Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Letters from Frederick Stobo Phillips, 31 January 1915-26 October 1916
MLMSS 2836 (K22194/Folder 8)

[Page 1]
Mena Camp
8 miles from Cairo
31st Jan 15
My own dear Sister
As I write, I am on night duty in one of our Hospital tents situated about ¼ of a mile from the great pyramid. We are camped on the sand of the Desert & as you may judge are not too comfortable. We hope we wont be kept here very long, but of course must put up with conditions such as they are.
Poor old Will feels very homesick I think as & I myself do also. How are you all? I must thank Irene for the nice Xmas Card she sent me. Hope you both think my left-handed writing is improving.
How very lovely it will be when we all come together once more after this awful war is over
Tonight I went round to the Infantry camp & saw Stan Meek. I am trying to get him a Transfer into our unit & Will is helping me. Will is Major in Charge of the whole Camp, our part I mean. There are about 20,000 Twenty thousand Australian Troops camped here. It is a wonderful sight. Sister Stobo has been very kind indeed to me. She is a very fine woman. It is now 1.30 AM & our hours are from 9.P.M till 6.30 AM. Very much love to you all
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 2]
Please hold
Mrs W. H. Read
C/- Coml-Bkg Coy of S Ld
19 Birchin Lane
London
England

[Page 3]
[Letterhead] Y.M.C.A.
On Active Service
WITH THE BRITISH
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

1915
My Dearest Irene
I got a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you. You will no doubt get the news from Will’s letter. Id hope there were none of your letters on the supply ship that got torpedoed . Id look forward to them.
Am hoping for the survival of money you sent from London for me which the Anglo Egyptian Bank will be sending on in a few days. Then I can buy

[Page 4]
plenty of apples & grapes at the villages. Some of the men got Cake in tins sent from Australia to them but these really should be sewn up in a piece of stuff as well.
Very much love old gal & hoping ithe New Year may be brighter.
Your Ev loving brother
Fred

To Irene

Irene

[Page 5]
Mena
7 Feby 15
My darling little Margaret,
Thank you very much for the lovely card you sent me. It was such a lovely surprise.
There are such a lot of donkeys here and camels and the camels have two funny humps on on their backs. The people here ride camels and donkeys mostly instead of horses. When I go to town I will try and get a picture for you & one for dear little Tingse.
There are a lot of people here called Arabs and they wear such funny clothes just like women and instead of hats most of them wear a funny thing called a Turban.
Please give dear little Tings & Peter a hug and a kiss for me. Did you see any flying fish when you were coming from Australia? We saw quite a lot sometimes and one day we saw hundreds of Porpoises and they swam all round the bow of the steamer.
Hoping to see you soon and with much love to mother and Auntie and my dear little Margaret
from
\Your loving Uncle
Fred
Daddy sends lots of love to you all

[Page 6]
To be called for
Miss Margaret Read,
C/- Coml-Bkg Coy Ld,
18 Birchin Lane
London.
England.

[Page 7]
Thought you might like this as a Ause

[Printed page from Peninsula Press of July 28th 1915]

[Page 8]
[Printed page from Peninsula Press of August 21st 1915]

[Page 9]
[Letter written on Red Cross Letterhead for
No 2 GENERAL HOSPITAL
and Australian Expeditionary Force.]
Rumour has it here that Ty Barrett & Rumsay Smith & Matron Bell have all been recalled to [indecipherable] as the [indecipherable] of Adrian Knox’s enquiry.
22 Aug 1915
My own darling Sister,
I miss you all just terribly – Thank you very much for the 10/- you sent me. It was very good of you old girl & just like your dear self always thinking of others – I do hope you will have many happy returns of the 29th - & shall be thinking of you on that day. So far I have not heard any more about the Commission, & Mr Statt tells me he has been informed that his c interview was to be put off for a while. I have posted you quite a number of letters to the Winters

[Page 10]
& hope you will get them Safely. Dont forget the Necklace for Nell & the Moon Stones for Myfanney. I got yesterday a letter from May from India. She says Major Johnston has been retired to England & she is very glad for Hermoines sake.
The Bank has sent me no word of the money you were so good as to say I was to have for I went & saw Mr Walton & he was very nice & said I would get it in a few days Ralph asked the me to pay the money you gave me for him(£:6) into his a/c. He left for the front on the Sunday after you left Cairo. Hope you & Will are happy at home again ere this reaches you. With
very much love from
your loving brother
Fred
Tell Will I miss him
very very much
FOP

[Page 11]
[Postmark CAIRO 22 VIII 15]
Mrs W.H.Read,
The Warbrl
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 12]
25 Aug 15.
Cairo
Dear Mrs. Read,
I sent a parcel last Saturday containing 3 Camels for Nurse & two for Children. One high one with soldier on top for Miss Margaret & one for Miss Tingey, & the Key of toys box tied around neck of camel. Hoping you arrived quite safely & are all quite well & house is all right.
Yours faithfully
[indecipherable]
from Mahomet

[Page 13]
[Postmark CAIRO 25 VIII 15]
Mrs W.H.Read,
The Warley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW
Australia

[Page 14]
[YMCA Letterhead]
No 2 Gen Hospital
Cairo
7 Sept 15
My darling Sister,
I leave with 9 others this morning for destination & duty unknown, but we are told on good authority we are going to the Dardanelles as Stretcher bearers. I am afraid my chance of a Commission ends here. I got the £ 5 from the Anglo Egyptian Bank & thank you very much I am very grateful. I was given one stripe the other day but as 1 stripe carries 7/6 extra pay & one of the powers that he told me that it was only in order to have plenty of orderly Corporals acting & several others are

[Page 15]
senior to me as Lance Corporal & there was no hope of another stripe I decided not to accept it. Two others were also given one stripe & only one accepted the stripe.
Perhaps it is just as well that I did not accept as it would have very likely stopped me going.
Very much love dear old girl please tell [indecipherable] I have gone & give her my love
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 16]
On active Service

Franked

[Postmarked: CAIRO 10IX15]
Mrs W.H.Read,
The Warley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
Australia

[Page 17]
[Indecipherable Post Mark]

[Page 18]
[YMCA Letterhead]
1st Field Ambulance
Mudros W
Lemnos
26 Sept 15
My dearest Irene,
You will be surprised to see the address at the top of this page.
Well! I shall proceed to explain. Ten of us were detailed from No 2 General Hospital for duty o/seas. We were sent with two officers in charge to Mustapha Camp near Alexandria stayed there the next day & night & on the following morning were ordered to fall in with some infantry & proceed to Alexandria there we embarked on the S.S.Ionian for Anzac. We expected to see our officers on board but have not set eyes on them. That is since the 6th Sept. At Lemnos Is. We disembarked & went on board the Partridge & arrived at Anzac. We were there 36 hours & were under shell fire

[Page 19]
& bullet fire most of the time & it was most interesting, but as no one owned us we were ordered to reembark for Lemnos & here we are. I think we were intended for the 2nd Stationary Hospital at Lemnos Is. so please address letters to me
Cp. 2nd Aus Stationary Hospital
Intermediate Aus. Base
Alexandria.
Please Forward.
till forward further notice.
I have a friend with the Stationary hospital & if I am not there he will redirect them.
I trust you are all well & happily at home at the Wurley. Wish to God this awful war would end.

[Page 20]
This is Sunday Morning & I have just been to Church Parade & Holy Communion & thought of you all & sent up a Prayer for you all.
Will you please ask Arch to send me a statement showing how I stand, & ask him to give Fred Sherwin my address & please ring up Miss Rossitter & tell her of my new address & ask her to tell Beatrice Glasson.
We hear that Rommania & Bulgaria are at war.
Very much love dear old Girl to you all & Kisses to the [indecipherable].
Your loving Brotheer
Fred

[Page 21]
[On Active Service Envelope]
Mrs W.H.Read,
The Warley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW.
Australia

[Page 22]
[Back of Envelope]
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters.
Signature (Name only)] Fredk. S Phillips

[Page 23]
[YMCA Letterhead]
Mudros. West
Lemnos Is
1 Field Amb.
30 Sept 15
My dearest Irene,
I am still with the 1st Field Ambulance but still expect to be attached to the 2nd Stationary Hospital. The life here is very monotonous but I suppose must put up with it. A few of those small tuition books you used to send me would be most welcome & Cadbury’s Blue Paper Choc. a tin of tooth Pap Powder & a brush of the same ilk about each 3 mos would also be acceptable. It is necessary always to sew up in some stuff to ensure parcel holding together.
Did I tell you I saw Capt. Jim Simpson here the other day & that poor George was killed?
They give us a fair supply of Cigarettes & Tobacco but some Cigarette Papers would be welcome.
I here Colonel Berston is expected here soon & I think when he

[Page 24]
comes I shall look him up & introduce myself. There is with the No 3 Gen Hospital one Lieut. Cambage a Contemporary of mine at Kirys & a dentist withal. This afternoon I go & pay him a visit to get 2 teeth stopped with Amalgam They have broken away a lot, & are not front teeth. Did you know that Major Scobie had been killed? His men all thought very well of him.
We have had some very cherry news from the Russian Front & from France lately.
Very much love to you all
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 25]
[On Active Service Envelope]
[Post mark 1st AUST. INF. BDE FIELD P.O. 1 OC 15]
[The following is printed:
NOTE:
Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored Regimentally. The contents are liable to examination at the Base.
The following Certificate must be signed by the writer:
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters.
Signature (Name only)]
Fredk S. Phillips

Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney N.S.W..
Australia

[Page 26]
1st Field Ambulance
Mudros West
Lemnos. Is.
9 Oct 15
My dearest Sister,
It seems so very uncertain what our future movements will be that I will cancel the suggestion which I made in a previous letter to you about sending my letters to 2nd Stationary Hospital. Please send them till further notice to No. 2 General Hospital as before & they will forward them. Please ring up Trix & Neil Sherwin & tell them – Absolutely no news – but will write now & then to let you know I am well.
Much love to you all,
Your loving brother,
Fred

[Page 27]
[Postmark on envelope]
1st AUST. INF. Bde FIELD
12 OC. 15
On Active Service

Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW.
Australia

[Page 28]
FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD
Postmarked: 11 OC 15
[The following is printed:
The address only to be written on this side. If anything else is added. the post card will be destroyed.]
Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
Australia

[Page 29]
[The following is printed on back of post card:
NOTHING is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sender. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed

I am quite well.

Letter following at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you
for a long time.

Signature only] Fredk. S Phillips

Date 10/10/15
[Postage must be prepaid on any letter or post card addressed to the sender of this card.]

[Page 30]
[YMCA Letterhead]
1st Field Ambulance
Lemnos Is.
4 Nov. 15
My dearest Irene,
I have no news, but am writing this as a sort of Xmas letter. Well! old girl I hope you are all well & happy.-
So far we have had no Confirmation that we have been officially taken on the strength of the 1st Field Ambulance. –Lt. Col. St. Vincent – Welsh is O.C. – I wonder if Will knows him. Have seen Major Hersechall Harris & had talks with him on many occasions. What a decent chap he is old girl! He always wants me to let him know anything I need.
It is three months since I have had a letter (or nearly 3 mos). Is not it a shame? Do hope I get one soon. Did I tell you I saw Lou Stobo when going thro Alexandria? He wait & saw me off. -

[Page 31]
We will have to have another Christmas when I come back I am too far away. Please kiss your two dear daughters & the fine son for their loving Uncle. We get plenty of Tobacco issued to us & some Cigarettes. Lately I have given up pipe smoking & taken to Cigarettes only.
Very much love to you all & with best wishes for a Merry Xmas & a Bright New Year.
Your ever loving brother
Fred

[Page 32]
[Envelope]
Postmark:
ARMYPOST OOFFICE
4 No 15
Censor Mark:
PASSED BY
No 24
CENSOR

On Active Service

Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.

