastre is worth 2d ½. No need to add we usually travel 2nd would go third if they had it. They have a very fine hospital here. Also have a lot of other buildings as hospitals. As you may guess there are a fair number of wounded about here. I don’t think we are going to the Dardenell’s have been told it will very likely be Celonica Greece. I am not troubling much where they send me either place will do me. We get practically no war news here so don’t know what is going on. I think one would soon get tired of this towns there is very much of a sameness about the general life. Plenty of Can Can dances here & anything else one wishes to see. The natives does most of the cleaning up about the Camp. It is very funny to hear them. The Australians have certainly educated the niggers here. They certainly can swear some & don’t forget to use it at all times. It is nothing to be passing one he will want to clean your boot’s or something & refuse him he will promptly call you a (bloody bastard) or some other choice expression. They brought a kangaroo across on the boat. I believe when he was put on the wharf. I believe there wasent a nigger to see. I dident see it but I believe there was a scatter

[Page 66]
Heliopolis
Egypt
12-11-15

N.B. Tell Mr Lunn I have written him but am not too sure of the address. I put
"Provost"
Short st
Stanmore

Dear Father
Will see we are still in Camp here. There isint any word when we are to go to the front. We are pretty well the next to go. They are going away pretty often. Also arriving here every day. Have been watching for the 11th of 2nd to arrive 11th of 1st has arrived also the 10th I had a very good outing last Saturday. A party from this company went. I wrote Miss Smith & gave her a full account of the ship so won’t repeat it here. Except to say it was very good. I havent been to the Sphin Pyramids yet intend going about Saturday. There is another trip I am hoping to get before we leave for the front. That is up to the dam across the Nile. It is only about a half hour’s run from Cairo by train I believe. One needent be at a loss where to go here. There are any amount of places I would like to see. Will work as many as I can in before we leave for the front

[Page 67]
I also want to get to Cairo to have a look around it in the daytime. Cairo by night hasint any attraction for me. Know a little too much about these towns for an to take any risks. There will be some older & wiser Australians here before long judging by the way some of them are going. We have been out for a couple of short route marches since we arrived. I enjoyed them. We are taken out among the corn fields. The roads are very well made & they have trees growing on either side so it makes it fairly cool. The only thing is when you pass through some of the native villages. Well you wish you hadent any sense of smell. The flies here are the limit. You can’t lay down or have a meal in peace. When one sees the amount of filth about everywhere you don’t appreciate the brutes crawling about your food. I haven’t enjoyed a meal since we arrived here always fancy I can taste & smell nigger on everything don’t think it is all imagination either. Our O.C is making up a party out of our company. To go out for the day next Sunday. I don’t know where it is intended to go. Every where about is fresh so should be interesting. I am looking forward to getting a letter to know what Bert is doing. I wish he were here with me. N.Tayt had a pretty rough time of it coming across on the boat he caught Pneumonia coming across. Was in the hospital until about three days before we landed. They were very near putting him off at Albany. I saw him the morning we landed he said he was to stay at the convalescent hospital at Suez. To give him a chance to pull himself together a bit. He looked very thin on it too. Said he had had a pretty rough time of it & he

[Page 68]
certainly looked as though he had. Have been out trench digging this evening. The hands are a bit soft now for using the pick & shovel but that will soon pass off. There is no doubt the horses here look well have coats like silk & so they should as they are well fed & doing practically no work. They are taken out night & morning for exercise. I dare say they think war not at all bad if this is what they call war. The instructers we have here are English. All men that have seen service in France. They all admire the Australian as a fighter but say there only fault is want of discipline. There is also a feeling of resentment. The Military Police are also wounded men from France or the Dardenell’s. The troops don’t hit it with them at all. There have been a couple of riots between them needless to say some one gets hurt. The natives are very amusing. They profess to be very partial to the Australians. When you are passing them they will always say Australian very good. good fighter got plenty money. The money side is what appeals to them I am afraid. I posted some Xmas cards to all last week. Randwick also hope you receive them. They are not up to much but were the best I could get here. Well Father I don’t think there is anything else I can tell you this time will close. Hope to have something of interest to tell you next week
Love & best wishes From your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 69]
Heliopolis 15.11.1915

Dear Father.
We havin been moved yet as you will see. Were told the other day we wernt going to the Peninsular. In fact werint to leave Egypt.
Have also lost both of our officers one has been adjutant & the other quartermaster. We are like a ship with out a sail now. Regular orphan’s a case of no one loves us at all. I don’t think some how we are to be idle for long. I dare say you know more about the doings here than we do as for war news well we get practically none. I cant give you anything definite but from reports there shall be a job for some of us before long. I hope so am not exactly tired of life but am anxious to have a hand in whatever is doing. We dident come here for a pleasure trip. Well I went to the Pyramids last Saturday evening. There is only one thing to say about them they are wonderful. One has

[Page 70]
the inclination to look up & scratch the head & wonder how the dickens they got the things built. I went inside the largest one. At first thought of scaling to the top to have a look round. I got up about three layers then decided to come again some other day. I cant say what the block of granite would weigh have heard they are a couple of tons each. I could quite believe it. There is an easy way up. That is the corner stones jut out & afford very good footing. One cant just step from one to the other Oh no you have to scramble a bit. They are higher than my legs would stand elevating. Well the train runs out within a couple of hundred yards of the Pyramids. On arriving at the terminus that is when the fun begins. Of coarse from Cairo you are pestered with guides wanting to show you around. Well when you get off the train you are practically mobbed by guides donkey men & camel drivers. They all want to take you some special round. I managed to battle my way through & reached the Pyramids. Here there was another batch of guides. I cleared them off also intended having a climb until I saw what an undertaking it was. Then I agreed with one to show me the inside. Thought I had done very well after arguing for a quarter of an hour on the price. I got him down from 10 Piastres to two. Well you have to go up a little way to reach the entrance to the chambers inside. On reaching the entrance you are told to take off your boots. Well I was a bit off this but decided to do so intending to carry them but was told there was an old fellow always sat

[Page 71]
at the doorway & he would look after them. After considering the situation I left him very reluctantly I must admit. Well we started. It is only a very narrow passage way leading in & very low roof the floor also goes down very steep. Well I saw leaving the boots was rather a good aggument was just settling that question when I bumped my head off went the hat. I stooped to pick it us but there wasent any need there was a boy right there he would take care of it Oh yes could be trusteed. I must admit I was wondering what I would look like going back to camp hatless & bootless. I forgot to say the guide was ahead with a candle the light of which he shielded from me by his carcase. Well as I said I found one wanted to be without boots the floor sloped at a steep angle & to add to this is as smooth as glass from constant walking over. There are holes cut here & there for your foot to slip into other wise one would just have to sit down & you would stop at the first turn off. After going down some distance you start to go up at just as steep an angle as you came down. It was jolly hard work getting along. Well

[Page 72]
eventually we reached the first chamber. This was the kings chamber half way up the Pyramid. You couldent see anything with the candle so the guide produced a piece of stuff like the spring from a watch. He gave me to understand that by lighting the end of this it would flare up to give one a good look round. It cost me a Piastre to have it lit needless to add. Well from what I saw it was just a large square place certainly splendidly done no amateur’s work the wall’s & roof as well finished as any of our stone masons could have done. Well the next was the Queen’s Chamber. I didn’t add it was frightfully hot inside the perspiration was pouring off me. Didn’t intend giving in though. Well to get to the Queen’s Chamber we had to come along a ledge just wide enough to allow one to walk. darkness below should one fall it is hard to say where you would pull up. The guide wanted to take my hand but I wasent having any I decided to sit down & slide along thought it safer. When we reached the end of this the guide disappeared overhead. I looked up & saw him standing above me. I dident see how I was going to get there but on reaching up could just catch hold of the ledge where he stood. There was a small pocket there for the finger’s he caught one hand & between us I scrambled up. Was plain sailing from there to the Queen's Chamber here it was another Piastre for the flash again this was very similar to the other place. Then he must tell my fortune just for fun he put it: He sat down in one corner I had to sit opposite & he drew a plan in the dust like this [ a pin picture of a man with five limbs]

[Page 73]
The centre ring had to be filled with a coin I put half a Piastre but that wasent any good it took two to do it, well I thought here goes to see this thing out at any cost. Well they evidently have the one thing to work on as I had heard others speaking about having their fortune told. What I was told was pretty well the same. Then came the getting down from this place well don’t mind admitting I told myself I was a damed fool to have come up. But I got down again alright. had hardly touched the floor when there were a couple of youngsters with a jar of water. Would you like a drink no well wash your hand’s but I decided I didint mind a bit of dirt. I was thinking about the hat & boots had forgotten them up to this. Well we hadent gone far when I had my hat thrust into my face that cost half a Piastre. Then was speculating as to whether it was mine of coarse it was too dark to see. I tried it on & it fitted so I was satisfied well when I got into the light found the hat belonged me alright; Then came the boot’s another Piastre for them. Well I had to see the Pyra Sphinx. That would

[Page 74]
cost another couple of Piastres well off I started. I was always under the Impression the Pyramids & Spinx were alongside each other. The Sphinx is about half a mile away. Well there were some tombs along the way went to see them. All these places have their watchman. They arent very deep only two small chambers. The watchman lights a candle for you to see where the coffin used to lay. Also the carving on the wall. Well it was an eye opener to me these carvings always thought they were something a school youngster would draw on a slate. They are very different they are really very well done. Of course the watchman had to have his palm greased. There are quite a number of these tombs all along the face of the hill or rise. There are a number of natives living in some of them. If I hadint seen them sitting outside & also known the smell of them I would have thought there was something freshly dead inside. Well we reached the Sphinx at last. This is a fine piece of work there isint any doubt. Standing about twenty feet high I should say & is very large. The nose has been knocked off that spoilt the look a bit. I was pestered here again to have my photo taken but decided fund’s werint too plentiful so didn’t have it. Just a little way over from the Sphinx are what are called the Sphinx chambers. These consist of very fine granite pillers as far as I could see didint go down saw a number of Arab youngsters below so didn’t feel up to getting too close to the smell of them.

[Page 75]
Paper header

I decided I had seen enough for that day so started back to the tram. You can see the Camp Mena) very plainly from the Pyramids it is a fairly large one also. Just where the tram is a large Hotel Mena house hotel a very fine building landed back in camp almost half past eight dog tired. On Sunday I went out to see the zoological gardins. Well they are just as fine as everything else one sees about here. They wouldint use our zoo to tip the rubbish in that is the best comparison can give you. They are also about five times as large They have a very fine collection of birds & animals all kinds there also. I saw a couple of the boats the Turks had to try & cross the Suez with they are fairly riddled with holes. I can’t describe the laying out of the place as I don’t know anything on the same principle. Oh but before I went to the gardens had made up my mind I would brain the first thing in the shape of a guide that came near me. I was waiting for a tram & one fellow came up. Asked if I wanted to go to the Pyramids. I immediately told him to (Ishmar Yallir) which

[Page 76]
to clear out. Also bought a stick before setting out. He immediately said Oh I am not a guide but an Egyptian policeman. Asked what tram I wanted said I am here to tell what visitors wanted to know. I said I intended going to the Zoo. Oh he said you cant get in there before half past one & it was only half past eleven. So said have you seen the Egyptian bazaar yet that is worth seeing will put in your time until it is time for the Zoo. I thought for a while then decided it would be rather lame waiting all that time so decided to go & see the bazaar. He was going to put me on the right track. Hadent gone far when he suggested a game (caina for 2 Piastres. I agreed so he climbed into the front seat while I sat in state in the back. Well he turned around & suggested going to a couple of old mosques. Said you give me ten Piastres that cover everything well from former experiences this was a cheap per hours that is equal to. If I went to these Mosques They were worth seeing of course as old as the hills. The doors were covered with brass work all small pieces of different designs fixed in together. Inside the first was a batch of carpet makers. The dome of the place well I have never seen anything like it. It was very large and appeared to have been all done with small pieces of cut glass. It was all colours. Then the light coming through. The second place was very much the same. The thing that always strikes me is. They always have a kind of a bay window business. This is always towards the east or facing Mecca.

[Page 77]

I came from there to the Egyptian Bazaar. Of course their Sunday is our Friday so work goes on just the same as usual. This bazaar is just a narrow street just wide enough to walk through with business places on either side. You can buy anything here from a pin to an anchor. The tailor’s etc all sit out in front of their shops to work. I also saw them grinding spice. They have a large brass or bronze pot & an iron bar they just pound away with this. They also grind their corn meal in this way. The fellow that was with me was a character. He has evidently been a very good pupil as he was a professional swearer every thing he said was either followed with a string of oaths or put in front. He gave me a description of a Yankee girl that he had shown through this bazaar the last season. Well he had the Yankee twang off very pat even to the spit before he spoke. Well I got Yankee & Australian mixed. Well Father I have come to the conclusion these niggers are one too many for me. I got rid of this fellow when I reached the tram but not before I had threatened to knock his head off with the

[Page 78]
stick I was carrying. Well to sum everything up to the present. I consider I have had just a real good time. I am seeing all there is to see and having a fair amount of fun also. Have the Citadel & Egyptian Museam to go to the next week-end if we are here & I am free. I would say I am going by myself I dare say one of these black brutes will have a place in the tram before I get through. Well things are going along very smooth in camp. We have been out for musketry today what we did in Australia isint recognised here at all have to go through the coarse again. Should any fair well they have to fall back for further instruction. I have done very well today got within five points of the possible at three ranges we fired from. It is a stiffer trial you get here too. Well I think this is all the news will write each week while we are here. Love & best wishes to all.

Your sincere

Son Clyde

N.B.

Havint had any mail so far am looking forward to a letter shortly to saly how you all are. Seems months since we left Sydney,

Clyde

[Page 79]

Heliopolis 4.12.15
Dear Father
Have only received one letter from you so far. There is another mail just in am expecting a bundle of letters by it. I have missed a week writing have been waiting in the hopes of being abel to let you know just what we are going to do. I am no wiser now than when we first landed. Last week orders came out for eighty five men from our company. To be ready to go to the front pretty well straight away. I was one of the lot picked to go. We should have been there a few days ago had we gone to time well that has evidently died out. The night before last we were told we were to move camp to Abasier are to form a new Brigade known as the 1st Brigade Australian reserves. We shall be moving tomorrow I think. They called this morning for men to go in for the machine gun section also bomb throwers & signallers. I wanted to go into

[Page 80]
the school for the machine gun section but was told I was under orders to go to the front & couldent volunteer. They have me scratching that is the size of it I am not over anxious to see if the daisies will grow on my grave but I would certainly like to get a move on. I didn’t come here for garrison work. There is talk here of there being a bit of trouble with the natives afraid of a rising if so we may get a go at some of them. I cant make out what happens to the letters we all wrote on the boat. No one here has received any answers to any letters written on the way across. Surely they were sent on. So far I have only had two papers a Sydney mail from Miss Smithers & Sunday Times from Nurse Hetherington am looking forward to being buried in letters &: papers this next week of coarse it takes some time to get the mails sorted out there are a fair number of bags to go through as you may guesss. Our leave has been stopped here. That is going out as we liked have to apply for a pass as at Liverpool. I don’t bother much about it Cairo hasn’t any attraction for me. Another reason the funds only last a couple of days

[Page 81]
we get paid every ten days needless to say it doesent last long. I am very glad I didn’t bring any more with me it would go just the same. Oh was taken down last Sunday for fountain pen. These niggers will have my carcase yet. I was barrocking one of the tram guards for a button off his coat eventually I got it but after I left the tram I discovered I had lost the pen hence the bad pencil. Oh well Tuesday is pay day will be abel to finance another then it is to be hoped I am making a collection of badges of the different regiments only want about half a dozen more to fill the belt. Will send it across to you when full. Wont know how the parcels go. The eleventh Reinfets arrived here a couple of days ago. I went down to see if I could find Reg Gibson but was told he isint in the 11th of 2nd so am waiting now in hopes of his finding me. I daresay Bert will soon be making across now. If this reaches you before he leaves. Tell him to come out to Abaseir if we haven’t gone to the front will be there I dare say. I think we will do the winter here now move after the cold weather some where not Galipoli either.

[Page 82]
we are still on the old favourite stew only get it at midday porridge usually for breakfast &: rice or tapioca for tea. I think take it all round the food at Liverpool was ahead of here. Talking about the mighty hunter. All our company has been troubled as we all though with an itch. We were putting it down to the sand. Yesterday some one made an investigation &: found it was lice.Oh what a spring cleaning then all hands stripped & we all found we had body lice on us from the sargt major down.
If any one feels a slight itching now you will see a search warrant out straight away. A few of them are carrying a tin of insect powder in their pockets. I couldent help laughing. Little did I think when we used to joke about S.N. I would be effected so soon. Makes me scratch to think of them. It is a very interesting occupation I can assure you as soon as we come off parade off come the clothes for inspection Well I will have to have one now no more this time
Love to all your sincere son
Still address 9th of 1st Clyde
Will write when to change address Clyde

[Page 83]

On active service
Dated 3Dec 15.10AM
Addressed to
Mr J C Giles
20 Marshall Street
Stanmore
Sydney Australia

[Page 84]
Abassier
10.12.15

Dear Father
Have been wondering what has happened Have only received one letter from you since arriving here haven’t heard from any of the others Have had about half a dozen from the Miss Smithers : I have been wondering if you are putting the wrong address on them I wrote from Albany & gave you a fresh address but we have all been told that address was cut out by the censor. Address all letters to the 9th Rein 1st Batt the same address as I gave you before leaving Had a letter from Ted Belchambers this morning he is away in the country harvesting says he is doing very well Says he thinks he will [indecipherable] [indecipherable] by enlisting after the harvest is over. Norman Tayt told me he saw the Warren boys they called to his hut they came along to see me but as usual I was absent don’t seem to have lost the habit of disappearing as soon

[Page 85]
as I am free. We are to meet the Warrens tomorrow Saturday in Cairo have a look around. Well I thought I had seen nearly everything in these places but am always seeing something fresh. Will have to keep it until I return will be abel to describe every thing much better. I think we are to be stationed here during the winter that is as far as we know. From accounts here it is very cold at Gallopoli just now. There are a fair number coming back with frost bite. So the sheep skin vests wont be amiss should we go up before the winter is over. The live stock have quietened down since we arrived in this camp.I am very pleased to say although we feel rather lonely without them one man said he finds it hard to sleep without them. I haven’t seen anything of Reg Gibsonyet cant find out where he is. The Egyptian Barrocks are just over from our camp here, It is rather amusing to see them out teaching their buglers & side drummers. They make sure of their being thoroughly taught. If one makes a mistake the teacher cracks him over the hands with a strap if that hasent the desired effect they get it over the head. I can picture the Australian being treated the same way

[Page 86]
There is no doubt they thoroughly understand their work when they are through the school of instruction. It is a treat to see them drilling they are like machinery I dare say by the time you receive this Max & Bert will be looking forward to coming across. I have been anxiously waiting to hear what Bert has gone into. Have just been talking to N Tayt he is very down in his luck re his mail he says he hasent had a letter at all since leaving Sydney.There is no doubt this is a great place to get yourself into condition. At first one thinks they will never get used to the sand but after a week one doesn’t notice it. Well father I am laying on my stomach in the tent writing this by candle light needless to say I am not the only one. Think I will have to close now
Love to all from Your sincere son Clyde

Address No 2837
Pvte A C Giles
9th rein 1st Batt
1st Inf Brgde
1st Division
Egypt AIF

[Page 87]
No 2837
Pvte A C Giles
9th Rein 1st Batt
Intermediate Base
Egypt
Xmas Day

Dear Father
Well I dare say you are in bed & fast asleep long before this. We are eight hours behind Sydney. We have had a very good Xmas. Last night Xmas Eve we were allowed to keep our lights going until midnight. Also have songs etc. about half past ten the band came along &: played xmas carols until midnight. This morning we had a church parade at seven o'clock. Had to fall in again at ten to receive our xmas gift from the Commonwealth. This consisted of a billy can packed with various things. Nearly all had a small tinned xmas pudding any that hadint had a cake to replace it. It was very amusing to see the cans opened They all had things that would be of

[Page 88]
use one found a mighty hunter in his can among other things.
Another got a tin of blue ointment while I heard some one got half a dozen French letters. In most cases the cans contained the pudding some had a small tin of cocoa & potted meat. Also chocolate & cigarettes also writing paper. They were all very well packed & I can assure you all felt they were very well catered for for Xmas. Then we had curried fowl in the lines also plum pudding. About three o’clock this afternoon beer was issued so many buckets to each company. Needless to say it went to the head of a few of them. Have just been for a walk down the lines noticed a couple that thought they had four legs instead of two. After we had been issued with our billy cans this morning we all had our photo taken. I dare say you shall see it at some of the picture shows later on. If you see troops at Abbassier you will know you have one among the crowd.

