Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Walsh war diary, 1 January 1916-23 February 1917
MLMSS 8117 / Box 4 / Item 1

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[Previous pages are cover and library information]
Leo Walsh was an artillery gunner on an 18 pounder gun. This diary covers the arena from Egypt to France and then to England.]

31st March 1916.
The memorable march of the 5 Division of Infantry from Tel-el-Kebir to Terry Poot about 35 miles, They started out full pack no water but what they carried in their bottles. The heat was terrific They were in command of Gen. Irvin and he led them through the heavy sand away from the railway & Canal The want of water heat & sand brok the men up compleatly some exausted died on the way and others were found raving in a salt lake. Very few went right through

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If anything should happen to me. Kindly forward this Diary to my mother. with note book, and rosary beads in other pocket. Wristlet watch kindly give to Major Crespin O.C. 53rd Battery

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If this Diary should be found by anyone, would they kindly send it to:-
Mrs J. J. Walsh
“Moomin" Stn,
Rowena.
New South Wales
Australia
And they will be well rewarded

11427. Gnr Walsh, L.J.
53rd Battery
14th Field Artillery Brigade
5th Division
A.I.F.
France.

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To my dearest, Mother, Father, Sisters, & Brothers. It gives me great pleasure to be able to send you this diary my-self and I hope I shall send or bring you all another one for 1917, which we are all looking forward to as the year of Victory.
I am also very glad that I have been spared so long and have been able to put in six months in the firing line doing a bit for the Empire, and

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for all those near and dear to me in Australia (no place like it) What I used to dread was to be knocked, before I should actually get into action, like so many thousands have been,.
But we are not doing anything wonderful coming over here, only our duty, I could not understand why so many voted against conscription in Aust, every eligible man should be over here and there are plenty here that have no right to be.

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Keep this diary in a safe place, as it will give me much pleasure reading same when I return There is no doubt a lot in here, that will not be of much interest, to others whereas for me to look up would bring hundreds of adventures before me.
I know you will like to read this diary. So I am sending same by registered Post while I am here in England.
Leo.

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[Printed details in diary of which the following have been logged:]
Size in boots 9
“ “ collars 15 Hats 7
Height 5 ft 11 ½ in Weight 10 st 11 lbs

No 11427 Gnr Walsh, L.J.
+4 Reinf. 1st Bgd. A.F.A.
Egypt Intermediate Base

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January 1 Sat. Spent the day at Ermington. Sgnt. Layton did not turn up.
The Marrickville Bowling Green Club. in the afternoon.

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Jan 8 Sat. Send off given by Mother and Jack & Mag. At “Ermington" about 30 guests supper and speeching lasted 3 ½ hours. Five hundred Billiards & Music. Passed the evening away very pleasantly. Table Gorgeously decorated Streamers of Cerise & Blue from end to end.

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Jan 9 Sun. Slept in till nine a.m. (after last night). Reported at the “Warren" 10 a.m.
Amoung Guests last night were Leut. Randel Sgnt Mgr. Drummond Sgnt. Garrow and Sgnt. Hutchions. Bom. Harrington and Private Moorhouse. Quite a squad of “Kake" Mr & Mrs Hardy, Cutler De Saxe, Woods, Jolline Mackell Mrs & Miss Moorehouse, Mother, Mona, Mag, Jack, Kath, Miss Hayward Miss Eaton.

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15 Sat Left the “Warren" Marrickville with the 1st Field Artillary Brigade 14th Reinf. Also the 3/5, 3/2 D. A. C. and 14/3 All went by tram to the Quay. Then led by the Band through the crowd to see us off. On to the R.M.S. “Osterley". Passed through Sydney heads about 2.30 P.M. En route for Europe A beautifull sea and so calm that the “Osterley" glides along with hardly a roll. We are bound for London Calling at all Ports. But We the Troops do not know where we will land Most likely Suez.
We had a great send off from Orient Warf Sydney

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January 17 Mon We are still cutting along about 15 miles an hour. Expect to be in Melbourne to-morrow, for a couple of days. We have about 200 1st Class passengers on board.

January 18 Tues Arrived at Melbourne early this morning all except the guard went ashore. Called on Mr Carnigie lunched with him at Commercial Travellers Club. Went with S.M. Gordon out to “Southesk" Kew. Had dinner at Caffe a La Francis. Went to “Mother Horse"

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January 19 Wed All turned up to time fairly well last night on board a few absent. Guard have leave to day R.M.S. Osterley" drew out to mid stream about 5.30. Anchored for till next day.

19/1/16. Left Port Phillip about 7 P.M. through heads. Waved to Carnigie’s at Sorento met Mr Patterson on board friend of the Carnigies.
Wrote & wired from Melbourne Rec. P.C. from N.H.
Mistake on opposite page. Arrived Port Melb. Monday and left Wednesday instead of Tues & Wed.

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January Marched with the Picket to Langs Pier Hotel. Got one man
Cricket match at Outer Harbour.
Called in at Port Adelaide for a few hours to-day.
Well on our way across the Great Australian Bight. Sea is a little rough Sargent Max Gordon is now ships Quarter Master Sargent. The Sargents are doing very well on the “Osterley" as far as Quarters are concerned

22 Sat No sign of land now. We are well out at sea. We have no work on board so far bar the mess orderlies work and scrubbing decks hammock piquets etc. Sargent Ingham is now senior Sargent of our Unit, and Calvah another stripe

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January 23 Sun Service for all on board first on 2nd class deck by Captain Holliday and afterwards by Captain Jinks in 1st Saloon. Sea a little rough We can just see land on our right. Passed a steamer

24 Mon Sea still rough “Osterley" rolls about a bit on the waves We passed a few Islands off the W.A. Coast and to night we round Cape Leewin. We have piano’s on board and a concert now and then. Light Horse had to keep below to much spray.

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January 25 Tues Arrived Freemantle about 7 a.m. Very small harbour. Stayed till 3 P.M. during which time all went ashore Our Unit on Guard so I was unable to see Perth. Went round Freemantle with Gnr. Parry Fine town good tram system.

26 Wed Left seven deserters in Port yesterday Picked one man up. We are steering in a North westerly course now. We have seen the last of Australia’s sunny shores for a while. Right out on the deep blue sea, The Indian Ocean. She is fairly calm so far.

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27 Thur Inoculation against fever for all who have not been done and for those who have been done also. We are being done on the breast and have 24 hours off a little painfull but not as bad as Vaccination

28 Fri Very Placid sea Weather getting warmer We are still steering North West. There are Plenty of Flying fish to be seen lately. some fly about 20 yds across the water. Did some washing and Dryed same on Stearn Boat Deck. Played Draughts in Saloon with A.J. Loat at Banker.

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January 29 Sat Sea still calm and sky a little overcast We passed close to Cocos Island last night where the Old “Emdon" is growned and shattered by Our Navy. !st Series of Slides and lecture by the Captain last night very interesting. Very good Boxing in Ring to night.
Caught Albatross on Board.

30 Sun Capt Holliday the “Chaplin and Censor" on board gave us another sermon and Non sectarien service again. Attended another service in the 1st Saloon by Captain Jinks Very hot day Infantry troops find it unbearable on lower deck Sea calm and sky cloudy.

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January 31 Mon We left Cot Parade. and full kit and uniform inspection by O.C. First issue of “Osterley" Keystone out. Steady rain this morning Tug of war between all Subsections and other Units Raining this afternoon number of us slept down tonight

1 Feb Tues Fourteenth of the first F. A. on guard to day my post No. 14 3rd relief, guarding two prisoners. Sea a little choppy and rough again. Spray reaching right over bow of boat Passengers gave a very nice entertainment “Tivloi Follies. Very good assisted by “Tiney" and others.

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February 2 Wed Innoculation again In a still calm ain second time (near some place) We are having sports on board Money prizes for Competitions Boxing every spare evening too makes life on board a bit less monotonus. Given out values of Indian money to use at Colombo.

3 Thur Sighted land very early Ceylon arrived in Port about 7.30 a.m. The natives are everywhere. Infantry went ashore during the morning on Route march and Artillary in afternoon But we broke off and had a good time. All turned up. The Rikshaws and dress of the natives Impressive.

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4 Fri We left Colombo about 2 a. m this morning. Took in a big supply of coal enough for the trip Natives loaded coal with bags by hand. Steering due west now sea calm One or two Tramp steamers about.

5 Sat No sign of land anywhere now. Very mild climate here cool breeze. The “Kraoola" passed us at Colombo with wounded on board and the “Orsova" yesterday with seriously wounded on board both making Australia. We all got a supply of Bananas & cocoanuts at Colombo.

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February 6 Sun Missed Service to-day performimg the duties of hammock piquet All day down below. Put the gloves on with Bom. Soloman last night Three rounds. draw. Sea getting a little choppy this afternoon. Hymns before “Lights out" cast Sunday we expect to have on board

7 Mon Sea fairly choppy this morning spray coming right up on deck at times. Still cool breeze. A few clouds about. Some of competitions coming off to day. Our Unit got their second pay since leaving Sydney to day, 10/- All playing cards late to-night ancker predominate.

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February 8 Tues Passed Islands early this morning “The Brothers" The rising sun has a grand effect on them. Captain gave another lecture and showed Slides of Colonial scenery. etc. We are still in the Arabian Sea Cool climate. Sea choppy

9 Wed Sighted a good few vessels to day also land in places small Islands. Passed Cape Guardafues on left side late yesterday evening Entered the Straits of Babel-man. deb late this evening also Aden & Light house Pretty sight. Sea Calm Nice Cool breeze blowing.

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February 10 Thur Death at sea first on Voyage We are now in the Red Sea and a good quantity of Red looking sea-weed can be seen in water Sea fairly calm. We were to have had a concert this Afternoon but a Trooper Prescott of the Remounts died of double Pheumonia. We attended his burriel at sundown Poor chap. Great silence was noticable amoungst all. We were all Paid again to day. and Inspection of hammocks & blankets Preparations Prior to disembarkation. The Stewards of the “Osterley" gave a first class concert this evening. It was a dandy show. Passed three more steamers

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February 12 Sat All on Parade this morning full dress Bral. W.B.H & W.F. for Inspection We were imformed that we shall land to-morrow mng, at 7 a.m. Suez. Got our Black Kit bags first time since leaving the “Warren" Lost my money Belt & keys offered 10/- reward. Stayed up all night. Playing Banker

13 Sun Up eariler than usuall this morning arrived at Suez about 7. a.m. Passed numerous vessels of all kinds. Suez. Sandy flat place. Train drew up and we disembarked and entered train with full kit and supply of Bully beef & biscuits about 10 a.m. Glorious trip up the Canal six days trip took 6 hours

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February 14 Mon We arrived at Zeitoun last night by train marched from station about two miles to D.A.C. Camp. Split up and were put in tents (10 in each) drew our blankets and had a cup of hot coffee and went to bed about 2 P.M. Fell in this morning Foot drill

15 Tues Squad and foot drill yesterday and to-day We are now all attached to the D.A.C. and are likely to be here for an indefinite period All out Non-Coms. are reduced to the ranks some do not like it. Our Non. Com’s here know their work. A number of 14-1st got leave to-day 2 P.M. till 10. P.M. I gave my pass to Gordon.

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February 16 Wed We had rifle drill this morning A. Gordon called out as an instructor So far this seems to be an excelent Camp. Hel l iopolis is within bounds of Camp And Cario quite handy We have an easy time of it. Nearly all went into Cario first night Wonderful place.

17 Thur Rifle drill again and Plenty of foot drill during the morning. Leave again to day I got my pass off A.Gordon went to Heliopolis had tea and went to Music Hall very decent show Vaudivells Alec Lander there also the Dwarf. Gave washing in. All back in time. Non Coms. not Particular in regard to Late Roll call. Just are you all in

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February 18 Fri Some of our Section called out this morning for Guard “I caught it." Inspected and given strict orders as to our various duties. I was number 3 on Gun Park. Given rifles etc. 2 hours on four off. Some prisoners in Guard tent. few lice there also Good Corporal in charge Guard off Guard 9.30 a.m.

19 Sat Got Pass for Cairo. Went in Y.M.C.A. Wrote home. Visited Soldiers club. Met Carl Knight & Bob Hastie toured round the City very dirty city but some parts very pretty second time I have been in. Good tram service Electric railway and tramways loo from Belgium own the lot also number of Buildings.

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February 20 Sun Church Parades for all. The R.C. all went to Zeitoun Convent Mass before breakfast. No work to-day Currey Heggety, Grey and another & Self Took a long walk through Old Heliopolis signed our names in Pilgrims Book in Church of Holy Family drank water of the Holy well- visited old sycamore tree & Oblisque wonderfull

21 Mon Went into Heliopolis last night with Johnstone on Guard with Dozen others missed it- (overwritten with Tuesday 24th )
Solomon made Bombideer and he makes a Keystone job of it. Saw Osma Mahomet about wash went into Cairo with him All Paid to day Paid Debts and secured washing. Nearly all went to Cairo and back for Lights out 10-15

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February 22 Tues Guard today (see report yesterday other side) off to Cairo again with Johnstone went to Soldiers Club and the Bull rink very funny and Interesting. Went to Victoria Hotel Russian Place Said good night to Servian he answered in seven languages.

23 Wed Nothing doing to-day Little Squad drill and Rifle drill measured distance with Johnstone over to Dead City. Went over to Light Horse Camp. Saw Hickey and others Went to Pictures Rowley Lees with L.H. Had supper at French Cafa. 120 Gunners and 90 Drivers are to be picked out of the Old Lot to go to Tel-el- Eeba Sgnt. Ingham with them.

