Allsop war diaries, 1915-1917 / Wilfred Joseph Allan Allsop
Source: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Item 1
W. J. A. Allsop diary, 23 July 1915-1 July 1916
MLMSS 1606/Item 1
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Diary of Private W.J.A. Allsop
No 6777
8th Aust. Field Ambulance
On Active Service
Mother’s address
Mrs. W. Allsop
“Aurabury”
Brierley Street
Mosman
Sydney
NSW
Australia
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Enlisted 23rd July 1915 at Victoria Barracks Sydney.
Reported at Barracks 6th Aug.15 to be sent into camp. Enrolling officer ordered us off for three weeks or a month until they were in a position to take us.
Demonstrations threatening a march through Sydney streets were quietened by Colonel Wallack arranging to put us in the Show Ground. Quartered in Pigeon Pavilion for 4 days. Then transferred to Warwick Farm Racecourse .
Here for 5 days when the occupants of our tent were moved to the Contact Camp
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for Measles, Liverpool. Confined for 10 days – Quite unnecessary because it transpired that our tentmate didn’t have measles. 5 days leave followed after which I again applied for a transfer to A.M.C. not being satisfied with infantry position of Coy. S.-M. About 3 weeks at Liverpool doing carpentering work at the Field Hospital when, on October 1st, I was chosen in party of 8 reserves to leave immediately for Queen’s Park. Final leave of 5 days was allowed and on October 8 we left Sydney by train for Melbourne with the
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8th Field Ambulance. Breakfast had been previously arranged for at Albury and it was ready when we reached this station. The following afternoon, on arrival in Melbourne, we marched to Albert Park and camped in rear of the South Melbourne Football
Ground. Leave nearly every night except when concert parties came to oblige us. The people on all sides gave us invitations to dinners, evenings, week end trips to the country etc. In fact they were altogether too kind. On Friday the 22nd Oct we started out on a route
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march. Having taken the train to Ringwood 15 miles from Melbourne our course had been mapped out as far as Launching Place, a distance of 40 miles. On the first day (Friday) we covered 13 miles. During the afternoon heavy rain fell and our horses refused to pull their transport waggons up hill through the mud so we were obliged to do the work ourselves. Arrived at Kangaroo Ground that night wet through with perspiration and rain. The townspeople gave us their dancing hall for the night notwithstanding that it
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had been prepared for a dance which was to take place on the following night. It was still raining in the morning when we resumed the march. People waved flags from their houses and one lady gave us a basket of cakes because she heard us singing “All Soldiers Live on Bread & Jam”. The scenery along the road was beautiful. Shortly after mid-day we arrived at Christmas Hills on the heights above Yarra Glen when a fierce thunderstorm broke out. From this position the surrounding country presents a beautiful scene.
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Continuing, we came down the slopes into Yarra Glen. We were in such a miserable state and the roads before us were so bad that Capt Donald told us we could return to Melbourne from Yarra Glen if we wished. A number thought it advisable to do so but the remainder pushed on by a forced march over the last 9 miles, arriving in Healesville singing at 7pm (Saturday 23rd October) a total distance of 34 miles. Wet through and with mud caked almost up to our knees the local people gave us the use of the council hall. Here we lit a
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fire and dried our clothes. Our officers bought meat pies and cakes for the men. On the following day (Sunday) it was still raining and as the roads to Launching Place were under water it was impossible to resume the march so we decided to return to Melbourne by train that night. During the day in Healesville there was a Church Parade in the morning and in the afternoon parties wandered about the town while I looked up old friends of 8 years back recalling the times when we used to come
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here for holidays. Loaded up with flowers and other souvenirs we returned to camp by train. The Victorian Railway Authorities are held high in our remembrances of the Healesville event because they generously refunded our railway fares.
On Melbourne Cup Day there were rumours that leave would be granted from mid-day but the boys thought it safer to take the matter into their own hands. At about 8.30am fully 90% walked out of camp, the consequence being that they were fined £2 and given pack drill for a week. I was one
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of the lucky few who were overlooked at the roll call, so escaped.