[Page 89]
when we were all lined up this morning. We had a cabel read out to us from the King &: Queen wishing all the troops a Merry Xmas.There were sports held in camp today foot running boxing etc. also football matches. I have been in the tent all afternoon writing.We have been a bit unfortunate are what is called the inlaying Batt for three days so cant leave the camp. It is just in case of any trouble among the troops. They are liable to get over the traces at Xmas. I expect Sydney has been pretty lively last night &: tonight. I haven’t had any more letters from you or anyone else except Nurse Smithers had one from her the day before xmas. She said she had seen you & that you were looking well. I expect Bert will soon be on his way across now. No word when we are to make a move. May be at a moments notice. Will be very glad when we do get a move on. Am anxious to try my rifle

[Page 90]
you will notice I have a pen again have been cutting down expences lately so I could buy myself another fountain pen. I couldint write with the ordinary pen after getting used to the pen I had. Well father I cant think of anything else to tell you just now so will have to close I must write Miss Smith tomorrow night. You wont be abel to show them this one. How is Les doing still at Lithgow I hope I didn’t get his address before I left or I would write him Will write you each week while I can.
No more just now Father
Love & best wishes from your sincere son Clyde

This address is permanent
No 2837
Pvte A C Giles
9th Rein 1st Batt
1st Inf Brigade
of A.I.F.
Intermediate Base
Egypt

[Page 91]
Mr J C Giles
Government Printing office
Bent Street
Sydney (Australia)

Postmarked CAIRO.Date ? XII.15

[Page 92]
9th Rein 1st Batt
Intermediate Base
Egypt
1st. 1. 16

Dear Father
Well this is the start of another year we are all wondering where we shall all be this day twelve months. A fair number of us shall have wings I dare say. We are still in Camp at Abbassia there is some talk of our going across to the Western frontier of Egypt of coarse that is only talk we know nothing of our movements. I havint had any letters from any of you so far cant make it out. All the rest in this tent receive their mail regularly now I dare say one of these days I shall get a bundle. I have been looking out for news of Bert’s movements he should soon be on his way across now. I havint been abel to find Reg Gibson have made enquiries for him every where. I found a cousin of the Gibsons I have forgotten his name now that was in Heliopolis he was with the Victorians. We had a great days sport yesterday. Just the first Service Batt competing £25 prize money for the company that scored the highest number of points for the day. There were different events. Such as squad drill also rifle drill running tent pitching jumping etc. Each comp had

[Page 93]
to be represented in each event. We came second in the squad &: rifle drill. We havint heard yet how we fared on the day. I was picked for the squad &: rifle drill also for tent pitching. Had to drop one at the last as couldint attend both so struck to the tent pitching. Six men to a team. We had our tents folded &: in the bag also pegs &: mallets in with the tent then the whole laced up on the firing of a pistol we had to untie our bags &: pitch the tent then fall in in front of the tent. The time given was four minutes. The pistol was to be fired again then We had our tent up &: the four guy ropes fixed when one peg gave way &: she collapsed. There was a general laugh when it fell. We upended it again pegged her down &: had our spare pegs picked up &: in the bag &: bag inside the tent &: fell in again before any of the rest had finished. Needless to say we won easily. The time for pitching was three minutes fourty five seconds. Then we had to strike tents. We had ours down folded &: laced &: on our sholders to carry away in fourty five seconds. So the crowd laughed a bit too soon. We were given a great cheer as we marched off with out tent.
We had our tent away to our lines &: were back when the last team were just leaving the ground. I can tell you we have made a name for ourselves. This comp also won the 220 yards champshp

[Page 94]
The funniest thing of the day though was the donkey race for officers. All had to compete.There were fourty donkeys hired for the event. To see the donkeys being bought across looked comical enough. There seemed to be no end to them. Well they had to run it in heats. The distance ¼ a mile. Conditions all officers had to wear an eye glass &: the man that lost his glass was disqualified. Well it was the funniest thing I have ever seen. You want to see the donkeys to fully appreaciate the event. They started some refused to go others ran off the coarase. Then the pace varied from a slow canter to an amble some were hardly that. Those that were just crawling along the crowd stood for awhile then in they went &: you should have seen the performances where ever they could find their hand to get a push they did. They got tired of that &: caught the hind legs mad a wheelbarrow of the donkeys. One came to grief &: lay there, I must say it was the funniest thing I have seen yet. The niggers were highly amused at the whole performance. Was a change for them to stand back insead of running along behind with a cane belting them along. We are all agreed it was the best day we have had since arriving here. The latest form of amusement here in camp is to blanket all the natives they can lay hands on.If you hear a native yelling at the top of his voice you know what is on. They get the blanket

[Page 95]
then some go out scouting through the lines as soon as a nigger is sighted the scouting party make a charg there is no need to call for the blanket The yells of the nigger &: laughing of the crowd tell the tale. All you hear from the nigger is ma squash I don’t know it means. As soon as they hear one yell now there is a general clearance. They don't care for the sensation at all.Well I think that is all I can tell you this time. Will write the Miss Smiths later on
Love to all From
Your sincere
son Clyde

[Page 96]
9.1.16

Dear Father
Have moved camp again am attached to the 1st Batt now. All our comp dident come out but the most of them are here. Unfortunately we have been split up a bit. A few in each company of coarse it couldent be helped. I have been fortunate enough to get in with a good tent. That is the main thing. I am receiving my mail alright now. Received about a dozen letters on arrival &: they are still coming each day. You dident tell me what company Bert is attached to. I dare say I could find out where he is if I knew his comp. Also Reg Gibson I don’t know what he is attached to. I tried to find him at Heliopolis but couldent. I havent received any parcels yet. There are a fair number of cases of parcels just arrived here. They are now being opened so I dare say I shall get mine. Cant help smiling at Bert being in the measle camp it isent a bad place I found that out. Still l have my watch I can tell you they are a great invention to have over here. Bert will know the full value of it when he gets across. You cant use the other watches here mustent have anything about the time at all. I never found my pen again. Bought one for myself last pay.

[Page 97]
when you get used to the fountain pen you can't write with any other, I have been told here the three most useful things for any one on active seervice are
a wisted watch (illuminatd) an air cussion &: an electric torch I can also add the pen. That came from an officer that has seen a fair amount of service. So you can tell any one coming across what will be useful to them here.
I shall be looking out for the phot of Berts. I lost all my photoes just before leaving Liverpool. Mother's among them. Should they be sent to Marshall st by any chance keep them. I wouldent care to risk their coming across to me as we may be on the move &: wouldent catch up to us. When you write after receiving this letter let me know what Oswald Cropley &: the others are attached to I can find them all out then. It is a bigger undertaking to find any one here than it was at Liverpool &: you know what that was like. I saw an account in a paper of the Gilgandra boys march down also the reception they received, I dare say I know a good few of them. I must have a look through the camp here &: see who I can hunt up. I knew quite a number that came across I dare say some are wounded but should find some left still.
I hope Bert does get to Cobbora before leaving.It is a bit of a rush thought to do it in the four days. Poor Gran would be delighted to see him I have been writing her every week as well as you

[Page 98]
you know it is very silly to worry about we boys here. We all have the same chance of escaping being hit. We have a job to do &: it is a case of doing it properly at that. After the war is over you shall see us both returning little the worse for wear. As for your coming well Father there are any amount of young single men left yet. I don’t know how they have the heart to walk about when they know the need for men at the front.
Well father I have written all I can just now so will close With love to all
From Your sincere son Clyde

When writing address
D Company,
1st Batt
cut reinforcements out altogether now

[Page 99]
D Company
1st Batt
Egypt
11.1.16

Dear Father
Received quite a batch of letters yesterday I hadent been getting mail except from the Miss Smithers before , But since joining the Batt we are all getting our letters. I am glad to hear all are well anon there. I am keeping just ok myself haven’t had an off day since coming across. I dare say long before this you have had some of my letters I have been writing you all every week &: will continue to do so while we have the chance. Will write every opportunity.There isn’t any need to worry am quite satisfied with things across here. I had to smile at Miss Smith wondering how we fared for darning our socks &: how our meals are prepared. Just tell her we have a housemaid to make our beds & a French cook for the meals, I don’t think.We fare very well as regards our meals get as much as we can eat as well prepared as one can expect in camp life. I am very well satisfied with everything. If we never experience anything

[Page 100]
rougher than we have had up to now well we are very well off. I received fifteen letters & cards yesterday. The parcels havin come along yet. Have only received one so far. I dare say they will turn up later on. It is a pretty tall order fixing letter &: parcels up for all of the Batts. We get everything all in good time. I havent had any word from Roy so far am glad to hear they are both keeping well I have some numerals here I am sending across to you the first chance I get. The girls can make hat pins out of them. We have found out it does rain in Egypt sometimes. Have had a fair amount here lately Showers it doesn’t pelt down the same as in N S Wales still it is heavy enough. The weather here is very changable some days are splendid just like our spring weather. Then you will get a cold wind that goes clean through you.Taking things all round we haven’t anything to complain of. You say the flies are pretty bad in Sydney Well we aren’t troubled with either flies or fleas but we have lice they keep one occupied. You are never stuck for something to do if time drags a bit you can always take your shirt off &: have a big game hunt. It keeps ones mind occupied that is one thing. All letters from Sydney complain of the heat &: fires. I have one letter from Gran things are pretty dry up there. Are watering stock from the well again that doisent speak too well does it.

[Page 101]
I have a great bundle of papers here. Aunt Nell has been sending the Guardian along also I saw in it where Mrs Charlie Craft had died, I went along to see Norman Tayt last night. They are not far from us. He & another young fellow are sleeping in a dug out they have made it very comfortable too I sat with them for some time we had a game of 500 am going along to see if I can find Harry Cross. The division he is in is here. I hope I can find him cant think of any more just now so will close Hope you have been receiving the letters I have been writing you You see it takes some time for a letter to get across from here

[Page 102]
Envelope marked:-
ACTIVE SERVICE
This envelope must not be used for coin or valuables. It cannot be accepted for registration.
Note :-
Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored Regimentally. The contents are liable to examination at the Base.
The following Certificate must be signed by the writer.
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters
Signature , name only.

Several letters may be forwarded in this cover , but these must be all from the same writer. The Cover should be addressed in such case to the Base Censor

Addressed to :-
Mr J C Giles
Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N.S.Wales

[Page 103]
D Company
1st Batt. 1st Inf. Bgde
A.I.F. Egypt
28.1.16

Dear Father

Havent had any letter from you lately. I dare say it shall come along shortly. Have ing been hoping you would write & let me know what Bert was attached to. I believe the troops at Liverpool have been making things pretty lively in Sydney from letters received in camp here. I posted a parcel to you a few days ago. A belt of numeral’s also a small box a bit of Egyptian work. I thought it would be a bit of a novelty for the Smith girls. I leave it to you what you do with the things numerals etc. I expect you will be rushed for them for hat pins. Well Father there is absolutely no news I can give you this time. Don’t be surprised if there aren’t any letters from me for a while. I will write whenever I get a chance. I can’t say any more you will understand. Of coarse I may be abel to write each week & I may not.

[Page 104]
I think I told you I have met Harry Cross across here he looks very well. Tell Les I have met that friend of his J. Souter he is looking very well also wished to be remembered to Les. I have met a fair number here lately I knew on the boat. They have been split up a bit. Some have been wounded & sent to England another is in Sydney. I had a great talk with them. Met them all by accident.
No more just now Father will have to close. Will write each week if I can. Don’t worry am O.K. love to all.

Your sincere
Son Clyde

N.B. 30.1.16
The letter you wrote me to the Argyllshire the day we left turned up this morning. It has been travelling a fair bit from the look of the envelope. I am satisfied as long as you are alive the mail will eventually find you. The letter is dated 30th Sept. 1915.

[Page 105]
On active service
Postmark – 2 Fe 16, 1st Aust Inf [indecipherable] P.O.

Mr. J.C. Giles
"Rodanthe"
20 Marshall Street
Stanmore
Sydney
N.S. Wales, Australia.

[Page 106]
D Company
1st Batt. 1st Inf. Bgde 5.2.16
A.I.F. Egypt 5.2.16

N.B.
I received Miss Brown’s parcel the other day. Have written & thanked her. The cake was as fresh as when cooked even if it has been three months coming across. Don’t worry we shall bag the Kaiser this year & what a time all shall have then. Clyde.

Dear Father

Havent had any letters from you lately. I dare say I shall get a bundle one of these days. Well I am going into the machine gun section. They call it the suicide Club here. The Say the life of a machine gunner’s life is only six minutes after they locate the gun the enemy. That may be but one will account for a fair number in that time considering they fire about a thousand rounds a minute. I have had three times tries to get into the section so am satisfied now. We are to go to Yeritoun for three week’s instruction then join the Battalion again. I don’t know where we are going to but it is rumered that we are going across to France in the spring. I hope it is true. We shall have a chance to show the square heads what we can do then. I had a letter from Miss Smithers today. She and her brother had sailed for Egypt. I have just been making enquiries about the Reins he is in. I am told they are at Heliopolis so I shall see them if we go to Yeritoun. I wish I knew what Bert was in I dare say he is across here now

[Page 107]
I would like to see him. We don’t know what day or minutes in fact we shall have to pack & clear have had to send all spare clothes away. Just have what we can carry on our back all ready to go straight into action. I will tell you what you might do ask Walter Gibson if he would look into my bank account just to see that they are paying the money in I left behind. You see the game I have taken on now I may get a corner knocked off just accidently you know. Well Father if you hear any one say it never rains in Egypt just politely tell them they know nothing at all about it. All hands are out now digging a trench around the tent, it is raining like fun. We have had a couple of cases of Melingitus here lately. There is really very little sickness in the camp. I dare say it will be worse when the hot weather comes in if we are here to see it. Harry Cross & I are parted again. They have gone away don’t think we shall go near them for some time. Norman Tayt is trying for the engineers is just waiting for a transfer. I shall be dead on my own then. Havint made any friends at all. As for the fellows that I came across with well we have been split up a bit. Have to close now Father don’t know how much of this you will get. Am just O.K. Love to all

Your sincere son
Clyde.

[Page 108]
Postmark – 1st Aust. Inf. Bde Field P.O., 7 FE 16

Mr. J.C. Giles
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
(N.S. Wales) (Australia)

[Page 109]
D Company
1st Batt. 1st Inf.
Egypt 21-2-16

Dear Father
I received your letter dated the 17 Jan. I am sorry I cant continue writing you & giving just a full account of every thing but orders are against it so have to settle to it. I think I have told you I bought a camera for myself. I havint had any success so far. Have just had the first two films developed, they aren’t any good. I dare say I shall do better now though. Will get the hang of it before too long. Havint received any letter from the Miss Smiths yet lately had one from Mrs. Field a couple of days ago. Also one from the Miss Smither’s. You didint say whether Miss Smith received the Post Cards I have sent. Miss Smither’s received hers alright. Am still going strong at the Mach. Gun. I thought the first day I had the Gun detailed to me I would never pick it up but one gets a grip on thing after the

[Page 110]
first couple of days. We have to learn the semaphore signalling also. I can tell you between the two I am having a very large time. They are both very interesting so that makes it all the better. I shall have a good deal to tell you all when I return. I wont be able to say much in my letters from now on. I haven’t seen any thing of Reg. Gibson so far. Aub. Smither’s & Garvin are both here. Smither’s has been drafted into the 2nd Batt. & Garvin into what used to be the 4th Batt. I dare say you have all heard they are making new Batts. here. Split the first Division in halves each Batt. then built on them we have the 56th Batt. now. I am still in the 1st as you will see. It is causing a bit of bitterness among those that were left back to form the new Batts. They say it is putting a slur on them. One can understand their feeling. They have fought alongside a good few that are here & are now parted. They call us of the 1st Battt. the Dinkums & from the 53rd on the War Babies. Bert is having a good stay in camp. I hope he gets into this Batt. when he comes across.

[Page 111]
I had a letter from one of the Yeo girls the other day she said some of the boys were in Sydney for tennis & were going to enlist as soon as it was over. I haven’t been receiving the papers you have sent me. In fact havint had a paper since Xmas It seems waste of time sending them when we don’t get them. I have been getting the Guardian from Cobbora but havent had any letter lately. I write Gran when I have a chance if there is a break you will know it is because of some order about mail. I have heard we can’t post for six weeks am writing this on the off chance. You will get it some day. I know you are all thinking of me & that I have the well wishes of you all. I haven’t forgotten Sydney either & if I am lucky enough to come through alright I shan’t be long getting back. I don’t think I would like to stay in Egypt too much live stock for my fancy. I would like to see Harold Arnold when he comes across. I shall keep a look out for them all. Harolds sister won’t like the idea of his coming across. I recieved a letter from Roy this morning written on the 1st Dec also a card from Mrs Field the same date

[Page 112]
I think from Roys letter he would like to be across here. This is no good to anyone unless they have the best of health. The training is getting tough I can tell you not that I have felt it very much an too tough I think for a bullet to enter even. I have asked a few of the A.M.C. fellows about Cropley but so far haven’t struck anyone that knows him. I may be more fortunate one of these days. I am glad to hear Gran is keeping so well. I hope to see her again some of these days. F Yeo said she looked splendid. Harry Cross is here again they were away for a couple of weeks but have returned I had a letter from Mrs Cross also a few days ago I fair very well for letters I can assure keeps me going trying to answer them. There wasn’t any truth in the report about Oram getting his commission. All our NCOs lost their stripes on joining the batt. At present Oram is along with the rest of us sewing as a common garden private. I did get stripes just after landing here but put them

[Page 113]
two days after I haven’t any ambition that way unless I win them I don’t want them that is my way of looking at it. I was told this evening Oram was getting a commission I don’t know what truth there is in it one hears so many reports. Fancy Orchard turning up at Liverpool he is a gentleman of many sides isent he. The public shall have to be careful or they will loose some of their belongings. As for the other [indecipherable] nothing I heard of him would surprise me. I expect he stays in one place until he makes things too hot then moves on. I have a letter here from Dick Bell he is working in the Commercial Bank Dubbo he said he thought Wallace was going into camp about the end of the month. Alick is very keen on enlisting but said they wouldent pass him on account of his age. I don’t suppose Aunt would give him consent. He said he thought his Father was going to sell out with a view to going to Queensland. Alick said the land wasent very good to him. Too much hard work & no return I think Narran would break

[Page 114]
anyone especially the way it is run at present. Well I can’t think of anything else to write about so will have to close with Love to you all

From
Your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 115]
Egypt 12th March

Dear Father,
I havent been abel to write you lately We have been away on out post duty. It isint any catch either I can tell you. We M. Gunnies hadent our clothes off for eleven day’s were on duty every night. The others used to get every other day night off We were posted at a place called Lousdoum. I am for one that isint sorry to be away. Well by the time this reaches you we shall be having a knock at the square heads door. France cant say any more. This will be my last letter for a month or so as we are warned no mail after a certain date I have been getting your letters fairly regularly now. Havint had anything from Bev or Sis &: only the one from Roy I have had a couple from the Miss Smiths & Mrs Field. Yes the natives are pretty warm picking here alright I shall have something to tell you if I have the luck to get back

[Page 116]
one cant put very much in a letter I would like to have a couple of months free here to have a good look around It is certainly very interesting & one can form a slight idea but only slight as to how things used to be in the old days. Such as the old slave markets & (caravancies) places out in the desert where the slave dealers used to hold the slaves at night like we do droving. One certainly sees some funny things I shall tell you all about it some day I hope I have just received the first batch of papers from you about a dozen of them. You say we are always on the move & our mail gets mixed up some how. I havint had about two Sunday here since I came here I think it really a waste of money sending papers they are certainly very acceptable when they arrive but so few reach us. I am very sorry to hear of Percy Smith’s death. They would be upset. I received Mrs Browns parcel alright about two months after it was sent I wrote her & thanked her for it. Have written a couple of times since. I am glad to hear Les is sticking to his place so well he must be suiting them or they wouldint have given him the

[Page 117]

rise I expect Bert will be here shortly now I would like to meet him. There is a chance we shant get together you see now the Batt is reorganised it is hard to say what they will do with the Reins. They have used a good few of them to build the new Batts up. Well father I don’t know if you will receive this o not don’t hope you do wont worry at no letters for a while. It is hard to say when we shall be abel to write again. I am not writing any more letters just now. You can tell all the reason why
Have to close. Love to all
From your
Sincere son
Clyde.

[Page 118]
[Envelope]
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Address-
Mr J C Giles
Overseer
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Sydney.
Australia

[Page 119]
France
6.4.16
Dear Father
I suppose you all knew pretty well as soon as we landed here Well it is very different to Egypt in every way. No sand flies etc Lice still stick to us am sorry to say I cant give you much news I am sorry to say. You see the instructions are greater than in Egypt. We had a very good trip across (to here) very calm. Of coarse had to keep a good lookout for submarines but dident strike any thing. We have seen a good bit of France already. Had three days & three nights in the train so you see we have had a good run across Came practically across France. It is pretty cold here yet we are all feeling it I can tell you after leaving the warm country. But it is a treat to be away from the sand. We havint been into the

[Page 120]
trenches yet but are not too far from the firing line. We can hear the guns very plainly The thing that struck us more, the farmers are still on their farms & working away as though there wasent any war on. One could hardly credit it unless you see it. There was some more excitement away in the centre of France than there is here practically in the firing line. We are living in what is known as billets. That is anyone that has a barn or stable well so many soldiers are told off to sleep there Well father this is hardly worth sending but I will find out later what we are allow to write shall do better then dont want to have the letter burnt have to close Hoping all are well am O.K myself & feel fit for what ever there is ahead. Will write the Miss Smiths later. Love to all
Your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 121]
[Envelope]
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[Postmark] LD POST OFFICE.- 12 AP 16
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Mr J C Giles
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[Page 122]
France
11.4.16
Dear Father
Well here goes to give you as good a description of thing as I can. Well we weren’t sorry to get away from Egypt I can tell you The dust was a fair terror.The last place we were at there was any amount of dust &: very little water we used to get a quart of water a day that was for drinking washing etc. Needless to say we didn’t wash too often. We had a nights travelling by train from our camp in Egypt to the boat &: came in open trucks &: it wasint too warm either I can tell you. Then we had six days on the boat. After that three days & nights in the train here. We came practically right across France I thoroughly enjoyed the trip I can tell you. It was pretty cold at night but the days were nice &: warm.We dident see much

[Page 123]
of any of the townships but had a splendid view of the country. I didn’t think it
possible to get such a stretch of flat country &: we came across Fancy one engine trying to draw about fourty carriages for three days in N.S.W. that was all we had so you can guess what the grade was It does ones eyesight good to look around &: see the green fields instead of sand. It would look much finer in another month the hedges &: trees are just beginning to come out into leaf. We were inspected by the Prince of Wales just before leaving Egypt. He remarked he didn’t know why we were all so serious to get away from Egypt he thought Egypt much nicer than France He didn’t think it had rained the night before &: laid the sand. Had he been there a couple of days earlier while we were having a glorious dust storm I am afraid he would have understood much better certainly the fighting here will be much fiercer than we would strike in Egypt

[Page 124]
but that isent going to spoil our sleep. I think we shall be abel to hold our own We are pretty close to the fighting now can hear the bombarding very plain also see the shrapnel bursting when they fire at the aeroplanes. We shall be in the trenches in a few days now. I was disapointed at the towns I have seen. Expected to see much finer buildings. The houses are all very old fashioned also the townships & villages. We were very well treated all the way across. Whenever the train stopped there were girls with tea &: coffee for us Then the train stopped a couple of times a day &: we were given tea. This was arranged for us all the way through. We had one accident coming along A corporal out of my old company fell out of the train during the night
no one missed him until the following morning Then word came through one of the Australian troops had been picked up along the line with both his legs cut off. We have heard since that

[Page 125]
he died. Aub Smithers is across here with the 2nd Batt. N Tayt &: A Garvin were left behind with the 53 rd Batt. I dare say they shall be across later on. We have all had to hand our cameras in so I wont be abel to get any photos until after the war. When writing address ( Machine gun Section 1st Batt 1st Division A.I.F. abroad) Well father it is bitterly cold here today & raining I am shivering myself into a swet so shall have to ring off Will write every chance I get
Love to all. Will write the Miss Smiths before we go into action Don’t worry am just OK
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 126]
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Signature ]
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A.C.Giles.
[Postmark] LD POST OFFICE.- 14 AP 16
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Mr J C Giles
Overseer
Government Printing Office
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N.S.W. Australia

[Page 127]
From the trenches
Dugout
25-4-1916

Dear Father
Well we are in action at last have been hard at it for some days now. The weather hasent been too good very wet &: cold. I dare say we shall get used to it in time.
You would have laughed could you have seen we fellows the first days we were in the trenches every time a shell came across we used to duck. One fell just behind our dugout well you should have seen the scramble to get under cover. Well it will take a lot of this to upset me.Things are very different to what I expected. We are more confortabble here than we were in the billets. The Germans have some great bombarding at our aroplanes we counted 678 shots fired at one shell plane yesterday morning but she still flew about their trenches.