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February 24 Thur Made one of an escorte of two to take two prisoners before Colonel Dismissed for the rest of the day. Walked over to the Airadrome after four Met Hal. Hickey, Jack Coleman and Bob Dewar Went to Y.M.C.A. Concert and took a walk round Helliopolis met Corpl. T. Jenkins. Had supper at same French Cafa.

25 Fri Paraded before Doctor this morning to get tooth seen to Got Pass with 8 others and marched down to the Pal l ace Hospital. The second Largest Hotel in the World. Got Dentist made an apointment with me for April 7th for filling could not do job sooner. Back 1.30 P.M. Had a sleep all the afternoon.

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February 26 Sat Had a bad night with tooth so decided to have it out. Went back to No.1. Q A.G.H. had tooth out. Inquired after G. Roche & Nurse ‘oTwynim Fortesque & Shannon. Nurse Twynim at Geizeira. Went back and another sleep. Walked to Zeitoun Convent Went to Confession.

27 Sun Fasted this morning Received Holy Communion Had late Breakfast Light lunch with Corpl. Jenking Inft. Camp. Went into Cairo and out to the Pyrumids, had ride on Camel. met Nurse off R. M. S. "Osterley." Climed Cheopes Pyrumid had fortune told on way up. Saw everything (wonderfull) Back into Cairo met Sgnt Gordon Alf Fox and Tristrum Visited Bullrink home by carriage & tram

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February 28 Mon Pay day once more 16/- Paid all our Debts and went to Cairo went round with S. M. G. Fox, Layton Sol, and Lue Samules Had two suppers and arrived home to our cosy tents by 11 P. M. Reinforcments F. A. from Victoria arrived by Themiscles Donkey rides

29 Tues Nothing to do yet. Little drill and marching Playing cards Got a leave Pass and went to Cairo with Gordon Secured a guide and got a Donkey and went everywhere Through the Wassa. Had Dinner at Victoria Hotel Cigars and music on Piano The propriters daughter very entertaining Home to tent by 12 P.M.

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March 1916 1 Wed Fourth section on Guard this morning I missed it again. just put in the day, bit of marching, sleeping, smoking and reading. We get our Egyptian allowance of 8 ½ per day yet. Plenty to eat good holesome food. Plenty of nap.

2 Thur Fourteen of us told off this morning with shovels to fill some manure in trenches out on Desert about half a mile.
Went with Jim Garner over to Zeitoun Donkey to Hellmed Station Walked over to Mr Mason’s rooms for Soldiers Did some writing reading very cosy little spot.

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3 Fri March Inspection at top of lines as usual. Boots have to be cleaned, all well shaven and properly dressed by 9 a.m. now. We are accostomed to the buzz of the Airoplane now two and three a day pass over the camp. Had Hot bath 2 ½ disarster

4 Sat Rifle drill as usuall Granted leave Pass, went with Grey into Cairo. Soldiers Club for dinner and clean up. Posted mail at Y.M.C.A. Went round to Eldelards met very straight Clever girl. Beautiful Pianiste. Played Piano two hours Mozart Bathoven List. Barcaroll Camp by 10 a.m.

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5 Sun March Escorte for La Reeve interviews Barrester
Church Parade 9.30 for R.C. this morning Weather getting rather warm day time now nights cool sometimes heavy dews. Took a walk with Ken into Helliopilis went to Music Hall very good show. Acrobats extra special came home early

6 Mon I got dental leave this morning Went to No 1 A.G.H. (Pallace Hospital) had tooth drawn Went back to camp Drew pay 12/- had game Crown & Anchor small win bought 3 to 1. 7 & even board Went into Heliopilis with Ken Layton Went to The Empire Club. met Punch also Mrs Chisolm. Came back small win with board Clear for the day.

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7 Shrove Tues March Rifle drill again new Sgnt. took us Vic.n Some of the New Zealanders left this morning for Tel-el-Kebir. bought a bed & pair putties for 3 Piastres sold Putties for 4 P.S. Played Banker and my 3 to 1 seven Lost few Piastres. Went into Empire Club with Fleming from Murrurundi

8 Wed On Parade 6.30 this morning a nominal Roll Call was made and we were given untill 8.30 to strike tents. Pack all equipment and Parade in full dress. Then marched to Zeitoun Railway stn. told off in 24’s into trucks and taken to Tel-el-kebir arrived there about 1-30. I with 29 others were told off as baggage guard camed [camped?] out in open to night.

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March 9 Thur I with 30 others all Rear and Baggage Guard were told off this morning as Head Quarter Staff. and given 4 seperate tents, our own cook and attached to the 21st Howitzer Brigade. We marched out on the Plain. Put through a signalling test. We have a very decent Leifftenant.

10 Fri Breakfast, porrige & Bacon, tea, Bread & Jam Pearce & Downey have taken the cooking on for head Quarters.. The 14/1 & others Reinf. have been all split up and put in Howitzer and F. A. Brigades all over the place. The D.A.C. are still at Zeitoun. We expect to leave for Foreign lands shortly.

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March 11 Sat Went out for Physical excersise (foot drill) as usuall. Breakfast, Parade 10 a.m. Signaling for about an hour. Head Quarter staff work so far is very light. A few letters arrived for 14/1 I have not received a letter since leaving Adelaide. Full dress Parade this afternoon Colonel Cox & Hobbs presented medal to a Gunner & Driver for Brave Deeds.

March 12 Sun Attended Mass with Grr Thorn this morning in a sand valley out in the desert. C.E. & other church services near by (all open air) Bands playing everywhere No mail yet. Walked down to the Australian 5th Division 15th Brigade to see Capt (indecipherable) Crespin Major now. he was very pleased to see me and said he would write to The Colonel (Tunbridge about me.

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March 13 Mon Early morning parade as usuall (march across desert) 9.a.m. Lecture by the Bomb. on Field Telephone very interesting. After dinner signalling sending messages We are getting plenty of good Food now. All mail to Australia stopped for 4 or 5 weeks. Met Gnr Alberts and went to the Electriction Had a very good demonstration.

March 14 Tues Paraded this morning before Dr to get a tooth drawn was surprised to find the Dr was M. O’Riodon from S. & C. He sent me to No 2 Stat. Field Hospital where I with about fifty others waited all day and then came away without being done told to come up again next morning. Weather getting very warm.

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March 15 Wed Went down to dentist again waited untill dinner time then had appointment made out for Monday next Nothing doing yet on Head Quarters, only little foot drill and signalling S. M. Gordon & Ken Layton are attached to 101st Howitzer Battery 21st Bgd. Ingham is still at Zeitoun.

March 16 Thur Out as usuall Did some sending and Receiving Morse Station work. Got on O.K. Rec. a letter from Mona dated 26th Jan. and a Sydney mail from Eileen Haywood Had a booker Bath in the open No showers handy to our Camp. Had a win with my board and all round. Nearly all my old mates have left here all split up

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March 17 Fri St. Patrick Not much green flying about I suppose the colors are hard to get. I am in with a very mixed lot of men up here and, they are a bit on the rough side. Our O.C. went to town to secure some materiall for H. Quarters Rec. First letter since arr. yesterday.

March 18 Sat Very windy dusty day Leuit. Humphries brought our Signalling flags from town and we started some Morse signalling, But Rain prevented us from doing much. 3.30 P.M. Got word from H. Quarters to pack kit and Parade in full dress. Am transfered with Victor Wyat into 2nd Battery 1st A.F.A. Bgd. Rec letter from Mona, Mollie & Marg. Butter. Took up New Quarters 6.30. P.M.

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March 19 Sun We have splendid Quarters here a Mess Room with Piano. I am in a Sub. Section. Out on Parade at 6 a.m. this morning Asked for permission & got it to go to Mass & Confession. We all assembled in the open air and stood up to break wind off the altar. 2 P.M. All Paraded in full dress with all our clothes in one kit bag had to get rid of a lot of clothes. We were issued with all we were short of. Horses harnesed as well.

March 20 Mon Out early this morning I got the job of Mounted orderly for the Brigade Headquarters for the day Had a good horse “Old Finley" very lively First time on horseback since joining the colors. All Packed to-day all leave stopped drew 24 hours rattion. Just at the last I with about 3 others were cut of the strength They were overstrength camped with First Reinf.

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March 21 Tues All bar the few over strength left last night very few of the 14-1st They left quantities of clothing and stores behind. We are now the 1st Reinforcmts of the 2nd Batt. of the 1st Bgd and to-day we are cleaning up the old lines. Lost on my board. Martin came back

March 22 Wed More changing to-day the boys especially the Anzacs are tired of so much transfering. We Packed our kits and cleaned our lines and I with 59 others were transfered to the 51st Battery 13th Brigade A.F.A 5th Division We marched with all kit up to our new Quarters 3 miles Mjr. Crespin is down there. Retired very tired, in our new camp.

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March 23 Thur On Parade 6.30. Foot drill again. Nearly all raw recruits from the Infantry here so we have about 3 or 4 months solid training again no horse and only 3 guns 18 Pr. Good chance for stripes. Visited dentist all teeth O.K. Very hot here we were issued with helmets Water scarce here. Went to a Circus.

March 24 Fri Cool night after the hot day yesterday. Very decent lot of chaps in my tent Grey the only 14/1 man in this Battery is with me. On Parade this morning I was picked out for Head Quarters to learn Morse & Buzzer work set straight to work with one flag. Very decent Bombadiers up there. Spent the day learning Morse.

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March 25 Sat Attended early morning Parade with 51st Batt. as usuall Our O.C. is Capt Lister a very nice man. 9 a.m. fell out with Signallers again untill dinner time Half holiday this afternoon for the 51st Battery Our Batt. commander is Leiut Prior. Very hot to-day Our Mess Huts are being constructed

March 26 Sun No church Parade up here. half an hours drill before breakfast Inspection of Lines after Breakfast. Spent the day in tent and took a walk along the old Battle of Tel-el-kebir trenches Pasha’s trench Picked up some old bones and some shrapnel and shells from our own 18 P.D.F. after gun Practice.

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March 27 Mon Did hour and halfs foot drill before breakfast Fell out with signallers again did some buzzer receiving and morse work N.C.O’s were called out of the Ranks (intending) I fell out as well but on a/c of H.Q’s do not expect to be able to do both.

March 28 Tues Fell out with N.C.O’s and did some Gun drill and drilled a section on the gun. But on speaking to our O.C. he told me that the Head Quarters would be the best to stay in. And more interesting. So after dinner I reported at H.Q. again Did some more buzzer work. A number of Light Horse & Infantrymen were transfered into the 5th Div. to day

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March X 29 Wed Have mastered the Morse Code now (-...-) and can send & receive on buzzer slowly We are kept up to the work, but I find it very interesting. The Bombd. lent me a Buzzer instrument to Practice on. We get very good food here and we were issued with all clothes we require and Bottles of sauce and pickles tins of syrup and lollies & Tobacco cigarettes etc. from the “War chest fund.

March 30 Thur Turned out this morning at 5 am. Did hour & halfs foot drill solid. After breakfast fell in at H. Quarters Went out on Plain for Morse flag drill. A great Camel Corps passed by and just after a dust storm obliterated everything. Buzzer Work this afternoon Paid to-day one pound X

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March 31 Fri Fell in at Headquarters on early morning Parade did some Morse lamp receiving Revallie now at 4.30. A.M. Parade 5 a.m. shorter hours during the heat of the day. Another large loaded Camel Corps passed 51st Battery had half holiday. Fly are getting very numerous now.

April 1 Sat 1916. Out early again 4.30. Hot tea before going on Parade. Buzzer & Flag drill all day. We have 4 classes now I am in the 4th. Gleeson moved into the 3rd for fast reading. Went to Circus with Cook L.H. It was very good 5 P.S. Burlington Collier Grey & self had six bottles Beerah very last night Light.

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April 2 Sun We the Signallers did not fall in with Battery this morning. No Parades to day, but Plenty of work Out in Orders to move to-morrow. No church Parade. After dinner we Packed Black Kit Bags and packed same, took them down about 1 ½ miles left them in charge Picquets We also hawled the guns and limbers to Railway station.

April 3 Mon Out early this morning struck tents packed up everything. Cleaned lines up Marched to Railway 12 a.m. very hot Left Tel-el-kebir 2 P.M. Arrived Moascar Ismalia 3 P.M. walked about 1 ½ miles through sand. Put tents up and got some tea. No dinner

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April 4 Tues 6 a.m. Revallie, some of us tired from yesterday Nothing to do for a few days here as we not here long in this end of Camp. Fatigue work carrying water etc. all day. Swiming Parade this afternoon Beautifull swim in the Lake in Suez Canal Number of N.Z. here and on the move.

April 5 Wed Our S.M’s tents (Jones) was burnt last night and most of his clothes. We have nearly all the 5th Div. of artillary here with a good few horses. No guns. Took the 51st Battery Signallers out to day (Buckolic Bombdier). No Parade this afternoon More swiming Ismalia is not far from here but out of bounds We have to carry water here about a mile.

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April 6 Thur Still in this unsettled camp. Slept out last night very heavy sand all over the place. Fell in with Speciallist class to day as usuall Half holiday. Took a walk over to the airadrome had a feed of fruit etc with Burling.

April 7 Fri Big raid on Canteen last night the N. Zealanders are all leaving and they finished the Moaskar camp by firing all the canteens and taking all they could get money was also stolen And the Picture show Propriters molested We saved one Indians shop, or rather his goods.