[Page 33]
[Printed Letterhead:
The Young Men’s Christian Association
and the
Australian Red Cross
+
with
H. M. Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Egypt.]
No. 729 1st Field Ambulance
1st Bde 1st Aus Divisn
Lemnos Island
5 Nov 15
My dearest Sister,
Since writing you the other day I have heard from Nancy Norris to say that she had sent to the Anglo–Egyptian BK £ 3 – which was the amount left after fixing up your Commissions.
Thank you very much old girl, - I am very grateful. – I have written to the Anglo-Egyptian Bank to Mr Walton asking him to get Confirmation for Ralph’s death at headquarters & having done so to transfer his balance to the Union Bank Head Office, Pitt Street, Sydney where he used to bank & to send his luggage which Ralph left at Cook’s Cairo to Arch c/o Alliance. I know Ralph wanted me to do this in the event of his death because he left it in my charge & gave

[Page 34]
me an authority to draw on his account. Will you tell Arch what I have done. I also asked Mr Walton to send my black Kit bag, which I left at Cook’s Cairo, (with many things which I don’t want to lose) to Arch with Ralph’s things. in
I am afraid it is only too true about poor old Ralph because Capt Storey who used to be one of the Doctors at Chezireh was over at the front for a fortnight & he told me one day here on Lemnos that he was often up with the 19th Batn. & knew Ralph personally & said he was killed.
Cheer up old girl
Much love to you all
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 35]
[Envelope:
COIRO
YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION
ARMY BRANCH]
[Postmark:
ARMY PODT OFFICE
8 NO 15]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H.Read,
The Wurley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W
Australia

[Page 36]
[YMCA Letterhead]
P.S. If I hear any thing of Major Oatley or Major Vernon will let you know Fred

1st Field Amb’ce
1st Aus. Brigade
1st Aus Division
Lemnos Island
10 Nov 15
My dearest Sister Irene,
Just received your letter from Fremantle & it was nice to hear from you & know you had reached Australia safely. I have written to the Anglo-Egyptian Bank & asked them to send me the £ 3- you were so kind as to get Nancy Norris to send me, representing your Balance with the London Branch of the Coml Bk. – I missed you all horribly after you left.
I think I wrote and told you about the cancelling of our projected Nile picnic. The 4th Field Amb. told me that Col Buston had gone away because he had not been too well. So I expect he [deleted] is still well. I hope [deleted] by now with you & won [deleted] back here. I hear that [deleted] has been reduced to [deleted] but don’t know [deleted] Capt MacKenzie got [deleted]

[Page 37]
the A.D.M.S. staff in Cairo & expected to be made Major.
Capt Reiach was out to Mena. Joyce Stobo really did so very well. What clever youngsters they are. I certainly think the Owen girls were not given a fair chance. The trouble was Mr Owen does not seem to think the poor girls matter. Poor Gwen! she is a good child & likes writes often to me. Her letters are just frightful, in Composition etc. The moonstones were for Myfannny.
Fancy that silly woman smuggling the dogs on board.
Just received a letter from Aunt Mary. Well dear old girl I have no news so au-revoir
Much love to you all.
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 38]
[Envelope:
Postmarked:
ARMY POST OFFICE
13 No 15
Censored:
PASSED BY
No 2224
CENSOR]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 39]
1
Y.M.C.A.
On Active Service
WITH THE BRITISH
EXPEDITIONARY FORCE]
1ST Field Ambulance
1 Aus Brigade
1 Aus Division
Lemnos Is.
20 Nov 1915
My dear Will,
How are you all getting on out there? I expect your Sweet Peas will have been blooming & the grapes about ripe. Have a few bunches for me old man, also some of your lovely peaches & nectarines which I know are very hard to equal. I saw Major Harris yesterday & he told me that his sister had written to say that Moschine was up to Tennis one day that week. By jove old Man, wish I had been there also – we heard yesterday that a Supply ship had been

[Page 40]
2
torpedoed between Alexandria & Lemnos, & that 700 bags of Australian Mail had gone down with it. Is not that rotten luck? Fortunately no lives were lost. How are the roses doing on the Arches? & the trees you planted round dear old Charlie’s paddock?
I think my writing is very much improved dont you?
Wish to goodness the war would end. – I notice 8 or 9 Grey hairs amongst my >strike>silver Golden? locks. They say ginger does not get grey – I don’t know.
The other morning revile was sounded at 4.30. & we were to move off at 6.45. so ran the previous night’s order. Well! we marched off alright

[Page 41]
3
& down to Turk’s Head where we embarked on a tender for the troopship. After waiting on board for some two hours the orders were cancelled as the pier at Anzac had been blown away & the weather was too bad, so we disembarked again & marched back the weary 3½ to 4 miles & now we have all our gear back & are going to re-pitch the tents, & rumour has it will start a Field Hospital
Kitchener was here about a week ago & inspected the forces here. He is ageing very much. They say he is 67. Please remember me very kindly to your Mother & Father when you seed them & say I hope the New Year

[Page 42]
4
may be brighter for them.
Major Harris has some very fine Photos. You would like to be here for a week & would be able to take some very quaint pictures of the very quaint villages.
Hope the youngsters are picking up & that Ray Peta is regaining some of his plumpness.
Love to Irene & the children.
Yours affectionately
Fredk S Phillips

[Page 43]
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters.

Fredk S Phillips

Address-

Major W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.Wales
Australia.

[Page 44]
Y.M.C.A.

H.M.FORCES IN EGYPT
8 Dec 1915
1st Field Ambulance
pans Division .

My dearest Irene,
Here we are still at Lemnos Island & may be here some time. I think I told you we were actually on the transport to be taken to the Dardanelles when we got orders to disembark. We are actu officially taken on the strength of the 1st Field Ambulance So if you address your letters here you will be quite in order & I will get them about two weeks earlier than when they are sent to indecipherable] first.
No news worthy of the name – I do hope I shall be able to write as well with a pen when I get

[Page 45]
one again. I think the improvement is very marked.
Will you please let Fred know that I am attached to the 1st Field Amb.
The other day I went for a walk to the top of the highest point of the Island. It has a wonderful view & is well worth the Manual Labour which the climbing of it entailed.
I had my lunch on the very highest point consisting of
[indecipherable] (very nicely cooked by Michael)
1 tin preserved plums (given me by Dr Harris)
1 orange (given me by an English Officer who was up on the peak)
1 small brown loaf (purchased in village)
6 [indecipherable] (also purchased)
Some Dutch Cheese (also purchased)
Some Margarine (also purchased0
Not too bad! Eh
Very much love from your loving brother
Fred

[Page 46]
[Envelope:
Postmark:
ARMY POST OFFICE
13 De 15
Censor Stamp:
PASSED BY
No 2224
CENSOR]

Mrs W.H.Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia.

[Page 47]
[Letterhead:

Y.M.C.A.
H.M. FORCES IN EGYPT]
16 Dece. 1915
1st Field Amb
Lemnos.

My dearest Irene,
The £3- from the Anglo Egyptian Bank has just arrived. Thank you very much dear old Girl. You will no doubt have had some very startling Cables in the Papers on the Dardanelles sitn before you got this. I cant give details, as Censor would not pass it.
Had lunch with Harry Budden yesterday. He seems very well.
No more news old girl. Very much love from your loving brother
Fred

[Page 48]
[Typed note]
The enclosed letter was handed by Sergeant Parker a returned Wounded Soldier to Mrs H.E.Caldecott of Footscray Victoria, stating at the time that he feared the writer had been killed in action, and indeed went as far as saying he had.
If such be true, possibly the sad news has already reached you officially.
There may be some last message from the brave patriotic writer in the communication now forwarded.

28th July 1915.

[Page 49]
[Postmark]
ARMY POST OFFICE
24 De 15
FIELD SERVICES
POST CARD

The address only to be written on this side. If anything else is added, the post card will be destroyed.

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW
Australia

[Page 50]
NOTHING is to be written on this side except the date and signature of the sended. Sentences not required may be erased. If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed.

I am quite well.

Letter following at first opportunity.
I have received no letter from you,

for a long time.
Signature only] Fredk. S Phillips

Date 20/12/15

[Page 51]
[Y.M.C.A. Letterhead]
Please Forward
S.S. Empress of Britain
3 Jan 1916
[Reply to] 1st Field Amb
1 Aus Division
Army Headquarters
Victoria Barracks
Melbourne

My dearest Irene,
Thank you for your letter of 3 Oct. Yes the Moonstones for my [indecipherable] & thank you for giving Nell S. the necklace.
We embarked yesterday on this ship & I expect our destination will be Egypt & perhaps France in the Spring. Could give you some startling news but we have practically been put on our honour not to disclose it.
Please address all letters as above, as they never fail to come when addressed thus.
Saw Harry Budden 3 or 4 times at Lemnos &

[Page 52]
2
he was very good but very busy. He gave notice to all the troops that he would give prizes of £4 £3 £2 & £1 for 4 descriptions of the destruction of Xmas Gifts. I wrote one & I think did it rather well, & I hear there were very few written, so am living in hopes. Am keeping young Robinsons address & hope to look him up.
I am sorry to hear Grahame Garland is coming poor Mrs Garland. Please remember me very Kindly to her, also to Miss Jean.
If I meet Grahame will try & get him some Cricket.
No! did not see anything of Major Vernon. Will send you an Egyptian Gazette if we go to Egypt. I enclose another Copy of the Peninsular Press. Keep

[Page 53]
3
It I think it will someday be a great Curio.
Ye thank you old girl I did get the money you sent me from Sue & also £3 from Mr Walton which Miss Norris sent.
I am most grateful & expect you have ere this had my letter telling you all about it,
You ask me "did I miss you"! Well old girl, I Knew I should miss you horribly, but did not realize what an awful lonely place Cairo would be without you till you had gone & felt

[Page 54]
4
weepy each time I was near St David’s Bldgs.
Sisters Stobo & Fillaces got a trip to England.
Very much love to you all.
Always your loving brother
Fred

P.S. Please tell Trix about address / FSP
PPS 6 Jan 16
Arrived Alexandria today, on train probable destination Zajazy near Ismalia

[Page 55]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland,St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW
Australia

[Page 56]
1st Field Amb
Tel. el. Keber]
Egypt
10/1/16.

My darling little Tingsie,
Thank you very much for the lovely card you and Peter sent me at Christmas time. I was so pleased & surprised when it came.
There are not many camels here but some dear little donkeys like the dear little one you rode on at the Pyramids.
It was just like this,
[drawing of a donkey]
and he says he-haw

[Page 57]
Good-night dear little Tingsie be a good little pet. With much love from
Your loving Unkie
Fred

[Page 58]
[Envelope]
[Postmark –
18 JA 16
CAIRO]
[Rubber Stamp-
PASSED BY
No 2224
CENSOR]
On Active Service

Miss Myfanny Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland,Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W
Australia

[Page 59]
1st Field Amb’ce
Tel. el. Keber,
11 Jan 16
My darling little Peter,
Today I saw a big
[drawing of a horse]
and a dear little
[drawing of a duck]
which said Quack Quack
Then I saw a little black
[drawing of a child]
he was a very good boy

[Page 60]
and always did what his good
[drawing of a woman]
(Mother what)
Good night dear little Peter.
With much love from your loving
Unkie

[Page 61]
[Envelope]
[Postmark –
18 JA 16
CAIRO]
[Rubber Stamp-
PASSED BY
No 2224
CENSOR]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read,
The Wurley
Cleveland,St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W
Australia

[Page 62]
1st Field Amb’ce
Tel. el. Keber,
Egypt
11/1/16
Dearest old Irene,
Thank you for your last two letters also for the Cable. You were a dear Sister to think of sending it. I hope to go up to Ghezireh in a week or so, if we have not by then been sent to some other front afaire. – I was very sorry to hear that Will had been so poorly & trust he is quite himself once more.