[Page 128]
we have had a few causalities since coming here. The snipers are pretty good one cant keep their head up too long. We M.G.s are split up in gun sections draw our rations seperate &: cook for ourselves we live very well some days then there are times well we have nothing but we are happy &: that is the main thing. Rabbit shooting will be very tame after this if I pull through.
The farmers are still living in his houses right up to within a mile of the firing line. They are within the artillery range &: occasionally a shell catches their houses. Today is the anniversary of Anxac day the landing at Gallipoli. We have all been given a piece of cake tin of cocoa &: tin of fruit I can see a very swell supper tonight.Well Father I could write a few pages to you but am not allowed so shall have to close. Love to all from your sincere son Clyde
N.B.
Tell Miss Smith I will write her as soon as I can get some envelopes Clyde

[Page 129]
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A.C.Giles.
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[Page 130]
From the Dugout
France
15.5.16

Dear Father
Well I am still alive & feeling just OK that speaks for itself doesn’t it. I don’t think I have had a letter from you since last writing Have received five old letters lately cant find your last one you know it is hard to keep things together we havent any writing desks etc. I received a letter from Bert but am not writing him as I haven’t his address. Ask him to give me his No & Comp as soon as he can I can keep in touch with him then. I received a letter from Miss T Smith the other day you see now I have transferred from the Comp I was in it has messed my mail up again
Aunt Kate also (cottorn) wrote & said

[Page 131]
she was sending me a parcel also the Miss Smithers Well both parcels arrived here alright were delivered to my old comp havint received them yet have heard of them a couple of times. I dare say some of these days they will find the corner I am in I sincerely hope so at all events as Aust Jess had sent some socks & I want them too. Well thing are going as well as one can expect them so far we have had a few killed but we wouldent know we were at war if that didint happen. What has Bert done about the Insurance I could send you the money across but we are being given leave now eights days in England so want to hold on to the little I have until my turn comes. If you will fix it up for us send me a withdrawal form from the Saving Bank I will sign & return to you

[Page 132]
they must have made some big improvements in Liverpool since I left according to Berts letter fancy [indecipherable] I am afraid it would make us billions. One day we were given a shin of beef for rations as you know there isn’t any meat on it so we decided to give it to the Germans to make soup.We have a machine you can fire thing out of so in went the beef but to our disappointment only went half way. I am sure they would have enjoyed it. I had some very good souveniers nose caps from shells but one of the artillery men was leaving one day when it exploded appears there are three detonators in the German shell needless to say he went where they don’t keep shells as soon as we were told you should have seen the scatter for our packs to pull these things out & examined them we know the No of the lively ones

[Page 133]
you have my address
M.Gun Sect

Needless to say nearly all we had were the kind likely to go off so on they went & we all felt very thankful to be rid of them I may have more luck later on the war isent over yet nor an I. I am having a book sent you father to the office called the Anxac book dealing with the war there. I haven’t seen it myself our officers havethe military are taking orders for it so it should be good. Or I should say we give this order through our officer. Well father I am afraid there isent much in this but I want to write Miss Smith so have to try & think of something to tell her. Will write you again shortly when we get back a bit when the shells don’t trouble us. I believe when I get back to Sydney if I hear the old one oclock gun go off I will be listening to catch the direction of the shell
All love from your sincere son Clyde

[Page 134]
A.F.W.3078 [Crown Copyright Reserved]
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Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored Regimentally The contents are liable to examination at the Base.\The following Certificate must be signed by the writer :
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Signature ]
Name only]
A.C.Giles.
[Postmark] LD POST OFFICE.- 17 MY 16
Address-
Mr J C Giles
Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent street
Sydney.
N.S.W. Australia

[Page 135]
France
25.5.16

Dear Father
I have received two letters from you this mail. I only collected fourteen letters the other day the first decent mail I have had since coming to France. I am glad to hear Bert has got away at last I dare say they have landed in Egypt some time now.
I hope he is sent across here as a rein for this Batt. You see it is hard to say where he will be drafted to how the Batts are split up. The one that needs the reinforcemts most will get them. I can sympathise with him over the delay at getting away one gets very tired of the continual drill. Oh well he will have some here to occupy his time now if he is in Egypt. There are any amount of plans to go & since I don’t suppose he is likely to fall in love with the route marches across

[Page 136]
the desert but that is all part of this game. Well I have written to Olga Giles this mail wrote her once before from Egypt. Also posted her some cards which she evidently hasent received. I haven’t had any letter from her at all so far. I am glad the parcel arrived safely I shall send you some more things across at the first chance I get. One can get some very good curioes here but they are so heavy to carry about with you that is the trouble. Now about this M.G.section there isn’t any need to worry about it. I don’t see myself that there is any more danger I have in the infantry of coarse if you are doing any firing you draw more fire than a rifle would if there is a charge going to be made they like to put the M.G.s out of action if they can. We have all to take our chance, When I first joined all the old Galipoli hands spoke of it as a real death trap. Well we did fifteen days in the trenches & were using our guns all the time but we didn’t lose any one. Of coarse thee arent the same chances of promotion that there are in the Inftry but had I been wanting stripes I could have had them before leaving Liverpool as you know. I think I told you Sargt Littler has his commission now. I was speaking to him only the other day

[Page 137]
said Sargt Oram is getting his commission also but he hasent it yet. We are away from the firing line just now having a spell for a while. I dare say we shall soon be back again. I dare say the next time we go in we shall have a livelier time than last time. We are all hoping so at all events.. You say there is very little war news in the papers we get the English papers here but there is practically no news in them. Of coarse there isent much doing just now anywhere except at Verdun they have been shaking things up there for some time. The French have certainly had a pretty tough time of it there but from all accounts they have put an end to the Germans in that quarter.We don’t know what is doing except on our own front. We are having splendid weather here now regular spring weather. The rain seems to have taken up I cant say that we are at all sorry. The country is a regular picture everything so nice & green. The crops are up about a foot heigh. It reminds me of the days when I used to be in the bush. The only differences is the cultivation paddocks are a bit smaller if one were to put one of those big ploughs into these paddocks you wouldn’t be abel to turn around. I would have liked to have seen France before the war it must be a very pretty place when things are in proper going order have just received the first bundle of papers that you are sending we shall have any amout of reading for a couple of days now.

[Page 138]
I had a letter from aunty Nell by this mail. They hadent been home long when it was written she said things were looking very bad up there. The paddocks are as bare as 1902 so that doesint speak too well for the winter unless they have had a good fall of rain since. It isn’t a very nice thing to have to pull off his coat and start skinning sheep just after having a holiday. I know I used to feel very collar proud for awhile. Aunt also said uncle Doc was going to Dubbo to try & pass for active service. He is going to sell Munnell. Aunt said she thought he would sell the place whether he passed or not & would buy a house in Sydney.Of coarse it is very easy to guess where the shoe is pinching. It is a case of the wife wants to get to Sydney. She evidently wants to go into society along with Uncle Tom’s wife. They are a pretty good pair those two. It is a pity two houses are spoilt with them. If she gets her way she will soon make a hole in the banking account. I hope myself Munnell isent sold Uncle Doc would never settle to a town life so he wont get anything better than what he has wherever he goes. It seems a pity after all he has spent on that place & the home he has to think he has allowed his wife to talk him into selling. I feel certain that is who is at the bottom of it, I had a letter from Mrs Spring a little while ago she said Uncle hadint been to Cobbora as he had promised had been having trouble with the

[Page 139]
men coudent get anyone he could rely on. I wish the war was over & I were back in Sydney wouldn’t mind taking the place over to look after for him. I would get it too were I across there believe Uncle Jack Jones is buying a home in Sydney also of coarse he is different as ?orman can look after Bullagreen now. Gran[indecipherable] rather upset at the idea of Uncle enlisting Aunty said she had photoes of the boys for me & didn’t know whether to send them across or not. I have written & asked her to keep them until I return one cant carry those things about they would only get broken up. I believe the first boy is growing a fine little fellow. I doubt if he will ever be as fine a boy as Don. You tell Miss Smith it isn’t mosquito nets we want here it is one thing to kill the larger game anything we have had so far well they fatten on all kinds of powder Just received a letter from Miss G Smithers she said her Mother was making me a shirt supposed to keep those animals away. I don’t like to write and tell them they are practically useless but I have seen a good few with those health shirts. They thrive splendidly on them. The only successful thing I have found yet is take the sheet or trousers off & have a hunt until you catch the culprit of coarse it is a shirt shift then. Of coarse we have all the latest spring beds yet the only time you spring is at revallie in the

[Page 140]
[Duplicate page]

[Page 141]
morning. Oh we arint too badly off. Of course we do a bit of grumbling at times but that is only human nature. (Intermission got a bite.) I don’t suppose Max was sorry to get a move on at last even if it is only to Melbourne it is the first step on the way across. Aunt Kate & all the others will miss him now he has left. I hope he gets along all right. I don’t think there is much fear of his not doing so he is a smart fellow & there are plenty of chances across here. He will be returning with his three stars before the war ends. I fancied I could see Bert preparing to get away he would be flying about some. I am afraid he will take a pull when he gets across here in Egypt on the sand. Oh it is the dead finish. I will leave it to you what is done with the things I have sent across. I shall get what badges I can & send them across. They will be nice to keep. They should look well in a case. I will keep Leslies address & write him the first chance I get. I have that many to write to I am always on the scribble & I know he would see the letters I write you. I havint received Grans parcel yet. I dare say it will turn up in time. We are pretty well supplied with tobacco &amp’ cigarettes. We get a weekly issue. But it never goes to waste. Always like to have some in reserve. I would like to see the uniforms Bert came across in. I would be sure to know a few of the Gilgandra men. Would like to see Jack Higgins again. We used to be great mates when I was on the plains. I had a letter from F. Yeo a little time ago she said some of the boys were enlisting as soon as

[Page 143]
I would like to see her fleet come out & let our fellows get a go at it. The war wont last much longer then. The Russians are shaking the Turks up a bit now from all accounts. I had to smile at Evvie Gunns sea experience. She used to be so confident she wouldn’t get sea sick. She dident stick to it for long. I am sorry to hear Mr. Pinson hasent been too well but hope he has quite recovered before this. Is there any talk of Ida Jonesis marriage. I thought she was engaged to young Mumford of Dubbo. I haven’t seen her for years now. I guess Aunt Kate wouldent like Wallace enlisting. I don’t think is a good thing for him either. I don’t think he is a very strong boy & is very nervous. Of course he may take things better than some of the apparently quiet easy going ones. I am afraid poor Les will have to content himself at home poor kid he wouldent be much use with only one arm. There are any amount of more suitable men left yet. I expect you will be kept pretty busy at the office for some time now. Then you are sure to be short handed as well. There have been a fair number of the Printing Office men enlisted hasint there. Well Father I have written myself out this time. Will close now with love to all.
From your sincere
Son Clyde

[Page 144]
On Active Service

Mr. J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N.S. Wales Australia

[Page 145]
France
18.6.16

Dear Father

I dare say you are wondering why I missed last mail. Well we were moving back to the firing line & I dident feel up to writing. We are dead unlucky each time we have taken over the trenches it has rained. We had splendid weather while out the night we started back it rained. Needless to say we were also wet through. It has taken us all to now to pull ourselves together. Things have been a bit livelier this time than last. Mostly raiding parties. Some of our fellows went across to the Germen trenches the other night, bombed the Germens out went in and had a good look around. They blew up a couple of machine Guns & captured six prisoners. They all got back safely no one hit at all. They returned loaded with souvenirs helmets etc. I believe they brought away all they could carry. Another party started out the following night but the Germens were waiting just out side our barb wire for them & bombed them. They all got into the trench again but a couple were wounded. The Officer in charge had sixteen wounds I so guess he had his share. Another lot went out last night with their minds made up to have a got at the Germen patrol. They found them alright. They killed four Germens & lost one of their own men. We don’t know if he was killed or taken prisoner.

[Page 146]
We saw a great aroplane fight here yesterday, A Germen & one of ours. It was certainly the finest sight I have ever seen. Our fellows have the Germens very wet in the air. One cant credit the way they can handle their machines unless you see them. The Germen had to go down. Our fellows got six planes altogether yesterday so they arent doing too bad are they. Well guess I have spent Sunday very different to you. We had a splendid exhibition of a trench mortar bombardment this morning. I think the Germens would agree on that score.Judging by the look of their trench & now the Artillery is shaking him up again. There was a demonstration the other night by our Artillery on the Germens trenches & supports : Well the fire work displays one sees in Sydney were nothing to compare with it. We had all to stand to needless to say so that if the Germens started on us we wouldent be buried in our dugouts. The flares were going up in all directions & all colours. The Germens red flare for aid there was very good. There is no doubt they have some very fine lights. I may add it was raining [indecipherable] but the sight was that good no one noticed it. I must say it gives us all great pleasure to see the Germens parapet going into the air. We have had our first casualty in this section a couple of days ago one of our gun crew got hit he was firing over the parapet at a loop hole when a sniper got at him a cross fire struck the rifle over the magazine & through this fellows hand. Shattered the sinews.The Dr say he will be at two months away. I wouldent be surprised if he had a stiff hand then either

[Page 147]
we haven’t been as fortunate this time as last have had a lot more causalities. Every day there are two or three. The only consolation we have is that while they are getting a few of our fellows we must be doing the same to them. Just had to break off our artillery was shaking the Germens trench up again. Oh you should see it. When a high explosive bursts there are pieces of bag boards etc falling for five minutes after. Would sooner see this than the best play ever staged. We are getting some of the Reins Bert came across with. Have been expecting Bert to come along all day. They havent all come yet. I had a letter from Aunt Lily Thacker yesterday she said Uncle Doc had failed tp pass the Dr so his chance of getting across is finished. It is no use things are too lively across the way. I must see how firing trench is faring. Will finish this off later. 19th The Germens trench fared very badly last night. Then again last night our fellows got at them again. But this morning put the cap on the lot you would think a traction engine had hit the trench in a good few places. Their was a gas alarm given last night on our left. Our artillery started straight away & if they didn’t paste Germany well it is a pity. The night before we had a gas alarm also. I was on watch at the time the first I heard was a church bell ringing frantically then the alarm came straight along the line. Well it was amusing to hear it. You have never heard such a medly of rows. The nearest I have ever heard is it was a chinese band. I found a paper & envelope in one of the lost papers I recieved. You haven’t been getting my letters evidently. I heard the mail would be stopped for awhile after we arrived here. Well father will have to ring off will be abel to write you a long letter
when we get out of the trenches feel a bit sleepy now.
Love to all your sincere son Clyde

[Page 148]
Envelope addressed to
J C Giles
20 Marshall st
Petersham
Sydney. Australia NSW date 9 7 16

[Page 149]
France 12-7-16
Dear Father
I am writing this to time so it will have to be short. I wrote a card a few days ago I don’t know if it will reach ou or not. Well I haven’t seen or heard of Bert so far. I thought he would have dropped me a line but he hasent so far. I didn’t get a chance to look around to see if I could find him. We are on the move now so if you don’t hear from me don’t worry. I will write you when I get a chance. Am feeling just O.K. We have been having a royal time lately. The fruit is getting ripe. Cherries are ripe. Needless to say we have all been doing very well on them. It seemed ages since I had tasted fruit until we came out & got the cherries. We were getting about four lbs for half a franc 2d.. We are in a different place now one would hardly credit there could be such a change in the country in so short a distance. We came from a thickly populated place to what is to open country in this place. It would be very fine to have a tour through here in a car. It isn’t too bad on foot even but I think one would enjoy it more in a car or behind a good pair of horses. I had a letter from Belchambers

[Page 150]
last mail he said he had been accepted at last.There is no doubt he deserved to get away. He has tried often enough. I had a letter from Aunt Lily Thacker she said Uncle Doc had tried to pass the Dr but had failed. Well I haven’t any news & not much time so shall have to close now will write you a long letter when we settle down again Hope all are well at Marshall st Love to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 151]
Envelope addressed

Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney Australia N.S.W.

[Page 152]
Postcard showing a field gun with
"Unfidele Gardien" surrounded by scrolls

[Page 153]
France 8 july 1916

Dear Father
Cant write just now. Are going somewhere cant tell you more. Having this posted so first you get it. Will write a letter at first opportunity
Love Clyde

[Page 154]
Hospital
France
21-8-16

Dear Father
Well I am in dock at present undergoing repairs. Have been hit in the left hand. A shrapnel pellet went straight it isent any thing serious but very painful. I don’t think it will take long to heal. That is if no bone is broken. When the Dr dressed it yesterday it was swollen too much to see just what was the matter. It could very easily have been worse had the hand been knocked off for instance. I don’t think it will be very long before I get back to have another go at Fritz. My luck was out. Had been promoted to corporal about a week before. Had charge of two guns attached to headquarters. Was to have come through orders the night I got cracked off well never mind. If I could get them once can do it again when I return. There are a few of my section in

[Page 155]
hospital here I came away before the attack was over. But have since heard our fellows took the ridge they were after. This is the first spell away from the Batt I have had since joining up havent missed a parade up to getting hurt not a bad run was it.
Well Father there is really nothing more to tell you so shall have to close Will write again in a day or so when I know how the hand is going on. Love to all
your sincere son Clyde

[Page 156]
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Signature ]
Name only]
A.C.Giles.

FIELD POST OFFICE.- 2 AU 16

Address-
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Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent street
Sydney.
N.S.W. Australia

[Page 157]
[Letterhead]
Telegrams – KING’S WALDEN – Telephone No. Ten HITCHEN

KING’S WALDEN BURY,
HITCHIN,
HERTS.

9.9.16

Dear Father

You will see by the heading I have moved again. Am convaseleint now. The hand is The hand is getting along splendid is nearly healed up now. It is a bit stiff yet but shan’t be long getting the use of it again. Am having it massaged. I got myself into disgrace at the Hospital kept asking the sisters when I would be allowed out. The Matron said isint the treatment to your satisfaction I told her the treatment & attention were all one could want but I couldint stand being caged up. At last I asked the Dr. to let me out so he said they

[Page 158]
would X Ray the hand & if there wasint anything left in I could come out so here I am. This is a very fine place. About thirty miles from London. It belongs to a Mr Harrison a big shipping man. (Owner I presume). They have accomodation for sixty patiens. It is just voluntary aid. Mr Harrison’s daughters attend to the patients. They have a trained nurse to look after the worst cases. I can’t tell you what the house is like I don’t know what we have to liken it to. There are very fine grounds to the house. All of which are open to the patients in fact the whole place is at the disposal of patients. Inside there is a very fine billiard room & table. Then a large room for a recreation room with a piano. Which needless to say gets pumped about a good deal

[Page 159-160]
Then there are two fine tennis courts. Golf links & croqut ground also a fishing pond full of fish. These are all open to us. Everything you want provided. In addition there is a deer park & partridge covets. Also a very fine stable of horses & pack of hounds. It is a regular gentleman’s home. Mr Harrison & family have given the house over to the patients. They live in part a few rooms at one end. We are allowed to go where we please & do practically what we please. But everyone has to be back to meals that is a hard & fast rule. On arrival here you are examined by the family Dr. Then you are weighed your weight is put down on your board. Then each week while here your weight is taken to see how much weight you have put on. I have often heard of ducks fowls etc being stuffed with food to fatten them. Well it seems to be the same principle here. You have breakfast at eight usually fish or eggs. Then at half past ten they have what they call lunch. This is bread & cheese & a cup of fresh milk. At one o’clock you have a hot dinner. At half past four is tea then half past seven supper. This is cold meat & salad. Also some kind of milk pudding. The rule is all to be indoors at half past eight. Bed at half past nine lights out at ten. On going to your bedroom you find a cup of fresh milk. I am afraid it will come pretty hard when we have to face bully beef & biscuits again. All that come here are bound to stay for a month. You go back to the hospital then for examination by the Dr there & are marked fit or unfit for duty. You are given your leave from then. I believe we Australians get from two to three weeks leave

[Page 161]
that is those that have had twelve months service. I doubt if I shall stay here for the month It is certainly all very nice & the spell here is just what one wants as your nerves get racked a bit after being under shell fire for awhile but I want to get back to my Batt. again as soon as I can. I havint been abel to find out how they fared after I left on the 18th Aug. The attack had just started when I was put out of action. I have been told they lost pretty heavily. That is only to be expected. I am anxious to hear how my sections fared. Have written to a couple of them but so far havint received any answer. I dare say I shall have to start all over again now. That is as a private again. But have no fear on that score I can get the stripes again

[Page 162]
What I have done once can do again if the opportunity comes. I got them this time for covering a company front with a M.G. The company had been wiped practically out also all but two of us on the gun. We had to take the front & cover with our gun luckily the Germins dident come or I dare say we should have received wings instead of stripes It was hard luck just as I had made a start up the ladder was knocked off. I have heard our fellows have been moved from the Somme front & are now at Armentiers they are making an attack there shortly. I am hoping to get back before it comes off. I havint heard anything of Bert so far. Have written him a couple of times but havint had any reply so far. I wrote to our head officer a few days ago to see if I could find out just

[Page 163]
where he is. The Batt he was attached to was badly cut up I heard on the Armentiers front about the time we made our first attack on the Somme. Well Father I can’t think of any more news to tell you this time so shall have to close with love to all

From
Your sincere
Son. Clyde.