Sunday 7th Nov. I was taken on the strength of the Ambulance and attached to “A” Section Stretcher Bearers – No 6777.
Tuesday 9th Nov. We were all busy striking camp and carting the Ambulance material to Port Melbourne Pier preparatory to sailing the next day.
Mid-day Nov 10th marched to the boat singing on the way. Crowds lined the streets. On nearing the Pier, ladies gave us flags, oranges, chocolates, etc. We waited some time on the
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Pier making preparations for the positions on board then embarked on the “SS Ascanius” A11. After a space of half an hour or so the public were allowed on to the Pier. Men swarmed into the life boats and up the rigging. The cheers from the wharf mingled with the singing of “Brothers in Arms Are We” and “Advance Australia Fair” from the troopship created a deafening noise as we slowly steamed out followed by motor launches & small craft. It was at first thought that we would be anchored in Port Phillip for a few days but we passed
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straight out through the heads. Our quarters on board were situated in “G” Deck at the “after” end of the ship. It was down on the first floor of a hold where mess table to seat 20 are arranged and numbered, our number being 14. For the first few days, until things were going systematically, the air in our compartment was practically unbearable, considering that there were 287 men provided for. We slept in hammocks swung up over the mess tables at night time so the ventilation would need to
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be well considered. This, however was soon overcome. Up to Monday 15th Nov the sea was fairly rough but after rounding Cape Lewin fine weather and a smooth sea confronted us. We kept a considerable distance off the usual course probably to avoid being seen. Passed seal and whale to date. Throughout the week nothing of importance happened. It was given out in orders that we were taking a new course because of the presence of a mine-layer which escaped through the Suez Canal. This of course was treated as a
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joke by the boys. Met two old Brighton friends on board – Lieut Law & Corp. Lingham.
Sunday 21st Nov. Church Service by Corp (Rev.) Cosier of our unit. His services are always worth attending. An albatross one day flew over the ship and the captain remarked that it was a good omen. On previous trips the “Ascanius” had been chased by submarines in the Mediterranean and also by the “Emden”.
Hospital patients died of pneumonia and the burial service was a very impressive one. All was silent on board as the body was
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being lowered from the poop deck, then the buglers blew the “Last Post”. This man unfortunately left a big family, so the troops on board very generously paid in so much of their allowance and raised a large sum for the widow.
About 3pm on 27th November we crossed the Equator, celebrating the occasion by a carnival on board. Numbers, including officers , were thrown into a big canvas bath. The fever spread all over the ship so that everyone they could lay hands on went into the water.
The weather was extremely warm
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that day. From the Equator on to Cape Guardafui there was nothing to see. We sighted the Cape at 6am on Dec. 1st and a few steamers were also visible on the horizon. This was the first time since leaving Australia that either land or ships came in view. The dim outline of the African coast soon gave way to a very close view revealing rugged and barren cliffs of which Cape Guardafui is by far the most prominent. From the Cape along towards the Gulf of Aden a rugged range of mountains is to be
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seen behind the stretches of sandy country, while no sign of vegetation or life of any kind was noticeable. Each day the weather appeared to get hotter. Among other sights about this spot we saw a few whales spouting in the distance and also thousands of queer looking birds. These latter fly in thousands one behind the other so that the line extends out of sight.
We gradually left the African coast behind, and, on the following morning (Thursday Dec. 2nd) the Arabian Coast was sighted very much like the other coast I have just described.
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Straight ahead of us one very prominent height, which at first we guessed to be an island, afterwards turned out to be Aden. Just before midday we steamed right up to within a stones throw of this very strange but interesting mountain which rises almost perpendicularly out of the water. Judging by the business like way each steamer approaches Aden and exchanges signals, one can imagine the importance of such a place. Our boys were crowded up in the life boats or anywhere that they could get a good view of what was going on. It seems that we asked
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whether mails could be left there but there was nothing to be gained by doing so.
