Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Robert Valentine Fell diary, 1 January-31 December 1917
MLMSS 1216/Item 2
[Page 5]
[Previous pages are covers and library information]
No 2289 A
R.V.FELL
10th Light Horse
3rd ALH Brigade
Private Address
"Valone"
37 Derwent St
Glebe Pt
Sydney
NSW
[Page 18]
[Pgs. 6 to 17 printed tables etc. not transcribed]
Please forward to
My next of kin
(Father)
Robert S. Fell Esq
"Valene"
37 Derwent St
Glebe Pt.
Sydney
Australia, NSW
[Page 19]
1388 L/Cpl MBRichards
"B"Squadron
Aust. Remount Depot
E Buckland
Mrs. S Butler
School House
Swaffham Bulbeck
Cambridge
England G.Butler
[Page 21]
January 1917
Monday 1
Went down to beach. Bombed by Taubes 3 shells fell close to me into the sea. Others went into a palmgrove. 13 casualties among British troops. Terrific wind blowing. Had the coldest swim I ever had. Drew rations at the dump and loaded up the pack camels Pinched some fowls so had poultry for dinner.
Tuesday 2
Nothing doing. very squally and showery.
Another visit from Taubes but they did not drop any bombs
[Page 22]
January 1917
Wednesday 3
Still raining. Wet blankets every night. expecting to have colds and rheumatism. Well so far. Ordinary routine of camp . Rumours of big battle to come off at Rafa
Thursday 4
Plenty of work at this QM job.
Fine day but very cold.
[Page 23]
January 1917
Friday 5
Rained again in showers. Wind very cold. Met a lot of old friends also Lt Lamb, Lt Dawson (5 LH) and Lt Bell (12 LH) all in 11 Coy ICC. [Imperial Camel Corps]
Saturday 6
Nothing on note today.
[Page 24]
January 1917
Sunday 7
Plenty of work all bustle, whilst issuing rations in the moonlight at 8 pm our camp was bombed by Taubes. 2 bombs dropped 30yds away. No damage done. Moving out to Defar for battle tomorrow.
Monday 8
Moved out at 2pm towards El Magruntain. Were joined up by 1st and 3rd LH Brigades. 12 companies of Camel Corps also English Yeomanry. Hongkong battery and artillery also field ambulances.
Travelled all night.
[Page 25]
January 1917
Tuesday 9
Arrived at daybreak. Halted for 1 hour whilst LH attacked their outposts. Moved on to scene of battle. Got shelled from Turkish battery. Had to move camels out of range. We then went into action dismounted. Fighting very hot. Our men dropping fast. Got a bullet thro my tunic singlet and cardigan just grazed my right shoulder. Arm useless for a while. Company still advancing. Arm got better so I advanced in their track on my own. Plenty bullets flying round caught up to my section. Opened fire at 1100 yds. I was in charge of No.3 Lewis gun. My gunner shot in right arm alongside me. Joined up No 2 gun. Range now 500
fought all day under frontal and enfilading fire. 4 men and 1 officer shot 15 yds away from me. Several of our men wounded . Sgt P K Foster killed. Final sustained attack all along the line and Turks surrendered at 4.45 pm.
Came back to camels 3½ miles away. Taubes had bombed the camels continuously several camels killed. My sections total 1 killed 8 wounded. Coys total 2 killed 1 officer and 16 men wounded. Moved off in the darkness back to El Arish.
January 10
Halted at 12 MN at Sheik Zoweid for a few hours rest. Up at 5 am and away again. Arrived
[Page 26]
January 1917
January 10 (cont)
back in old camp El Arish, dead weary and hungry. Had no sleep for 58 hours and no food. Big casualty list. all the camp fast asleep.
Jan.11
Still very tired - Had an easy day overhauled camel saddles and camels some have sore backs.
Friday 12
Quiet day
[Page 27]
January 1917
Saturday 13
Went down to railhead Kilo 139 to bring company kit bags back. Camped the night
Sunday 14
Left Kilo 139 with kit bags etc. on pack camels
Passed 3rd LH Brigade must try and gt out of camel corps and army LH, will do me.
[Page 28]
January 1917
Monday 15
Applied for a transfer to L.Horse application turned down .
Will try again.
Tuesday 16
Fed right up with camels. Dirty filthy animals they are. I have a skin disease called scabies from them. Several men sent to F. Ambulance with it.
[Page 29]
January 1917
Wednesday 17
Rode down to 3rd LH Brigade Saw Genl Royston to try and get into his brigade Met an old friend in his ADC. Lt D.Roth. Saw Lt Col TJ Todd 10th AHL. I can get into 10th Regt if ICC will transfer me
[Page 30]
January 1917
Friday 19
Very busy with rations fatigues.
Saturday 20
Went out on outpost few miles from El Arish.
[Page 31]
January 1917
Sunday 21
Very quiet day today so I wrote some letters.