N.B.
Just address as usual to the Batt. All mail will be forwarded from there. Address Pvte. still as I may have to drop the stripes for awhile after joining up. Someone else is sure to have been put in my place

Clyde

[Page 164]
[Letter from AIF to Mr Giles]
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE

Base Records Office, A.I.E.F.
Victoria barracks.
D.H. Melbourne. 11th Sept, 1916

Dear Sir,

I regret to advise you that No. 2837, Private A.C. Giles, Ist Battalion, has been wounded, the nature of which and the name of the hospital to which he has been admitted are not at present known here, but on receipt of later information you will be promptly notified. It is not stated as being serious and in the absence of further reports it is to be assumed that all wounded are progressing satisfactorily.

It should be clearly understood that if no further advice is received this Department has no later information to give.

Letters should be addressed as under:-

WOUNDED Regimental Number, Rank and Name,
Unit,
Australian Imperial Force,
C/o A.I.F. Headquarters,
130 Horseferry Road,
Westminster, LONDON. S.W.

Yours faithfully,
J.M.LEAN.
Major.
Officer i/c Base Records.

[Addressed to]
Mr. J.C.Giles,
20 Marshall St.,
STANMORE. N.S.W.

[Page 165]
[Letter from AIF to Mr Giles]
H.W.

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE

Base Records Office, A.I.E.F.
Victoria barracks.
Melbourne. 18th September 1916.

Dear Sir,

I now beg to advise you that information has been received to the effect that No. 2837, Private A=Giles, was admitted to the Ist.. Eastern General Hospital 25/8/16 suffering from Gun Shot Wound (mild).

His postal address will therefore be:-

No. 2837 Corporal A.C. Giles,
"Wounded" Ist. Australian Infantry,
C/o Australian Imperial Force Headquarters,
130 Horseferry Road,
Westminster, LONDON. S.W.

Any further information coming to hand will be promptly transmitted.

Yours faithfully,
J.M.LEAN.
Major.
Officer i/c Base Records.

[Addressed to]
Mr. J.C.Giles,
20 Marshall St.,
STANMORE. N.S.W.

[Page 166]
[Letterhead]
TELEPHONE: VICTORIA 8391

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
A.I.F. & WAR CHEST CLUB.
BEHIND ARMY AND NAVY STORES..
AND OPPOSITE A.I.F. HEADQUARTERS.

97, HORSEFERRY ROAD,
LONDON, S.W.

22.10.1916.

(Address to Batt as normal)
Clyde.

Dear Father.

I dare say you have been wondering why I havint written lately. I havint been abel to settle to it somehow. But here goes this time. I wrote and told you I was out of Hospital again am feeling O.K. again. The hand has quite healed & can use it as well as ever. You can still see a little wastage but dare say that will come alright again in time. Just at presint I am on leave fourteen days we are given after coming from Hospital. Have to report again at the base at Weymouth then & are sent to Camp to wait for a draught going back to France I don’t know how long that will be but have asked to be sent back with the first lot going. We have to report a Weymouth when discharded from Hospital are examined by our own Drs there and marked fit or otherwise. You are always asked if you feel fit to return straight away or if you would like a little longer. I said was ready to go back straight away so was marked A I Class & given my leave straight away. So here I am. I had a very good time whilst in Hospital also

[Page 167]
convalescences. I have been down at Cambridge for a few days.One of the V.A.D.Nurses invited me to go & stay with her people. I stayed there for four days & had a very good time. Had a look through some of the colleges & places of interest. There is no doubt the workmanship in these old places is very fine. I haven’t seen anything to equal it before. Havint had much of a look around London yet. As have only just arrived back from Cambridge.am going out to have a look at the zoo this afternoon. Had to leave this as dinner was on hope to finish off now. Have just arrived back from a trip to the zoo. Have had a very good afternoon. There were about fifty of us started from the Club her. All in charge of a couple of boy scouts. They think it a great honour to show the Australians around. We kept together very well until we reached our destination but as soon as we got inside well. It was amusing to see the scouts trying to keep the crowd together. The last I saw of them they were trying to collect what they could to show them the way home. Myself & another fellow thought we knew the way so started on our own. Well we got hoplessly lost.I don’t know where we didn’t get to. Found our way eventually though. Trust an Australian for that. We went through Regent Park going. It was a fine sight to see the people feeding the different birds pigeons sparrows & squirrels. You would see the things fly down & feed out of their hands. It was a very fine sight: I can tell you the squirrels are pretty things

[Page 168]
[Letterhead]
TELEPHONE: VICTORIA 8391

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
A.I.F. & WAR CHEST CLUB.
BEHIND ARMY AND NAVY STORES..
AND OPPOSITE A.I.F. HEADQUARTERS.

97, HORSEFERRY ROAD,
LONDON, S.W.

Yesterday was Trafalgar day. I went up & saw the Monument decorated. Also the crowd collected there. I had a letter from Mrs Lunn just before leaving convalescence. She gave the address of some people to call & see here. But I have lost the letter can't find it anywhere. Thought at the time I was putting it in a very safe place I evidently did. I am sorry as it is pretty deadly trying to find your way about here by yourself I am to meet two of Mr Harrisons daughters in town here during the week They were running the V. A. D. Hospital I was in. They are going to take me around London one afternoon. I have a photo of their place given me when leaving shall send it across to you in this letter shall have it enlarged if I pull through. If not well it will be a souvenier for you of a place where I spent a very pleasant time. While at Cambridge I met a Mr Noble he is in Chris’ts College there going for some degree he is a parson. A son of the Cricketer Noble or that family don’t just know what. Mrs Titterington took me around to his rooms & introduced me to him he is a very fine fellow. I had one afternoon out with him seeing the sights. This is his third year & final says he thinks England a rotten hole to live in & wont be sorry when he is abel to return to N. S. W. I haven’t seen or heard of Bert so far don’t know why he hasint dropped me a line. Have been wondering

[Page 169]
if he was in that mess up at Saily & got wounded. They the 53rd which I think he is attached to was practically wiped out. I have heard. You say he will be glad to be away from Egypt.Yes & France too if he has had a go at Fritz. On the Somme things were very lively there I can tell you I had to smile at your advice re taking the German's socks off. You are always too busy trying to protect your own hide. Thing are always lively on the Somme attack or not. The Germins knock the devil out of us with their artillery as soon as we take a trench from them. They don’t argue the point much when you reach their trench. Just throw up their hands & cry for mercy Camrade. The Australians don’t show too much mercy though. But look out then they turn every gun they have on you. Yes father we have made a name for ourselves in Australia & France in the taking of the positions we did. But what a price it was dreadful. After seeing the way they all fought for Polziers it makes you feel proud to be an Australian. We went in on Wednesday night 1050 strong the B. came out the following Tuesday night with less than 200 men. Some of the other Batts suffered worse than we did althought he 1st took the lead. I went across with the first line & kept there all through didn’t even get a scratch. Although was smothered with blood & brains of my mates. Then the second line in had been in three days & about a half hour before we were to make the second attack was put out of action. Never mind I shall soon be back again for satisfaction. That is if I don’t get stopped again too soon. I heard today our boys are at Yepres just

[Page 170]

[Letterhead]
TELEPHONE: VICTORIA 8391

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
A.I.F. & WAR CHEST CLUB.
BEHIND ARMY AND NAVY STORES..
AND OPPOSITE A.I.F. HEADQUARTERS.

97, HORSEFERRY ROAD,
LONDON, S.W.

now but are going back again to the Somme again shortly. If they could only take the Germen artillery away from them we would have them back to Berlin in a very short time. Man for man well we could walk clean over them. All the fellows that were at Galipoli say they would sooner six months there than two hours on the Albert front so that is a pretty big comparison isent it. Of coarse they hadent the artillery fire there. Has Olga Giles received any letter from me yet. Have written three letters to her from France. Also wrote her sister I think it was Moa Giles answered her letter I hope they receive my letters. Can't think of anything else to write about. Father so shall close will write again shortly Love & best wishes from your sincere son Clyde

[Page 171]
[postcard picture entitled:-
PARIS Le Pont 'des Arts et l'institute
ND.phot

Dated 29 Oc 16

[Page 172]
Carte Postale
IMP.PHOT.NEURDEIN ET CIE – PARIS

To Mr Giles and members of staff with every good wish for a Happy Xmas & prosperous New Year
France , Oct 27 16
Signed O.of Savell

[Page 173]
Bovington Camp
Dorset
11.11.1916
Address Batt.France

Dear Father
I dare say you are wondering why I havint written lately to tell you the truth I haven’t been abel to settle to writing. I don’t know what has come over me. While in France it wasint any trouble to sit down & write but since leaving have been upside down as it were. I dare say it is just a reaction after the time we have been having out there. Have spoken to three or four others about writing they say they are the same way. It is only natural ones nerves are a bit shaken. I feel tip top myself. As well as ever I did just the feeling you cant sit down for any time..Sleep & eat well like a horse. As for the fighting etc well that never enters your head. I wrote you from Weymouth camp. Also sent a P Card. A view of the Convalescint Hospital I was in I hope it reaches you safely. I havint had any mail for some time now. Of coarse this moving about upsets everything. There is a draught leaving here tonight to return to France. I am a stand by. In the event of any one being away I shall go across

[Page 174]
with them. Won't be sorry not that I have any love for the prospect of a winter in the trenches. It is wet enough here & one that has been out in France can form some kind of an idea what the line will be like now. Some one has to do it so why not one so much as another. Fritz has to be beaten & we are going to do it no matter what we have to put up with while doing it. The Germens are not having any better time than we are that is certain. I think I told you I had fourteen days leave since coming from Hospital spent some of the time at Cambridge the remainder in London. I cant say I enjoyed myself overmuch.Amusement seems to jar on one these times. I have made a few friends across here. Some have asked me to let them know my address when I return to the line. They are going to send me a parcel occasionally. I promised Mrs Titterington ( that is where I stayed at Cambridge) to get her some views of Sydney also Australian bush scenes If you can get any decent views you might send them across to me of coarse all English people are interested in Australia now can't picture what the place is like. Well father this is just a scribble to let you see you are not forgotten. I will write again in the next few days & let you know where I am. Love to all Your sincere son Clyde
NB tell all at Marshall St also Randwick will write as soon as I get settled down.

[Page 175]
No 3 Comand Depot
Bovington Camp
Dorset
20.11.16

Dear Father
I received your letter this morning telling me about Bert. I have been wondering why I hadint heard from him. Guessed he must have been drafted to the 53rd Batt as that is the sister Batt to the 1st. As soon as I heard of the cutting up the 5th Division had got I wrote to Headquarters & asked if there was any casuality report about a Giles but didn’t receive any answer to the letter. Evidently it didint reach them as they are very good in that respect. Any information you ask for they will if they have any account of it. I cant say I envy Bert his position over there. Mind I think all this talk about Germany being in a state of starvation all rot. Judging by the men they are well fed & clothed & their emergency rations are well done up for them also. I can speak from experience. Have raided more than one German pack. Their biscuits are much softer than ours. Then they have bully beef as we have. Some had German sausage but I didn’t care very much for that too much garlic in it for my fancy. But it is all fish that comes into a soldiers net

[Page 176]
you secure all you can in the eating line because you don't know how long you will be before they can get food through to you. If the Germans put a barage of fire behind you as they usually do well you are caged until our artillery knock his guns out. Fritz doesent like standing up to you man for man as soon as he sees you are going to get into his trench he goes. Then the artillery starts oh they fire every thing they have over at you. It is very interesting I can assure you . It is a case of who is next. You will have had some of my letters before this telling you of my recovery.Am OK again ready to go back & have another got. Yes I earned my stripes alright although I say it myself.There were only two of us left on my gun. In the first attack we had a Poziers. All the company we were attached to were wiped out so we had to hold the companys front with the one gun. It was just a bluff. Luckily the Germans dident counter attack. Or I should have been decorated now with one of those white crosses so common in France today. But death hasint any sting when you are in the line. You just make up your mind that it is ten to one on your coming out alive & decide to take as many Fritzes with you as you can before you are knocked out. The time you feel it most is when being relieved you are afraid every time you hear a shell that it is going to burst alongside you

[Page 177]
going in you don’t take much notice but after doing your turn you feel it would be hard luck to get knocked just as you were to have a spell away for awhile. I am writing to a Mrs Edwards tonight. She is a sister of the Mr Harrison I told you of It was Mr Harrison's place I spent my convalescences. He is finding the money for the Soldiers wives that are going to Germany to see their husbands. One of Mr Harrison's Daughters is a prisoner in Germany also he is a major I believe. I was a great favourite with them all while there have had a few letters from them since leaving they asked me to be sure to let them know just where I am as they are going to send me some parcels. Also said if they could do anything for me at any time to be sure &let them know so I shall write them about Bert ; perhaps they can do something for him. I am sure they will do what they can. I shall be abel to get what information you want from them also I have a standing invitation to go back there when ever I get a chance. Harrison is a multi millionaire. Then at Cambridge I met a German he was across here when war brok out so was interned. The Titteringtons that was where I spent part of my leave, have him boarding with them so shall write Mrs Titterington she will see what can be done I am sure. I put myself out to be very nice to this fellow you know with an eye to business. Thought some day I may be interned in Fritz’s land & this fellow's people are pretty well up over there.

[Page 178]
he is not much more than a boy I should say about twenty. Told me he was studying for the Diplomatic Service. I have made friends since coming here& shall see what use can be made of them now. I met the Tittingtons through the daughter being one of the V.A.D.nurses she told me they had this German staying with them & said if ever you get taken prisoner let me know & we shall see what this fellow can do for you. There is method in their madness she said two of her brothers were fighting in France (are officers) & if they were taken prisoners they were sure this fellow's influence would go a fair way to make things a bit more comfortable for them. I shall let you know later what answer I get to my letters. I couldent help lauging when I heart Bert was a prisoner. I would have given a good bit to have seem him being marched behind Fritze's lines. I wonder if they acted the same as the Germans do when we get their hands up crying mercy Kamrads. They do look rediculously funny coming in. When they stop or hang back the man behind prod them in the seat of the trousers with the bayonet. I am glad the parcel with the mounting from the helmet arrived alright.That was my first capture & needless to say am very proud of it. I stuck to that helmet all through the fight: I could have sold it over & over again but money wouldint buy it.I wish now I had sent the whole thing complete. I had a fine collection of things when I got wounded. A bayonet & [indecipherable]

[Page 179]
I got along with the helmet. Also a lovely dagger taken from a German Dr besides other things but have lost all those things now. Oh well shall start another collection when I get back. Now I have that address I can send them here as I get them it is very awkward trying to carry things about with me. I received a letter from Mr Lunn this morning also one from his Brother in Law here. He wrote a very nice letter asking me to go & see them if I can get away. I may get another four days before leaving here if I do shall go & look him up Also the address you have given. There isint any word yet as to when the next draught is going to France. I shall be among them.We are moving to another camp tomorrow I don’t know where it is yet some say to Salsbury Plain. Shall hunt Harold Arnold up. If we go there. We have had some pretty cold weather here the last week. Had a slight fall of snow one day not sufficient to lay about the ground though all hands were anticipating a good time snow balling but it didint come off. Well father I cant think of anything else to write about this time shall write again in a few days as soon as I hear from the people I am writing to about Bert Don’t worry about either of us we shall pull through alright never fear. Love & best wishes to all your sincere son Clyde

[Page 180]
A.I.F. Base Post Office
Wesminster
London S.W.

Dear Father
This is just a hurried note to give you the information I have recieved re Bert. I have heard from Sister Edwards (V.A.D.) nurse) She is a daughter of the Mr Harrison I told you of. I am sending her letter across to you in a seperate envelope. So you can see just what is being done. Bert has evidently been well provided for up to the presint & I daresay shall always fare as well as any of the others. But a few shillings a month pocket money wouldint be amiss to him. You will see in the letter I am sending I have been offered money to make arrangements straight away. But didint think it necessary to do that. I may get bowled over very shortly & wouldent like to think I had borrowed money & not paid it back before going out. I believe I am to be sent back to France again at an early date.before Xmas as far as I can hear.So shall be facing Fritz again before your receive this letter. Oh well I have had a very good time across here &

[Page 181]
am quite satisfied to return. I would have liked to have spent Xmas in England now as it is so close. But there are bigger things ahead than Xmas dinner so we mustent complain. Well we are moving camp again on Friday all the Australians here are to go to Lark Hill. This will be the fifth camp I have been in since leaving Hospital I must say am sick of this moving camp. It doesent appeal to me in the least. The weather is still very cold across here but havint had any rain for some time the ground is dry. Oh what a treat it is to be abel to walk about without slushing through mud. Well Father this is only a scribble shall write your from Lark Hill. I think there is an Australian mail leaving here tonight & want to catch it. Love to all from Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 182]
Envelope addressed to:-

Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
(Sydney,)
Australia. N.S.Wales
Dated 7 De 16

[Page 183]
France
14.1.17

Dear Father
You will wonder what has happened that I haven’t written lately. I am in France again as you will see have been back about a month now. The conditions present arent the best for letter writing it is so cold. Well we are just out of the line again are back for a bit of a spell. Needless to say it isent too warm. We had a fall of snow one night while we were in the line by gum it was cold I thought I would never get warm again. It is very miserable here now what with wet weather mud etc one has rather a rough time but I dare say we shall pull through alright our casualities were next to nil this time we fared very well.