Aden and its surroundings are something like this:-
[Small hand drawn map]
Mount Aden, the point of the headland, is one massive rocky mountain very much like an old volcano judging by the streaks that run down the sides. In fact the othere mountains which join up in the rear are also nothing but black rock. On Mount Aden itself we could only see the lighthouse and signal station. Round to the right about
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two miles back are these high poles, visible from a considerable distance out at sea. These are part of the great wireless station.
Behind Mount Aden i.e. on the next peak there is another signal staff, whilst on another peak to the right is a big water tank. Round to the left of the peninsula what interested me a great deal was a batch of new buildings. One seemed to be an enormous place while all round it were numbers of other flat roofed places, all big and newly built. Although it was a beautifully clear day and we were close in to the
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point we didn’t get a a very good opportunity of seeing what was on either the left or right hand side of the point. There is still another wireless station behind the buildings I have referred to and we could see a big French Battleship at anchor.
The Naval & Coaling stations may be round here somewhere & possibly the buildings are connected with them. The Arabian Coast is very mountainous, otherwise the country is nothing but dry looking sandy desert. Towards 8 p.m. on the same day (Dec 2nd) we passed through the Straits of Babel-Mandeb
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and through Helles Gates. The heat was intense, a continuation of the weather we experienced all the way from the Equator. We were three days on the Red Sea without seeing land on either side – quite a surprise to me as I had no idea this Sea was so big. Each morning numbers of steamers could be seen on the horizon. On Monday 6th Dec arrangements were being made for disembarkation on the following day. A number of dolphins were jumping out of the water all round the boat and it was amusing to hear the troops yelling and cheering
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as though they were watching a hurdle race. A British cruiser passed close by going in our direction. We were all called up to attention and buglers blew the salute, which was returned by the warship. Bands on board struck up national tunes including “Britannia the Pride of the Ocean” and “Australia Will be There”. Great enthusiasm on both ships, the bluejackets waving their caps and cheering until they were out of hearing.
Arrived Suez Harbour 3.30 pm Monday 6th December having passed Mount Sinai during
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the day. In the harbour I counted over 30 big steamers mostly British India boats. The French battleship Montcalm with four funnels came in that night. This was the one we saw at Aden.
Our mails were put off soon after arrival and we could see the mail boat leaving later in the evening. Suez, with its square shaped white buildings, looked rather a desolate place. The background, as far as the eye could see was sandy desert. We were on board all day 7th Dec and didn’t disembark until 4pm.
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Wednesday 8th Dec. During the greater part of the day we were unloading the ship. Some of us were down in the bottom floor of the holds loading the slings. On leaving the ship we had some experience at loading railway trucks. The natives are better at talking than working. Its very amusing to see the native policeman using his stick freely amongst the arabs. Well, we were soon in rough third class wooden carriages which created a frightful noise when the train was in motion. The railway line runs right to the boat. No
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sooner had the train started than arabs hopped in and commenced cleaning boots. They didn’t say a word – just knelt down and got to work. No mistake they are a cunning tribe, but when the time came for paying it was noticed that many Australians had their boots cleaned for nothing. Dirty little urchins jumped on the train at each station with baskets of eggs, chocolates, oranges etc and very often, whether they were taking us down or not, baskets were upset. If a darkie sold tins labelled dates and the contents proved to be
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Turkish Delight over went the baskets. Most of the railway stations on the run to Cairo are small, some haven’t any fencing round them while others are enclosed by wire. There are, however, a few very fine stations such as Zag-a-Zig, Tel-el-Kebir & Benha. Cairo station is rather a fine one. There was the greatest excitement on our train throughout the journey – At each platform the Indian troops who were guarding the line were cheered and our men were singing from every carriage “Advance Australia Fair”, “Australia will
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be there” & “Brothers in Arms are We”. We soon found out that there were some much better classes of carriages to those we occupied. One train in particular passed with dining saloons etc on it, wonderfully fitted out, and a party of our boys were lucky enough to get a roast chicken or turkey handed through the window to them from the other train. Hospital trains, painted white with red crosses on the sides and top, also run on this line. At 1 am on Thurs. the 9th December we disentrained at Zeitoun railway station, quite close to Cairo. It was
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bitterly cold at the time. We marched a couple of miles through sand & dust to tents in the big camp at Heliopolis. After a few hours sleep we moved on the same day to another position in this large camping ground where over 100,000 Australians were quartered. On Thursday evening we had leave to Heliopolis with instructions not to go to Cairo. Well, it was likely that we would obey orders after being on the sea so long and we particularly wished to see Cairo, so I think every one of us went into Cairo that night. There is rather a
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fine tram service here, the trams being of a pretty design.
