Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Terence Ward Garling letters, and related papers, 1914-1929
MLMSS 3432 / Item 1

[Transcriber’s notes:
This collection of covers the period from August 1917 to 1929. Garling was in England recovering from the effects of gas, then attending training school. He returned to France on 28th March, 1918 and was killed on 5th April.
This collection includes letters from Brig. Gen. W.L.H. Burgess, Lieut. General Sir John Monash and General Charles Rosenthal, all mentioning the action of the 5th April, when Major Garling was mortally wounded, during some of the heaviest fighting of Germany’s final offensive of the war.
He commanded an Australian Field Artillery Battery (the 37th) which consisted of 6 '25 Pounder' quick firing field guns each towed behind a limber by 6 horses. Each gun had a crew of 6 men during actions.
Some of the letters have notes (in red) at the beginning, added later by Garling’s father]

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[Previous pages not transcribed]
Telegram
14 Perth W.A. 1/-
5 p.m 9:40
October 28th 1914

William Garling
Burns Bay Rd
Longueville
Sydney

Am quite well Good Trip
Terrence

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Mrs W.M.A. Garling
Burns Bay Rd
Longueville
Sydney
N.S.Wales

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On active service no stamps available
R.W. Garling Esq
Col SugarRefg Coy
O’Connell St
Sydney
NSWales

We are told that any letters posted in Sydney before 9th Novr will reach us en route.
Should they be writing me from home see that all letters are marked "S.S. Argyllshire". Same address as before. Please also tell Mary this. Love from Terence

15.11.14
Dear Mother & Father
Still going strong & hope you are all well. I am posting a letter here but owing to cencorship I expect it will not be forwarded for a fortnight or so.
Everybody on board is first rate and we are having a most interesting trip. Will tell you more in the letter
Fond love from your affectate Son
Terence

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H.M.A.T. "Argyllshire"
Colombo. 15th Nov 1914.

My dear Father & Mother.
Just an attempt to give you some of the news regarding your humble’s movements since I last wrote you. I will commence where I left off.
Well, we stayed a week in Albany, and heartily glad we were to see the old ship once more under way on Sunday morning the 1/11/14 at about 8 am. The fleet moved out of the Sound, 40 of them altogether, in three lines, escorted by H.M.S. Minatour, H.M.A.S. Sydney, Melbourne & Pioneer.
It was the most impressive sight I have ever witnessed, to see this enormous flotilla all moving slowly along and keeping perfect positions. First the Australian divisions, the New Zealanders bringing up the rear. The Minatour (Flagship

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from the China station took the lead, Melbourne & Sydney on either flank and Pioneer acting as rearguard.
2nd Nov. Fast losing sight of dear old Australia and slipping back into the ordinary ships routine.
3rd Nov. Late in the afternoon we were joined by the Ascanius & Medic carrying West Australian Troops from Fremantle under the escort of a Japanese Battle cruiser the "Ibouki". Nothing exciting to relate on 4th.
5th Nov. RMS "Osterly" passed us in the afternoon en route for Colombo, crammed with passengers, who exchanged all sorts of greetings with us.
6th passed without any event worth relating.
7th Saturday. Weather getting most oppressive and we all commenced sleeping on deck

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8th Entering dangerous waters now and all lights are veiled.
9th At last "The Day" of the trip has arrived. You will no doubt have read all about the Sydney’s splendid work in doing for the "Emden" just off Cocos which we passed about 40/50 miles on our Port side, having left the ordinary trade route to avoid meeting any traffic. At seven o’clock in the morning off went the Sydney all cleared for action, and we guessed something must be doing as the Minatour had gone out of sight the day before and had not returned. At 11 o’clock, news came through by wireless of the engagement and of course wildest excitement prevailed on board, the

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Chaplain being actually induced to partake of an iced Lager on the strength of it. It appears the Sydney sighted Emden at about 9.30 and within 20 minutes had her range and was pumping the shells into her. Three of the German’s funnells were shot away and one mast, and she had to beach to avoid sinking. The Sydney then went after the collier supplying the Emden with coal and after removing the crew, sent her to interview Davy Jones in double quick time.
While the above was going on, some wireless message gave our escort the news that the Emden was trying to escape from the Sydneys guns and was travelling North which would of course bring her

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In our direction. It was an eye opener to see the Jap clear for action and whip round on to the other flank at about 22 knots, all her ensigns flying and looking a perfect demon. However, the precaution was unnecessary as the above narrative shows.
10th Nothing exciting today.
11th Inoculation commenced, several men refusing but a little gentle persuasion had the desired effect and everybody going about with sore arms. About dinner time we were passed by the C.P.R. Armed liner, Empress of Russia. She was going to relieve the Sydney of the prisoners & wounded from the Emden affair. She is one of the finest vessels I have seen. Painted grey, and with a

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Cruiser stern, she looks to all intents and purposes a modern battleship, and has a speed of about 23 knots.
12th Nothing worth relating. Colonel Plane, our Chaplain making arrangements for a concert on Saturday night. He is a splendid man, and the troops absolutely worship him.
13th Crossed the "Menagerie Lion running round the earth" this morning at 6.30. No demonstration.
14th Expect to go a little faster now that we are on the down hill.
15th Woke this morning to look on Ceylon’s Sunny Isle as a matter of fact it was nearly obscured by clouds, but still has beautiful scenery.

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All morning we were slipping along up the coast and at 1.15 at a signal gun from the Orvieto, anchors were let go and the entire fleet brought to rest just outside the breakwater of Colombo Harbour.
"Colombo"! Our first glimpse of the Orient! My dreams of what it would appear like were materialised and magnified. First of all the Harbour, chock full of shipping, including the Sydney & Empress which had passed us early in the morning, a large Russian Battle Cruiser besides other men-of-war and craft of trade. Then there were the catamarangs with their lateen sails skidding about and junks and schooners of all sorts and sizes manned by jabbering

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natives. None of these were allowed close to the transports owing to Police regulations so we had not the pleasure of seeing them dive for coins. Then there was the Town itself. Many splendid buildings clustered round the water’s edge, most of them either red or white, and making a beautiful picture in amongst the green palms and foliage. Behind the Town are palm groves, with one or two mosques of beautiful construction standing amongst them, and behind these the mountains as far back as one could see. We are not allowed ashore here (much to our regret) as we sail tomorrow at noon for Aden where coal is to be taken in. However, it is something to see even if from a distance.

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Well, dear Parents, I will have to cut this letter off as the mail boat is expected alongside any moment now.
I expect this letter will be delayed here for a fortnight or so in which case it should reach you just about Christmas. How I would love to be home just for that day, but I will be thinking of you and now wish you & Pat a very merry Xmas & all happiness and prosperity for the coming year.
Fondest love from
Your affectate son
Terence.

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Port Said
4th December 1914

My dear Father & Mother.
I expect you will be surprised at not hearing from me from Aden, especially when I told Pat I was writing but there was no opportunity of getting more letters ashore so I had to let it slide until now.
We stayed a day longer in Colombo than we expected owing to the ship requiring water, and for this reason we had to go in to the Inner Harbour and consequently saw a little more of the Town. Five days sail from Colombo brought us to Aden. This is a rather dull place, being merely a coaling station and the only points of interest are the splendid British fortifications there, now manned by Territorial troops, the

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regular garrison having been sent to the front.
Leaving Aden we followed the coast along to the strait of Babel Mandeb, the entrance to the Red Sea. This is commanded by a strong garrison on the Island of Perim, right in the centre of the Strait and known as "the key of the Red Sea".
I forgot to mention that our Jap friend the "Ibouki" had left us at Colombo, and the Sydney & Melbourne having received orders to proceed to Malta, we were now only accompanied by the British Cruiser "Hampshire" which picked us up at Colombo.
The sun effects coming through the Red Sea, of which we have often seen illustrations & read, and very often put down to imagination, are not exaggerated in one degree. They are absolutely sublime, especially the sunsets.

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It was two days before reaching Suez that we received the message which altered all our plans. This was "You will complete your training at Cairo, the proceed to the front". Of course speculation was rife when we heard the news as to whether there was anything more in it than meets the eye, especially taking Turkey’s attitude into consideration. We are to be formed into an Army Corps there under the command of Major General Birdwood.
We are disembarking at Alexandria then taking train to Cairo, and will go into camp at a place called Mena, 10 miles outside Cairo. Of course it may be that the "Powers that be" think we can complete our training under more favourable conditions than in the Old Country, but it also looks very much like as if trouble

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was expected in Egypt. However, we will very likely know more as soon as we get to Cairo.
Well to return to my account of the trip : Suez we found very uninteresting and were heartily glad to get into the Canal after putting in a whole day there. It took time to get the whole fleet under way in single file but at last we were slipping along in the still water at about 6 knots, our searchlight showing up the canal about 300 yards ahead.
At various points along the Easern Bank of the canal there were camps established with troops patrolling the shore & surrounding country, to prevent the possibility of mine laying parties operating in the Canal. There was one Territorial Regt. The Lincolns, and 2 native Regts.

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The Balutchistaus and the Punjaubis besides numerous troops of Jourkas. We drew up at Port Said on Wednesday morning the 2nd Decbr. This place at present is simply like a beehive, being the Headquarters of the troops operating in this part, besides having a harbour full of shipping, French & British warships etc.
The City looks rather attractive from the Harbour, but the native quarter & those parts back from the water front are very squallid and dirty. A message came from the Orvieto that one Officer could have leave to go ashore for mails, and as I happened to be picked out, I put in a couple of hours seeing the sights. The Bazaars are rather picturesque, but the dirt would put anybody off buying

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from them.
It was here I got your letters and Pat’s. It was the happiest time on the trip reading them. I’ll undertake to recompense the Pater for ink and paper if he will write me always such interesting letters.
Very sorry to hear about poor old Mr Jackson. Please remember me to him. I hope he is right long ere this.
I frequently have a yarn with Maurice Ferguson on board. He is a very nice chap and has been made a Bombadier. He is in the 3rd Battery under Major King.
I hear that all letters from now on are likely to be censored so that I may be able to only send cards home but I will write a letter again first time opportunity offers.

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All our people on board are very well and in good spirits, even including old Toomey, who seems to have recovered from his fit of loneliness.
Well I think this letter will have to be wound up. I could go on writing for ever about the trip would time permit of it, but it will have to keep. Give my love to all the Killara folk and D’arcy people too if you are writing, and with tons for yourselves & Pat.
I am, Your affectate Son
Terence W. Garling

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No. 1 Section Div. Ammunition Column – A.I.F.
Mena Camp
Egypt 18th Jany 1915

My dear Father & Mother,
I am very ashamed at having let so long a time pass without having written a line home but what with the irregular mail arrangements here, and with the very broken time we have at our disposal, I can assure you letter writing is very difficult. It is six weeks now since we landed in this country & the weeks just seem to have gone like hours.
I will try and give you an account of things in general during our sojourn here.
After getting ourselves off the good old "Argyllshire" we repaired to a rest camp in Alexandria, to await our horses and vehicles from other ships. I put in four days altogether in Alexandria and was very glad to be out of it and on the train bound for Cairo, a distance of 120 miles. From Cairo we marched out to a place called Ma’adi where we went into camp with the 1st Brigade of Light Horse. The five weeks spent there were exceptionally agreeable. It is a delightful little town, 10 miles

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out of Cairo and looked upon as the fasionable suburb of that City. The residents did a great deal for us in getting up sports meetings and entertainments after the day’s work & altogether things went very smoothly indeed. A week ago today we trekked over here to Mena a distance of about 17 miles, & on the opposite side of the Nile to Ma’adi. The remainder of the Australian Division are camped here, and although we have to work harder, it is much more satisfactory as regards the training, than being detached as we were before. Our horses are all in splendid fettle now and we have some pretty long days in the field, but the climate is very bracing here and makes one feel very fit. The impression one would get from reading of Egypt is that there is nothing but trackless deserts and scorching sun. I was never more surprised in my life. Certainly there is no lack of sand & desert but the weather is sublime. Clear dry atmosphere, and nights equally as cold as our Australian winters.
If I were to start and describe the scenes & places of interest that one comes across

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I would be going till doomsday, so I must cut my literary outburst down to the minimum.
To start with – Cairo the largest city in Africa, from which we are about 8 miles. Of course the tourist business is a large asset to Cairo, and the Hotels there, the Grand Continental & Shepheard’s surpass anything for splendour I have ever seen. The French people seem to hold the reins of commerce and as a matter of fact it is difficult to find many English speaking people at all. In the City are numerous gardens and boulevardes, and the mosques are supposed to be the finest in the world. The City is commanded by a very noble looking Citadel, standing on a hill behind the City and which is to be seen on a clear day from anything up to 20 miles out.
Then the old Nile, the delta of which supports upwards of ninety million people. Every year the River floods leaving a rich deposit all over the surrounding country, and it was Kitchener who first demonstrated to the native people how intense cultivation could be carried on. And to see that surrounding country now. Right up to the last inch where the flood waters touch, some 15 to 20 miles back from the River on either side is utilized, and growing magnificent

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crops of barley, lucerne, & all kinds of vegetables. The Fella-heen (farmers) are a fine type of people, and very different to the miserable specimens to be seen in the cities. All this is modern Egypt.
Then there are the wonders of old Egypt. First the Pyramids of Giza, at the foot of which our camp lies. To stand here and look at them one could scarcely credit that human beings would have the ingenuity and determination to erect such monuments. The largest of them, "Cheops", covers an area of 12 acres and is 451 feet high. Great blocks of stone weighing hundreds of tons have been collected from Heaven knows where and used to construct these tombs for the Ancient Kings of 3500 B.C. The Sphinx is also very wonderful but fades into insignificance when compared with the Pyramids as a work of the Human hand.
Yesterday being Sunday, Colonel Tunbridge made up a party and took us out to Memphis, where the statue of Rameses II is to be seen. On the way we visited a number of tombs which have been restored and the carvings & colourings still remain unimpaired in many of them. The finest I think was that of the Sacred Bulls. This tomb contains 65 coffins of black granite, measuring 14’ x 8’ x 7’ and has beautiful carvings and hyroglyphics on its walls.

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Sunday 24th Jan. Very quiet in camp today nearly everybody either out or asleep in the sun. Major Bill has gone out for an all day camel ride. The same Major Bill is keeping first rate and is thoroughly enjoying life. Treats us first rate. All the other friends are well Richards, Toomey, Eric Lenehan, Major Rabett, etc etc. I have seen a good deal of Reg & Maurice Ferguson since I came over here. Reg is keen on a transfer to the 1st Light Horse, so I have given him a letter to a Friend of mine in A Squadron, Lieut A A White (married Nurse Nobbs of the North Shore Hospital) to see what he can do for him. Young Ferguson is a very smart boy, and the 3rd Battery Officers think a lot of him.
Richards, Toomey & self have purchased a camera so I will have some snaps to send you by next letter.
Had bad luck with my old horse. He developed pneumonia on board ship and died about a week after landing. However, I have a splendid mare now, will send a photo later. She is very docile but strongly objects to having anything to do with camels.
I don’t know whether I have received all your letters yet. There were none till 14 days ago when I got a number in one lot, 2 from Mum, and 3 from Father. I was very sorry to hear about Sis, but trust she is quite well

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again by this. I have just received a letter from her & also one from Ted which I will answer first opportunity.
I am enclosing a pamphlet of the Al Hayat Hotels at Helouan. We motored over there one night during the week. It is a great health resort on account of the sulphur springs.
I see the papers report we are doing it in style and messing at Mena Hotel etc. I only wish they meant it. Mena has been turned into a general hospital.
I don’t seem to be able to write any more tonight so will say goodbye with love to yourselves and Pat & the Yanawa & Albury folk.
I am, Your affectate Son
Terence
Had a letter from Lorna Cay during the week. She did not say anything about going to the front so presume she has thrown up the idea.
T.W.G.

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Mena Camp
Egypt 31st Jany 1915

My dear Father & Mother,
Nothing much to write about since my letter of last week. To give you an idea of how we are getting our mails, this week I received a letter from Father dated 30th Novr. & same mail, one from Pat dated 28th Decbr. Major Rabett also handed me one from Father which Mrs Rabett brought over with her. I suppose you heard the Major is a Benedict. The event took place here about 14 days ago.
It is getting fairly warm here now in the day time so I suppose we will soon be donning cotton clothes & helmets.
Am enclosing a photo taken of my mare with Gandy on her. I have rotten luck with my horses. This one has just developed mud fever so I am doing with

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makeshifts till she gets right. We had 2 stampedes here the night before last. Something startled the horses, 170 of them and before anyone realised what had happened they were off, carrying head & heel lines with them. However, the men turned out like lightning and we were lucky enough to get them back on the lines with no mishaps.
We hear practically no news of the outside world here except some rumours of scrapping on the Canal which I am inclined to think have some weight, especially as some of the Nurses from Mena House have been sent down there, including Sister Pocock (Howie’s Friend) who came over on the Argyllshire with us. Of course all the coves here are fairly itching to be sent down there but we are not given an inkling of what part we are to play yet.
Time is short for this mail so I will say good night, with best love and hoping you are both keeping quite well.
Your affectate Son
Terence

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Mena Camp
14.2.1915

My dear Father & Mother,
Many many thanks for your letters & cards posted on 12th Jany, and also card from Pat, just received. Tomorrow will be the 15th, and I suppose I will become a man, but all the same won’t I miss the little procession to the bedroom in the morning, which always marked our birthdays at home.
The letters were simply great and I am very glad to hear you are well and that Sis is progressing favourably.
We are fairly busy this week. 1st Reinforcements just arrived and being posted to their various Units, to fill up wastage in men

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discharged and ill etc.
I put in this afternoon at the Zoo Gardens at Cairo, with Richards and one or two others. The were very interesting and are beautifully laid out and well kept.
Fathers cutting about the Sphinx has been read by many and voted very true. The bit about the "sad, earnest eyes" is quite correct. To see the Sphinx by moonlight is the time. The expression on the face is extraordinary.
I had already heard from Major Rabett about his Brother joining the RFA. Good luck to him. He will have plenty to do in training raw stuff for the job they have in hand.
The description of Ted’s house seems very alluring, and I hope

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they will be comfortable in it.
Glad to hear Caleb is behaving himself. I wouldn’t mind him chained outside my tent to keep away the native tradesmen, making call at all hours of the day and night with something to sell which as a rule is trumpery.
Please excuse pencil. Ink is a scarcity here.
Have a heavy day tomorrow so will turn in with love from
Your affectate Son
Terence

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No. 1 Section Div. Ammunition Column – A.I.F.
My dear Father,
I was very surprised to hear from Major Rabett on Wednesday that you had not been getting my letters (He had a cable from his Father to that effect) so I sent you a cable on Wednesday night just to let you know I was O.K. and hoped this reached you safely.
Your letter of the 18th Jany was most welcome. Reached me yesterday. I am

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very glad to hear you are all well. Papers also arrived. Many thanks.
The weather is getting very hot here and sandstorms are rather too frequent to be pleasant. There is a beauty blowing today. Everything is covered with dust and it is impossible to see for more than about 100 yards.
There is nothing given out yet as regards our future movements but we are under orders to move out at any time.
The general impression seems that we are to go to the Bosphorus but I don’t think anyone really knows. Personally, I am not at all particular but I would very much like to see some fighting in Germany if we are to see it at all, before it is all over.
I met Mrs Rabett (Sen) last night. She and her daughter are going on to England tomorrow week. Quite a lot of Australians & English people out here now.
I expect from now on all our correspondence
(3)

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will be strictly censored so I will have to be on the careful side otherwise they may be blocked.
I had thought to make this a fairly decent letter but instead have just been ordered onto Cairo for ammunition so must send it as it is.
Love to all from
Your affectat Son
Terence

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Mena
Egypt. 14th March 1915

My dear Father,
Many thanks for your long letter of the 6th Feb. I trust mine are turning up regularly now. I see no reason for their not doing so as I am usually careful not to give any information of "strategical importance to the enemy" so there should be no fear of them censored.
Your apparent difficulty owing to scarcity of news seems to have been more successfully coped with than the similar position in which I find myself at the present time. I too must fall back on the weather. To sum it up it is "damn hot", at the same time we get occasional cool spells of two or three days as at present, which bucks us up considerably.
I duly received D’Arcys letter and was very glad to hear all his people were well. I sent him a post
I.

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card in acknowledgement and must acknowledge his letter in full later. The trip to Talbot would do them all good, and I hope to hear the little one’s eye trouble is getting on satisfactorily.
I hope to see Pat wearing a few Marksman’s badges when I get back. He could not have undertaken a more useful recreation than the rifle shooting, as if a man can shoot straight he will soon learn the rest, if ever he is wanted in another time like the present.
In regard to the prepossessing brace of females frequenting the locality, I hardly know what course of action to advise but think that Little Man or Arch should be quite capable of dealing with the situation.
I note Maurice is a loose end again. They had better ship him off here. Eric is O.K. and sends as usual kind regards to all at Angledene
II

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III
Mrs Rabett senr and her daughter have just left for the old Country by Mrs Rex is still here. There is no get away, the little Major is the "real McKay". A thorough good sort in every way.
The death of Gerald’s wife must have been a great shock to Uncle & Aunt. I should write to them but it is rather late in the day now and perhaps it would be better left undone.
A little picnic up the River as per arrangement you describe would give me untold pleasure. I would wish for nothing better, but those things will have to keep I am afraid, for a little while.
Wrote Mr Trebeck a line last week which I hope turns up in good time.
Now for any news – during the week I had a half day off and took a trip with Ted Olding over to Heliopolis (City of the Sun). It is only about 20 minutes from Cairo, but I had never been able to get over before

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IV
A light electric railway runs out from Cairo and the place is simply delightful. It is simply a resort, such as Medlow & those places but on a much larger scale. Golf links, Polo ground, race course and everything imaginable for the entertainment of the tourist. The town itself was all built by one Company, a Belgian firm who went to no end of trouble and expense to do things on a large scale. All the buildings there such as residences, hotels etc are built on the same style, being finished outside with a white plaster, making a very pretty effect amidst the Gardens and avenues of palms. The Palace Hotel there (now taken over as a military Hospital for the New Zealanders & Aust Light Horse who are camped there) is in every sense of the word a "Palace". Olding’s brother was in hospital there suffering from the after effects of vaccination and we were in to see him. The interior is
IV

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absolutely a work of art. Far too elaborate of course and as a matter of fact I don’t think it has quite paid its way since its opening some two or three years back. To give you an idea of the grandeur of the place, the electric lights alone, when all being used, cost the Management no less than 70 £ an hour.
I posted you last week a photo of the Div Ammn Col Sergeants and myself taken at the Sphinx, and under separate cover I am sending you some more photos, not very interesting but rather well got up.
Major Lynch has duly arrived as Brigade Major to Col Ryrie’s Brigade, the 2nd Light Horse. He is the same jovial old Major and I hear is doing splendid work for his Brigade, which is only what one could expect.
Well Father, it is late and I must turn in. Hoping this finds you in best of health. And also Mother & Pat and with fond love to all
I am your affectate Son
Terence

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P.S. I was not going to say anything about a certain matter that has been grating on most of us over here, but perhaps it would be just as well. Certain statements I believe have been appearing in Sydney papers about the disgraceful conduct of some of the Aust troops in Egypt. It is very disappointing for both Officers and men of the Australian Division that misleading statements, and I say they are misleading, should be read by our people at home. Great indignation has been aroused in Camp over the affair and I think the marked lines in the enclosed poem, which is one of the many protests brought forth, sums up the situation. One cannot plank down 20000 men in a town such as Cairo, and expect to see a clean conduct sheet for every man, but I can say the percentage of men who have "made it a welter" is remarkably low. The condition and appearance of the men

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I think is a fair indication of the life they have been leading in Egypt. I know I am pretty well within the mark in saying that one could not find a more hefty looking division were he to search the world over.
I hope that ere this reaches you any false impressions imparted to the people of Sydney & Australia generally, will have been eradicated.
TWG

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Mena Camp
Egypt. 22nd March 1915

My dear Father & Mother.
I have just received your cable, which I have rather had to transcribe for myself as it seems to have been mutilated somewhat. It read as follows:-
"Fed, his children, kenzie. leaving fifth June Osterley, address Pittar, dentist. Exter, Devonshire letters explaining, all well, love."
It is of course quite a surprise to me, but I expect the letters will come along in due course. Heaven only knows where I will be by the time they reach this side of the Globe, but I will of course keep the movements of the "Osterley" in view, and try & pick the travellers up somewhere.
I also have your letters of the 15th February, for which many thanks.

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I am sure you must be bored to read my letters, they are so devoid of any news, but we are shut off here as it were and nothing much happens of any interest.
This last week we have spent in practising fording rivers, swimming horses, bridge building, etc. I have some very good photos which have gone into the album and will come along in due course.
The D.A.C. had a sports meeting on Saturday and we put in a very amusing afternoon. Officers’ tent pegging and lemon cutting on donkeys, camel races, etc. were some of the attractions, all of which provided plenty of fun.
Our section was beaten in the best turned out team event, but the time at our disposal to prepare militated against our success. Captain Madden’s section, No. 3, carried off the prize.
Saw Reg yesterday. He is still in the Army Service Corps

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He has had no luck so far in getting into Light Horse.
I am very curious to learn the reason of Ted & Sis’s trip but suppose I must just wait the receipt of your letters.
It is rather late tonight so I will wind this brief note up with fondest love to yourselves & Pat.
I am, Your affectate Son
Terence

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Keep this for me. It is my permit to shoot in Egypt. Have never had a chance to use it.
TWG

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[official document headed "PERMIS DE CHASSE"]

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[reverse side of the official document]

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Mena Camp
Egypt. 27th March 1915

My dear Father & Mother.
Father’s letter of the 22nd ulto duly to hand, also one from Ida in which she mentions Ted was writing by same mail, but his letter has so far not come to hand.
Everything going on very quietly here. Nothing known yet as regards any move out. Wednesday afternoon Richards & I visited The"Mouski" Bazaar Cairo, and the Mahommed Ali Mosque. The former is a wonderful hive of industry, the chief articles of trade being beaten brasswork ornaments, Egyptian carpets and tapestry (so called) & silks. It was very interesting of course but as a place to make purchases, we

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voted it a failure. There is scarcely anything genuine and if one saw the same articles in a European shop, they would not think anything of them, besides which the Egyptians are past masters in all the arts of swindling.
We found the Mahommed Ali Mosque quite the most interesting place of its kind we have yet seen. It is exceptionally old, and the workmanship is really grand, the walls, both inside and out are of pure alabaster taken by some old k’nut from the outside of the Cheops pyramid. We were duly provided with a sort of moccasin to slip over our boots before being allowed to enter and were conducted round with great solemnity by a villain of a guide who I expect told us quite a pack of fairy tales. However, the

[Page 61]
beauty of the place well repaid our visit. To the ceilings in the highest portion measures 150 feet. All round the dome in the centre of the roof are let in lead-lights of various colours which throw most beautiful reflections all round the walls. On the walls just below the cornice is painted a strip of beautiful blue tint, on which is written extracts from the Koran in gold Arabic lettering, while the floors are carpeted with a beautiful Turkish carpet into which one nearly sinks when walking on it.
On returning to the Continental Hotel, we met Smith & Bennett, the first & second officers of the Pera. They were up to Cairo on 24 hours leave from the ship which is in Alexandria and of course were full of tales as to the numbers of ships waiting to move us out, but I think they were trying to cheer us up
III

[Page 62]
IV
This morning we had a lecture by General Cunliffe-Owen, an artillery general who was in the battle of Mons and others, and he was very interesting indeed. The more I see of Englishmen, the more I think of them. There is not race to touch them so far as I know. Even the Territorials here, although not reckoned to be amongst the front line at home, are exceptionally keen, and very highly trained.
Have had our war footing tents issued now in consequence of which Richards Toomey & myself have had to doss in a single bed for the last week. However with the assistance of the everlasting Gandy & a waggon cover we managed today to make quite a comfortable little shack
IV

[Page 63]
V
for ourselves. One must have some covering at night here on account of the heavy dews.
I am going to do the Sakkara trip again tomorrow. Am taking all the NCOs out to have a look round.
There is no more news just at present. If I should think of anything before mail closes on Monday night, I will add a line.
Meantime with fondest love to yourselves & Pat
I remain,
Your affectate Son
Terence

[Page 64]
[scrap of paper]

[Page 65]
Mena
Egypt 11th April ‘15
My dear Father & Mother,
Father’s letter of the 8th March with the sorrowful news of Maries death reached me this week. It is sad reading & I am awfully sorry for D’Arcy & the kiddies. Am writing D’Arce by this mail. Am also worried to hear Father has been suffering with the old enemy Rheumatism. I trust it is only a temporary attack and that next letter will bring better news.
Several changes have taken place since I last wrote. A lot of the troops have embarked, their destination has not been published but we are practically certain it is the Dardanelles & that hard scrapping is to be expected from the moment of landing. We expect to move into it any day now. The sooner the better, heat & glare are
I

[Page 66]
too solid here. As a matter of fact this Camp, (Mena) has been condemned for Summer use, and all the remaining troops must be out of here by the end of April. I fully expect Alexandria will be made the base for all troops not going on immediately. There are several good camps there, namely Chatby & San Stefano which are right on the sea front and quite cool.
We have lost Richards from our section, he has been transferred to 3rd F.A. Brigade as Orderly Officer to Colonel Rosenthal. His place has been filled by a Captain Webb, from Queensland who came over with Reinforcements. Sorry to lose Richards but the newcomer seems a good sort. Parker has arrived and has been posted to No.3 Section under Captain Madden.
I have this week posted home my photograph album and also a small box of cigarettes for Pat. The
II

[Page 67]
III
album I have addressed to Father & registered. I enclose postal receipt herewith in case it does not turn up to time, so that you can make enquiries. Photographs seem to have a peculiar habit of "going astray" in the post, and I don’t want to lose this lot.
Burley has arrived, but have not seen him yet. Believe he is at Abassia reinforcement camp. Had a letter from Alderson. Things do not seem too good in business matters in Sydney.
I hope to be able to have some more news next mail, but everything is just hanging fire as it were just now, and we are curious to know what our job is going to be & where.
With fondest love to all
I am, Your affectate Son
Terence

[Page 68]
[postcard of a ship – caption is "ATLANTIC TRANSPORT LINE"]

[Page 69]
[reverse of postcard]
H.M. Troopship S.S. MINNE

On which we went to the X Dards first trip
T.
May 1915
X Dardanelles

[Page 70]
Cleopatra Camp
Alexandria 24/5/15

My dear Father & Mother
As I have been some weeks away from all postal communication I am sending you a cable today to say that I am quite well.
Where we have been the last few weeks, things have been pretty hot. Am just down here for a few days spell and am expecting to go back there at any minute.
Censorship regulations prevent me from giving any news. Sufficient to say that our boys have made good. To use the expression

[Page 71]
II
of a British Staff Officer "These blanky Australians again. Why dam’me, even Civilized troops could not have done what they have"
Wish I could only write you a detailed account of all we have seen but it must wait for a future occasion.
I have almost given up any hope of getting any letters from home. Last I heard was from Father dated 22/3/1915, and I suppose I will be away again from here before the Australian mail arrives on Wednesday.
I do hope you are all keeping well. Must close now with fondest love to yourselves and Pat
from Your affectate Son
Terence

[Page 72]
5th June 1915

My dear Father
I was just on the point of sitting down to write you when your letter of the 3rd April was handed me – over 2 months on the road, but none the less welcome, especially as I have had no letters at all for 6 weeks.
There is not much news I can give you owing to censorship. I am temporarily in a Battery, for how long I don’t know. Won’t be sorry if it is for good as the other job was too slow for words. The Major is stripped of all his original officers now Richards & Toomey being also in Batteries here.
Parker had rather a painful accident some little time ago which necessitated his staying in Hospital at Alex. His horse slipped on some paving and crushed his leg, one of

[Page 73]
II
the small bones being broken. It will I think be some weeks before he is able to get about. Have not seen Eric L for some time now but hear he is O.K.
Note you are putting us in the T & C Jul & Syd Mail. Would like to see a copy, that is provided the papers are not sold out too quickly on the strength of the picture (Exuse the smile)
Glad to hear Caleb is doing well. He would not be a bad acquisition here on account of the rodents. We all live in little "dug-outs" in the side of a big hill, and it is not uncommon to be awakened by one of the rat tribe nibbling pieces out of one’s ear. However one soon gets used to little details of that sort.
Today is the 5th and