Monday 22
JAR birthday
Very windy - sand flying in all directions
[Page 32]
January 1917
Tuesday 23
Usual camp routine
[Page 35]
[Pages 33 and 34 blank]
January 1917
Monday 29
Usual routine
Tuesday 30
Nothing doing
[Page 36]
January February 1917
Wednesday 31
Plenty of fatigues
[Page 39]
[Pages 37 and 38 blank]
February 1917
Tuesday 6
Paraded before Brig Genl Smith VC C.O. ICC Brigade re transfer to 10 L.H.-
succeeded in getting his sanction so transfer goes through
Wednesday 7
Just waiting now to get away from these camels.
[Page 41]
[Pages 39 and 40 blank]
February 1917
Saturday 10
Transfer through at last so I leave here tomorrow
Sunday 11
Left No 1 Coy ICC and joined 10th LH
I reverted to ranks to get into the 10th and to get away from the camels
My birthday today
[Page 42]
February 1917
Monday 12
Met Fr Goodman msn of Sydney who is chaplain to 10th LH
Tuesday 13
Went over to 2nd Brigade saw 7th LH Regt and lot of old pals met Mid Scott and chaplain McAuliffe
[Page 43]
February 1917
Wednesday 14
Masaid camp about 1½ miles S of El Arish
Swimming in surf
Camp only 100 yds from beach rather chilly
Thursday 15
Dusky "ladies" of El Arish are interested spectators at our swimming
[Page 44]
February 1917
Friday 16
1oth camp at Masaid is a good camp in a date palm hod.
Very shady and plenty of water about 3 feet down in the sand. Horses looking very well.
[Page 53]
[Pages 45 to 52 blank]
March 1917
Tuesday 6
Too busy to write up diary
[Page 63]
[Pages 54 to 62 blank]
March 1917
Monday 26
Very foggy morning did not lift until 9am
First operations at Gaza 10th LH in reserve going in-
Standing to arms all night moved at 2 am .10th as rearguard to the brigade. Major Dangar does some good work
Tuesday 27
Retired from Gaza shelled by the Turks also fired upon with rifles. One of our planes came down in flames. Almost surrounded and captured.
Got back safely thanks to Genl Roystons leadership. Total British losses 13000 and Gaza not taken.
[Page 66]
[Pages 64 and 65 blank]
April 1917
Sunday 1
Have just heard that Genl Murray CIC directed operations at Gaza from Shepheards hotel Cairo
"Some" General I don`t think
[Page 67]
April 1917
Tuesday 3
8 tanks arrived
Had a good look at them. Great secrecy observed. They are well covered.The name of the camp is Dir el Belah
Wednesday 4
Brig Royston and Dave captured 20 Turks with his walking stick.
[Page 69]
[Page 68 blank]
April 1917
Saturday 7
Moved out to outpost 11 am
digging trenches in Palestine at Gamli
Sunday 8
Night very cold on outpostdigging trenches again during the day which was very hot
[Page 70]
April 1917
Monday 9
Moved out to Tel el Jimmi as screen for 9th LH who were digging reservoirs by night; in preparation for the next big offensive on Gaza
Tuesday 10
Movved out to Tel el Jimmi we dug the reservoirs tonight
to hold water for the big push.
[Page 71]
April 1917
Wednesday 11
on guard on the beach over our water supply
[Page 72]
April 1917
Friday 13
Concert in YMCA tent Dave sang ora pro nobis. He got a great reception.
Saturday 14
This camp shelled by Turks. Several landed in Hospital 14 casualties . Also bombed by Taubes no damage no casualties.
First drill with gas masks
[Page 73]
April 1917
Sunday 15
Moved out to night from our old camp. camped for night
Monday 16
at 2 pm 3rd Bgde moved out to take up outpost line prior to the big push which we are to hop into tomorrow at daybreak.
Saw cousin Bob Fell out here He is with 4th Signal troop 4th Brigade (in our division)
Moved out for the big fight at 7pm. Reinforcements arrived in darkness.
[Page 74]
April 1917
Tuesday 17
Moved out at 7 pm last night. Travelling in the dark towards enemy poz fired on by an outpost (11LH) at 50 yds range, only 1 horse shot. Dismounted in a wadi and advanced on foot. Took up a position on a ridge before daylight. Turks opened fire on us at daylight. After about 2 hours here we advanced. Brig and Dave galloped thro hail of bullets and shells telling us to keep down. The din of guns awful. Brig and Dave galloped up again telling us to advance.
Shortly after several Turks were sighted with white flags. Several men and officers [indecipherable] that everything was [indecipherable] and ceased fire and rushed forward. It was only a blind as half the Turks disappeared and then it came a hail of high explosive shrapnel. Lots of our chaps hit. We retired from this possie and took up a worse one, being under frontal and enfilading fire. Several more were shot. We retired and took up another pos and advanced. Had to run to a wadi for our lives under fire and shells, Disher killed in the wadi Capt Hamlyn wounded we got out safely and joined up the firing line. Heard Dave was wounded also Fr Goodman and 9 other officers and Lt Throssell killed, retired to our horses. Travelled back a few miles in night.
Next day dug trenches and occupied them. I was out on listening post.
Sat
Col Todd and Majore Grimood (10th LH) were wounded.