The line to Cairo runs in conjunction with the train service. After leaving Heliopolis the tram runs on to the electric railway. We wandered round the city and were greatly pleased with some of the buildings and streets. In the respectable quarters Cairo is far from disappointing especially when one considers such buildings as Shepheards Hotel, the Savoy Hotel and many others.
Friday 10th Dec. was spent in drill, and plenty of it. In the evening we had leave to
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Heliopolis. This also is a fine city and the streets are well laid out. The buildings, though they may be only plastered up, certainly have a good appearance. The square design and flat roof, so common in this country, might not stand rough weather and much rain, but it has a certain attraction about it. One enormous and beautiful building is the Palace, now used as a General Hospital. It contains 1500 rooms and was built by the King of Belgium. Early on Saturday morning the 11th Dec. two well dressed and well-educated Egyptians who spoke
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English well came round to our camp and arranged with our officers that we could go with them (the guides) on a tour round Cairo, the fare being 5 piastres equal to 1/-. Well about 40 of us took the opportunity so in the afternoon we went by tram to Cairo where a number of carriages were waiting for us. Driving first to the Museum we were shown various sculptural works dating back to 4000 years B.C. in the time of the Great Pharoah Rameses II. With the invariable salutation of “This way, my doctors, if you please” we went inside
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and everything was explained fully, so much so that it would be impossible to remember the long names. The place is full of old curios and mummies. These latter are bodies that have been embalmed or preserved in pitch or some such substance, in many cases neatly bound with roller bandages (now discoloured).
However, the process has proved very successful for the bodies are wonderfully preserved. The only mummy of any interest to me was that of Rameses II. He is the Pharoah (or King) so well known in the time of Moses.
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He had 162 children of which number there were 111 boys.
The engraved wooden cases in which mummies are kept are known as Mummy Cases. Some are very elaborate indeed. In some instances more than one case has been used – for instance, one of Pharoah’s wives was enclosed in four mummy cases altogether, each one being enclosed in another of larger size.
Trinkets and Jewellery belonging to the wives are on view. Leaving the museum we drove past the Sultan’s Palace, Barracks and University through to Old Cairo. We saw the city of the Dead, a
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large burial ground. The tombs do not appear to go underground at all. They are just stone casings and may be built on top of one another. This, I understand, applies where families are concerned.
The Magic Pool, a large pond fenced off like baths and lying in a hollow amongst old excavation works, is a place which Egyptians consider miraculous. In recent years an Englishman took it in hand. Certain substances in the water seem to cure rheumatism.
On either side of the road, as we continue to the Tombs of the
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Mamelukes, old windmills built by Napoleon may be seen. At the entrance to the big Mosque or church known as “The Tombs of the Mamelukes” natives insist on visitors having canvas slippers fixed over their boots, so it was amusing to us when we had to submit to this old custom. Inside, the ornamentation is simply gorgeous. It is hard to credit such artistic work. The tombs of old Pharoahs, rulers, and great men are wonderful. Gold or silver inscriptions on or around the tombs, the fine tiled floors, coloured windows, domes and beautiful lighting arrangements
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are worth seeing. Next we visited the Mosque of Amu, the oldest Mosque in Egypt which is only used once a year (at Christmas time). This is a square structure with no roof on it. The stone columns have been built and rebuilt so often that no two are alike. In the centre of the enclosure stands the stone fountain of Holy Water. I fancy this was the place where the Holy Family stayed on their visit to Egypt. If not it is another Mosque I have forgotten.