[Page 184]
I have been living very well since coming from the line parcels so no end with what a time we have been having.I don’t know how I am to answer the letters. Think I shall have to put them aside & make a fresh start write all my friends. I wrote Bert but so far havent had any word from him I hope you received my letter from England as to the way to send parcels etc to him. I had a letter from Aunt Nell among the bundle received lately she said uncle Tom Jack & Taylor had been there on business connected with the estate. They are evidently going to do something towards straightening things up about time they did.I can imagine the excitement over the arrival of the new baby. It is to be hoped they are more fortunate with this one. We had rather a novel church parade this morning in a snow fall. The ground was white

[Page 185]
our camp in in a bit of a scrub the trees were white with snow. It looked very pretty I can tell you. But N.S.Wales will do me. The sun doesint shine often enough across here for me. Well Father you must excuse this letter being so short. But it is really too cold for writing & the conditions areent the best. I am attached to D Company M.G.Sect. now when writing shall write you again shortly & give you a full account of everything Love to all From Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 186]
France 12/3/17

Dear Father
Well I feel ashamed of myself for not writing you oftener lately. The fact is I havint felt up to it. While I was away in England I heard the Batt had been in action again & all my best friends in the Batt were reported missing. Needless to say the Batt had been knocked back & there were only a few left. Well we only found out the other day what happened to them all.The Germens have fallen back over a thous yards on our front & we have been abel to get out & bury our dead. They have been laying out since the 5th of Nov. Well all that were missing have been found dead. I had the pleasure of being abel to put a cross over some of them. If you know any one from Chatswood ask them if they know any one named Lanser If so tell them I saw the son buried & all that was possibl done for him. This Lanser & I were

[Page 187]
great mates ever since I joined the Batt. Poor chap had only got his comission in Aug just before I was wounded. You have often heard of the Germens cruelty father well I heard of a case the other day. A few of our fellows were burying the dead & they came across an English officer & a Private together. They had their hamstrings cut & had been strangled to death with a piece of wire around their necks. That is no new paper tale but the truth. We have advanced a good way lately the Germens fell back whatever the move they gained nothing by it. Well the weather is getting a bit warmer over here now. The snow has melted & the days are much warmer when the sun comes out. Of coarse we have the mud again now but every day brings closer to the spring. Of coarse it will be out of the pan into the fire. With the dry weather the fighting will start again. Oh well the quicker we get at it the better we want to get this job over this spring

[Page 188]
if possible. I have written a couple of letters to Bert but so far havint heard from him. I am glad to hear he is so cheerful. I am glad you had such a good time at Cobbora. I had a letter from Aunt Lily Thacker last night. I wrote & told her about meeting a Mr Nobb across in Cambridge. It turns out he was there rector at Carlingford before coming to England to finish his studies.Well father I don’t feel like writing will try and pull myself together & write you a good long letter in a few days
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 189]
France 12.4.17
Dear Father
Well you will be wondering why I have neglected writing as often as before. Really the weather has been too cruel for writing one couldn’t hold the pen. Have always been telling myself I must write but that is as far as I used to get. Well I have just been discharged from Hospital. Not wounded this time only a few boils & septic sores. I have had about three weeks from the Batt altogether moving from one place to another. I eventually reached Rouen was hoping they would send me across to England again but no such luck. I hadint a chance of seeing anything of Rouen except from the Ambulance. It is a fairly large place from the little I saw that is the buisness part The Residental part appears to be built on the side of a hill on the outskirts of the town but I cant give you any description of the place as I hadint a chance of seeing it. At present I am in our Base Depot waiting to be returned to my Batt. The morning I arrived at the Hospital at Roen I was waiting along with others to be examined by the Dr. when I heard some one call me by name. I looked around & I saw a friend of Berts Charlie Dixon he & Bert were together across in

[Page 190]
Egypt then Dixon transferred to the Artillery.He hadent heard where Bert was until I told him he was a prisoner in Germany.said he had written you & asked if you could give him any information but hadint heard from you. He has been sent across to England with a crushed foot was ran over by one of the transport. Well the war news is very good lately isent it. So far I havent been in the late advances. Was up at the line when the Germens started to evacuate first. It was on the front we were holding that he first went back. Have another ribbon to place with Polziers, Bapume & if I am lucky shall have more before it is all over. Well I lost my stripes alright.you see my promotion hadint been confirmed before I went away wounded & I was away over the three months have been given one stripe again am in charge of a gun & hope before long to have the other one again. Oh you have asked a couple of times about the remainder of the Germen Helmet well I had to throw it away as it was getting so badly broke but shall get one and send it across the first chance I get. The mountings I sent across can be fixed to it. Have started another collection have a belt buckle & few buttens so far will make up a parcel later on & send it across to you. Well father there is no news to tell you so you must excuse this short note. Will try & write a little more often. Love & best wish to all. Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 191]
A.F.W.3078 [Crown Copyright Reserved]
[Envelope]
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
NOTE.-
Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored Regimentally The contents are liable to examination at the Base.\The following Certificate must be signed by the writer :
[The following sentence is in Italics]
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but family matters.
Signature ]
Name only]
A.C.Giles.
[Postmark] LD POST OFFICE.- AP21 17
Address-
Mr J C Giles
Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent street
Sydney.
N.S.W. Australia

[Page192]
14 Lyndewode Rd
Cambridge
June 10th 1917

Dear Sir
We had the pleasure of having your son Cop A.C.Giles to stay with us for a few days in November last. Since about the beginning of January last we seem unable to reach him. Our letters are returned marked "Unable to trace" –yet we get letters from him I had one this morning dated May 5th & saying how he would like to hear. Yet we have written several times. H e speaks of having heard from you so your letters must reach him. Would you be so kind as to tell me how you address his letters? We like your son so much & should be so sorry for him to think we had forgotten or neglected him. I shall write to him again today, hoping for better luck. It will be a very long time

[Page193]
before I can get your answer, but if I have not succeeded in getting a letter to him ,I shall be so grateful if you will help & if you will explain to him in your next letter how it is he has not heard
Yours sincerely
A.E.Titterington

[Page 194]
Envelope addressed to:-

Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
(Sydney,)
Australia. N.S.Wales
Dated 10 JUN 17

[Page 195]
France 4.7.17

Dear Father
I have received quite a budget of letters from you lately. Some that have been collecting while I was in hospital & have been following me around. We are still out of the line spelling & there isn’t any word as to when we go in again. I dare say we shall have our turn again shortly. There are all kinds of rumors afloat but cant tell you what they are. We were told we would be put into something pretty warm. Have made a name now & have to live up to it. This brigade has the name now of being second to nothing in France & that we shall be put into the warmer corner that can be found. A case of while you hold the bell have to live to live up to it. Just like a prize fighter. The cherries are getting ripe across here now. Needless to say we are getting our share of them. I am afraid the French will be glad when the season is over they will have peace then. We moved into a fresh village a couple of days ago. Needless to say it wasint long before the crowd were out scouting. There were about fourty up a couple of trees. The Frenchie saw them & charged with a pitch folk but it wasint any use the crowd weren’t to be bluffed. They stripped the trees before they left. I have made out a fresh will father so if I should come to grief the will is with our

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head qrs in London. It was a new order out that every one had to make a will & leave with our Head qrs as there has been so much trouble lately men being killed & not leaving a will. We had Holman here a few days ago he inspected the Brigade then gave an address. I also had a letter from Bert last week. He said he was beginning to get his parcels alright now. I think it waste of time sending parcels to me now. I have had letters saying parcels have been sent but so far haveint received one. I can’t get the parcels that are being sent from England to me so don’t expect the Australian ones to fair any better. I can’t make out what happens to them. Some one gets them that is certain. Well Father there is no news to tell you will close. Will write again in a few days.
Love to all
Your sincere
son Clyde

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Envelope

A.C. Giles

Mr. J.C. Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney, Australia

[Page 198]
France
31.8.17

Dear Father

Havint written lately as we have been on the move. Are now on the same front as H Arnold so may meet him one of these days now. Am in the same billets as when we first landed in France. But things have livened up here since we were here last according to the guns etc so far we havent been in the front line but I dare say some of these days we shall find our selves going up to have another look at our old front. I must say I am not at all sorry to be away from the Somme. It holds too many sad recollections for the majority of us now. We were never beaten while there certainly but paid pretty dearly for all we took. Not that this end of the line isent just as bad now but we shall all go in hard with a lighter heart. We seemed to know the other front that well nearly knew where the shells would fall. I think I told you we had a Memorial service at Poziers before leaving to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the taking of Poziers by the Australians. Recognised as the hardest fight the Australians have had so far. There is a large wooden cross erected with a shield on it bearing the names of all that fell there.

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We are being given a great welcome back here by the people that we stayed with while here before. They are wildly excited when you walk in dident think they would remember any of us. Certainly there arint many left out of the old lot. But those that were here before have all gone back & seen their old billets. They are a very different class of people here to those on the Somme. Well I have had a good many letters from you lately and feel ashamed I havint written oftener but some how I can’t settle to write now the same as I used to. Can’t set my thoughts on anything. I havint heard anything of Jack Giles for some time now hope he hasint been unlucky I wrote him some time ago but so far he hasint answered my letter. His Regiment have been on this front for some time so I may drop across some of them. I have a chance now of seeing them all. In case Harold Arnold & all the others all are about here somewhere. If I can only drop across them. I had a letter from Nurse Hetherington a few days ago she said she was about to sail for England on the Nursing staff. I havint heard from Nurse Smithers lately the last letter she was expecting to be sent across to England with some other nurses. Havint heard whether she came or not. We witnessed a sight here a couple of nights ago that give one more heart & determination to go through with this lot. The Germins brought

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some long distance guns up & opened fire on a town about twenty miles behind the line. Of course the civilians had to clear. Well there were old & young walking along the road some women carrying young children. There were about a dozen (Ink finished) civilians wounded. One shell hit the corner of one of our Hospitals. It made one feel thankful the war isint in our own country. This is a thing one could never describe. It has to be seen to fully understand it. Oh well Fritz is getting his tail jammed now pretty hard. As for the war being nearly over well that is a big thing to say as far as we can see it is going to last awhile yet of course time will tell. Well Father I shall have to close No more news just now. Love & best wishes to all

Your sincere
Son Clyde.

[Page 201]
[Envelope]
On Active
Service

[Postmarked - Australian Forces 6-Aug-16]
[Franked – FRANKED BY
ON ACTIVE SERVICE
for O.C.
9TH REIN. 1ST. BATT.]
Mr J C Giles
Government Printing Office Bent Street
Sydney
Australia

[Page 202]
France
2.9.17.

Dear Father

I cant understand how it was you didn’t receive any letter from me by the mail you wrote. I usually write at least once before the mail closes even if it is only a note. Our mail is coming very slow lately we are getting it in instalments. Aunt Jing said in her last letter there was a chance of Uncle Tib going to Brisbane. It must have been something pretty good to have encouraged him to go. Louise said she thought Aunt Jing & Mary would keep "Irevell" on until Xmas then were going to look for a smaller place for themselves. They will miss Aunt Kate & Uncle now they have gone. I received the photo alright it is a very good one of you. I was surprised Les had married at last. Oh well he will have to settle down now whether he likes it or not he will find he cant keep a wife on nothing

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It will be a good thing for him if he has the right kind of a girl. It will be much better for him to have his own home than to have to rely on boarding. I haven’t received the photo of Mays boy yet. I dare say it will turn up one of these days. I received a letter from Mrs Cross by the last mail. I haven’t seen anything of Harry the only time I saw him since coming to France was the night we came out of Poziers. I don’t seem abel to get near them at all. It seems strange I cant locate any one I know at all. I dare say I shall meet them all about the same time. We are getting to the end of the warm weather across here. The last few days there has been a cool wind blowing just to remind one winter is coming around again. Yes it must have been a fine sight to have seen that mine go up we weren’t near the front where she went up were on the Somme then. I must say it was very generous of you giving me away like that I presume I am not to be consultated on the matter. Mrs Field gave me some

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very good advice re not marrying over this side I am not at all likely to do that. I would have liked one of Berts photos. I have written him a couple of letters since hearing from him but so far haven’t had any answers. Of course it will take some time for a letter to get here from him. It is something to know he is faring so well. Fancy him taking to a pipe. I cant picture him with a pipe at all.
I am pleased to hear Uncle Will has recovered again from his sickness. I had a letter from Mrs G Smithers she said they were expecting Aub home in a few days from when she wrote. He wont be at all sorry to be back in N.S.W. again I will bet. No more news just now. Must close.
Love & best wishes to all

Your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 205]

[Page 206]
France
19.9.17.

Dear Father

Have just received two letters from you both dated July. I am pleased to hear programme reached you safely. I cant help smiling at Frank saying he saw me & that he thought I would be sent home. I havint seen anything of Frank so far As for being bad enough to be sent back to Australia I wish I had been I certainly had a bad back couldent straighten myself up for a couple of weeks had a fortnight on the back bone The Dr said I was also suffering from Dability goodness knows what that is laziness perhaps. Too much bully beef etc Oh no I am too tough for that am going to soldier on until Kaiser Bill has enough & throws in the towel will be coming back to Australia

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then. I cant make Berts letter out wanting money sent across to the Commonwealth Bank. He may be sent to [indecipherable] Zerland from Germany but as for my getting to Australia England well I don’t think it all likely until the war is over. The only prisoners they exchange in that way are men unfit for further service. Unless he is working things to make a break from there. If he does well he will find plenty of help waiting him in England. Will you see if I can get some money transferred from Savings Bank to the Commonwealth Bank in England anything to £50. You see I am due for leave to Paris also to England in a month or two. We cant get our leave unless we have £10 in our pay book or show it is waiting us in England. If I can get the money transferred across to the Commonwealth Bank I can draw when I want it.

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Then if Bert should get to any place where he can get money I can let him have what he wants. I sent you that address to send those arears to but the letter evidently didn’t reach you. The address is Mrs Titterington Lynderwode Rd. Cambridge England. I havint heard from them for some time until a few days ago I had a letter from Mrs Titterington saying she had written me a few letters but they had all been returned to her not abel to deliver written across them she said she had written you for my correct address or to know what had happened me. They were beginning to think I had been

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killed or something.About Bert’s pay. I think you will find his pay would be stopped when he was taken prisoner. But if the Savings Bank will send the money across to the Commonwealth in England. I shall be abel to fix him up with what he wants. It is no use trying to get money in the pay book. 40 francs a fortnight doesn’t go very far. Of coarse it is enough while across here but one wants something if they get across to England. I am about due for four days leave to ( Paris) but wont be abel to go as I haven’t the money in my pay book. I have been back in France nearly 12 months now. My leave should come in November so it will be plenty of time to get the money across the Bank can changecabel it across then stop the cost of cable from bank book. Give them my reg no 2837 L.cpl & Batt no need for company. I think I told you before leaving Sydney. Will you get some of my photos

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copied those taken in riding pants. Have been asked for a photo taken in civil life that is the only one I know of. Miss Smith has one I am sure she will lend for the occasion. As for Bert wanting (Aus) badges well he can get any badge he wants in England if he gets there. I cant see how he is going to get across though. Unless these Germen people are fixing things for him. The young fellow I met at Cambridge said he would see what he could do so perhaps he has been working things for him. The Smithers would be glad to have Aub home again. I had a letter from Nurse Smithers a few days ago she is still in Egypt. Also had one from Nurse Hetherington she was about to sail for Salonicka. I cant make out who the officer is that you are to meet at Smithers unless it is Lt Littler he has been sent back to Australia wounded in the head. I was sorry for him he was a very fine fellow. Well father I cant think of any thing else to write about so must close this letter now

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love & best wishes to all at Rodanthe your sincere son Clyde
Am ok so is Fritz Clyde

[Page 212]
France
27.9.17

Dear Father
I am enclosing a photo in this letter for you.I met an old mate of mine.I hadent seen him for over two years so we decided to have the photo taken together. It isn’t a very good one but is the best we could get. There is no doubt Australia responded well on Frances day. It is wonderful the way they all subscribe to all those things Yes there is no doubt France has suffered during this war for miles the villages etc are flattened to the ground as a matter of fact a good many places that used to be villages are only a heap of brick dust. One has to see it to fully realize the damage that has been done. I received a card from Bert a few days ago he said he had couple of his letters written to me

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returned to him. I don’t know why my letters have been messed up like that. I haven’t been away from the Batt since last Dec so they should find me. The weather still keeps good here to Fritzes regret. I haven’t seen any thing of Harold Arnold so far have been expecting to run across him but dare say I shall find him eventually. Louise said in her last letter Frank had met Jack across here so he has been more fortunate than I have. I haven’t had any news of him for some time now. Well father there is absolutely no news to tell you so will have to close will write again shortly Love & best wishes to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 214]

[Envelope]
[Written at side – Sd Robertson

Dated 28 Sp 17
Mr J. C. Giles
"Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
Australia N.S.W.

[Page 215]
Norfolk War Hospital
Nowich
England
13.10.17

Dear Father
You will have been notified by the military that I have been wounded again. Through the left arm this time just above the elbow was shot by a German that was supposed to be dead. Had evidently been laying in a shell hole until we passed then he caught me. Needless to say he was very [indecipherable] shortly afterward.The bullet passed through my tunic & shirt just grazing my side & caught me in the arm. Went straight through & with my usual luck hasent broken the bone. I dare say it is chipped but that remains to be seen. I haven’t been under the xray as yet. Well now I am out of France I can give you a full account. The 1st Batt had been in the line only a week before supporting the 2nd Brigade while they made an attack. I was left out while they were in. It was reported they expected a bit of a chopping up as they selected sixteen from the Batt to act as instructors in the event of the Batt getting badly cut up. I was left to represent the M.G.Section. Well they had very few casualities. What they had were caused through a German aroplane coming over & dropping

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a few bombs behind the line. Well they came out & we joined up again. They were only out a week when we were told we were going in again & had one of the toughest positions on the Western Front to take. We were taken up as close to the line as possible by motor lorries two days before we were to go over the top. Started for the line by motor on the Monday. Camped all Monday night then on Tuesday started to march up closer. Well just after we started a couple of German planes came over &: started bombing us they dropped a few Incinary bombs. These are filled with phooferous &: when they explode they blaze up. They light the country for some distance the country for some around. Needless to say we scattered. It was a case of the nearest shell hole will do me. We were expecting Fritz to turn his artillery on us as we were under observation from his line. You see he held the highest ridges about us. This is at Ypres.That was what we were after. Well surely enough the artillery did come just about wiped out our first two companies so never saw such a mix up. Men horses &: mules all laying in a tangled mess. The road lined with wounded. Well eventually we reached our next camp a couple of miles behind our front line each section commander was given a shell hole to dig himself &: section as well as possible. We had to get out

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of sight before it broke day as the planes would see us & then good bye nurse. Well we dug like a man can when under fire. We were all fixed up just as day broke. We lay low all day until two o’clock on the Thursday morning. Then we started up to the line. We were shelled all the way up. Also caught by M Gun fire at different times. Well we reached the front line at last climbed over it & took our places out in front in shell holes. There was another Batt just in front of us they were to take the first objective then we were to pass over them & go for the second which was just over the crest of the hill. The ground all the way was in a frightful condition all shell holes & filled with water. You used to go down to the knees in places in mud. Right across to the foot of the hill was the same. Well our attack was timed for six o'clock in the morning we got to our place ready about four. Well to add to the party it started to rain. Oh goodness wasent it cold we were nearly frozen.Well about five o'clock the Germens put over a barrage right along the line where we were laying.Well I don't know yet what effect it had I know the shells were dropping very cose to where I had my section. I was hit fair in centre of the back by a large piece of shell

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It fairly knocked the wind out of me at first. I had two men in my section that were just having their taste of fire &: had to keep consoling them. Then when they heard me grunt they thought I was hit were just going to bolt. As I saw them &: made them lay down again. It was our only hope to lay still &: trust to luck. Well we suffered the barrage for some time At last some Batt on our right was getting wiped out &: they sent up the S.O.S. That did it our artillery wasint to open for another half an hour but as soon as the S.O.S went up. They started well the German batteries closed just like an oyster. The first wave got up &:started to follow the battage. No word came for us to move so I got up to see what was doing. I went to the section on my left. Well I shall never forget the sight. A shell had landed had landed among them the one on my right the same so I got my section together &: started off after the first wave. I never saw anyone from my Batt up to the time I was wounded am afraid they were nearly all knocked out. As there were no troops on our sector.I went ahead. We struck the first Germens

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about thirty yards from our front line. They were coming over to pay us a visit at the same time. Well father it was the best bit of sport I have ever had. As soon as it came light we could see the Germens going for their lives. Just threw down their rifles &: cleared. Well we had sworn vengence against them just after coming down from the Somme We were camped billeted a little way from a French village (Hazelbruck) Well this place is fully twenty miles behind the lines. The Germens brought some heavy guns up &: started shelling this place. It was filled with civilians. Well it was a sight. I don't wish to see again. Old &: young women with children all ages were trailing along the road from the place looking for shelter. There were a few killed &: to make matters worse it was raining.l Well we all took a vow that Germany would pay for that work pretty dearly the first time we got at them &: so they did on Thursday 4th Oct.we had revenge. I was going across the flat &: put my gun team in a shell hole while our bombers were claiming a pill box of some Germen M Gunners. Well they bolted before we could get close enough to drop a few souviniers into them.. Then we had

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the finest shooting I have ever had. You see we had to attack across a flat for a half mile or more. Then the hill came well we got them as they scrambled up the side no need for a marker you saw when you got a hit. Well there were about fifty Germens got on top of the rise &: took cover behind a breastwork looking straight down on us. But they didnt open fire couldent have had rifles. I suppose they were going to get us with bombs as we came up. So I told them to wait until I went back to the gun crew was going to send the gun around on a flank while we moved as though we were going to go straight up. they wouldent be expecting it from the flank. Well had just told them where to go &: was about to walk away when my left arm went limp. I wheeled around just in time to see a head bob down in a shell hole about fifty yards behind us. We made one rush for the place when Fritz stood up Mercy Kamrad, he got it too only four bayonets through him at the same time. If there were any more of his mates trying the same game it was a caution not to try shooting in the back.Well I had to come away

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after this my arm was useless. I walked out.Oh Fritz was playing a devils tatoo all over the place dont know how I missed another knock. There was just one long stream of wounded &: prisoners passing back &: forwards well Fritz had skittled a few men &: horses in here again. They have to use the mules &: horses to carry ammunition up to the guns.Well I got out safely &: reached the dressing station. Was bound up &: labelled direct for Blighty. They were afraid of Hemorage setting in in the arm. Well that is over now I think Have been having hot foments on every hour for the past few days. &: am still having them But the swelling is going down now &: can move the arm. There is still a big discharge from the wound but that is only natural. I had a letter from Mrs Titterington the night before going over the top she said she had received a letter from you. I wrote her since coming here she answered it this morning. Has told me to consider her house home while in England. Is sending me some fruit etc down. What do you think I hadent any stamps money either so just posted the letter anyhow. We are allowed to do that in the A.I.F.

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some arrangement the Aus Government made then they only charge the 1d. Well on opening Mrs Titteringtons letter this morning I found a Postal Note. I thought it awfully good of her. I met her as a perfect stranger last time across here wounded. That reminds me I hope you receive my letter asking you to see if the Saving Bank would transfer money across to me through the Commonwealth Bank. I hope they will shall need it more now as shall get fourteen day furlough after leaving Hospital &: don’t want to be like last time. Had to count the pense so I shouldint go broke before my leave was up. Must close now Father want to write Miss Smith shall give her a discription of the Hospital etc Love to all your sincere son Clyde

[Page 223]
E.H. B.R. Form No. 9
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE

BASE RECORDS OFFICE.
VICTORIA ARRACKS.
MELBOURNE, 25th October, 1917.

Dear Sir,
I now beg to advise you that Private A.C. Giles, 1st Battalion has been reported admitted to Norfolk War Hospital, Norwich, England, 8/10/17, suffering from gunshot wound left arm.
His postal address will be:-
No. 2837 Private A. C. Giles,
1st Battalion,
Australian Imperial Force,
Abroad.
In the absence of further reports it is to be assumed that satisfactory progress is being maintained, but anything later received will be promptly transmitted, it being clearly understood that if no further advice is forwarded this department has no more information to supply.
Yours faithfully
[Rubber Stamp] (Sgd.) W. H. OSBORNE
J. M. LEAN, Major, Officer in Charge, Base records.