This camp is on the old battle field of .
Some days after duty I explore the very old trenches looking for Curios. The weather here is very lovely here just now. When I get to Cairo I mean to look up Mrs Robinson, if I can find her. From where I am sit I can see a sort of tower like monument which they say was erected in memory of the men who fell near the spot.
Thank you very much for having sent me Xmas gifts by Beatrice Hasson

[Page 63]
It was very good of you & I am looking forward to getting things but you & Will were both so very good to me that you really aught not to have sent me any thing. Will you please make up a story to fit the pictures I am going to send Peter in a letter. I hope you will like making up the story & do the artist justice. I am only about a mile from the Battalion in which I expect Grahame Garland is, so hope to look him up one of these fine days.
No more news- so au-revoir
With much love to you all
Ever your loving brother,
Fred

[Page 64]
1st Field Amb
Tek-el-Keber
16 Jan 16
After reading end, see page 5

My dear Irene,
Just received two letters from you which was very nice.
Thank you very much for letting people know my new address.
I am sure any letters addressed to me Cp. Ghezirch will be delivered. Thank goodness I am not on the Richmond just now.
None of your presents have come to hand yet, but they will no doubt soon.
Went & had a look at the Cemetery here today, Sunday.
One saw there the names of many heroes.

[Page 65]
1A

I love having the photos of the children & think they all look fatter & much better.
No thank you, I don’t want my reg.

/ FJP.

[Page 66]
2
What lovely maps of the children. I was delighted with them. I wonder if they will decide to use Moree baths? It makes my mouth water to hear you talk of the lovely peaches etc. Have some for me.
Hope the youngsters sickness did not prove serious. What a dear little letter Margaret wrote me, & was I not just pleased to get it. I will write her one in reply in a few days. I am very sorry to hear

[Page 67]
that D. Ready has been ill. I must write to him.
Poor old Fred. What bad luck they had at Mittagong. In a way I am glad they are away from the place, but they will miss it.
Thank you for sending my name to the S.G.S. I had quite overlooked the fact that I was eligible. Poor N. Coast. I am glad to hear they have had some rain.
So Mabel C- has married. I don’t know that I think it wise for men who are just

[Page 68]
4 from end

but it was not your fault the moths ate it.
Thank him very much all the same for me.
I think I will wear navy blue next time I get a suit. – I think I shall send you a cable wire from W.A.to let you know when I am coming & you might order me a suit then. If they have no serge you like I will like anything you choose, - but really I think I should pay for it myself – don’t you?

FJP.

[Page 69]
off to the war to marry.
We got ½ a billy a man in our unit & a small tin [indecipherable]
The infantry got a billy each & some other things. The 1st Field Amb & other Ambulances were not supposed to be catered for so Harry Buden said in the friends which he represented .
I may possibly go back to Ghezireh. Wish I could get out to Australia on a Hospital Ship & get taken on as an Infantry man in which Case I

[Page 70]
should be able to become a Sergeant.
Very much love to you all dear.
Ever your loving brother.
Fred

P.S. You dog! I have never seen as fine a horse as Charlie since I left. If he is dead, he should be embalmed.
F.J.P.
Please don’t send any cigarette papers as I have plenty now. It is very good of Will to offer to give me a new suit & I am very grateful.

[Page 71]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

PASSED CENSOR

(Rubber Stamp) SECOND AUSTRALIAN GENERAL HOSPITAL

(Rubber Stamp) [indecipherable] BASE.P.O.
Ja. 16
CAIRO

[Page 72]
1st F. Amb.
Egypt
22 Jan 16
My dearest Irene,
Young Docker joined our unit today. Came over on a Hospital ship, I think but am not sure.
Have not yet managed to get to Cairo.
We may leave here soon. A rumour to that effect is current.
Have not yet seen young Garland. Hope to see him soon.
Got three letters from you one day lately & was very delighted thereat. I am writing this out on the desert during

[Page 73]
2
five minutes spell.
During stretcher drill Lt. Col. St. Vincent Welsh has left us & we now have Lt. Col. Shaw from the 2nd F. Amb a Victorian I think.
It is a very lovely bright day, but I hate stretcher drill.
It seems so useless, as it is not used on the field of battle – still, I suppose it is good for discipline.
How is Will? & how are Tinys & Peter & old Dr. Read?
How are did the Grapes bear? & are the trees which Will

[Page 74]
23 Jan 16
3
planted round the paddock next the house.
Young P.H. There is a rumour current here to the effect that all troops who have been on Active Service Some Aus. 12 mos. are going back on 3 mos furlough, but I don’t believe it. Harry Budden may be here today, so I hope to see him. He works awful hard , old girl for the things he representing.
No news old girl.
Very much love to you all.
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 75]
[Envelope]
On Active Service
[Rubber stamp] 29-JA-16 FIELD P.O.
[Rubber stamp] PASSED BY No.2224 CENSOR

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 76]
729.A.M.C. 1st Field Amb.
1 Aus. Divn.
1 Aus. Brigade,
Aus Intermediate Base
Cairo. Egypt.
30 Jany 16
My dearest Irene,
Thank you very much for the nice birthday parcel you sent me. It came to Egypt yesterday.
Two boxes matches
Two nice Hanks.
1 Cake Pears soap & 1 tin Insectilane
1 Tooth brush (which the brute in the P.O. broke but I have two more)
4 packets Cigarette Papers.
1 Nice tube Dental Cream (Colgate)
Also 1 Sydneian from you & a nice pipe1 Box Matches & 1 cake soap from Mrs Read. It was very kind of her to have sent them & I will write her a nice note.
Thank you also for the piece of the Sydneian.
Fancy the Postal Authorities sending back those two letters of Aunt Mary’s. What blighters they are.

[Page 77]
2
Have been up to the 19th Battn. but A & B Coy has left & no one seemed to know Grahame Garland. Went to church today & was quite close to Capt. Jim Simpson. He looks much better since his trip to England. At Lemnos we had very good drinking water. Almost anywhere over there one gets good water by sucking & the two Water Carts used to cart it for the Cooks & we used to go & fill our own water bottles.
The Hospitals’ supply came from a huge Condensing Plant which condensed the salt water. I don’t think the water supply ever failed at all. I do hope the boys have had rain & also all the other poor devils on the land.
Was very glad to hear that Will was better & trust he will not get another attack.

[Page 78]
3
Saw Capt. Embleton the other day & had a few words talk with him. Capt. Fletcher was at Angal for a little while & when the troops all left he was a bit sick at Lemnos I did not see him. Then we came back to Egypt & as Mrs Fletcher was sending the Capt. a parcel, Beatrice R – G – enclosed the one for me in Capt. Fletcher’s to Lemnos – so it must have been on its way to Lemnos when I was on my way to Egypt. But no doubt it will turn up soon.
You will note the address. I think that address should find me. It is very hard to say what address is a correct one. With very much love to you all.
Ever your loving brother,
Fred

[Page 79]
[Envelope]
On Active Service
[Rubber stamp] AUSTRALIAN [indecipherable] TRAIN 2-FE-16 FIELD P.O.
[Rubber stamp] PASSED BY No.2224 CENSOR

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 80]
729 A.M.C.
1st Field Ambulance.
1st Aus Brigade.
Aus. Intermediate Base
Cairo. Egypt
8 Feb 16
My own dear Sister Irene,
The other day I got one of your most welcome letters - & also a nice parcel at No 2 General Hospital. We are at Tel-el-Kabir, on the line from Cairo to Port Said, ( which is the site of the battle of the same name. Managed to get leave the other day (only 12 hours leave) & went to Cairo – arrived there 9.40 A.M. went out to Ghezireh & had a lovely hot bath (the first of the kind for 5 months) got the nice parcel you sent Containing all sorts of nice things, for which thank you very much.
In the parcel were the following; A lovely pipe – just the shape I like -

[Page 81]
2
A tin of 50 excellent Cigarettes, Three very nice hankies some boxes of matches vey acceptable, a tin of Tho Colgate’s dental crème (just as I was on the point of finishing my tooth powder) & some nice soap also Cigarette papers. Please don’t send any more Cigarette papers, as I am going to smoke my pipe more, also please don’t send any more chocolate as it will be too hot in a couple of months unless we go to France.
Did I thank you for the lovely snaps of the children? I am very glad to have them & treasure them. They are awfully good I think. When

[Page 82]
3
at Ghezireh I saw Beatrice Russel-Glasson. Poor girl she had had an attack of Scarlet Fever & by good luck got there the day they allowed her out for the first time, so I took her out for one hour’s drive & then to Groppi’s & over to the Hospital & I think she liked it. There are only about 3 of the old officers at Ghezireh & 20 of the old orderlies.
I suppose you know that Col. Martin is now a C.M.G.
Got a great surprise the other day here. Who should turn up but Arthur Colvin with whom I went to The King’s School & was in the same class for Latin Greek & French! He got his degree some years ago & is of course a Capt.

[Page 83]
4
also "Bobby" Taylor Capt. I don’t know if you know him. He was very great friends with a girl friend of Nell Sherwin & I met him at one of the Ashfield dances. He is attached to our section of bearers.
The day I was at Ghezireh I also got 2 parcels from Trix & Co. & from the Lindfield folk, 2 from Mary Stobo (she has been vey good old gal) from your goodself. making 6 in all. So I guess the tent is living –
Did I tell you Lou Stobo was sent to England on Duty?
Miss Hindmarsh has been down to Tel-el-Keber.

[Page 84]
5
on several occasions to see her brother. She was so kind as to ask me to have lunch with them twice. First time we had it on the Rway platform & last Sunday we had it on the grass in the Cemetery. There is no where else to go as girls Cant very well come into the Camp. We had quite a nice time & on the last occasion Mrs Connor, (wife of Dr Connor) a very nice woman who used to live on the Richmond & a girl named Hariett from Parkes, and the brother of Miss Hindmarsh several other soldiers & I all sat down together & formed quite a nice luncheon party.

[Page 85]
6
We are to have another next Sunday. D.V. Young Gale of the 3rd Field Amb. is Camped right next to us here.
Don’t you worry about me old gal – I will be alright. Am glad May liked the necklace. Have not yet heard from her.
Fancy Will having to go to Newcastle on duty. What rotten military administration there seems to be in Australia.
By the way Mena House is nowhere by the RAMC & Major Gray has charge of some Auxiliary Hospital with rank of LIEUT – COLONEL What do you think of that?
I wrote poor Miss Rossitter a nice letter. I am so sorry for her. She wrote to me

[Page 86]
7
a very nice letter. She is fond of me for some reason orthe other. a She spoke awfully nicely of you Will & Arch & of all you had all done to make poor old Rapph’s life brighter.
Capt. Roy Waldron is somewhere in France with the R.A.M.C. so Capt. Taylor tells me.
She and you had been lecturing on Egypt & doing much good also for as regards advice in things necessary as Red Cross Comforts Supplies etc.
Yes I received billy at Xmas, or rather shared on with my mess mate. You see the trouble is that practically

[Page 87]
8
no fund from Australia caters for poor Field Amb. men - & it was only as a great favour that we got yr billy can.
Good night dear old girl. With much love to you all.
Ever your loving brother,
Fredk S Phillips.,

[Page 88]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 89]
1 Field Ambulance
1 Aus. Brigade,
1 Aus. Division
Aus. Intermediate Base
Cairo Egypt
11/2/16.