Our last point on the tour was the River Nile. We drove through dirty
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native streets down to the water where women were washing clothes and drinking from the same spot. Here we climbed into an old wooden boat and paddled across to the Island of Rodah where Moses was found by Pharoah’s daughter. This Island is of particular use at present because of the water gauge which registers the tide on the Nile. The Nile is the main stay of Egypt and, thanks to England, dams have been built lower down to store the water thereby ensuring that the river will overflow
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its banks annually. We drove back to Cairo for tea and had another look round the city. As I have said before some parts of Cairo are respectable, but other parts are filthy beyond imagination
On Sunday 12th Dec. we received mysterious orders and everything was packed up preparatory to moving off in the evening. The usual rumours went round, some predicting Gallipoli, some Salonika, and others The Canal. Personally I guessed The Canal. Well, we marched out of the Heliopolis camp at 9 p.m. that Monday night the 13th Dec. amidst the
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cheers of troops on the sides of the road. The whole 8th Brigade moved and nobody seemed to know where we were going to.
From a station near Zeitoun we entrained and were put off at Einghosien near the Suez Canal at 6 am.Tuesday 14th Dec.
It was a bitterly cold and foggy morning but later the weather became very warm, Indian Mountain Gun Batteries were here at the time, the guns being carried on mules. Now followed a most miserable march to Serapeum. It was not the distance that told on us but the heat and the soft
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deep sand. Well, on arriving at Serapeum we had to start and make a new camp. The position as we found it was just a dreary spot on the Southern side of the Canal. Trees, four to six rows deep, line this bank to shelter ships from the sandstorms. Behind the trees there is nothing but sand except round the banks of the Sweet Water Canal (A narrow creek in fact). On the other side of the Suez Canal as far as the eye can see there is absolutely nothing but sand. Well, we pitched camp and lived on dry bread cheese &
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water for 2 days
[Most of page contains a hand drawn map of the area from Port Said to Suez.]
The above is a rough sketch of the Suez Canal showing the position of Serapeum 8 miles south of
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Ismailia. The Canal is 88 miles long and 140 yards wide built by an engineer named Ferdinand De Lesseps (a Frenchman). At Serapeum when we first arrived there the only means of crossing the Canal was by a punt worked on chains. A few hundred yards lower down than where we were there was a large camp of Royal Artillery men with their guns while nearby sections of Indian units – Hyderahbad Lancers and Queens Own Sappers and Miners were quartered. Just before we arrived I believe the Marajah of Mysore & the Marajah of Hyderahbad were at Serapeum.
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Between the 14th & 19th December the H.M.S. Implacable passed in Suez direction. The boys on the banks of the Canal gave her a great reception. The “Ceramic” and “Wiltshire” both laden with Australian troops went through towards Port Said. A very fine ship, the “Royal George” (Toronto) sailed through to Bombay with some of the Black Watch on board whilst numbers of large transports went in the same direction with Indians on board. They were being transferred from France to the Persian Gulf. The R.M.S. Mongolia came through
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with our first mail followed by the French boat “Sontay” with Sydney men bound for Vickers as munition makers. On Sunday the 19th Dec. at 8 am the 31st Battalion with over 70 camels and 12 volunteers from our unit under Capt. North crossed the Canal and marched 8 miles into the desert on the opposite side to occupy a sandy ridge as first line of defence and opposition to the Turks.