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April 8 Sat R.M.S. “Osterley" due at Suez. The Aeroplanes are allways up manouring around here they fly and alight to perfection We still go on swiming Parades in the Bay

April 9 Sun half holiday 5 of us took a walk into Ismalia and back through Gardens They were Gorgeous unequalled in Egypt. Some of the streets are like the Cairo streets. Had a swim coming back. Orders out Camp moving to-morrow to Ferry Post East which is on the other side of Canal. On the Arabia side at Point where attack was made last year.

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April 10 Mon Revallie at 4.30 Fatigue parties called out to unpack & pull down tents etc. By 8 A.M. all packed up. I with few others told off to walk down to suez canal about 3 miles carrying our water bottle haversack. Blankets carried by Motor Transport.

April 11 Tues We unloaded and loaded all the 51st Baty Baggage on to Waggons. Then crossed the Suez on Pontoon Bridge and Pitched our new Camp on a site overlooking the Canal on the Arabian side. Big Camp here and I beleive we are permanent for a while Fixing Camp all day to day. We have plenty of [indecipherable]

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April 12 Wed Fell out on sick Parade with a cold Dr gave me medicine and painted chest. Took the Signallers out again Sig’s half holiday We went for a swim I swam the Suez canal 115 yards strong current. Cloudy & small dust storm

April 13 Thur Sgnt. Mjr. gave me charge of signallers to take out untill H.Q. are ready for us we have no buzzer and only a couple of Flags Half holiday A terrific wind and dust storm passed over lasting about 3 hours cower sand over everything filling Latrines and all holes up. We stayed in tent.

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April 14 Fri Out signalling again We have very little to do. Medical examination of all the 51st 12 A.M. Very cloudy and rain this afternoon, fairly heavy We stayed in tent and got a buzzer to work on S.M. I can read buzzer better than Flags. Good Camp.

April 15 Sat Out signalling again We the Sig’s do not fatigues during the week Quick firing gun practice somewhere this morning Report in of Capture of a few Turks and Austrian officer and a few killed Our Casulities one Corporal L.H. out some 12 miles in the desert. Swiming Parade Beautifull day.

[Page 70]
April 16 Palm Sunday Attended Mass 7 a.m. First for some time. Church Parade for all. Resting in tent all day Weather is very warm now and sand in tent is nice and cool We got our issue of Tobacco cigarettes etc again We are very well looked after here

April 17 Mon Reimer has taken over the Signallers from this morning and we have a few more new men taken on the Specialists class and a couple of Range takers. We have no material yet for Specialists work But we do a little Buzzer and Station Work S.M. & S.B. etc. Posted some mail home yesterday.

[Page 71]
Apr 18 Tues Long distant Staition work again Gnr. Carr is very good at all Specialists work. I am picking it up. We had a buzzer for a while this afternoon had a long go at cards in our tent. Some complaints about sand in food (more talk than any

Apr 19 Wed Our Camp is getting more settled now and we are fitted up everything Lieut. Prior’s Brother is now in the Office. And Thaiwtes is in the Ranks again We were all paid to day up to the 14th £ 2=0=0. Big rush for change We all paid our little individual debts Airoplane over high this morning.

[Page 72]
Apr 20 Thur The usuall this morning only on coming in at 11 a.m. some of the Specialists were taken and given a trial on horse back Our hours of work here are 6 a.m. to 7.30 8.30. to 11.A.M. then 3 P.M. 5 P.M. There are Plenty of Bands playing here all day. Jack Whitton met the Quins from Scone.

Apr 21 Good Fri Revallie this morning at 6.30. We had breakfast shaved and polished up Church Parade for all and March Past The R.C’s did not have Mass as the Priest was not imformed that we could attend Holiday for all to day I went with Burling to Canteen then went for a swim in the canal (Very quite all round to day) Tobacco cigarettes and matches isued to night instead of Saturday.

[Page 73]
Apr 22 Sat The three Signallers from the Zeitoun school are out with us now Green Lyones and Tait. We did the usuall to-day little Morse and semaphore no buzzer yet and Tellephones not fixed up yet. Received two papers from home. Mothers writing first seen since leaving

Apr 23 Easter Day Revallie at 6.30. Church Parade for all Good congregation at Mass out in the open Took a horse to water with the drivers second time I have been on a horse since joining up. He was a wild beggar too no control over him without a bridle. The Bands here are very good playing every morning.

[Page 74]
Apr 24 Easter Mon Bands playing everywhere The 30th battalion have a Band Revallie at 6.30. Church Parades for all at 0900 Mass Out Signalling again did some groops with new Signallers from the school They have charge of the Specialists now and we expect to do some good work. Bomb-throwing in full swing in Infantry Battl.

Apr 25 Easter Tues Anniversary of the Glorious Landing of the Aust. & New Zealanders at Gallippoli Sports on to day and holiday for all Our Battery won the wrestling on horse-back I was in tent all day Feel a bit seedy. The Sgnt. Mjr gave me his horse early this morning to take all the Battery’s mail to Ferry Post by 7.30 a.m. Good hack.

[Page 75]
Apr 26 Wed Has been an extra hot day Paraded sick this morning got a couple of pills, and stayed in all day New Canteens for Artillery opened Got some Beerah. have lost my appertite Alex Gun made me some coffee (he is a very decent chap) Grey went into Cairo. Big boat passed through the Canal.

Apr 27 Thur Paraded sick again with Sgnt. Mjr. and The Clark in Office. Had another day in. Fairly warm again and Flys very bad. We have a new man in our tent now Johnstone The others are Collings, Burling, Grey, Lloyd Kerr, Gaskell & Gun. Very fine lot of chaps. We have a good few horses now.

[Page 76]
Apr 28 Fri Paraded Sick again Dr Said he would send me to Hospital if I did not improve by to morrow. Gave me some more pills and told me to stay in tent all day Cannot eat at all Rec. some papers from home second lot. No letter from Mother yet.

Apr 29 Sat Went on Parade to-day but found it hard to do any work Pains & headache just the same The Specialists are doing more work now under Lyones. They went for a swim this afternoon I stayed where I was Has been fairly windy lately but no rain It hardly ever rains here.

[Page 77]
April 30 Sun Missed Mass this morning not able to go. Paraded Sick again. Got some more pills Another day in tent Same cold shivers and headache We had good dinner to-day but I cannot eat much yet Had some tin Fruits. We were issued to-day with Tin Fruit soap treackle sauce & Cigarettes.

1 May Mon Went on early morning Parade but had to come off and report sick again. Faint and headache. Stayed in all day Dr’s orders. 18 P.R. Gun firing practice some of the Battery’s to-day also Infantry Bomb trowing Great noise of explosives and Bands Playing on the other side of camp.

[Page 78]
May 2 Tues 1916. On Parade to-day but feel very weak and not right yet Out on station work some of the Specialists on Gun battery signaling The 51st Battery had the firing practice this morning Did very well. Burling getting sick now in same tent.

May 3 Wed Out again good number on sick Parade Heat Flys & sand is no good I still feel seedy aches all over sore throte We were out this afternoon with the Heliograph Did some good work Lens very powerfull. Infantry still throwing Bombs.

[Page 79]
May 4 Thur Revallie 5.30. out signalling, Mr Prior came out and livined us up a bit. Mr Cullen out after breakfast and gave some of us some Artillery signaling Station work after dinner Half holiday Paid £ 1=0=0 tonight by Mr Cullen

May 5 Fri Feeling a lot better now went down to A.I.F. Wet Canteen had botte of Danish beer feel lot better now. Rec. First letter from Mother spoke of parcel also letters from Mona & Mollie & Lindsay. Birthday greetings Enemy reported in large numbers not far out.

[Page 80]
May 6 Sat My Birthday Anniversary Am over sickness now. The Dr. wanted to send me to Hospital, Glad I did not go Man in tent near by carried out this afternoon very bad others sick in the lines Visited Canteen again I with other Specialists picked PM for Piquet duty. Mount 5.30.

May 7 Sun Missed Mass again Piquet on water taps 2 hours on 4 off very hot day plenty to do at taps keeping men in their place. Had some tin fruit. And had dinner over in 30th Battalion lines with Jack Whitton very good dinner with beerah. Sent Papers home last week. Came off duty 5.30 P.M.

[Page 81]
May 8 Mon Revallie at 5 A.M. from this morning Weather getting lot warmer We come in earily after breakfast. Did some Helliograph, signalling had a swim. Tom Ingham & I took a walk down to Canal Canteen. Rec. a parcel from home “Lassetters’ Ciggar tobacco chockolates etc. Bosker parcel from Mona & Mollie.

May 9 Tues We have Corp. now from the Zeitoun School over the Signallers very good man, splendid knowledge of all Specialist work Lyones still takes us as second in command I am out of it now. Mr Prior has command of our Batty. now Mr Cullen second in Com & Mr Wilson as first Lieut.

[Page 82]
May 10 Wed. We had the telephones out this morning run a line connected up tested and sent a few S.M. messages we also had a lecture on Field Telephones and other Specialist work. We expect to do some good work now.

May 11 Thur Weather is getting very warm now and Flys intolerable Our Camp is getting into ship shape now Mess huts, Latrines and horse lines are to be covered over. I am feeling O.K. now The chaps in my tent are allways buying fruit & tangerres

[Page 83]
May 12 Fri There is, and has been a lot of talk lately about moving to France we are being equiped with everything. The 5th Div. of Artillary is under the Com. of Gen Christian & Maj Gen McKay is in Com of Div. HQ, And our Army Corps the 2nd A.N.Z is in command of Genl. Godley A.C.G.M.

May 13 Sat Corp took us out again gave us individual Flag sending and reading all the morning Lecture after breakfast in Mess hut. Went for a swim after dinner. Came in had hair cut shave and cleaned up Leggins boots etc. We were issued with putties to-day. Good bye leggins Out for an hours lamp reading after tea.

[Page 84]
May 14 Sun Issue of Tobacco cigarettes & matches. Went with Le Broc’ to early mass went to confession and Communion. Came back Breakfast did some writing. After dinner stayed in tent playing Cards etc. evening Went to R.C. tent Rosary 30th Batt. Band playing.

May 15 Mon Did some Telephone work early in the morning. Got ready for a gun manouver & shoot. all redy after dinner Orders came through Cancelling the whole manouvers. We retired to our tents Did some writing yesterday. Heat & flys are terrific. We are to go out tomorrow.

[Page 85]
May 16 Tues Revallie at 0300 this morning, we drew our horses from 49th Bty. all mounted I mounted with the Bty. Staff Our O.C. picked the position and we connected up with Phone. Did our shooting, Good work too All returned no casulitie

May 17 Wed Watered horse & fed, went on duty 0500 Canteen Fatigue There are 6 of us and we did the work of 12 men, unloaded 360 Case groceries Noel Moorhouse the W.O. gave me a splendid time & Complimented the lot of us on our work he wants me to take on the work permanently stripes ahead.

[Page 86]
May 18 Thur I went down to see Noel again and he said he would like me to take on the work. Went and saw our O.C. Mr Prior he said if he could get a man to take my place he would be willing to let me go. I am on duty to-day as Battery Telephonist good job.

May 19 Fri Out this morning with Telephones the Corp. said Gleeson & I are to be made Linesmen I do not care for the job so much But the others got all the good work. Favoritism shown again Went down to Canteen again had “eleven o’clock" with Noel The No.7 Canteen is short of men now.

[Page 87]
X D.B.T.S.X
May 20th Sat We turn out early in mornings now and have breakfast go out for 3 ½ hours come in at 8-30 next Parade 5 A.M. come in at 6-30 late hot dinner. Had a game of Crown & Anchor little luck. I owe Grey 20 P. and Johnstone 10 P Corbet owes me 48 P.

May 21 Sun Out early Church Parades early I missed Mass could not find R.C. Tent. Went to see J. Coleman, the two Hickeys J. Dewar and Readon & Lees they are in the one Tent in the D.A.G (5th) Went for a swim with Sgnt. Rooney Wrote some letters from Y.M.C.A. Went to evening Devotions with Le Broc.

[Page 88]
May 22 Mon and 23 Tues Revallie at 1 a.m. this morning all mounted and went out on big manouver left about 3 a.m. I rode a mule a troublesome nag to ride and very hard to mount Aeroplanes came out with us, also Infantry A.M.C. Cyclist Corps Camels Back for 9 AM Breakfast our Corporal was pulled his horse over on himself No other accidents Reported at H.Q. at 1 P.M with 6 others from 51st. We were marched to D.A.C. then told to report back to our respective Batterys. Bomb. Prior (clerk) put transfer in for me for A.I.F. Canteens. I also saw Noel Moorhouse and he wrote reccomended me for a position there I am now waiting to hear

[Page 89]
(FINIS. Ferry Post)
May 24 Wed Battery went out again for a shoot to day again The Specialist were not needed. They did fairly well. We are being issued again with all we are short of, and everything points to a move before long. The food is getting very scarce, and is very inferior quality.

May 25 Thur Gleeson & I unwound and re-wound about a mile of Telephone Wire on reels. 1. P. M. Orderly sgnt told me and a few others to pack Kit & Parade full marching order at 1.30. Gleeson & Neilson from Canteens are with me. We joined in with B.A.C. and marched out of Ferry Post about 300 strong- off the strength of 5 Divisions

[Page 90]
May 26 Fri Turned out this morning to Bugle Call We found ourselves where the Engineers were camped before at Tel-el-kebir in the F.A. Details New Reinforcements from Australia are here F.A and Infantry about 50 Thousand all told. We did nothing to day. Are told to be ready to move off and out of Egypt at any moment.