[Page 74]
III
I suppose & Sis will be leaving for England if they stick to the original programme. At present I do not see that I have much chance of falling in with them. Hope their venture is going to turn out well.
I have not seen anything of Rex Robert or Olding for some time. They are in a different part of the country from where I am, but the last I heard was they were all well.
No more news at present. Mum’s letter which you mentioned has not turned up yet so I will wait a day or so before writing her to see if it comes along. With fondest love to yourself Mother & Pat
I am, Your affectat Son
Terence
P.S. Struan Robertson was over to see me last night. He has had a pretty rough time but is O.K. Asks to be remembered to you all TWG

[Page 75]
Gallipoli Peninsula
16th June 1915

My dear Mum
Your much looked for letter of the 3rd April which Father mentioned in his of same date has not arrived so far. I hear all the Artillery mails have been somehow mixed up and so had to be sent back to Alexandria for re-sorting. There must be quite a bunch of letters for me somewhere, for as I told the Pater with the exception of his letter received last week I have not had any for weeks.
There is nothing much to write about. Things are fairly slow. Ever since I have been with this Battery (Three weeks now) we have been in the one position. Sometimes we go 2 and 3

[Page 76]
II
days without firing a shot, other times we are putting it in all day. Today for instance the Turks are putting the shells in pretty thick, but when we can’t locate their Batteries to reply to we just simply crawl into our "dug-outs" like a lot of rabbits and let them blaze away and waste ammunition.
One consolation, we are in a very healty part and nice climate. Looking out to sea from our position we can see the Island of Imbros about 15 miles off and a little to the North the Island of Samothrace.
Everything is going well now. Tucker is plentiful and we occasionally manage to get down to the Beach for a swim.
Major Caddy, whose Battery I am in is an awfully nice chap. Wonder

[Page 77]
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if you know of him as he comes from Melbourne? I would very much like to stay with him but as I am only taking the place of one of his Officers who was wounded, I expect I won’t be able to manage it. * Rosenthal is also here. His Brigade has done splendid work and there is no doubt he is the man. He has written in to Hd Qrs to ask if I can be transferred to his Brigade when I am relieved here so I very much doubt if the D.A.C. will see me again.
By the way, don’t alter the address of any letters you are writing as the D.A.C. will forward them on to me.
Eric Richards & Toomey are quite close to me here, but with different batteries.
Had a couple of trips ashore at Lemnos while we were in Port there on the way up. It is a funny little

[Page 78]
place. Walking through the township in the evenings on sees all the villagers sitting outside their cottages at little tables, drinking the wine of the island, a sweet, sickly sort of mixture and very intoxicating. The industries are winegrowing and fishing. The Greeks there are past masters in the cooking of fish. We had tea ashore one evening at a little café place where they gave us some fried fish - the finest I have ever tasted.
Well Mother, I think I have come to about the end of my news, such as it is. I do hope some letters from home will come along shortly as the time would not seem half as long with some news of how you all are etc.
With much love to yourself, Father & Pat
I am Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 79]
Gallipoli Penin
25th June 1915

My dear Father & Mother
I expect you will have been rather mystified by the hazy sort of communications I have been forwarding the last mail or so but I thought it safer not to say too much and run the risk of letters not reaching you.
The newspapers I should think will be as full of news as to our progress here as will be allowed, so I will just give a brief outline of my own movements. Towards the end of April we left Alex and arrived here in time to see the landing of our forces both in the Southern sphere and where I now am. After hanging about on the transport for some weeks it was decided that the Unit I was with would not be immediately required so we were sent back to Alexandria and disembarked
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going into camp just a few miles out of the City. It was the dead finish. It seemed as though we were being shut out of everything. When after being there about a week an order came through stating that I was transferred to this Battery and to report here as soon as possible, so I came up again and took up duty with the Battery on 1st June.
Since writing last week there has been nothing startling, the most interesting occurrence being the arrival of some of your letters, namely those of Mother’s (19th Apl and 2nd May) and Father’s of 12th 13th 18th and 27th April. All these came in a bunch as well as one or two others so you can imagine the treat I had in reading them after about 8 weary weeks.
Sis & Ted I expect will be well on their voyage now I presume and I intend dropping them a note to

[Page 81]
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catch them at Port Said.
I note Pat had an offer for a move to a mill and quite agree with him in turning down a position of the kind if it was going to be permanent.
I met Charlie Lecky here quite unexpectedly yesterday. He has just arrived. Told me that he thought his brother Joe would be coming over.
26th June Mail closes tonight but I have nothing much more to add. It is rather funny, the Turk’s attempt at "bluff". They are in the habit of sending messages warning us to surrender. Yesterday they dropped a message for us from an aeroplane, but it drifted back into their own trenches. They however put it into a bomb and threw it to us (There is only about 30/40 yds separating the trenches at this point). The contents of the message stated that they

[Page 82]
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(the Turks) had plenty of food and water and as they "knew" we had very little, the best thing we could do would be to surrender. It looks as though they were getting very rattled when they come at childish games of this sort. There was a small attack last night, which however did not delelope and only lasted about 20 minutes.
I note by one of your letters that Arny has enlisted. I would very much like to know the number of his Battalion if you can find out and let me have it.
Well dear Mother & Father I must say "au revoir", with fondest love to yourselves and Pat from your loving Son
Terence
(PS) Am forwarding a P.C. also by this mail in case this letter does not reach you.

[Page 83]
Later: Thursday 8th July. Have just received Divisional Order No70 in which, among others, appears my promotion to rank of 1st Lieut. Dated 6th July 1915

Gallipoli Penin
Wednesday 7th July 1915

My dear Father & Mother
I was awfully pleased to have your letters of 11th May (both Mother’s & Father’s) and also Pats letter of 11th & PC of 12th May on Monday. I might tell you they came at a most opportune time for as it happened I was feeling pretty seedy and wanted something to buck me up. We had been in action from 4 o’clock in the morning till 8, and it was about the hottest 4 hours I have had since I landed. We had the misfortune to have a shell burst right in our gun pit, killing the Corporal & wounding 3 of the detachment. Of course we have to become used to these sad occurrences but it makes one feel pretty sick just at the time.
Since last writing I have had

[Page 84]
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The position they were holding is one of the most risky in our line and is responsible for a great many casualties.
It is Saturday before the mail closes but as I may not have a chance to write again before then, I will get it away today and send a P.C. on Saturday.
Thank Pat for letter & P.C. I will write him next week.
With best love to all at home and also to D’arcy & the kiddies when first you are writing
I am Your loving Son
Terence
P.S. for Mum
Don’t worry about my clothes. The climate here is quite mild and I enjoy trousers cut off above the knees and puttees. We find this the most comfortable rig and also the cleanest. Besides we were only allowed to bring a modified kit ashore. Terence

[Page 85]
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another move. Am now in the 8th (West Australian) Battery which is one of Rosie’s Brigade. As things are very unsettled still, I don’t know whether I will be kept here, so it will be just as well to go on addressing letters as before. Of course any fresh move I will at once let you know. I hear that other Batteries are being formed so there are almost sure to be other changes before long. Very glad the photos reached you safely. I hope to be able to get some good ones here.
It is a pity Sis is worried about those submarines as it will take a good deal of pleasure off the trip. Of course there is no denying the fact that anyone who takes a sea voyage just now is taking a certain amount of risk.
I quite forgot to tell you in last letters, while walking round the Hospital at Lemnos on my way up here who should I meet but old Barnes. He is large as life, in the Medical Corps with Sergeants stripes up.
Today I also met young Neill Pringle for the first time. He told me he has been here

[Page 86]
III
about a fortnight and is O.K.
This letter I am afraid will appear awfully disjointed. I seem to be writing it in stages. Since I started it this morning we have been in action about five times, and each time the letter has to be put away till all is quiet again.
Life is fairly monotonous here now. I was in an observation station for a few days after coming to this Battery and could see everything going on. Had a splendid view of the country from Achi Baba on the South, past Kilid Bahr heights on the East, to Hill 971 on the North, a scope of about 20 sq miles, but am now on a detached gun on my own, and as it it is all indirect firing, we are stuck down behind a hill and scarcely ever see anything of our targets. I go on duty at 4 am and come off at 8 pm. The hours are fairly long but as there is nothing to do but sleep during the time we are not in action, it is not such a great hardship.
I hear poor old Burley has gone. He was only ashore about a fortnight and was shot in the stomach during a night attack
III

[Page 87]
Later. Friday 9th July 1915
Since writing enclosed letter I have this morning received Mother’s letter of 13th April, one from Aunt Mary dated May 3rd, P.C. from Pat dated 14/4/15. And also a letter from Max dated 14/4/15.
This will tell you how irregular the mails are when I received letters of almost a month later date 5 days ago.
Terence

[Page 88]
[scribble]

[Page 89]
Gallipoli Peninsula
24.7.1915

My dear Father
Since last writing home a fortnight ago I have received your letters of 17th 25th and 30th May and 8th June, for which many thanks. I can assure you Father, there is no letter more eagerly watched for by me than your budget which always seems to contain the sort of news a fellow likes to get. The one dated 17th May was rather lucky to reach me, evidently having met with some adventure on the voyage as it arrived with no cover. Some good Samaritan in Div HQ Post office must have known me and sent the letter on with enclosed slip.
There is very little news since last I wrote. I am now officially transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade and posted to 3rd [indecipherable] Column but

[Page 90]
II
ever since the transfer went through I have been doing duty in different Batteries – owing to fellows getting hit and going sick etc there is nearly always a vacancy or two in the Batteries. Am now in the 7th Battery (Queensland) in place of Richards who has gone to Hospital in Alexandria with fever of some sort.
Colonel Rosenthal is frequently round having a look at us. He was hit again a night or two again by shrapnel but I do not think he will have to go away. Jack Playfair has returned to duty, and also Ted Olding, but their Batteries of course are operating in the Southern Zone so that I never see anything of them.
I am glad to hear recruiting is still going strong. Am not surprised to hear Les is coming away. He has been considering it for some time. I saw Charlie Addison here the other night but I was just bringing a gun into position so did not get a chance to speak to him
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[Page 91]
III
Matters in the war line mostly quiet of late. John Turk is not too keen on putting his head out so that we don’t get much to do. Progress is naturally slow, as in this trench warfare every yard of ground gained has to be secured by solid trenches and communication ways so that great results cannot be looked for in this campaign all too quickly.
I expected that possibly Sis or Ted would drop me a line from Port Said on their way through but nothing has come up to the present. It must have been a great strain to all of you, especially yourself, making the great change, but no doubt it will be alleviated somewhat when you hear they are comfortably settled in Devon and things are panning out allright.
I am glad the cable reached you allright. I sent it from Alex immediately on our arrival there after the first jaunt up this way. No more news this week. Hope you have not so far been troubled
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IV
with your old enemy the Rheumatism?
Will close till next mail with love from Your affectate Son
Terence
P.S. New address:
3rd Field Artillery Brigade
1st Aust Division
Aust & NZ Army Corps
Intermediate Base Depot
Egypt
"The Sydney Mail" & "T & C Jnl" of May 26 reached me OK but not the Heralds. They may come later. Anything in the Newspaper line is a great boon out this way.

[Page 93]
Gallipoli Penin
31.7.1915

My dear Father & Mother,
I really don’t know why I am writing this week (except that I think a letter, be it ever so short, is better than the F.S. post cards) as there is nothing fresh since I last wrote you. Things have been most quiet since then, and scarcely any "hate" flying about at all. A small demonstration on the Turks’ part took place yesterday afternoon. We saw them fix bayonets in their trenches and anticipated an attack but as usual it died out.
I met Viv Benjafield a few days ago. He is acting Medical Officer for our Brigade. Tells me Ken Smith and the Hospital he is attached to were intercepted at Alex and sent to Lemnos. I should imagine they will be greatly disappointed at not

[Page 94]
II
getting to England.
Have heard nothing from Sis or Ted yet but I suppose there would hardly be time yet for a letter to reach me from England after their arrival.
Nothing further at present so will close with fondest love to yourselves and Pat from
Terence

[Page 95]
Gallipoli Penin
Saturday. 12.8.1915

My dear Father & Mother
This week has flown so rapidly that I can hardly realise it is mail day again. No doubt ere this you will be reading in the papers of the battle that has been raging here the last week, and in case you feel a little anxious, I sent a letter to one of our Officer’s in Alex yesterday asking him to send you a cable for me, and as it is getting on for the 20th I also included my best wishes for the Mum. I trust this cable has reached you.
Things have quietened down considerably yesterday & today, but for the five days prior to that we were going hammer and tongs, and although we were very uncertain for some little time as to how things were going, we have now
I

[Page 96]
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been rewarded by being told that the operation was entirely satisfactory.
About 5 o’clock on the evening of the 6th a heavy bombardment was commenced by our artillery which lasted an hour. Immediately this finished the Infantry charged and captured 3 lines of Turk trenches although they suffered fairly heavily in doing so. One hears so much about the Australian infantry that it might be imagined there was a little "hot-air" in the reports, but without boasting I cannot help saying they are absolutely brilliant. Their bravery and dash is to my mind without equal. As soon as they had made good, of course the Turkish artillery began to talk, and their reserves to move up apparently to counter-attack but this was where we (the field guns) came in. We fired the whole of that night (the 6th) and the following day without ceasing,

[Page 97]
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and were also at it practically all the time for the 2 succeeding days and nights. During this time we were shelled almost constantly by the Turks but in my Battery (the 8th) the casualties were fortunately very small. I think out of those four days we hardly slept a wink but did not seem to miss it as there was plenty to do. I am getting a rather interesting photo today I hope of the different class of missiles heaved at us, from an 8.2 inch shell down to a 3 pounder.
Late on the night of the 6th, while things were still pretty willing in our quarter, a fresh force consisting of English and Indian troops was landed on our left, and these encircled the Turks on that flank and drove them towards us, and here again our field guns played havoc with them.
As I said before things have

[Page 98]
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now steadied down into the old hum-drum, and so it will go on I suppose till one or other side makes a fresh move.
Weather still fairly hot here and flies fairly troublesome, but we should soon be getting a cool change.
I dare say this cooked up sort of existence will tell on a man in time, but personally I feel as right as a trivet and fit to stick it for many more months if necessary. There is a rumour afloat about us being taken out for a spell for a while, but while that would of course be most enjoyable, I think most of us would as soon see the thing through here and have a good spell afterwards, as the general impression is that the end is not far off.
I heard last night that Eric Lenehan has been suffering
IV

[Page 99]
V
from dysentery and has gone to Hospital at Cyprus. I expect the excessive heat of Egypt at this time of the year has been responsible.
Forgot to mention at beginning of this letter that Father’s letter of 14th June reached me one day during the week, as usual most welcome.
Have heard nothing of Sis or Ted yet, but next English mail I hope will bring me some news of them. Toomey is still O.K. as is Chas Lecky. The latter’s Battalion has I hear suffered the most of any taking part in the recent attack.
As time is short I am afraid this scrappy note must suffice for this week. With fondest love to yourselves and Pat
I am, ever your loving Son
Terence

[Page 100]
Gallipoli Peninsula
28.8.1915
Peninsula Press

Dear Father & Mother
Have run myself rather close up to mail closing time again, but in any case there is no authentic news available since last week.
My man (Gandy) returned from Lemnos a day or two ago having been away ill for the last 6 weeks, so that I am living in something like comfort again, bath every morning etc. what?
Richards still away so I am afraid he must be fairly bad. Saw D.J. Toomey yesterday. He is still OK.
Weather has been perfect the last few days, but we are all dreading the idea of a winter campaign here as rain and snow in this limited space would be anything but pleasant. However, we have a month before the cold sets in so that many things can happen in that time. With fondest love to selves & Pat and hoping you are all in the best of health
I am, Your loving Son
Terence
P.S. This Paper (The Peninsula Press) is published by the Head Quarters here twice a week for general information TWG

[Page 101]
[Peninsula Press
No. 76 Wednesday, August 25th, 1915. Official News]

[Page 102]
Gallipoli Peninsula
5th September 1915

Dear Father & Mother,
Since writing last week I have received Mother’s letter of 12th July enclosing the cutting on "Father’s Housekeeping" and also a letter from Pat dated 12/7/15.
I am awfully glad to hear you are all keeping well, and the letters were most welcome of course. I think the article on housekeeping is splendid, but one thing I noticed, the Pater doesn’t say whether cold or hot water was used for the washing up!
Last week I received a letter from Sis dated 4th August also 2 cards from the children and the day following their receipt I had the enclosed cable. In view of the fact that I have written them regularly every week since they arrived in England I think this is about the limit. Of course I immediately sent them a cable saying

[Page 103]
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an excellent cook, so that except for the monotony, we will not be badly off here at all.
I see recruiting is going strong in Australia still – Victoria’s 13000 effort being splendid. Has Les left yet? Please let me know his Regiment so I can get hold of him if he comes along this way.
I suppose you heard the 3rd General Hospital which Ken is with were all dumped back in Lemnos after arriving in London. It was while the big show was on here on the 6/7th Aug and they wanted all the medical people they could get.
Well dear Father & Mother, there is nothing more just now so I will close with fondest love to yourselves & Pat
I am Your loving Son
Terence
Enclo:-

[Page 104]
I was quite well, but the way the postal matter is being handled it is, I should say a very open question whether it reaches them.
While on the subject – After the big scrap here on 6 & 7th May I sent you a cable saying I was OK. My friend in Alexandria to whom I sent the text & money for transmission, Capt Webb, has never acknowledged my letter, so Lord only knows if this will reach you.
There has been very little fighting on our immediate front since last week. Only the usual artillery duels in the evening which usually results in a great expenditure of ammunition by both sides and very little damage done.
Out on the left the British force assisted by the 10th A.L.H. went in and took a line of trenches after fierce fighting. These Turks are game. When the Light Horse charged, the

[Page 105]
V
his illness.
Sis tells me in her letter that they have taken a very nice home in Exeter which will be a treat after Hotels. I have asked Ted to post me the "Tattler" out every week as reading matter here is at a premium and the winter months here if we have to stick on will be pretty dreary. I received the T & C Jul & Aust’asian from Father of July 7th, but these are the only papers that have come to hand for months.
We have lately moved our quarters in anticipation of a winter campaign and are in a very snug spot now, only about 300 yards from the beach, and as only one Officer has to be up in the trenches observing at a time, we will manage to make ourselves fairly comfortable I think. We are very fortunate in having

[Page 106]
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Turks came out of their trenches and met them bayonet to bayonet. It was pretty tough going for a while but the Turks came second, and the Light Horse now hold that trench.
I have been engaged the last two days in the exciting occupation of checking stores on our wagons. These came ashore and were dumped into a gully near the beach where they will remain till we move. I am in charge of the right section of this battery at present which consists of 2 guns and four wagons, and as all the small stores and spare parts carried on the vehicles are absolutely essential on the march, it requires frequent checking to see that nothing goes astray.
We have been rather denuded of officers lately. Major Bessell-Browne the O.C. being temporarily in charge of the brigade, left only Capt Rogers, Lloyd, the other subaltern & myself. However,

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Lieut Norman Clowes who was wounded early in the game and was invalided to England, returned yesterday so that we do not need to keep such long hours, as the observation for the Battery is split up between the four of us.
Colonel Rosy has been sent away for a spell by the Doctor. He was very seedy and the rest should set him up.
I had a letter from Eric Richards at Malta. He has had enteric but is recovering fast.
Eric Lenehan I hear is back in Alexandria, but Clowes who saw him there says he is not at all well, and he (Eric) was saying he might be sent to Australia if he was not soon himself again. I expect the intense heat in Alex is responsible for

[Page 108]
Gallipoli Penin
21.8.1915

Dear Father & Mother
In haste – an attack just commencing so I have only a few moments – mail closing tonight. Father’s letter of 28/6/15 and Mother’s of 14 & 28/6/15 to hand.
Am keeping very fit so don’t worry Mum about my togs etc. Am just wondering whether we are to winter here. Hope not.
Had a letter from Sis yesterday, written 18/7/15, the day after they arrived in Exeter. They were all well and seemed to be well pleased with their new surroundings which is half the battle.
Must stop.
Fondest love to selves and Pat from
Your affectate Son
Terence

[Page 109]
[text partly obscured by clipping]
X See page 3 in letter following

[Page 110]
Gallipoli Peninsula
11th September 1915

My dear Father & Mother,
Since writing last week, I have only received one letter from home, that from Father dated 11th July, and one from Ted dated 29th July which should have reached me weeks ago. I am absolutely too fed up with the mail service to give my views on their system, at any rate in a letter.
There is little or no news since last week. We just go on from day to day hoping that every hour will bring us word that we are to make some move towards bringing this Turkish business to a finish but nothing comes.
All the troops who have been here from the start are being relieved in batches and given a spell at Mudros Harbour, Lemnos. I am to go tomorrow with 20 men from the Battery for a fortnight. It is not an exceptionally lively place, but it will give us a chance of getting in some decent tucker etc. and will break the monotony. I am glad of the opportunity of paying Ken Smith a visit and also some other fellows I know in the Hospitals

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there.
We have the Victorian Brigade of the 2nd Australian Division in the trenches in front of our Battery at present. They relieved the 1st Brigade who have gone for a much-needed spell. The standard set by these 2nd Division chaps is allright as long as it is kept up. They seem to take to the life here like ducks to water, and everyone remarks on their magnificent physique.
The weather we are experiencing at present is beautiful, clear & crisp atmosphere, and bright sunny days. I think, should we put in the winter here as we are almost sure to, or at least a good part of it, that we will have snow all over this country. I remember when we first came here at the end of April some of the highest peaks on the Peninsula were snow clad even as late as that, so I anticipate a fairly cold time. However, as tucker is plentiful and also clothing, we will not come to any harm.
Have not heard much news of the NSW Artillery lately but hear they are coming up here from

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Cape Helles which I hope is the case. Young Newmarch who is in the 3rd Batty was badly wounded some few weeks back, but is now doing well in Hosp. at Alex. where Mrs D Newmarch is giving her services as a nurse.
The enclosed clipping caught my eye in the Sydney "Bulletin" of July 8th. This is the Father McAuliffe who travelled with us to Egypt on the "Argyllshire". The story as told is hardly what happened though. It was during an advance of the 2nd Battalion to which Father McA was attached that someone told him the Turkish Priest was bearing arms. "Then give me a rifle and bayonet" he said "O’im going out to look for the divil and have it out with him". He is a great chap this same Padre – I was speaking to him yesterday just prior to his departure for a spell. Just as he left he turned round & said "Well good-bye, I expect the next time we meet twill be over in Maidos" and added as an afterthought "O’ill be kapeing the Pub there".
Glad to see by Father’s letter that Les has been made a Corporal.

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I expect he will have his Commission before long. Hope so anyway. Don’t forget to let me know what Unit he is serving with if you can find out as it is impossible to trace anyone here with the number of their Battalion etc.
Young Frank Turner from Alexandra who came away in the D.A.C. with me is in an Artillery Observation post in the Lone Pine trenches recently carried by us and I see him pretty frequently.
Well dear Father & Mother, it is no use wishing that this war would finish, as wishing will not bring the end any nearer, but I am longing for the time when I shall sail up Sydney Harbour again and up to Angledene.
Must close now with fondest love to yourselves & Pat, and hoping you are all keeping quite well.
I am Your loving Son
Terence
P.S. Since writing above Mum’s letter of 25/7/1915 has reached me. Will answer by next mail.
Terence

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Saripi Camp
West Mudros Lemnos Id.
25th Septr 1915

My dear Father & Mother,
We are on our second week here now and have had a very decent time altogether, and were pleased to have a wire from HeadQuarters yesterday extending our leave another week so that we will not be returning to the Peninsula till about the 5th October.
I am the only Artillery Officer here from NSW: Capt Waite who is in charge of our Party is from S.A. and the other four, Lieuts Glendinning, Strachan, Goodwin & Lloyd from Victoria.
There is really not much to do here – it is such a quiet little place. We occasionally get a Greek boatman and take a trip out to any of the Warships which happen to be in Harbour, but even that is becoming difficult

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now, as most of the male population of the Island have gone to Athens on account of Greece’s Mobilization.
Our trip to Castro was rather interesting. It is a journey of about 10 miles which we performed on donkeys. The track leads through mountain passes, and valleys which are all under vines and fruit trees, though of rather a poor quality. The farming section of the community are not at all up to date in their methods, and the trees have in most cases become very weedy. Castro itself is a very pretty town, built on a steep hill which rises abruptly from the sea shore. The houses are of white stone with red roofs which make a very pretty picture against the bright blue of the Aegean Sea. A large fort on a rocky eminence overlooking the little harbour commands the sea front and country to the back of the town. There are a few large

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shops and restaurants, but the town is rather disappointing except as I said before for the scenic effect.
Therma, a little village on the Castro road, about 6 miles from here, we found much more attractive as it has hot sulphur springs and one can get a hot bath there. We have made three trips there and intend going again before we return. There is a very up to date Greek who speaks good English in charge of the Springs, and he keeps a tip top table, so the attraction is double.
I have not seen Ken for a few days but intend to run over again tomorrow.
When over at Therma yesterday we met the surgeon of HMS "Albion" which is in Harbour here and he has asked us to go out to the ship, so I expect we will put in a day aboard her before returning. The Royal Navy
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fellows are the best of hosts and go to no end of trouble to give one a good time.
It is most difficult to realise sitting here this morning that we are within 40 miles of all the turmoil on the Peninsula. The Harbour looks perfect – this would be a heavenly place for a yachting cruise. I fancy I described the Harbour in a previous letter. It is beautifully sheltered from all sides and provides a safe anchorage for any number of vessells. At the present time there must be fully 100 transports and warships, both French and British in port from the gigantic "Aquatania" downwards. The latter has been turned into a Hospital ship. Sir Thos Lipton’s yacht "Liberty" is also here and Lord Brassey’s "Sunbeam", both as hospital ships.
Afraid there is no more news at present. I am only anxious now to get back to the Battery so as I
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will get your latest letters. A mail was expected the night we left, but we could not wait for it and I instructed them to hold my letters till I returned.
With fondest love to yourselves and Pat. I am Your loving Son
Terence

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Saripi Rest Camp
West Mudros. Lemnos
Sunday 3rd October 1915

My dear Mother,
Am still "recuperating" here but expect to leave for the Peninsula about Tuesday of Wednesday. Although I feeling quite OK when we came away I think the change has been no harm as of course there is a certain amount of strain while one is actually on the job, and it is very nice to get right away and forget it for a while.
I will be glad to get back to get my letters as it is over a month now since I had your last (25th July). Saw Kenneth last night but he has had no letters from Sydney later than my last.
Things are awfully quiet here – we are across the Harbour from the Main Landing where the British and French troops are camped and don’t hear much of what is going on, though I
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don’t think there can be any material change in the situation on Gallipoli since we left. I saw the cables from London of Septr 27/28th at Kenneth’s Hospital about the fine advance made by the Allies on the Western front. The news certainly is most reassuring and should greatly relieve the pressure on the Russian front. It is to be hoped that a concerted movement will be made by our people to bring the business to a close this month or next and so avoid another Winter Campaign, because the latter although it will severely test the Hun’s resources, will also be a severe financial drain on Britain, especially with the new War Loan at 5%
Captain Millner who is D.A.Q.M.G. of our Division and a friend of the Fell’s had a letter from Janet dated August 4th with a full description of the Australia Day Collection which certainly eclipses anything of the kind ever held before. It surely must have been a great day –
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I am hoping that possibly I may see Les here before I return. Struan Robertson is here and has told me they expect their 8th Reinforcements which Les is in, at any time. Struan has certainly had a wonderful run of luck. His Brigade (the 4th) seemed to have the hardest time of any of our people on the Peninsula and he has come through it all with only two slight wounds.
Have not seen many fellows whom I know here – Charlie Lecky is here and still going strong – was very pleased to meet my old Sergeant from my section in the D.A.C. on the Peninsula just before I left. He now has his commission and is in the 6th Battery. Father may remember him in Sydney – his name is A.O. McMullen – comes from Scone where he is in the grazing line. Duncan Robertson (Brother of Dr R of Hunters Hill) who was also in my Section as a Bombadier
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may get his promotion to Commissioned rank too before long.
When last you wrote, you told me Father was suffering from the old enemy and I sincerely hope when I have your next letters that there will be a change for the better.
Well dearest Mum I hope to have something more interesting to write you in my next letter which will be from Gallipoli I expect, and with fondest love to yourself Father & Pat
I am, Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 123]
Gallipoli Peninsula
9th October 1915

My dear Father & Mother,
As you see I am again back in the Peninsula having arrived early on the morning of the 6th after a good trip up. I had not expected to find things in any way different from when I left and was right. Everything is just the same only if anything quieter.
First of all I must thank you both ever so much for letters received – Mum’s of April 9th and Father’s of July 25th and 30th and August 1st, 8th and 9th, also the numerous Heralds, T & C Jul & Syd Mail, as well as parcel of underclothing from Joe Pearson’s. The latter has come at a most opportune time and I cannot thank you enough for it. Although the hot weather is still with us, which is quite exceptional for Octr in these parts, we are expecting a change at any time now, and when it comes the woollens will be a God-send. The articles contained in the parcel were – undershirts 2 : underpants 2 : woollen sleeping cap : flannell shirts 2 : and socks 2 pairs which pans out correctly according to your letter, but the parcel containing the 4 pairs socks mentioned has not yet put in any appearance. However, I have not given up hope of it as parcel service certainly

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appears to be improving.
I have not had such a treat for months as I had in reading all the home news contained in your various letters, and am pleased to see by Mum’s that Father’s rheumatism is slightly better, and I do hope the next mail will tell me it has disappeared completely.
I have little or no news of any of our Friends who are in the scrap over here. Our Major of this Battery (8th), Bevell-Browne, has been promoted to Lieut-Col and given a Brigade. His place has been filled here by a Captain Spurge another West Australian and a good sort. A few more D.A.C. officers have arrived here including Tommy Swallow who is for the present attached to our Battery, but I am not sure what his ultimate job is to be – wish he could stay with us as he is a fine chap, and a very good gunner.
Major Lucas is still in Egypt – I forget whether I mentioned Eric Lenehan in my last letter. He should be nearly home by this. He has my sympathy, poor beggar, having had such rotten luck, but I trust the trip will fix him up, and he may yet be back in time to "deal" out some "hate" to "John" Turk.
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The NSW artillery have arrived here from Helles during the time I was at Lemnos. I went over to see them but most of those we know are away. Rex Rabett had just left about an hour before I got there – for a spell. Olding away sick, and Callaghan away in Alex on Special duty.
Saw Col Christian and Cunningham both of whom are very fit also Capt Thompson whom Father would remember. It seemed like old times to see them all again.
Have heard no word of Reg since Kenneth had the letter from him from Alex. Maurice Ferguson went off sick some little time ago. –
I found a card from Sis (Aug 20th) and letter from Ted (Aug 26th) waiting me on my return and was glad to hear they were all well. Sis was kind enough to send me some cigarettes –
Glad to hear Pete has given up the idea of coming away with the force. It will be better for him to let this chance go – I am afraid our many Friends will think ill of me for neglecting to write more than I do, but it must be put down to lack of time or weariness that such is the case. However I hope you will remember me to all the river friends especially

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Mrs Forsyth and all at Rockcliff –
To change the subject for a minute – I am just admiring one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen – Time 5.50 p.m. Our Battery Headquarters is overlooking the sea, and I can look right out over Imbros and Samothrace over which the sun is just dropping. The Western sky is just a mass of crimson & purple clouds and the sea absolutely calm - It is one of those scenes that one often sees in print but seldom in reality. Last night we had a heavy thunderstorm, which is always followed in this parts by this beautiful sky colouring.
These Headquarters of ours have proved an enormous boon as one can come down after being relieved from observation work or whatever we may be on, and have as much peace and quietness as it is possible to get on the whole of the position until it is time to take up duty again –
Well dear Father & Mum, this brief note must suffice for this week. With many many thanks for those splendid togs – Fondest love to selves & Pat I am etc Terence

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Gallipoli Peninsula
17th October 1915

My dear Father & Mother
I am "up to my neck" in work this week hence this short note. A new class of gun has been landed here and I have been placed in charge of it so I have had to go for all I am worth this last week – day and night – I am still living at 8th Battery.
Your delightful letters of Sept 6th to hand – one from Mum: 2 from Father also 4 Heralds – will acknowledge next mail but am just sending this along to say I am still going strong"
Fondest love
Your loving Son
Terence

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Gaba Tepe
Gallipoli Penin
22nd Octr 1915