My dearest Irene,
How goes it dear old girl. I want you to do me a favour – a short time ago Harry Budden fixed up something for me in Cairo at the cost of £ 1-0-10. one pound & ten pence. I could pay him back here, but we may be moved off at any time & it would make me very short , so I arranged to pay it back in Sydney. Do you mind paying it in at the office of Kent, Budden & Greenwell Pitt Street. you will be able to get the address from the Telephone Book. & ask them for a receipt & send it to me please, & I will repay you at my earliest opportunity.
I hope you wont mind doing this for me dear. With much love dear to you all.
Your loving brother Fred

[Page 90]
[Envelope]
[Rubber Stamp:
PASSED BY
No 2224
CENSOR]

On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley",
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 91]
In an open Railway Wagon on the line to –

Tel-el-Kebir
14 Feby 16.

My Dear Irene,
It was lovely to receive a letter from you yesterday dated 26 Dec. 15 – I am getting your letters now fairly regularly – They seem to come better when addressed 1st Field Amb. Received also a nice parcel containing 3 cakes chocolate & 4 novels from you - & 1 pair sox from Mrs Carter. It is very good of you old girl to send me so many parcels.
Mrs Fletcher, Mrs Connor (wife of Dr Connor) & Miss Hindmarsh were down at Tel-el-Kebir yesterday & we had a nice luncheon

[Page 92]
2
party. Which Xmas bush was lovely? The one near the gate or the one near the Garage? What an awful thing that was about Harold Dean! I think I knew him. You will be sorry to hear that Capt. Fletcher has had a pretty bad attack of Euteric . He was at the Front for a while & came away about the time of the evacuation & got euteric. He was sent to Malta & poor Mrs Fletcher was & is very miserable – because if she were to go to Malta, the Authorities in Egypt wont

[Page 93]
3
allow her back & she says he is to go to Aus. for 6 months. I am very sorry for her. I saw Major Carter of the 1st Battallion a week ago & was talking to him – He looked very well. If we go down to the Canal & are near the 56th Pinyabis I will look up Colonel Elemic & introduce myself, he would be mother’s 1st Cousin, would he not?
Thank you very much for writing to Captain Fletcher & asking him to buy any winter under-clothing I may need, but

[Page 94]
4
unless we go to England I wont want any now.
Poor old Fred! Do you know I have not had a letter from her for about 3 months (I think it is). I think Alister Stobo is at the Aerodrome Camp Cairo & will write & give him a little good advice. A large Camel Caravan is just passing – So far it is a quarter of a mile long but I don’t know how much more is to come. Au-revoir dear Sister mine. With very much love to you all.
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 95]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Page 96]
16/2/16
Serapeum
SERAPEUM
on the EAST side of the Canal
about 12 miles South of the Bitter Lakes.

Still put address on letters without mentioning "Serapeum"

1st Field Amb,
1 Aus Brigade,
Aus Intermediate Base
Egypt

This is a ,u>damnable Camp & we I believe only to be allowed a water bottle of water per diem so I fear we will get very dirty. We are on our

[Page 97]
2
honour not to give any particulars of the troops here so cant tell any more.
Saw Lynn Palmer with the 8th Field Amb yesterday, also Lance Addison from Hunter’s Hill.
When I see the Mail Boats pass this the Canal it makes me wish I were on one of them.
Unless we were to be moved more into the desert we will be able to swim in the Canal & although salt water is never as nice as fresh

[Page 98]
3
it will be better than nothing as it is only about 1¼ miles off.
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 99]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
The Wurley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Postmark]
23-JA-16
CAIRO

PASSED CENSOR
GORDON W.B. STATT CM

[Page 100]
RAILWAY MAP
of
LOWER EGYPT

Marked on this map in pencil

Our Camp
(with arrow pointing to the eastern side of the southern end of the Suez Canal at Great Bitter Lake)

and

Our last Camp
(with arrow pointing to Tel el Kabir)

[Page 101]
1st Field Ambulance
1 Aus Brigade
1 Aus Division
1 Aus Intermediate Base
22 Feb 16.

My dearest Irene,
It was lovely to receive a letter from you the other day dated 10 Jany. containing a snap of you & Margaret. It was a nice little one of Margaret, but not a very good one of you old girl. Thank you very much all the same. Received a week or so ago a nice parcel from you containing a nice silk muffler, some nice hanks, a lovely box of sweets from Farmers & two novels. It was very welcome old girl & I am very grateful. We have left Tel el Kabir & are now at a place [some words deleted by censor] where there is a Signal Station but which I think is not used now. We are camped about [some words deleted by censor]

[Page 102]
2
South of Ismalia. Pretty desolate sort of place, but now & then we have a swimming parade.[some words deleted by censor] so we manage to put up with the sand. [some words deleted by censor] We are [six lines deleted by censor] We had an Examination which was possibly to entitle one to Corporal’s stripes but unfortunately the chief part of the Exam consisted of giving the orders for Loading & Unloading wagons with [indecipherable] & unfortunately I have practically never had anything to do with Ambulance Wagon drill so I am afraid I failed miserably. Thank you for

[Page 103]
3
the cable you sent me to Lemnos & also for the good wishes it embodied.
It is awfully hard work writing subject matter here which is not censorable.
Did I tell you I saw Beatrice Russel Glasson?
I am writing part of this as I wait outside the Dentist’s tent here. His name is Lt. Amphlett. He really seems to take a lot of trouble with our teeth & it is a God sent to be able to get them done.
Very sorry to hear you had to go to Moxham & hope he did not give you much pain.
Please remember me to Frank & Mrs Dight when you write.
Very much love to you all
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 104]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Postmark]
1st AUST. DIV.FIELD P.O.
23-FE-16
PASSED BY CENSOR
No 3137
[Signed: C.K. Parkinson]

[Page 105]
I seem to have lost Railway Map which I take out of Railway ride so am not enclosing it. Fred

1st Field Amb
1 Aus Brigade
1 Aus Division
Aus Intermediate Base
Egypt 24/2/16
My own dear Sister Irene,
I am today acting as guard over a water cart - & am taking advantage of the spell to write to you. I wrote to Mrs Carter & thanked her for the sox she was so good as to send me. I enclose herein a map from a Railway Time Table & have marked on it where we are camped – so if you call to mind w your last journey to Australia you will very likely be able to picture me as I sit on the sand of the Desert & write this. The water cart guard is a priviledged person, is not made stand up all the time, so I am not neglecting my duty by writing to you.
There are some miserable little gnats here like flying

[Page 106]
2
ants, that are annoying me especially on my scalp , which is exposed more than usual – as yesterday I had my hair cut a la convict. I have written to Miss Rossitter & asked her to send me a book which I left there at "Dene Place" entitled "Diseases of Horses & Cattle". It seems such an awful waste of the valuable years of one’s life here that I mean to try & minimise the after effect by studying something which may be useful to me after it is all over (if I am spared) should I decide to try & make my living out of the City –
I Mean to write to Mr Manniton of W.A. & ask his advice with reference to any thing which may be useful for me to study

[Page 107]
3
in connection with Veterinary Surgery. Of course, I may be able to do better after it is all over, but in any case it would not be a load to carry to have stored up some Knowledge of the Subject.
Mr C.D. Fergusson Manager of Runnymede estate, Estate for about 6 miles past Bruton, wrote me a nice letter the other day & mentioned in it that Mr Manifold, the owner of the Property, had given 3,000 acres of the station to be cut up into 20 farms for returned soldiers. The Trust will put buildings & f improvements on the farms for the men who will be tenants (presumably without rent) during their lifetime & on their death

[Page 108]
4
the Freehold will become the property of their wives & children.
A very generous gift is it not?
Have heard several times of our Aunt Mary & the other day was very glad to hear from Fred.
I do hope Will has not been called on to go to Newcastle again to medically examine Recruits. A nice grey car has just passed containing two Officers.
Very nice to be an Officer, eh?
Did you hear that Betty Waldron has a little daughter - & has named it "COO-EE WINSOME" ?
Is not that Ghastly?
Have not heard from Nell Sherwin for some time – but got some Sydney Mails she was so good as to send.
No more news. Very much love from
Ever your loving Brother
Fred

P.S. Please post enclosed letters
F.M.R.

[Page 109]
[Envelope]
ON ACTIVE SERVICE

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St.
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Postmark]
1st AUST. DIV.FIELD P.O.
25-FE-16
[Printed :
NOTE.-
Correspondence in this envelope need not be censored Regimentally. The contents are liable to examination at the Base.
The following Certificate must be signed by the writer:
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private & family matters.
Signature
Fredk. S. Phillips]

[Page 110]
1st Field Amb.
1 Aus Brigade
1 Aus Division
Aus Intermediate Base
27/2/16
My dearest Irene,
Yes- I think most of your letters & parcels reach me eventually.
Received a letter since I last wrote to you for which thanks.
The parcel you mention having sent containing Tooth-brush, soap, camphor & matches has not yet come, but will turn up within a day or so, I expect. Thank you very much for sending it. We got several tooth-brushes & soap lately in Aus. gift stuffs & are now getting matches as an issue

[Page 111]
2
so please don’t send me any more soap, matches or Tooth-brushes. I would like another tube of Colgate’s Dental Cream, & any edibles are acceptable, particularly a tin of Arnotts Milk Arrowroot biscuits. All want to be sewn up if possible. Fancy [indecipherable] trying to help herself out of the plate. What a hard little case.
And Myfanny 19 years old! It seems incredible.
I was so sad to hear of the bad seasons which Ken has had, & fancy Norman having the good luck to get nice rain

[Page 112]
3
Heard from Edie Budden the other day. She seemed to be having a very good time.
How awful of them to have made Meagher Lord Mayor – Such an absolute rotter too.
We had a church parade today at which I was present. The Officiating chaplain was not much of a preacher. Rather a ninkumpoop, I think.
Well, au-revoir, old girl. Very much love to you all.
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 113]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St.
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Postmark]
1st AUST. DIV.FIELD P.O.
29-FE-16
PASSED BY CENSOR
No 3137

[Page 114]
1 Field Ambce
5 March 16.

My dearest Irene,
I was very delighted to receive a letter from you dated 23 Jany. I think the authorities must hold on to our letter for 3 or 4 weeks before they let them go on. I saw Dr Harris just before we left Lemnos & he seemed in the best of health so perhaps the paper which reported him as having been sent to London ill made a mistake. I expect you will ere this have got my letter telling you that till further notice my address will be
1 Field Amb.
1 Aus Brigade,
1 Aus Division
Aus Intermediate Base
Egypt.
I told you we are situated on the Arabian Desert at a

[Page 115]
2
spot called "Serapeum" a one time Signal Station on the Canal. It is some 10 miles South of Ismalia. Went to Church Parade today & after it walked down & had a lovely swim in the Canal.
Was very sorry to hear that Will had hurt his foot & trust it was not bad for long. Tell him he should not be so feeble.
Fancy dear little Margaret 7. It is hard to believe. We are too far off to go & see Mrs Robinson, but if I get the chance will do so. The Poor Garlands. I am afraid they will miss Graham very much. Have you had a letter thanking you very much for the £ 3 – which I received from Nancy Norris. It was very welcome & came in October I think

[Page 116]
3
thank you very much.
We have heard officially today of the sinking of the "Maloja" She was such a fine boat too.
Will you please post the enclosed letters?
Best love to you all dear from
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 117]
1st Field Amb
7 Mar 16.