May 27 Sat Roll Calls and 2 mess Parades to-day The Food and living here is Better than “Ferry Post" We are still in Mess sheds The day we came from the “Post" I with a few others rode in a “Garry" to the Railway by kind permission of Leuit Robinson And we then rode in Trucks to Tel-el-kebir and marched with full kits into camp in the dark.

[Page 91]
May 28 Sun Slept in this morning No church Parade, But plent of Fatigue cleaning up after about 270 of the F.A. Details who marched out last night as Reinforcements bound for England I have not heard anything of Transfer yet. Attended Meeting at Y.M.C.A Went to bed in open early.

May 29 Mon We were falling in Dismissing and giving our names and numbers & shortage of Kit etc. all day. We were told to lie in readiness to move at any time the 15 & 16 Reinforcements of Artillery are just also by here they have been over about two weeks, another lot of Details moved out

[Page 92]
May 30 Tues I got three letters to-day We are still putting in time. Ken Adams (Sgnt) is here with Reinf We have men here in the Details from all Parts of Australia and Tasmania men from the Dardanelles who served there in the L.H. Artilery and Infantry. all are now in the Artilery

May 31 Wed We fall in on early morning Parade now 5 A.M. foot drill & Semaphore untill 8 a.m. (tea at 6.30 and breakfast at 8.30. Inspection at 9.30 off then untill 4 P.M. Drill till six. Another lot left last night. We are now formed up into 4th & 5th Division 1st Reinforcements Gunners & Drivers. I am in No 3 Section 5th Division Reinf. Some of the old 14/1 are here.

[Page 93]
June 1 Thur H. Cameron from Moree is here in no 1 section. Late of 5th L.H. We hauled up 4 guns and limbers from ordinance this morning to train the unexperienced men on We are now in tents and we have the strictest Discipline. We have lectures on Discipline and conducting ourselves in France.

June 2 Fri A number of the chaps here are very discontented at Being kept here so long. I have not heard any more about the Transfer. We were all Paid this morning (£1=0=0) I have been going out every night since being down here to Pictures Circus and a Concert in the 8th Inf. Training Camp.

[Page 94]
June 3 Sat This is a much better camp than Ferry Post. I do not mind missing the other so much now for one can do all right here and we leave before our Div. and have a chance to get into anything over at the other side. The usuall to-day.

June 4 Sun Church Parade for all this morning the R.C’s in Lady Hamilton’s Hall a Y.M.C.A. Building. I have a nasty cold this morning had no dinner to day. An awful dust wind blowing all the day dust every where I did not move out at all. A number of troop trains went through this afternoon probably the 4th Div.

[Page 95]
June 5 Mon Heat terrific & flys very bad. Out a little eariler this morning I Paraded sick Dr gave me a little med. Kit Inspection this morning handed in our kaki Jackets and helmets, & one blanket. I took a walk down the Camp for some tinned Fruit etc. Feel a little better Packet kits Going soon

June 6 Tues Out early, rolled our one blanket in waterproof Great coat bandilier roll Packed Kits up Struck tents lined our kits up in Sub-sections cleaned up camp generally Stayed in old Mess Shed during the heat of the day had dinner & tea. Got our issue of Iron rattion Tomatoes & melons sold well to-day. We left Tel-el-Kebir 9.30PM. by Train

[Page 96]
June 7 Wed We were crowded in the trucks 35 in each just like sheep last night on top of [indecipherable] The long train of loaded trucks filled with Details from Tel-el-kebir & Reinforcments for the 5th Div. arrived at 4.30 A.M. We pulled up alongside the Warf and were soon on board the Troopship “Ionaian" We drew out into deep water & dropped anchor.

June 8 Thur At 7.30 this morning we were all issued with life belts to be worne all day & sleep with them at night. One man sent ashore sick. We moved off under escorte at 8.A.M. into the Meditereane Sea steering in a N. Westerley direction. A Guard of 100 men were picked out to act as Submarien Guard.

[Page 97]
June 9 Fri Still steering N.W. the submarine Guard are kept on the alert watching for any movment in the water. We have 2500 men on board we have mess tables & good wholesome food Canteens but the Sanatary condittions are no good and water scarce. Decks very crowded.

June 10 Sat We changed round yesterday evening to a Westerley course round the Island of Creata" we are steering principally West to-day I am on Guard Down on Troop Deck to-day. We are having a very calm Placid run. The alarm sounded at 3.30 P.M. all on deck. Fired the 12 P.R. off.

[Page 98]
June 11 Sun Revaellie at 0500 No church Parade. Did some reading, Books & papers very scarce on the “Ionaian" We are having a splendid trip as regards Weather We are Steering West and South W. now and zig zaging all the time We all wear life belts and our boots unlaced.

June 12 Mon Out early had a bath in wash house last night the Place is very crowded We sighted two aeroplanes and a couple of destroyers to Port about 6 miles. Passed close to the Tripoli Coast We have not sighted a submarine so far We fall in now only at 9.30 for inspection We are having perfect weather right through

[Page 99]
June 13 Tues Issued with 24 hours dry rattion to day to be ready for to-morrow. We are Steering west now and N.W. Passed the Islands of Corsica & Sardinia very rugged looking shores a few clouds hanging round to-day. S.M. got me a drink for my cold. All very short of cash on board. We are going due North this evening.

June 14 Wed Entered the Gulf of Lion and the “Ionian" moored at Marseilles at 8.30. this morning Gorgeous scenery and a lovely sunny day. We had dinner on deck unloading going on. No leave we stayed on board all day, but quite a number broke through the gangway and picquet and came back through the night We drew our 24 hours rattion

[Page 100]
June 15 and 16 Thur and Fri Reveillie at 4.30 A.M. We drew 72 hours rattion and handed our kit bags in. Packed up and marched off We entered cattle trucks & break vans at Marseilles Railway 25 & 30 men in each left there at 9 A.M. Travelled all day through the South of France Full steam going West and North West along the main line (P.L.M) to Paris Beautifull scenery lovely Fields Jolly country people On on we steam Express trains dashing by We pull up for refreshments and meals, draw our Biscuits butter Jam & beef. Plenty of hot water for tea. The Rohne River is very picturesque We are all happy.

[Page 101]
June 17 Sat We passed close to Paris last night through the suburbs. We are now on the Paris-Calais Line (Nord Railway) Big cities, townes and fields with women doing all the work the War has affected the people here all-right. We are now close to the firing Line.

June 18 Sun We arrived at ETAPLES last night after a three days trip Right through France We were given blankets and tents We are on the coast 20 miles from Bolougne, and 45 from the firing line Roll call this morning off for the day. Did some writing. Bosker Camp here, and very big Cold weather.

[Page 102]
June 19 Mon Handed in our pay books and drew 7/- pay. Another pay shortly. We all went for a route march along one of the many pretty roads Lieut. Matthews in charge. All the experienced Artillery men had their names taken I fell out with the Specialists

June 20 Tues We went for another route march this morning and again this afternoon Lovely roads and beautifull fields. The climate is much cooler here and cloudy weather at times with little rain. This is the most up-to date camp I have been in yet Fine buildings British Troops are in predominance here.

[Page 103]
June 21 Wed We did some more route-marching We the 5th Divisional Artillery are picking up a lot here in regard to saluting and marching and we need to for some are very lack There are plenty of French & Belgian people about here. Went to Lafaux

June 22 Thur Issued with Gas helmets this morning. Inspection by the Captain he dismissed us and said we turned out very well. We erected about 200 more tents for some more Australians expected shortly. All issued with Bandiolers. I took a walk with Gorman to the village of Lafaux. Beautifull day rather warm.

[Page 104]
June 23 Fri Turned out 5 A.M. to relieve signallers on Guard Mounted at 5.45 A.M. cleaned rifle etc. My first Guard in France. Did some writing. Misty rain and cloudy I am on the 3rd releafe Used Great coat for rain first time. Did not rain much. Turned in after 12 mid-night.

June 24 Sat Did last releave from 6 A.M. till 9 A.M. got 2 extra loaves of bread very acceptable Had a rest all day Went to Y.M.C.A. There are some splendid lectures give by Capt. Miller at the latter place "Home life in France" etc. Had cup of tea at Y.M.C.A. and chat to some of the old Verdun and Yepreys Boys tales of the trenches.

[Page 105]
June 25 Sun Inquired every-where for mail no luck. Revellie at 5.30. Roll call. Dissmissed Church Parade 10.30. R.C's dissmissed I with a few others went across to Catholic Club Mass. half over reported the matter Had lunch with Gnr Legge at Catholic Club Took a long walk to 2nd and 1st Australian Division Had tea at latter place.

June 26 Mon Fell in marching order marched about two miles to the Artillery Training Camp 3 guns there. We were formed into A.B.& C. class Gunners I am in A. class as a specialist Telephone mechanic We attended lectures and had a little Gun Laying Back for hot tea. Fine day

[Page 106]
June 27 Tues Fell in early Parade dismissed. Fell in for pay after breakfast £ 2=9=0 Paid few small debts bought waterproof Cape very good one very handy in this country. Went down for Gun Instruction again. 3000 men per day are put through down there

June 28 Wed No Parade this morning Full dress Parade again for the (Bullrink) Got back just in time for tea we put in an hour and quarter each day. I went down to Canteen for a pint of Beerah. The big guns at the firing line can be heard here distinctly Lovely country this. Spy caught this evening.

[Page 107]
June 29 Thur We all went through the Gass test. Very strong. O.K.
Parade 7.30 for instruction at the Gun Park (Bullrink) Choppy weather light rain. Good reports from “up the line" the western Front. Took a walk down to Y.M.C.A. and Catholic Club. Stayed for the Rosary. No news from home yet. Issued with Goggles for tear shells.

June 30 Fri Full dress parade 9.30. Marched to the Training Camp (Bullrink) It rained a little while we were there enough to wet one We all had our W.P. sheets with us and were under cover there attending the lectures. 12.30. Sun shining Got a leave Pass to Paris Plague very nice little place 4 hrs. leave Plenty of Officers there.

[Page 108]
July 1 Sat The first day of the Allies Great Offensive. Good reports. I am Mess orderly to-day off all other duty Good lot of card playing in our tent now. Issue of Tobacco and cigarettes etc. to-day Lovely sunny day no wind. Did some writing Went to Confession and had tea at Catholic Club. Piano and plenty of books there.

July 2 Sun Went to 7.30 Mass and received Holy Communion Had light breakfast supplied by the C.C. Gnr’s Humphries, Fox Toner and self went for a walk after Mass to the village of Fromsscent 2 ½ Kill. away through the fields and woods had lunch at old Farm house La vin Beerair Tru Bon very good Got back to Camp 4 o’clock P.M. with plenty of flowers roses etc.

[Page 109]
July 3 Mon We went to the Training camp again. We are having a very easy time here on the Etaples Australian Base 5th Divisional Artilery Camp and the living is not too bad Our mess huts or dinning halls and kitchens are not finished yet. The Beer Canteens are doing a great trade.

July 4 Tues Nothing much to do today only Parade to Bullrink with our overcoats raining to-day the little girls crowd along the road sides selling fruit and chockolates just the same rainy days and all. they range from the ages of 8 years upwards Spearmint chewing gum is all the go with them.

[Page 110]
July 5 Wed On our march to the Training Camp to-day we passed a great number of wounded Germans and our own men coming in from the line in Cars all covered with dust over 80 miles run a number of troops in training in this camp now roads crowded.

July 6 Thur Inspection by Gen. this morning he spoke very highly of the Australians Learn to obey to command he told us to remember this motto. A large French Dirigable (airship) covered with snow floated down out of the sky into a field been missing some days from the firing line. The crew were frozen dead.

[Page 111]
July 7 Fri Parade this morning to Bullrink. I have not had a chance to lay a gun yet. My O.C. told me I stand a good chance of getting up the line with first lot as a specialist which is my line of work at the same time I shall learn all I can about the 18 Pr.Q.F.

July 8 Sat Fell in this morning for pay 28/- dismissed for the day We had a great game of cards in our tent to-day. Water turned off still Jagoe and I had our usuall pint of beer the latter is making my cold a lot better. went for a walk into Etaples Turned in late.

[Page 112]
July 9 Sun Mr Pearce gave me another ‘21/- on my pay book. R.C. church parade 10.30 A.M. went with the 5th F.A’s. called on Sgnt. Howard and got him to come for a little tour with Gnrs Ferrell Fox and self to Fromsscent for lunch at old Farm house then on to Freneq. Plenty of Gorgeous scenery. Finished up with dinner on our way back at the Farm house and a large bottle of Fizz.

July 10 Mon Fell in for lecture this morning until 11 A.M. Water turned on again. We went to Bullrink again. I got out of going out for drill touch of Rhumatism. Cameron Carson Calltrope got leave for Paris Plague got “full" pinched & clinked. Heavy penalty here for drinking.

[Page 113]
July 11 Tues We had our usual march out to Training Camp. We the 5th Div. Artillery have improved very much considering that 2000 men per day are put through on 318 Prs. Our marching to has changed very much. Our Sgnt. Maj (MORRIS) keeps us in good trim.

July 12 Wed Raining to-day a little my cape comes in very handy when tis wet it has not rained heavily yet here, but up the line I beleive it has been solid. The Big advance is going on very satisfactorily We see German wounded coming down here with our prison wounded.