My dear Father & Mother
Not having time to write any sort of a note last mail, I find I have quite a sheaf of letters and papers from home to acknowledge. The last 2 weeks have seemed to pass particularly quickly as I have been well treated with home correspondence – the following letters having reached me during that time – Father’s of 22nd Aug. 23rd 28th (enclosing diary for week) 5th and 6th September, Mother’s of Aug 2nd 22nd and 30th and Septr 5th, and Pat’s of 14th and 30th Aug, also numerous "Heralds" & T&C Journal. It is the one bright spot in my existence when I have your letters and know you are all well & to hear the latest home news.
I am afraid from some of your letters that you have been somewhat disappointed at the lack of local color contained in my despatches, but really when engaged on a job of this kind, fluency does not seem to be at
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one’s command especially after reading many of the fabrications published by writers in various papers of our campaign here. I expect you read in the papers of various moves taking place here which when boiled down come to nothing more than a little paltry demonstration on one or other part of our line. There has been no change in the situation to date since the Battle of Sari Bair, and the consolidating of the positions then gained which took place on the 6/7th August. Of course I don’t mean by this that we are absolutely resting on our oars. We have to keep up just the same vigilance and keep the Turk and all his movements well under observation as he is not slow to slip in and sieze any opportunity that may offer.
We are quite resigned to the fact that we will put in the greater part of the winter here and can do so with comparative comfort, as tucker is good and plentiful and we are
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[newspaper clipping headed "CONDITIONS AT ANZAC"

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all snugly quartered.
The new gun which I mentioned last week, and of which I have been given command is an anti-aircraft – Quite a modern piece – and the first one landed here. The Turk has been getting very bold with his aerial reconnaissance, and often flies very low over our positions, so that the next time he comes along I hope to give him a warm reception, having just completed mounting the gun today. It is quite a common sight to see a "Taube" (German) up over the position and one of our own planes as well but they are mostly scouts and not armed, so that we have not yet seen a "duel in the air" of which we hear so much on the Continent.
The last few days have demonstrated to us that we shall need our warm clothing for the coming months. A strong wind set in from the North, with slight showers of rain, but so long as one can move about a little, this weather is preferable to the heat we have recently experienced.
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A very strange sight to us inhabitants of the "sunny South" are the thousands of migratory birds which pass over every morning on their journey South to Egypt and similar climes. They fly in great phalanxes of sometimes as many as 300 in a flock. It is most amusing to see the lads in the trenches having pot shots at them as they fly, but I have not seen any brought down yet.
Well as time is fleeting and I have yet to write a letter to Sis & Ted by this mail I must say goodnight. Will answer Pat’s letter etc by next mail.
With fondest love to yourselves & Pat I am
Your loving Son
Terence
N.B. Mr Broughtons’s letter of 19/8/1915 just to hand. Was awfully pleased to hear from him again. Intend writing him next mail, as well as Mr Trebeck who wrote me 6/9/15
TWG

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Gaba Tepe
Gallipoli Peninsula
5th Novr 1915

My dear Father,
Many thanks for letter of 19th Sep and diary up to that date to hand yesterday, also Heralds of 11th 13th & 18th Sept.
I am sorry to hear you had not a letter from me for that week as I don’t think I have missed out a mail; in any case, I always send a card so no doubt delays in the post offices are responsible.
You are quite near the mark in imagining how welcome the papers are; I can tell you I don’t leave many parts of them unread.
I don’t think I commented on a certain enclosure in your last regarding Caleb’s misbehaviour – Rather decent of Mrs Johnson I thought. He must certainly be a great dawg. Ask Pat what he thinks of his narrow head now –

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I had a most pleasant surprise day before yesterday – was sitting in the gun-pit ruminating over things in general – nothing much doing - when who should walk in but Arny – It nearly knocked me speechless for a minute. His Battalion has been on our left flank since they landed at a place called the Apex, but as they had come down to Anzac for a few weeks spell, Arny took the chance to pop up and see me. You may depend we had a good old yarn. He looks O.K. Rather thin but hard as nails - I intend to drop a note to Mrs Brown this mail just to say I have seen him etc.
Note by your letters that Dick is now a benedict. Should you come across him, please give my best wishes to Mrs Richard and himself.
I see very little of the 1st F.A. Brigade people nowadays in fact they all seem to be away

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sick or wounded or something. From all accounts they seemed to have struck rather a picnic at Cape Helles. Life down that end is vastly different to here. There they had their Canteens and could live like Lords, fresh meat and vegetables and Lord knows what. Of course this position does not lend itself that way there being so few spots immune from shell fire and what there are, are required for magazines, Army Service supplies and Headquarters etc.
Lucas & Kingsmill arrived day before yesterday. Their first time ashore here, and are being posted to different Batteries.
Everything is quiet on this front at present. We just go on from day to day wondering what the next move is going to be and hearing very little of what is going on outside.
The Salonica landing seems to have been a tame show though I expect they are having

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a fairly wild & woolly time now.
It looks as though poor Servia is to be subjected to a worse time than she has already been through if that were possible, unless there is something startling in Asquith’s speech in the house which he was to deliver yesterday and in which it was forecasted he was going to state that Serbia would get material assistance from several points. What those points are I cannot for the life of me see, but we are in interested expectancy of what the above statement will disclose. However, all this will be ancient history by the time this letter reaches you.
This mail will be the last I expect before Christmas. It seems a futile wish to wish anyone a Merry Christmas in these rotten times, but what there is, may you all have your double share. I am writing the Mother separately this mail –
Trusting you are keeping quite well,
I remain, dear Father, Your affect Son
Terence W. Garling

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Gaba Tepe
17.11.1915

My dear Father & Mother
This week’s mail has brought me your ever welcome letters. Father’s two of 23rd & 28th Sep Mother’s of 26th Sep and Pat’s of 29th also Herald of 30th Sept – Pat’s letter I am acknowledging separately. The same mail also brought me letters from Sis & "Tatters" so you can see I am not faring too badly.
The best news of course to me is to hear that you are all well. Personally I have been keeping in tip-top form except the last two days – just a little bit out of gear inside, but as we now have a topping cook at the Battery, a couple of days careful feeding will set me right.
I note from the paragraph enclosed in Mother’s letter the selection of the Red Cross Committee
X Also D’Arcy’s letter of 23rd Sept – If you are writing D.C.G. please tell him I am hoping to get a line off to him by next if not mail – and give him and the kiddies all good wishes. T.

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of their representatives to come to Egypt – They certainly have been lucky in getting the men they have, as the job they are undertaking is a collossal one – that is to supply comforts to an Army in the Field.
I will look out for a parcel from Ford duBoise. He should not have any trouble in getting it up here from Alex. It is awfully good of you to send it along, for although the warm weather is still hanging on, we cannot expect it to last for ever –
The same old daily routine goes on here – To summarise the days doings would roughly be as follows – 7 am – open one eye and try to persuade oneself that it is much too early to get out of bed – Persuasion usually successful and it is decided that it is too early – 8 am A head is pushed in the front of the dugout and a

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voice informs me that it is nearly time for breakfast. This usually manages to instill the necessary energy, so at last I crawl out – Every second morning a bath is indulged in, other mornings face and hands only as water is a ration here – Then breakfast – "Burgoo" (porridge) Bacon & biscuits & tea – that being over I light up the old pipe and proceed to make an inspection of gun pit, magazines, sleeping quarters etc. then have a look at any work that may be in progress such as digging "funk pits" etc as shelters form the heavy stuff of Abdul’s armament –
Next spend half an hour or so in the observation station with a pair of field glasses to see if Abdul has thrown up any fresh earthworks etc. The remainder of the morning is taken up writing reports as to previous day work or observation then lunch – the
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inevitable "stoo", biscuits or bread, tea & jam – The afternoon is usually spent in a little light amusement, such as reading a novel or something equally strenuous – As soon as darkness comes on and there is no further likelihood of a visit from any birdmen, I walk round the trenches to where the remainder of the Battery mess – The first two meals of the day are partaken of in solemn grandeur by myself as one has to be alongside the gun during daylight – but the evening meal is quite a Family affair.
The sixth Battery and ourselves (the 8th) have now joined messes so we have quite a gathering – Majors Spurge (WA) & Stephenson (Vic), Lieuts Clowers (Q), Dodd (Vic), Goodwin (Vic), Aarons (NSW) & Ross (NSW) & self – After a good tuck-in (our cook as I mentioned before being a bit of a pastmaster) a game of cards or a read and then walk home and seek the

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arms of Morpheus –
Of course the above order of things is at any time liable to be bent, by a shout from the man on observation "Hostile plane up Sir" – The command "Action" is given and everyone buzzes into life – The gun is uncovered and if the offender is within range we proceed to make things hot for him – Of course this interruption does not sometimes occur for a week other times it comes two or three times a day. Occasionally a Turkish 75mm Gun from a hill to the N.E. known as Scrubby Knoll" gives us quarter of an hour’s attention, otherwise we get very little shelling -
Hope the above long rigmarole won’t bore you all to death but it will give an idea to what extent things have now quietened down.
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next move in these parts will take effect, but suppose we must just hang on to what we have and wait.
Father’s "Man from Goondiwindi" makes jolly reading. It should take on splendidly – I remember Father telling the yarn of course about the bout in the stock-yard, and intend to show the copy to Arny and one or two others who will be interested – Arny by the way was up day before yesterday – His Battalion is still in rest at the Beach – I believe Les should be here by this though I haven’t been able to track him down yet –
Must close for this week – with fond love and trusting you are both having the very best of health, I am, Your loving Son
Terence
P.S. Strange that Eric L should not appear in any of the casualty returns – He was mentioned in orders here as leaving Suez for Australia by the "Beltana" so he must be there by now – My kindest regards to him if he has not left Aust. on the way back here and tell him his friend "Kingy" is here now in the 3rd Bty. T.

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Gaba Tepe
Gallipoli Peninsula
26.11.1915

My dear Father & Mother.
Last’s weeks mail from here met with an untimely end, as the lighter conveying it to the steamer was capsized & everything went to the bottom - You will no doubt be wondering at not hearing from me by last week’s mail so I am this week writing a friend in Alex. asking him to send you a cable.
Nothing fresh here since last writing – Did I tell you Rex Rabett had been made C.M.G.? also Col Rosenthal A.C.B.? This appeared in a recent order here, but I expect the news will be in Australia almost as soon. Rex is still away, but is practically fit again I hear.
I don’t think there will be any mail from Aust this week as I believe we have also been unfortunate in this respect, as a quantity of Australian mail (577 bags) was on the "Orange Prince" which was sunk by a submarine a few days ago. Your letters of Octr 4th (Mothers 1. Fathers 2, also "Country Gentleman" 7 "Daily Tele"
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of Sept 30th) I acknowledged by last week’s ill-fated letter – I also wrote Mr Tabeck & Mr Broughton by that mail, so if Father is in at 12 O’Connell St, he might explain the reason if these letters do not turn up (Some few bags were saved out of the barge-load)
Have had a very cold snap this last week with chilly winds from the North East but we are very comfy and have nothing to worry about. I have a very nice little fireplace installed in the side of the shack, and altogether things might easily be a lot worse –
We have been looking ahead a bit lately as regards Christmas "dinner" and duly despatched the faithful Wilson (our mess cook) to Imbros a few days ago to see what he could get in the shape of victuals. Yesterday evening he returned with Lo & Behold no less than a rooster & six hens, besides vegetables & fruit galore! The fowlyard I am afraid is going to be something of a worry as it will probably be the envy of many eyes, still we should be able to meet the occasion all right.
Must cut out as this is last sheet of paper till I go down to the Battery to replenish.
Fondest love to selves & Pat
Terence

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Gaba Tepe12/12/1915

My dear Father & Mother.
Many thanks for your long letters of 17th October received a few days ago, also Harold of 9th – That makes a break of a fortnight between the 2 last mails here; whether you posted anything by mail leaving Sydney 11/10/15 I don’t know, but that mail was supposed to have foundered. The sheepskin vest has not turned up so far, but I know the 1st Brigade have not received their first instalment of comforts yet, so no doubt it will be along any time now.
The last mail also brought me letters from Mrs Forsyth and Aunt Mary – which I hope to answer this mail or next.
Yes, that 17th Octr 1914 seems a terribly long way in the dim and distant past. Even 6½ months have passed since I landed here on the Peninsula and at the present rate of progress it looks as though we will put in a fair time here yet. It is rotten to be held up here when we might be doing better elsewhere, but as Kitch put it

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when he visited us a few weeks back, we are holding up a large Turkish Army here which otherwise would be employed against the Allies in some other part, and I suppose we must be content with this.
Had a long letter from Sis this last week. She seems in good heart and is pleased with all her surroundings still one can see there is a little touch of home longing underneath it all.
Absolutely nothing taking place here – we have a hostile airman over about once every four days on an average and bang away at him, but they don’t like our shrapnel and nearly always clear off pretty soon.
A very pretty bombardment took place yesterday afternoon (sounds like a wedding doesn’t it?) by the Navy. A Turkish battery on our right flank known as the "Beachy Bill" battery (owing to his shelling the beach almost daily) had been giving a fair amount of trouble, so yesterday the ships on duty here, 2 monitors and 2 cruisers, lined up and let him have it. The reports & shrieks of the shells were almost deafening, the ships letting go broadsides of 7 at a time, and the explosions as the shells struck were terrific, great forks of flame shooting up in the air. They fired about 800 rounds in all and it was about the prettiest bit of naval shooting we have seen here of late.

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Some of the names conferred on the Turk’s guns are rather amusing. The above was the first to be named "Beachy Bill" & so it went on. A gun which used to also fire on the beach before the Suvla landing was "Anafarta Alice"; a large round shell which Abdul fires from a trench mortar is "The Football"; the small 9 pounders are the "Pip-squeaks" – while the 2 guns which fire on to the landing place at Cape Helles are "Asiatic Annie" and "Active Archie" –
There is a magazine
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being compiled by Capt Bean and others as a sort of Souvenir of "Anzac" – will be printed in Athens and issued about New Year. It is bound to be a good publication as there is plenty of talent here – If I can secure one here I will of course post it out but no doubt they will be available in Australia as well.
Have not seen Arny lately as he has gone up again into the trenches with his Battalion, nor Les. The latter must be somewhere here but so far I have failed

[Page 149]
5
to locate him.
Now about that dawg Caleb – It is a pity he has to go, but if he is still of that agressive turn of mind that makes him a menace to mankind, don’t hesitate a minute in passing him out.
Glad Father was going out to see Jack Playfair – Please remember me kindly to him if he is still in Sydney when this reaches you – also to poor old Eric –
The "goodies" Mum is sending along will be most eagerly

[Page 150]
6
looked for –
No sign of Colonl Rosenthal yet though as I think I mentioned in my last he is supposed to be on his way back – also Eric Richards – Dan Toomey is just as well as ever – also Major L.
No more news at present, dear Mother & Father, so with fondest love to selves & Pat,
I am, Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 151]
Note – This letter from Sir Prudenell White to W.M.N. Garling is to be read in connection with that of Terence (No. 34) attached [indecipherable] to show undoubtedly that he was in C Party and therefore was one of the last batch of men to leave Gallipoli on the occasion of its evacuation.

[Page 152]
Imperial General Staff
(Australian Section)
Army Headquarters
Victoria Barracks
Melbourne. 3rd. May, 1921.

Dear Mr. Garling,
I appreciate your letter and am sorry that you have had such trouble in finding me. You ask me to explain more clearly the organization of the men into A. B. and C. Parties on the final day and night of our occupation of the Gallipoli Peninsula. I do so gladly and hope that what I write will be clear.
As you know we had reduced the garrison at Anzac to something a little less than 10,000 men who remained during the last day and were evacuated during the last night. These men were spread out so as to occupy the whole 10,000 yards of front which constituted the Anzac line. The men were of course in their proper units but each unit divided up its total number into three parties, known respectively as A. B. and C. The strength of the parties was practically equal. As soon as it became dark on the evening of the 19th December 1915, the A. parties were withdrawn from the lines and embarked. That operation of course took some little time and meanwhile the B. and C. parties stretched out and filled up the gaps in the line. Later on in the evening the B. parties were withdrawn and similarly embarked. While this was in process our position was dependent entirely upon the skill and gallantry of C. party which remained holding the trenches and despite its slender strength was simulating the activity of the greater number. Finally, well after midnight on the night 19th/20th. December the C. parties were withdrawn from the lines to the beach and nothing remained between them and the enemy.
You will realise at once the serious nature of the duty allotted to C. party. It will I hope also give you some consolation if your son was one of that party to realise that they were the men who, for the sake of all the others, were ready if need be to sacrifice themselves. By God’s grace the need did not arise and C. party was withdrawn and successfully embarked without any casualty.
I hope that what I have written will meet your requirements. Will you allow me in conclusion to express to you my sympathy in the loss of your gallant son. I can feel for you in your sadness that after going through so much so successfully he should have been lost so late as in April 1918.
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
[indecipherable]

W.M.N. Garling, Esq.,
Wattle Street,
Killara,
SYDNEY, N.S.W.

[Page 153]
[newspaper clipping]
S.M.H. 23/3/16
One of the finest descriptions of the evacuation of Gallipoli by our troops was contained in a letter written by Lieut. Garling to his father, Mr. Garling, of Angledene, Lane Cove River. As the story has been already told in print, Mr. Garling does not intend to have his son’s letter published. It is worded in a clear, straightforward style, telling what happened, and the miraculous success of the plan, with a vividness of which the sincerity brings the actuality of the scene before the reader. Several of Lieut. Garling’s letters home have been sent to the Mitchell Library.

[Page 154]
Troopship "Hororata"
Lemnos Harbour 21.12.15

My dear Father & Mother
It must be a fortnight since I wrote home but the reason no doubt you will have guessed when you read in the papers of the events that have been taking place up in Gallipoli – No doubt the withdrawal of the Anzac & Suvla [indecipherable] depressing effect on our folk at home, as it did on us when it was first sprung on us, but to stay in that place for the winter, losing men in dribs & drabs, when there was no hope of our improving our position, I think was a situation we are well out of – Of course we could have held on, though supply and transport was

[Page 155]
daily becoming more difficult owing to gales etc – However, there we were stuck and had not accomplished the objective set out for, the opening of the Dardanelles – so I think it was a wise move to avoid throwing the troops into the hardships of a winter campaign there without adequate means of supply – The withdrawal of an Army such as ours was so put it lightly an immense undertaking attended with enormous risk to the rearguard, as had the Turk learned out arrangements and attacked at the critical moment when our line was thinned down to the very minimum, there would have been a very different end to the story. As it was I don’t think there was a single casualty. The staff
II

[Page 156]
work and Navy’s arrangements were admirable, and with the exception of the loss of a few guns which are as a drop in the ocean, it was just like a removal of the Force as though we had no Turks within miles of us.
When last I wrote you I think I said everything was just the same as ever. It must have been a few days after that we got the first inkling that something was going to happen, as each Unit was instructed to thin out and several thousand troops of all arms were immediately transferred to Imbros. This went on each night the line gradually thinning down. About the 14th we got definite orders
III

[Page 157]
that we were going to evacuate the position. Several guns were allotted to stay till the last and be blown up in the last rush, and mine was included. On the 17th & 18th our position was pretty rocky as there were no supports or reserves and only a bare garrison for the fire trenches with gun detachments in the Artillery etc. The night of Sunday-Monday, the 19th/20th was chosen for the final night. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon I got orders to report to the rearguard Commander in Lone Pine who was to give me instructions as to the time of blowing up the gun, as it was intended to leave all that work till the last
IV

[Page 158]
minute the make sure the enemy would not drop to the move. The rearguard commander told me his orders were to retire at 3 o’clock on the morning of the 20th and suggested I should report to him at 12 midnight and retire with the rearguard blowing up the gun as I came through. This fitted my plans allright so we adopted it. There were two other subalterns who had guns to blow up and they did the same, Strachan from the 5th Bty and Ross of the 8th.
At 12 o’clock we got up into the Pine, which was then held by about 105 men (the ordinary garrison is 750). At 2.30 the first half of the garrison was withdrawn leaving 50 men under

[Page 159]
a Lieut Brinsmead and at 2.45 half the remainder were taken out leaving about 25 men. Those 15 minutes waiting for 3 o’clock to come were about the longest I have ever put in. Of course we did not know how much old Abdul knew of our plans. Had his Intelligence Dept been active and he had attacked at that time, it should have spelt disaster. However, everything seemed normal and at 3 o’clock with old blankets round our feet to avoid noise (the trenches are only about 30 yards apart) we quietly walked out. After we got through the reserve trenches I left the party with a sapper who was
VI

[Page 160]
detailed to me and went to the gun .We put 4 lbs of gun-cotton into it with a 10 minute fuze and left. I then joined Strachan and walked down to the beach with him. Up till this time everything was still quiet and old Abdul knew nothing of what was going on. Just as we reached the beach however our people blew up a mine by electric wires on Russell’s Top, which is the usual forerunner of an attack by us. The explosion was terrific, and the old Turk commenced a furious fusillade, which was somewhat annoying as the bullets were rather too thick to be comfortable round us

[Page 161]
as we went out on the lighter to the transport. After getting aboard about 4 o’clock, we got under steam and came on here. The movement altogether was most satisfactory, and we hear that up to 12 o’clock yesterday the enemy were furiously shelling our position evidently quite under the impression that we were still there, which of course it would be easy for him to imagine in these trench engagements when everything is done to conceal gun positions and mask trenches etc. Our failing to reply to his fire would not strike him as unusual as we several times remained absolutely "neutral" for 3 or 4 days trying to urge him on

[Page 162]
to attack but he would never come out. He has probably discovered our absence before now, and I dare say old Linian Von Sanders will be on the mat for allowing us to slip away. To withdraw 4 Army Corps from practically under the enemy’s nose without a single casualty is somewhat in the nature of a miracle and I think is unpararelled in history. I was glad to be in the last and we were going right up till dusk on the 19th keeping enemy aircraft at a safe distance so that they could not observe our greatly depleted line.
The next question is – what is our next job? Some say Suez Canal, some Salonika
V

[Page 163]
Some the Euphrates, some France, and plenty more wild statements are flying about as to our next [indecipherable] At any rate we (the Artillery of the 1st Division) are certain to go the Egypt for a start as we must have a reorganising and refitting, every Battery being only a remnant of what it was when the Division landed in April last.
I will post this letter from Alex or sooner if I have the chance of getting it away from here.
Personally I will be mighty glad of a few weeks spell. I don’t know whether I will be given another aircraft gun – I expect I will when we go into action again but meantime I will be with the 8th Battery. No mails have been delivered since yours of Oct 17th which I acknowledged last mail, so I expect I will get a large bag when they do reach me.

[Page 164]
Majestic Hotel
Alexandrie-Egypte
Later
Monday 27/12/1915

Dear Father & Mother
Just a hasty addition or rather conclusion to my letter of 21/12/15.
Arrived here yesterday midday having escaped the submarines etc and start tonight inland to Tel-el-Kirbar I think for reorganisation

[Page 165]
etc – Hoped we would get to Cairo but don’t think it is to be. No mails received from home yet but hear they are ready for delivery. Will write again in few days. Cabled you today "All well"
Fondest love to selves & Pat
Your loving Son
Terence
(over)

[Page 166]
Murgha Mack who used to be at Scott’s came down in our transport. He saw Les at Lemnos so "Nipper" is allright –
Terence

[Page 167]
[Page has letterhead of the Grand Continental Hotel Cairo]
Sunday 2/ 2 1 1915 6

35
My Dear Father & Mother,

Some time has elapsed since I last sent a line home, but I must plead pressure of work as the excuse, as I have been going hammer & tongs up till a day or so ago.

Since writing I have had your letters in one lot dated from 9th to 28th November, as well as Cable 1 and parcels – The latter were none the less acceptable reaching me in Egypt instead of Gallipoli as we are quartered at present

[Page 168]
in a most dead & alive hole namely Tel-el-Kebir on the Cairo-Ismalia line, and about 23 miles from the latter town which is of course on the Canal. We lobbed in Tel-el-Kebir at 4 o’clock one morning the 28th Decr I think ( I have quite lost count of days lately) and as there is no settlement nearer than Zagazig 12 miles distant, we were rather put to it for victuals, so that the Christmas cheer came in right at the critical moment – what a lovely lot of things you sent! They were a perfect treat –

Our camp at Tel-el-Kebir is practically on the spot where Wolesley fought the great battle in 1882 – In fact some of the old Schneider bullets and cartridge cases can be picked up even to this day – The country is just typical desert – that’s all one can say for it. Nothing to be seen for miles & miles but gravelly plains interspersed here and there with belts of verdure & palm groves which mark the courses of the many canals which traverse the country. These canals are really wonderful works – being deep and wide enough for two native dhows to pass at a time.

I really don’t quite know what we are stuck down there for, unless it is to have us handy in case of trouble on the Canal. I am at present on two days leave from Camp and ran up here to have an a change from camp

[Page 169]
life and procure some fresh kit etc – (Cairo is about 2 1/2 hours run by express from Camp). I am staying at the Continental, and meet a lot of our people here – Today met Rex Rahett – He seems pretty right and expects to get back into harness any day now. Colonel Rosenthal arrived from England this morning and is staying here going on to Camp tomorrow.

Spent the afternoon today with a Mr & Mrs Devonshire at Meadi They are very nice people and were awfully good to us when we first arrived in Egypt over 12 months ago. Capt White of the Light Horse went out with me.

Last mail brought in a host of parcels from Sis also Mrs Forsyth so I am well set up – That sheepskin

[Page 170]
vest I am afraid will be rather warm here as the weather is inclined to be sultry, but will be very handy to have in my kit in case we get a cold snap.

I am afraid this letter is frightfully illegible and disjointed but I am almost dropping to sleep. Pats letter of Noov 21st to hand I forgot to mention this at beginning – will write again soon.

Fondest love to all. Your loving son Terence

[Page 171]
PS Sent Cable from Alex – say all well. T.

[Page 172]
36
10th Jany 1916
My dearest Mum,

Following my letter home from Cairo of 3.1.16 I will try and answer a little more fully your letters of 14th. 22nd and 28th November. There seems to be a short period missed out between 17th Octr and 8th Novr, but there are still a number of our mails still hung up at Mudros and these no doubt will come to hand later.

I cant thank you enough dear Mum for the good things you sent along. They were simply scrumptious! I seem to have been very lucky regarding parcels, as I have received all with the exception of one from Aunt Mary and the sheepskin vest you sent, but I have still hope of these turning up.

[Page 173]
I am writing Father separately this mail, also acknowledging your Christmas Cable – I hope mine from Alexandria went through allright.

I had a great surprise when I heard of Myra G’s wedding – Mary also told me they were not expecting it to take place quite so soon. Mary sent me some sox & other things at Christmas. Sis also sent me a parcel and Mrs Forsyth so things altogether have been good.

I wonder what people in Australia are saying about the evacuation of Gallipoli. It will hit them all very hard no doubt but there was nothing else for it.

We are having a fairly good time now. The weather is lovely and reorganisation & training is just about to commence. We are still at sixes

[Page 174]
and sevens. Many of our original officers are still away and new ones in their places so I think there will be a general shuffle round. Only thing I hope is that I stay in the old Third Brigade but one cannot be sure of what changes will take place, with new establishments coming into force etc etc. The second division Artillery are in camp now at Maadi, under Colonel G.Jamieson Johnstone, who formerly commanded the Second Brigade of our Division. I saw several of their officers when in Cairo but not Maurice Lenehan, as he was still on the water having come along in the horse-boat. I was awfully sorry to hear of Eric’s condition but hope to hear better news of him in the next letter. One cannot realise what an awful

[Page 175]
thing dysentery is till one has been some time at this game It is a question of getting used as it were to service conditions. Once the first spell is over a man taking reasonable care of himself is pretty safe.
Have not seen anything of Arny since landing here. Leslie sent me a message from Mudro giving me his address, but I had no chance of seeing him on arrival at Alex as his Brigade were sent straight down on to the Canal. Struck Roy Carpenter the other morning. He looks very well indeed, but I did not have time for more than a couple of words with him.

I was very sorry to hear of Mr Stewart’s misfortune. Such a lovely lot of things they had too will not be easily replaced.

[Page 176]
Our old Colonel R. is going strong and as enthusiastic a soldier as ever. Saw Rex Rabeth in Cairo He is getting on allright and should be back to duty before long –

Well, Mother dear, we seem to be just where we started in Egypt over 12 months ago, and lets hope the next scrap we are in will be something better than Anzac. 12 months seems a long time to be away from home but the coming home will be all the better when it comes.

I do hope Mum that your sight is improved since your letter. You must, if you havent already, go and have your eyes tested, and try and get some glasses to suit you.

I must say goodnight now as my correspondence this week is unusually large.

With fondest love, I am your Son Terence

[Page 177]
37
Sunday 16th Jany 1916
My dear Father,

Your letter of 12th December just received, for which many thanks. I must first apologise for not answering before this your last batch of letters, bearing dates Novr 8th 21st and 28th , also Christmas cards & booklet & cablegram. After writing Mother by last weeks mail I found I had run things too fine to finish my letter to you.

We have been kept at it very solidly since settling down here – Reveille at 6 a.m. stables till 7.30 then breakfast – and take the Battery out from 9 to 11 at drill. In for midday stables & lunch and out again from 2 till 4.

[Page 178]
Colonel Rosy is just as enthusiastic a soldier as ever, and does not spare himself or anyone else till he considers his Brigade is efficient – By the way, he was asking after you yesterday and wishes to be kindly remembered to you. I don’t know whether I mentioned in my letter to Mum that he has had a fortnight in France since he went away sick from Anzac. He tells us everything there was quite up to British thoroughness, but as regards the comparison, he says the Australians have not much to learn in field works or trenches etc.

Since last writing we have had numerous changes in the Brigade. "Bunny" Clowes, who was a subaltern in this Battery with me has gone to Divisional HQ. as Staff Captain, and Eric Vowles is also going shortly as A.D.C to General

[Page 179]
McLagan, who commands the 3rd Infantry brigade, so it is difficult to say who we will have in here now. The Major Bessell Browne whom you mentioned in one of your letters as having his photo in Sydney Mail, coming from Artarmon is a West Australian, but was educated over in Sydney. He commanded this Battery most of the time I was in it at Anzac but is now a Colonel in charge of the 2nd H.O.Brigade.

Rex Rabett is back again and seems very fit. We had a big parade yesterday for inspection by General Archibald Murray but unfortunately I missed it, being up in Cairo on duty.

Yesterday we had a rehearsal of this same parade, and to see the turnout and bearing of the men one would have thought they had

[Page 180]
been doing nothing but march for the last 12 months. The Artillery turned out mounted and looked very well.

I have been up this afternoon to see the 2nd Division Artillery which came into camp last week. Saw Maurice Lenehan there. He looks well. Is coming down to have dinner with us tomorrow night.

I think the scheme you mentioned of having soldiers’ letters deposited in the Mitchell an excellent idea. They will no doubt prove very useful in years to come when history is being re-written.
Well Father I am afraid this letter is awfully dull and uninteresting, but there is very little here to give one inspirations. Am trying to write Mum & Pat also by this mail –

Hope you are keeping well & with love I am, Your affectionate son, Terence.

[Page 181]
39
Tel-el-Kebir
Sunday 6.2. 1915 x 16
My Dear Father & Mother

Many thanks for your letters of Xmas Day. Also papers which come regularly to hand.I am so thankful to hear you are still keeping well – Also have had letters from Pat up to Dec 20th –
We are still plugging away here getting fit as fast as possible. Don’t think I told you we have a new O.C. in this Battery. Major C.G.A.Miles who came away as Capt & Adjutant of the 2nd F.A.Brigade & got his promotion on the Peninsula. He was originally of the permanent Field Artillery in Melbourne and is a rattling good chap & knows his job thoroughly.

Had a letter from Ath Cochrane yesterday. He is in camp at Heliopolis waiting to join his Battalion. Cairo is very dead now. Have been up again on leave since I last wrote

[Page 182]
but there is not much in the way of amusement there now. Saw Maurice Lenehan a few days ago. He looks O.K. Was coming down to mess tonight but has not turned up so far.

Glad to hear you had Dorrie & Jean down for Xmas. It must have been a change for them.

Before I forget. I must thank you for that lovely sheepskin vest which I received only two days ago through the 1st Brigade. Although of course it is rather too warm here to use it, one never knows where we may get to next.