[Page 75]
April 1917
Thursday 19
The big fight
The biggest battle the 10th ever in lasted all day. 13000 Turks against us. Our casualties very heavy. 98 in our regt.
I had three narrow escapes and was lifted about a foot from the ground by a high explosive shell. Watch saved me from a stomach wound. Got in Wadi Ghuzze and worked back. Here Disher killed Major Hamlin wounded. Saw some Tommies with awful wounds.
Friday 20
Digging trenches and occupied them I was out on listening post all night cold as charity.
Tanks were a huge failure.
[Page 76]
April 1917
Saturday 21
Dug trenches again farther out to form a better line. Expect the Jacks to attack but he did not.
Sunday 22
Relieved by Yeomanry . We retired back a couple of miles. Heat and dust very bad
[Page 77]
April 1917
Monday 23
Marched out of here to Khan Yumis. Saw all the Camel Brigade going out. Saw Lt Cox and a lot of old friends.
Heat and dust still very bad.
Tuesday 24
Left here for Dir el Belah to allow all to have a dip in the sea and wash our clothes, we were all filthy
[Page 78]
April 1917
Wednesday 25
Came back to the desert again this side of Palestine; right on the beach. Everyone pleased went in for a swim. Sand clean not like the Holy land.
Thursday 26
Very cold today, rained a little sea very rough
[Page 79]
April 1917
Friday 27
Still resting back on the beach.
Heard Dave had been operated on yesterday. Going well
Sent a cable home
[Page 82]
[pages 80 to 81 blank]
May 1917
Friday 4
Digging trenches
[Page 83]
May 1917
Saturday 5
Left Regt near Gamli for bomb school Biltoun. 5 hours ride before reaching train Khan Zunus
Travelling all night in the train
Sunday 6
Arrived Kantara 5.30 am. Had breakfast saw Olsson. Arrived Zeitoun 4 pm.
Mrs Chisholm and Miss Mc Phillamy are doing great work for the boys at Kantara in their refreshment room
[Page 84]
May 1917
Monday 7
Went to Aust Gen Hosp saw Dave, Fr Goodman and host of the boys also Vic Holland Vic Masters. Dave looking well. Was at Hospital from 2.30 till 8.15 pm.
Col McIntosh (12 LH) died of wounds received at Gaza
Tuesday 8
Went in to National with Jack Gratham to see Olsson
[Page 85]
May 1917
Wednesday 9
Cabled for money
[Page 86]
May 1917
Saturday 12
Hospital again
[Page 87]
May 1917
Sunday 13
Hospital again
Monday 14
Night throwing grenades
OC asked me to join staff Zeitoun as Bomb instructor. Refused this offer.
[Page 88]
May 1917
Tuesday 15
Last day day exams
Got distinguished pass 99% came 2nd at the school. 85 in Bomb School
Wednesday 16
Kept back by Doctor with Septic hands
[Page 89]
May 1917
Thursday 17
Still at Zeitoun
Friday 18
Still at Zeitoun
[Page 90]
May 1917
Saturday 19
Zeitoun
Sunday 20
Zeitoun
[Page 91]
May 1917
Monday 21
Left school to rejoin Regt at Khan Yumus
Tuesday 22
Arrived Khan Yumus 9.30 am Regt moved out on a demolition stunt to Asluj. I missed it as they forgot to send a horse for me.
[Page 92]
May 1917
Wednesday 23
In Camp near Beach at Makakeb
Thursday 24
Regt returned to camp after successful stunt. All bridges and viaducts and railway blown up at Asluj.
[Page 93]
May 1917
Friday 25
Still in Camp Marakeb
Saturday 26
Saw Dave
[Page 94]
May 1917
Sunday 27
Still in camp
Monday 28
Moved out to Shellal 8.30 arrived there 1.30pm very dusty
[Page 95]
May 1917
Tuesday 29
Still at Shellal
Wednesday 30
Shellal
[Page 96]
May June 1917
Thursday 31
Shellal this camp is awful fine brown dust constantly blowing everywhere
Friday June 1
Shellal
[Page 97]
June 1917
Saturday 2
Shellal
Sunday 3
Shellal
[Page 98]
June 1917
Monday 4
Shellal
Standing to arms 3 am.
Tuesday 5
Shellal
Had a look at Mosaic Hill found by a Aust. Floor of old Christian Church. Beautifully inlaid in mosaic with coloured stone. Greek inscription date 622 or 722 AD, destroyed by 1st Saracen (Mahomeddan) invasion.
Bones of some cleric named George discovered under floor
[Page 99]
June 1917
Wednesday 6
Shellal
Moving out at 1 am on a stunt, arrived at our position a daylight
Hanging around all day moving about.
Nothing doing
Arrived back in Camp 10 pm.
[Page 100]
June 1917
Friday 8
Shillal
Saturday 9
Shillal
[Page 101]
June 1917
Sunday 10
Shellal
Monday 11
Shillal
Finish stand to arms
Our weeks duty over
[Page 105]
[Pages 102 to 104, "Shillal"]
June 1917
Monday 18
Eating stunt on today
B Sqdn had a bit of a scrap with Jacks. Several Jackos hit also Bedouins.