[Page 114]
July 13 Thur Had a good feed at the Catholic club with chums. Put in our usual hour and half at the Artilery training Camp Cloudy to-day. The little French girls frequent the Aust. & Tommy camps all day selling chockolates and taking washing etc. Met Oswald Curry he looks well has been in action as lead driver 5th F.A. Bgd B.A.C.

July 14 Fri I am mess orderley with Waters again. We did our work in good time Water turned off again We had a long walk to get some for the tea. We are off all other duty. The Mess rooms and new kitchens are nearly finished We have a great number of men here now in the 5th A.D. Camp Received gift of woolen caps mittens face cloth etc.

FRENCH DAY overwritten on diary.

[Page 115]
July 15 Sat Went for route march out through the fields in the morning Went down to Bullrink I did not go- bit of a cold from sleeping out night before. A German Taube over the camp to day - very high up Zepplin raid expected here any time. Went to Confession.

July 16 Sun Went to 7.30 Mass & Holy Communion. Had breakfast at the Catholic Club. Took a walk out to Fromssent & Frenq with 3 N.Z.F.A. A.N.Z.A.C.’s. Had a few Burgundy wines & Champaine 6 Fronks a bottle Back to Camp 5.30 P.M. about 15 Gunners went up to Armenters Firing line. Heavy rain set in.

[Page 116]
July 17 Mon We went down to the Guns this morning 7/30 Rain cleared up again Humpries & Fox were amoung those that went up the line last night. I moved out of tent into Corp. Barry’s tent to make more room 11 in tent too crowded. Like new tent very much. Went to Catholic Club with Gnr Keher. Rosary.

July 18 Tues Off to Training Camp 9 A.M. I was acting No 1. Very cloudy to day. Did some writing. Wounded still come in, Germans with them. did some writing. Went to Y.M.C.A with Gnr Jagoe Concert. Some mail starting to come in I have no luck in that respect yet.

[Page 117]
July 19 Wed Lecture this morning by the Sergeants. Fell in went down to Bullrink Every time we go down we see 4 or 5 soldiers going to their last resting place in the little cemetery and hear the "Last Post" being blown. Went to Concert at Y.M.C.A. with Toner.

July 20 Thur Took a walk round to the 29th 30th & Pioneer Bat lines to see the great work (decorating outside tents) Corp. Barrie, and Gnrs Toner Smith & Slade came also. Fell in after breakfast all went for route march through the fields. 12 A.M. Fell in to go to the Bullrink, came back tired. Made some custard. Did some writing. No mail yet Had a bath. Bed early

[Page 118]
July 21 Fri [The following has all been crossed out]:

*I am mess orderley orderly to-day with Waters again. We finished our work in good time Scarcity of water lovely day. Weather warm. Some of the Boys have been getting their mail.*

Good lecture by Seageant of the R.F.A. at Bullrink today.

The above was written for Friday week last mistake made in turning over the leaves.

July 22 Sat Easy day Route march through fields I did not go to Bullrink Went to Y.M.C.A. concert with Corp. Barrie & Minchin Big bombardment on Somewhere yesterday We could hear the constant Boom of guns for a night & half day. New Catholic Club. being built.

[Page 119]
July 23 Sun R.C. church Parade 8.15 A.M. All Australian troops paraded to the Parish church Etaples very ancient built in the year 1432. After dinner took a walk with Bombd Murphy Gunner’s Shiel, and Keher to La Mort had tea (great feed) at old Farm Back in time for prayers at Catholic Club.

July 24 Mon A Draft of 70 gunners went up the line last night. (including Corp Barrie and Gnrs Minchin. Good reports of 5th Division in action also big casulty list. I am Mess orderley to-day. Went down to second division Camp met old St.J’s Boy Dick Dwyers he was off up the line

[Page 120]
July 25 Tues A very interesting lecture at the Bull-Rink this morning by one of the Imperial Officers Went out to the Village of Courville with Ossie Currie & Gnr Legge Had good tea Fried eggs Fruit etc Finished on bottle of Burgundy Wine

July 26 Wed Searchlights were searcing the sky last night Probably for enemy aircraft. Very pretty. “The Big Push (started on 1st July) is going well. The Russians are doing good work. Got a letter from S.A.J. Gordon he is in the line doing well. Heard that Glad is O.K.

[Page 121]
July 27 Thur We were all re-organised this morning. Mr Pearce told me to remain as a Specialist fall in with A. class 18 P.R.S. So I am now in another tent with Seagent Stewart and the Signallers. 7 of us. Got my washing.

July 28 Fri Warm day Route march this morning Artilery training Camp. Parade at 3 P.M. Came back very tired. Had a bath water quite cold. Went to Confession Posted papers to Father. Some of the tents here are beautifully done up with white stone and moss. Big camp now.

[Page 122]
July 29 Sat Unable to go to Mass as intended. 7.30 Parade to the Bull-rink. Lecture and practise on the 18 P.R's The rest of the day off. Playing cards, writing and mending occupied my time until Rosary at Catholic Club Boards down in our tent now. Warm day.

July 30 Sun Went to 7.30. Mass and received Holy Communion. Stroled round 2nd Div. Camp Had some fruit Had a sleep on grassy bank. Dinner at the Club went to Y.M.C.A. did some writing Came back to Benediction and helped to clean up the Club. Back to Camp with Gnr Keher & Nickolas Welsh (Irish Reg.)

[Page 123]
July 31 Mon We are having some very warm weather lately Went for Route march and Bull Rink as usuall. Went down to Club. We all met there again A number of 2nd Div. Infantery marched out yesterday the 18th got Cut up a bit

Aug 1 Tues 1916
Bull-Rink as usuall Very dusty going down and hot Aeroplanes still fly over the camp of all kinds The 5th Div. are still building up their strength. I am getting on well with Artilery gun drill. No vacancies for Specialists yet.

[Page 124]
Aug 2 Wed As usuall Routine No mail yet. A number get mail too have written to three different Base's inquiring not even answer. The Boys made the step hot coming back from Bull-Rink 30 minutes about 3 miles

Aug 3 Thur We are doing three hours instead of one at Bull-Rink now Captain Akinson is a good instructor our work varies too lectures Gun drill gas lectures and Rope splicing The N.Z's are there with us. Crops are getting ripe here now. Flowers fading.

[Page 125]
Aug 4 Fri Big day at the little cemetry. Very impressive Another three hours at the Bull-Rink to day. Seageant Cotterell Major picked a team of Gunners out to go through a test. I went in for it No chance of getting away as a "specialist" We went to Bull-rink at 6.30 P.M. and stayed till 12 mid-night Solid test standing gun drill I passed flying. Capt Akinson the Instructor is a fine chap (Scotchman) and two (Tommy) Seageants put us through the work.

Aug 5 Sat Slept in this morning Bullrink again in afternoon Came back. Went to Catholic Club. Went to Confession. Gave a hand to clean up. 8.30. Name called while I was away. Fell in Passed Doctor. for draft.

[Page 126]
Aug 6 Sun I was passed and Drafted as A class Gunner into 5th D.A.C. Leave any time. Went to 8 0'clock mass & Holy Communion We are standing by leaving here any time for the line (about 60 of us Paid this morning & issued with all shortages. Extra gass helmet. Visited the Club with Keher last time untill we come back. Wrote a good few letters.

Aug 7 Mon 3.15 A.M. All that were going away got up from last sleep in warm blankets in tents Had a drink of tea, and marched off to Railway Siding full marching order. Y.M.C.A. Motor Car with hot cocoa etc on Platform. We entered third class carriages and travelled along through Bolongue Calais to Steinwick marched 5 miles into a billet

[Page 127]
Aug 8 Tues and Aug 9 Wed Had a good sleep last night on loft in old Farm house. One man fell broke his skull and 3 ribs. We all fell in and marched off again about 2 miles to the D.A.C. Saw the O.C. and got transfered to the 14th Bgd 53rd Battery (Major Crespin O.C.) Walked on my own right up past the Heavy guns into the field gun lines. Shells flying overhead and anti air craft guns firing at aeroplanes. Slept well last night. Am attached to D. sub. Two other 14/1 boys with me "Shar" looks well and has been doing some good work I did a little cleaning up to-day. Good living and very little to do.

[Page 128]
Aug 10 Thur Had a good hot shower last night. No firing during night. Up at 6.a.m. had a shave wash Am Mess orderlie to-day. Inspection at 9 a.m. by the Major. List of all shortages taken on marching order parade Very quite day no shelling Expect something doing to-night. Excelent living here well housed the best of convenience parlor etc.

Aug 11 Fri Did some cleaning up again. I went into our gun Pit D. Sub. Last night while 15 rounds were being fired. Very good! My first experience of fire. Nothing much doing lately. We have quite a home here no roll call or fall in. Plenty of everything we want. I have no mail yet. Few Shells went right over our guns to-day.

[Page 129]
Aug 12 Sat Guard last night on battery 2 hours on four off 2nd Releife put lamps out. Continue to-day as aeroplane guard supplied with Field glasses and whistle. Came off Guard 6 P.M. 8 P.M. started work on gun Pit filling sand bags etc. issue of rum. Tobacco cigarettes matches.

Aug 13 Sun Worked till 12 last night Slept in this morning up 10. AM breakfast inside 7 1/2 pence Fried egges bread butter coffee & milk No church found out that Mass is said for the soldiers at Saillee 9 A.M. If one can leave to go. Easy time all day resting reading & writing. Have not spoken to Major yet no chance. Went for a walk.

[Written on side:] Very quite very little shelling

[Page 130]
Aug 14 Mon A few shells flying about last night. The Sgnt of our Sub. Put me through a little examination on gun. Went for a walk with Gnr Ferrett to 114th Howitzer's plenty of shells about there only 800 yards from the trenches. Good shower of rain.

Aug 15 Tues Up at 6.a.m. Shave polished gear breakfast in parlor. Inspection at 9 A.M. by Mr Sheppard and the Major. cleaned up the billet and fixed old fence This is like a home everything we want. Went on 6 P.M. office orderly supplied with bike finished for the night 9 A.M. Went for some kerosene for the Major

[Page 131]
Aug 16 Wed (First pay in the Field) Up early continued duties as Office Orderlie We were all paid to-day 40 Franks ( £1.8.0) gave order for Canteen soap, ink, cissors & Pyjamers the latter cost 10/- too dear for Active Service so I let Sgnt. McConville have them. We have the best billet "out" here O.K.

Aug 17 Thur Had a go on the gun to-day loaded five rounds and sent them over to Fritz one for "Moomin" "Rowena" Kamilaroi "Bundah" and "Alma", my first shells. Plenty of aeroplane manoevour here at times Our anti air craft guns silence them enemy quickly. Very few shells fall close to us here.

[Page 132]
Aug 18 Fri Mess orderlie to-day Like rain. In spare time fixied old roof of billet put tiles on where some were broken made all secure started to rain fairly heavy. Fixed roof for Madame in next farm. They do washing for me. & well too

Aug 19 Sat Sgnt. Told me I could give cooks a help so I gave them a hand at the same time fixed up kitchen. Had good dinner while in there Fruit custard etc. Sgnts have their meals there Big shoot coming, off to-night. Inf. are to make a raid on German trenches

[Page 133]
Aug 20 Sun Had a rest nearly all day. Plenty of shells about last night We fired a good few rounds about 12 casulties in the infantry fatal others wounded I had too- much wine, beer & champaine last night no good head-ache to night

Aug 21 Mon Up early first up cleaned out cook-house chimney. after breakfast put new bricks on hearth and made stand for dixies. renovated cook house generally. had a bath , washed tunic in afternoon. helped cook to get tea on then went on guard. Loaded rifle ready for the night.

[Page 134]
Aug 22 Tues X Went to Confession & Communion over at 5. 4th Battery 7 A.M. Still on Guard. a few aeroplanes around doing some good observing Wonderfull work Leiut Sheppard & I were looking for a supposed spie last night. I had rifle loaded & cocked. a bullet (stray one) wizzed close to my head last night. Priest called.

Aug 23 Wed Up early cleaned out the “Funk hole" dug out The Priest arrived and we had Mass three of us at 8 A.M Others all asleep I went to Holy Communion Did some writing. I received three letters from home yesterday firs 1st since I left Egypt. one from “Yarroll. Gass helmets were examined to day

[Page 135]
Aug 24 Thur Received another letter from Mother Gave a hand waiting on Officer’s Mess. Major had number to dinner I had a great feast after. Took dinner down to O.P. to Mr Blaskie, on bike Plenty of shell wrecked. buildings. Working till late to-night on dug-out with torch-light.

Aug 25 Fri Slept in this morning Had 10 o’clock breakfast in the Estaminet. Did some writing no work to day did cleaning up in billet. The Major has a bath every morning. Wrote to all the bases for my mail. Taylor is over at 54th Battery Not much firing lately

[Page 136]
[Overwritten on page:] Sgnt Macolm made Lieutenant 55 guns moved out to new Position.

Aug 26 Sat The Major gave lecture on Spies and to be on guard against giving information. Up late again. Did some reading Rec. three parcels and letters from home & Mr Hiney. Took Mr Blaskies lunch up to O.P. one spot on road in machine gun plays on. Had a look at German lines from O.P. Worked untill 12 mid-night unloading ammunition.

Aug 27 Sun Up and took report to H.Q. by 9 A.M. Continued my duties as mounted orderlie. Took dispatch to H.Q. & Sailie did some fast riding on old bike Broken day, little rain Rec. a letter from H. Sims. Inspection of gass helmets. Rum on before turning in last night. We unloaded 6 wgns loads.