I also had parcels from Aunt Mary & the Castledens by last mail. I think all our Friends & Relatives are far too good to me altogether as I scarcely ever drop any of them a line, but I suppose they can make allowances. I have the job of censor in the Battery but do not seem to be able to catch any inspirations from the

[Page 183]
writers.
Had a nice letter from Del a few days ago. She writes very cheerfully and says Hubby is getting on fairly well. She evidently had not heard of Peter enlisting as she did not mention it. I hope I run across the young Blighter on this side, that’s all.

Exeter letters have been coming to hand regularly. They were having it pretty cold when last we  I heard (Jan 12th) – It does not seem altogether beyond the bounds of possibility that we will have a chance of getting to England yet. I suppose it all depends on how the cat jumps as regards Mackenson’s march on Egypt. I am very much inclined to think the latter will fizzle out . I have yet to write Pat & several other letters by this mail so please excuse

[Page 184]
brevity. I sincerely hope you are both well & with fondest love
I am Your loving Son Terence

P.S. Look out for some Photos. I will send a few along as soon as I have a chance of registering them.

Had a great concert here the other night in the Y.M.C.A. tent. Colonel Rosy in great form, & sang two songs. Our Brigade again to the fore in latest list of honors. Major Burgess of 9th Battery awarded DSO and Capt Waite (Adjutant) a Military Cross. Not bad!

[Page 185]
39
Tel-el-Kebir
22nd Febry 1916
My dear Father & Mother,

Mail for Australia closes in camp here tomorrow so am getting a few lines off to you tonight, tho’ news is very scarce. Since last writing, your welcome letters of Jan 10th have come to hand, also cable wishing me many happy returns. I am glad Pat received mine, even if it was late. I sent one to Father yesterday, also 2 days late but facilities for telegraphing here are not what they might be and one has to take the chance just when it comes.

To try and dig up a little news! Great moves are taking place here regarding new Divisions of Australians being formed. Although exactly

[Page 186]
what they are I don’t know. One thing is that Colnl Rosy is going up a step, and taking command of a Division of Artillery now being formed here, which will make him a Brigadier-General. He thoroughly deserves it, and we are all jolly glad to see him get the command, even though we lose him from this Brigade. Major Burgess is to command us, (the 3rd Brigade) but we really don’t know what happenings may take place any day with the enormous increase that is taking place. Don’t know whether I will get a step out of the shuffle as I am pretty junior in my rank, but one never knows. Hope by next mail closing to know a little more of what is doing.

Had a great Sports meeting here among the Artillery last Wednesday. the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves

[Page 187]
The Hyderabad Lancers who are camped alongside us gave a great display of tent-pegging etc By Jove they are clinkers, and look as if they would stop at nothing. They are Indian troops but lent to Great Britain for the length of the war. I have met several of their officers, some of whom are "Jams" & "Maharajas" and all sorts of "kunts" in their own country. Only the Commanding Officer and his A.D.C. are Englishmen.

Weather is still very mild here but cool enough at nights. Everything in camp is going on much the same. Although we are going through a sort of transformation at present, having to send a number of our old hands to these new Divisions as a nucleus, and taking in reinforcements ourselves to fill the gaps –

[Page 188]
Max Shelley has been down to see me several times and played at a concert we gave the other night in the Y.M.C.A. tent here. The latter institution is doing grand work wherever it is possible for them to push their branches. Lord Radstock, one of the London Council of the YMCA was here for our concert and gave a very fine address –

Athol Cochrane is down here now, & was along to see me the other night.

Ted Olding just back from England & looks very fit. Says Richards is still there, perfectly well, but not allowed to rejoin yet on account of being an enteric –

Arny Brown wrote me a few days ago from the Canal where his Battalion now is, and I was greatly pleased to hear he has received a Commission, now a 2nd Lieutenant – Have heard nothing from Les so far

[Page 189]
While writing this letter I am supervising an examination of N.C.O.’s who are going for promotion. We have had to send a number of our old non-coms away for the reason mentioned earlier in this letter and consequently have to appoint a fresh batch. I have had them at practical work all day, and have set them a short paper for tonight which they are just at present poring over. They are as keen as mustard and so eager to get on that we have considerable difficulty in selecting the best men.

Still no word of our moving out but I suppose we will hear as soon as it is good for us – We are having a very comfortable time here and am afraid we will be too lazy for service unless we are moved soon –

[Page 190]
Have nothing very lately from Exeter, but should have a mail in two or three days I think.

I hope this finds you all well dear Father & Mum
Must say goodnight now
Fondest love to yourselves & Pat from Your loving Son Terence

PS Had a photo taken of myself in Cairo a week or so ago Am sending one along under separate cover. T.

[Page 191]
40
Tel-el-Kebir
Egypt 6.3.1916
My dear Father & Mother,

I was expecting to be able to give you my change of address by this time, but things are still very unsettled & it is quite on the cards that I may have to go back to the 1st Division. The General commanding the Artillery of the 1st Division says he must have more of his original officers & has ordered the return of 2 other subalterns & myself while Colonel Rosenthal commanding this Divn refuses to let us go so the matter is in abeyance. I am still acting Adjutant of the 11th Brigade and if I remain will in all probability get my Captaincy, whereas if I am recalled it will be as a Subaltern. There is a conference

[Page 192]
on this morning & we should know definitely where we are to be placed in a day or so. I am hoping very much to remain is this Brigade as quite apart from any promotion I know Major Hughes, our Brigadier very well & he is a first class Commander and a splendid man to work with.

The weather is warming up again here now & I expect we will be having the "khamseens" (dust storms) shortly.

Am pleased to say I have got in touch with Les at last. Heard his Battalion had arrived in Camp so went up to see him & he has been down here once or twice. He is getting his commission in a day or so which will be very welcome to him I know. Don’t know if I told you in my last that Arny has also been promoted to

[Page 193]
2nd Lieutenant.

Mails seem to have been hung up somewhere. Your letters of Jany 10th being the last received here, although I hear a big mail is expected in Camp tomorrow. Havent heard from Exeter for Lord knows how long.

I expect the summer will be practically over when this reaches you. It must have been a frightfully trying one and I do you hope that both of you are not feeling any ill effects. Had a letter from Mr Broughton by same mail as brought your last & was surprised to hear Mr Trebeck Snr had retired from the Firm.

Those photos I sent by last mail. One is labelled your for yourselves, and I would like Mrs Forsyth to have one & also Mr Broughton. I posted them altogether to save packing.

[Page 194]
The other lot of snaps of Anzac have been despatched some time ago.

Later 10.3.16 Have just quarter of an hour to lunch so will finish this off. No home mails arrived yet.

Things are settled now as regards postings in this Division. I am to remain as Adjutant of the 11th Bde, so I suppose it wont be long before you hve to address me "Captain T.W.G." The three Brigadiers in this Division are Majors Hughes, King & Rabett, with a commander for the Howitzer Bde still to be appointed.

Address me in future until further notice .

Lieut T.W.Garling
Adjutant 11th Field Arty Brigade
4th Aust Divn
Intermediate Base Depot
Egypt

Must knock off now. Fondest love to yourselves & Pat from your loving son Terence.

[Page 195]
Tel-el-Kebir
29.3.1916
My dear Father & Mother,

There seems a fair amount to tell you this week. Various things have been happening, one of which is that I have been made a Captain. Seems a big jump for a start but I suppose I will get used to it before long. Up till now I have been Adjutant to Colonel Hughes but he has now put me in command of the 43rd Battery which I take over today. It is a pretty fair responsibility, but it is a much better job than Adjt in as much as it gives one a chance to improve, whereas a staff job keeps one right out of touch with Battery work. I am sending you a cable this week-end telling you

[Page 196]
my new rank and address. That is.

Captain T.W.G –
o/c 43rd Battery
11th F.A.Brigade
4th Aust Divn.
Intermediate Base Depot
Egypt

Numerous promotions have come through in the Artillery during the past few weeks. Rabett & King are now Lieut-Colonels & commanding Brigades in this Division, of which Colonel Rosenthal has the command. The latter is not a Brig. General yet but I expect he will be made one any day now. It is hard luck being separated from the old 1st Aust Division but it cannot be avoided. They (the 1st Div) have gone off somewhere, don’t know where but expect it is F rance  We will not be ready to leave here for some little time as all these new units need a lot of training before they will be fit for a

[Page 197]
scrap. It is getting abominably hot here now, & flies are coming about in millions so we do most of our training in the early morning and late afternoon.

I have not had any mail from home since the lot dated February 6th , and I fully expect it will be some time before I hear as all my mail will be going on to the old address (3rd Bgde). Exeter letters have also been few and far between lately.

We had an inspection by the Prince of Wales a few days back. He is out here on General Sir Archibald Murray’s Staff. He came round dressed in his Field Service Uniform as a Lieutenant in the Guards and looks awfully frail and delicate. He seemed exceedingly bored and

[Page 198]
could hardly blame him as the day was a "killer."

Went up to see Leslie last night He had just returned from a trip to Cairo & is coming down to dinner with me tonight. He greatly appreciates the change to commissioned rank. Maurice Lenehan is still here. Has been transferred to Colonel Luca’s Brigade in the 5th Divn. Was very glad to hear from him that Eric had sufficiently recovered to be coming back.

I cannot understand Playfair & Swallow’s attitude at all and am much surprised that they did not show a little more courtesy, especially Tommy Swallow as he did not appear to be one of the casual kind.

[Page 199]
Young Jack Newmarch has been back some time now and seems quite strong again.He is Staff Captain to Colonel Christian’s Division (the 5th)

Was very sorry to see by the paper that the "Minneapolis" had been sunk in the Mediterranean. You will remember she was the first ship I went to Gallipoli in, last April.

We have had quite a little romance here lately. An old ex-Imperial Army Major named Hobson who was cashiered in India some years ago for some contravention of the Army Act, went out to Australia and got into pretty low water there and on the Force being formed in 1914 he joined up as a gunner. The old chap has been gradually working his way up and, has just been re-instated

[Page 200]
as a 2/Lieutenant by Special Army order. The special point is that he has   come into a large fortune by winning out, so that the poor old chap is quite overcome & cannot yet quite realise it. As he says it is the most wonderful thing that could happen to a man in the Army, and we are all very glad he has succeeded.

Time is flying so must close up.

Fondest love to selves & Pat

Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 201]
Serapeum
Suez Canal 14.4.16
My dear Father,

Many thanks for your letter of 6th March. You will be surprised to hear that this is the first of yours received since one of the Feb 4th, I expect the other letters have gone on to the 1st Division to France, and I shall probably get them some time in the next month or so.

The fact of those previous letters not having arrived leaves me rather in the dark about one or two matters mentioned in your last.

I am of course very relieved to hear you are all keeping well after the long spell without any news of you. Pats letter of 6th March has also come to hand and I am answering it

[The following is written across the top of the page:]
P.S. Am writing Mum separately this mail. TWG.
Had a letter from Arch Castledon lately. The Naval Bridging Train is being disbanded and Arch expects to ge a commission in the Engineers. He is now in Ismailia but I have not seen him yet TWG

[Page 202]
by this mail.

Well Pater we are getting a little bit into shape now with these new commands. I have an excellent lot of fellows in my Battery. One of my Sergeants being Tommy Clark who used to live on the River. Altogether, I find the responsibility of Captain is not weighing me down so far.

We have had several Light Horse Officers drafted into the Artillery lately as recruit Officers, among which are Colonel Vernon & Ted Hordern (who used to ride past on that brown horse occasionally)

You will notice by the heading that we have moved from our last address at Tel-el-Kebir. We are now at Serapeum, right

[Page 203]
close to the Canal, and about 14 miles from Ismailia. The latter place I visited on Sunday last with Percy Ross another Battery commander in this Brigade. We found it quite the nicest little town we have yet struck in Egypt being all French & Italian, and the nigger element consequently not nearly so thick.

There is a very excellent club there, which has been placed at the disposal of the Canal garrison while we are here, by the Committee, and one can get a very decent bath and lunch there.

I have not heard anything of our 1st & 2nd Divs since they left for France but Eric Richards met them on his way here from England

[Page 204]
He came via Marseilles and our troops were then just moving out of Marseilles into Camp.

Eric Richards has come back looking fairly well, and of course cannot say enough for the way English people have treated him. He seems to have recovered and is now commanding a Battery in Colonel Rabetts Brigade.

All the news of Tom Swallow & Peter Forsyth from you, must have bearing on some previous letters of yours which have not come to hand. Although I notice Pete is going out to Mount Abundance so I take it he is going "on the land."

The news about the Canines is always interesting I would give a good deal

[Page 205]
to have the "purple pup" over here, if they would be allowed but unfortunately there is no place for mascots on the ration strength.

I am lucky in still having my same old charger which I brought with me from the 8th Battery, as riding horses are very hard to obtain out of any of the drafts of remounts that come along.

Colonel Rosenthal (or I should say General now) is still going strong and was asking me lately to remember him to you when next writing.

Your skit on the temperance cranks reads splendidly. We have an Irish doc in this Brigade Mick O’Riordan and he happened to be in my tent while I was reading it and I thought he would have convulsions.

[Page 206]
There is really very little more news here except that the swim we get every day in the Canal is very acceptable. There is also an excellent place to swim the horses on the shores of Lake Timsah. One must have something in the way of a swim to counteract the effect of the "Khamseens" which are blowing here nearly every day and which are the worst we have met in Egypt. The sand here is feet deep and it does not take much to start a good old sand storm going.

Well Father must say goodbye for now. Hope it will not be long before I am writing you from "La France" – Anything to get away from this Sand & niggers.

Love to all from
Your affectionate Son
Terence (over)

[Page 207]
Letter to hand from Exeter dated March 16th. Sis does not seem too happy but I expect it will be better when things settle down. I would make an endeavour to get over to see them when we get to France, as a face from home might help her to settle down better.

I get weekly despatches from Joye & Ken (always profusely illustrated) who seem quite satisfied with their surroundings. T

[Page 208]
[Note inserted in pages of letter in a different hand]
Left Alexandria S.S. "Haverford" 2nd June 1916
Then Captain 43rd Battery

Took in France} 111th 4.5 Howitzer – about middle of June 1916
After a reorganisation of all Artillery – (Batteries) changed from 4 guns to 6 –
Was given Command of 37th =10th Brigade A.F.A. with rank of Major

[Page 209]
SS "Haverford"
June 1916
My dear Father & Mother

We are at last out of the "Land of Egypt" and en route for Marseilles, thence we don’t know where – but expect to go somewhere in the North of France.

We left Alexandria on the 2nd inst and have come a very roundabout course so far on account of submarines, which are supposed to have their bases off  on the African Coast. After leaving Alex we went up to the North of Crete, then South West to Malta and are now just creeping along the Western Coast of Sardinia

[Page 210]
Marseille we expect to reach tomorrow evening, all being well. Nothing eventful has happened on the trip, which has been a great relaxation after the toil in Egypt. There is a good deal of care to be taken of course regarding protection from the Kaiser’s "tinned fish," but all the same our voyage has been very pleasant. One can quite understand the charm of those yachting cruises in the Mediterranean after having come through here. This is absolutely the best time of year of course and the climate is delightful. The sea is a perfect picture, a lovely shade of blue and very calm so far. We have

[Page 211]
only seen land three times since leaving Alex, that was Crete, Cape Bon in Tripoli and the Sardinian Coast.

We have the whole Brigade aboard here, with our horses, besides various details of ASC & AMC etc, about 900 men all told.

We had a parade of the whole 4th Division just before leaving Serapeum for the C in C, Sir Archibald Murray. it was a fine sight – The Artillery marched past mounted, and I know there was one very proud as we swung past the Saluting Base. It is very gratifying to see the progress our gunners have made since we took them in hand at the beginning of March

[Page 212]
If we get a month or so to polish up in France we should go into the firing line very fit.

I had lunch with Leslie at Serapeum about 10 days ago. His Battalion is leaving very shortly for France so I expect to see him over there. He looks very well, but like me has had no news from home for some time. The last I had from you were written on 20th March from Kurrajong, so I am looking forward to running into a lot of back mail over in France.

Have been hearing regularly from the Sis and hope it will be possible for me to get a trip to England to see them one of these fine days –

[Page 213]
We have just had news of the Naval Battle in the   Carregat, but not many details as the news came by wireless. We do not seem to have come out of it too well but according to the report seem to have been greatly outnumbered – However I think the old Bull-dog has a bite left in him yet.

Hope to be able to send my impressions of France shortly – wish I had taken more trouble to learn the lingo but I suppose one wont have much difficulty.

Saw McBudden & Jack Fell lately. McBudden is sending you a photo of me dishing out Comforts Funds Stores to some of our lads at Tel-el-Kebir

[Page 214]
Must say goodnight now, with every hope that you are all keeping quite well
Love to yourselves & Pat from
Your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 215]
[This is a neatly hand printed page with decorative border]
The Letters from time of leaving Australia till evacuation of GALLIPOLI end here, and are followed by those from FRANCE.

[Page 216]
France
27.6.1916
My dear Father & Mother,

This is my first letter from France so I have a fair amount to talk about of course but am afraid I must condense as one does not get a great deal of leisure in these parts.

We landed at Marseilles early in June & entrained there straight away for Northern France. That 3 days train journey I shall never forget! The first day’s run through Southern France was absolutely like Heaven after coming out of the sand. Everything of course is beautiful just now, green everywhere, & the most beautiful shades imaginable. Every inch of the country

[Page 217]
which we came through was cultivated,   right up to the Railway line. We passed several large towns such as Dijon, Lyons etc. and Versailles. The latter of course is the site of the Emperor Napoleon’s Palace & is a veritable Garden of Eden. Paris we did not touch.

On all the stations coming through, there were great crowds of people assembled who gave us a very thrilling reception. We finally pulled up at Havre where we stayed for three days to re-equip etc. It seemed such a short step across to England to see the Sis that I was sorely tempted to make the dash, but it was hardly a fair thing to apply for leave just as we were going

[Page 218]
into action, with most of the Battery new to service conditions etc. However I hope to be able to get over to see them within a couple of months and am looking forward to it ever so much.

After the 3 days at Havre we started out again for the front and after about a week in billets at the rear of the line, we were pushed up here on the 24th to take up our positions. Everything is very different here to the previous service we had in the Peninsula. I don’t know whether to call it better or worse. We either get it very quiet here or as hot as it can be – There is no half & half. The artillery is much more active here & some of the bombardments

[Page 219]
both ours & the Huns are veritable infernos. Still the conditions are good. The country is drying up fast, weather fine, and we are comfortably fixed up.

I must tell you that I have now taken my Battery has now become a Howitzwer (4.5") The General (Rosenthal) wished me to have the Howitzers in our Brigade, as I had done a little of it, so that is how it has come about. The change is satisfactory to me of course as the "Hows" get plenty to do and are absolutely the latest thing in guns. We are now the 111th (How) Battery, not the 43rd as before , although the personnel of the Battery has not been changed.

It is good to see some of the old 1st

[Page 220]
Division crowd again. Have run into quite a crowd of them up here.

Will close now till next week. Fondest love to yourselves & Pat.
From your loving Son
Terence

[Page 221]
Sunny France
3.8.1916
My dear Father & Mother,

I feel very guilty at leaving you so long without a letter but must ask you to forgive me. We soldier people get most horribly slack at doing anything in the way of writing when we are moving about so, as we have been ever since our arrival.

So far we have been in the firing line without a spell for about 6 weeks. It is the supreme test for a Battery to see how it works under fire, and my little crowd have so far come through well, so I am rather proud of them. Our casualties have been very light, only two wounded. Most of our work has been the usual give and take business "Holding the line" altho’ we were

[Page 222]
in one big show, the battle of Fromelles, just south of Armentieres. It was about the hottest thing I have seen while it lasted. (About 2 days).
They say one lives & learns. I am quite sure I never knew what Artillery was till I came here. The Bosche has splendid artillery & handles it like a tradesman, but the British, they are superb! We have been in many different parts of the line and everywhere the R.F.A. is a "household" word.

I have been rather careful about making statements about war prospects etc. but from what one can see here, I am convinced the Bosche has just about "lost his punch". He may attack us again but I think he must be getting pinched for men, and will be mainly on the defensive henceforth, though the pushing of him will not be "beer & skittles" as his system

[Page 223]
of defence & handling of his artillery & machine guns is too good. However, enough of war!

We are just on the point of being relieved & going into billets at the rear for a spell. We shall be out a few weeks and – (I say it with hushed breath) I may find myself crossing the old channel for a few days. I have written to Sis & told her that I may get a chance of a trip, so hope I wont be stopped.

This billeting arrangement is a most excellent idea. All the men have comfortable weather proof quarters, and baths etc abound in plenty. I was quite surprised to find that the weather could be so hot in these parts. The last few days have be most oppressive.

Have not seen any of the old hands lately as we are detached from our Infantry at present. Saw Maurice Lenehan a week

[Page 224]
or so ago. He is keeping very well.

Have received two lots of letters from you this last week, both Father’s of May 12th & June 10th & Mothers of same dates. Also numerous papers which are very acceptable just now.

Am glad to hear all are well. What changes Pat must be working in the crib, I would like to get a photo of it very much if you can get one.

As you say the news of poor old K of K came as a shock. Very hard luck for him just as his year’s work was beginning to show fruit. However, I suppose he would not have wished his end otherwise –

Will drop another line before this mail closes which will not be for some few days.
Meantime, with best love to yourselves & Pat

I am your loving son
Terence

[Page 225]
Belgium
4.9.1916
My dear Father

Very many thanks for yours of 10th July just received. It is awfully rotten hearing that my letters have not been reaching you as I keep them going as regularly as circumstances will permit, and you should never have a gap of more than a fortnight without hearing. Sis has also not been hearing regularly, and they only found out 3 weeks ago from my letters that I was in France. She is wildly excited at the prospect of my getting a trip over to them, and I hope it will come off. I would give anything to see them all. Perhaps when things settle down for the winter I may get across. There is too much doing just now to hope for it.

[Page 226]
This is a fearfully wet place we are in. All low lying country with canals & moats every hundred yards or so. Not nearly so interesting as France, although it is just across the Border. The French people seem better agriculturalists and their country is as pretty as a picture. Our fortnight out of the line was put in at a little place called Lumbres, just near St Omer.

I managed to get into a fine chateau just by chance, together with Capt Percy Ross from Qld who commands the 41st Battery of our Brigade. The Family who lived there, named Canoune, were most kind, and made us awfully comfortable. We had plenty of tennis & croquet & I am afraid were very loth to leave when our time was up. I have sent Mary a snap taken there which no doubt she will be showing you. It is a wonderful relief to get among some decent society again.

There is not much local news. The General is going strong. Rabett & King are also well. Their None of the other

[Page 227]
Friends have showed up lately, as we are at present detached from our Div and are supporting Canadian Infantry. I received a great surprise on arriving here to find that to date Canada has only 4 Divisions in the Field, and one of those minus its Artillery, while Australia has 4 Divisions on service complete & a 5th almost ready to take the Field. When one compares the population of the 2 countries, Australia 5, & Canada 81/2 millions, it makes one realise what a great feat "God’s own country" has accomplished in raising and maintaining the Army she has. It is believed that Gen "Sam" Hughes Canada’s Minister for War will not rest until he has equalled Australia’s record, but they will have to increase to 81/2 Divisions before they are up to our average, which does not include our Light Horse Division still in Egypt –

This is a fairly hot corner we are holding at present and has been the scene of some of the fiercest battles in France the war. It is the Ypres sector

[Page 228]
and the Bosche artillery is very strong here. We go on the principle of kicking him ten times, for every one he gives us which is the only way to q keep him in his place. The old Town of Ypres would hardly be recognisable to anyone who knew it before the war. We hold it of course, but it has been pummelled by both sides, our people in the taking when Fritz was in possession, and by the Germans ever since. The old Cathedral is battered beyond all recognition. Seems an wicked shame –

Roumania’s step over the brink on which she has been hovering should have an enormous effect on the outcome. It means the central powers will have an additional 500 miles of battle front now that Bulgaria has pushed her nose in, besides having to resist the advances of fresh troops into their Territory & Greece seems to be just hovering as to what action she will take. It seems as if she will have her hands full with internal trouble if she does not declare on the side of the Allies.

[Page 229]
You will be tired of listening to this everlasting war chatter, but as I said before our world is very limited here.

I hope to be able to tell you in my next of my first impressions of the "air". I am going up in an observation baloon to have a look at the country – directly we get a fine day. The weather has been rather inclement for the sport of late. Many of our chaps have been up for a spin in a plane but I have not achieved it yet, as it is rather difficult to get away.

I hope your old enemy rheumatism has been absent during this winter. You did not mention it in your last, so I trust you have weathered round the cold months without an attack.

No more news just now, so will close, with love from

Your affectionate Son Terence W.Garling

[Page 230]
Belgium
19.10.16
My dear Father & Mum,

After 3 weeks without mails, needless to say was delighted to have your letters of 3 Sept. also Adam Lindsay Gordon’s poem illustrated from the Pater –
Strange that in neither of your letters is any mention of hearing from me, but I see you are in possession of the address 111th, so take it some of my letters must have found their way along. By the way, my Brigade is still 11th, only the Battery number was changed –

Had also a letter from Mr Broughton this mail

[Page 231]
He writes such interesting letters, and keeps me well posted with all the happenings in old No 12 O’Connell St – Must try and drop him a line this mail if possible Mr Trebeck also wrote me from Orange –

Now comes the rotten part of this letter – Today being the 19th, another week should in the ordinary course of events see me going on leave to visit the Sis. Instead of that I am the unhappy possessor of a badly sprained ankle, and although I am not going to Hospital, the wretched thing will keep me on my back for at least ten days – Have had it four days

[Page 232]
and it is making good progress, but only rest will fix it, so I have to keep quiet. Am still at the Battery, but have brought my senior subaltern up, and intend to go back to the wagon line tonight myself, as I am only in the way here –
Now, am I not a Jonah? Of course it doesn’t make an awful difference to me as after 2 years one gets sort of callous, and a week or two is neither here nor there, but poor old Sis will be disappointed as I wrote and told them I was coming. I am hoping

[Page 233]
we wont get a move order suddenly, which would necessitate my going to Hospital. As these days one stands very little chance of getting back to the same unit after going to the Base, and I don’t want to lose this Battery if I can help it –
Letter from Sis a few days ago – all well there and they think their new home will be much healthier & pleasanter than West Avenue –

Glad Gerald G. is going into a How Battery He will find it the most interesting work. Eric Richards, who is now a Major in command of an 18PR Battery here is leaving for England

[Page 234]
in a day or two to form & train a Howitzer Battery for his Brigade the 12th –
It is only a remote chance of his striking Gerald or Jim Castleden, but in case he does I am sending him a note to keep an eye on them. They would be lucky to get into Richard’s Battery as he is one of the best Artillerymen I know, and is sure to have a good Battery.

Leslie I have not seen for a week or so. They He came over one day with some letters from home to show me but I happened to be down at the O.P. –

[Page 235]
Mum was asking in her letter if there was anything she could send along – Well if it would not be too much trouble, a few tins of welcome nigger tobacco would be most acceptable. It is very hard to get a brand of tobacco here that I like That is really the only thing I need, as it is also unobtainable in England.

Sorry those photos of Mr Budden’s have not come along but I am sure he would be only too pleased to send another. I never see him these days, but Jack Fell frequently looks us up.

[Page 236]
You will think this a very uninteresting letter I am afraid, but it is the old story, lack of news, unless I cared to manufacture some –

Voting on the Referendum here today. Very strong appeals from WM Hughes & General Birdwood have been circulated among the boys – to do their duty and vote "Yes". I don’t think Hughes chance of getting it through here was worth a tinkers cuss till the exemptions were published a few days ago, and which wh have veered

[Page 237]
the concensus of opinion round to another view.

Must say goodbye now for the present

Fondest love to selves & Pat
from
Your loving Son
Terence

PS Many thanks for Heralds & "Bullys".

[Page 238]
[Paper headed:
Officers Hospital
Anstie Grange,
The Holmwood
Surrey]
30.10.16
My dear Father & Mother,

Well here I am in England, and in one of the most beautiful counties, Surrey, and in a most charming home, which has only lately been turned into a Hospital. I arrived late on the night of the 28th, and have been in bed since with a splint on my gammy leg, but I expect to have it off today for good – The injury, to be precise was a fractured fibula, and will only require rest

[Page 2 is saved as Page 240]
now, as it has set quite well.

So far my glimpse of England has been one view from my bedroom window, but it is beautiful. There are long rolling downs, timbered here & there and dotted with beautiful homes. This Hospital is a wonderful old place, standing at the top of a hill and with charming gardens & lawns. It was originally the property of Admiral Heath and his son has fitted it up and presented it to the Government.

The Staff consists mostly of volunteer

[Pages 3 and 4 are saved as Page 239]
nurses, and they are wonderfully keen and eager to copy their professional sisters –

My room mate is a young New Zealander named Park, who has transferred to the Imperial F.A. He was shot in the back and cannot walk much, and we have had many a good laugh since we arrived at the efforts of the nursing staff to get him off the stretcher on to his bed on the first night. About 12 of them were clustered round, all eager to assist, but no one doing anything and it finally ended with his practically getting in himself. However, they are most kind and cheerful, and we have everything we want.

I wired Sis early yesterday morning to say I was here, but up to time of writing have not heard from them I quite expect some of them will be along as this is only 23 miles from London taking about ¾ of an hour in the train.

[Page 241]
I hope to be able to get about on sticks in a few days and should then be able to give you more interesting descriptions of this wonderful country – There is a car attached to the Hospital here for the use of patients so I am looking forward to some nice jaunts round the country.

Fondest love to selves & Pat from
Your loving Son Terence

[Page 242]
c/o Sis
5.11.1916

[This letter appears to have been incorrectly dated by the writer and to have been written on 5.12.1916. Letters dated 26.11.16 (saved from page 249) and 6.12.16 (saved from page 257) put it into context.]
My dear Father & Mother,

Have only very few minutes to scratch a line for the mail closing tomorrow (6th) via America. No doubt Sis has told you in her letter today all the news about me - I am doing famously and if these chilly winter winds don’t shrivel me up I should be quite fit for anything in a week. The oriental tinge has quite left me and I am back on ordinary diet – The foot is still a little weak but improving rapidly. I go before a Board on Monday next and don’t expect they will send me back to France under three weeks, so am hoping to spend Xmas here

Mum’s letter received here last week gave us the news of Pat’s enlisting – I do hope he is not in camp yet and will have Xmas at home at least. I cabled

[Page 243]
saying "strongly advise Artillery" – This I know was the branch he intended to go for, but thought it would do no harm if I added a word as he cannot do better than that – I will drop him a line next mail.

It is no use going over old ground, or what will be old, to you and Pat, by now. It would be only deception if I said I do not feel very keenly the step he has taken, but I know, or partly know, what torture he must have been through, and he has done all that a man could do, and I realise that his, not mine, has been the hard fight – he must only trust that this cursed war will be soon over and that we will all be together again. Needless to say I am anxiously waiting news of how he has got on with the School, and if he is not successful in getting a commission in Australia, I will be able I hope to give him a hand over

[Page 244]
here.

This is all I will write now as time presses. Have had no letters from home f since arriving in England, but surely cannot go much longer. It relieves the tension to read your letters to Sis & Ted. Don’t alter my address as I will be getting letters forwarded from the Brigade –
Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 245]
9.11.16
My dear Father & Mother,

Ted forwarded me your cable received by him on the 7th. I wrote fully from France on the 16th, (the day after my accident occurred) giving full particulars, but as this letter would not reach you for another fortnight, I thought it advisable to cable as follows:

"Small bone ankle broken through fall, set satisfactorily duly requires rest"

You would naturally be anxious for particulars, but don’t worry about this for one minute. It is only a simple fracture, and there is not the remotet remotest chance of the injury being permanent. It is now being massaged daily and in a week at the outside I should be able to start walking on it. I have put on a lot of weight the last few months (14st. 11 lbs) and it will not do to hurry it too much.

I am getting first class attention and am most comfortable

[Page 246]
in every way.

We are still getting fine days occasionally, and a day or so ago I had a run out in a car for a couple of hours. It was an eye opener for a bush-whacker like me, for although France is beautiful in parts, this Surrey country surpasses anything I have yet seen. The Autumn tints are at their best, and there is not a single feature that does not please the eye. People here are awfully good and there is never an afternoon that someone does not send their car to the Hospital to take anyone out for a drive who cares to go, besides giving us standing invitations to their homes, and some of the Estates in this county are indescribable. Mrs Arbuthnot (to whom Mr Baileau gave me an introduction) likes lives not many miles from here and if possible I will go and see them, though I expect when

[Page 247]
I have visited the Fishers there won’t be much of my leave left for running about.