My dearest Irene,
Since writing the enclosed letter I enclosed received a parcel containing 1 very nice pair of sox, 1 tooth brush 1 very nice cake of Cashmere Boquet Soap I cake Pear’s [indecipherable] & 1 block Camphor for all of which I am very grateful.
We have not left yet, but I expect very soon a new part of the sky will cover us.
We had a lovely swim the other day Carpawarpal

[Page 118]
& I swam right across & back. Very fine eh? Ask the feeble one if he could do it?
No more news dear old girl
very much love to you all,
always your loving brother
Fred.

8/3/16
Very sore throat today
Hope Fieysie’s did not turn out to be mumps
It is rumoured that we may not be allowed to write for a few weeks if we move off from here.
Fred

[Page 119]
[Envelope]
On Active Service

Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St.
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Printed:
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters
Signature]
Fredk S. Phillips

[Page 120]
1st Field Amb.
1 Aus Brigade,
1 Aus Division
Aus Intermediate Base
Egypt. 10/3/16.

My dearest Irene,
I was very pleased to receive a letter from you dated 7th Feby.
My throat is well again I am glad to say – I write sometimes twice by each mail to you so you ought to get quite a lot of letters.
Was very sorry to hear that Will has been sick with that beastly Lumbago, tell him he has my sympathy for I am told it is an agonizing Complaint. I do hope

[Page 121]
2
he wont have a recurrence.
What a fine reception Col. Beeston was given at Newcastle. I hear he is very popular. Fancy his son Engineer Commander of the "Swan".
How proud they must be. So Uncle Alec was down & looks well. Am glad to hear it. And so he means to sue Bruton! A very wise course I think.
So McElroy is drinking! Thank goodness he has plenty of capital & so will be able to pay the rent because

[Page 122]
3
I am very much afraid it would not be as easy to relet the place as Uncle Alec thinks. The trouble is McElroy owns the Windmill which provides the water to the block which he leases from me & when I get back I will be able to make a damn or sink a well – either of which would be suitable but I think he will pay his rent alright. I received the other day a letter from him asking for permission

[Page 123]
4
to build a cottage on my land up to £ 150- the cost to be met out of the rent. I replied that I regretted I was not able to accede to his request, but was willing that he build a cottage at his the entire cost to be borne by him & should he not wish to exercise his option to purchase the property at expiration of his lease he shall remove at his own cost the cottage within two months of his the expiration of the lease & failing this

[Page 124]
the cottage becomes my property.
So I will be on a good wicket whichever way he decides.
Fancy Telephone Calls in private houses 1d each. That is very solid. I think I told you in my last letter that the parcel containing Slap Camphor etc had turned up safely. Thank you very much. Also for the one you sent a week later – the latter has not come to hand yet. Au-revoir. Very much love to you all.
Ever your loving brother,
Fred

From
729 Pte F.S.Phillips
1 Field Amb

12/3/16
Since writing the foregoing I had the bad luck to have some boiling water spilt over the outside of my right kneenear the the skin broke in two places but it looks well & will be alright in a day or so / love from Fred

Don’t expect any letters for about driped six weeks from now as we are expecting something big to be doing within a fortnight & may not be allowed to write please post enclosed letters

[Page 125]
[Envelope]

On Active Service
Mrs W.H. Read ,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St.
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S. W.
Australia

[Printed:
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters
Signature]
Fredk S. Phillips

[Page 126]
[Photo of four soldiers]

[Page 127]
With much love from your loving brother
Fred
Taken at Serapenne
Feby/16

[Page 128]
[Photo of four soldiers]

[Page 129]
With much love from your loving brother
Fred
Taken at Serapenne
Feby/16

[Page 130]
Serapenne

22 Mch 16
My own dear Sister,

I am writing this as I sit on the bank of the Canal on the Cairo side.
The day before yesterday 10 of us were detailed as an advance party to cross over to the R’way siding at Serapenne & unload & stack the baggage stores of the unit preparatory to leaving for a destination which is officially withdrawn as far

[Page 131]
2
as we men are concerned. Am practically sure it will be Marseilles but time will tell.
You may address my letters just as follows till further notice:-
No 729 Pte --- etc.
A.M.C.
1 Field Ambulance
1 Brigade
AIEEF
1 Aus Division
Please forward

This will save the delay caused by sending them to Egypt,

[Page 132]
3
& when we are settled in France or elsewhere I will let you know.
You will be glad to hear that Arthur Davidson is only ¼ of a mile off with the 31st Light Horse Field Amb. – I have seen him 3 times during the last 3 days & he looks A.1.
The "Medina" went through last night on her way to England & looked just lovely. My

[Page 133]
4
word I was envious of the lucky passengers.
I am A.1. & my throat is quite well again.
I enclose a snap for you & one for Fred which Lyn Palmer took at the camp of the 8th Field Amb on our way to Camp. At Serapenne about 6 weeks ago. – The two men you may not know in it are Andy McDougal (from Casino) in glasses & a man named Addison from Hunter’s Hill.

[Page 134]
5
I think it is a good likeness – don’t you?
23 Mch 16
We entrained last night at about 12 o’clock & the train left at about 2 A.M. arrived at Alexandria about 10.20 A.M. a pretty rotten trip in open trucks with no roofs. – I am now on board the P & O S.S. "Simla" en route to -, our quarters are situated up forward on

[Page 135]
6
the second deck & there are places or rather hooks on which to sling hammocks but think I will sleep on deck.
24 Mch 16 10.30 A.M.
Slept very well on deck last night
Have just finished cleaning up the Knives spoons & forks, tin plates pannikins & tin ware – most of which were in a filthy condition.

[Page 136]
7
they look very much better now after two of us have spent about 1½ hrs on them.
They say we will be 7 or 8 days on the trip instead of four – on account of submarines a Zig-Zag course is steered.
I had a very nice letter from Miss Rossiter in which she speaks very affectionately of you.
It was such a beautiful letter old Girl.

[Page 137]
8
No happenings of any importance to report on today. We are voyaging without an escort, but a warship appeared to port astern of us about ½ an hour ago. - Darkness begins to enrap us & soon the light will be too bad to write by.
No lights are allowed above deck after 5.P.M. & all portholes are shut at that hour – Lights out on troop deck at 9.P.M. Something

[Page 138]
9
seems to tell me that we will be spared to see France.
I saw Alister Stobo several times just a couple of days ago ere we left Serapenne.
He looked very fit & well & is in C. Coy 1st Battalion Inf.
25 March 16 abt. 9.30.A.M.
Did I tell you that a couple of days before we left Serapenne, I met a man I went to the S.A.S. with & with whom I was in

[Page 139]
10
Dalgetys married French W.R. 1st Lieut in charge of a Machine Gun Company attached to 1st Brigade Headquarters.
He has 8 officers under him & should soon get another Star.
He was very nice to me & said he wished he had met me a week or so earlier & had he done so could have got me a Commission. However he went to a great

[Page 140]
11
deal of trouble & next morning an order came for me to report at Head Quarters instanter which order I complied with & they took all my particulars & presented me to Brigadier-General Smythe who was really very nice & told me he would try & find me a place, but I am afraid moving off so soon will spoil my chances rather

[Page 141]
12
Mr French also wrote to Capt Jim Simpson who is now attached to the 56th Battalion & I wrote to him also. (Jim Simpson from Hunter’s Hill.)
26 March 16. About 6 P.M.,/u>
Inoculated once more against typhoid & Para-Typhoid. – Arm, a little swollen already – As I write, it is a little showery & thru the misty rain we can see some shape which looks rather

[Page 142]
13
like rain land.
It has just struck me that the expense incurred by you in sending me parcels now that I shall be in a civilized country will be unnecessarily large.
Perhaps I can write to Nancy Norris & get her to send me any things I need & cannot procure in France or wherever we may be. – I am most grateful for all the things you have sent. At present

[Page 143]
14
I am very much "in a fish feloos" & must try & save, in case I have the luck to get to England.
Good-night dear old Girl. –
26th March 16 Sunday
We were all on Church parade today except those on duty, amongst the last mentioned I was numbered – During the afternoon I was sitting down on the promenade Deck with a huge mob of others when a dear little

[Page 144]
15
yellow breasted bird perched on the rigging quite near. Either we were very close to land or it was a pet on the ship.
27 March 16. Monday
9.A.M. We are just passing Malta.
Stopped about a quarter of an hour in the offing & a Steamer came out to us. – Three boys, cousins of "the Lizard" are attached to our unit – one named

[Page 145]
16
Grimes & one two named Wilson – Grimes is at our table & seems a decent chap. The other two I don’t know.
28 March 16
It is a very lovely day & the sea is as smooth as a mill pond.
The opinion seems to be that we are near Sicily. Last night was quite cold on deck & I did not sleep too well, – so tonight I think I will have to take my

[Page 146]
17
overcoat up with me -
We passed land again late this afternoon probably the coast of Sardinia.
29 March 1916
Expect to get to Marseilles some time to-night & disembark in the A.M.
Have a chance to post this on board. Very much love old girl from
Fred

[Page 147]
[Envelope]

On Active Service
Mrs W.H. Read
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
New Souath Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stmp]
Pased by Censor No 3137

[Page 148]
FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD

Post Stamped:
FIELD POST OFFICE
18 AP 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
NSW
Australia

[Page 149]
I am quite well.
Letter following at first opportunity
Signature only: Fredk. S. Phillips
Date 17 Apl 16

[Page 150]
North of France
3 May 16
My dearest Irene,
I was very pleased to get another nice little letter from Margaret the other day. –How well she is getting on old Girl.
We are at present living in a village about 4 miles from the trenches & our other section are acting as stretcher bearers out at the trenches & also runs a huge hot bath & clean clothes concern in a village near us. Women wash the clothes there & the men come in

[Page 151]
2
from the trenches in relays leave their soiled clothing – have a hot & cold bath & put on clean clothes.
It is a great institution for the poor beggars.
Expect we will take our turn out at the Trenches stretcher bearing when the other section come off duty. So far none of the 1st Field bearers have been wounded.
We have been told to put in for leave

[Page 152]
3
to England stating reasons etc. – I put in & mentioned the two Aunts at Surbiton & that Mary Stobo was to leave Sydney in April for England.
8 days after arrival in England, is to be allowed & I am living in hopes. Each night the Star shells make a very brilliant illuminative effect. – I don’t know why the Germans don’t shell us here as we are within very easy range & they shell

[Page 153]
4
most of the villages round.
I will write to the Aunts at Surbiton & ask if I may come & see them.
Eight days is very short leave but we will be lucky if we get any.
Can you advise me the best programme for so short a time. It will probably be 2 or 3 mos. ere I get mine. Will you please post & stamp the enclosed letters & put those for Tinys & Margaret in your

[Page 154]
5
box. It will be more exciting if they go & get them themselves. I wonder was Bruton sold? – Such lots of aeroplanes are up each day here & seem from all accounts to be of great assistance as observers for directing artillery fire etc.
No news dear. Very much love to you all
Your loving brother
Fred

[Page 155]
[Envelope]

ON ACTIVE SERVICE

Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Printed]
I certify on my honour that the contents of this envelope refer to nothing but private and family matters