Lt Herbert wounded. Six of our horses lost. I missed it was detailed for an escort job to Sheik Nuram.
Tuesday 19
Shillal
[Page 107]
June 1917
Saturday 23
Sudden move out after three planes (ours) brought down by Jacks. We rescued the pilots and salvaged all the gear in them. Captured several Bedouins who were thewing and sniping . Set fire to a hut with lots of arms and ammunition.
[Page 109]
June 1917
Tuesday 26
Dusty Shellal
[Page 113]
[Pages 110 to 112 blank]
July 1917
Wednesday 4
Big reconnaissance from Shellal on Beersheba front
Got shelled a couple of times
Thursday 5
Moving back tomorrow
[Page 114]
July 1917
Friday 6
Moved from Shellal back to Abbassan el Kebir
Another dusty dirty hole far from any water
7th Regt took over our camp. Saw several of chaps I know.
Saturday 7
Abbassan el Kebir worse than Shellal for dust. Have to ride 2 miles to water twice a day. Living in dugouts below ground on account of heat, dust and flies.
[Page 115]
July 1917
Sunday 8
Do
Monday 9
Do
[Page 116]
July 1917
Tuesday 10
Do
Wednesday 11
Do
[Page 117]
July 1917
Thursday 12
Abbassan el Kebir
Friday 13
Abbassan el Kebir
[Page 118]
July 1917
Saturday 14
Fr Goodman came back today
Sunday 15
Abbassan el Kebir
[Page 119]
July 1917
Monday 16
Abbassan el Kebir
Tuesday 17
Abbassan el Kebir
[Page 120]
July 1917
Wednesday 18
Dave and Brigadier left for Cairo, Brig not well might go to England.
[Page 121]
July 1917
Saturday 21
Got a horse from David not a bad animal
[Page 122]
July 1917
Sunday 22
Moved from Abbassan el Kebir to the beach Marakeb
My horse bolted and I got scolded when I turned up for letting the one I was leading get away.
[Page 123]
July 1917
Tuesday 24
Marakeb the beach camp plenty of swimming. A nice clean camp
[Page 128]
[Pages 124 to 127 entries read "Marakeb"]
August 1917
Friday 3
Marakeb
Saturday 4
Anniversary of war. Officers 10th had a very big dinner.
[Page 129]
August 1917
[No entry]
[Page 130]
August 1917
Tuesday 7
Admitted to Field Amb with my left ear gone wrong
Wednesday 8
Field Amb.
[Page 131]
August 1917
Thursday 9
Sent to out Rest Camp
5th Mtd sports on. Very good
Friday 10
Rest camp a good idea. Complete rest and good food plenty of swimming.
[Page 134]
[Pages 132 to 133 entries read "Rest Camp"]
August 1917
Wednesday 15
Rest Camp
Thursday 16
Left Rest Camp. Back in Regiment
Aquatic sports in full swing. Athletic sports in the afternoon.
[Page 135]
August 1917
Saturday 18
Moved out of Marakeb and arrived at Abbassan about 11Am.
[Page 138]
[Pages 136 and 137 read "Abbassan"]
August 1917
Thursday 23
Left Abbassan el Kebir 2 pm halted Tel el Fara and camped the night
Friday 24
Up and away at 4 am on a reconnaissance south of Beersheba.
Bombed by three taubes nobody hit. One plane flew low we drove it off with rifles.
Returned to Fara 10 pm camped for the night
[Page 139]
August 1917
Saturday 25
Up and away at 4 am for our old camp at Abbassan. Arrived about 8am
[Page 144]
[Pages 140 to 143 no entries]
September 1917
Wednesday 5
Went to Marakeb to 7th LH saw Downes also Weddell Warre etc. returned at 7 pm.
[Page 151]
[Pages 145 to 150 no entries]
September 1917
Tuesday 18
Left Abbassan for Shellal arrived dinner time
[Page 152]
September 1917
Thursday 20
Went to Marakeb for two chaps from Rest Camp
15 miles each way
Friday 21
Out on outpost (day)
Fired upon
These day outpost stunts are funny like draughts our move today to hill 630 turkos move next day on same hill
[Page 154]
September 1917
Monday 24
Outpost to 520 and 630 got shelled and fired on all day
Did some scouting away out in front
Tuesday 25
Out again to take hill 630 got fired on and shelled
We took 630
[Page 158]
[Pages 155 to 157 no entries]
October 1917
Tuesday 2
Out for a stunt left camp 6 am
Various patrols
Camped for a few hours during the night
Wednesday 3
Left for camp 1am
Got back at 4am
I left Shellal for Port Said on 10 days leave
[Page 159]
October 1917
Thursday 4
Arrived Port Said 2 pm.Geoff Warre is RSM here.