There is a meet of the Surrey Union Foxhounds here on Saturday week, and although the quality of the fo hunting has deteriorated greatly since the war, I am looking forward to it greatly. Nearly all the families have managed to retain some sort of a neddy that can "lep" a bit.

Had a visit yesterday from a Mrs Carse the wife of my senior subaltern. They are Melbourne people (relatives of the Falbeniers of Riverina) but Mrs C is living at the Isle of Wight while her husband is at the war.

Have written to Del Stott also but her reply I think was forwarded on to me to France. However I will write again, and try and see her before I return to the front.

Ted & Sis have not been up since, but they write almost every

[Page 248]
day, and send me papers etc This morning they forwarded me your letters of 18th Sept to them, which are a fortnight later than any I had from you in France.

This mornings paper reports the loss of the Arabia in the Mediterranean with Australian mails aboard, so I expect we are doomed to disappointment again next week.

This will go by Xmas mail so I will give you my very best Xmas wishes. My third Xmas away from home and I sincerely hope the last.

With all my love to your dear selves and the Brother

Your affectionate Son
Terence W. Garling

[Page 249]
50 Pennsylvania Rd
Exeter 26.11.16
My dear Father & Mother,

Have delayed writing you for few days as have been rather unsettled as to my movements but I had better tell you the whole history. I was to have been discharged from Hospital last Tuesday but on Monday developed a distinct yellow tinge and the Doctor thought I was in for jaundice and postponed my discharge However, on the Wednesday

[Page 250]
I was better and he let me go. I came down here after spending a few hours in London and yesterday I was still feeling a bit queer Sis got her Doctor round to see me, and the result is I am back in bed here. It is only a slight attack of jaundice, but I am to lie up for a week or so, as the weather is rather risky to be about, very cold and misty.

Of course I did not want to give Sis the trouble of having me on her hands and suggested

[Page 251]
as mildly as I could that I should go back into Hosp. but as I expected she wouldn’t hear of it. I am ever so thankful to be here anyhow as its like Heaven after Hospital –

Sis & Ted have a nice little home, no ground of course, but none of these places have. It is well situated on a rise of the country which is the main thing with Kenneth. Although he seems to be weathering along this winter allright.

After hearing from Sis the state of things here

[Page 252]
I am not surprised that they are dissatisfied, although the business is to good. The war is the only thing keeping them from going home now I am quite sure as Ted could not well sell except at a loss and he would be foolish to do that –

I have been out very little, as I had to go the to bed on the 3rd day after my arrival here – we went to the local Theatre one night which I nearly went mad over, but beyond

[Page 253]
that have had no excitement much –

The present instructions I have are to report in London on the 11th Decr for examination by a Board to see if I am fit to go back, but owing to this attack, I think they are sure to give me an extension of leave. I could not realize I was in London on Wednesday It of course does not begin to impress one till after seeing a good deal of it. It was a foggy morning and I drove from Victoria Station through

[Page 254]
Hyde Park to Paddington where I left my baggage and then drove on down to the Strand (via Rotten Row where I saw some fine horseflesh,) Pall Mall, & Piccadilly – I did not have much to do but went to the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall where I am an Honorary Member, and then on to the Strand Palace Hotel for Lunch. The traffic control is simply wonderful, but I hope to be able to write a decent description when I am well enough to

[Page 255]
get about and see things. Ted & Sis are going to have a weekend there when I am fit. It is unfortunate that the Season is so far advanced as the trees are mostly bare now, and give the country & Parks a very dreary appearance –

Sis & Ted are wonderfully well and also Miss Mackenzie. Mum’s letter of Octr 17th was delivered here on Friday but none have been sent on

[Page 256]
to me from France yet.

Will finish off now with fondest love to yourselves & Pat.

Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 257]
c/o Sis
6.12.16
My dear Father,

Your letters of 7.9.16. 12/9/16 (Card) and 17.9.16 have come to hand since my letter of yesterday and you can imagine with what joy I opened them after almost [indecipherable but probably 6] weeks without hearing, and although they were behind the dates of letters received by Sis & Ted, they were none the less welcome.

The card of "A Bush Sawmill" is a real touch of home – I am sending you a card of a place we visited on Sunday last – Torquay, a famous watering place on the South Coast. There is no denying the beauty of the Devonshire scenery, and coming as an ordinary tourist from Australia one could not help being enthralled. I am afraid however I did not enthuse as much as Sis would like – I have been too long away

[Page 258]
from home to enthuse over scenery however beautiful, and I think the average Colonial after 2 years absence would be more excited at the sight of a good old Spotted Gum than the most beautiful Garden of Eden you could put him in. Here everything is beautifully peaceful and no harsh outlines or glaring red rooves to hit one in the eye, and the fields of col chocolate red blend very beautifully with the green –

I have been improving the shining hour the last few days by taking lessons in motor mechanics. I attend a Garage every afternoon for an hour and then go out for an hours driving – The fees for learning here are very low, and it is a good opportunity of seeing the country besides learning something useful. I drive a 36 Horsepower Darracq car, and am able to negotiate corners with hitting the curb stone now

[Page 259]
After Breakfast 7.12.16
Ted tells me that by posting before 12 today I will catch an [Onext?] mail so will rush this through & post it on my way down to the Hosp for massage.

The copy of New York life (Aug 31) came by post this morning Many thanks –
Goodbye for present.
Love from your affecta Son
Terence

[Page 260]
c/o Sis.
Exeter 20.12.16
My dearest Father & Mother,

After a week in London, I arrived back here a few days ago to find your letters of 16th & 24th Octr (Mum 2 and Father 2) waiting for me, also Bulletin of 28.9.16 – The other papers I expect have been retained at the Battery.

You will probably be wondering why I haven’t said anything about myself in my last letter, but truth to tell I am feeling so perfectly well that I almost forgot I had been off color. The attack of jaundice has quite disappeared and the foot is splendid – so I am feeling very bucked with myself and thinking I ought to be saying goodbye to this life of ease.

I am afraid my week in London was not spent quite as profitably as it might have been. First of all I was not in a mood

[Page 261]
for going round looking at musty old buildings and things but all the same I managed to cram a good deal into the time. One cannot say much about London on such a short acquaintance as mine – It does not strike one till it has been well explored, and then the size of the city, and the wonderful system of traffic control impresses one very much – I stayed at the Waldorf Hotel which is very central, just in Aldwych off the Strand – The most wonderful thing that happened to me I think is this – on the Sunday morning after I arrived in London, I was walking down Rotten Row with another Officer of our Division who is over on leave; when who should I meet, of all the people in the world, but old Arny – I can tell you we nearly shook one another’s hands off. I had lost track of him

[Page 262]
altogether, and was almost afraid he had been counted among the missing – It appears he was wounded in November (shot through the neck) and has been in a London Hospital ever since. He is now allowed out every day, so we spent the week together He is quite allright again and expects to be discharged in a few days – We could have spent months together but unfortunately it couldn’t be managed – However we may meet again before we go back He has now gone to Sheffield to his Uncle ad says he intends writing to you –

Now for the more serious part of my letter – You will have Ted’s telegram today asking if you would like to come over here. This, as you will have already surmised has been sent after a lot of conclave between Sis, Ted & myself. Needless to say if I may give my

[Page 263]
own feelings in the matter first it would be almost unbelievable happiness to have you both over here, and within a reasonable distance of seeing you, but – these are facts which I would not be doing the right thing if I did not put perfectly plain before you –

First – if you came you would probably arrive in the Summer time and a more congenial climate could not be wished for, but if you had to spend a winter here, it is worse than anything I think you can imagine – It is all very well for people who have been brought up in this climate but for anyone used to Sun and warm atmosphere, it is terrible. The fogs seem to get everywhere and the very taste of them is nauseous, besides the rain and cold and to be perfectly plain, a more gloomy city than this would be

[Page 264]
hard to find – At least I find it so – The country would be better, but country places are either of the large order, and out of the question, or else hovels – I must put it this way so as you will not be deluded in any way.

Then you would have Sis & Ted and they quite intend if you come over that you will make your home with them – You know dear old Sis is fond of rather sweeping aside everything to in the way of balanced consideration, to attain something she wishes for. She dearly wants to see you both happy and that being so I am afraid she may not put everything before you as I am doing – I mean now, with regard to Kenneths health. Only a week or so ago she was most emphatic that he would not be able to stand another winter

[Page 265]
here, and she may have to take him out before next winter – If that happened and you were here, you would have only Ted as of course he could not quit thr till the war is over –

Then – I am possibly putting this in the most pessimistic form. If it so happened that Pat & I had not been able to get leave to come across during the Summer, you would not like to return, and you may have to put in a winter here alone. Of course Kenneth seems quite allright so far and this fear of having to take him back may be quite dispelled by the end of this winter if he has no trouble – Let’s pray it will – In that case Sis of course would be ever so much happier and more settled with you here, and she would not feel so utterly alone – In fact it would be a God send to Sis & Ted to have you both here

[Page 266]
Next – the money. Don’t worry about this as we can manage it. As you know most of my spare money is locked up till after the war and Ted will have to stand the immediate output, but I will arrange to recompense him, and you know I would not wish to spend the money in a better way than by giving you what you both would wish, - I trust you wont think I am getting morbid after reading this letter. I do so want to see you and yet I thought with the glowing accounts to Devonshire we have had, you might not think the winters were severe. They only last a few months of course, and with care you probably would not be subjected to any of the unpleasantness of the cold months.

You will I expect cable Ted in reply to his – I may be in camp at Salisbury Plain as I go there tomorrow, and expect to go back

[Page 267]
to France till about the 26th of this month – I am trying to arrange to spend Xmas here and will cable you with the glad news if I am successful. Sis is very much afraid they will send me back before Xmas and wants to hang the whole Army, but I think I will be with them for the festive day.
Address me as usual 11th Bgde – Must stop now as its bed time –

With fondest love to yourselves and Pat
Your loving Son
Terence

[Page 268]
Havre
7.1.17
My dear Father & Mother,

Your more than welcome letters of 12th & 14th Novr reached me the day before I left Exeter to return to camp at Salisbury – You will have heard from Sis that I was suddenly sent for to return to France, consequently the last few days were very broken up. I left Southampton on the 1st inst. and have been hung up here ever since but am probably going on up country tomorrow or next day.

I had a splendid time taken altogether while in England, but was never quite able to shake of a cold, which has fortunately now disappeared. Probably the sea air of Havre has done the trick.

[Page 269]
It is most disappointing that the parcels you sent me should have gone down in the Arabia as I was looking forward to them no end. However some of them may have been saved and will be waiting for me when I reach the Battery.

I just missed seeing Gerald the day before I left Salisbury – Found he was at Lark Hill, about 16 miles away, but had no time to run across and see him.

Will be anxious to hear from Ted whether you have cabled definitely about coming over.

Must stop now to catch the mail. Your loving Son

Terence W. Garling

PS Saw Gen Rosenthal in London a few days before leaving. He asked to be kindly remembered to Father
Our Colonel (Hughes) has just won the D.S.O. T.W.G.

[Page 270]
France 12.1.17
My dear Father & Mother,

This is really the first chance I’ve had of sending anything like a letter since leaving England – Have been mostly on the move, and not the most pleasant thing in the world this weather. Troop trains which travel about 6 inches an hour, and mostly minus their windows are not conducive to comfortable travelling – However, I have managed to exist so far. Am at present at the Base Depot at Etaples, and leave again tomorrow for Amiens, and from there by horse up to the Battery which is in the line near Peronne – Will be heartily glad to be back in harness again – This moving about is very boring work –

[Page 271]
I came over in the boat from England with Maurice Ferguson from Jerilderie – He has been through a school in England & has just got his commission – was surprised to hear he is married and the proud possessor of a son & heir, ten days old! He married an English girl when he was on leave from Gallipoli last year.

Also had a strange meeting today – Was out with a company for exercise on a route march, and was talking casually to an Engineer officer who was with me. And he turned out to be a Darbyshire, nephew of Aunt Laura – He seems a very nice fellow indeed –

I will wind up with this short note for the present. There is absolutely nothing in the way of news –

Your loving Son
Terence W.Garland

[Page 272]
France. 5/2/1916 [there is a cross and note, possibly in another hand, indicating that the date is actually 1917]
My dear Father.

Was feeling very blue yesterday till I got your ever welcome letters of Novr 21st and Dec 12th the first for ten days and I was beginning to wonder what had happened as Sis wrote some days ago and told me she had forwarded them – mails are very irregular here

[Page 273]
as we have to send back 12 miles for them to Railhead, and then some are missed in the sorting, and come on a few days later.

Was in the middle of an action yesterday when your letters arrived. We had a fairly thin time but came through allright. The 4th Infantry brigade attacked a strong point and our

[Page 274]
artillery was in support – The assault was made about 10 pm, and they everything carried everything before them. The Hun counter attacked to dislodge them at about 2 am this morning and again at 4. but our chaps (the 13th Battalion were too strong – we were firing all night keeping down Enemy artillery fire

[Page 275]
and putting up a barrage of shrapnel. About 70 Prisoners were taken and our casualties were only very slight. Our relief from the line was postponed on account of the above, but we may go out now about the 7th – I have settled down to my new command but am very short of officers still

[Page 276]
but will have one back from England in a few days. Meantime things are a bit busy. I have applied for young Maurice Fergusson from Jerilderie who has rejoined the Division but don’t know yet whether they’ll give him to me.

General Rosenthal was round today. He’s a marvel for

[Page 277]
a man of his bulk the way he gets about – All footwork here and he travels at top speed all the time. The horses have a tough time in the frost & we have to shoe ‘em with spikes to give the poor beggars a chance to keep on their feet. By the way the General always enquires if I’ve

[Page 278]
heard from you and says to remember him to you.

Ted [Oeding?] is just alongside me here with his Battery (the 2nd). Colonel King is still away at some school, but we are expecting him back any day. Major Williams is temporarily commanding the

[Page 279]
Group, and does it jolly well.

I wrote old Les as soon as I arrived back and had a reply from him by same mail as yours. He is also away at a school and says he is having an easy time. He expects to be back here about the 8th so I hope

[Page 280]
to see him. I never knew anyone who has so many friends and acquaintances as the same Les. Frequently on being introduced to people their first remark is "Are you any relation of Nipper Garling?"

Later 7.2.1916
We are still here but orders have been received for our relief on

[Page 281]
9.2.17 = I will be heartily glad to get out as the Battery wants pulling into shape which its impossible to do in the line –

Colonel King returned today and I am going up to HQ later to meet him.

That piece of Xmas Bush you sent me travelled well. I recognised the dear old flower

[Page 282]
instantly – It will be preserved allright The photos mentioned have not come along yet, but I am hoping for some more mail this afternoon –

I am rather anxious to hear what success Pat has in coming out as a Lieut – I trust he will, but in case he doesn’t I’ve been cogitating

[Page 283]
what’s best to be done when he arrives at this side. Of course I would like to have him in this Battery, but Brothers in the one Unit are not always a success especially when one holds the reins, as it causes discontent if the other one gets a push up the ladder, no matter

[Page 284]
how deserving or capable he is – As far as I can see at present I will try and get him with a good man – who will take an interest in him and the best one I know of is George Ellis from Tasmania, who commands the 45th Battery in Rabetts Brigade. He is a great friend of mine and a sterling chap in every way. I have not spoken to Ellis yet, as its early in the day, but will do so when I hear what date Pat is likely to be over etc – I haven’t any doubt whatever that Pat will do jolly well over here especially in Artillery, as anyone having a knowledge of mechanics and mathematics such as he has can pick up gunnery easily -

[Page 285]
Must stop now Father as I have to go to HQ. Will be writing Mum also by this mail.

With best love
I am our affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 286]
18.2.1917
My dear Father,

I sent you a cable this morning with Birthday wishes. Should have sent it 2 days ago to reach you on time but it was not for want of thinking of it. No opportunity to get it through till today.

This is not a letter but mail closes today so am just letting you know we are still OK - Incoming

[Page 287]
mail also arrives tomorrow so hope to have something from you.

Love to all
Your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 288]
France
Sunday 4.3.1917
My dear Father & Mother,

Another week has gone rather more quickly as we have been on the move, and are now in billets about 20 miles behind the line.

We came here on the 28th doing the trek in one day. Our horses were rather done up but have now recovered well being under cover and on good rations.

We are not doing very much here except a little drill to brighten the show up a bit. Had

[Page 289]
a big contract to get this Battery into anything like order as it was allowed to go down by the last O.C. I have a good lot of officers now. Lieut Syd Walker who used to be in the 44th with me is my Battery Captain, and the Subaterns
are Rowlands, Tate and Maurice Fergusson from Jerilderie. The latter only came to me a day or so back, altho’ I have been trying to get him for a long time – The General seems quite pleased with the way we are getting on which is satisfactory – No further news of my

[Page 290]
majority coming through tho’ the Staff Captain tells me the promotions are expected out any day now.

This village we are in is just the ordinary main street and about a dozen "estaminets", small stores in which the chief stock in trade is "oeufs" and "vin d’ordinaire" – We are quartered in the school house, a cold building of about 4 large rooms, but we usually manage to appropriate a bit of coal to keep a fire going – there is not

[Page 291]
much in the way of recreation except what we make ourselves but there is a large city about 6 miles away, Amiens, where it is possible to get a change from Army rations and a hot bath etc –

Gerneral Rosenthal had me down at his chateau last night to dinner. He was most affable and we had a long yarn about things in general. He is a most entertaining man, as is his

[Page 292]
Brigade Major, Major C.W. Bates of the R.F.A.

This is a senseless sort of letter but I don’t want the mail to go out without some sort of a line to you.

I have not been sending any letters to Pat lately, thinking he would have left If not of course give him my love.

With all my love dear Father & Mother

I am your loving Son
Terence

[Page 293]
From Terence
14.5.17

[Page 294]
France.
18.3.1917
My dear Father & Mother,

We are back in our billets again after a hard three days in the line. Not hard in the fighting sense but in the way of inconvenience – we were ordered in to support another Division in the attack on Bapaume. After toiling all one night to get our guns in, we commenced our reconnaissance only to find the wiley Hun had retired behind Bapaume, so we had to turn round and come out again. The other Division went forward, but there wont be much fighting till the Bosche stops on his Cambrai line – He is very shrewd as his retirement hinders our offensive and he is saving his men

[Page 295]
all the time.

All letters have been hung up since I wrote last. Had a wire from Sis asking how I was as she was cabling you and wanted me to include something about me. We are in very comfortable billets here – Percy Ross & I rode over to a neighbouring village a couple of nights ago to see Les. His Battalion were billeted there and we found him just coming in after a strenuous game of football. He looks well and as usual is in the best of spirits. His crowd had a camp fire concert in the evening, the entertainment being given by a troupe of pierrots, men of the AIF who are struck off duty

[Page 296]
to provide amusement for troops when in rest. They were really splendid & we enjoyed the show immensely – Les returned our call last night and came over with young Varley, also in the 45th Battalion.

Today is Sunday and for a change it is a day of rest with us. Church parade this morning, and nothing to do this afternoon except amuse ourselves –

Fergusson & Tait, two of my officers have gone into Amiens, the rest of us are giving our attention to a football match the boys of the Battery have arranged. It is a treat to get out of the mud on to some clean country where

[Page 297]
[There is a page missing here from the letter]
In one of Mothers former letters you asked me how I thought Ted was progressing in his Business. Well to be plain, I thou don’t think he is progressing at all. Mind it is only owing to force of circumstances and not to any misrepresentation of the p concern. He told me he was making £1000 a year and that his expenses did not exceed £300. – owing to the war he finds it hard to get an operating man, which if secured would enable him to almost double his business. As it is he is much tied down, and I don’t think he can hope to have things improve till after the war. I think his position is absolutely sound, and he has done

[Page 298]
the right thing, but he has burned his boats and must hang on now till conditions improve. His business is all a cash one, and he has no bad debts to worry him.

The whole trouble is the social side of the outfit. Sis has no one she can make friends with, and there’s the long & short of it –

Must cease this chatter as time for writing is up – with fondest love from

Your loving Son
Terence

Note In my last letter I meant to say the Bank had advised me of receipt of that £50 – I cabled for it thinking I would be in England for some months, and the living ex’s there are the devil – I was in France again before it arrived, but had plenty of back pay to carry

[Page 299]
me on in England
TW.G

No further word about my Majority but its expected any day now. T.W.G.

[Page 300]
France
29.3.17
My dear Father,

Excuse this short note but my writing capabilities never too good at any time, have been somewhat hindered by a broken thumb nail, the result of a football match a few days ago –

We are still out resting and expect

[Page 301]
to go back into the line in a day or so.

I have received your letters of 18th & 22nd Jan. Many thanks, also one from Mum which I am acknowledging this mail.

We have had a splendid time out here – Plenty of sport such as football & paper chasing etc

[Page 302]
and are all feeling the benefit of it. Had a half mile flat race today for officers chargers in which my little brown horse carried the laurels – I must try and get you a photo of him, but the restriction on cameras makes it difficult –

No further news from Exeter - nor

[Page 303]
Am anxious to hear Pat’s movements. Suppose you next letter will give me his time of leaving etc
Weather improving here as regards temperature but too much rain for my liking.

Am just writing a line to Mum so goodnight Father, with love from
Your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 304]
[The first line at the top of the page regarding the date is written in a different hand in ink, and initialled]
Date evidently should be 7.5.17 - Inadvertently figure 4 used instead of 5. WMNG

France 7.4.1917
My dear Father,

Am snatching this opportunity during a lull in proceedings to reply to your delayed but still welcome letter of Feb 19th – readdressed from Exeter –

No doubt you will read of events happening here about this date, and consequently understand if my letters are rather short and scratchy – Am in a cellar at present in much battered village above which is my observation post for the scene of operations - We have been battling for 4 days now for a small sector of the Hindenburg line, which being a vantage point for the Hun, is not easily taken. Our Batteries have all had

[Page 305]
a very thin time, but we are arranging reliefs of men etc for a few days at a time which eases the strain on them. We are firing on a average 1000 rounds a day per Battery and on the commencing day of the attack, my Battery alone fired just under 4000 rounds.

Arny Brown is up in this vicinity – His Battalion went to the attack in the first wave and did very well. The same Arny is now a Major and has been awarded the Military Cross for his work on the Somme last year. He was up to see me today and stayed for several hours, his Battalion being out for a rest.

I have not seen Les for some weeks but hear he is OK. –

[Page 306]
Getting through this stunt, we are expecting to go out of the line again for a few weeks which will be very pleasant at this time of the year, weather warming up nicely & no rain for the last fortnight.

Will drop a line again later when opportunity presents itself. Meantime with all hopes for your’s and the dear Mother’s health & with love

I am your [affestace?] Son
Terence

[Page 307]
France. 19th Apl 1917
My dear Father,

It is a week or so since I have been able to scratch a line home and that week has been rather more full than usual with events of more or less interesting nature.

We have been in action in this position

[Page 308]
about 12 days. We are away west of the famous Town of Bapaume and consequently temporarily at any rate out of the battle scarred area. This is country fair to look upon and clothed with grass – It is more on an open fighting basis

[Page 309]
& naturally attended with more strenuous times. We sleep when we can & eat when we can, but we are all happy. The Hun is practically back on his "Hindenburgh" line and a very strong line it is. Great masses of barbed wire in front of him, and a most elaborate system of trenches. However "for every evil under the sun etc," and I am sure our people will soon think of a means to have him again on the high road for Berlin.

America coming in is going to put a severe financial strain on Germany

[Page 310]
besides putting a damper on his morale.

We have had a great deal of excitement here one way and another. A few mornings ago the Hun came over about 3000 strong with the object of capturing our guns which he avers were annoying him considerably.

[Page 311]
Our people in front were ready for him and got on his flanks with machine guns, the result being he didn’t get the guns and left about 2000 of his people on our hands, wounded & prisoners, Prussian guards at that. All the same he is not an opponent

[Page 312]
to take at all lightly.

The majority I wrote you of has come along and I have asked Sis to cable as I have not opportunity of doing so. It is temporary so far owing to there being senior captains in other Divisions who may be recommend as suitable Battery Commanders. I am enclosing you the A.I.F. letter which explains the situation.

Very little news of any of our friends lately. I had a letter from Frank Turner who has just secured his Commission at Lark Hill. Lt. Col King is still going strong. Also General Rosenthal. My old Colonel (Hughes) has been sent to a Reserve Brigade

[Page 313]
at Lark Hill, England, on account of ill health.

My chaps have had a hot time in this quarter but fortunately our casualties have been light. They have all done very well and I have recommended several for decorations including Maurice Ferguson for some

[Page 314]
good work he did while forward observing.

No news of Les for a couple of weeks now, but Arny sent me a message a few days ago to say he was OK etc

No more news at present Father so will close

Your afectell Son
Terence

(over)

[Page 315]
PS Many thanks for Herald & Telegraph of 17/2/17 and "Bully" of 19/2/17 Received last night
Terence

[Page 316]
France
1.5.1917
My dear Father & Mother,

Your several letters (Fathers of 26th Feb & 4th March Mothers of 5th March) reached me yesterday. Ted forwarded them on to me – Am thankful to hear you are both keeping well, also the Brother – He is certainly on the right track with the Army life. Ted sent me a copy of his (Pat’s) examination paper. It was a very solid test to give a man recently joined. I doubt if many of the officers here would be able to pass such a test.

Am answering the above letters together as we go back into action tonight and I have a fair amount to see

[Page 317]
to – I am just writing this sitting up in my bunk at 7 am. We are in tents back here, & find the life above ground agrees with one ever so much more than a dug out existence. Weather the last few days has been beautifully warm & fine, almost like Australian spring days.
Letters from Exeter this last few weeks have been ever so much more cheerful – They had been to Bournemouth for Easter which seemed to buck them up considerably.

Anzac day here was only sufficient to stir up mild enthusiasm among the
[indecipherable] days here. Some of the Regiments of in rest held sports etc. but we gave it a bye. The thing is inclined to be overdone anyhow.

[Page 318]
You remember I was telling you of Gavan Aspinall & young Lloyd joining the Brigade? – They were both hit at our last position. Only very slightly in Gavan’s case. Lloyd has gone to Hospital but will be O.K. I think.

Father’s letter I have handed to General Rosenthal. He was in rather a hurry & did not make any comment beyond to thank me & said he would be glad to read it.

All our friends over here I can think of are well. Lt-Col King is still in the line. He came down on Sunday and had dinner with me. Lucas I suppose you know is back in command of the 1st D.A.C- Toomey I haven’t seen for months. Richards is back from England but haven’t

[Page 319]
seen him yet. Hall is acting Battery Captain to 43rd Battery. Selmes, McLaughlin Kingsmill, Olding, all still with 1st Brigade.

Must leave off now for other matters demand a little attention, including a shave & breakfast etc.

With fondest love
I am your loving Son
Terence

[Page 320]
France 13.5.1917
My dear Father,

Many many thanks for your two letters of 14th & 18th Mar, also post cards from Swain’s – Jove! What a host of recollections that one of Rushcutters Bay brings back – of the trips in "Culwulla" with Marles and "Tempest" with old McGale, coming home in the evening burnt as red as lobsters but feeling like a race-horse in training! –

Your letters as usual are full of interest Father, and fortunately when they arrived last night I had finished work for the time being, so had an uninterrupted hour to sit and read them through. I am of course following the Brothers movements very closely

[Page 321]
through medium of your letters, and feel I would like to be doing something to help him on, but at this distance it seems impracticable – I have already told Gen Rosenthal & Col King that he is coming along, and I think when he arrives he will get a pretty fair run. I mentioned in a former letter about endeavouring to get him into Major Geo Ellis’s Battery in the 12th Bde (under Lt.Col Rabett) The above has now become an Army Brigade and is consequently out of this Division so that I may work something else to keep him somewhere in my vicinity when the time comes. My late C.O. Lt.Col. F.A. Hughes is now commanding the Reserve Brigade, Aust Artillery at Salisbury Plain. And if there are any candidates wanted

[Page 322]
for schools in England for officers, I know he will give Pat a look in. Much as I would like to see him an officer now, the experience as an N.C.O. will be invaluable to him, and he will not regret having been through the mill when he eventually does attain commissioned rank. I know how much I used to feel handicapped through not having been an N.C.O. on a gun, and it seemed like trying to run before I could walk, and I had to go right back and fill in the gaps gradually before I had any confidence to shoot a Battery.

Well now, as to news! Same old thing, nothing new at all. The last ten days have fagged us pretty well but tonight we move out of the

[Page 323]
line, and I hear we are to entrain for another part of the front. Its about time too as this Corps has an unequalled record of 7 months in the line, and I think we may now be going to a quiet part for a few months.
You will recognise our part in the operations of last few days by corresponding dates on cablegrams. We have had a lion’s share of the fighting for Bullecourt and only last night was the final objective taken. Still it again goes to prove that our Infantry can put it over the Hun, giving him in his trenches and previously prepared positions & defences.

Letters from EXETER this mail sound a heap more

[Page 324]
cheerful. I think the bright weather has bucked them all up.

I forgot to comment on the manner of conducting Pats exam. It is very disappointing for him of course, but he musn’t lose heart but just keep pegging away. The longer he is in the Army the more he will realise that a things of that sort, and changes of orders at last minute will be frequently met with. They have just to be put up with, with as good grace as possible, and the man who can "carry on" in spite of all these disappointments is the man who is beating the Hun!

[Page 325]
You asked me in a former letter what I thought of Pat’s behaviour would be under

[Page 326]
fire – I know it will be the same as 90% of the other Australians and that is the best . Once a man gets his first initiation over he realises that one must be a philosopher at this game of war. If his "number is up" he will get it sooner or later, no matter what care he takes of himself – One doesn’t worry after the first couple of days –

[Page 327]
Will stop now as sending Mum a line also –
With love and hoping you are well
I am your affectao Son
Terence

[Page 328]
From letter of 13.5.17

[Page 329]
France 2.6.17
[Transcriber’s note:The following words have been added in another hand: Belgium – see page 3]
My dear Father,

Your postcards of 23rd & letter of 30th March duly reached me & for which many many thanks Your letters make me really ashamed of the miserable attempts I send you in return, but know you will understand the difficulty one finds in writing anything like a collected letter these times, and also the scarcity of news. First let me say how glad I am that Pat is still with you & hope he will remain so a long time. There is nothing much to be gained in rushing across especially if he has a chance of promotion on that side. I saw Les a few days ago. He had just returned from Leave & was down to have a yarn. He

[Page 330]
told me Gerald was still a loose end in Salisbury Plain being unable to get across yet. Seems extraordinary the time these chaps are kept hanging round base camps but I suppose it’s the old story, if a man does his job there & makes himself useful, he will be only parted with by under protest by the commandants of these Camps. Billy Watson was also down here with Les – He looks very well & keen to get his "baptism" over, but he seems changed in some way or other. Not so rollicking as he used to be –

I think I told you my majority has now been confirmed, and the cable you got from Ted giving you the news was the one I said I was sending from here – just at the time, cable communication was suspended from here, so I wrote and asked Ted to send it for me -

[Page 331]
This letter was headed "France" as a matter of habit. It should be Belgium, [Transcriber’s note. The preceding lines have been underlined in a different hand] not that that conveys much as to our whereabouts but you will know we have come out of the Somme – after 7 months! We are in the line here, but having a quiet time so far. There is a wild rumour afloat, (very vague) that a movement is under way to have 5000 of the 1st Contingent sent back to Australia for a time. This is only what we see in the papers and nothing is official, but it gives rise to the thought of how delightful it would be to be home again, even if only for a short while.

Talking of cats! I have just come in from an early morning reconnaissance for forward battery positions, and in coming up a communication trench

[Page 332]
from the front line came on a tree which had the inside of the butt hollowed out and there was a poor old tabby with a brood of young kittens, only a few days old. The trench had been terribly battered by shell fire last night and Lord only knows how the unfortunate felines escaped – we had thoughts of transplanting them to our own gun pits, but eventually decided to leave them as they seemed quite satisfied with their lot, and we should have to leave them when we move – Its an extraordinary thing how many cats come through the inferno of gun fire when these villages are bombarded – Many of them are to be seen walking about scarred and singed & maimed, but still "carrying on" as if nothing had happened.