[Postcard showing photo of group of soldiers.]
Cpr. A. C. Giles.
Taken the morning after coming from Pozieres 28/7/16.
ANZACS IN FRANCE Back from Pozieres – then in handwriting- Ist Batt. – then printed "Daily Mail", Official Photograph Crown Copyright reserved.

[Page 224]
Mr. J. C. Giles. 20 Marshall Street, Stanmore
N.S.W.

If not Delivered within 7 Days please return to
Officer in Charge, Base Records,
Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.]
Passed by Censor POST CARD Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE C.I. 27 OC 17
Daily Mail OFFICIAL WAR PICTURES

26/10/17
Dear Clyde – I have forwarded Dick’s Wallet to you by registered post. Kiwi is back now with Weatherheath. Les has not yet returned. I had a letter from Tom – he was then still in France and doing well. I may be there soon. So long. I am etc. Jack
[To the right of this is written;]
No 2857
L/Cpl A. C. Giles
1st Batt A.I.F.
Ward 16
Norfolk War hospital
Norwich
England

[Page 225]
Hindcott Camp
Wiltshire
England.
24.11.17.

Dear Father
I havint cabled you this time to say I am convalescent. The
Authorities will have done that. Funds wont allow any expensis like that this time. Have been wondering if the letter I wrote asking you to get the Bank to transfer some money across here to the commonwealth reached you. Have written a couple of letters to the bank asking if any money has been sent across for me. But so far havint received any answer from them. Shall be getting my furlough any day now. Shall call at the Commonwealth Bank if there isent any money there. Well shall just have to cut my furlough down to suit the pocket. We all given fourteen days after coming from Hsptl. The Arm has quite healed now. But doesent feel too good yet. I am afraid it is going to break out again. As the wound feels very sore. The arm is still swollen & mustlis all down the back of the arm feel numb. Was very close to an (Australia) I can tell you. I am sorry it dident fix the arm.Have had just about enough of war

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but. It is no wishing the job isint finished yet so shall just have to go back & carry on. There is no doubt I have been very lucky to have got off as light as I have each time. Have lost all my mates killed & returned to Australia. Was looking over a casualty list last night & saw where the last of my Rein was missing a Lt Davey. He has only had his comission a couple of months. He was a very fine chap. He came away with us as a pvt. we have been great mates all through. He comes from Ashfield. You may know him he was a great criketer and tennis player. I don’t like the idea of going back again now. There will be all new faces in the Batt. I have heard our Colonial died of wounds received on the 4th Oct the day I got my issue I am enclosing a P.C. in this letter. It was taken the day after we came from Poziers last year. Just outside of Albert. They are all 1st Batt fellows & all have been killed or wounded since. There isint any of them with the Batt now. I wasint among them was laying down at the back too tired to have a photo taken even. The one marked is wearing the helmet of the mountings of which I sent across to you. I havint been getting much mail lately. Have only had one lot since leaving the Batt. I don’t know how it is but all the letters

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say they haven’t heard from me for some time. I cant make it out unless the mails have been sank or not being sent us often. I had a letter from Nurse Hetherington a few days ago the account of life etc across in Salonica is very amusing. It must be a bit of an eye opener to a girl that hasint been away from Australia. I can tell you the first time I went to Egypt it opened my eyes the things I saw there & I thought I had seen a bit of the world. I also had a letter from Aunt Kate from Brisbane she doesint care for the place yet but I dare say she will get used to it after awhile. There must have been some very amusing sights in Sydney during the strike. Miss Smithers wrote and gave me an account of the way they used to go & come from work. Isint it a pity they cant keep things going smoothly across there while the war is on. At least it is a pity a few of the leaders werint in France for awhile they would know then how well off they are across there. I see by the papers they are going to have another go for conscription. I doubt very much if they will get the vote for it from the soldiers all are agreed that if they don’t come of their own free will let them stay away. We shall carry

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on without them the majority of them wouldent be any use if they were across here. Would only let us down when in a tight corner & you cant take any risks with Fritz. When he strikes he strikes hard & follows it up. We are having splendid weather across here for November very different to this time last year while I was across. The days are nice & sunny & hasint been at all cold up to the present. Last Nov at this time we had snow & it was dreadfully cold. Although according to the papers they are having a fair amount of rain in France. I have been invited back to Cambridge again to spend part or as much of my furlough as I wish with the Titteringtons. Mrs Titterington wrote & told me to consider their house as my home while in England. It is very good of them isint it. Well Father cant think of anything more to write about just now. Will write again shortly. Love & best wishes
Your sincere
Son. Clyde.

[Page 229]
Hindcott
Wilts England
17.12.17

Dear Father
Have had about half a dozen letters from you just lately. Letters that have been accumulating while in Hsptl. Well have had my furlough had a very fine time needless to say. Spent part of my time in London then went to Cambridge to the Titteringtons. Had about four days with them. I wrote and told you they had sent word I was to consider their home place as my home while in England. Had a very nice time there. Harry was in London also his wife. She is a very nice girl very bright & lively. I stayed the last few days of my leave with them. We did the rounds of the theatres etc. Was very sorry when my time was up. I didn’t go to the Bank until the day before my leave was up. Found when I got there the money was there for me. I had enough to carry me through without it so dident touch it. Will do for another time. If I get across wounded or I may get Paris leave shortly after I get back to the Batt. Have transferred £10 to my pay book so I shall be sure of getting the leave when my time comes around again. That wont be

[Page 230]
very long as I am one of the oldest hands in the Batt. now. There are very few with a no. as low as mine now all the others are gone. Well we had our first fall of snow yesterday morning. Fell fairly thick while it lasted but only lasted about an hour. There was quite enough for the lads to have a bit of snowballing.Today the ground is frozen. Reminds one of France last winter in Feb. One could hardly stand the ground was so slippery it is just the same here today we will be walking along when suddenly the feet go from under you. There were some nasty falls reported. One sgt fell & broke his back. Others are reported in camp with broken arms. The ground gets just like glass is impossible to walk on it. It certainly looks very nice when the ground is covered with snow but is very cold. I pity the poor devils in France in France just now. It will be very cold in the line now. Then when it starts to thaw well it will be the same old tale up to your knees in slush & slime. Oh well we went through it last winter so I dare say can do the same again this one. I don’t know how long it will be before I go back about the end of this month or early next. The arm is pretty right again is still a bit stiff but dare say it will wear off in time. We have had our voting for the conscription across here. I think it will go through this time that is across here. The men appear to be more for it this time than the last time. I have voted against it myself not that don’t think they should be across here But the majority of them wouldint be any good when they did get here. Have seen quite enough across in the Batt the last few months. We didn’t know what was meant by deserters. But I am sorry t say now we do. It is only some of those that were afrid of

[Page 231]
conscription the last time. I am pleased to see the strike has been settled across there. It is a pity they cant keep things going while this war is on at least. Oh well it wont be too long now before it is all over. I think next spring will settle it.America speaks of doing big things.We shall be only too pleased to watch her christening. Wont begrudge them the cheers etc. I haven’t had anyword from Bert for some time now. I am glad he has worked his way into the cook house. He will have a warm billet for the winter if nothing else. That is half the battle being abel to keep warm. Oh how I used to wish I could walk on to a decent log &: set fire to it. Oh Australia is the best place after all.Wood is like gold across this side. We used to take duck boards or anything we could lay our hands on last winter. Mrs Titterington hasent received those views yet or hadent up to the time I was down there. Well father I have had a couple of letters from Miss Smith lately so must write her so shall cut this short or shant be abel to write her. Have about thirty letters here to answer. Will write you again as soon as I can get through this pile. Did you receive the photo I sent. Love to all
from your sincere son Clyde

[Page 232]
Belton Park
Grantham
England
14.1.18

Dear Les
Received your letter yesterday dated 30th Oct. No need to say how pleased I was to hear from you. I certainly haven’t been receiving your letters. I think this is about the 2nd I have had since leaving Sydney. I certainly haven’t written you very often myself. I knew Father would give you all the news there was from across here. You see I get so many letters they take some answering.Then there is so little to write about. All one sees in France are bursting shells ruins etc &: war in general. Well I think we all hear enough about war with out writing about it. Of coarse we are not always under shell fire but there isent anything of interest to write about while away even. Yes I was wounded again last October in the taking of the Zonnebeke heights. Got nearly to one objective when some one brought me to my knees. Oh well I was very lucky to get of as light as I did was very nearly finish just grazed my side

[Page 233]
then went through the left arm. The Fritz that fired at me was behind &: I suppose was a bit shakey fired for the heart but pulled of. Needless to say we dident as soon as we attacked the shell hole he was laying in.Oh well a miss is as good as a mile. I am nearly as fit as ever I was. Shall be back again in a couple of months to have another go at them. I am trying for a transfer from the 1st Batt to the Brigade MG Company. Don’t know how I shall get on yet. In the mean time am going through a two months M.G.Coarse at the M.G. Depot.I shall be alright so long as the Batt doesent claim me as soon as I go back to France. There is one thing I shall miss the biggest part of the winter that is the main thing. I havent any ambition to put in another winter in France the last one satisfied me I shall never forget what we had to go through out there last winter.Were half dead with the cold then weren’t half fed &: what we did get was frozen that hard you couldent cut it or eat it. One had to see it to believe what it was like. Bread was a thing you couldent cut with a knife. You would see them get it on the duck boards in the bottom of the trench &: trying to divide it with a bayonet. Then when we were to be relieved were nearly too weak to carry

[Page 234]
our equipment out. Of coarse we had the consolation of knowing the Germens were faring the same as we were. We had no line was just isolated posts here &: there in short pieces of trenches. It was very easy to walk across the line &: not know it. A couple of German ration parties at different time brought us Fritz rations.had missed their own posts. But you couldent realize how things were unless you saw it all. Well I have seen all the fellows that came across with me out. Am about the only one of the 9th left all the others have either been killed or wounded &: gone or are going back to Australia so dare say my turn will come one of these days. Well I think you are a nice one to get married &: not even send me my sister in Laws photo. I heard of your marriage from Father wrote you at the time but my letter hasent reached you apparently. I think you have shown your good sense to get married &: settle down. There isent much comfort boarding is there. I hope to be abel to congratulate you personally one of these days. You will remember Harry Cross. Came from England to Lunns related to then. Well he has been married across here lately to his old sweetheart. I met them both while on

[Page 235]
on my sick furlough. She is a very nice girl who lives at Birmingham. Harry is working in the A.I.F. Parcels office for three months. His wife gave me a very pressing invitation to go to Birmingham the next leave I get. Said she was going to find me a wife. But have my doubts on that score. But intend going to their place for all that. I don’t know why she is so anxious to see me married. I stayed with them for a few days while in London. Then went to some people in Cambridge. I can see fourteen days wont be any use to me shortly to go around &: see everyone. I get four days a month leave from here so that is something to look forward to. my arm has quite healed but the mustles down the back of the arm are still swollen. When I reported here had to go before the camp Dr. to be examined he was going to reject me on account of the arm. Said it the arm wasent strong enough for this work it wouldent be for anything else so he said well we shall give you a trial &: see how you get on. He is afraid the vibration of the gun will settle it. I am living in hopes that it will. I don’t mind loosing the use of it for awhile. Won’t be any more France

[Page 236]
that is what I am thinking of &: one would be lucky to get out with only a stiff arm. But I dare say it shall come alright &: the spring will see me across in France for the opening Handicap. This is the M.G.s Base for all the different Armies to train. British N.Z. American Aust &: Canada. All have camps joining of coarse all have our own training grounds It is a Lord someones estate. The house is turned into a hospital &: we use the grounds for training on. Grantham is only a small place I haven’t been in there since coming here although it is only three miles away &: there are motors running from the camp in there. We are allowed out of camp each day from 5.0 clock of an afternoon until 9.30 must be out of the town by that time.We marched through the place the night we came here. Then others have told me there isent anything to see. I believe there are a couple of picture shows. But can find any amount to do writing letters so haven’t bothered about going in.. I have had a couple of letters from Bert since he has been a prisoner of coarse we cant say much just a case of I am well. Oh well he is the best off of the two of us he will see Australia again when it is all over that is more than I can say just now. Certainly I wouldent change him places for all that.I am pleased you were going to spend Xmas with

[Page 237]
Father he hasent many of his family nearby now has he. I am sure he would be pleased to have you &: your wife for that day.Well old chap I cant think of any more to write about this time so shall just have to close.Best wishes to you both
(6)_
Your sincere Brother Clyde

[Page 238]
Envelope addressed to
Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
(N.S.Wales) Sydney
(Australia

Postmarked Grantham 3 FEB 18

[Page 239]
Sust M.G.T Depot
Belton Park
Garantham
30.1.18

Dear Father
Received three letters from you on Sunday along with some other Aust mail. I hadent had any mail for some time &: was wondering where my mail could have gone to was swearing all kinds of vengence against Fritz for sinking our mail as that is the thing we look forward to most of all. You will have had my letter long ago written from Hsptl. The arm is much better the last few days the swelling is going down fairly well now. Oh I shall be abel to settle accounts with Fritz again as soon as I get through this coarse here. That wont be for a month yet at least. Oh well while here the winter is passing so that is a good deal to be thankful for. The cold weather has me bluffed more than Fritzs shells. Now you don’t want to get uneasy when you hear I have been wounded. Just take it for granted it isent very severe. I think I have a charmed life have up to the present at all events &: hope it continues that way.

[Page 240]
Up to the present have only received one of the parcels sent me one from the Miss Smiths Field &: co Yes father Fritz was certainly getting a bit of a shaking up towards the start fo the winter but so were we. Oh he shook us up &: no doubt about it.But the fighting at Ypres wasint to be compared to some of the scraps we had on the Somme. I don’t know how we are going to get along now conscription has been turned down out there. They will never be abel to reinfce us. I think it will be a case of breaking some of the Divs up. Not that I am at all in favour of conscripts wouldent get the same class of men at all. Not that they shouldn’t be just as good but the late reinforcmtnts are not to be relied on as the earlier ones were. Of coarse it is pretty tough having to go into some of the places we are put your first time under fire. There is no doubt we get the warmest work. If there is a tough job to be carried through. Oh the Australians will take it &: they always have to we have the name &: have to live up to it. It is a big strain on one though you get more shaky each time after a heavy shelling. Begin to think I cant last many more like that my turn must come. I don’t know how they can clear out

[Page 241]
Thanks very much for sending me that money Father. Yes I shall be abel to settle my debts when I return. There must be well over £ 100 in the bank now. I don’t know why the Bank wouldent transfer the money across they could very easily have give the Comonwealth a copy of my signature. I don’t think I shall need to trouble you again for some time as I dident touch it. Have left it in the Bank until I get more leave shall be abel to go &: draw it as I want it then you dident say whose photo it was you received mine or Bert's I have sent you two altogether now one taken in France &: the other after coming from Hsptl here. I hope Haining calls to see you he can give you all the information you want can explain a good deal that it would take pages to explain &: not satisfactory then Re how I came to loose my stripes after Poziers. Well the man that treated us both so dirty has met his deserts I am pleased to say got a shell all to himself &: they are still looking for a piece large enough to identify If I can get transfer shall have to start over again but hope to get a fairer deal this time It wasint the cash part I minded so much but when one practically wins a thing you place a higher value than if it was just given you in your turn kind of business

[Page 242]
of the line though not me would far sooner go up. We have had a very mild winter up to the present. Of coarse I am speaking of England don’t know how things are in France dare say they are bad enough. Mud etc but not to be compared with last winter of coarse the winter isent over yet by a long way but each day brings us closer to the warm days so am very thankful for what we are getting. There were a couple of good falls of snow about Xmas time. But this month has been splendid plenty of sun. The ground is drying up fast.Well Father this is only a hurried note will write you a long letter later on. Trying to get all my letters answered. Love to all from
your sincere son Clyde.

[Paage 243]
Aust M.G.T.Depot
Belton Park
Grantham
2.2.18

Dear Father
Have received some of my Aust mail at last. There were two from you also the photos of Bert.Thanks very much for then. I shall be abel to give him a trip through France even if it is only on paper. He certainly looks nice &: warm with that skin coat on. I would like to take him down for it. We are issued with sheepskins but there are no sleeves in them &: the wind does whistle under your arms. I like the pipe he has in his hand. Well the weather continues fairly mild across here. We have had some rain yesterday &: last night has made things a bit sloppy again. But oh it is paradise compared with last winter. I received a letter yesterday from the Batt. Wrote across &: asked for my mail to be sent here so it was given out that I was trying to transfer from the Batt. The letter was from one of my last gun crew. He said they were all hoping my transfer was refused. Said they were looking forward to my going back &: taking charge of the section again. There were two of my gun crew killed

[Page 244]
after I left them on the 4th oct. I can tell you it makes one feel pleased at receiving a letter like the one I received yesterday. As they were all new men I had trained them all myself. It is some satisfaction to hear they want you to take charge of them again. But I wont go back if I can help it. There are too many new faces there now. Will make a fresh start in another unit. My transfer hasint been granted so far. He said things were not too bad across there. Not a patch on the winter before from all accounts said they had been in a very quiet place but things were beginning to liven up a bit the last few days. I dare say if this weather keeps up there will be something doing. I received a letter during the week from Nurse Hetherinton she said she had heard one of the Warren boys had been killed &: the other seriously wounded. It must have been a shock to their people when the news went through. Oh well you are better off than that. There is sure to be one of your two return so that isent a bad percentage. I don’t think it a good idea for two brothers to be in the same unit for more reasons than one. I am sorry to hear Gran hasent been too well I must write her. Havent had a letter from Cobbora for some time now. I am afraid you are going to stir up trouble across there for me. Giving me to so many girls

[Page 245]
when I get through with this job I want to live a very quiet life have seen quite enough excitement to do me a life time. Without having a pack of girls telling me off. Harry Crosses wife says she is going to get me married before I leave England. Says she has the girl picked out. I haven’t seen her yet. Don’t think there is much danger of my marrying an English girl though I believe there are a number of our fellows returning with their wives. The Australia girls wont like that. I don’t think Harry Cross will be returning. His wifes sisters Husband has been killed in France lately &: has left a very good busness.Mrs Cross wrote the other day &: said she thought Harry would take the busness over. It will be a very good chance for him. It is in the furniture trade I believe. Harry is still in England there isent any word yet as to when he is to go back to France. I think he will be safe until after the winter now. I am getting four days good conduct leave on Friday next shall go to London. Then if Harry can get the weekend off shall take a run to Birmingham.Well Father there is absolutely nothing to write about so must close. With love best wishes to all
From your sincere son Clyde

[Page 246]
Aust.M.G.T.Depot
Belton Park
Grantham
England
1.3.18

Dear Father
Have received a couple of letters from you just recently. My mail appears to be all jumbled up at present as the letters are coming in ones &: two &: all dates. But the date doesn’t make any difference it is a case of it is Australian that is the main thing. Received one letter of yours last night dated the 5th Jan I was awfully sorry to hear Sloane had been killed. Had been wondering why he didint write me little did I know he had paid the price. You are wondering why you were notified of his death. Well I shall try &: explain as far as I can. Sloane wasent his name ,his proper name was 0'Cane, why it was changed I don’t know. We were great pals on the "Maunganui" but he dident tell me any of his past history &: I never asked for it. Well when we sailed on the Maunganui with the troops, Sloane made a will it was left with the Public Trustees Wellington N.Z. I don’t know what he had to leave or anything else but he said at the time if anything happens me you

[Page 247]
will be notified so that was all I never asked what he wanted me to do or anything else.As you know I intended joining the first lot in Egypt had I been abel to get discharged as a matter of fact we both did were going to try &: stick together. You know what happened we couldent get our discharge. Well when I asked for my discharge to go back to Sydney &: enlist Sloane got his also. But had a few words with the manager in Dunedin about some trifling thing. Then refused to use the pass given him across to Sydney said he would join in N.Z. I went across &: you know I dident see him again until we met in Egypt only saw him for one night. Then the N.Zs went out from Cairo &: had a bit of a scrap. Well I saw no more of him until last Sept when I met him by accident in a place called "Vieuse Berguin France. We had a good talk as you may depend. Well he told me he had altered his will before coming away &: gave me to understand I was interested in it. Also said "If I get killed this watch I have is to go to you. But said come in one day alone &: I shall tell you all about things you will know then what you must have often wondered. Well the next time I went in the N.Z. had gone to the line. I missed him. When I was wounded I wrote him from England &: told him I was out of action &: gave him my address. He wrote back but in the mean time I had been moved (2)

[Page 248]
his letter was written in Nov. I think. I dident get it until the 9th Dec. He said he was coming across on leave &: asked me to write &: let him know my movements as he would like to see me while he was across. It was also agreed we were both going to his some people in Ireland if we could get leave together.Dont know if they were his relations or not. Well I wrote straight back when I received his letter but got no answer heard nothing more of him until I received your letter last night. So now I have written the N.Z. Base records for farther detail if they can give me any. So now you know all I know. Bob gave me the address of a Mrs S.A.Timpany "Supreme Court Hotel" Queenstown, Otago N.Z. &: asked me to write her in the event of his being killed I don’t know if she is a relation or not. I am in a bit of a puzzle to know just what to do. But should you get any thing else from N.Z. you will know what the strength of the thing is that is as far as I can tell. I will leave it to you to do what you think best. Write the Trustees &: see what the will contains or let things go. It is very awkward as I am so far away. The name he enlisted under was R.H. Sloane &: that was the name he said to give this Miss Timpany. This reads a bit like a penny dreadful doesent it. I shall get what information I can about his death across here then should any one want any further particulars shall be abel to let them know all I know

Page 249]
Now to try &: give you what little news there is to give. The winter is getting nearer the end across here now only a couple of months &: we are through with it. It has been very mild up to the present &: now the days are drawing out &: the sun is getting a bit of warmth in it. This is rather a cold windy month but has started fairly well. We had a fall of snow last night but it has nearly all melted away now It hasent been at all bad nice &: warm in the sun but the wind would go through you received a withdrawal form from the Savings Bank yesterday to be filled in for £ 25 they had paid into my credit with the commonwealth Bank London Have signed it &: returned. But am wondering now if they have sent a second £ 25 as you said they wouldent transfer money on account of my not making arrangements before leaving. Havent been notified of a second lot to conclude they have stretched a point &: sent the £ 25. It has been very handy too with this spell I have had in England. I bought myself a decent uniform while on leave the last time &: left it with Harry Cross's wife so I shall have it if I happened to get across here wounded again. Thought it a good investment while I had the money one likes to look decent while on leave. Our uniform certainly looks very well if it fits but a fit me quick well they make you feel (4)

[Page 250]
pretty rotten. I haven’t heard from Bert so far to say whether he received the photo I sent him I hope he gets it safely. Have been having a royal time lately with parcels there are three of us share parcels. We come to the Canteen at night about nine buy a cup of cocoa &: have supper oh we have lived like fighting cocks the last fortnight. It sounds strange to want food here but really one couldent do on the ration we are allowed now. Then the canteens are restricted to selling only from half past six at night to nine &: only one pie or 2 oz’s of cake is allowed to each one. Needless to say there are all kinds of scemes worked to get extra. I had a couple of letters from Aunt Nell lately she said all had been ill with colds. But were all about again at the time of writing &: that Gran was keeping very well. I couldent help smiling at the piece in your letter where that young fellow said he would have like to have seen more of France. I think he should consult a specialist. If he would like to return he is the first I have struck. He evidently hasint seen much of the fighting across there. I don’t mind going back a bit because I know I have to go &: so just make the best of a bad job but if I were in Australia well I would take some getting out again.