[Page 160]
October 1917
Saturday 6
Visited HMS Raglan. Very interesting
[Page 161]
October 1917
Monday 8
Went to Armenian Camp sent some things home aslo to JR
Tuesday 9
Port Said
[Page 162]
October 1917
Wednesday 10
Port Said. Afternoon tea on HMS M Raglan and back to town for dinner.
[HMS Raglan was a monitor sunk in Jan 1918 off Imbros]
[Page 163]
October 1917
Friday 12
Left Port Said 1pm for the front again
Arrived Kantara 2.15 pm.
Left Kantara 11.30 pm
Saturday 13
Arrived Shellal 1.30 pm back in camp 1.45 or 2 pm.
[Page 164]
October 1917
Sunday 14
In camp Shellal
[Page 165]
October 1917
Tuesday 16
Taube (albatross) brought down by Canadian airman close to our camp
Wednesday 17
Outpost 630. I was again fired on but not hit, nobody hurt either with bullets or shells
[Page 166]
October 1917
Thursday 18
Out on a general stunt but in reserve so saw nothing.
Very quiet day
Friday 19
In camp nothing doing
[Page 167]
October 1917
Saturday 20
Out on a stunt only in reserve, saw nothing
Sunday 21
We go out on night outpost.
Left camp 11am
Took up outpost line about dusk 5pm. Saw no turks but very cold
[Page 168]
October 1917
Monday 22
Went back to Shellal to water then came outside the barbed wire and stayed there for the day
[Page 169]
October 1917
Thursday 25
Went out on a stunt abt midday towards 630. At night I was one of a party on out post while others were digging trenches. Saw few Turks at daybreak our patrol fired on. Got shelled after daylight. Jacks occupied 630 soon after we left. Got back to camp 5pm.
[Page 170]
October 1917
Saturday 27
Got a hurried call at 8am. Saddle up at onc e. moved out as fast pace to 720 which Turks had occupied. Went into action about 3pm. B troop just behind D troop supporting. Rifles and machine guns very hot. We had to lie flat could not lift our heads. About 4pm Jacks shifted to right flank and enfiladed D Troop. Bannon killed Broadhurst and Porter wounded. 4 guns opened up on us, few horses hit.
[Page 171]
October 1917
Start of the big stunt.
Sunday 28
Left camp Shellil 3.30pm on the start of the big push. Arrived on the wadi Imalaga 10pm camped for the night. We travelled 12 miles. Mounted troops everywhere in the moonlight.
Monday 29
Hussani
Moved about 2 miles to Masalaga and camped for the day. Drew rations etc.
Left again 4 pm and travelled till 9pm arrived Khalasa, camped there abt 10pm
[Page 172]
October 1917
Tuesday 30
Was detailed with 3 others and Lt MFee to report to Anzac Div Hqrs. Arrived there ASLU 12 noon. Moved out with them 5pm.
Travelled all night 2 hours rest 1 am to 3am
Attached to Genl Chater as D.R.s. Very hilly country stony in places water in the wadi
Wednesday 31
Near Beersheba
At daylight first shots, saw nothing so far. Sighted Beersheba.
10am violent bombardment started. We are right round Beersheba. Big range of hills , Div has moved to big hill great view of all Beersheba. Saw everything. 1st Bgd took Bin el Saba. Got shelled 10th Regt also [indecipherable] wounded. Moved to Tel el Saba dusk
Taubes bombed pos we left then returned and machine gunned on us. No one hit. 9th MGS heavy casualties bombs. 4th Bgd galloped through town and took it. 1000 prisoners, 9 guns. 10 [indecipherable]
Turks blew up waterpump and dump camped the night
[Page 173]
November 1917
Thursday 1
Tables flew over early bombed NZ Hosp. rifles machine guns of ours brought one down. Beersheba mined everywhere. Bully beef tins etc were bombs .Lot of infantry casualties. 2nd Bgd did great work. They are out on the Hebron Jerusalem road. Got turks cut off. NZ capturing prisoners everywhere.
Gaza bombarded by monitors and big guns. We could hear them and feel the vibration. Town occupied by British.
Friday 2
Still camped at Bin el Saba.
Good news all round. Turks defeated everywhere. Inf at Gaza have Turks cut off. Expecting Gaza to fall any time. 2nd Bgd out 20 miles. Captured numerous prisoners and 2 guns which they blew up. I went to Beersheba with despatch. Went right thro town.
[Page 174]
November 1917
Saturday 3
Moved camp 1 mile nearer town. Very hot and dusty in morning sultry afternoon and cold nights. Had poultry and beef for dinner yesterday. Horses get plenty of feed from Bedouin camps. Went to Beersheba at night with despatch. Awful ride in dark
Sunday 4
Went over to Regt. Passed over battlefield where 4th Bgd charged . saw numerous graves of theirs. Came back to Anzac Div and got word to rejoin Regt. Joined up when they were half way through Beersheba. Dust awful. On the way to Karm for water. Terrible travelling in the dark. Got [indecipherable] in the dark. Camped for night
[Page 175]
November 1917
Monday 5
Early reveille moved farther to Shellal. Went into Shellal for water. On the go all the time. Men irritable with all the messing about.