[Page 333]
"Cats" (continued) 2nd page

The popular belief about of our furry friends having nine lives seems to have a very solid foundation =

Our old war worn horses are revelling in this grass country after the Somme mud although the last month put a lot of condition on them – My own two look a picture – The little brown horse is shining like velvet in fact the men have christened him "Velvet" while the big bay is full of beans & is not above getting his head between his forelegs if I am unwary – I have several times tried to get you a photo of the pair of them but as you know cameras are "tabooed" and even professional photographers

[Page 334]
cannot ply their trade out of doors –

Must close this note now Father, as I have only a short hour in front of me & want to write to Mum, as well as getting some other letters written –

With every hope for your welfare, and love
I am your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 335]
Transcribers Note. This is the business card of

Brigadier-General George L. Lee
Commandant
2nd Military District (N.S.W.)
Australian Military Forces

with the hand written words: Hearty Congratulations for Major Terence.

[Page 336]
Belgium 16.6.17
My dear Father & Mother,

No doubt over a week has elapsed since my last but we have been so much at it lately that I’ve rather lost count of the days. I will be going to the wagon lines for a spell in a few days so will send a Cable from there to let you know all is well –

Your letters Father of 15/2/17 & Mothers of 2nd & 16th 2.17 reached me tonight, also Town & C Journal – There is a rush for the mail bag these days as we have been some time without letters owing to operations, and news from God’s own Country is eagerly looked for –

No doubt you will have read of the Messines battle & realised we would be in it. What is filling my mind these days is

[Page 337]
the loss of dear old Les. It seems so awful that I can hardly realise he is gone – It is one of the times when we wonder if its all worth it, as these things happen. We all realise that if our time comes while on service we are going out in the best cause but it makes it no easier to bear when a comrade is taken – I cannot tell you anything more than the enclosed letter written me by our Chaplain, Capt Stevenson, who met Les on several occasions, - He refers to one instance of their meeting which was when we played football against them – A finer or straighter man than Les never lived, of that I am certain –

The operations just concluded have been very successful, but we had to put in a very hard week of it – we opened the bombardment at dawn on the morning of the 7th, and about 4 hours afterward

[Page 338]
our Division of Artillery was ordered to advance in close support of the Infantry. My Battery was the first to advance and we got into action without casualties – Then however we lost our best officer, Maurice Fergusson, only wounded but he had to be sent away. On the whole we got off lightly and things have now settled down to their normal state Maurice Fergusson was out as F.O.O. for the Battery and did splendid work – He was allright a few days ago and expected to go to England for convalescence.

I am finishing this letter off rather abruptly and as no time to write more at present and I may not get any opportunity to continue it for some days.

Fondest love from
Your Son Terence

[Page 339]
[Transcribers note: this is the letter from the chaplain referred to on page 337]
B.H.Q.
12/6/17
Dear Terry

Coming back this evening I looked in at the H.Q. of the 45th Battalion & am sorry to say got bad news of your cousin. As a result of the stunt on the 7th he is listed as "wounded, believed killed" He received several wounds & fell & someone gave him water & rations but had to go on. Eventually we failed to hold that part

[Page 340]
and never retook it. That is the story as I got it from Varsley but he said it was only a very slender chance that your cousin was still alive as those who saw him fall are sure that his wounds were very serious. I am so sorry about it, old fellow, and I remember how friendly and kind he was the day we played them.

The Battalion lost 16 officers in all, 8 killed & 8 wounded. The killed include Capt. Young. They are going out

[Page 341]
to-night to somewhere near Steenwerck. Varley asked me to let you know what had happened & said he would try to see you himself.

Yours Padre

[Page 342]
France
29.6.17
My dear Father,

This is perforce a very short letter, but I want to let you know all is well with me and also acknowledge your very welcome letters of 15th & 29th Apl, received this week. I think a letter be it ever so brief is more satisfactory than a F.S. postcard.

We are going into the line tonight and will be busy for a few days learning our country. I think it will be a quiet spot as its just an ordinary "holding the line" job –

Am writing Mum by this mail.

Hoping you are quite well, I am your loving Son
Terence

[Page 343]
France
19.7.1917
My dear Father & Mother,

I fear this letter must appear frightfully dull. Fact is, the same old war topics still fill the day, and I am sure you don’t want to hear these - We having been having a pretty rough spin lately, not in the way of fighting so much as being constantly changing position, and all means work work, work, constructing gun pits etc –

We always look forward to a good long spell out of the line to do some training but of course something is always doing

[Page 344]
during Summer months and if we are not in a "stunt" we are holding the line in some quiet spot –

I am expecting to go on leave in about 3 weeks now Have a little programme mapped out including a few days in Ireland, but of course its such a total change to get over in England at all that I may decide to stay down with Sis – I will go down there for a few days anyhow – England is beautiful now from accounts of some of our fellows who have just returned including Percy Ross who spent most of his time down in Cornwall –

Maurice Fergusson is over on leave at present from my Battery. He returned to duty from Hospital much too soon so the rest was badly needed in his case.

[Page 345]
Just left off this letter to witness a marvellous spectacle, & although we have seen it so often, it is none the less fascinating. Our people have just opened a furious bombardment about 2 miles to our north. The night is absolutely pitch black, with low clouds, the whole sky is illuminated by gun flashes in addition to which the enemy is sending up myriads of varie colored rockets from his trenches calling up his artillery into retaliation --- no pen on earth could describe these sights as we see them. Sometimes these bombardments stir up activity right along the line & the artillery of both sides opens a tremendous "feu de joi" for several minutes gradually dying away when it is discovered that it is nothing more than a little

[Page 346]
raid.

Have very little news about any of the boys. I had a long letter from Gerald asking if I could tell him anything about Les, but to which I sent him all particulars I could, just as I gave them to you, but I fear they must seem doubly inadequate to him – However, it was no use trying to garnish what must be a terribly distressing occurrence, on account of the awful uncertainty.

I had a letter from Ath Cochrane a few days ago – He is still going through a school at Oxford.

Have seen nothing of Arny since April. As we are now in another Corps, and removed by 50 miles from part of the line he was in.

Must stop now. With all my love to yourselves & Pat
I am your loving Son Terence

[Page 347]
[Page has the letterhead: Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, W.C.2.

27.7.1917
My dear Father & Mother,

Got the shock of my life a day or so ago to find I was coming over on leave. I arrived here yesterday and feel sure it is going to be a decent holiday this time. London is a very different place in the Summer time and it is a pleasure to get about. I was going down to Exeter first

[Page 348]
but have changed my plans & am going down to Brighton for a couple of days first. I had a rather nasty dose of gas just before leaving the Battery & think a couple of days swimming will set me up.

I telegraphed Sis as soon as I arrived but she has not replied yet.

No letters from you for what seems years but the last couple of mails have been sent down. There was a mail in just as I left so I suppose

[Page 349]
I will not hear now till I rejoin.

Have not struck any mates over here yet but Tommy Clark is in Hosp at Brighton so I will look him up there – He had a spill from his horse a few weeks ago & is nursing a broken ankle in consequence.

Will write you again from Brighton – Hope you are both well & that

[Page 350]
some news will soon be forthcoming

Fondest love
Your affectat Son
Terence

[Page 351]
France 17.8.17
[Transcriber’s note: There is a notation in red pencil at the beginning of this letter: Coln Kings leaving Battery through nervous strain – ]

Dear Father & Mother,

I am sending this off as theres a mail leaving, but a usual I’ve nothing to say. The "war is still on" That’s about all – we are in a quiet part now, & will be I think for the next week or so, which is something these days as all idea of rest while the country is dry seems to be out of the question these days.

Several changes have taken place in our Brigade

[Page 352]
& Division lately –

First and least agreeable is that we have lost our Co. Col King, who has gone to command the Reserve Brigade, at Lark Hill. We all miss him very much, although he has a worthy successor in Lt. Col (late Major) T.I.C. Williams. Col King had a great deal of continuous work, which he was a tiger for, fo but I think the worries of a Brigade Commander from an administrative point of view rather frayed his nerves. I am enclosing a letter he wrote me just before leaving. It is

[Page 353]
of course only for yourselves.

I don’t know whether I told you in my last that I saw Lt Col Lucas in London. He is going back to Aust for 6 months & promised me he would telephone you first opportunity & try & make an appointment for a yarn with Father –

Saw Billy Watson yesteday & all the H.Q. of the 45th Batn except Varley who is away at a school. Billy is in the same boat as I am about letters. He has not had any from home since April

[Page 354]
I had of course yours of 29th May readdressed on from Sis, but that’s all – Its rotten the consistency with which they seem to bag Aust. boats.

Will stop now – as I want to get a letter off to Mary & a visit to the wagon lines is pending so must hurry.

Love to selves & Pat
Your affect son
Terence.

PS I am sending the Mother a short cable today. Enclosed is a photo of Lt Col & Mrs Williams. I would like it kept for me, as they get spoilt over here TWG

[Page 355]
[Letter from fellow officer, 23/07/17. Signature indecipherable]
Dear Garling

I told you a few day ago that I had been experiencing considerable nervous strain and that I had put my case before the CRA. Today I received instructions to proceed to England tomorrow, starting at an early hour. Much as I would have liked to wish you and your battery goodbye & good luck, I think it is best (for myself anyway) that I should go without ceremony. I do not know at the moment what is to become of me in a military sense as D [indecipherable] [Drs?] have not informed me.

Will you please accept for yourself and convey to your battery my deepest gratitude for all that you and your officers and men have done for me during many trying and varied experiences. Nobody better than myself realises the magnificent support I have always had from you under all circumstances.
May you have the best of fortune in the future.

Yours Sincerely

[signature indecipherable]

[Page 356]
[Letter from Garling to his Father, 3rd Aug. 1917.
Re allotment & deferred pay 72
France
3rd August 1917
My dear Father,
I have been treated very well the last two nights as the mail brought me your letters (3 of 22nd 25th and 26th June) also a number of Heralds & Bulletins –
Apart from the usual pleasure your letters bring, there was the great news of Pats admission to officers school – Its simply grand, and I know now he’s got that far he will come through allright. Your letters also contain the information that news of poor old [indecipherable] disaster had been received

[Page 357]
II
I have told you in my previous letters all I could of this so won’t make any further comment. I have been doing what I can for Gerald over here to get him up to a Unit – (He is still in details) and I think have got him fixed up now to come to this Brigade. Letters come along regularly from Exeter. They seem to like their new home very much on Thor[n]ton Hill – The place they were in when I stayed with them was a charming little home and it’s a great pity they were

[Page 358]
III
forced to change. Have nothing fresh from this side – Had letters this mail from Arny and Ath Cochrane. The former has been further honoured with a D.S.O. – They are both out in the back country having a good rest and our Division is going back in a day or so to re-equip and do some training. I have a great many new men in the Battery the last few weeks – They are all reinforcements and new to active service but a clinking good lot of chaps. Young Eric Lamb from Mosman is

[Page 359]
IV
amongst them. Mum will remember him as a friend of Reg Wise’s – Aspinall is doing well, I saw him flying past my billet yesterday on a fresh horse – and he didn’t look too happy. Knees up near his chin and feet forming a right angle with the horse’s body. I think Gavin is much more at home on the end of a main sheet than a pair of reins. However he is keeping his end up allright

[Page 360]
V
Strange you should have run across old Emme. He was a great old chap. I lost track of him after the breaking up of the 1st Div that time in Egypt. In fact I see very few of my old men now. Toomey is OK. tho’ I havn’t seen him for months. Have run across a bit of a relative in my Brigade – namely one Bourke – He has been Adjutant since Iv’e been in the Brigade but I only discovered a few days ago that his Brother married Daisy

[Page 361]
VI

Garling – who I take it is one of Fred’s family. I don’t think this Bourke fellow has been home for some time, in fact he seems a bit of a loose end – I am not pressing the relationship anyhow - Maurice Fergusson is still away on the Divisional Arty Staff and doing well – I forgot whether I told you that Gen Rosenthal had handed over command of our Div Arty to Gen (late Col’) Burgess, a Tasmanian

[Page 362]
VII
who came out in command of the 9th Battery 1st Divn – Burgess is a most capable man, and a nice chap too. We are extremely fortunate as the man who has been appointed to succeed Gen Holmes in command of the Division (Gen MacLagan) is a thorough good sort. Gen Rosenthal had gone to command an infantry Brigade, but I think it’s only a preparatory step to his promotion to a Divisional Commander. They are so many changes going on these

[Page 363]
VIII
times that its impossible to enumerate them all. You will probably be surprised to hear Tom Swallow has returned to Australia – Don’t know what happened, but it appears he made some tactical error and had to pay the piper – I am very sorry as I like old Tommy very much – whatever happened there was no slur on his character and he’s had a pretty rough time. Am sorry I have never been able to secure that Photo of my little brown horse

[Page 364]
IX
but as you know all cameras except official are "tabooed". The same pony is at present suffering from a kick on the knee, but will soon be going strong again. Horses are a problem in this country and with the light ration it has one thinking how to keep them in condition. We are allowed 12 lbs of Oats (whole) & 10 lbs of Hay per diem for our horses which is allright for these

[Page 365]
X
nuggety gun horses but we get hold of many which are too big for the work and they are the very devil to keep in condition. I had the misfortune to take over very poor horses in this Battery on the Somme last Xmas and although some of them have picked up, there is a percentage that has never recovered from the awful doing they got that winter

[Page 366]
XI
we had no shelter and temperature as you know was for days 10° below freezing. I wonder we didn’t lose half of them altogether – (I find on reading the foregoing that the word "horses" appears nearly every second line, but I wrote hurriedly so please forgive the careless phrasing)
regarding my allotment - I am making an extra allotment today payable from 30th September 1917 to you

[Page 367]
XIII
what you will be putting in the Bank for me so I can keep a tally of my "financial position" – Don’t stint yourselves over this money Father – and I hope with what Pat can spare you will be able to some little comfort, such as a trip occasionally or something of the sort. I am drawing 35/- a day now 5/- of which is deferred and with my allotment of £1 I will have ample for my needs.

[Page 369]
XIV
I will say good-bye now Father – trusting you are keeping well
With love from
Your affectionate Son
Terence

P.S.

XII
of 13/- per day. This with the 7/- I have already alloted and which you are drawing will make £1 a day. I want you and Mother to take as much of this as you need, and place what remains to my Ct with Comm Bank.
Will you please write to me and let me know when this is fixed up, and you are getting the money. Please also let me know

[Page 368]
I am sending the authority to Staff Paymaster London today to alter my allotment from 30th Sept. and he will advise Paymaster Sydney of the change
TWG

[Page 370]
If necessary for further enquiry regarding T.W.G’s increased allotment – communicate with
X District Paymaster
Victoria Barracks
Paddington

7th/11/17
Note – Staff sergeant Brown – seen by W.M.N.G. [Garling’s Father] re matter of Terence’s increased allotment – No advice received at date by military – they will notify Moore St
(over)

[Page 371]
[Note in same hand as previous notes]
[Money] order office when request from Terence is received & will also notify W.M.N.G.

[Page 372]
France
1/9/17
Dear Father
reference my change in allotment
This will date from 2.11.17 not 30.9.17 as I told you.
The Pay office required longer notice to make the change.
T.W. Garling
37 Battery
10 Brigade

[Page 373]
73 France
16/9/17
My Dear Father & Mother,
A line only to say how delighted I was to get you letters of 10th amp; 11th July. It has been a long spell without any home news.
We are up to our eyes in preparation for an offensive, which we hope will give the Hun a big kick. The news of Uncle Toms illness is most distressing but I trust next mail will

[Page 374]
bring better tidings
Must stop as I’m dog tired & am going to catch an hours sleep before getting up to shoo
Fondest love
Your son
Terence

[Page 375]
No 3 London Gen Hospital
Wandsworth 5/10/17
74 Gassed

My Dear Father & Mother
Have been as blind as a bat the last week from a dose of Mustard oil gas caught in the Hooge Battle of the 26th. I asked Sis to cable you as no doubt it will be appearing in the casualties – I am doing famously now. The gas is not quite clear of my lungs yet and eyes very weak & sore but theres absolutely no

[Page 376]
danger of any permanent injury through it. I may be kept in England a couple of months as attacks may recur up to that time. Anyhow don’t worry at all as Im doing perfectly well and will be getting about in good style in a few days. Fondest love & hoping you are both quite well
Your loving son
Terrence

[Page 377]
75
No3 London Gen Hosp
Wandsworth 12.11.17
My Dear Father & Mother,
It is such an age since I put together anything in the shape of a letter to you that I hardly know where to commence – I am fortunately able to write without any difficulty tonight from my eyes, and think they are fairly on the road to recovery. I have been keeping off letter writing as much as possible, but know Sis has been keeping you advised. My first thought is to thank you for the most welcome letters of 23rd & 26th Sept just received - You can imagine how I felt getting them after all the weeks without a line. Your last few despatches having been forwarded to the Battery and are now dribbling back in twos & threes –
I do trust Father’s injury

[Page 378]
II
is now something of the past. It was indeed a narrow shave.
As you see I am still in Hosp – tho’ it is only the fact that there are no convalescent places for "eyes" here, I could be out. My blinkers improved wonderfully to a certain extent, but the total eradication of the poison seems to be a tedious process – My sight is in no way impaired but the whole trouble is in the lids which are still inflamed, and it is only continual swabbing out will bring them back to normal. I have been here 6 weeks now, & as far as I can ascertain, it will be about 2 or 3 weeks before I can leave Hosp. I am very comfortable here & allowed out daily & have managed to work in a weekend with Sis & Ted. If I am allowed any choice for my convalescence I will try and go to Scotland, & spend the

[Page 379]
final portion at Exeter. However all this in in the "air". I had serious thoughts of trying to work a trip to Australia but on approaching the Doctor was told that I hadn’t a dog’s chance as my time of invalidity for service was too short - The project of sending the first contingent home will I am afraid have to remain in abeyance pending a lot more reinforcements coming forward.
I have managed to see a bit of London, including a trip to Windsor with Molly Cox & Arny Brown. We had a thoroughly good day. Arny is in Hospital here – Molly is nursing at a British Hosp at Croydon quite handy to this place – I was very pleased to meet Molly and she of course had a fund of first-hand news from home -
Everybody here is very disgusted with the tern of events in Italy, and

[Page 380]
IV
many people are very pessimistic over affairs in general – It seems that being a Protector of the oppressed as Britain is, is not the best game in the world these days – She has now to turn round and fight Italy’s battle for her as well as keep her end up on the western front. However I musn’t start on "war" or I’ll never stop – I often feel inclined to get on the stump and talk to these "we can’t lose" optimists on this side, who go about with eyes shut –
There is not much news of our soldier friends just now. Both Col [onel Reginald] Rabett & Dan’l Toomey are in Hosp here, the former with trench fever & the latter gassed – Both are doing well. Richards is still with his Battery, Percy Ross of whom I have spoken previously was here wounded but is now down

[Page 381]
V
in Cornwall on leave – Another officer of the 11th Bde was here, in fact two whom I knew very well. Norman Bellamy & Allan Gray, both of Cowra NSW. They are going back to Aust permanently unfit & they will be going to see you. They are both rattling good chaps and Gray was in my Battery for some time.
The 37th Battery is very much denuded since this last push, Capt (now temp Major) "Johnnie" Walker being the only remaining officer.
Will write again in a few days when I may have an idea of the length of my sojourn here.
With fondest love
I am your affect Son
Terence W. Garling

[Page 382]
PS
Send two small packets through the post. They will be late now, but I was unable to get to town in time. Also one to Pat he will not have left [indecipherable]

[Page 383]
76 Exeter 31/12/1917
My Dear Father & Mother
I arrived here to spend a few days with Sis & Ted on Saturday last the 29th and to my great delight found waiting me you letters of – Mothers 30/10/17 and 6/11/17 Fathers 30/10/17 & 4/11/17 – also your cable acknowledging mine from Lockerbie & best of all news of Pat’s promotion. I never expected he would go down but to hear that he topped the pole is wonderful. I am sending him a cable of congratulation today & will write him by this mail.
I am glad to hear the new allotment has reached you I had to send Father a cable from London asking for £50 to be transferred to any Bank in London – Travelling round here is not done for nothing & my

[Page 384]
II
funds are getting a bit low – I returned from Scotland on the 27th Decr and presented myself for a Board, which awarded me a fortnights leave, I should be going back to France about the middle of January – I am staying here till the 2nd then going North to Edinburgh which place we were able to visit when we were convalescent – My friend Read is going with me and we will probably stay with the people of a chap in the Royal Scots, Campbell- Baird by name whom we met in Hosp, and who extended an invitation.
Mr & Mrs Brook of Hoddam also gave us an invitation to visit them whenever we happened to be this side of the water – They were certainly the finest people I’ve come across over this side – I am enclosing a post card of the

[Page 385]
III
castle – The tower in the centre & the castle keep are about 700 years old but the remainder of the building was erected within the last 100 years – The inside is beautifully finished with modern appliances – electric light & everything that goes to make life comfortable – I don’t know whether I could describe the place fairly! I only know that I have never lived in such a grandly appointed place & at the same time the owners were the very acme of everything one that one expects from British gentle folk – The entrance Hall is entered from a big courtyard & contains many trophies of the chase such as antlers & stags heads, others, salmon, and also a fairly good armoury with all conceivable kinds of ancient weapons – The drawing room was large but not particularly interesting except

[Page 386]
IV
for the pictures which were very fine – The smoking room was very large & beautifully furnished, everything finished in solid leather. This also contained many beautiful pictures including a full length portrait of Mr Brook in full hunting kit as M.F. Hounds – by Martin, also some paintings of his favourite hunters – There was always a blazing fire going there of pine & scotch fir, which was very consoling in the long evenings – The Billiard room was rather a masterpiece in design – all the walls panelled in oak and a polished wood block floor, with fine animal skin rugs – One of the most famous paintings in the house was hung here – The Village Wedding by Fildes – This latter has been exhibited at various art shows all over the world. Father will probably know the picture well – The Billiard table was a splendid

[Page 387]
one and we had many a good game on it – Next on the list but not by any means least in the opinion of 2 hungry soldiers – the Dining room – also oak panelled – Dinner every night quite a ceremony but by no means stiff or frigid – Polished mahogany table set without a cloth & decorated with lace mats & priceless silver – The Laird (Mr Brook) knew a good port and frequently treated us to 1851 & 1863 vintages, as well as some old Madiera, bottled for Napoleon I in 1763! [?] Pictures were also hung here the most prominent being ‘sheep in snow by’ by Farquharson. Also "where next" (a tramp & his family in a country lane) also by Farquharson – Some of the other painting by men I did not know of, but which must have been procured under great competition in the old days -

[Page 388]
VI
So much for the inside. The grounds of course were on a par – Beautiful stables with 15 loose boxes, unfortunately deserted except for a cuddy or two to drive in the dog cart – (All the hunters have been taken over for Army) – The gardens stretch away from the side of the Castle and cover about 2 acres – At the far end Mr Brooke (who is a well known orthonologist) has his aviaries, well stocked with parrots, galahs & cockatoos from all parts of the world, & these of course are a brilliant spectacle – Also a small private zoo with various kinds of monkeys & bears – several Rheas ornament the park together with a small herd of about 30 Scotch cattle, those little shaggy fellows with the straight horns. The remainder of the Estate, some 9000 acres is let out in farms to tenants, with the

[Page 389]
VII
exception of the house farm which the Laird works himself – He does a bit of farming, but mainly sheep & cattle grazing – The latter is a wonderful paying industry at present – while there several drafts of sheep were sent off & a line of old gummy ewes, with 9 months wool on averaged £5/5/- per head – young bullocks, fat but not particularly well grown bring £45 to £48 per head.

Sis is just telling me its time to go down & send Pat’s cable so I’ll dash off – with fondest love to you both & the Brother
I am your affectionate Son
Terence

[Garling worked at a stock and station agent before enlisting]

[Page 390]
[Letterhead]
Hoddam Castle,
Ecclefechan, N.B.

6/1/1918

My dear Father & Mother,
Since writing you from Exeter last week I have done a fair amount of travelling – My friend Read & I left for Edinburgh on the night of the 2nd and had the 3rd & 4th & part of the 5th there, leaving for here midday yesterday – We had a wonderful time in Edinburgh & think a great deal of it as a City.

[Page 391]
II
the finest we have seen in the British Isles – We stayed with the Campbell-Bairds of whom I wrote you – Our friend "Jock" was away when we arrived but his people made us very much at home & were really charming people – as I think can be said of the majority of the Scotch people. On Friday morning we took the ‘bus to Queensferry & visited the Forth Bridge which interested us very much – It is of course

[Page 392]
III
the largest bridge in the world & a masterpiece of engineering. This is where a big proportion of the fleet lie at anchor & at the time we were there a number of Yank battle Cruisers we [sic] lying in the fairway – We also saw "Dave" Beatty’s old flagship the "Lion"
After walking over the Bridge we returned by ‘bus to town & looked up Mrs [Coldough?] ("Bee Pearson) where she was engaged at a Red Cross stall for the troops – We went down to the home and she took some snaps of us in the

[Page 393]
IV
Gardens & is going to send you some – Her husband could have got us trip out to the fleet but time was too short - After lunch we went over the City visiting Sir Walter Scotts monument in Princes St and Edinburgh Castle, the Barracks of the Royal Scots – we then walked along the High St past John Knox’s house to Holly Rood Castle, the Royal Seat in Edinburgh – By this time it was dark & wended our way home feeling that our trip to Edinburgh had been well

[Page 394]
worth while – The City reminds one a great deal of Sydney. Its layout is very much the same, and the shops very similar, though the exterior of the buildings is somewhat different being of a bluish stone – I almost forgot to mention we also visited the National Gallery & Scottish artists exhibition – The gallery of course was wonderful & could not be nearly seen in the short time we had – Among the most attractive works were Raeburn’s portraits. Bonifacios "Last

[Page 395]
VI
Supper" and Etty’s "Judith & Holofernes" -
We left Edinburgh at midday yesterday for Ecclefechan on Mrs Brook’s invitation to spend a few days here before returning – We will be going down to London on Tuesday night & reporting to our reserve Brigades at Warminster the following day. Altogether this holiday has been a revelation & although we could go on travelling about here for weeks, we are both feeling quite O.K. & must be on the war

[Page 396]
VII
path again.
I expect to be able to pay Sis another visit before returning to France as Heytesbury our depot is only a matter of 70 miles from Exeter –
Up to time of writing the Bank haven’t advised me of the remittance of £50 having come to hand, but I expect it will come during the weekend & I will enquire on Tuesday when in London. As a matter of fact I can

[Page 397]
VIII
manage to scrape through with what I have. I was reckoning on the Edinburgh trip being more expensive.
Am enclosing a few more snaps taken on the day we left here for our Board. They are not the best but will give you a rough idea of the place –
Must say goodbye now
With fondest love to you both
I am your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 398]
78 Overseas Training Bgde
A.I.F. Warminster
14/1/1918

My Dear Father & Mother
Am in camp again & although not in harness, it comes as a rude shock after the lazy time I’ve been having these last few months – Read & I arrived here on Thursday night & are now under orders to proceed over to France at short notice – I will be glad to get back among the old crowd although the winter over the water does

[Page 399]
II
not appeal much to me -
Last week end Read & I had a run down to Bath, which is only 18 miles from this camp – It is a very pretty town and apart from the geological interest, it is full of ancient history – The old Cathedral is very wonderful and dates back to 768 AD – We also saw the old Roman baths, and the ancient pump room where all the old people of the early Georgian days partook of the waters – The house of Beau Nash who was

[Page 400]
III
a sort of Grand Master of the Bath is still standing, and also many of the houses of the nobility of the period, that now occupied by slum dwellers, contain some wonderful specimens of masonry and woodwork such as carved stair- cases &c
I had hoped to get 48 hours leave from here to run down & see the "Fishes" but on presenting myself at the Brigade office

[Page 401]
IV
was informed that on account of my warning for overseas being through I would have to remain in camp – I expect they will have your latest letters for me (Nov 28th mail just in) so I must wire Sis in the morning to send them on –
I met Charlie Addison here today, brother of Lance – The latter is to first Division in France as Court Martial Officer so I hope to see him when I get across -

[Page 402]
V
I came across an old photo of the Brigade tonight taken at Bailleul in France – amp; enclose it. Unfortunately I was away with Maurice Fergusson at the time & did not get into it. I probably won’t know the old crowd when I get back there are so many changes – Col Williams has gone to the 12th Army Brigade, and Col R.M. Edwards D.S.O. who used to be a section commander with me in the old 8th Battery has our Brigade –
Must say goodnight now with fondest love to yourselves & the Brother
Your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 403]
79
France 27.1.17 [later corrected to 18]
[Note added later]
Enclose Rosenthal attached between this letter and No 80
[See note page 406]
My Dear Father
This must indeed appear a poor reply to your long & interesting letters of 14th and 26th Nov. forwarded on from Sis, but having just taken over my old Battery in the line (37th) I find I have my hands very full in grappling with new men & new tasks – I arrived back in France on the 19th inst and after 6 days working my way up the lines of communication was heartily glad to find a home, rough tho’ it is – We are in a quiet part at present – Very little shooting tho’ the mud is very bad amp; it is hard to keep up an air of

PS Enclosed is a note from Rosenthal written me last year – I would like it kept as a memento as I predict big things for the same Rosy in a military capacity after the war.
TWG

[Page 404]
II
"prosperity" – However I hope to have things more comfortable in a week or so –
All my old Officers have left the Battery, except Greene who still flourishes – Walker has his Majority and has been transferred to the 12th Army Brigade – as also had Col Williams – We are now commanded temporarily by Major R.M. Edwards D.S.O. & I hear there is a likelihood of Col King coming back to us – Rabett has gone to Australia & Rosenthal has the 1st Division – The reason for Rabetts return I could not ascertain unless as you mentioned in a former letter home influence worked it – Anyhow he’s a lucky dog to get the trip back – and I wouldn’t

[Page 405]
III
mind if one were offered me – Worst of it is I’m pretty fit and a Medical Board would think me a "comedian" if I asked for 6 months leave on health reasons! –
Last mail also brought a letter from Mr Broughton – He is jolly good to keep up his interesting letters as I’m afraid my replies are few & far between & even then must seem dismal affairs.
Must close this now Father as several matters have to be fixed up before I turn in –
Hoping you are feeling much better than when you wrote & continue to do so & with love
I am your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 406]
September 1st 1917
My Dear Garling
Very many thanks for your kind note. You will of course realise it was no small wrench to leave the old guns and gunners.
I shall always look back with much pride and pleasure to the strenuous times we all had in building up the 4th D.A.
My best wishes to you personally and to your officers and men, and the best of good luck and good fortune be with you.
Very sincerely yours
Charles Rosenthal

[Newspaper cutting attached later]
X
Brigadier General C. Rosenthal C.B. C.M.G., who was appointed to the command of the 22nd Division of the A.I.F. in the changes that followed upon Sir John Monash’s elevation to the chief command of the A.I.F. in the field, has been promoted to the rank of major-general. The new major-general held the rank of major of Field Artillery in Australian military forces when he was appointed to the A.I.F. in August 1914. He reached the rank of Brigadier-General on February 2, 1916, and was appointed to command the 9th Infantry Brigade. From this command he was promoted to take charge of the 22nd Division of the A.I.F. on June 15. He is 43 year of age.