Our party consisted of Gillies, Wilson, Aspinall, Nesbit, Sullings, Wall, Calfe, Berry, Herford, Henderson, Watson ([indecipherable]) and myself. We went through
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a very trying march and then had to pitch camp
20th Dec. (Monday) Making an underground sandbag dugout. Tomorrow I believe we move further out to occupy a more advanced ridge. The trees lining the Canal are visible in the background but the Bitter Lakes further down may be clearly seen. On our way out we passed camel bones & Turkish graves, indicating the scene of battle in Feb 1915. Thousands of Turks we killed here. They actually crossed the Canal and at the present moment the iron [indecipherable] they
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used are on view in Ismailia. Hundreds of natives are now busy in running a heavy railway up to the Canal bank at Serapeum. In all probability a bridge of some kind will be thrown across the Canal. A light railway is to be run out into the desert, also a metal road for motor transport which will cost £1 per yard. Aeroplanes fly over this way daily from Ismailia. Heard last night that Kitchener, after visiting the Balkans, took a battleship to Port Said then a hurried trip down the Canal to Suez, calling here and there.
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From Suez he had a special train to Cairo where he visited the Railway Dept. and gave them about 24 hours in which to commence having certain portions of the railways duplicated. This happened only a few days prior to our arrival in Egypt. The signallers who share our rations say that information has been received per aeroplane stating that the enemy have two duplicated railways and two metal roads. They have three camps, one of 500 tents, a second of 200 tents, and a third of 100 tents. It is believed all this is under the direction
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of Von Mackensen. Five British warships are stationed on the Canal chiefly in the Bitter Lakes so they can sweep the deserts for about 10 miles. Conditions here would be so trying and the sand so difficult to cross that the Turks can’t possibly come in great force.
21st Dec. (Tuesday) today we can hear monitors at firing practise. We have just completed a dug out and trench to be used as dressing station Indian Mountain Battery arrived with 2 guns. 8 more to arrive this week. They are small portable guns carried in parts by mules
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and the men are from the Hong-Kong-Singapore Royal Garrison Artillery. The range limit of these guns is 4200 yards. Here we were particularly friendly with an Indian named Yessiah who is a Christian & speaks English beautifully. He was in our tent often and explained amongst other things the various Indian customs and religions. Different sects have their own ideas of hairdress, this being perhaps the best mark of distinction.
Some will throw their meals away if a white man happens to come near them at meal time. Others do likewise
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if a man’s shadow crosses them. Pork or beef is meat they will never touch. In most of these peculiarities we were warned before arriving in Egypt. It looks amusing to see Indian units moving about and taking their own mountain sheep or goats with them. This will prove a difficult problem in France. The Indian Corporal speaks in praise of a certain English officer who led the Punjabi Lancers against the Turks in Feb.1914. Notwithstanding that the officer had 8 bullet wounds he suo urged the Lancers on and captured 8 guns at the
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point of the lance. The Turks were driven back at a great pace and the Indians captured 350 prisoners. Australians get on well with the Indians but for some unknown reasons English troops are inclined to be disliked.
22nd December (Wednesday)
General Staff arrived this morning to select a more advanced position, the result being that we have to move 2 miles further on tomorrow. The event of the day here is the arrival of the Camel Corps every night with water and supplies. Water is carried in
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an oblong shaped tin or iron receptacle called a fantasia. One is attached to each side of the camel.
Sketch of present position :-
(Small hand drawn sketch of area)
Colonel Grant, an English officer, is in command of all operations between Mediterranean and Suez.
23rd Dec. (FridayThursday) Struck camp and marched 2 miles further out. It was a hot day and a fierce sandstorm was blowing
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During the few hours which elapsed before camp was pitched the only way to get comfort was to lie down in the sand and spread a towel over our faces. Even then we would be nearly buried in sand by the time we got up. At night it was too hot to sleep. Capt. North gave us tomatoes and oranges that he had brought with him
24th Dec. (Friday) Very windy day, a continuation of yesterday’s miseries. We commenced digging a big dug-out in the side of a hill. During the day just a few drops of rain fell. Now it is Christmas Eve and we are wondering how
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Christmas Eve appears at home.