Signature

Fredk. S. Phillips

[Page 156]
North of France
3rd May 1916
My dear little Margaret,
I was very pleased to get a nice letter from you a few days ago.
No! I have not had any rides on donkeys like the beautiful one you drew a picture of in your letter.
There is a nice river here just near where I am writing this letter and if you and

[Page 157]
Tingsie were here I would take you for a row in a boat. There are often little fish in the river which you can see swimming about. Each day lots of Aeroplanes fly about here a and look just like big birds.
With much love from your loving Uncle Fred.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
3 each for Mummy Daddy Tingsie Peter & you

[Page 158]
[Envelope]

Miss Margaret Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 159]
12th May 16
France

My dearest Irene,
It was very nice to get a letter from you yesterday & also one from dear little Tinys
What a little pet she is Irene! – Also thank you very much for a nice parcel containing:- a very nice silk hankey, a novel. some cigarette papers, two cakes Cadbury’s Chocolate & a nice tin of sweets (from Farmers
Very kind of you old girl I am most grateful.
There is talk of us being granted 8 days leave to go to England & I have written to the aunts & said I would like to pay them a visit one day if I get to England. – Had a letter from Nancy Norris yesterday They are living in a flat in

[Page 160]
2
West Kensington & seem to like it more than boarding houses.
Kindly asked me to come & see them often if I get leave. They have both had Influenza. Miss Norris goes to help at the Victoria League Club for overseas Soldiers 3 days a week. – She also tells me that her brother is Brigade Major of the 118th Brigade Infantry.
I was working with some others several nights lately building a big dug-out as we expect some lively doings soon. It is to be gas-proof & shell proof except for very large shells, & is situated about a mile behind the front trenches.
We used to start from here about 6 P.M. march out about 4½ miles to our work & work till about

[Page 161]
3
12 midnight & then walk back. It was such a funny experience working in the dark & we used to praise Fritz (as they call the Germans) when he sent up his star shells every 3 or 4 minutes. The dug-out is to be for the reception of wounded in the event of a rush of Casualties. Its walls are nearly six feet thick & composed of sand bags (about 2 feet thick) & about 4 feet of earth & the roof will be about 4 feet thick (great beams sandbags earth stones & bricks.)
A shell fell within about 12 feet of our sergeant’s mess the other day & bored a hole some 12 feet deep into the soil, but did not explode.
A Taube flew over today

[Page 162]
4
& dropped two bombs, one i50 yards in front of our position & one 300 yards past us. I saw the latter explode’ & it threw the ach earth up some 30 feet.
I hope poor old Peter did not suffer any ill-effects from his fall from the Rocking horse.
According to your letter Wahroonga is making great strides indeed.
You brute! Poor old Charlie! the most noble & King of Horses in bully beef! – Saw Eric Greenwell the other day. He looks A.1. & is working with B. Section
They are running a large Laundry to which all the men in the trenches have their clothing sent. They come

[Page 163]
5
in from the Trenches to another Department where there are hot baths & a clean change & they leave their soiled clothing, which is sent on to Erick’s Dept. at the Laundry & washed by large numbers of women, & re-issued clean, & disinfected, to other soldiers. Also part of his section is on duty at the advanced dressing station & bringing the wounded from the trenches. He lives at Lindfield & his brother is a partner in Kent, Budden & Greenwell. – Probably Eric’s people are on the telephone - & but as it is a two miles walk to where he works think it better for you to wr ring them up. – Am sorry you think I write a "rotten letters"

[Page 164]
6

well you are a nice one –
I am well. Hope you all are. Much love to you all.
Your loving brother
Fred

P.S. Since writing the above – some shrapnel or something rattled on my roof where I live alone & broke some tiles. Breaks atahe monotony eh!
F.J.P.

[Page 165]
[Envelope]

Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St’
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Red rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2918

[Page 166]
Hope Wills Lumbago is better. Love to Dr & Mrs R Read

23 May 16
Eric Greenwell is here & is A.1.

My dearest Irene,
How are you and the children. Fancy! Nearly 19 months since I left dear old Sydney.
You can imagine how I would love to see you all you. We are at present about seven miles from the trenches having moved back from our last position for a rest. Thank you very much old girl for making me a present of the what you fixed up for me at Harry

[Page 167]
2.

Budden’s office. I am very grateful.
Thank you also for the receipt. – Wish I were there to help you cut up the melons.
Damian Robertson (in the A.M.P. Sydney) is a friend of mine here. He is a very fine character. Used to be in the A.M.P. at Lismore. Also I like Wybur Docker Nor’s wife’s brother. A particularly nice fellow & very like

[Page 168]
3
Harry in some of his good points, but of course not such a good man & not so many good points.
Both are particularly fine fellows – but worse luck both in B. Section & I am in A.
Fancy Stanley Kendall Coming away. I am very sorry for his poor wife & kiddies. – Let us hope the war will be over before he gets here. – Saw Alf Arthur Davidson on several

[Page 169]
4
Occasions at Serapean & he looked A.1.
I did not know Midge Giles, but knew the poor chap that got killed, her brother.
Am very glad Fred & Co were able to go down to [indecipherable]. It would do them good.
Received a nice pair of sox from Jean Stobo yesterday. It was very good of her to make them was I it not? Mary Jarvie Stobo sent me this

[Page 170]
5
Cadbury’s England Some cakes of chocolate.
Very good of her.
At present I am one of the Sanitary staff here & Duncan Robertson works with me. – It is our duty to see that All about the kitchens & mess rooms is clean, also one or two other places. – I think I told you about the big dugout some of us were building out about 1 mile behind the firing line.

[Page 171]
6
We used to march out at night about 4½ miles getting there at about 6.30 P.M. work in the dark (no lights) till about 11.30 or 12 midnight & then march back – rather tired. It seemed funny at first working in the dark. Sometimes at about 10 minute intervals Fritz (as the German is called) used to send up Star-shells. At which we rejoiced because they gave

[Page 172]
7
a very good light.
We hope that the dugout will be gas & shell proof, save for the large shells.
Had quite a nice letter from Miss Elanie asking me to come & see them if I get to England. Also letters from Nancy Morris & Edie Budden.
Au-revoir dear, with very much love to you all.
Always your loving brother
Fred.
I practice French with a French girl near here but it is tedious /FEP

[Page 173]
[Envelope]

On Active Service

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
26 MY 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Red Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2913

[Page 174]
10 June 16
Flanders.
My dearest Irene:
Received yesterday a nice parcel from you, sent about 29 March. Thank you very much. – In it were very many things – just the very kind I wanted – Matches, Candies, Tooth brush & tooth soap Lister’s (the latter seems nice) Sardines, two Hankys, four nice novels, & three Cakes soap.
We are still in a rest camp & having an easy time. – A rumour is current that the German Crown Prince & 25,000 men have been captured at Verdun. – I hope it proves true – One of my greatest friends here is Duncan Robertson & we are always on the same job just now. – I think you met his sister who was one of the senior Sisters at No. 2 General Hospital when you were in Cairo – I also think I introduced his brother Sydney (who was in Dalgety’s at the time I was with them) to you at a Hunter’s Hill dance some years ago – but you would not remember. – It has been

[Page 175]
2
a bit showery here lately & the crops look A.1. – I milked a cow yesterday out in one of the paddocks not far from here, much to the amusement of some French people who owned the Farm. – They just take a three legged stool to wherever the cows happen to be & proceed to milk - & the cows just stand quietly – But probably you saw this often on your trip in the Car through France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium or Holland. – Are your sweet peas flowering yet? & has Will started getting men to prepare the paddock next the House for the planting of Fruit trees? – Some people say that June, July, Aug are the best months for planting fruit trees. – Alister Stobo was here several times lately, & sent me such a nice new Suit of pyjamas I wore them last night. It was quite a treat, for they are the first pair of Pyjamas I have worn for about eight months. – How are Will, yourself & all the children? By the way

[Page 176]
3
I wrote Will quite a long letter from Lemnos! Did he ever get it?
Ere this you will have heard of the sinking of the "Hampshire" with Kitchener on board – So far his body has not been recovered, & I still live in hopes that he will be saved in one of the boats which were sent to leave the ship’s side. – Eric Greenwell is here & looking very well. Also Wybergh Docker – A nice chap – The latter told me he had a letter from his sister Mrs Norman Read, in which she mentioned "having seen you & that you looked blooming". Which I was pleased to hear. – Mrs Read of "Gowan Brae" sent me a very fine edition of the "Graphic" lately. Very good of her, was it not?
Mr Hughes inspected the first Aus. Brigade about a week ago. – He made a very poor, ungrammatical speech, & had not the common decency to apologise for turning up two hours late. – Andrew Fisher was with him & appeared resplendent in Leggings, Khaki Riding pants, & a white coat. He looked (save for the leggings & pants) more like an ice-cream

[Page 177]
4
vendor than the representative of our Australia. – in fact one of our Officers passed the remark to me that "that he expected Fisher to start handing round the Ice-cream". – One bright spot (to my mind) in the whole performance in was the sight once more of General Birdwood & Brigadier –Gen. Smythe – two soldiers in the most true sense of the word. –
Many happy returns of 29th August. – Please God we may all be together on 29th Aug 17.
10 June 16
Since writing the foregoing was very pleased to receive a letter from you, Will & dear little Margaret. In anticipation I want to thank you dear for sending me such a fine parcel & have not many doubts that it will turn up in due course. –
Had such a nice letter yesterday from Mrs Reid of "Gowan Brae". She worries a lot about May, because the Zeps have been raiding Newcastle-on-Tyne. – Thank you for the slip newspaper cutting about Bob Stobo. – I think it was his first Command, so am very glad he was able to come out on tip. – How good it was of Will to repay you for the money you paid in to Harry Budden’s office.

[Page 178]
5
Your parcels always arrive in good condition, you do them up very well indeed old Girl. Thank you for having posted the letters which I enclosed in yours.
I see you still think the most noble horse that ever lived, the King of Horses, Charles by name has found his way into Bully Beef tins. – I for my part, think he will never die, but be placed amongst the Immortals. – I Do hope Will wont have to go to a Liverpool Camp on duty, if he is given a spell from medically examining the men who enlist, at Victoria Barracks.
Quite agree with you about Anzac Day. Let them rejoice when the war is over – It will be a more fitting time & how can there be any rejoicing on that day, when one considers the sorrowing mothers etc. of those who gave their lives so willingly –
Fancy Peter 2 years old & dear little Tingsey going to the dancing class with Margaret. I expect the little pets will love it.
Last night they cleared the tables out of the messroom here & fixed up a Stage – placed all the forms, which could be provided in the body of the hall & gave a variety entertainment. All the Artists consisted of were men of the unit or attached men & really it was, taken all round a most

[Page 179]
6
creditable performance. The programme consisted of a number of songs (two of which were of the Comic Variety & no doubt by the applause pleased a section of the audience) one man sang "Because" & gave a really fine rendering, & as an Encore – "Two Eyes of Grey" – which he sang with feeling - A mediocre recitation performance of the old well-known "How MacDougall Topped the Score". – another recitation of which I forget the title, was given by Clive Goyder, a Mosman boy (Backhouse & Goyder). It was rather a hard piece to do justice to – but, although he got lost the thread several times, it was well worth listening to & evidently he had recited before.
Two "Patter" Artists "Vaughan & Verne" late of the Tivoli Theatre (or as they were billed) really put up a very good show & caused much laughter, & for amateurs, at times approached the clever & in any case we all had a really good laugh. – The man who sang "Because" sang a duet with another (an Irish song) – & their voices blended very well & they were encored – giving a repetition of the last verse as the Encore. – A Newcastle lad, gave a Character sketch which was

[Page 180]
7
laughable. – "An Egyptian Fantasia" was the title given to a rather accurate imitation of the adventures of two [indecipherable] who came to Egypt with the Aus 2nd Division.
Really most [indecipherable] done in parts & caused shrieks of laughter. – Some of those who were supposed to be Arab Guides, street sellers etc were really excellent. – The Stage was got up almost as a replica of a scene in one Egyptian Street I have seen. –
Another item on the programme consisted of Mouth Organ Selections (really well played) & Concertina Selections (also really well played)
There was another Farce, but I left before it took place.
Just received a nice little note from May Reid – that was.
Au-revoir – Much love from
Always your loving brother,
Fred.
Love to Mrs Read & the old Doctor
Remembrance to Mrs Garland & Miss Jean. Fred

Best wishes from the Censor who has even a softer job than the one you proposed when he left. A.M. McIntosh
now Lieut.