[Page 137]
Aug 28 Mon The Majors warning “To be allways carefull of conversation when in strangers company or at any time.
Battery did some shooting to-day few hundred rounds during the night also I did not have anything to do. Am getting some of my mail now. But have now papers yet. Working to night unloading ammunition till mid-night. Rum on.

Aug 29 Tues Had a sleep in. No work to day. Did some reading. Great to get mail from Aust letters Parcels from home. Rec. Reggie’s mud modle. Am getting fat on milk eggs coffee etc. Great cooks here too. Plent of change all quite to day, no shells.

[Page 138]
Aug 30 Wed [2 X’s marked at top of page] Raining nearly all day I with party of others worked on No 3 Pit. putting Turf on etc. All got wet. I had my waterproof. Sgnt Young worked with us and got us a rum each afterwards Rec. a good few letters old ones. Got to bed early and dried clothes by Kitchen fire

Aug 31 Thur At work to-day helping to clean up round billet and Distructor made a good job of latter. Rec. some more mail one from Eileen H. We were paid to-day 40 FR.
X (5.30.) P.M. Awfull accident No 3. A. Sub Pit charge exploded in gun after two rd’s. fired. Killed Bomb. Burnside. Died afterwards Bomb. Brockwell & Act. S M Young. & out of action Gnr Ball & Cole. Some awfull wounds. [Went on Guard 10 P.M.

[Page 139]
September 1 1916 Friday Gun Pit No 3 to be pulled down and re-built. It was too shaken On Guard to-day. 3rd relieve 4 till 6 this morning called the Officers and others for duty. Bomb. Burnside was taken away and burried early this morning Bomb. Brockwell and Sgnt. Young later. We all miss them & feel it very much. Started work on Gun Pit 9 P.M. till 12 Midnight.

Sep 2 Sat Worked on Pit from 9 A.M. till 12 A.M. then again after tea untill 12 mid-night Did some good work got Capolars in some good workers in the Battery. Dave Sturack and Bomb. Law. etc. Sgnt Mc Conville is now Act. S.M. and has taken charge of A. Sub. We had plenty of coffee and issue of rum on job.
[Written on side: got Freeman’s Journal to day]

[Page 140]
Sep 3 Sun R. Mallam (old Osterley Boy) is here in battery now. just as jolly as ever & big. Am mess orderly to-day. Went down to H.2. to see M.O. and get neck dressed. Did some writing sent Papers away. C.E. service held in mess room. Text “It is God that guideth me with the strength of War" Very quite all day no straff.

Sep 4 Mon Did some work on Pit, but my neck is too sore to do much had the afternoon off. Raining a little Issued with new coat Tommy pattern am getting my own done up. Had a game of Poker. Had no luck There is a lot of talk about moving from here.

[Page 141]
[Written on side]: Seargeants & non-com. the Major too are in the [indecipherable]
Sep 5 Tues Not time to go to Mass this morning. I am mess orderly to-day again, Am not working on Pit now until my neck is right the latter caused by blood out of order. Am doing light duty till all-right on Guard to-night. Big case on nearly all of D Sub. up for having a camera in their possession.

Sep 6 Wed Continued Guard little rain this morning did some writing. Met Bomb. Mitchell from 51st Battery, he told me of the awful accident when shell hit the 51st Specialists room. killed seven (some time ago) the lot that I was with names Burling, Carr, Green LeBroc

[Page 142]
Sep 7 Thur Mess orderly again my neck is nearly all-right again. Nice sunny day rain all gone. Few shells flying about last night, some close. Went down for bath met Corp. Ingham again in the trench Mortar’s also Bomb. Mitchell.

Sep 8 Fri On cleaning up billet this morning with Gnr Hutton. Started Pit work after Dinner filling sand bags Worked till 12 mid-night. We got a good lot done Plenty of beer and coffee on the job. Fine lot of chaps in this Battery. I only hope I can stop here all through

[Page 143]
[Written on side]: Rec a paper from home.
Sep 9 Sat Worked on Pit from 9 A.M. till 12 noon. had some action during afternoon. loaded 10 Rds Wrote some letters. Went down to H.Q’s on gass guard on from 12 till 2 P.M. Had long talk about Somme battle (4 hours) The Crops are being Brought in here now.

Sep 10 Sun Finished guard at HQ. 6 A.M. Came back had a sleep till 9 A.M. had breakfast. took a walk with Bomb. Stuart & Gnr Hutton fixed up old Battery position had a great feast of blackberries. There are plenty growing round here now apples are getting scarce. One can see the Autum approaching now.

[Page 144]
Sep 11 Mon Mess orderly to-day in place of some-one else. easy job. plenty of water. but drinking water comes from waggon lines cloridated ready for use. We never have any roll calls here only Inspection once a week. Splendid officers

Sep 12 Tues Up at 6 A.M. went to Mass & Holy Communion at 54th Bty. Cleaned up round billet. Secured a bike and took a message to horse lines (new ones near Estairs) went through Sailie and had dinner in Estairs bought some Post cards & silk handkercheifs to send home. Paid a visit to the old church at Estairs Back at 3 P.M. Borrowed 20 FRancs

[Page 145]
Sep 13 Wed Mess orderlie to-day Fixed up some more tyles on the billet. Cool weather setting in. We could do with another blanket. We are all getting boots and shortages as soon as available Leave for England starts soon only a few at a time

Sep 14 Thur Left Billet 8.30. A.M. with 7 others & a N.C.O. started work at O.P. diging trench for cable 6 feet deep 2’ wide at top 6" at bottom 32 of us working all together We did well. Back at 3.30 P.M. Went on Guard Raining. All paid to-night £ 1.8.0 Had some mouth organ music in billet

[Page 146]
Sep 15 Fri Continued Guard 3rd relieve aeroplane guard with Telescope. Paid debts and bought a few necessaries. Came off Guard 6.P.M. helped Mess orderlie. one of little French children lit tree. put same out. Took a walk down to Barbers. hair cut.

Sep 16 Sat Went up with working party again to O.P. dug down 6 feet trench for cable again. Had great feast of black-berries rather cold day. Rec. twelve letters from home no papers or Photo’s yet Sent away cards & silk handkercheif. Stunt on to-night each gun fired 40 Rds. Germans very quite.

[Page 147]
Sep 17 Sun Slept in till 9 a.m. breakfast, then cleaned D.Sub gun, wiped all amunition and set 14 Rds. back to safety. cleaned up round Pits generally all day. Very cold last night. On Guard to-night 2nd Releive. Raining heavily late

Sep 18 Mon Carried on as Guard very wet to day. Plenty of rain last night. Stunt on again. the Infantry went over supported by our guns & Heavy artillery secured a few prisoners and some bombs star shells etc very few of our men lost. Came off Guard 6 P.M. Went down to see Corp Ingham in the trench mortars.

[Page 148]
Sep 19 Tues I am transferred to A Sub Sgnt. Edwards is far ahead of Sgnt. Mc Conville in every way. Went up with fatigue to O.P. again. met number of old 14/1st Boys. The Germans put three salvos 12 shells H.E. over 40 yards away from where we were working Some were very frightnd at first. home early on as orderly tonight

Sep 20 Wed Orderly to-day not many trips on bike. roads very greasy cold rain last trip to H.Q. late 9 a.m. dark Major told me I was plucky to take job on riding bike at night. We are to be issued with a free blanket shortly I think we will feel the cold when winter sets in

[Overwritten on page: Major left for Estairs]

[Page 149]
Sep 21 Thur Left billet 9 A.M. for O.P. with working party. did some more trench work 6 feet deep 2 feet wide for Telephone cable ground spongy and very wet. Fritz put over a couple of H.Es close to the pump we get our water at up there. Working on Pit to-night.

Sep 22 Fri Working on No 1 Pit all day It is to be our pit when finished. We have a fire in an old oil drum in billet going every night now Autum evenings are cool Dick Mallan started the Joke. On Guard to night 3rd shift wear overcoat bit cool

[Page 150]
Sep 23 Sat The Major came back again. On Guard to-day, rain all gone. Beautifull day rec. 4 letters two papers from home and long looked for medal from Eileen. Ten aeroplanes passed over making Lille off Guard 6 P.M. Bed early did some reading.

Sep 24 Sun Am on with Gnr Costello as Medical orderly to-day. finished work 10.30 A.M. went to Holy Mass 11 A.M. down the road. Went for a ramble blackberry gathering afterwards came home did some writing. On as Orderly 6 P.M. Fine day all day Few aeroplanes about.

[Page 151]
Sep 25 Mon Continued as orderly did good deal of reading Leiut Blaskie left for England on leave this morning. Beautifull day rain all gone. General Christian called had a look round The Gun Pits are looking ship-shape now.

Sep 26 Tues Mess Orderly to-day with Gnr Ross. Account of Big Zep. raid on England reached us Aeroplane manouvers and attacks above here Major Crespin spoke to me about home said he would be glad to give me a push along. Finished up Mess Orderly on my own. Other man engaged.

[Page 152]
Sep 27 Wed Went up to O.P. to-day with Bomb. Halliday. Worked on Trench near V.C. House where M. O’Leary won his V.C. in 1914. Finished and came back early 3.30 P.M. All Paid to-day I got 60 FR.S. On Guard with Hewett & Harris I am 3rd releive a few of Fritz’s shell over

Sep 28 Thur Still Guard no sleep last night playing cards all night in between Guard Little sleep to day Rec. a bundle of papers from home & Eileen Hayward Raining lightly. But not bad weather. S.M is often up here now he usually stays at the waggon lines Guns raging on the Somme

[Page 153]
Sep 29 Fri Rec. a letter from home. Up at 9 A.M. worked with Dave Sturack on stable building Put roof on rafters, batten wire netting ready for malfroid. Dull day. Great Allied success on the somme. Zepplins still raid England. But we have got the Germans now.

Sep 30 Sat Mess orderlie. cleaned up did some writing polished my cutelry etc. Won at Poker last night bought some Bock & cigars Girls washed and mended my trousers for me O.K. Am on as orderly to-day 6 P.M. Stayed till 9 P.M. 14th Bgd H.Q. moving out to-morrow. 15th Bgd come in Col. Lucus in charge

[Page 154]
October 1 Sun 1916 Up at 6 a.m. Rode bike into Sailie to 7. o’clock mass. back for breakfast 4 mile there and back. Orderly all day, very few messages did plenty of reading. All lights out 9 P.M. now. Beautifull sunny day. All clocks put back one hour last night.

Oct 2 Mon Up at 9 a.m. Did some work at A Sub. Pit before dinner Raining afterwards. Playing cards all the evening made a trip to O.P. 3.30 took message & Raincoat to the Major. We all had a couple of hours “sing song" mouth organ etc. round fire after tea

[Page 155]
Oct 3 Tues Up at 8.30 cleaned up billet. Raining. Parade & Inspection by Mr Sheppard marching order. Box respirator drill We are all issued with the above now. Did some work on D Sub. Pit. Action took No.2 seat on gun for 1st time. Not up to mark yet.

Oct 4 Wed Am D.A. orderly to-day reported in Saily at 9 A.M. Had plenty of trips with dispatches on bike Raining and roads very slippery. Had dinner and tea down there. met five girls (sisters) from Lille over on the German side they left there when the enemy invaded the latter. Back to Billet 7 P.M. Rain stopped

[Page 156]
Oct 5 Thur 9.a.m. as usuall. Worked on D Sub. Pit all day went into action few rounds I took no. 4. Did some good work on Pit. Muster Parade 3 P.M. Bomb. Symonds made Tempory Bmbd. Rec. a letter from Ken. Layton. Bomb. Driscoll bought a mandolin. The music he played brought many happy memories back to me.

Oct 6 Fri Working on Pit. making a good job of same Bomb. Symonds works hard to finish his Pit We have every thing in first class order here now for the Winter but I think we shall be moving out soon Battery has been here over three months now

[Page 157]
Oct 7 Sat X Working on Pit, and on Pipe laying for speaking tubes. Mr Blaskie has arrived back from his leave. looks well Capt. Halliday (the “Osterley" chaplin) called in to see one of the Officers. The cooks here look after me. Best living since leaving Australia.

Oct 8 Sun Raining nearly all day. Inspection at 10.30 attended Mass in 57 Battalion Billet and went to Confession. Had long talk with two of our raiders who go over into Fritze’s trenches and do all the damage they can and gain imformation on no duty to-day. Went out Black-berry hunting gathering.

Written on side: ( Bombd. Law goes on leave.)

[Page 158]
Oct 9 Mon Rec. a bundle of cigarettes each from (overseas Club)
On Guard 3rd shift Dull day, hardly any air craft sighted. But one daring fellow went up late in the afternoon over the enemy trenches and played a machine gun on the trenches. he silenced the Minewerfers (German Trench Mortars)

Oct 10 Tues Mess orderlie to-day Battery action nearly all day on & off. Fine day no rain 1st Div. Gnr came down here told us of likely-hood of all moving down to Somme. All Estaminets closed in Saily, Estairs and Bac-sur-mur. yesterday Big mail in have not Rec. any Issued with 24 hrs rattion yesterday. Had some music after tea - mandolin

[Page 159]
Oct 11 Wed Inspection mounted order 10.30 by Mr Blaskie. General came round later. Nothing to do-day made a bed and fixed up cover of same All Paid 40 Francs. days getting dark early now. tea at 5. P.M. Big move on soon.

Oct 12 Thur Orderly to-day, not a busy day, Did some writing. All Estaminents closed untill Medicall officer inspects same over 300 cases of Diptherear in the locality. Windy cloudy day. Action on to-night the Infantry are going over the parapet. We fired about 300 rds. Amunition came up in limbers & waggons.