25th Dec. (Saturday.) Christmas Day. A glorious day. Continued with dug-out. Col. Tivey, commanding the 8th Brigade came and announced the evacuation from Gallipoli. Plum Pudding, peaches, salmon, pineapple and cigarettes issued. The pudding tins had small paper slips inside with notes from various subscribers to the West. Aust. Red Cross Society. O.C. of the camp read a cable message from Mrs. Tivey sending Christmas Greetings. Desert Xmas never to be forgotten. Australians now being transported to the Suez Canal Infantry are busy
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here making “bird cages” on the heights round the camp. Col. Tivey is a well known Melbourne man and is very popular. His men are known as “Tivey’s Pets” or “Tivey’s Tourists”, our own unit included.
26th Dec. (Sunday) More pineapple & salmon issued in addition to the very fine meals. Meningitis has broken out in two cases at Serapeum. Second mail arrived per S.S. Orontes.
Indian Bikaner Camel Corps arrived and our chaps soon got busy on the camels riding them all round the camp. British aeroplane flew over at 9am
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27th Dec. (Monday) Today I had the job of sewing bags together for a roof to the dug-out. Judging by the measurements of this dug out it displaces about 60 tons of sand. Had my hair cut right off for the first time. Most of the others had theirs done on the boat. Indian Camel Corps sighted 12 Turkish scouts only three miles out and the information has been sent back to headquarters.
28th Dec. (Tuesday) Completed dugout and trench leading into it. Indians report having again sighted Turkish outposts. Nothing else of importance today.
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29th December (Wednesday)
More signs of enemy scouts in the early hours of the morning. Horse marks have been discovered on the sand only half a mile out. Orders stated that in case of alarm tents had to be dropped immediately on hearing a whistle blast and all hands were to man the trenches. Well, for practise, a whistle sounded at 10 am today. Some of our boys thought they would have a joke so they dropped the tent before we had collected our things, the result being that some of us got tangled up and couldn’t
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get out. By the time we did find the doorway the alarm was over and Major Hockley the O.C. had congratulated the men on their smart work. The whole camp had been dropped and trenches manned in half a minute. Some new aeroplanes have arrived at Ismailia. In this town there is a hand grenades and bomb factory worked by Indians. Jam tin bombs are made out of ordinary jam tins with a stick of gelignite and from 50 to 150 rough pieces of metal inside. Col. Tivey and Lt. Col. Clarke (English Officer lent to the Brigade as second in command)
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arrived on horseback to inspect the position. They first inspected the dugout and late on had their dinner in it. Capt North told us that these officers fully expected to hear that we had been attacked and were a little surprised that no engagement had taken place.
Towards evening important news came to hand. All guards and sentries were doubled and sent out earlier than usual with strict instructions from the Major. Shortly after we Field Ambulance men had gone to bed and the trenches had been manned at spaces
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of from 7 to 10 ft apart I heard an order shouted out “No 3 face outwards and load your rifles” Later on the challenge “Halt” was heard frequently, especially by the Indians. Evidently there was a chance of something doing
30th Dec.1915 (Thursday)
We heard that further down near Aden there has been a small fight between New Zealanders & Indians and the Enemy. A few casualties resulted. Camel Corps and Mountain Battery returning to Ismailia today. Infantry here are being relieved on Monday but we want to
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remain longer. Lice are very bad in the camp but luckily enough none have come to our tent.
Plan of present camp 10 miles from the Canal.
(Hand drawn map covers rest of page.)
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Birdcages are circular sandbagged dugouts about 30ft in diameter and may contain 1 officer 4 N.C.O’s and 28 men. Tonight we were listening to the experiences of another Indian friend Tikakhan, whose full name and address is
Acting Naick Tikakhan 1390
No 1 Mountain Battery
H.K, S.B. R.G.A.
Indian Exp Force, Egypt.