[Page 251]
I have had a good run &: the luck of old Nick. But am a bit nervy about it this trip one cant keep going in &: out. Oh well the next may be an Australia that will do me. As for beating Fritz of coarse we shall beat him he knows it too but he cant stop now has to go the whole lot &: so have we that is how things stand. Today’s paper suggests Japan is going to step in with Russia. I have been expecting that Oh well it is the only thing to be done. Germany will take all before her across there unless something is done so it is a case of just smile. We have to beat Germany this time so just as well to do it properly. Well Father I cant settle to write cant think of anything to write about so will close for this time with love &: best wishes
from your loving son Clyde (6)
Address to Batt. As usual Clyde

[Page 252]
Envelope addressed to
Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
(N.S.Wales) Sydney
(Australia

Postmarked Grantham 13 MAR 18

[Page 253]
Aust.M.G.T.Depot
Belton Park
Grantham
14.3.18

Dear Father
Saw in the paper a few days ago where the January mail up to the 16th had gone to the bottom of the sea so we shall have to wait until the next boat arrives now.I wrote you last week when I received word from you of Bob Sloane's death &: gave you all particulars about him as far as I knew. he left a will with the Public Trustees Wellington while we were on the transport but told me he had altered it before coming away with the forces so he may have left it with the Dunedin branch. You might see what you can find out about it. There may be some guide as to his relations. I know he has people in Ireland.As we had agreed while in France when I last met him we would try &: get our leave together &: he was going to take me across to see his people. The address he gave me to write to was Miss S.A.Timpany "Supreme Court Hotel" Queenstown. Otago. N.Z.

[Page 254]
I am not going into detail about it again. Have just added this bit in case the other letter doesent reach you. You can see what is what for me as it takes such a time to get a letter across here especially now I am unattached. It is hard to say how long my mail will be finding me. when I leave here I wrote the N.Z. Base records office about Sloane the only information they were abel to give is that he was killed on the 4th Dec 17. Rather a strange coincidence he should be killed the same date as I was wounded only two months later. I was awfully sorry to hear it. But that is usually the way any one that has a long run without getting wounded they usually get the full issue. He had lost his nerve also he was a different man when last I saw him to what he used to be. Although I dare say we all wear rather a strained look when on the job. It tells on anyone in the long run. We are only human after all &: there is a limit to what any one can stand. I received a very nice letter from Bell Chamber's cousin recently. I wrote her sympathising with her about Ted being killed this was an answer to my letter. She asked me to write &: let her know how I was faring. So that makes one
(2)

[Page 255]
more I have to write to. It isent any use shall have to get a private secretary to do some of my letters for me. You say at the time of writing war news was very scarce in the papers. Oh well you know there is always a lull before a storm before this reaches you the papers will be full enough I guarantee enough said but Australia will be there again &: I dare say I shall be picked as an emergency. There isent any talk as yet about my going across but have finished my training here &: passed all tests flying but don’t know whether the Batn has granted the transfer yet. According to letters I get from my old company they are expecting me back with them any day. I should worry where I am put have missed the winter in France that is the main thing. At present am waiting for a court martial to come of as I am a witness on it. A Cpl in this company was warned to mount with the guard last Sunday. On Saturday afternoon he went to Nottingham didn’t return until Monday morning. I happened to be in charge of the hut he belonged to&: marked him as absent so have to go as witness to his being awol. There are two charges absent &: failing (3)

[Page 256]
to mount guard. He will just about do his stripes in &: get returned to France. He had been sent across here for six months as an instructor so will do it all in. Am hoping to hang on across here until the end of this month as shall be entitled to another four days leave then. Shant have any money left for Paris leave am afraid but have asked the Bank to send some across so if they do I shall be alright. Am having as good a time as I can while here. As Fritz may declare a rough house shortly after I reach France &: there is always the chance of a cross so am going the pace while I have the chance. I cant make out why Bert doesint get my letters lately have been sending them, C/O Aust Red Cross secretary. I have also sent him a photo I hope it reaches him safely. Poor old Bert he wont be sorry when the war is over &: there are others the same. I for one am fed right up

[Page 257]
you are all very bitter about the conscription being turned down &: don’t say you havent a just cause to be so. But as for it giving us a spell if it carried. Oh no it wouldent we shall get as spell when we cant hold a rifle. The Australians have too good a name for that. The way a good few look at it across here is this. If they vote for conscription &: Australia gets it. Well the Goverment will import coloured labour to fill the gaps. Then they say after we have finished across here we shall have to return &: start another war of our own. That is the reason of the No majority across here. Not that I have looked at it in that light. I voted no because I wouldent like to think I had forced any one into this game. I came with my eyes open &: am quite satisfied to keep going to the end. Although shall be very pleased when it is all over.Well shall change the subject. The weather is getting splendid across here now. Although we haven’t done with the cold weather. March &: April are pretty cold months or are liable to get cold

[Page 258]
March is noted for the cold winds. It certain kept up its repetreputation for the first few days with wind snow etc. But lateley has been splendid of coarse there is time for it to change again but each day brings us nearer to the end of winter. I wonder how many more winters we are going to have across here well Father there is absolutely nothing to write about this time shall have to close with love &: best wishes
From your loving son Clyde
NB The photo arrived alright. The family group. Thanks for sending it. Am enclosing a souvenier of Ypres. Clyde

[Page 259]
France
21.4.18

Dear Father
Well have found my way to France again. Oh well I have nothing to complain about this time have had six months spell &: missed the winter across here that is the main thing. It has turned rather cold here the last week or so. Not as cold as I have felt it in France but still cold enough. I dare say we have felt it more after the warm weather we have been having. But the winter is just about over here now. May it starts to warm up a bit. We had a few days at the M.G. Base before coming up to the unit. I have transferred to the 1st M.G. Battn now address all mail (No. 1 company) 1ST Aust M.G. Battn A.I.F. I hadent a chance to get to Cambridge again before leaving England was expecting leave when warned for draught.Harry Cross was at the Base Parcels Office &: dident know whether he was permanent there or not. All that went across with him

[Page 260]
were sent back. Harry had been under the Drs with his eyes so I dare say that is why he was kept back. I havent received any Aust mail for some time now. Don’t know what happened to them. I dare say I shall fare better now I am settled again. Had letters from Nurses Smithers &: Hetherington just before coming away. Nurse Smithers was at Suez at the time of writing but expected to join her unit at Port Said any time. I am afraid she will find Port Said very different to Cairo unless it has changed since I was there. You should receive a photo about the time this letter reaches you. It is a group taken at the M.G. Depot Granthan. It will be a good souvinier should I return. I think I told you I had a card from Bert he said he had received the photo alright. I wrote the O.C. of Sloanis company asking him if there were any of his personal things about. But so far havint received any answer But I dare say they would be forwarded to you. I know he had a watch presented to him in N.Z. he said he wanted me to get should he get knocked out. Should anything turn up. Just keep them across there. I havint written any one in N.Z. have left that to you. As letters take so long to get across here &: I have told you all I know about him that is if the letter has reached you

[Page 261]
I dare say Haining has called to see you before this. So he will be abel to tell you how things have been up to the time he left. I havint had any word from him so far but havint had any mail since December. Well there is really very little one can write about from here as you know one cant write from here the same as in England. Have to write as well to all the others yet so shall have to close. Love &: best wishes
From your sincere son Clyde

[Page 262]
Envelope addressed to

On Active Service
MR J.C.Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney (N.S.Wales)
(Australia)
APR 25 18

[Page 263]
France
19.6.18
[indecipherable]
Dear Father
Received word a few days ago from the Bank saying there was money waiting in there. Thanks very much for sending it across. I asked for it so I should have a stand bye I dont think I shall do another long spell in France without getting a blighty.Well I had a bit of hard luck the last time in the line lost my pay book all my photoes &: what money I had some one went through my tunic. Had my pay book &: photes in a pocket wallet together.So have sent across to the bank for [indecipherable] to keep the pot boiling while I am waiting for the new book is coming usually takes two or three months to get another. shall have to wait &: get other photoes to replace the ones I have lost. I have bein away at a Gas school for a few days it was only a short coarse. Near Boulogne.The section officer said it would be a few days spell as I was sent from the line to go down. It dident prove much of a spell as we had six hours a day parade. Most of the time was taken up with lectures &: Demonstrations.Then after parade we had to write up our lectures from notes taken. Hadent time to go away anywhere. I made friends with a French family used to go there to have tea then had a table to do my writing on so scored the Australians are in the boom here now as this Division stopped

[Page 264]
The Germen advance down this end. While the other four divisions have been doing very good work down the other end of the line. Things have settled a bit just now here there isent shelling going on except for an occasional raid. One of our Brigades made a very successful advance a few nights ago brought back nearly three hundred prisoners besides 30 M.Gs 5 trench mortars &: an anti Tank gun. Had practically no casualities. We were with them &: the Germens hardly fired a shot. The best stunt I have been on so far. I saw a very good aroplane scrap a couple of days before I went away to the school was out of the line waiting to go away. This night we were having tea when when some one called out to come &: see our planes bringing a Fritz plane down. There were four of our planes. They found Fritz up above the line observing.They got above him to force him down. He came pretty quietly for awhile but didn’t like the idea of Fritz giving us his plane as he wouldent land so one of our planes came down at him. Then the fun commenced they were only a couple of hundred feet up nearly over where we were so we had a good view of it all Fritz put up a good fight. After awhile the plane that tackled him cleared for home. Fritz signalled with his guns then that he was finished &: came down alongside our billet. There was only one man in the machine &:he jumped out as the machine landed nose first didn’t get hurt he had a bullet through his cap &: a couple of places in his tunic. Also a graze on the hand. When he landed he said Oh well I got one of your fellows so consider I am even. So he did ; he shot the pilot in the machine that tackled
(2)

[Page 265]
him through the head.the machine was broken about needless to say but the engine etc were alright only the woodwork suffered of coarse there was a rush for souveniers. A couple of us tried to get his M Guns off but couldent so had to be satisfied with a piece of the webbing on the wings. Shall enclose it in a seperate envelope later. The machine was brought down on the 7th June at a place called La "Karule &: turned out to be one of the famous Circus sqdron, a crack Germen squadron. There is no doubt he put up a good scrap. I have seen a good few air fights but that was the best exhibition I have ever seen. I had a letter from Mrs Titterington last night has been a good while finding me she said she hadint received the views you had sent. The address is 14 Lyndewode Cambridge. I had to laugh she has a boy about twelve a very fine little chap I wrote while at Grantham &: said I should get hung if I was in England much longer. Then hadent written for some time so he kept asking his Mother if she thought the military people had hung me. Mrs Titterington said he was very concerned about me. Yes there has been a bit of rough going here since I came back &: I dare say there is worse to come but never fear I shall come out of it safe enough. You know father you are luckier than a good many others.There are only two of us across here Bert is pretty safe he will get home after it is all over. So you are sure of one of your two.We had one fellow killed last time in. There were four Brothers came across he was the third that been killed so now dont you think you are lucky. As for the fighting

[Page 266]
well you know it isint like going to a picnic here. It isent as bad as you imagine of course the shells get one thinking of times but Oh it might be worse. We may loose our lives that is the risk we were prepared to take when we volunteered but the French are loosing lives homes & everything they posess in the invaded places. So you see we havint anything to complain of. Of course it makes one think when there are so many across here it has one afraid to come across to give a hand to keep their own roofs over their head heads but oh well be them stay they wouldint be any use if they were here There are the sort that clear & leave the line to let their mates down we are better without that sort. There are too many like that in the army as it is. I am pleased to hear Bert had been something to do away from the army He should get a better run now as for the fight with what odds what it is. I shall try to find Mr Hockmeyer’s address. The name sounds German doesint it. I dare say the Aust. Red Cross will be abel to give me his address. I shall write to thank him for his kindness to Bert then I shall send this address across to you also I had a letter from Nurse Smithers last night she said it is rumeredd across there The Australians are to go back to those parts next winter. I hope she as corect shall be abel to fulfil my promise there at that [indecipherable]. But will it be necessary. From the way our fellows marrying across here it will

[Page 267]
be as Mrs Buggie said you shall be abel to start one once there. But you cant get the colours & the variety there you could get in Egypt could you I shall see what I can do at all events. Nurse Smithers is very indignant as some of the men returning from France have called at Egypt on their way out. Cold fools. She says she thinks it very unjust I shall have to console her somehow. We are having splendid weather here now a treat to be in the sun. All I want is to get away before the winter sets on again. Harry.Cross is still in London if he has any sense will stay there. I wish I had half his luck.That is the living in London. Not the married part of it. Oh no I have a young lady in Birmingham. Have been writing to her. Oh its too funny for words havent seen her yet but from the letters am afraid I shall be married by proxy. It is a friend of Mrs Crosses the young lady she says she is going to see me married to. She sends me cigarettes so will do me. Have just witnessed another very good go. Fritz sent a plane across to set fire to some of our Baloons He opened on one just close to where we are. The observer came out with his parachute at the [indecipherable] Just then a squadron of our planes arrived behind him. Fritz saw the game was up so made for another baloon. The observer came from the second at the double also. The three are swinging in the air now coming down our fellows have finished Fritz also one plane just dived on him & Fritz came straight to the ground

[Page 268]
will alight. He wont trouble our balloons any more. The plane has fallen too far away from us to go for souveniers. We are masters of the air now without a doubt. Fritz can only sneak a single plane across occasionally. Except at night he comes across & bombs at times. Well I haven’t any more to tell you just now so shall have to close. Love and best wishes to all.
Your sincere son
Clyde.
(6)

[Page 269]
(Envelope)

On Active Service
19.6.18
Mr J. C. Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N. S. Wales
Australia.

[Image]

[Page 271]
France
5.8.18

Dear Father
Just a short note this time as news is very scarce here at present.Am still going strong as you will see. Well I posted you a parcel a few days ago a few souveniers I picked up during this advance. There is a book (German) of views taken behind the German lines. It is principally his Headqrts staff but there are other views as well. It will be some thing to look at when we get through with this job. There is also a small tin box with a couple of belt buckles &: odds &: ends.Well the weather still holds good but today is very warm more like a summer day. It is to be hoped it keeps like this for awhile longer &: I think we shall have Fritz little more inclined to listen to reason than he has been up to the present. There is one thing certain if things go on until the next spring well he will wish his Mother had never met his Father. Have received two letters from you lately. So Evy Syme has succeeded in getting divorced. It will be a relief to her she wont have the dread any more of his coming back to trouble her. Have they ever found out where Syme drifted to. I don’t suppose he enlisted &: came across to France. I don’t think it would appeal to him at all

[Page 272]
Yes I had a letter from Roy a few days ago.Of coarse the letter was all about their boy &: the wonder he is. I dare say that there will be a great rivalry between the two now as to who is the finer boy of the two. I should have to be careful not to show favour to one more than the other when I come back or the fat will be in the fire. So you have your doubts as to tell either of the Gransons can compete with your crowd. Well all I have to say is if they [indecipherable] as good fathers lost their sons as we have had well they shall be alright. Roy said as Les has called his boy after me [indecipherable] to be [indecipherable] now in earnest as it is essential there should be a distinction. So I suppose I shall just have to take it &: say nothing.
You say I havent told you how I manage about talking French well I cant manage at all I know as much French now as when I just came here. It is wondyful how you can make yourself understood if you are hungry or dry. You know the old saying actions speak more than words. I think that is the motto across here. I am sorry to hear Uncle Will isint improving. Aunt Florrie must be having rather an anxious time of it. Aunt Jen said in her last letter they hadint seen anything of you for ages. I am afraid you are not too good at the Visiting. Harry Cross is still in England &: their isent any word of his being sent back. Oh well good luck to him. It is certainly much better where he is than here especially with the winter coming on. It would take a

[Page 273]
fair number of bombs to hunt me out of England. That is in a decent job not at one of the training camps though I very soon get tired of that. I fancy it is Harry’s eyes that keep him across there then again it is only right he should stay as someone has to fill the Job &: I think his case as deserving as any. I haven’t seen anything of Oram for ages I don’t think there is any need to worry about him He hasint seen too much of France &: I have heard he isent too bright either. His men dident give him a very good name in the line. Of coarse I don’t know what he is like we were in different companies. Have you ever met Littler since he returned he was a fine chap in or out of the line. He got his commission I think I told you his Father was killed shortly after he came to France No there arint many of us left half a dozen would be the very outside. Well I cant think of anything else to write about so shall have to close for this time. Love &: best wishes to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page274]
FELDPOST Fritz
France
30.8.18

Dear Father
Well it seems some time since I wrote you but things have been a bit unsettled lately for letter writing. We were on the move for awhile &: the mail was closed so couldent post them as soon as we reached our destination went practically straight into the line so hadent a chance of writing. Well you will have seen all about the big push &: the share the Australians have had in it. It has been a great stunt quite a change from the usual trench fighting as it is semi open fighting now &: suits our fellows to the ground. Fritzey isent facing it too well. At times he puts up a bit of a go in some strong point but they soon shift him from it. Well we have nearly all the ground we lost back again now &: shall give him a nasty shaking while he is holding his old position. The guns etc that have been captured are pretty great but havent the slightest idea what has been taken. I have gone through without a scratch so far so havent anything to complain about. I shall squeeze through as usual never fear. Well we are getting close to the end of the summer now but the weather still keeps very good. We have had splendid sunrise very little wet weather. Then since the offensive started

[Page 275]
things couldent have been better. it started to rain a couple of days ago but it dident last long Just enough to lay the dust. It has been quite a change as usually when we had an offensive it started to rain &: one wanted a boat to reach Fritzes line our turn must be coming Fritz has had his day. The Yanks are in the line but not to any great extent. But they are proving good men in the line so by the next spring they should be ready to take full charge of their own sector. Our casualities have been very slight up to date.One sees very few men laying across the field. Certainly the Germens aren’t laying very thick either but the prisoners are coming in a great No. The other morning we were doing a stunt. The barrage had hardly opened when the prisoners started to come back looked as though they were just waiting for the music to start then they started for the rear. There were a couple more of the old boys killed in the stunt that is pals of Haining &: mine. I shall soon be the only one left of the crowd. I received a letter from Miss Smith a little while ago so shall have to try &: find some thing to write her about. I have a few more things to send across to you as soon as I can get them tied up &: censored. I haven’t had any word from Bert for ages now but dare say shall get a note one of these days. I am enclosing a stamp in this letter. One of our fellows found a small book of them in a
Germen pack.

[Page 276]
They have to stamp their mail apparently./ You will find it stuck to the top of this letter. I have a book of Views taken from a Fritz it is views behind his line principally his Head qr staff but will be a good souvenier if it reaches you shall send them across the first chance I get. Did the piece of the Aroplane reach you safely.Well Father I am behind to blazes with my writing so shall have to cut all short until I catch up Shall write again shortly. Havent had any thing from Sloanes people as yet. Have you seen the will he left. Find out just what it is for me will you one is working in the dark. I shant do anything about it until I get back to Austo again No more just now must close with love &: best wishes to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 277]

W.H.OSBORNE.