X From S.M. Herald 10th August 1918

[Page 407]
80 France 9.2.18

My Dear Father
Your welcome letter of 30th Nov. duly received for which many thanks – I seem to be a bit behind with mails from home as many of the fellow here have had up to 15th December, but no doubt a little delay in mine is occasioned by their going to Exeter – Mothers letter of same date is also to hand which I am acknowledging separately with this mail. -
I have been having a fairly strenuous time this last week getting my old show together besides the ordinary routine firing & preparations for defence

[Page 408]
II
that we always have to undertake in the line – I have a completely new set of Officers except Greene my senior subaltern who was with me before I went away – The others are Capt F McAdam, Lieuts Smith, Mossman & Bussell. My old Battery Captain, Syd Walker has got his majority & command of another Battery, while the other old hands are still away –
Am surprised Col Lucas didn’t ring you up before – I don’t hold any great brief for him, and think were I in his place I should try and discharge these little duties as soon as possible -

[Page 409]
III
Your summing up of the failure to carry the conscription I think is absolutely sound. No doubt the womens’ vote made the greatest difference – I have refrained from making any comment of the ghastly business previously – I felt nothing was to be said – Perhaps few, except some of us over here realise what a set back it is going to give the country both in commerce & immigration after the war –
Must hurry this off. I am afraid Father, as its late Mothers letter is still unwritten
so with love
I remain
Your affectionate Son
Terence

[Page 410]
81 France 10/2/1918

My Dear Mother
Ever so many thanks for your letter of 2nd Dec just received. I have been reckoning up & find that the mail from Aust. of 13th Dec is also due, but no doubt my letters going to Sis will occasion some delay – There is the advantage however of getting my mail per medium of the "Fishes" that should my address be changed I can always notify them in a few days from here –
Rain set in here tonight so expect the morn will disclose to us a dreary waste – We are in the battle ground of 31st July

[Page 411]
II
last, and altho’ bearable in fine weather, the country is so shell torn that a drop of rain turns it into a veritable quagmire – Nothing very much doing here at present tho’ we are busy preparing for the Huns threatened effort – May he attempt it is our fervent wish, as we are convinced he will get the biggest "slathering" of the war -
Had a field service P.C. from Athol yesterday, with a reminder I hadn’t written him – so I dashed off a note – Peculiar I have never run across him, but expect I shall do so when we next get out

[Page 412]
out of the line – That is predicted for us at the end of this month – All other Divisions have had their month out on the Coast except ours so it is reasonable to expect that we shall get our turn – This being "shock" troops as we are called isn’t bad, but rather interferes with one’s period of rest as we might be pushed off to another part of the front at short notice -
I am thinking of pushing for Paris leave should we get out – Most of our people have been & a chance of seeing Paris in Spring is not to be sneezed at I’m told

[Page 413]
IV
Old Ross is away in England at present doing a school of gunnery. I miss him a lot as he is great company -
I have not been able to hear anything about Terence Wise – He would probably be over here now so I shall write to Horseferry Road & try & ascertain his address. You ask me for a few suggestions as to Pat’s kit – There is really nothing he could buy to advantage in Australia except a bed valise. These used to be made very well by S. Walder, the Tent maker. If he could get a good strong one it would last for all time, and be more comfortable than the ones bought in England or

[Page 414]
V
here - I would not advise bringing an extensive kit – Underclothes I think can be purchased better in Australia than in England, but all other articles could be left till he got to London. A big cumbersome kit on transports & moving about to Camps &c in England is more than a nuisance

Later 12/2/918
I put this on one side finding there was no mail till today – I was round the 110th How Battery today & was accosted by a prosperous looking Bombardier (1 stripe) Asked me if I remembered him which I did. Turned out to be one Agatter (friend of the Pitts) whom we used

[Page 415]
VI
sometimes at Trevellyan. He remembered being in Camp with Pat at Liverpool -
Looking through some papers today I find a letter from Gen Rosenthal which I intended to enclose in a previous letter to the pater but evidently overlooked it & now enclose it - [See page 406]
Am awfully glad Mrs Grimley has been taking you for little trips Mum, as it will do you good – They are certainly very dear people –
I am writing this with a most beautiful pen which Mary sent me –
There appears to be a dearth of news tonight

[Page 416]
VII
Mother dear, so will say goodnight & with fondest love, remain
Your affectionate Son
Terence

PS
I despatched a cable to Father today & hope it gets through without undue delay
TWG

[Page 417]
82 France 26th Feby 1918
Base Records

My Dear Father & Mother
Your most welcome letters of 28th Dec & 7th Jany received here today. Two from Father & two from Mother. The Jany letters seem to have come very speedily & needless to say were eagerly devoured for news of you – While on the subject, I’m now told my cable for Fathers birthday was duly despatched so trust it reached its destination.
Your letters as usual were full of interest, and I only regret my own fall so far short of the mark in that respect.
I am afraid one of my previous letters built up false hopes about the possibility of my obtaining furlough – I was I must admit rather hopeful they

[Page 418]
II
would grant me the trip, but as explained before it didn’t come off – Dear Mother & Father, you have no idea how difficult the whole thing is to explain as I know only too well that many fellows get home with very little wrong with them. They are lucky – At the present moment I couldn’t possibly get furlough unless I trumped up a story about my health & well that’s enough to say about that I think – There are a certain number of people going home from time to time on special duty but it doesn’t come the way of the gunners

[Page 419]
III
Of the original subalterns of the first Division the following is the record so you will see my case as to length of service is no exception to many others:

Original Unit – Name – Present record
1st Battery – Playfair - Major 27th Battery
1st Battery – Newmarch - Austtralia
1st Battery – Thornthwaite – Major 5th Div Arty
2nd Batty – Olding – Australia
2nd Batty – Selmes – 101st How Batty
2nd Batty – Clowes – Brigade Major 2nd Div
3rd batty – Sinclair – Australia
3rd Batty - Sheppard – Capt 1st Div Arty
3rd Batty – Irwin – Bgde Major 3rd Div
1st Bde HQrs – Cunningham – Major 4th Battery
2nd Bgde HQ – Goodwin – Prisoner Turkey
4th Battery – McCormick – Major 5th Div
4th Battery – Walfenden – Killed in action
4th Battery – Gatliff I - Killed in action

[Page 420]
IV
Continued

Original Unit – Name – Present record
5th Battery – Strachan – Australia
5th Battery – Gatliff V – Major 5th Div
5th Battery – Hodgson – Australia
6th Batty – Dodd – Major 6th Batty
6th Batty – Siddall – Killed in action
6th Batty – Forbes – Bgde Major 1st Div
3rd Bde HQ – Clowes N – Bgde Major 5th Div
7th Battery – Ross – Major 41st Bty
7th Battery – Hodges – Major 42nd Bty
7th Battery – Urquhart – Bgde Major L. Horse
8th Battery – Rogers – Killed in action
8th Battery – Edwards – Major 4th Div Artillery
8th Battery – Fowles – Major 12th F.A. Bgde
9th Bty – Ellis – Austral
9th Bty - Morgan – Killed in action
9th Bty - Evans – Major 110th How Bty

[Page 421]
V
Continued
At Present -
1st B.A.C. – Sandford – Major 3rd Div
1st B.A.C. – Sandy – Killed in action
1st B.A.C. – Lenahan – Died of illness
2nd B.A.C. – Bernie – Major 2nd Bty
2nd B.A.C. - Mackay – Indian Army
2nd B.A.C. – Coe – Capt 12th F.A. Bgde
1st D.A.C. – Richards – Major 112nd Bty
1st D.A.C. – Toomey – Major 102nd Bty
1st D.A.C. – Garling – Major 37th Bty
1st D.A.C. – Taylor – Australia
1st D.A.C. – Hall GW – Capt 43rd Bty
1st D.A.C. – Richardson – Capt 4 DAS
1st D.A.C. – Eddy – Killed in action
1st D.A.C. – Teare – Major 5th Batty
1st D.A.C. – Hall HS – Base Records Office
1st D.A.C. – Turner – Major 43rd Batty
1st D.A.C. – McAdam Capt 37th Batty
1st D.A.C. - Randall – Major 1st Batty

A Total of 48. Out of this number 7 have gone home

[Page 422]
VI
& all these were badly smashed or ill – so you see as far as my own case goes I am not getting such a rough spin –

Must wind up now as I’m getting this away by the ration cart – we are in process of changing positions & theres a lot of work to be done tonight & tomorrow –
Fondest love from your affect Son
Terence

[Page 423]
[Cablegram- message partly obscured]
London 11.9.40 on 27th LCG
Garling
Longueville
NSWales
Attending school here three weeks Well
Love
Garling

[Note added later]
Nine days after sending this cable, Terence was killed

[Page 424]
[Written later on back of previous cablegram]
London –
27th March /18
Attending school
Last cable

[Page 425]
His last letter

83 France
29/3/18

My Dear Father & Mother
Very many thanks for your letters of 27th Jan – I was passing thro London and got them at Berners Hotel where I stay, forwarded on from Sis –
Was recalled to France yesterday on account of doings up the front –
Very unsatisfactory as we are held up at a Base

[Page 426]
II
port & Lord only knows when we will get a train up the line – I was sorry to leave without finishing the course but the position over there was ridiculous seeing how badly gunners are needed. However I might get a chance to go through the school later on-
Had arranged to go to Cornwall with Sis & Ted for Easter but that of course had to be knocked on the head

[Page 427]
III
Many thanks Father for the statement of funds – The only thing I want to be sure of is that you both have plenty to make you comfortable & I hope that you will not hesitate to draw on me should the necessity arise –
By the way the £50 cabled me arrived safely & is in my credit with the Commonwealth Bank London. I did not need it this time but I don’t like to be without a "nest egg" in case I get landed in England for a long time –
Must rush over to the station now to enquire about trains.
With fondest love to yourselves & Pat
I am your loving Son
Terence
PS Enclosed snap taken at the school

[Page 428]
[URGENT TELEGRAM - NSW – dated 15 April]
Vict Bks
[indecipherable] Wilcoxon
Greenwich
Major T W Garling 10th Field Artillery Brigade late Divisional Ammunition column died of wounds – enquiring date please inform Mother Mrs W Garling Burns Bay Road Longueville.
Colonel Sandford

[Page 429]
[URGENT TELEGRAM – NSW – dated 16th April]
Victoria Bks
[indecipherable] Wilcoxon
Greenwich
Major T W Garling 10th Field Artillery brigade late D A C now reported killed in action 5/4/18 Please inform Mother Mrs W Garling Burns Bay Road Longueville.
Colonel Sandford

[Page 430]
[Note probably written by Garling’s father]
2nd intimation
Sent to me by Mr Wilcoxon
his note enclosing [indecipherable] condolence letter

[Page 431]
[Printed form with typed entries]
F 578883
Australian Imperial Expeditionary Forces
This is to Certify that, according to the records, Major, Terence Ward Garling
10th. Field Artillery Brigade. Australian Imperial Forces
died of Wounds, received in Action
at 13th. Field Ambulance, on 5th April, 1918. France

The official notification of the above is contained in Cables Nos. C.I.B.L. 2416, 2422 & C.I.B.L. 2430, the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated London, 9th. 10th. 12th April, 1918, respectively confirmed by mail, from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated London, 15th April, 1918.

Melbourne, 4th July, 1918.
[Signature indecipherable] Captain
for Officer i/c Base Records

[Page 432]
[URGENT TELEGRAM – NSW – dated 16th April, 1918]
Victoria Barracks Sydney Mrs W. Garling
31 Sec 95 U.Rate Burns Bay Road
Longueville
B.R. 2/350 concerning Major T.W. Garling tenth field artillery brigade London Office now advises correct report died of wounds 5/4/18
Colonel Stanford

[Page 433]
[Printed form]
Form E
War Office
8 July 1918

Dear Sir
In reply to you enquiry of 13th May 1918,
I have to say that Major Garling is buried in Warloy Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension on WN West of Albert.
The grave has been registered in this office, and is marked by a durable wooden cross with an inscription bearing his name, rank, regiment, and the date of death.
Yours faithfully,
[signature indecipherable]
Captain, Staff Captain for Brigadier-General, Director of Graves Registration and Enquires.

.Garling Esq.,
Engledene,
Burns Bay Road,
Longueyville, Sydney,
New South Wales’
Australia.

[Page 434]
[Note by Garling’s father]
Mother, has sprig [indecipherable] –
W.G.

[Page 435]
[Letter to Garling’s father]
enclosed - leaf from sprig I placed on the grave
answered 20/6/18
France
14.4.18

Dear Uncle Willie
I have deferred writing about Terence till I had thoroughly satisfied myself that the report of his death in action was correct. Yesterday I went to his grave & added to its simple yet fitting embellishment my own offering, a token of my silent but deep sympathy for a grand young life, sadly cut off in its prime. But he did grand work, Uncle, & all, both his seniors & juniors, speak in just as high terms of him as an officer & a man as our his confreres speak of him. His ability was amply attested by his rank while yet a youth & so his life we cannot say was wasted.

[Page 436]
2
On Gallipoli he was credited with having made the secret evacuation possible by shooting down a plane after all other attempts had failed, which if it had not been done might have rendered the evacuation a most costly affair. He has been with his battery in the severest affairs of this war & at last an unfortunate shell fell where he was standing last Friday week 5th inst. a piece caught him across the upper thigh & lower abdomen & though he lived in hospital till next day, it was too severe & he died. I will endeavour to send you a small & very rough sketch of the spot – an annex to the French Cemetery at Warloy, where he lies. He with two others killed by the same shell are buried together & one fine painted wooden cross marks the graves. They are surrounded by white posts which are joined by fine black chains.

[See letter page 496, refuting this claim re enemy aircraft]
[See page 494 for names of the other two soldiers]
3
It is quite impossible at the present to secure a photo of the spot or have anything done, as only being a mile or two from operations it is practically under fire. But should I not be able to later on. If you write to the following address you will, I’m assured receive every courtesy in reply.
"The Cure"
Warloy, Baillon
Somme,
France
I interviewed the Cure myself & he assured me nothing could be done at present, but after the war, he or his successors would be happy to do anything they can for you. I ascertained that Terence’s personal effects are being sent on to you.
It was a great shock to me Uncle, especially as within a day or so I had got within

[Page 437]
4
visiting distance & was looking forward to our encounter. You, Aunt & Pat have my deep sympathy indeed I hope Pat has not left you yet, & that he may never have to. Give him my best wishes.
Things here are not as bad as they are often painted & tho Fritz succeeded for a while, we are all confident it will not be for long.
For Pat’s & all our sakes, you & Aunt must try & accept your blow with resignation & if he has to go, send him in the knowledge that come what may you are paying the price cheerfully as a debt to the Empire we love.
[indecipherable] with love
Your affectionate nephew

Gerald

[Page 438]
[Sketch of Warloy-Baillon Cemetery]

[Page 439]
[Sketch of the grave and cross]

[Page 440]
Letters of Condolence and Appreciation from King and Queen, Military Officers and Men of the Battery

[Page 441]
[Printed letter-head]
Commonwealth of Australia
Governor-General
Melbourne, 3rd May, 1918.

Dear Madam,
I am desired by His Excellency the Governor-General to transmit to you the following message from Their Majesties The King and Queen:-
"The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the Army have sustained by the death of your son in the service of his Country.
Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow."
In addition to the above message, I am desired by the Governor-General to express their Excellencies’ heartfelt sympathy with you on the death of this gallant officer.

Yours faithfully
Geo Steward
Lt.-Col.
Official Secretary

Mrs. W. Garling,
Burns Bay Road,
Longueville,
N.S.W.

[Page 442]
Copy
From W.M.N. Garling
To Geo. Steward. Lieut. Col.
Official Secretary to Govr. General
Melbourne.
Sir
I wish to convey to their majesties the King and Queen, the thanks of my wife (Mrs W. Garling) for their regret as expressed in your Communication of 3rd Inst. on the death of her son Major Terence Ward Garling A.F.A. Also it is Mrs Garling’s desire that her thanks may be conveyed to His Excellency the Gov. General of the Commonwealth for his sympathy – May I be permitted to share in this recognition and to assure their Majesties and His Excellency that a silver lining to the cloud is found in the knowledge that our son – with thousands of his comrades has given his life fighting for all that
(over

[Page 443]
that is good among Nations – the preservation of the British Empire.
I am yours obedtly
W.M. Garling

[Page 444]
[Printed letter-head
3920
Military Forces of the Commonwealth
2nd Military District
District Head-Quarters, Victoria Barracks,
Sydney,
23rd April, 1018

Mrs. W. Garling
Burns Bay Road,
Longueville.

Dear Madam,
In confirmation of my telegraphic advice of the 18th instant, it is with sincere regret I have to inform you that your Son, Major T.W. Garling, 10th Field Artillery Brigade, late Divisional Ammunition Column, A.I.F. is officially reported to have died from the effects of "Gunshot wound left thigh" at 13th Field Ambulance on the 5th April, 1918.
I am directed to convey to you the deep regret and sympathy of Their Majesties The King and Queen and the Commonwealth Government in the loss that you and the Army have sustained by the death of this gallant Soldier.

Yours faithfully,
Wm J.Sherbon?]
Major.
for A.A.G. 2nd Military District

[Page 445]
Brig. Genl Burgess
In the Field . France
14th April 1918

Dear Sir,
I am writing these few lines, inadequate at best, to express to you, for myself & all the officers of the 4th Aust. Divisional Artillery, our muted [?] & sincerest sympathy on the loss you have sustained on the death of your Son, Majr T.W. Garling, 37th Battery, 10th A.F.A. Brigade.
Major Garling has served with me on many occasions both in

[Page 446]
Egypt & Gallipoli as well as in France. On every occasion & under all conditions he has proved himself an able soldier and an excellent officer. His cheerful courage, sustained & inspiring energy has at all times been an example to his brother officers & the men under his command. I have lost, in him, an experienced Battery Commander & an officer of proved ability, whose personality & service I cannot replace.
He was severely wounded while commanding his battery in the strenuous action on the 5th April 1918, & died very shortly afterwards. His work throughout that day was but typical of the whole of his service, Devotion to Duty & the most efficient control & direction of his guns to the last, from what I know of him he would have desired no better death.
We have had, I regret to say, many casualties amongst our "Gunners", there is none we shall miss more than your son.
Though we cannot lessen you sorrow, may I again assure, Sir, that you irreparable son is shared by us all.
Believe me.
Yours very sincerely
W.L.H. Burgess. Brig. Gen.
Commanding 4th Aust. Div. Artillery

[Page 447]
[Visiting card]
Brig-General W.L.H. Burgess,
4th Australian Divisional Artillery.
Australian Imperial Forces,
France.

[Page 448]
Mr & Mrs Garling
With all good wishes & kindest regards.
[author not known]

[Page 449]
[Letter from Maurice Alfred Fergusson]
France
7.4.18

Dear Mrs Garling
Fergusson is my name, poor old Terry and I were the best of pals and fellow officers for a long time; so I am writing to you to give you my deepest sympathy.
Terry was a son to be proud of, I can’t say enough for him, he was just about the bravest man I have ever known and the ‘whitest’. His men loved him, his officers too. He was always where the trouble was, in the shape of shelling, I mean. He was hit whilst walking up and down his

[Page 450]
his battery which was being heavily shelled; giving confidence to his men; it was absolutely necessary too, as the enemy was attacking in overwhelming numbers and the batteries had to keep firing so long as there were men to man the guns; Terry as usual was doing his job properly as he always did; he was badly hit and was never properly conscious so did not leave any messages.
He is buried in Warloy cemetery, Warloy is a small village close to Albert, his battery will attend to the grave. You have the deepest sympathy of his men and officers; they feel his loss very much. It is usual to praise a dead comrade, but I couldn’t say too much for Terry he was beyond praise. I don’t know a man in the Australian Imperial Force who is admired for his bravery as Terry was. Decorations are nothing, Terry earned decorations fifty times over, but they never came his way; he earned the love of his men and that is the finest thing you can say for an officer of our soldiers, the finest soldiers on God’s earth and the best, infallible, judges of men.
This letter, I am afraid does not express my feelings

[Page 451]
on the subject, but I hope you will understand how much I feel for you
Your sincere friend
M A Fergusson

[Page 452]
France
Apl. 7.18

Dear Mrs Garling,
You will have had the heavy news of your son, Major Garling’s, death of wounds on the 5th. I saw him when brought in to the dressing station & got the doctor to attend to him quickly but he had lost much blood & soon succumbed. I buried him yesterday in the Warloy-Baillon Cemetery. Some of his boys who are very fond of him, were there & they told me they intended putting a good cross over his grave.
With my deepest sympathy
Yours sincerely
Sydney Buckley
Chaplin

[Page 453]
France
8th April 1918

Dear Mr Garling
As a great friend of your son Terence, may I offer you my heartfelt sympathy in the great loss you have sustained by his death –
Personally his death is a great blow to me, as we had soldiered together through Egypt Gallipoli & the Western Front and had become very firm friends indeed –
I know how fond and how proud you were of him and how severe the blow will be to you but it will be some consolation for you to know that he came by his end bravely while fighting his Battery in one of the severest fights in which our troops have taken part-
Again assuring you of my deepest sympathy
Believe me to be
Yours Sincerely
Percy J. Ross
Major 41st Bty Aus. F.A.

[Page 454]
Colonel Williams [Writer of letter]
France
April 10th 1918

W. Garling Esq.
I wish to offer you my sincere sympathy on the loss of your son Terence by enemy action on the 5th April last. He was commanding his battery during violent enemy attack on the above date and was struck by a shell splinter and died a few hours later at a casualty Clearing Station near where he was buried.
I knew your son when in Militia in Australia and was associated with him as a Battery Commander for over 20 months. He was a man of great personality and was highly thought of by all who knew him.
Speaking as his Brigade Commander I lost a very valuable and trustworthy Battery Commander who will be extremely hard to replace, and I am sure that there was not a truer, nobler or braver man on the Western Front when he fell.
Believe me to be
Yours faithfully
T Williams

[Page 455]
France
11th April 1918

W. Garling Esq
Burns Bay Rd
Longueville
Sydney, NSW

Dear Sir,
I am writing both in my own name & in that of his other comrades – officers NCOs & men alike – to express to you our very deep sympathy at the loss of your son – Major T.W. Garling. He was badly wounded in the upper part of the right thigh – received all possible medical care and when he died at the Casualty Clearing Station his body received religious burial at the Warloy Cemetery – a small town some 5 miles from Albert.
Your sons batman was with him a great deal towards the end. A cross will be erected over your son’s grave. Your son died doing his duty and will I cannot put on to paper what we all feel; but this much I say, your son was undoubtedly one of the most respected and popular men in our Artillery Division. The Doctor authorises me to say that your son did not suffer much pain.
Again in very deep sympathy
Yours sincerely
G.E. [Shaw ?]
C.F. (C of E)

[Page 456]
France
10/4/18

Dear Mr & Mrs Garling
I was very grieved indeed to hear from Arnold a few days ago that Terence has been killed. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I cannot express just how I feel for you & Pat. It is a great sacrifice & a hard one that parents are called upon to make in these awful times – but one that I know full well that you were prepared & proud to make – My sympathy goes out to you & yours – Terence I was proud to have as a friend & to be counted as one of his – such a gentleman one seldom meets out here while yours is a sad & terrible loss – Australias loss is a far greater one for she can ill afford to loose such men.
The position just now is certainly serious, but nevertheless we shall ultimately conquer, it cannot be otherwise, as right is on our

[Page 457]
side.
I trust that both you & Mrs Garling are well.
With kindest regards & deepest sympathy

Yours sincerely
Joseph H Brown

[Page 458]
[Letter from Brig. General Charles Rosenthal]
Head Quarters
9th Aust. Inf. Brigade
April 19th 1918

My dear Mr Garling
I was dreadfully shocked to hear yesterday that your son Terence had died of wounds.
Though expressions of sympathy at such a time may seem and are unavailing I should like you and Mrs Garling to know how very sincerely I mourn his loss with you.
From what I knew of him and from what you have told me in your letter you have lost a splendid son, I have lost a personal friend, and the A.I.F. a very gallant Soldier.

I am sure that in your grief the knowledge that he laid down his life for his country and a just cause will keep & sustain you and your wife.

As you are doubtless aware I have for some months been with the Infantry so for some time past have had no opportunity of seeing your son.

Please accept my kindest regards
Very Sincerely Yours

Charles Rosenthal

[Page 459]
No 2 Australian Auxilliary Hospital
Southall
Middlesex
April 26th 1918

Dear Mr Garling
When I came in here last night one of the Sisters asked me if I knew your son the Major, and she has asked me to let you know what I told her.
Fritz was attempting to break through on the morning of 5th April and our battery was in action firing a barrage – it was about 8 o’clock in the morning when the Major got hit – a shell splinter in the right thigh – the same shell got me and when they had bandaged me up, I went over to the Major who appeared to be all right – they had him on a stretcher and had not finished bandaging him when I left – I saw him again at the forward dressing station and we went to the main dressing station at Warloy in the same ambulance – he appeared weak and pretty white but said that he felt all right and was not in much pain – I was lying in the yard of the dressing station near him after he had been dressed - he

[Page 460]
still seemed all right – and I saw them take him inside again just before they shifted me into a church to wait for an ambulance – about half an hour later – I should think between 11 and 12 o’clock – I was told that he had died.

He was one of the gamest men in France. I have read about men like him but very seldom seen them – if anyone got wounded he was always one of the first to help him, often without waiting to put on his steel hat – he was a soldier and a man and his loss will be deeply mourned by all the 37th Battery boys – we though no end of him.

I have given you the fullest details possible because I feel that you would like to know them.
I only hope that the knowledge of the great work that he did will be of some comfort to you in your bereavement – If ever a man deserved honour and

[Page 461]
decorations he did.
Allow me to express my very deep sympathy

Yours very sincerely

Thorold Fink [33148]
(Gunner 37th Battery)

[Page 462]
In the Field
10/5/18

W. Garling Esq

Sir
I have been Chaplain with the 10th A.F.A. Bde for the past two years but for the last three months I have been in England. On my return here I am taking the liberty of sending you a word of sympathy on the loss of your son who was my friend. During the last year we had seen a great deal of one another and like everyone else I had learnt to appreciate his splendid character. I do not suppose there was a more justly popular officer in this Divisional Artillery & it is heart breaking to think that his upright manly character is lost to the world.
May you be sustained in your great sorrow. His life may have been short but during it he has enriched many other lives. Personally I shall carry a very grateful memory of him all my days.

Yours v. Sincerely

A.H. Stevenson, Chaplain
(attached) 10th A.F.A. Bde.

[Page 463]
"Normanhurst"
Rhodes Avenue
Naremburn
21:4:18

Dear Mr Garling
I was deeply grieved to learn on my return to Sydney this morning that Major Terence Garling had succumbed to his wounds in France. If this be your son, which seems only too likely, I beg to offer you heartfelt sympathy in the loss both to you and to Australia, and pray that God will lighted your grief. Such consolation as there is, is in that he fought and died for his country and kindred, and that Major Garling was regarded by all who knew him whether in the 111th or 37th Battery, as a gentleman and as a most gallant officer.
If there is any way in which I could be of service I would be only too happy for I shall always cherish the memory of the time when I served under him.

Yours most sincerely
A E Hodgson
[Arthur Eric Hodgson, 15605]
[Note added later]
X Gunner in 37th Battery wounded in France and returned to Australia

[Page 464]
[Letter from Robert S. McCormick, father of Major McCormick]

"Woodleigh"
Salisbury St.
Watson’s Bay
27/4/18

Dr. Sir
Excuse an entire stranger forwarding to you this sympathetic communication.
It is with sincere regret that I noticed the death of your noble son in France. My son has been associated with your son Major Garling for a long time in France & possibly may have been with him till the end. At least I know for he has often noted in his letters to me that your son Major Garling was held in the highest esteem both as an officer & a gentleman by the men in his Battery.
My daughter & self extent to you our sincere heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement trusting you may derive a morsel of comfort from the esteem in which he was held by the men fighting under him.
I am
Dr. Sir
Yours Respectfully
Rob. S.M.Cormick

[Page 465]
5th May /18

Mr & Mrs Garling
Just a few lines to convey to you my sincere sympathy for the loss of you son, Major Garling. As a gunner in the 37th Battery I saw a great deal of Major Garling, under very trying conditions, and his personal courage and consideration for the men under his command, gained him the affection of everyone with whom he came in contact.
Trusting that there will be a speedy and satisfactory termination to the present struggle.
I remain
Yours sincerely
Thomas Salmond

[note added later]
X Gunner 37th Battery wounded in France & returned to Australia

[Page 466]
[Continuation of previous letter]
P.S.
You may be surprised to hear from a complete stranger, but I would like to pay some small tribute to the memory of one, who was not only a commanding officer, but a very real friend to every man in his battery. For your address, I am indebted to Mrs King of Woollahra.
T. S.
Sherwood P.O.
Macleay River
N.S.W.
5/5/18

Mr & Mrs Garling
"Angledene"
Burns Bay Rd.
Longueville

[Page 467]
[Printed letterhead]
Commonwealth of Australia
Department of Defence
Melbourne 23 May 1918

Dear Mr Garling,
I received your letter on my return from Queensland and deeply regret to hear of the death of your gallant son. Will you please accept for yourself and convey to you family my deepest sympathy.

I am indeed glad to hear that your other son has put up such a splendid record in the Officer’s School. I wish him every possible success and a safe return.
[In margin] X Pat

Yours sincerely
Kenneth Mac [indecipherable]
Director-General Australian Army Reserve
W.M. Garling Esq.

[Terence’s brother, 2nd Lieut. Raymond Wise Garling, known as Pat, age 26. His commission was terminated at his own request, 20 June 1918, citing the death of his brother and family reasons]

[Page 468]
[Printed letterhead]
Soldiers’ Welcome
(Church of England)
S. Andrew’s Cathedral Grounds, Sydney, N.S.W.

Garfield St.
Five Dock
22.5.18

Dear Mr Garling
In your letter of 17.5.18, you asked permission to use my name in connection with the life story of my late O.C. I have not the slightest objection for I feel sure that nothing too grand can be said of him. The Boys at the Battery will miss him as much as a man misses a right arm. I was with the Battery 18 months in France, the 1st Engagement your son took charge in was Bullencourt & this I give you as confidential "that men were very much put out to think the major did not get honoured out of it for he worked unceasingly for over 28 days" yet I suppose we in the ranks must not criticise

[Page 469]
[Printed letterhead]
Soldiers’ Welcome
(Church of England)
S. Andrew’s Cathedral Grounds, Sydney, N.S.W.

(2)
I will conclude by using an expression often used by men who knew him.
"One of natures own Gentlemen"

Yours Sincerely
H.W. [indecipherable]

[Note added later]
X Sergeant in 37th Battery – wounded in France and returned to Australia

[Page 470]
[Page of mementoes of Terence Garling by his family]
Promotions
See paragraph marked in red pencil in General Burgess letter of 27th Aug /18 following mine to him of 18.6.18.
Took up his Battery duties in Gallipoli 1st June 1915. Promoted to 1st Lieut. 6th July same year.

WEEKEND CABLEGRAM
EXETER 8TH 10-30AM [1916]
TWT
GARLING SUGAR COY
SYDNEY
TERENCE PROMOTED CAPTAIN WAS WELL TWENTYEIGTH [MARCH]
WE SENT BIRTHDAY PARCELS YOU AND PAT LOVE

[Cutting from Sydney Morning Herald, 3.9.14, noting the appointment of 2nd Lieut. T.W. Garling, Australian Field Artillery, Divisional Train, to be Veterinary officer – First Infantry Brigade]
[Cutting from Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 30th June 1916, noting his promotion in the field to temporary captain]
[Cutting from Sydney Morning Herald, 17 May 1917, with photograph, noting that Major T.W. Garling reached his present rank prior to his 23rd birthday]

[Page 471]
[As previous page but without photograph of Garling]

[Page 472]
Copy
Angledene
Burns Bay Road
Longueville
18.6.18

[Note added later]
General Burgess’ letters of 27 Aug and 15 Sept 1918 attached - were written in reply to this – W.G.

Brigdr. Gen. W.L.H. Burgess – In the Field, France

Dear Sir
Your kind letter of 14th Apl reached me 12th inst I would ask you to accept my true thanks and to convey them to all the officers of the 4th Aust Divisional Artillery for the sympathy they, with you, offer to me in the loss of my son Major Terence Ward Garling. Be assured that every word in your letter has helped me to see through the shadow that has crossed the sunshine of my life – and now dear General Burgess as one the twilight of who’s age (78) is fading to a darker hue may I ask you - if I can make myself understood with a meaning disassociated with any semblance of complaint and wish a desire to utter nothing in this letter that could cause umbrage May I

[Page 473]
under these conditions ask you to tell me for the purpose of satisfying an enquiring mind why under the circumstances of universal praise accorded my son for his work – three and a half years of it – he went to his grave without any official recognition – Men holding higher rank than he held & men serving under him had on so many occasions borne testimony to his worth and his work that I have wondered from time to time why his name never appeared in the lists of Australians honoured.