Tuesday 6
Standing to arms all day. Inf attack Sharid
Went out to Hill 510 on outpost thought Turks might break thro. C Sqd late. We took up outpost then had to hand over to C Sqd when they arrived.
Very cold
[Page 176]
November 1917
Wednesday 7
Moved from Karm at forced march on to Sharia
Sharia fell to infantry after hard fight. Halted for few hours. 2 taubes flew over. No bombs dropped. Left here at the gallop for 4 miles. Tanked up with Anzacs. Outpost all night. Turks on retreat, burning all dumps and camps before they left
Thursday 8
Occupied Goth.
Turks still on the run.
After outpost all night moved off at daybreak NE. came under artillery fire. Got horses in a deep wadi dismounted and went into action. Came under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. Lt McKellar wounded. Cochrane killed. B Troop no casualties. Went back to old well got first water for 30hours.
Outpost at night.
[Page 177]
November 1917
Friday 9
Jemmanek
Turks in full retreat. Saw fires of their dumps burning. I went out on patrol before daybreak. Saw no turks. Went into Turkish camp captd by Anzacs. Well there. Great trouble in watering. Saw some Turk prisoners 2 MOs speak English.
Moved to Hudj was Turco Hqrs. Debris everywhere. Wagons all along the road. Drew rations. Moved out at 4 pm for 12 miles ride. Terrible going in the dark. Halted after about 9 miles. 1 am went on outpost.
Saturday 10
Off again after daybreak. Struck a Turco Rly Stn Arak el Menshi several buildings and a well, got water bottle filled and Turks shelled us with shrapnel. Must have had 8 guns. Moved to cover hurriedly stayed there till after noon. We were warned by a Bedouin.
Then moved back about 3 miles to a little water, watered horses and got bottles filled. Moved back at gallop drew rations and did a night ride towards a village, got to a wadi found 9th. All squadrons lost so moved back to station camped 1am
[Page 178]
November 1917
Sunday 11
Arak el Menshiye
Moved about three quarters of a mile up from Rly Stn took up [indecipherable] outpost. Shells dropping on the left. Cpl Smith "C" sqdn killed. No rations or water. Stayed there until dusk. Moved up few hundred yds. Stayed there till 1 am then moved back to Rly Stn. Where 25 our planes bombed and destroyed 7 tanks and buildings. Watered then lay down holding our horses and slept till daybreak.
Stench from dead Turks awful
Monday 12
Moved off at daybreak to few miles off Stn. Drew rations (three quarter ration) moved again to a position off saddled lines down billy on to boil when an alarm came "Get mounted at once". Galloped to Summeil. Turcos rumoured to be counterattacking all along the line. A and C sqds in action. B in support. Expect to go onto it any moment.Shells flying everywhere, sound of heavy rifle fire. Time now 4.30 pm. Lay by until after dark then retired.
[Page 179]
November 1917
Tuesday 13
Dodging shells today up and down a deep wadi. No water or rations.
Left for Arak at 1.30 pm to go to water and rations. Fed up and came back to a wadi, concentrated and took up outpost, left of Summeil. Turcos retired.
Horses and men getting knocked up. Very little fodder and only 1 drink a day for horses. Men on short rations. My hands very bad septic poisoning.
Wednesday 14
Advancing
Fires of dumps burning in distance fine view of country. Buildings getting more modern. 2 story red tile roofs. Troops moving up on our left. Very quiet.
Did outpost at night. Our Regt lost. Own troops away out.
Went to Duras for water. Modern village while people speak English tiled roofs. 2 oil pumps at well.
Pinched sheep , cut it up and carried it back on saddles.
[Page 180]
November 1917
Thursday 15
Went to Beit Duras after water waited all day for water had to go without .
Rejoined Regt. Left here to join B.H.Q. Travelled about 6 miles N.E. camped alongside river plenty of water and ducks, modern villages (one named Nebi Yunus) near
Friday 16
Stayed at river all day. Was plenty of water joined BHQ could see the sea country most interesting. More modern as we go. Modern buldings people civilised. All land under cultivation. Seems rich soil
[Page 181]
November 1917
Saturday 17
Left wadi and travelled NE and picked up BHQ at a village where there was plenty water. Signs of heavy fightin in village. People civilised some speak English. Village of Katra
Move out one and a half miles drew rations got mail last night
Were able to buy some bread.
Sunday 18
Moved back to village Katra for water. No water so we turned back and travelled N terrible country. Rocks stones and hills. No water. Sighted Ramleh which has fallen. It looks a beautiful place in distance. Quite largest we have seen yet. Had reconnaissance. Moved back to Station Junction in darkness. My horse fell. Hurt my hand. Watered and camped.
[Page 182]
November 1917
Monday 19
At station junction all day
Showery all day. Saw Dave not speaking to him
Tuesday 20
Wet day
At Station Junction. Moved out to join 5th Mtd Bgd, (English) attached to 75 Div (inf) Marching on to Jerusalem . Joined 5th Mtd in a valley. Halted for night. Rained all night. I got wet through.