[Page 160]
Oct 13 Fri Did some work on Pit. The 5th Div. Infantry are all leaving here going to the Somme. New Zealanders taking their place we are covering them with our Artilery for the time being. Some talk of us going to the Somme also. We have our bed made very comfortable in billet now.

Oct 14 Sat New Zealanders marching past all day changing over our Infantry all left last night. the N.Z’s look very fit and well equipped their Field kitchens follow them where ever they go. A Sub. fired 32 rds. to day. I loaded them all. On Guard to-night 3rd Shift.

[Page 161]
Written on side: Cool wind blowing no mail for long time.

Oct 15 Sun Still on Guard unable to attend Mass this morning. The New Zealanders are setteling down to their new quarters. They have bands every where. More music than the Aust’s. A good few aeroplanes over on a raid. Finished Guard went for a Bath and walk

Oct 16 Mon Up at 9 A.M. on no duty to-day. Played cards all day & went for a walk to an Estaminent after tea. had some music and dancing Finished up in billet with an issue of rum all round more dancing on rough ground. Am reading good book now “The White Company" (Conmon Doyl)

[Page 162]
Oct 17 Tues and 18th Wed Up at 8 A.M. N.Z. General came round. Inspection at 10.30. Was speaking to an N.Z. who has been out in “No mans land" since coming up here he spoke of the surprising number of Australians that lie dead untouched in no mans land from The Big Stunt. he is not far out for our boys spoke of the same thing when they were here Some great blunder on 19th July when our Boys went over They mostly got over safely But were caught coming back. Our Div. is not half strength since then. The old 20th Battlion suffered.

[Page 163]
Oct 19 Thur and 20th Fri We have our Billets very comfortable here now. Beds, cosy fires plenty of blankets plenty to eat, and music cards etc. to pass the time away. Here is a discription of “our farm" where it wont be noticed I will take a few lines here only just the ordinary to fill in. I illistrate it by our home say you were standing at Front door looking towards the school, well the front door will be door entering Billet. School will be possitn of the 4 guns with road Rue-d-Biache in between. guns in well made Pits with doors and trees

[Page 164]
Oct 21 Sat and foilage & grass over the lot. First portion of Billet, Estaminent. The Majors bed room & Officers mess, also Seageants room. and a few soldiers on loft Pass out the back to another building cook-house in between our mess room & each mans made beds very cosy (bunk well)

Oct 22 Sun Walked down to 57th Battlion Billet for Mass, no Priest there Spent the day walking round the Sailie and Rue-de-Biache Rds. The Interpreter for N.Z. is now the only Priest here to say Mass on Sundays. The N.Z.s are a very musical lot of Boys. Good Bands

[Page 165]
Oct 23 Mon Working on Pit, have not had any mail for long time. The girls near here Laura & Julie Luten do all our washing and nothing is any trouble to them. I have not seen any realy charming girls since I came over here.

Oct 24 Tues D.A. orderly to-day wet day, very sloppy on the roads and in the streets. Finished up at 5.30. P.M. Still talk about the Artilery going to the Somme Our Infantry are nearly there by now I suppose. I have not had any mail for an age, gone astray again. Nights getting cold now.

[Page 166]
Oct 25 Wed Working on Pit. Raining, very sloppy every-where. All Paid 40 Francs. Mail closes for Xmas. Aust. 10 a.m. 29th inst. Bought some cards, not much to choose from. The Auckland Rifles went into trenches last night

Oct 26 Thur Mess orderlie with Fred Trurney water cart late coming up from waggon line. Reinforcments still continue to arrive. Had a game of cards no luck. Bought some cards to send home. Paid small debts. Still talk of going away We won’t like leaving this home.

[Page 167]
Oct 27 Fri and 28 Sat Day off writing letters. Our gun Pits are very up to date here. If we go to the Somme will be all open work. our Pits are shell proof three to four beds in each electric torches for night work , lights to lay the gun on to at night. When in action we have to use wadding in our ears to Block the jar for the iron capollars concentrate the noise more so than if we were out in the open. Took a walk to see Blanche one of the attractions round here. They are a fairly good lot of girls round here but some pull the Boys legs a bit. They are all after the money spend plenty you are all right, good fellow.

[Page 168]
Oct 29 Sun Walked into Laventie to Mass. Went to High Mass at 10 o’clock. No English Priest so unable to go to Confession The old church here is all in Ruins as well as some of the Streets. good few people about. Back again 1.30 P.M. Rec. 3 letters from home

Oct 30 Mon Worked on Pit all day Light rain. The ground now is very spongy every where water at about 5 feet anywhere. Another week will finish Pit The General was round to have a look at work. Take about [work over written] a week to finish the Pit now Went for a walk with Tiny & Samson to see Marjorie.

[Page 169]
Oct 31 Tues Action this morning at 8 A.M. Inspection by the Major, Muster full-marching order parade. We were interrupted by Action coming from A.3. On Guard to night mount 4 o’clock P.M. 3rd relief Rain cleared for a while cool night. Fires going.

November 1 1916 changed on to orderly this morning Barton took my place Guard. Had a long trip to O.P. round past Flubaux then into Saily made Inquiries for my mail got two letters. talking to Col. Phillips & met Leut. Mathews Did some writing. Beautifull day. Had a good look at Fritz’s land from O.P. Two more trips to Saily this afternoon and after tea.

Overwritten on side: Big day with the French Catholics all went to Mass. I could not get away. [All Saints Day]

[Page 170]
2 Nov Thur Day off went for hot bath. Long talk with Tom Ingham & Rowl. Lees, had dinner with them. Action this afternoon & after tea Took no. 3 on gun have been every no on gun now in action Rec 6 letters & S.J.C. magazine. Lot of talk about going to Somme next week.

Oct 3 Fri Mess orderly to-day Took a flying trip to Saily with dispatch on bike. Fine day. Muster Parade. Move orders out read by Mr Malcolm Did a good deal of writing all outward mail closes to-morrow at 12 noon The N.Z.s are much quiter here than our chaps, in the line

[Page 171]
Nov 4 Sat Day off. Did some bike ridding into Saily & Bac-sa-mur for mail Lot of talk about moving to Somme and they say tis somthing awfull down there for Artilery But we all feel fit and ready to meet Fritz

Nov 5 Sun Orderly to-day Went to 7.30 Mass at Saily. big crowd of French mostly women very windy day. Took a trip to waggon line near Estairs. Fixed watch for Sgnt. Edwards. Very windy all the afternoon and raining Not much to do. Rec. a couple of letters.

[Page 172]
Nov 6 Mon Finished up as orderly last night trip to Saily 10.P.M. Action this morning at 3 A.M. Standing by till 6 A.M. Went to sleep after that till 9 A.M. Raining this afternoon. Took a trip into Saily on bike Lot of talk about moving action this afternoon

Nov 7 Tues On no duty to-day. Rec. orders to be ready to move N.Z officers and a few men arrived. After dinner A. & B. sub. right section pulled back of Pit out and got all ready Raining heavily my cape came in handy 5.30 We pulled guns out Packed up N.Z.R.S pulled in1st Bty. We were all Paid this afternoon Left our possition ridding on limbers & guns at 7 P.M

[Page 173]
Nov 8 Wed We arrived here Viux Berquin last night 11.30. P.M. Rain cleared off Revallie at 7 A.M. Beautiful day. I took mess orderly on no one in all day for meals Bought some cards & handkerchiefs to send away. Not a bad village here. the Left Section are expected to-night. Had a good tea plenty of steak after went to the Pictures. Visited the old church.

Nov 9 Thur Revallie at 6 A.M. all packed up had breakfast & out on the road at 9 A.M. all mounted on Limbers and horses The 14th Brigade moved off all together went about 8 miles and stopped in billet at L’Ecleine. Passed through Merville and by old Neath Forrest. Plenty water on the road. Rum issue motor Lorry stuck in Ditch

Written on side: Twelve months to-day since I Rec. a letter from Mrs Knowles

[Page 174]
Nov 10 Fri Revallie at 5 A.M. left at 7.30. Travelled along on limbers and waggons through Lillers & Pernes & Tangry to Hestrus where we billeted. Rather a dirty place. old church here built in year 1853. We had a walk round had tea went to bed.

Nov 11 Sat Revallie at 5 A.M. Stabels 5.30. had breakfast and moved off at 8 A.M. Good deal of down hill travelling. Plenty of walking Very misty day Passed through a lot of open country and St. Pol and Flouvin into good billets at Entrée Wamin We all had good tea and wash. Mail delivered Feet a bit sore from walking

[Page 175]
Nov 12 Sun Revallie at 6.30 A.M. Very misty day spent the day cleaning harness and Limbers. The woman here tried to stop us from using water locked the pump Had shave wash and general clean up. turned in early.

Nov 13 Mon Up early again inspection before moving by Major Crespin. kits all packed and put on properly. We travelled on all day through Bouquemaison, Doullens, and Beauville into Villers Bocage Fed horses & watered all turned into Billets all over the town stables fowl houses etc. had tea late.

Written on side: Went a very long stage

[Page 176]
Nov 14 Tues Revallie at 4.30. moved off at 7 A.M. we left the main road to AMIENS and went a short stage into Bonnay just off the Amiens-Albert road. Big guns are going all the time in the distance all the Bty’s and D.A.C are together now. I am on guard 2nd Releif.

Nov 15 Wed Off again early We went about six miles and camped on top of open hill S. W. from Albert can see the firing line and hear the awful bombardment. We fed horses & had some hot stew. left the guns in our last camp only brought the limbers on here Plenty of mud and very cold.

[Page 177]
Nov 16 Thur and 17 Fri We got out at 12 last night and left the camp at one P.M. travelled about six miles to a waggon line near MAMETZ all the country shelled here and villages demolished grave yards turned up etc. We left the horses and limbers and walked right into our position took over from the 7th Bty near Fluers Out at 7 A.M. Walked with Mr Blaskie and two Specialists out to forward O.P. near front. We had one man killed and seven wounded coming in here yesterday. Plenty of shells falling all round me. But most of the time we were down in one of Fritezs dug outs 20 feet down

[Page 178]
Nov 18 Sat Left the Battalion H.Q. our forward O.P. at 8 A.M. Snow fell during the night and light rain falling this morning very cold. We had a job to find our way back to Battery shell holes everywhere and shells falling all over the place. This is an awful place.

Nov 19 Sun Rain and snow gone. Did some work repairing dug-outs changed underclothing had shave and wrote a card to Mother and Marjorie Butler. Plenty of dead Germans lying about here and equipment of all kinds lot of talk about moving from here in a day or two. I hope so.

[Page 179]
Nov 20 Mon On Guard from yesterday. Cool day misty. Left section were shelled out of their dug-outs yesterday. We got a few shells over this afternoon two wounded our dug-out (two Burge’s and self) blown in. We all had to run and stop away for a while. no Bon.

Written on side: Missed a day here)

Nov 22 Left R.S. Battery 7.30 A.M. Walked 6 miles to W. lines and got 4 eight horse teams and took same back to Bty rode Mr Sheppards horse out all night only a drink of tea during the day Had an awfull time of it trying to haul guns out from the line. stunt on. Very Pretty sight.

[Page 180]
Nov 23rd Arrived back at the waggon lines 6 A.M. this morning with horses, left guns stuck in shell holes in view of Fritez near our old possition Clear sunny day I stopped here all day fixed my clothes & attended to my feet.

Nov 24th The others went back to get guns a little further yesterday and went again to day. We are sleeping out down here. good to get away from the guns. mail in no letters wrote a card home two days ago. We cannot write much on the Somme. Took two horses to water to Fricourt with drivers made a dug-out to sleep.

[Page 181]
Nov 25 Had a great sleep last night. The drivers all got in last night with guns. no casualitys Raining heavily all A & B. sub-gunners left walking for the new poss. near Guillmont. Bomb. North and I stopped to take baggage up on G.S. waggon. We had a rough trip into our Bty. near Ginchy “Deaths Valley" past Guillmont. Fell down shell hole got wet.

Written on side: Very rough day went about without trousers

[The following entry has been totally crossed out:

On Guard to-day rain cleared off. Beautifull day Rec 4 letters two papers and long waited for medal from [indecipherable] Ten aeroplanes passed over this morning towards Lille. Came off guard 6 A.M. did some writing bed early read papers.
This was written last month in mistake still raining a lot.]

[Page 182]
Nov 27th All going well yet. We have decent dug-outs here not shellproof. Beautifull sunny day. Had a chance to dry our clothes and clean up a bit. I wore my drawers and shirt round my loins Aust.-Scottish style Two aeroplanes down to-day and plenty of shells close to our Battery. (about 4 casualitys in Bty.) Jim Gordon wounded

Nov 28th Very misty ground getting a little dryer our guns here are out in the open with a light cover over them. We have to walk down about 500 yds. along duck boards for our rations Took a man to dressing station scalded arm. I am on guard to-night with Bomb. Law & J. Burges We are living fairly well Rum issue about twice a week

[Page 183]
Nov 29th Misty day and very cold, frost did not melt all day quite day all along the day. nearly impossible to make an advance on the Somme now too much mud and transport very dificult I am Limber gunner in A.Sub now. Sturock away sick.

Nov 30th Out and gave gun a bit of a clean, then we started on our Pit. We are to make new pits (6 gun Bty.) got nearly all the earth out. All Paid 40 FRS. gave 20 Franks in for goods from Canteen Leave started again the oldest service first Dull day not so cold Line quite. One of the TANKS near here.