An officer writing to me from the front since his death speaking of decorations said he had earned them fifty times over but they never came his way - A very intelligent Sergeant lately returned here, who fought with my son for eighteen months in France said the same and mentioned that the "Boys" of the Battery were much put out when at Bullencourt that he got no honors after an action in which he was incessantly engaged for twenty eight days – An officer also recently returned – in a published article made mention of Major Garling in terms of praise and said he was always at his best when the danger was worst -

[Page 474]
Making allowance for the apparent popularity he enjoyed causing his friends to exaggerate somewhat, it seems to me he missed something perhaps a D.S.O. and you will forgive me for so thinking as all that I have heard has been confirmed by yourself for your words I take with the knowledge of your sincerity – knowing my son as you did you may agree with me that his duty – dear to his conscience would be his uppermost thought and going out of his way in search of decorations – for decorations sake would find no place in his mind –
All the same dear General I have wonder if he went under with any feeling of disappointment – not in selfish spirit – but with a thought that had he earned a recognition of any sort it would have been dear to the hearts of the "Old folks at home" That and nothing more.
Trusting that I have been able to free myself from any suspicion of criticism and that

[Page 475]
you will believe my object in writing to you may be looked on as merely asking a question, an answer to which I do not know from whom else to seek better than yourself. I will only further ask you to pardon me if I have wearied you with much writing and to forgive it as the desire of the father of one of the best sons who ever brightened a home to follow him beyond grave in endeavour to do for him in death what my love for him prompted me to do while he was yet alive the best I could in his interest.
Again offering you and the officers of the 4th my heartfelt thanks and those of my family
I am dear Genl. Burgess
Yours sincerely
W.N. Garling

[Page 476]
[Letter from Genl. W.L.H. Burgess]
[Edge of letter obscured]
In the Field. France,
27th Aug. 1918

Dear Sir,
I am so glad to [kn]ow that my letter to you [was] of some help & comfort [in] your sorrow & loss. I always feel when [wri]ting how very inadequate XXX are common words [and?] [phr]aseology in endeavouring to [conv]ey sympathy in sorrow such [as] yours.
To know that they have [been] helpful, does much to [lessen?] this feeling of inadequacy,

[Page 477]
almost intrusion, in writing to you. The difficult question you ask in your letter, is always one which a Soldier cannot answer or explain, as we ourselves often wonder how so much good service sometimes appears to long await recognition. When so much personal gallantry & devotion to duty is almost universally rendered, it may be that some is inevitably long in receiving official reward. I can only tell you, that long before the action on the 5th April last, Major Garling knew that his consistent gallant & able service was recognised & appreciated.
I was not privileged to command this Divisional Artillery at Bullencourt, but I can assure you that your Son knew from me, how much the service rendered while under my command, was not only appreciated but had been recorded. His quick promotion to Field Rank & to command a battery are an eloquent testimony, not only to his personal sterling worth & service but to the recognition by Headquarters. Had he lived, from what I knew of him, he would very shortly have received a Decoration, but from

[Page 478]
that personal knowledge also, I know he was too good a Soldier to feel disappointment or discouragement from lack of official reward.
He had always, not only the esteem, respect & may I say, affection of all who knew him, but that most cherished tribute, the personal love of his men as their tried & trusted Commander. As a Soldier, I can assure you, that after all, that is [our?] most eloquent & valued recognition.
Believe me, Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
W.L.H. Burgess
Bg. Gen.
C.R.A. 4th Aust. Div.

[See also letter from Genl. Rosenthal, page 495]

[Page 479]
[Letter from Genl. W.L.H. Burgess]
France
15th Sept 1918

Dear Sir,
In expressing my thanks to you for your letter, dated 14th July, may I assure you most earnestly that nothing contained in your letters to me has, or could be, construed as seeking recognition for your son. I want to set your mind at ease regarding this question, and

[Page 480]
I do hope & trust that my letters to you have not conveyed such an impression. Correspondence of this nature must always be personal & privileged, & I do hope that my letters, though they cannot reduce your loss & grief may have , perhaps, given some little comfort to you.
With kindest regards
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely
W.L.H. Burgess
Bg. Gen.

[Page 481]
[Note added later]
This is reply to my letter to Mr Trebeck – acquainting him that Genl. Burgess had answered my letter to him of 18 June /18

Dear Mr Garling
Many thanks for yours of the 5th I am as pleased as I know you are to have this information from Head Quarters. I know Terence deserved fully all the good things said of him. It should be a happy relief to your mind, that news you had, had not been lost sight of by those in Command in France.
The weather is keeping very dry all over the state. We are going to the station to night to see Charlie passing through he has been out West.
With kindest regards
I am yours truly
P.C. Trebeck

[Page 482]
38th Battery
Australian Field Artillery
France 11/7/18

Dear Mr Garling,
Will you accept my very deepest sympathy about poor old Terry. As a "brother" battery commander – he had the 37th - & I the 38th - I would like to express my admiration of him & to say how much I personally miss him. I think it is safe to say, he was the most popular chap in the Brigade & as for his Battery well they just worshipped him.

[Page 483]
(2)
No doubt the circumstances of his death are well known to you so I won’t touch on them except to say that on April 5th – from my battery – I could see the terrible time they were having & the way they all stuck it – well it was worthy of a V.C.

Yours truly
H.C. de Low
Major

[Page 484]
Merbah
Tompson St Wagga
16th July 1918

Dear Grandfather
Mum said I could write you a letter just to tell you we have a new teacher her name is Miss Hawkes she came yesterday. She asked me this morning was my Uncle killed at the war. She had two brothers at the war and one was killed in the same battle as Uncle Terence. The other brother wrote a letter to her and said Uncle Terence was the finest officer in France. In one of the big battles he walked up and down between the guns and wasn’t afraid of the shells.

[Note added later]
X D’Arcy’s youngest daughter 8 years old X

[Page 485]
[Note added later]
From Sergeant Fane who served under Major Garling for eighteen months in France
W.G.

91 North Rd
Five Dock
8.8.18

Dear Mr Garling
Yours of 6th .8.18 to hand. I am very pleased to state that under my treatment I have improved wonderfully. So much so that I am looking for an entry into civil life again.
First I must explain I am still in the forces & under treatment yet I am like the Scot looking for a new job before I lose the old.
I will give you an account as near as possible the battles my late O.C. commanded the battery in.
He joined the battery in a position behind "Flers" relieving Capt Shepherd. We then moved to a place in front of "High Wood" & whilst there the battery along with others was mentioned by General Monash ? for supporting the 13th Btn in an attack on "stormy trench".

[Page 486]
Then we were in rest for few days & soon the Hun retreated. we were ordered in but could not get within range owing to the bad state of the country. However we eventually reached "Bullecourt" where the battery was in action from 3rd Ap to 26 May.
Leaving Bullicourt we went on a flying trip to Messines 90 miles north by train the outcome of that was the Messines engagement on June 7th.
The next appearance was at "Spoilbank" on the banks of the "Ypres Commines" Canal this was very rough tournout while in its infancy was called by the British press the "Battle of Flanders". However we lost very bad & nothing more was said about it in the papers.
We then had a fly in trip to Warneton in Messines district to support our infantry in a minor attack there. We then marched out for our long promised 3 months rest. After five days we eventually finished up in the "Menin Road & Paschendaile"

[Page 487]
It was in the second engagement on "Menin Road" that the Major was gassed & seeing I left two days after he I had been close for I know nothing of his second entry into the line.
I will take the trip to Lane Cove one of these days & will let you know when I am coming.
Hoping I find you well.
Yours faithfully
H W Fane Sgt.

[Herbert William Fane. 3041]
[Major Garling was reported gassed on 26/9/1917]

[Page 488]
[Note added later]
From Lieut Col Williams
C.O. 10th Brigade AFA – AIF
4th Division

France
Aug 30/18

Dear Mr Garling
Re your P.S.
As you say your son undoubtedly earned decorations (according to what people have told you) more than once, and I can give you my word that he really earnt them.
Your son got his promotion of Major comparatively soon after he had been made Captain, well that meant that as soon as he was a Major he was not eligible for the Military Cross, as no one above the rank of Captain can be awarded an M.C. and just as he was about

[Page 489]
to be recommended for D.S.O., he was unfortunately killed.
I can fully appreciate your feelings in the matter. I myself feel that decorations are a mistake, as a man may give his life and no award be given for his work, while some person in the back areas live and receive the D.S.O.
If you knew the feeling that all ranks in his battery had for him, you would know that he had received the highest possible decoration that any human being could award.

I can tell you one little incident that occurred just before he was killed. The battery position was near a village abandoned in a hurry, nothing had been removed by the inhabitants, the battery was having a bad time, your son put on a top hat, and put an umbrella up pretending to keep the

[Page 490]
splinters off with the umbrella, that little incident heartened the men wonderfully.
I suppose you understand that April 4th was killed, was the day and battle in which the enemy was forced to halt, from there he never came forward, the fruits of that battle you see during this month of August 1918.

Yours sincerely
T. Williams

T Williams
Lt. Col
10th Bde. A.F.A.

[Page 491]
[Note added later]
Photo of Resting place of Terence
attached to this letter on page 3

3rd Squadron A.F.C.
France 4.9.18

My Dear Cousin Willie
Your very welcome letter of 18.6.18 reached me a few days ago and I hasten to send my very sincere thanks for the same. You were quite right in your letter in saying that I had not heard of poor old Terry’s death by the 22nd April, in fact I think it was about the very end of that month that Aunt Bee wrote & told me the sad news.
Since last writing to you I have been trying hard to find out any particulars of his death, but I have not been able to find any of his fellow officers from whom I had hoped

[Page 492]
2)
to get all information. However one thing I have been fortunate in is finding and photographing his grave and I am enclosing some prints in this letter. I found the dear old boy’s grave in a village named WARLOY-BAILLON near the town of ALBERT on the River Ancre, it is in a British Military cemetery and, as you will see by the photo has been marked with a white cross. The day on which I took the photos was very rainy and I am afraid they did not come out as plainly as I wanted but they will show that he had a grave and that it is in a registered cemetery. As soon as possible I shall get some better photos on a clear day and shall let you have them straight away.

If pat should ever have the misfortune to come to France (I say

[Page 493]
[Photograph of the grave of Terence Garling and two other soldiers killed at the same time]

[Page 494]
misfortune because I think France is a good place to be out of) he will be able to find Terry’s grave if he applies to A.I.F. Headquarters, and if I ever meet Pat over here I shall of course, take him there personally.
You will notice that two of the men from Terry’s battery have been buried with him, I am afraid that was unavoidable in those trying days as everything was so frightfully disorganised. The other names are 1997 Sgt M [Michael] McFerran and 3604 Bombardier G [Gordon Henry] Iles, both of the 37th Battery, 10th Field Artillery Brigade.

I sincerely hope Pat is successful in obtaining his discharge as I certainly think that you family has done it’s bit in the war. My very best love and wishes go to you all in this letter dear Cousin Willie
Ever yours very sincerely
Max R. Shelley

[Max Robert Shelley, 3131]

[Page 495]
[Note added later]
From General Charles Rosenthal

Head Quarters
2nd Australian Division
September 25th 1918

My Dear Mr Garling
I have received your two letters dated 20th and 24th June. While very much sympathising with your elder son because of his enforced resignation from military service I can but say that I think he has done the right thing. Your family has done its share.
Perhaps I may be able to throw a little light on the question of decorations. Artillery officers and men have nothing like the same opportunities for winning decorations as have the Infantry, while the Artillery work is nevertheless very important, and in reality makes Infantry success possible - Decorations are awarded in two ways, firstly as immediate rewards for specific acts of gallantry, and here there is no restriction of the number of awards made – Secondly in half yearly lists awarded for General good service. This latter class is however is very limited in point of numbers. For instance I am at present moment making recommendations for my Division for the next half yearly honours list, but I am only allowed honour for 24 officers for the whole Division over 1000 officers. You will realise

[Page 496]
therefore that when numbers are so limited officers have to take their turn, and while your son’s work was of a high order he was only one of many whose work was equally meritorious. Had he lived he would most certainly have been included in the last half yearly list or this one. He knew the circumstances very well – and I am sure was not at all worried.

While your son very ably commanded an antitank gun at Gallipoli there is no record of any plane having been brought down by its fire and this information supplied you is incorrect.
In fairness to myself while CRA of 4th Aus Div Artillery and

[Page 497]
also to Gen Burgess the present C.R.A., the final recommendation for honours lies with the Divisional Commander. For instance yesterday I had to refuse three recommendations made by my C.R.A. simply because I had not a sufficient number of decorations allotted me by higher authority to make it possible to include them.

The Australian troops are still brilliantly successful in their operations and I am very proud of my Division because of its recent fine work in the capture of Mt St Quentin.

Please accept my kindest regards
Very sincerely yours
Charles Rosenthal

[Page 498]
[Newspaper cutting with photograph of Major-General Sir Charles Rosenthal with biographical details, on his return to Sydney]

[Page 499]
Heytesbury
10.10.18

Dear Uncle Willie,
I was more than pleased to receive in a bunch during the last few days your letters & card of 20.6.18, 15.7.18, & 5.8.18. and to note how well you & aunt Marie are bearing your loss. It gives us fellows great reason to be proud, when we know, that at the back of us are the brave unflinching hearts of those we love, and although unable to be in the front line, are none the less bearing the burdens & the sacrifices, & that cheerfully, which war demands.

It was a great relief to me to hear of Pat’s obtaining his discharge. Tell him from me, I do think he did the right thing, for I know too well what doubts assailed him, & hardest of all, he has to go amongst a world, who in its ignorance may judge him wrongfully. I hope he will buck up, & battle on manfully where he is, and when we come trooping home

[Page 500]
as we hope so soon to do, he will be one of the few young fellows we’ll be glad to shake hands with, & will gladly accept a welcome home from. I a sorry Uncle, That I have not been able to secure any more information about Terry for you, except the voluntary information from officers, N.C.O’s & men of his Battery & others who knew him, & which is all to the effect that he was personally one of the best & bravest men who ever walked, he was a most able leader, & but for his unselfishness in securing decorations foe others & modesty in pushing his own claims, he should have received honourable recognition of his ability & valour on not several but many occasions.

I quite understand how you feel about it, & if I did not know just what abominable pushing & scrambling there usually is amongst applicants for outward show, I’d feel it more than I do, for I know only too well that Terry should have had those honours. But he would never recommend himself a thing which is usually done by others in his position so whilst others far less deserving can go back & point to the outward signs of a more or less meritorious career, Terry’s name & fame must rest as it always will on the position he held at so youthful an age, in the hearts & mouths of the scores who knew him for what he was. So don’t take it to heart, dear old people, for it is only another one of the many instances of worth not officially recognised, unfortunately far too common.

I think your idea of binding Terry’s letters a splendid one, & I shall be pleased if my humble attempts at description will enable to add to it for future generations to see, an idea of his last resting place, where he gloriously ended a life well spent. I do not expect the war will last long enough now, fortunately, for me to go to France again, as I’m to be retained here till January, & so possibly I may never again be near Warloy, unless I take a trip over old scenes after peace has been declared, but should I, I will secure a photo of his grave & also the spot where he fell.
The war news is now so good that there is every reason to

[Page 501]
believe, we will celebrate a glorious triumph & the opening of a lasting peace, within a few weeks. Germany is reeling, sick from the blows we have delivered. Her puppet Kaiser is rumoured to have abdicated & the [word obscured] have already sued for peace, but not till we get an unconditional surrender can we treat with such a treacherous crew.
And now dear people, God bless & keep you both. With much love.
Your affectionate nephew
Gerald Garling

Jim Castleden is spoken of very highly by his seniors, & is to go for a commission as soon as things slacken down sufficiently
G

[Gerald Garling, 29282]

[Page 502]
[Note added later]
Date of Colonel King’s letter * 8th May 1918

Extract from a x letter x of Colonel Kings 10th F.A.B.

[Note added later]
Written to his Mother – Mrs Agnes King – Hony Sec – 10th Brigade Artillery Comforts Fund. Sydney.

"I am fearfully down about Terry Garlings & Martins so many old friends & dear fellows have gone "Home West" we call it here, its heart-rending to me who knew & valued them so highly. About 5 officers went in some 10 days. My fine old comrade since 1914 Gordon Tinsley gone too. Oh! the sadness of it all. Dear I havnt the addresses here of their people, but if you meet them do please let them know how I feel (I simply cant’ write, am no good when I most want to express my sympathy as you well know) Tell them of my deep regard for these dear chaps & what it meant to me as C.O. to have them to work with, they were so fine & true. The Soldiering part counts much of course, but it is the personal loss of valued friends that hurts me – I have met no fined soldier or truer comrade than Garling & Martin was always a gentleman & true as gold. Tinsley has been with me always & Capt [indecipherable] tells me he was a tower of strength to him all those bitter bitter days of Passchendaele

[Page 503]
[Note added later]
Date 15th November 1918
Photo of Resting place attached to next letter – from same writer (note by W.G.)

5 Moore St.
"Grass Park"
Hawthorn. Vic.

Dear Mr Garling
I arrived home invalided with the last batch of wounded & I think perhaps you might like to hear from me. I had the great pleasure & I say without any exaggeration – honour, to belong to your son’s Battery. We were great pals having belonged to the first Australian Division. I loved Terence more than I could have loved a brother & like everybody else who came in contact with him admired his splendid manliness.
The Major ‘Terence’ was about three yards in front of me when a 4.2 high explosive shell burst just near & a fragment struck him about halfway between the knee & hip in front of his left leg. It made a hole about the size of penny. I assisted to bandage him up & had just finished & was talking to him when a shell landed close by & I was wounded in the stomach. We were both taken to the Casualty C.S. together at Heningcourt where our wounds were dressed. I became unconscious & on coming round found myself in a schoolroom at Warloy – about 3 miles from Heningcourt. Terence was lying on a stretcher just near me. I noticed that they had just operated on him. He did not seem to suffer any pain from his wound.

[Henencourt misspelled as Heningcourt]

[Page 504]
& appeared to be reviving when I looked & spoke to him. He went to sleep then & I think passed away in his sleep. I think the fragment must have struck the artery & he died from loss of blood.

One of the men brought me over a snapshot of his grave when I was in Hospital in England & if you have not already got one I will have very much pleasure in sending it to you. I have only the one snap at present but I am going to get some enlargements if I can. It was a terrible blow to the Battery when your son was hit – the men absolutely worshipped him & it was difficult, my brother officers told me since, to keep the morale up. It is to a certain extent good to think that the supreme sacrifice he made was not in vain but the blow it was to myself & all who knew him on hearing of his death was perhaps more painful than anyone can realize.

I am at present still in Hospital but expect to get my discharge any day now. Sincerely trusting that you are well in health & spirits Mr Garling, believe me to be Yours in great sympathy

William A Mossman

My Army address was – Lt. W.A.Mossman. 37th Battery

[Page 505]
[Photograph of the grave of Major Garling and two other soldiers who died with him]

[Page 506]
[Not added later]
Received 4.12.18

c/o Drouin Post Office
Drouin
Victoria

Dear Mr Garling,
Thank you ever so much for your kind reply to my letter also for your wishes regarding myself. I have just bought a place at Drouin – hence my different address. I have just received the enlargements mentioned to you by me, and it gives me sad joy in being able to send you some small token of Terence – his resting place. I think the enlargement has come out very well.

Re the battle you enquired about on the 5th April. The only name I heard given to it was "the Battle for Amiens". Although all ranks who went through it called it the 5th April Battle & that was sufficient.
Please excuse brevity Mr Garling – having just moved I am very busy & I do hope you will be pleased by the enclosures. Thanking you again for your kind wishes & thanks.
Yours very sincerely

W Mossman

[Page 507]
[Written on back of Cablegram, page 508]
Moore
Cable clerk
City 9225

13/5/18
Warloy- Rest

[Page 508]
[Cablegram from Fisher [son-in-law?] Exeter, UK]
LCO Garling
Longueville NSW
Hope all well dear Terence rests Annex French cemetery Warloybaillon substantial cross chain surround erected
Fisher

[Note added]
Warloy-Baillon on Somme France
Received by post Mrs Mornay 13/5/18

[Page 509]
[Printed letterhead]
New Zealand Defence Forces
Headquarters
Central Military District
Palmerstone North
18th April 1921

[Letter from W.L.H. Burgess, late Brig. Gen.]
Dear Mr Garling
I was very pleased to get your letter, but believe me it was not required to remind me, or to keep ever fresh the memory of that sad but glorious 5th April, three years ago, and which marked the zenith and high-water mark of the great German Offensive of 1918.

I have read with great interest the account of the fighting of the 9th Infantry Brigade and 3rd Australian Division at VILLERS-BRETTONNEUX on the 4th April, as described by Mr Cuttack. This great struggle South of the Somme was a great and glorious achievement and I believe that the published account is both accurate and unexaggerated but Mr Cuttack only writes of one phase of that series of vital operations which marked this particular period.

After being rushed hurriedly South to assist in stemming the German advance, the 4th Australian Division was immediately pushed in North of the Somme to try to hold the general line in the vicinity of BUIRE SUR L’ANCRE – DERNANCOURT – ALBERT while at the same time the 3rd Australian Division held the line described by Mr Cuttack’s narrative of 4th April.

I only wish that my War Dairies and Maps were available so that I could give you a full and detailed account of the operations of the 5th April and the actual location and work of our Batteries. Later I shall be able to get at these records and will send you a Map of this area and more details of the great achievement of the Australian Field Artillery on the Historic day.

From before dawn on the 5th April, the Infantry and Artillery of the 4th Australian Division held that battered portion of the Battle Front against almost overwhelming attacks and numbers and except for a small withdrawal to a better fire position at the

[Page 510]
bend of the Railway Embankment at DERNACOURT, that devoted line never changed throughout that glorious day or afterwards.
By 2 p.m. on the 5th April, 1918, nearly half the Officers and men serving the guns of the Australian Divisional Artillery were "out of action" but in spite of the heavy losses and concentrated fire of the hostile Artillery, all guns remained "in action" and played their part throughout the day though in some instances only manned by two gunners.

It is characteristic of the recent War, and of our Arm, that the enduring service and sacrifices of the Artillery is seldom written about and mentioned in the records, of these great and historical actions of the combined Arms and in which they so effectually and gloriously took part.

Of all the splendid service and individual devotion to duty which marked the sad but memorable day and which makes the 5th April, 1918, one of the proudest in all the records of Australian Artillery, there was none who rendered more sterling service or who has left a brighter and more enduring example of personal devotion and sacrifice than your son, Major Terence Garling.

You know already what his men and brother Officers thought of him, and what personally I tried to express to you, who knew him from Gallipoli onwards and therefore on this Anniversary of that glorious and gallant period three years ago, and in spite of the sadness and inevitable sense of loss which comes to us all, and to you in particular, I can only say to you again that the memory of that gallant service and individual devotion will still help us to recall the 5th April, with sad but last pride in the men who gave so much on that Great Day.

May I again thank you for your letter and kind remembrance. With all the kindliest and sincerest wishes for the welfare of you and yours.

Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,

W.L.H. Burgess
(Late Brig. General, C.R.A. 4th Aust. Division)

[Page 511]
[Newspaper cutting]
S.M.Herald
The Australians
20/4/18
Heroic battle fought
(Official Commonwealth Correspondent)
London, April 17.
It is now possible to state that the Australian divisions, which were hurried down at the beginning of the last week of March to block the German advance on Amiens, were the third and fourth. The fourth division holds the reputation throughout the force as the most travelled Australian division about France. It has fought in every field, with invariably the greatest distinction. The third division, the newest of all, had never before fought outside Flanders, and came to the Somme country with the keenest enthusiasm. Its battalions had long endured the friendly chaff of other divisions, that they were not dinkum Anzacs, as they had never seen the Somme. They had the honour of bestriding a ridge between the Somme and the Ancre in the direct path of the Germans, where they were sent in to battle individually as they dismounted from omnibuses, and flung themselves against the enemy advance guards.

On March 27 and 28 two brigades made a brilliant skirmishing advance south of Mericourt and drove in the enemy advanced lines. Clearing a large portion of Treux Wood, they established a firm line running in the direction of Sailly, which they held against all attacks. In this advance a Tasmanian battalion, made a particularly gallant fight. The fourth came into action contemporaneously west of Albert, after a magnificent forced march already described. One of its brigades went into action to support a tired British division. This brigade, like the other two west of Albert, met heavier fighting than the third division, especially at Albert, where it was called upon to withstand heavy German massed assaults, especially in the great battle of Dernancourt on April 5, when, after an all-day fight, they threw back the storming German divisions.

April 4 and 5 were days which will long live in the history of Australian arms – the days when the Germans tried their utmost, with what forces remained with them, to hack a way through to Amiens. On April 4 efforts were made south of the Somme against Villers and Vretonneux, when the British cavalry and New South Wales battalions fought tooth and nail an heroic battle against odds. The flanks were consistently hard pressed, and the town itself, the centre of their position, was deluged with shell fire. Nevertheless, giving ground only by inches, and repeatedly counter-attacking, they finally saved the position, after 18 hours fighting.

[Newspaper cutting]
Jerilderie Herald
April 1918
Roll of Honour
The sad news was received by Mrs W. Elliott on Wednesday that her nephew, Major Terence Garling, A.F.A. had been killed in action in France. The deceased hero had been closely associate with Lieutenant M. Fergusson (son of Mr and Mrs E. Fergusson of Jerilderie). Both left Australia together and had been comrades in the fighting line ever [since]. In his letters to friends here Lieut. Fergusson repeatedly referred in terms of admiration and affection to Major Garling’s excellent qualities. He was the idol of his men and was beloved by his fellow officers. The Major left with the first contingent in 1914. He was badly gassed a few months ago and had only returned to duty in January last. He was one of two sons, his brother being about to leave on active service.
[Maurice A. Fergusson]
[Newspaper cutting]
Mirror
Friday 3/May/18
Major Garling Killed.
Sergt. Garling, of Wagga, has received news of the death of his brother, Major Garling, killed in action last week. He left with the first battery of the A.F.A. as a second-lieutenant. He went through Gallipoli, was twice gassed in France, and had a close call on the second occasion. While recovering in England he was offered a safe appointment on the staff. His reply was Australian: "I came here to fight". Major Garling was 24 years old, and had ranked Major for the past year and a half.

[Page 512]
[Newspaper cutting]
The Sydney Mail. 29th May 1918
[Photograph]
Major Terence Ward Garling
Born 15th February, 1894; died from wounds in France 5th April, 1918

Writes one who knew him: A message born to me on the wings of ill-fate gave me a stab of grief as a blast from an icy blizzard, for it told me of the death of this young soldier. I had known him from the joyous sunlight of his childhood, through his youth and on to his manhood, that proved him to be a man who knew how to die for his King and Empire. With a captivating spirit and intrepidity borne of strong character and cheery temperament, he instilled that confidence to his men that he himself possessed. He was as generous as he was brave. Affection, kindness, love, and duty were to him dear as life. His civilian occupation was spent with credit in the service of a firm of Sydney stock and station agents, and his military career speaks for itself, for he commanded a six-gun battery, A.F.A., with the rank of major before he was 23 years of age.

Leaving Sydney in October, 1914, he went through the Gallipoli campaign, fought continuously in France for two years in the famous 4th Division, was twice gassed, but never got a wound till, alas, the one that killed him. His associations with France were not confined to the part he played as a soldier. Some of his ancestors were educated in Paris, and he fought over the same fields in Flanders and Belgium as did one of his progenitors, Lieut. William Gordon Ward, 1st Regiment Royals; and another, Lieut. Fredk. Bedwell R.N., in the days of England’s wooden walls served in the Northumberland when she conveyed Napoleon to St. Helens. Sincere appreciation of Major Garling is added to by that of recently-returned soldiers who served under him. He rest at Warloy-Baillon, on the banks of the Somme.
"Above the grasses stands a simple cross
Whose shadow falls athwart the leagues of sea
Upon my heart – sad with its sense of loss,
While tear-dimmed eyes stare on Life’s mystery."

[Newspaper cutting]
S.M. Herald 12/1/20
Diggers at Amiens.
Mr. Joseph E. Scott, Forbes , writes, taking exception to the statement of General Rosenthal, that the third Division of the Australians held up the advance of the enemy at Amiens, and states that the actual stopping of the German advance and the re-taking of Villers-Bretonneux were carried out by the Fourth and Fifth Australian Divisions. In support of this claim he quotes from Sir Douglas Haig’s report:- "A counter-attack was launched by a brigade of the 18th Division and the 13th and 15th brigades of the Fourth and Fifth Australian Divisions, and met with remarkable success. A night operation of this character undertaken at such notice, was an enterprise of great daring. At day-break Villers-Bretonneux was practically surrounded by our troops, and two battalions of the 8th Division worked their way through the streets and houses, overcoming the resistance of such parties of the enemy as were still holding out."

[Page 513]
Copy To Lieut. General Sir John Monash GCMG. KCB

Angledene
22 Jany 1920

With great interest I am reading "The Australian Victory in France 1918", written by you and published in The Sydney Mail". My interested is accentuated by your reference (in last weeks issue) to the Engagement of 5th April /18 sorrowfully reminding me that my son late Major Terence Garling fell in that action and on that day. His Battery was the 37th – 10th Brigade – 4th Division. - In a memorial book I had compiled after his death – all his letters to home are included dating from Gallipoli landing to 27th March /18 a week before he was killed. From information given me, reference in this book names Millencourt as the field in which he fell – I am indebted now to your authority that this is not correct – May I be allowed to ask you if Millencourt has the same significance as Dernancourt ? Though the Memorial Book of ours is only for the privacy of my family, intended to be kept through the years to come as a

[Page 514]
record and in remembrance of a son who was to me very dear to us I am desirous that the information in it may be correct – Perhaps you will pardon me for writing to you and accept as my reason the wish of a father very advanced in years to make the "In Memoriam" of a lost son as complete as the cause deserves –
Yours obediently
WNG

[Page 515]
360 Collins Street,
Melbourne,
28th January 1920

W.M. Garling Esq.,
"Angledene"
Burns Bay Road,
Sougueville,
Sydney.

Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of your kind letter of the 22nd inst. which, however, reached me only this morning. I am indeed interested to learn that you are the father of Major Garling, and you will no doubt permit me to extend to you an expression of my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your gallant son.

In brief reply to your letter I may say that it is doubtless quite correct that the place where he fell is called Millencourt. The battle front was extended over a very large area, and was called the Battle of Dernancourt chiefly because it was from the ruins of the latter village that the main German attack debouched, also your son being a Gunner was very likely to be some thousand yards from the actual point of Infantry assault, and I well remember that there was a village or ruin of a village, named Millencourt in that vicinity.

[Page 516]
I would suggest therefore if you have the authority of your son in his letters for the name of that place, it is probably quite correct and properly forms part of the story of that wonderful day.
I am,
With kind regards
yours sincerely,
John Monash

[Page 517]
Copy
Angledene
30th Jany /20

W.G. to Genl. Sir John Monash

Dear Sir
Your reply to my letter of 22nd Inst. reached me today and it only remains for me to thank you for explaining why the engagement of 5th April /18 was called the battle of Derencourt and the connection of the village of Millencourt therewith – and for your sympathetic reference to my son. May I tell you how deeply it is appreciated – this part of my message now to you Mrs Garling asks to be allowed to share with me.
Yours Sincerely
WNG

[Page 518]
[Drawing of the Fourth Australian Division memorial obelisk at Bellenglise, France]

[Page 519]
[Newspaper cutting from the Sydney Morning Herald, early January 1920 reporting on the erection of memorials at sites of the great battlefields, identical to the one shown on page 518, designed by Sydney architect, G.A. Keesing]

[Page 520]
[In 1922 a Memorial Scroll, and later a Memorial Plaque, was presented to the next of kin of those soldiers, sailors or nurses who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Forces during the First World War. The Memorial Scroll bears the Royal Coat of Arms and the following message]
He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.
Major. Terence Ward Garling
10 F.A,B., A.I.F.

[Page 521]
[Printed page]
THE SUM OF CHIVALRY

What shall be said of him, your friend,
That very perfect gentle knight
Whose fair life, crowned with such an end,
No graven scroll could praise aright?

There is a simple line can tell
Of the great spirit, proud and free,
Whose steadfast vision still would dwell
Upon the star of Courtesy.

No shining warrior prince of old,
Whose glory fit the knightly days,
But this brief epitaph had told
The perfect measure of his praise.

Yet him we mourn a courage graced
That finds no ancient counterpart,
What knew they of the deaths he faced
With laughter from a boyish heart?

There needs no marble, just the small
Rude cross of wood that soldiers rear,
And this for proud memorial –
"AN AUSTRALIAN GENTLEMAN LIES HERE"

[Page 522]
[Printed card]
Mrs W.M.N. Garling and Son
thank you very sincerely
for your kind expression of sympathy

"Rostellen"
Hunter’s Hill
April 1929

[Transcribed by Lyn Williams, Ros Bean, Peter Mayo for the State Library of New South Wales]

[Transcriber’s Notes.
P.269 The Arabia was a P & O ship on course from Australia which was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans near Malta in October 1916
P.350 Attached to this page is a newspaper clipping with the notation: S.M.Herald 2nd Nov 1917. The clipping is a list headed "Wounded" and includes the name: Mjr. Terence Ward Garling, Longueville (gas)
P.254 See Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, Vol V. p 374 Battle of Dernancourt]