[Page 181]
Flanders
19 June 16
My dearest Irene,
The nice parcel you sent me has come to hand. Thank you very much old girl. It contained 2/3 of a tin of biscuits, I tin condensed milk, 1 pair sox & 1 tin Sardines, so the rotten low bred creatures in one of the Post Offices through which it came thieved from the parcel 1/3 of a tin of biscuits, 2 cakes Chocolate, 1 tin of Jam & 1 tin of sardines.
My wish for those who stole the afore-mentioned is, that they may develop Consumption & awful cancerous growths & live in agony till they reach 100 years in age. – The cardboard box in which the things came was not broken in any way, but must have been undone & tied up again. – It was a cardboard box from the Civil Service. – The biscuits were a bit broken but would not have been if none had been removed. – Nevertheless I enjoyed the parcel very much. I am afraid it is very necessary to sew parcels up in some stuff. – Had a letter from Roy Waldron the other day. He is a Captain now – has had a bad Knee & just as it got well got Laryngitis & just on top of that developed Measles & is at present

[Page 182]
2
enjoying a month’s leave in London.
Did you know his mother died in Feby? & poor little Betty’s husband is fighting in East Africa. – Our B. Section moved off today I think for a place about 10 miles from a town with an almost unpronounceable name of 5 letters one of which is a vowel.
We may follow at any time. – No 2 General is now at Marseilles. Did I wish you many happy returns of 29 Aug ? If not I do so now. – The clock has been put on an hour so as to agree with the English time, & it does seem so funny to have almost broad day light at 10 P.M. & even later. No news old girl but thought I would write you by this mail.
Much love to you all from
Your ever loving brother
Fred.

P.S. Don’t send any more condensed milk dear for though I like it very much it is so heavy & now they are giving us tinned milk
F.J.P.

[Page 183]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
I.W.
21 JU 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Via Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2913
A.M. McIntosh

[Page 184]
Belgium,
9 July 16
My dearest old Irene,
Was delighted to get a letter from you a few days few back. – Poor old girl! I am sorry to hear you are to have another op. & do hope that long ere you get this letter you will be well on the way to being quite recovered. We expect to move on again at any time probably to-night or tomorrow – Had the first game of Cr Football I have had for 10 years yesterday - & my word! aren’t I just tired & stiff.
It was an inter-section game & the chaps were very keen on my having a game as there is a good deal of rivalry. - Never.more ! I am too old – but we won 27 points to 3. Am glad to hear that Will has charge as O.C. of the Details Camp at George’s Heights Mosman. – Have they given him a star to add to his Crown? – No chance of leave to England now – Dear little "Tinysie"! I would love to see her at the Dancing Class. – am sure they all love her.

[Page 185]
2
15.7.16.

Am glad you liked the photos I sent you. Since writing the first half we have moved again & are near ----- further south but we will I think march another 25 miles or so in a day or two. We left Belgium marched about 6 miles & entrained at ----- at about 1 P.M. went towards the South & arrived at ----- at about 6 P.M. then started to march for the first place that we put up for a rest arriving about 3 A.M. (some 15 miles or more with one blanket & our packs on our shoulders) very feeble - From here we set out at about 12 noon & "foot-sacked" another 10 miles arriving at a Country Chateau at about 4 P.M. The scenery on the whole road being very lovely. – Next day we left at about 3 P.M. marched some 10 miles to this village. – The Poppies (had) & corn Flowers – Daisies & some yellow & Heliotrope flowers looked lovely in the fields. The owner of the Chateau was (we are told) Governor of the French Congo & is now

[Page 186]
3
Commandant of a Brigade of French Artillery. There was a very fine garden of Red, White & Black Currants of which we were allowed to eat our fill. – Also there was a lovely wood which was reminiscent of some of the Scrub land in N.S.W.
Eric Greenwell & Wybergh Docker are both here & look well. Saw Alister Stobo several times lately & he looks well.
Had a note from Miss Wyse – She is in a hospital in Boulogne & wishes to be remembered to you. – Had a letter from Fred today written from Wahroonga.
The scenery round here is much finer than further north – tho’ the land does not seem nearly so rich. – Did I tell you that I saw Fred Gale about three weeks ago & he wished to be remembered to you. At the Camp we were in while in Belgium I am sorry to say we had one of our men killed.
There was a 12 inch English Howitzer near us & the Germans used to try & find it with 6 inch high explosive

[Page 187]
4
shell. Well they (the shells) found this poor chap & several men with him some 100 yards from the entrance to our Camp – with the result I of our men Killed – another wounded (slightly) a friend of theirs lost his arm & a tommy Killed by shock.
Bad luck for the poor chaps – Pieces of shell used to fall near us as we played Cricket, but evidently "the numbers were not up" for the rest of us.
Glad to say I am well & hope Will & the children are well also.
In case you did not get my letter of about a fortnight ago – I again wish you many happy returns of your birthday.
With very much love dear old girl to you all. Always your loving brother,
Fred.

[Page 188]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
I.W.
19 JY 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2913
A.M. McIn

[Page 189]
France
22 July 16
My dear little Margaret,
How is your rose bush? There are such pretty flowers growing in the fields here. – Cornflowers red Poppies, Daisies and a lot of yellow ones and some Heliotrope coloured ones of which I don’t know the name.
We don’t often see donkeys over here but I have seen a few. – The other day there were fourteen observation balloons up in the air at the same time. – Officers go up in them and have telescopes to see what the Germans are are doing. I hope your dear mother is well again & that you and Tingsie & Peter are three dear little Comforts to her and Daddy. – With very much love to you all.
Your loving Uncle,
Fred.S.Phillips

XXXXXXXXX for Mummy.
XXXXXXXXX for Daddy.
XXXXXXXXX for Tingsie.
XXXXXXXXX for Peter.
XXXXXXXXX for you.

[Page 190]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
I.W.
24 JY 16
Miss Margaaret Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2913
A.M. McIn

[Page 191]
28 July 16
France.

My very dear Irene,
Enclosed you will find a little letter which I wrote you We bearers went into action at 6.30 P.M. or earlier on Sunday & most of us carried from then till about 2.30 P.M. on the following Wednesday Tuesday afternoon, some of them having started a few hours before our section.
I remained at the scene of Battle with eleven others who were there from the start also, till the following Thursday Wednesday morning at about 8.30 A.M. – Had only three hours sleep since Friday night 22 July. – Did not feel as tired as one would have expected, till afterwards probably because of the excitement.
It sounds a funny thing to say, but really I enjoyed it except for the hard work. It was for all the world like a real hard exciting football match & I would not have missed it for hundreds of pounds.

[Page 192]
2
It was just lovely old girl – when we were in the midst of the wildest part of the Show – some of us were sitting down behind a bit of a bank, - waiting for the next wounded - & to my surprise and delight – I was handed two letters from you from the "Terraces". Am very relieved & delighted to hear that the operation seems to have been a success. – Wyberg Docker has been wounded – not very badly, I believe. We lost on the Saturday night (late) & during Sunday men killed & wounded shell shock gas etc. out of about 80 bearers, & about five had to be relieved of their duties for a few days. You will be glad to hear that I was n one of three out of the unit to be congratulated by the Colonel for having done good work. I tried to do my Duty old girl & contrary to my expectation was not at all frightened, though goodness knows my two mates & I had marvellous

[Page 193]
3
escapes. I suppose plenty of others had the same. – I really believe Divine Providence was watching over us – One of my mates is a Newington College boy & the other a chap from Nowra. – I mean to look up Mrs Turpin if I get to London. – Yes! I remember a chap named Wiseman at The King’s School. "Tiny" Wiseman – so called because he was so huge. Poor old Will! I am sure he must have worried a dreadful lot when you were ill. I was awfully sorry to hear that Neville & his wife had been so [indecipherable]. They must be very cut up. – The "Daily Mail" (England) says that the fighting we have just been through dwarfs the "Lone Pine" stunt. So you can imagine what like it was.
& are not of very great size – just small villages but they must be of strategic importance judging by the struggle our troops made to take them. The
district

[Page 194]
4
is very lovely. Did I tell you Alister Stobo had gone thru our ambulance. He got a whiff of gas, but I got a letter from him to say he was getting on OK. – Hope Will likes his new car – the "Chevrolet". Fancy the miserable dogs putting only a little Petrol in it. Oh! I shall have such lots to tell you about when I come home. Some of the German Dugouts were wonderful. One near an aid frost f0rm which I carried consisted of two stories, underground – of course, its walls were I think lined with wood & had some pretty wall paper on them, nice beading at the top & skirting board at bottom. Electric light throughout (of course they had taken the motor) Huge mirrors on the walls – of the best glass I have seen – plush sofa - & all sorts of comforts.
In the bottom storey you could hardly hear the guns. I brought away two nice pieces of one mirror & hope to get a shaving glass made of one for Will or a hand mirror for you. I also brought

[Page 195]
5
away two "whiz-bang" brass shell cases German 77.C.C gunshells, which will make a lovely gong if I can get them away. Au-revoir dear sister mine. Very much love to you all.
Always your loving brother
Fred

[Page 196]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
ARMY POST OFFICE
15 AU 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR

[Page 197]
3rd August 16
France>

My dearest Irene,

Was delighted to receive a letter from you dated 12th June. & to note that you are gradually getting well.
Thank you for posting on the letters I sent. – I was paraded before the Brigadier-General commanding Brigade & recommended for a Commission, & he has sent on the papers – which is tantamount to confirming it. As soon as it is confirmed will send you a cable. – Mary Stobo is always sending me parcels & has been so good that I am glad you try to be charitable. Please God if I receive the commission I will make good old girl. – Am sure you must miss Will terribly & will be glad when he is able to go home again. Margaret’s was a dear little letter. How she is improving old girl. Am very sorry to hear that the Doctor & Mrs Read have been ill & I do trust Am very glad early closing of Hotels is passed.
No more news old girl.
Very much love to you all
Always your loving brother,
Fred.

[Page 198]
France
22 July 16
Dear little Tingsie,
There is a dear little goat here which says "Fran Ba". (Mother please interpret.) – I was very glad to receive your nice little letter and hope you will write me another.
Mummy told me you go to Dancing Class. How do you like it?
There are such a lot of pretty flowers growing here. – Red Poppies, Daisies, Butter Corn Flowers and a lot of other pretty flowers. – Have you got a little garden?
Every day we see lots of Aeroplanes flying in the sky. – They look just like very big dragon flies.
With very much love and a lot of big Kisses.
Your loving Uncle
Fred.