[Page 184]
1st December 1916 Continued work on the Pit got some of the cupulars in Rec six letters wrote some to post. Sgnt. McConville is now act S.M. and is booked for leave with Sgnt. Thomas and two others. Very cold and misty. ice & frost

Dec 2 Got more done in Pit last night But to-day we have to take some of the Cupulars back to dump military blunder we were in action this morning from 5.30 A.M. to 7 A.M. I am on the gun all the time now No 2 and 3 somtimes

[Page 185]
Dec 3rd Written on side: Plenty of dead Germans lying about in Ginchy wood.
Out early this morning, still misty Bomb. Burnley Gnr Burges & self went to Ginchy wood for timber for trail bed got back for dinner and went for some capulars. Canteen supply arrived Plenty of cigars and everything self had a shave.

Dec 4th Rec. some mail from home Somehow or rather I have missed a day in this Diary since coming on the Somme so hence the alteration of dates by pen. We never see any papers here and every day seems the same. We are living well considering everything here.

[Page 186]
Dec 4 Mon Working well on Pit Fritz has been keeping very quite lately and we have not been doing much shooting. But we allways seem to put more over than Fritz. As we are building Pits here now we must be holding this front for the winter. We all have big thigh boots now. they are O.K.

Dec 5 Tues We have our pit nearly finished five of us worked on all the time. B. Sub. are started their Pit. Sgnt. Stead is now Act. S.M. Rec. two parcels from Father and Mother Lasseeters & Griffiths Bros. Bosker parcels State Express cigarettes Butter scotch cakes chocolates chewing gum plum pudding and every thing one could wish for We all enjoyed same.

[Page 187]
Dec 6 Wed Still misty Worked on Pit all day my cold had me raving a bit last night dreaming about kangaroos etc. cleaned gun and straightened pit up. Gnr Spencer joined Bty. Reinf. from Aust. came over from England. 6 of us in A. Sub. with Sgnt. Edwards

Dec 7 Thur We did a bit more to our Ammunition dump and I cleaned the gun well I rather like Limber Gunners job. interesting work. and no other duty except guard somtimes. No.6 gun 54th Bty. had a premature burst in the bore last night. and the gun was taken out to ordinance to day. got bogged going out and lost one horse.

[Page 188]
Dec 8 Fri X Gen. J. came round had a look at our pits Misty and light rain we have our meals up in our new pit from to-day I am off duty with my cold yet. Did a bit more to Pit and cleared ammunition Drivers brought more up Action to-night for us (A. Sub.) Rum issue every night now. We are all enjoying our Xmas. parcels.

Dec 9 Sat X We are enjoying our new pit. the Colonel says it is quite up-to-date. my cold is just the same. A number of us are affected with same Our blankets hardly ever get dry and dug-outs are damp and wet allways.

[Page 189]
Dec 10 Sun Just the same as any other day no church bells or chance of going to hear Mass. the churches here with the villages are crumbled with the dust just a bell in some places lying in a shell hole

Dec 11 Mon Delville wood is quite close to us here and there are some awful scenes there Dead Germans and Tommys in heaps the ground all churned up and smashed guns rifles and equipment everywhere. Wrecked aeroplanes also.

[Page 190]
Dec 12 Tues Cold and muddy only for our big rubber thigh boots and sheepskin vests we would have it very uncomfortable Fritz puts a few nasty shells over at times some big ones too. But does not do much damage.

Dec 13 Wed Raining to-day water came in out gun Pit a little and in our dug-out last night We fixed same up to-day some of the other dug-outs flooded-out. We dine in our gun pit now and everything is as comfortable as we can make it Better than the Tommys had it.

[Page 191]
Dec 14 Thur all Paid I drew 150 FRS. Out about 9 A.M. cold and misty cleaned gun and while doing breech mechanism got action got in together and into action 3 of us with the No 1. Held our own Fritz put a few over to day none very close to us. Did some more to pit. action to night.

15 Fri Misty again We hardly ever see the sun rise here or have the benifit of its rays. We have been having a quite time in regard to shells lately. One of the enemy guns fire a very nasty quick shell. We call it Electric Bill

[Page 192]
Dec 16 Sat We heard that Austria has thrown in the sponge. a rumor I suppose. A. Sub. on guard Bright and sunny this morning a few aeroplanes buzzing around and a few Sausage baloons up. Rain this afternoon

Dec 17 Sun Up and made a fire in a trench near our pit Washed out some cloths used on gun and had a good sponge. Mail in rec. 4 letters Mjr. Crespin gave me a cap and cigarettes from lady in England. Am off eating a number of us are out of sorts.

[Page 193]
Dec 18 Mon Did not go up for action last night. Up late this morning cleaned gun. Action at 12.30. Stayed in dug-out most of the day. Had very little to eat all day, am right off “tucker" Misty quiet day.

Dec 19 Tues Received another parcel from a young lady from Melbourne also some mail. Action this afternoon very cold day. Bomb. Law has a bad cold. We did some more to our pit. The O.C. is well pleased with our work. I have nearly all my warm clothes on now. Snow to-night

[Page 194]
Dec 20 Wed Snow all over the ground to-day cold and misty Srgnt. Mc Conville and Thomas back from leave in England. I suppose my leave will come before long. I like limber gunner’s job and get on well in A. Sub Sgnt. Edwards very good.

Dec 21 Thur Snow all melted light rain our Pit is in good order now. We are to hand over soon and go out for a rest. few weeks I am on guard to night with Bomb. [indecipherable] and Gnr Burges. We hand in our big thigh boots to-day as we are going out. My cold is a little better. We nearly all have bad colds.

[Page 195]
Dec 22 Fri Got orders this morning to pack up all kits and gun stores and have them ready by 9.30. A.M. I cleaned up gun pit and packed stores and loaded same on G.S. waggon. Fine day few shells falling close. We handed guns and possition over to other artillery and rode to waggon line.

Dec 23 Sat Left our waggon lines walking at 9 A.M. Windy cold day had dinner at Canteen Past Fricourt our waggons and limbers caught up to us about 2 P.M. We travelled on through Albert towards Amiens pulled in to Fron Villers at 8 P.M where we stopped the night. Went to bed very tired, met Grey Sutty to day.

[Page 196]
Dec 24 Sun This time last year just arrived home on final leave Left our billets early Fine day travelled till 3.P.M. through Villers Bocage to NAOURS where we are to stay for our rest Fair size village, down in a valley warm Went to pictures and Canteen met Ossie Currie. all went to bed in our billet tired.

Dec 25 Mon Misty but not very cold. Revallie at 6.30. Parade 7 A.M. all turned into Stables I attended sick parade to get my foot dressed little toe broken when I was a child came against me We bought some tinned fish etc and Plum pudding for Xmas. dinner. Some of the Boys were very merry. plenty champagne

[Written on side: Paid a visit to the old church to-day Xmas.]

[Page 197]
[Written on side: Beautifull fine day not very cold here]
Dec 26 Tues Out on early Parade fell out with a few others and packed kit walked to W and reported at the School of instruction in the old Chateau the old Marquis lives there with his staff of servants Had a long day dabbling round etc. Heavy rain to-night.

Dec 27 Wed Revallie at 7 A.M. breakfast at 8. Parade 9 A.M. Fell out on this Parade with other gunner’s and packed kit marched back to our resp. Batterys The School here is only for N.C.O’s mistake made in sending us up Took a walk round the Village during the morning took horses to water and exercise after dinner.

[Page 198]
Dec 28 Thur Revielle at 6.30. Parade at 7 A.M. turned into Stables I took charge of A.Sub. exercised watered and fed horses. List of all shortages taken some of us have hardly any of their kit left. We have a lot of sick men and sore feed here.

Dec 29 Fri Left Naours at 8.30. A.M. Leave for AMIENS walked to Talmas 22 of us went from there in a motor bus 3 Francs each There are some beautifull shops here had hair cut etc and good dinner Went through the Beautifull Catherdral, bought a primus stove gloves and came back by 6.18 P.M. train to Canaples 3 ½ hours travelling.

[Page 199]
Dec 30 Sat Only three of us on Parade this morning I with other limber gunners fell out on 9 o’clock parade and got to work on limbers cleaning and taking all deficiencies. got all stores taken down to Q.M. Store. Dull day not very cold.

Dec 31 Sun Went to Mass at Naours Church 10.30. Dull day misty. On guard at 4 P.M. 3rd releif first guard since leaving the line. I am taking a share of guard as we are short handed eight of us on Parade this morning. Sgnt. Edwards A.Sub. no.1 Went on leave this morning for England.

[Page 200]
1917

Jan 1 Mon Wet night last night Carried on as guard cleaned a limber in spare time, had salmon & fruit for dinner with a cigar to follow did some writing. I have a new diary for 1917 so continue writing in same to-day.

Jan 2 Tues Gunner Cox 53rd Battery gave me the new diary I hope I shall be able to fill it with news of the defeat of the Germans, and with an account of a troopship filled with A.N.Z.A.C.S returning to their happy homes “No place like home" Nothing truer Leo.

[Page 201]
This diary now reverts to January 1916 before Walsh embarked for Egypt. It appears to be a summary of each month.

January 1916
Spent last few days of camp life at the Warren Sydney Left on the R.M.S. “Osterley" on the 15th. Mother, Mona were on the warf to wave good bye, also Mr & Mrs T. Sims, Miss Haywood and Miss Honey. Travelling on the sea calling at all ports en-route to Egypt. Saw the last of Australian land for a while as we left Freemantle.

[Page 202]
February 1916
Arrived in Egypt 13th inst. In camp at Zetown, saw Cairo and all-to gether had a good time, all broken up and put into the 1st D.A.C. Had rifle and foot drill, no gun drill.

[Page 203]
March 1916
Left Zeitoun for Tel-el-kebir, found my self (temp.) in the 21st Howitzer Brigade then in the 2nd Battery 1st Div. They all left for France, and I with good few others went down to the 5th Div. a new division formed mostly with men from the L.H. and Infantry I went into the 51st Bty. 13th Brigade. Took on Specialist work. Battery Signaller We are now at Ferry Post on the Arabian side of the Suez Canal

[Page 204]
April 1916
Carried on with signalling S.M. gave me charge of the other Sigs. March them out every day for practice with Flags etc. Got sick found the climate rotten am Glad I am not drilling on the Guns I would be in Hospital if I was at it, I think Still at Ferry Post.

[Page 205]
May 1916
Met Noel Moorhouse gave me opportunity to go with him in Canteen. chance of getting to England tried for it got transfer fixed up from 51st Bty, to Details by G.O.C. would not allow anyone to go into Canteen unless classed Unfit for active service. Left Ferry Post went back to Tel-el-kebir with 5th Div. Artillery Details

[Page 206]
June 1916
Left Egypt (Alexandria) by the “Ionian" arrived Marsailles three day train trip through France to Etaples (on the French coast opposite Folkstone Eng.) Went into camp Had some 18 Pr Gun drill, first since leaving the “Warren" Sydney. Nice Climate Feel O.K. again.

[Page 207]
July 1916
Carried on with training in the Etaples Base. I know a little about the guns now although we only have a few hours each day 3000 men a day put through

[Page 208]
August 1916
On the 8th went into action for first time joined the 53rd Battery at Fleubaiux near Armentiers Major Crespin O.C. & Col. Phillips in charge of the Brigade Tip top Battery went into D. Sub. (Sgnt McConville No 1.) as spare Gunner. Terrible gun accident in A. Sub Pit gun blew to pieces (killing three & wounding two. an accident never heard of before or since, supposed to be plug of dynamite placed in shell at Factory. American ammunition

[Page 209]
September 1916
Am now used to the roar of guns and shells although this is a quiet part of the line. Transfered to A. Sub. Sgnt Edwards No 1 and a splendid fellow only 21, comes from Wagga Wagga Station owner knows his work and does not drink gives us all a good chance on the gun I am No. 4 now and take other No’s also.

[Page 210]
October 1916
Getting on well in A. Sub. We call our Pit A.N.Z.A.C. A representative from each state in the Sub. We are very comfortable here now in our position the Pits have been here nearly two years and only one gun been knocked by Fritz (before our Battery came here R.F.A. Bty. Some of the casualties buried close by)

[Page 211]
November 1916
Left our position at Fleubaiux and travelled for eight days going south to the Somme with our Guns & limbers all the Div. moved. Went into action near Ginchy Flers for a week then pulled all guns out again and went into a better position near Ginchy Had fourteen casualities two killed 12 wounded and others sick from severe wet & cold and from drinking shell hole water where dead Germans were lying.

[Page 212]
December 1916
Used to the awfull sights, and continuous shelling Have had a number of narrow escapes and some thrilling adventures Went out just in time for Xmas. day to Naours near Amiens behind the lines. Saw Snow lying heavily on the ground for first time. I am limber Gunner now and have had a good share of work on the gun on it all the time in fact Second layer for the Sub. (Stripe next)

[Page 213]
1917 Jan
Had three weeks spell went back into action near Ginchy waggon lines behind Delville wood awfull place Got back to the line on the 12th Severe cold snap and heavy snow started 16th Took ill on the 15th held out for a week Dr sent me away on the 24th. Arrived at Birmingham University 30th (what a contrast to the Somme)

1917 Feb
Left the 1st Southern Gnl. 23rd and went to No 3 Australian Aux. Hospital Dartford. Kent. Leo.

[Page 214]
London
30.3.17
Love & kisses from Leo.

[Transcribed by Lynne Palmer for the State Library of New South Wales]