[Page 278]
France
1.9.18

Dear Roy
Well it was a surprise when your letter arrived a couple of days ago was beginning to think you had forgotten I existed. But I know your weakness for letter writing &: Father usually lets me know how things are going with you both so you see I am not so badly off after all. Yes Father did send me a photo of the boy but I am sorry to say I have lost it along with all of my photoes. There is no doubt he looks a very sturdy little chap judging by the photo so I shall have two nephews to make the acquantance of when I return to N.S.Wales. Father said in his last letter Les is very proud of his son. It is hard to picture Les as a married man let alone the dad of a bouncing boy. He will have to down now he has a wife &: family to look after. Yes going up there was the making of him. It got him away from the crowd he used to knock about with in Sydney. Miss Smith says his wife is very nice so he is very lucky. Bert will feel rather out of place now the only two left single but perhaps Bert will be taking unto himself a wife when he returns. Oh well I shall put in my time then between the three places Harry Crosses wife says she is going to see me married to an English girl before I return to aust but don’t think she will succeed somehow have bought all the experience I want in that time. Harry is still in England at the Base Parcels

[Page 279]
[Duplicate of previous page]

[Page 281]
office &: says there isint any talk of his being sent back yet. I fancy his eyesight is the trouble. Oh well good luck to him it isent a bad place to be Although things aren’t too bad across here during the Summer. Well we are drawing near the end of the Summer now the nights are beginning to get cold now But it doesnt get too bad here until about November then the cold weather sets in in earnest. Well you will have seen all about the stunt we are on at present. Things have gone very well with us up to date &: Fritz has found it is one thing to take ground another to hold it. We have been on it since the start. It has been a great stunt I can tell you very different to the old style of trench warfare when you just stood opposite each other until there was a move on then went for a couple of thous yards &: took a bit of high ground that was covered with barb wire &: Mach guns. This has developed into some open fighting you are in the front line tonight tomorrow night the line is a couple of miles or more from you. Oh it will do me our casualities have been very light they say &: I think it is true judging by what I have seen That is for the advances we have made on going over the ground you see very few laying about certainly there arent many Fritz either but the prisoners come in fairly thick The last stunt we were in just recently. We were doing barrage work well the barrage had hardly started when we looked across &: saw prisoners

[Page 282]
coming back they must have been waiting for the barrage &: then gave themselves up before the attack got properly started. It is a very fine sight I can tell you to see the Artillery open then the different coloured lights Fritz puts up distress signals of all colours &: shapes there is no doubt he is an artist at peak flares. He lights his own front up &: ours also with his flares we don’t need flares at all. I managed to get a few souveniers this time have done them up &: posted them to Father today. I hope he received it safely.One book of views taken behind the German lines is very good.I got it in an officers pack of coarse all dugouts etc are searched in an advance for souviniers. We are out of it all at present having a spell. Have a very good camping ground near a good water supply the troops can have as much swimming as they wish. Unfortunately I cant swim so have to be content with a bit of a dip. There is no doubt the Germens know how to look after themselves as regards quarters. Their dug outs are usually fitted up with chairs tables &: looking glasses taken from the French houses. Well Roy old chap there is very little to write about so shall have to close will have to do better next time. This is the first letter I have had from you for months. No more just now
Love &: the best wishes to you all
Your sincere Brother Clyde

[Page 283]
Envelope

On Active Service

Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney. N.S.Wales
Australia
No post date

[Page 284]
France
8.10/18

Dear Father
You will be thinking I am never going to write again. As it seems ages since I wrote last. The fact of the matter is letter writing was practically out of the question for awhile &: didn’t care about sending the Field card as you would have heard had I been wounded. Well news isent very plentiful here at present. You will all be rejoicing over the turn the war has taken in our favour. Judging by the paper accounts the war or the actual fighting shouldint last too many more months. But it is hard to say. The Germens have there back to the wall now &: it is neck or nothing with them so they may try &: hang on as long as possible. Well I have pulled through this lot with out so much as a scratch. Although there were times I would have sold out very cheap. But our casualities were very slight when you think of the

[Page 285]
ground we have gone over.At present we are having a spell for awhile. Oh I met Harold Arnold the night we came from the line.We marched past their billets &: Harold made enquiries as to where I was. Then came around to our camp later on. It was a very pleasant surprise to meet him I can tell you. He was the last I expected to see. I had given up all hopes of ever dropping across any of them. Harold said the last time he saw Reg Gibson he said he was going for his commission so I dare say he has it by this. Harold looks very well I thought. Of coarse we had a long talk about all we had left behind. I am afraid I was very poor company that night though as I was dead beat.We had only been away from the line a day or so &: had had a pretty rough spin. This section went over the bags three times in eight days so you may guess we werent on a picnic excursion. I went to Harold’s billet with him stayed for awhile &: had supper then we walked back towards my own quarters. I would have liked to have seen him again but we moved off again the following day. But am hoping to meet him again shortly now. Well the weather has taken a turn here now the rain has started &: the nights are

[Page 286]
beginning to get cold reminds one the winter is coming again. We havent had very much wet weather so far. Just showers not enough to make the ground sloppy &: hinder the offensive but very uncomfortable while you are in the front line. Well the Americans have signed their name on the Western front &: signed it very well also. I think Germany recognizes now she underestimated the assistence they could give in so short a time. Harry Cross is still in Blighty &: appears to be settled there good luck to him I say. Aunt Nell sent me photos of Don &: Rex also a snap of Gran. The last boy looks a fine little chap judging by the photo. I suppose the Giles family are growing now. I shall have a fair No of new acquantances to make when I come back.I havent been abel to get near the old Batn since receiving the address of Bert's mate. But he called at our transport asking for me But we were in the line at the time. I shall look him up the first chance I have. I hope Bert is still keeping well. He should be about due for exchange now. It would be much better for him could he get transferred to Holland. Well must close now. Love &: the best of wishes to all
Your Sincere son. Clyde

[Page 287]
On Active Service
PASSED BY CENSOR
Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney. N.S.Wales
Australia
Postmarked 10 OCT 18

[Page 288]
France
26.10.18

Dear Father
Well I have been going my hardest trying to answer my Aust mail still have a few to do but shall get through them eventually. There is no need to say I am still going strong. You will have seen in the papers that we are out for a good spell. As usual we are given great praise for the work done while in the line. Up to the present I havent been abel to hunt Hewitt up haven’t seen anything of the Batn since coming out but shall look him up the first chance I have. Havent seen anything of Harold Arnold since coming back this way. But dare say I shall see him again shortly. I am pleased to hear Bert is keeping so well he should be about due for exchange to Holand now shouldent he. I havent heard from him for some time now. The winter is getting near again the mornings are pretty cold particularly on the hands &: feet But if this winter isent any worse than the last I dare say we shall get through it alright sincerely hope it isent a repartition of the winter of 1916.
Well the war news is a little brighter now than it was a few months back isent it. All across here are in great spirit particularly the civilians they all say war soon finish now. It is certainly getting nearer the end now.But it remains to be

[Page 289]
seen whether Germany is hard pressed enough to accept the terms they are likely to give her. About next spring will fix things if Kaiser Bill doesent throw the towel in before. Hughes is very comforting he says it is going to take a couple of years to get the AI F back. He is making arrangements for those that wish to get employment in some of the large factories across in England while they are waiting. It wouldent be bad but I would far sooner get back to Aust Again as soon as possible. Aunt Jen said in her last letter Jack had won the M.C. so there would be one decoration in the Giles family. I also had a letter from Aunt Kate in the last mail. She doesent appear to be settling to the new home in Brisbane at all. I have been made cpl once more only temporary at present but dare say shall have it confirmed if I can last long enough This is the third time but before have been wounded before I had it confirmed may have more luck this time we shall hope so at all events. We are having rather a good time at present are camped near a decent town &: can get in pretty often. Two passes are allowed a day to each section. Of coarse others can go in if they care to take the risk of being caught without a pass. Needless to say there are a good many that take the risk. There are two concert halls going in the place so one can put in the evening very nicely also other houses of amusement there

[Page 290]
you would have laughed last night. When coming home two of the crowd thought they would try for some bread. At one of the shops while inside they saw some butter so started to air their French with a good deal of compry etc. There was a lady standing in the shop waiting to be served she asked in very good English what is it you want. Well they said they could have faded away. They felt such fools after trying to make the French woman understand what they required was too much for them. Butter is only 6/- a lb here &: hard to get at that well father news is very scarce here shall have to close
Love &: best wishes to all
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 291]
Envelope addressed :-

On Active Service
J. Giles Esq
c/o Government Printing Office
Sydney
N.S.Wales
Australia
Postmarked 29 OCT 18

[Page 292]
France
6.11.18

Dear Father
Have just received another Aust mail &: as usual I have received a fair share. Had a letter from Louie saying Uncle Will Brewster had died. Oh well it is for the best I suppose it wasent much comfort to see him gradually getting worse. Louie said the end came very suddenly that was a good thing. Aunt Florrie will be very upset that is only to be expected. I haven’t written her as there isent anything one can say that would relieve her & it takes such a time for a letter to get across it would only be adding to her trouble. I also received a letter from a Mrs Belchambers saying she had called on you & left a photo with you for me. One of Ted Belchambers photoes. I am glad she dident send it across here as I may not have reached me or I should have lost it now it will be there when I get back. Well the war news is very good at present isent it It shouldn’t be long now before Germany throws in the towl she cant hold on too long now she is on her own. I went to a Memorial service a couple of days ago for those that have fallen during the war. The Arch Bishop of Amiens held the service assisted by one of our Brigade Chaplains. The Arch Bishops address was in French

[Page 293]
couldent make out what he was talking about all we could understand was Australia mentioned couple of times. The church was packed a good many of us had to stand during the service. Only Australian present. Well it is going to be pretty hard now for the next few stunts we are in here. One will be thinking how unlucky should they get cracked for going through life to date. But some one has to tickle the Kaisers whiskers to show him the game is up so there is nothing for it but to just get on &and: trust to luck you out of it again. I am confident my usual luck will stick to me I wonder if the prisoners of war now in Germany will be sent to England or dispatched to the different countries from Holland. Wouldent it be great if I could only meet Bert across here for both of us to get home on the same boat. I had to smile at Miss Smith having to pay the tax. I dare say it will have a tendency to make the girls want to get married to escape it. Yes I suppose the taxes we shall all have to pay will be pretty stiff. Oh well it is a case of pay & work pleasant I suppose. I shall be on the look out for them when they come. (K.gs Sgt Edwards &and: the others I mean). There is no doubt he has had more than his share of trouble during this war. Oh well it is to be hoped it is all over before he gets across again. I had a letter from Haining by this mail. Also poor beggar he has had

[Page 294]
pretty rough time of it. It makes one very thankful to have escaped so lightly. I think I am about the last one of the old lot across here now there were a few more of them killed during the early part of this advance. The weather has been OK across here right up to the present. Of coarse we have had a fair amount of rain. But it hasent been very cold here to date Oct & Nov are usually wet & cold months. It is to be hoped it is going to be a mild winter I hope the parcel I posted you a short time ago reaches you safely. A book of Views taken behind the Germen lines. I have a few more things but shall hang on to them now & bring them home when I come I don’t suppose that will be for some time After peace has been proclaimed but so long as one is sure of getting there that is the main thing. This Flu has been raging across here for some time & there have been a good many deaths from it also. I noticed by the papers it has eased a little the last few day I have escaped so far Have a cough but I think it is the affect of the gas got a fair dose the last time in the line. Saw visions of being temporarily blinded as the eyes were very sore &: bloodshot for a couple of day but it dident effect them. This mustard gas Fritz uses is the limit I can tell you. I dare say there are a

[Page 295]
good many will find they arent as good as they fancy. I have heard a rumer here that 22 percent of the 1914 men sent from here recently have died on the way to Aust. The climate across there effects them in some way or other rather a cheerful thing to look forward to isn’t it Oh well I am satisfied to take the risk if they will only send me. Well Father I cant think of anything else to write about so will have to close. Love & the best of wishes
From
Your sincere
Son Clyde [indecipherable]

[Page 296]
On Active Service
Mr J. Giles
Overseer
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
N.S.Wales
Australia
Postmarked 7 NO 18

[Page 297]
France
17.11.18

Dear Father

Well I have made several attempts to write lately but have given it up as impossible cant set my mind to it at all. Well the day we have all been looking forward to for the last four years has arrived at last. It is very hard even now to realize that the war is all over. At present I am at a gas school going through the the coarse for the position of gas Sgt to our batn but of coarse now all that will knocked on the head.Arrived here a couple of day before the Armistice was signed. We were all allowed the afternoon off to go to Amiens. Of coarse there were some very wild scenes among the French people. I must add that Amiens isent overcrowded at the present as you know this is where Fritz nearly cut our communications in his advances. Of coarse all the civilians had to clear at the double. They are only just coming back.Those that are here celebrated the occasion as well as they could.There were crowds marching the streets with the French tricolour &and: singing

[Page 298]
during the day. Then at night the coloured lanterns &: fireworks were introduced. The Australians were given a very hearty welcome needless to say. That is what few there were in the town we were literally covered with buttons &: flags got up for the occasion. It was rather confusing at night. Of coarse all had as much wine aboard as they could carry. You would see a string of men coming Aust Yanks &: a Frenchie or two arm in arm all trying to sing a different song. The French man couldent sing anything except the National Anthem. It was very laughable I can tell you Our Division was on its way up to the take over the front line when Fritz threw in the towl. I can assure you we werent looking forward to going in either as one felt how unlucky should they get cracked at this stage of the war as we were expecting Germany to come across with the white flag at any time. I dont know where they are at present But I think they are to form part of the army of occupation. It will be rather an experience marching to the Rhine wont it. Oh well hope during the next year to be back in Australia. The 1915 men should be the next to go so shall be among then. Well I really cant write father at all so better later on. May have more to tell you then. Tell Miss Smiths etc shall write them but when I can settle down. To it.Love &: best wishes.Your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 298]
Envelope addressed to :-

On Active Service
Mr J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney. N.S.Wales
Australia
Postmarked CAIRO

[Page 300]
France 26.11.18

Dear Father
Just a short note to let you know where we are. As far as we know at present our destination hasent been altered we are on our way for Cobblenz on the Rhine at present we are just on the Belgian Border at a place called Beaumeuse have covered about fourty miles of the 220 we have to do. We have marched through [indecipherable] few of the liberated villages there are a good many civilians still in some of the places needless to say the poor devils are very pleased to to be free again. The tales they tell about their treatment they received at the hand of the Germans. Well needless to say they arent to their credit. The railway has been well mined all the way up to date. The civilians here say the Belgians have fared much better than the French as they used to sell to the people across the border. We are about two kilos from the border so far I cant say how Belgiam is but shall be abel to tell you more about the conditions in there the next letter I write you. We have passed a good many soldiers &: civilians making back from

[Page 301]
Germany where they had been prisoners they arent looking very well. When particularly the soldiers poor devils look as though they have been starved needless to say Fritz has cleared the villages out pretty well. All the houses cattle etc have been taken. The Military are feeding the civilians as they go through. It is wonderful the way the Germans have got all their stuff away haven’t left much behind them. We have been very fortunate up to date have had splendid weather no rain to speak of &: the day nice &: cool. I met Frank Giles at the village we were in before starting the march. he hunted me up. Frank looks rather thin I thought but well enough. Well Father can only write a short note as I want to be sure of getting this posted. At present we are having a spell. I may be on the march again in a day or two. No one knows how long the stay is to be so no more at present love &: best of wishes
Your sincere son Clyde

[Page 302]
Envelope

On Active Service
Mr. J C Giles
"Overseer"
Government Printing Office
Bent Street
Sydney
Australia
N.S.Wales
Post mark Field Post Office Date 28 NO 18

[Page 303]
Christmas card showing crossed machine guns and sunburst of Australian Commonwealth Military Forces
Written = 1st.Australian M.G.Battn. XMAS 1918

[Page 304]
Christmas card dated 8.12.18
GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES FROM
Handwritten:-. Clyde, Beaumeuse, Belgian Border

Text:- CHRISTMAS 1918
We greet you friend, where'er your distant home,
In Britain, France, 'neath Austral's sunny dome;
Now there is peace, we'll see you all again-
For soon we hope to leave this cold Bohain,
To safely dodge the Hun slow-action mine
And spend our last war Christmas on the Rhine

[Page 304]
Card

ON ACTIVE SERVICE
TO WISH YOU
A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
Handwritten :- To Uncle Jim FROM Frank. AIF 1918

[Page 305]
[Postcard]

[Page 306]
[Postcard]

[Page 307]

Le Rouise
Belgiam
15.1.19

Dear Father
Well here goes to write a short note I feel rather ashamed of myself for not writing oftener lately but I cant settle to it some how. Dont know what it is but all appear to be the same They all say they cant set to write now. Well I am just waiting word to leave for England prior to sailing for Aust. It seems funny to be writing to say I am returning. I don’t mind saying now I never expected writing from this turn out but have scraped through somehow I had a couple of letters from Bert while he was on leave in England. I would have given a good deal to have been abel to have gone across while he was there but it couldent be worked. I have written him &: asked him to try &:

[Page 308]

postpone his sailing for a couple of weeks as I shall be with him then.It would be splendid if we could only both get the same boat home. He may be abel to work it. I shall be out of France before the end of this month at the latest. As I am one of the next to go. There is no need to say I am looking forward to the day. It will be rather a dreary voyage across I suppose the boat will appear to crawl but so long as I am leaving France &: its memories behind well. What odds. But we shant talk of France there are too many sad recollections here for that. The Belgian people are splendid the treatment we are receiving from them is very different to what we received from the French. They cant do enough for one particularly the A.I.F. They think the Australian something wonderful. Have apparently been told some very tall yarns re their fighting capabilities the Australian &: scotties are their favourites

[Page 309]
They put it Australian a (Tray Bon (Comrade)
I shall have some very amusing incidents to tell you when I return. But it will all keep now cant settle to write a long letter.Should you receive no letters. You will understand Shall cabel as soon as I hear of our sailing for Aust. Have received letters from the Miss Smiths but just tell them cant write shall be follow pretty close on this letter. I hope so [indecipherable] best of wishes from your sincere son
Clyde

[Page 310]
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
BASE RECORDS OFFICE
DEPT OF DEFENCE
MELBOURNE 13th May, 1919

Dear Sir
I am in receipt of advice to the effect that No. 2837 Corporal A.C.Giles, 1st Machine Gun Battalion is returning to Australia per transport "SUFFOLK" which left England on 12/4/19 and will probably arrive in Melbourne about the 30th May 1919 Further information as to the exact date of arrival and time of disembarkation will be published in the press when available.
It should be noted however, that owing to possible mutilations in the cabled advice, and other causes, this notification may not be correct pending verification from the roll after the arrival of the troopship.
Any further inquiries should be made to the Staff Officer Returned Soldiers, Military Head-quarters, Paddington N.S.W.
Your faithfully
J McLean Major.
Officer in charge, Base Records

Addressed to :-
Mr. J.C.Giles
20 Marshall St
Stanmore
NSW

[page 311]
[Envelope]

[Page 312]
3 Photographs

1. Soldier wearing peaked cap, chest up

2 2 soldiers

3 Cairo skyline

[Page 313]
J.C.Giles Esq
Government Printing Office
Bent Street Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

Postmarked :- 1st Aust Inf Bge. Field P.O.

Text reads
Mena Camp
Cairo
Egypt
5th Jan
Dear Jim
Convey to all the boys under you my sincerest wishes for a bright and happy new year. We were disappointed at being landed here, but it is the fortune of war. We hear that we are going to the front about the end of February. Hope so. If we are here for the summer I think we will be dried up on account of the heat. This is a wonderful country. It hast o be seen to be believed.all the nationalities of the world are here. We are camped just under the Pyramids. Rather miserable here at Chrismas &: New Year. With heartiest of Good Luck to all Sincerely yours
Sid Buckleton

[Page 314]
POST CARD
JAS.C.CRUDEN
182 PITT ST. SYDNEY

Addressed to :- Pte. E. J. Bellchambers, 35th Battalion
Rest of address cut off.

[Page 315]
Taken while on furlough with my mate Haining he is going back to Aust shortly I have asked him to call &: see you. Have asked for another doz of these. Shall send if I get them if not get some prints for Miss smith &: [indecipherable]

[Page 316]
Badge of A.I.F. and two photographs
1. No.99 Lighthouse Breakwater. Colombo

2 Australian troopship. European War 1915

[Page 317]
Union Postale Universelle. Ceylon.

Arrived safely only go as far as suez this time should be back end of april. No more Clyde.
J C Giles.

[Page 318]
[Drawing of The Anzac Memorial in France.]
In memory of the officers, n.c.o.s &: men of the 1st Australian Division who fell in the taking of Pozieres July 1916

Charge made 12.30. 23rd July 1916
8000 casualities in twenty four hours
1st Division A.I.F.

[Page 319]
Dear Father
Will try &: get down during the week don’t come up were out for a meal last night have to go again soon don’t know when we shall be in camp sail on 15th for certain. Heard nothing about the ships yet. We have been too busy. They are appointing more N.C.O.s tomorrow I think. Love Clyde

[Page 321]
SUTTON VENY CAMP
There's an isolated, desolated spot I’d like to mention
Where all you hear is "Stand at ease," "Slope Arms,"
"Quick March," "Attention."
It's miles away from anywhere, by Gad, it is a rum'un
A chap lived there for fifty years and never saw a woman

There are lots of little huts, all dotted here and there
For those who have to live inside, I've offered many a
Prayer.
Inside the huts there's RATS as big as any nanny goat
Last night a soldier saw one trying on his overcoat

It's sludge up to the eyebrows, you get it in your ears,
But into it you've got to go, without a sign of fear,
And when you’ve had a bath of sludge, you just set to and
Groom.
And get cleaned up for next Parade, or else, its "Orderly Room".

Week in, week out, from morn till night, with full pack an
A rifle
Like Jack and Jill, you climb the hills, of course that's just
A trifle.
"Slope Arms," "Fix Bayonets",then "Present" they
fairly put you through it,
And as you stagger to your Hut, the Sergeant, shouts "Jump to it".

With tunics, boots and putties off, you quickly get the habit,
You gallop up and down the hills just like a blooming rabbit,
"Head backward bend," "Arms upward stretch," "Heels
raise." Then "Ranks change places."
And later on they make you put your kneecaps where your face is.

Now when this war is over and we've captured Kaiser Billy,
To shoot him would be merciful and absolutely silly. Just send him down to Sutton Veny, there among the Rats
And Clay.
And I'll bet he won't be long before he droops and fades away

BUT WE'RE NOT DOWNHEARTED YET.

[Menu. Not transcribed]
By Cash
J.C.Giles
20 shillings
Signed by W.Purdy

[Page 322]
H.M.N.Z.T.
No 3
Ex T.S.S. Maunganui
Commander … L. C. H. Worrall

[Transcribed by Rex Minter and Judy Gimbert for the State Library of New South Wales]