Supposed to be where [indecipherable]
10th LH to be the only Australians in the taking of Jerusalem. We are near Latron.
[Page 183]
November 1917
Wednesday 21
Very cold.
Started for Jerusalem road up through steep hills
Halted on side of one of the stoney hills. Olive trees everywhere.
Great number of wells at Saris where we watered. Stayed all night.
Village half mile farther on called Enab Converted into hospital.
Thursday 22
Still camped on hill below Saris.
"B"squdn started on outpost or reserve and infantry. Camped in rocky slope of hill near Indian cavalry.
Very cold at night.
[Page 184]
November 1917
Friday 23
B troop went up to hill where Scots Bgd Hqrs were got shelled. Saw Scotties advancing under heavy shell fire to take a village wonderful sight. Lot of camels blown up by shells.
Saw fine Italian monastery came back to valley and all returned to Regt.
Saturday 24
At Bittar
B and A Sqd went out to Rly Station country awful climbing and slipping up and down hills. Led horses most of the way, hills all 2000 ft high rocky track at bottom. Struck railway A sqd went to Stn found it blown up. Got shelled saw fine monastery, worse stunt ever had. All back safely. Track stones and very rough.
[Page 185]
November 1917
Sunday 25
Still camped on side of hill near Saris.
All very tired after yesterdays stunt.
Col Todd had us road making and shifting stones. His pet mania is road making.
Monday 26
Still camped on side of hill in Enab and Saris.
Got ready to move and when we came back from water orders were cancelled.
Very cold.
[Page 186]
November 1917
Tuesday 27
Got orders to move back to Latron with 5th Mtd Bgd. I and 3 others detailed as DRLs or mtd orderlies and attached to 60th Inf Div. Reported at Enab Hqrs 8.30 am. Cushy job so far
Wednesday 28
Still at Enab with 60th Div. 10th ALH to be only Aust troops to go thro Jerusalem.
Andrews and Anderson left .
Very cold
[Page 187]
November 1917
Thursday 29
At Enab with 60th Div on hill over 2000 ft above sea level. Quiet day.
Very cold night. Dull morning Taube flew over and sent our observation balloon down with machine gun fire. Observers landed in parachutes.
Friday 30
Went into village Enab bought grape jam. Village fairly decent different from Egyptian villages.
Quiet day.
[Page 188]
December 1917
Saturday 1
Another quiet day at Enab for us. Tommy infantry doing the attacking.
Church of Emmaus not far away. I saw it a fortnight ago. Fine building with steeple and clock.
Sunday 2
Went to monastery Enab to mass. Under monastery saw well where O lord drank from some times. Shrine built over well in 6th cent upper portion built in 12th cent a balance built by French Govt in last decade. Benedictine monks here. Asked me about new [indecipherable] W.A.
Turks started shelling here when we came out of mass. Shells landing 100 yds from monastery. Still shelling at 1 pm.
[Page 189]
December 1917
Monday 3
Still at Enab Turks shelled road and dump. I had narrow escape going to water shell passed very close and burst 10 yds behind me. No damage
Nothing doing, very cold north wind.
Tuesday 4
Went from Enab to Regt with despatches expecting to get parcels but was disappointed. Regt camped on nice spot 9 miles back near village of Artuf.
We have fire every night and Tommies and Scotchmen flock round and yarn over past experiences. Londoners very humorous, Surprised at us pinching wood and cutting olive trees.
[Page 190]
December 1917
Wednesday 5
Enab. Quiet day
Rained at night, Kept fairly dry
We get plenty of wine from monastery.
Septics healing rapidly
Thursday 6
Enab.
Nice morning.
Hope to be in Jerusalem within 7 days.
Night turned very cold and rainy.
The coldest night I have ever felt. Just like Katoomba.
[Page 191]
December 1917
Friday 7
Enab.
Very cold morning dawned started raining and most bleak. Wind would cut one in two.
Quiet morning started raining. Turks shelled road again no one hurt tho shells landed near monastery. Roche and Fraser going with despatch at [indecipherable] to 10th regt. Dangerous jorney for them and very cold and wet.
Saturday 8
Infantry 60th Div started attack on Jerusalem.
Heavy artillery fire on Turco defences.
Hope to be in Holy City tomorrow am doing important work to and from front line. Wet and cold. Artillery doing great work. Went down to Kulomieh got shelled and fired on. Turks shelled Judea. Went out to old camp.
Rumours city of Jerusalem fallen
[Page 192]
December 1917
Sunday 9
Attack continues on outskirts. Left Enab to march to Jerusalem. Went thro Kulomeh saw. Judea on right [indecipherable] left for half hour. Very cold all day. Got in Jerusalem at dusk. Camped in Eng Hospital. Great rejoicing at Jersualem falling to us. Started to rain in afternoon and continue all night.
Monday 10
Jerusalem
Fine morning. Comfortable rest under roof of hospital. Went out had yarns to people Lady invited me round to house brought the boys with me in afternoon. Very well treated. Had music and afternoon tea. Invited round after tea. Went there heard sad stories. Lots of people speak English.