[Page 199]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
ARMY POST OFFICE
24 JY 16
Miss Myfanny Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR
2913

[Page 200]
France
22 July 16
Thought you might like to get this now that I am safe.
F.S.P.

My own darling Sisters,

I am writing this on the eve of my going into action. They say there will be something big doing. Please God that "I will do my duty and be a man". (to quote part of what poor old Ralph said when he left Australia)
I have seen Alister Stobo several times, & yesterday he went thru our dressing station suffering a little from the effects of a gas shell which fell in his vicinity. I trust he will be O.K.
Dear old girls! Should anything final happen to me I hope that you will hear that I tried to do my duty. – and don’t grieve over much.
With very much love to you all – also to Mr Owen & Will
Ever your loving brother,
Fredk S. Phillips.

[Page 201]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
H.W.
29 JY 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR
2913

[Page 202]
France
In the Train
12 Aug 16
My dearest old Girl,
You will no doubt long ere this have received my wire telling you I am now Lieut. F. S. Phillips, D Company First Battalion 1st Inf. Brigade 1st Aus Divn. You don’t put 729 on my letters any more as I am told Officers don’t have numbers. Will you ring up Trix, Nell Sherwin, Arch & Miss Rossitter & tell them of the change in address also the Phillips at Lindfield.
If you are not well

[Page 203]
2
enough just post this letter on to Arch & ask him to ring them up – also it might be as well to let the Secretary of the King’s Old Boys union know as they always like to hear these things. I don’t know his telephone No but if you ring up the King’s School Parramatta they will tell you. – Well old girl I do hope you are well again & that the old trouble will not recur. – I expect you will be wondering

[Page 204]
3
why I am going a train journey – Well I am on my way to a School of instruction down on the coast in connection with the Lewis Mantive Guns.
Please God I will prove capable to lead men & do my duty.
Well old girl I am fit & well & believe divine Providence guarded me in the last action.
Major Barry Sommerville our 2nd cousin came down to the Amb & asked for me & took me up to his

[Page 205]
4
Mess in a Hilgrs car gave me afternoon tea & took me to ordnance & got me some under clothes & a clean ready-made tunic which I gave away on being presented with an officer’s tunic by a first Lieut who was at Newington when I was at Kings Barney Somerville even got two of his own stars & pinned one on each of my shoulders. He was so nice old girl & looked so well. He asked me if I thought you

[Page 206]
5
would go & see his wife sometimes as she is terribly lonely & wont go out? I said I felt sure you would if you were able.
Her address is,
Mrs G.C. Somerville
"BRENBAR"
ARKLAND ST
NORTH SYDNEY

TEL. N.S. 1541
I wish you could go & see her if you are well enough. Barry was very good to me.
Very much love dear old girl to you all,
Always your loving brother
Fred.

[Page 207]
[Envelope]
-On Active Service-

[Rubber Stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
L.W.
6 AU 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Rubber Stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR
2913

[Page 208]
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S DEPARTMANT, NEW SOUTH WALES
CABLEGRAM

[Rubber stamp]
WAHROONGA N.S.W.

August 21. 1916
Pac Cable 6 Field Po 19th 1220 pm
14 15 Words E Fell
E M Read
The Wurley Cleveland St
Wahroonga

Received commission first battalion love
Fred Phillips
836

[Page 209]
[Picture on Post Card of buildings with an "X" marked alongside top of one building]
(Somme) – Rue de la Mairie

[Page 210]
CARTE POSTALE
[Red rubber stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2876
[Black rubber stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
9 SP 16
F.M. Phillips
My dear little Margaret
You will see a little house with a cross marked above it. – That is where I lived for two days & it was quite a nice little village.
I hope you are a comfort to your dear Daddy & Mummy.
With much love from Uncle Fred

Miss Margaret Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Page 211]
16 Sept 16
My dearest Irene
Just a hurried scrawl to say I am well & we are out of the Trenches again. Thank you for two nice parcels you sent Chocolate, Books, Washer, Tooth Brush in one & Choc Hankeys Books in other.
You are very good to me old girl. I am kept pretty busy in my new role but find it interesting.
How are you? Got my letter I hope. How well the Button Day did! Am sorry to hear Mrs Yead is so poorly. Will you give her & the Dr my love. Capt Embleton was M.P. in

[Page 212]
2
a dressing station near firing line & wished to be Remembered to you & Will. He [indecipherable] & kindly gave me some sox & blanket & W. Proof Sheet to replace some which were stolen from me.
Wish I were there to see the Wattle. Sorry to hear [indecipherable] has had such a bad time.
With very best love dear old girl
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 213]
[Envelope]

[Rubber stamp]
FIELD POST OFFICE
17 SP 16
O.A.S.

Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

[Red rubber stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2876

[Page 214]
5 Oct 16
My dearest Irene,
You will know ere this that I have been awarded a Military Medal. Major Barney Somerville got me 10 days leave & we are here together, just making a hurried visit. I had dinner one evening at the Elsmie’s & very charming they all were. – It is raining very hard here, but is a change from the trenches I have been in twice since I received my Commission & am glad to say am A.1. I hope you are

[Page 215]
2
feeling more yourself again dear. I am going to try & look up Mrs Norris & Nancy on my return to London.
Did I tell you I somehow lost the photos of you & the dear Kids? If you can I wish you would let me have some more. – How pretty it is down here – even in spite of the rain. How are Will and the children.
I hope the next year will be brighter for you all old girl & that we will all be together once more. My ribbon is rather pretty & was presented to me by General Birdwood last

[Page 216]
3
Sunday week at a parade at which the 1st 2nd 3rd & 4th Battalions were all present many other medals were also presented. Most of us only got the
ribbons & the medals are to come again along soon
My ribbon is like this
[Drawing with 7 sections alongside which is written]
DARK BLUE
WHITE
RED
WHITE
RED
WHITE
DARK BLUE
Practically the same colours as the French Red White & Blue & I believe the medals are very artistic & of silver. Like all other war medals it & the ribbon are worn on the left breast. Well dear thank you very much for your Cable of Congratulations. Sorry

[Page 217]
4
I have not got your last letter here & cant answer any questions you may have asked in it. I don’t believe I have thanked you yet for the nice parcel of Choc & & novels you sent me, & I do so now old girl. You are very good to me. I got two parcels together.
Good-night dear old girl very much love to you all.
Ever your loving brother
Fred

[Page 218]
[Envelope]
1 ONE PENNY 1
Red Postage Stamp
Postmarked
KILLARNEY
6 OC 16
THE LAKE HOTLE, KILLARNEY LAKES

[Picture of hotel and lake]
PATRONISED BY HIS LATE MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY,
KING EDWARD VII

Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street,
Wahroonga,
Sydney
New. South Wales.
Australia

[Page 219]
[Photograph of two Officers]

[Page 220]
In the Trenches
13 Oct 16
My dearest Irene,
Was very delighted to receive your letter dated 20 Aug & am glad you are so pleased – You will long ere this have heard that I have been awarded a Military medal for stretcher bearing at the first Posieres action.
Well – I have just come back from England after having 10 days leave there. It was very lovely but all too short. – Barney Somerville (who is now Lieut Col Somerville AAQMG 2nd Div) took me with him & was awfully good to me. We were in

[Page 220]
2
Ireland four days & went to Killarney which I thought very lovely.
Nancy Norris gave me £ 15- from you dear. It was very very good of you old girl & I am very grateful. I had a lovely Holiday & went & saw Mrs Elsmie & her daughter & very charming they were. Had dinner there. Also had tea with Mrs Norris & Nancy. What a dear old lady Mrs Norris is. Barney Somerville & I had our Photos taken in Dublin 12 for 1/6d – awfully cheap & not half bad. I enclose one for you, one for Trish & one for Arch with my love & Fred the two brothers one for you -

[Page 221]
3
I am sending you from London a little Xmas Present with my best love & hope you will like it.
I don’t think I would send any more books with in parcels for say a couple of months old girl as I am too busy.
Saw young Eric Shelly in Boulogne on his way back to join his Battalion after recovering from his wound received at Posieres. He looked very well. Nancy Norris had a letter from Mick Slade from some Camp in England. He seemed quite well when he wrote. Enclosed please find [indecipherable] Treasury note & 20 Francs (worth about 14/- (say £ 1-14/- in all.

[Page 222]
4
Arch or the Bank will change them for you. I want you to get someone to buy Will an L & Co (Loewe & Coy) pipe which will cost about 11/- & spend the rest on the three dear children with best love for Xmas.
It is very good of Mrs Slade to send me a pair of sox - & when they come I will write her a nice note thanking her. – In case you have not received my letter asking you to go & see Mrs C.G. Somerville I will give you her address again.
Mrs C.G. Somerville \
"Brenbar"
Arkland St
North Sydney
I forget the telephone number.

[Page 223]
5
Saw young Lieut Kell from Hunter’s Hill in London & he looked quite well. His Battalion is relieving us. You might ring his people up at the Hill old girl. I see Mrs Slade is sending mittens not Thank you for ringing up all the relations.
With very much love dear old girl
Ever your loving brother
Fred
2nd Lieut F.S.P.
1st Battalion
I Australian Division
Is full address

[Page 224]
[Envelope]
-O.A.S.-

Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley",
Cleveland Street,
Wahroonga,
Sydney
New. South Wales.
Australia

[Red rubber stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR 2876

[Page 225]
REGISTERED LETTER

[Black rubber stamp]
MARLBOROUGH LINES ALDERSHOT
18 OC 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
The Wurley
Cleveland St
Wahroonga
Sydney
Australia

FEE PAID

[Page 226]
[Printed on back side of Registered Letter envelope]
Registration.

Compensation is given for loss or damage in respect of Inland Registered Letters and Packets of all kinds, and for the loss of Foreign and Colonial Registered Letters and Packets subject to the limitations and conditions notified in the Post Office Guide.

[Page 227]
France
26 Oct 16
My dearest Irene,
It was so lovely to get several letters from you lately & I have been unable to answer them & we have been so much on the move. Expect you will hear of something, very by soon & I will cable as soon as it is over. Did I thank you dear for your great kindness in sending me £ 15 per Nancy Norris. It was awfully good of you & I am keeping £ 7 in gold in case of giving away. Hope you will like my Xmas present dear which I sent with my very best love & wishes & may the new year be Brighter.

[Page 228]
2
I had 10 lovely days leave. Spent about 7 in London went with Lieut Col Somerville via Holyhead to Dublin about 2 days there then by rail to the Killarney Lakes & was there 1 day & night & returned by Rosslare to London. It was just lovely & Barry S. was so good to us.
Will try & write again soon. Please remember me to my friends. Alister is here & is well & is to go to an officers school of instruction at end of Oct for 4 mos or 3 at Cambridge. Good eh. Have not written to Yu Ca Men in Cairo am sorry to say.

[Page 229]
3
I cant remember their names but will try & do so.
Nancy & her mother were very good to me in London.
My candle is nearly out & my day out is not very warm.
Good night dearest Irene. With very best love from
Your ever loving brother
Fred
Enclosed Maps – explain;themselves ---

[Page 230]
[Envelope]
O.A.S. -

[Black rubber stamp]
FIELD POST OFFIVE
29 OC 16
Mrs W.H. Read,
"The Wurley"
Cleveland Street,
Wahroonga
Via Sydney
Australia

[Red rubber stamp]
PASSED FIELD CENSOR
2876

[Page 231]
[Back of envelope]
I don’t want the ring thank you --- FJP

[Transcribed by John Corbett for the State Library of New South Wales]