[Page 193]
December 1917
Tuesday 11
Allenby official entry into Jerusalem in the morning.
Jerusalem
Roach called to where I was [indecipherable] orders to rejoin regt. Had breakfast hurried back and started packing. Orders cancelled at 9 am.
Did not go out during day went round to our friends at night heard some harrowing stories of hardships of people.
Most people very pleased at our taking Jerusalem. Saw Mt. Sion in distance
Wednesday 12
Jerusalem
Spent morning cleaning my gear. Went out with Roach riding all around Jerusalem. Wonderful city. Called in to our civilian friends. Very welcome again. Came back to Hqrs and got orders to join Regt at once. Very disappointed. 60th Div chaps very disappointed. Got to Regt 7 pm. We are leaving city tomorrow.
Very cold. Regt camped in house.
[Page 194]
December 1917
Thursday 13
Left Jerusalem 8 am. Genl Allenby Genl Shea and 60th Div staff were saluted as we marched past. Travelled back thro Lafta Kulomieh. Enab to Latron. Where we camped. I was advised to get ready to go to Officers Cadet School with 2 other NCOs. Order cancelled 10 pm and I was cut out only 2 to go from Regt. Very disappointed and 1 from Moascar
Friday 14
Moved out from Latron about 9 am out on the Ramleh Road. Branched off on the road to Ludd. Then halted near El Burj. Dismounted took all our gear and marched one and a half miles where we are as infantry. Horses sent right back to Katrah. I was detailed to look after bombs. Name of this place Suffa. This rocky country far too rough for horses. Huge stones everywhere.
[Page 195]
December 1917
Saturday 15
Suffra
Still dismounted. Voting day for conscription referendum Question again. Told by RSM I shall be L/Cpl tomorrow.
Sunday 16
Suffra. In orders today L/Cpl dating from 15/12/17. Very cold
[Page 196]
December 1917
Suffra
Dave paid a visit and had a long yarn to him.
Everything going on well. He looks well.
Very cold
Transferred to D troop. Lt Reg maccallum troop leader.
Tuesday 18
Suffra. Raining. Rotten day . wrote few letters.
[Page 197]
December 1917
Wednesday 19
Suffra. Showery day and cold.
Went on night outpost. Rained during night and got wet thro
Blankets all wet. No shelter
Thursday 20
Suffra. Cold day with occasional showers. Tried to dry blankets by fire. Cold damp blankets at night.
Still well. No colds. Big mail I got 34 letters.
[Page 198]
December 1917
Friday 21
Suffra. Went out at 8 am as covering party to infantry reconnaissance. Showering all the time. Returned to camp 1 pm. Showering all afternoon. Went on outpost. Wet cold blankets. Fine night.
Saturday 22
Suffra. Fine day at last. Dying blankets. Cabled home for Xmas more mail I got 13 letters and a parcel from home.
[Page 199]
December 1917
Sunday 23
Suffra. Cold and showery all day
Went outpost. Rained all night. Got soaked. 12 MN sat up.under tree until daybreak.
Letter 47 JAR received.
Monday 24
Suffra. Xmas eve. Showery and cold. No chance of drying clothes
Terrific gale and rainstorm during night. Got wetter.
Xmas parcels arrived from [indecipherable]
[Page 200]
December 1917
Tuesday 25
Xmas day wet and cold
Had good Xmas dinner. Only on e in our troop to have a fire.
These olive trees burn well. Has the only wood here so most have fires.
Wednesday 26
Fine day in patches. Dried some clothes.
Moved out at 8 pm to attack at daybreak. Awful journey rough. Very cold on outpost at night.
[Page 201]
December 1917
Thursday 27
Attack on line. Irish Div well into it. Great success. They did in 1 day what they were expected to do in 2. We advanced and took up position.
Turks attacked Jerusalem at same time as we attacked them. 60th Div cut Jacko to pieces. He did not know where he was and could not reinforce either place.
Did outpost sniper put in a few shots
Friday 28
Very quiet all day.
Built nice bivouac and then had to advance at night .Did outpost. Talk about Italian Alpine climbers. Terrible climbing down steep hill and up on another with all our gear and canteen and gift stuff. Awful load. Did outpost. Very quiet. Advance in afternoon; short distance and camped
[Page 202]
December 1917
Saturday 29
Beautiful day . high up can see Ramleh. Jaffa and coast also. Emmaus and surrounding country.
Outpost at night
Sunday 30
Cold day. Rumour we are moving today. Did not move
[Page 203]
December 1917
Monday 31
Cold day. Got orders to move 3pm. At 3.30 we were off carrying all our swag. Awful load. Had long walk back to B.H.Q. about 2 and a half miles. Fairly good road. Saw Dave on the way.
Arrived at dusk. Pitched bivouac and camped for night which kept fine but cold.
No chance of writing.
Finish fighting on this front. We are going right back for the winter.
[Page 204]
[Printed Xmas card from Kath Ridhalgh Sydney]
[Page 205]
[Pages 205 to 223 no entries]
[Transcribed by Rex Minter for the State Library of New South Wales]