He was in the South African War under Col. Kitson (now in some high command in France) when he (the Indian) was shot through the head. The mark is still there. Today two companies march a few miles further
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out to have a look at the country. 9 of our party went with them. The country as far as the eye could see is one vast sandy stretch. From this high sandhill we could see over others not so big and the view before us covered between 30 and 40 miles. Daily an Indian patrol of Lancers numbering 12 leave Serapeum and scout the deserts even further out than where we are.
31st December (Friday)
First Aid work and Stretcher Drill. While the Capt. Wasn’t looking they upset the stretcher
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when I was acting as patient. It was a rather steep incline so I went rolling down the slope. News that we return to Serapeum on Sunday. During the afternoon we were trying experiments with a view to storing water. Tent bags were put into holes under the sand but didn’t prove a success. I can’t understand why they don’t send out a few tanks. This appears to be the only way out of the difficulty.
1st January (Saturday) 1916.
Visit by Colonels to inspect Camp otherwise things very quiet. We have to return to Base tomorrow.
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2nd Jan (Sunday) In morning preparing for return to Canal. Left Hockley’s Hollow at 2 pm and the march that followed proved very strenuous. We reached Serapeum at 5pm. The distance of 10 miles seems very mild but considering the nature of the sand the trials are 100% worse than marching on roads. A few were confined to Hospital after it. The metal road and light railway I have already referred to are now in course of construction by thousands of natives.
3rd Jan (Monday) Today I was put on a job in the
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Quarter-master’s store painting and stencilling.
4th Jan (Tuesday) Though not yet recovered from our last march we were called upon to do another today of approx. 10 miles. We were given the afternoon off to do some washing. Its mighty hard work in cold water. Launch sunk in Canal with ammunition, rifles and kits aboard.
5th Jan (Wednesday) Off duty all day with boil or abscess, not sure what it is. Frightful sandstorm blowing. Bitterly cold. Fragments of war news now being posted up for first time
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6th Jan (Thursday) Sandstorm still blowing & weather very cold. 7th Engineers arrived. Met numbers of Mosman boys including Bill Bennetts and Jim Kernaghan.
7th Jan (Friday) Continuing on light duties – Attending telephone, taking messages.
8th Jan (Saturday) Stretcher Drill & First Aid out on the sand hills. H.M.S. “Glory” passed going Suez direction. H.M.S. “Jupiter” also passed in Port Said direction. This latter boat has apparently been doing good work on the Baltic Sea, according to the “Sydney Mail”. Football match in afternoon.
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9th Jan (Sunday) On guard all day. Big steamer Marwarri sailed down to Suez.
10th Jan (Monday) Issued with Jack Knives. Otherwise nothing of importance.
11th Jan (Tuesday) Digging trenches and dug-out over on the soft sand hills all day
12th Jan (Wednesday)
Light Duties again. Preparations are now advancing rapidly on both sides of the Canal. Natives are busy cutting a roadway to the water edge, removing the sand in small baskets. Railway to Serapeum also advancing.
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13th Jan (Thursday) On guard all day & reading.
14th Jan (Friday) Route march along railway line in morning. Short lecture in afternoon. At 7 pm we had to go out in the dark for practise at carrying and finding wounded. Rather a stupid adventure. I helped to carry two 12 stone men over a long distance and was pretty well knocked out after it, so were the others.
15th Jan (Saturday) Beautiful day. Stretcher drill and lecture on Morphia Inoculations. Afternoon off
16th Jan (Sunday) A memorable
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Church Parade in morning. Chaplin Beveridge asked that the men drop all thought of his rank as Captain, because he considers he isn’t entitled to it. Word came to hand that General Wilson would be coming down the Canal in a launch so we were lined up on the bank as he passed. A train was brought down the canal on a barge and placed on to the railway line opposite by means of a huge crane. Some of our men were over the other side today after curios which they took from the Turkish dead bodies, at present protruding
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from the sand
17th Jan (Monday) Digging dug-out. Xmas comforts given out – mostly from Mosman people. A raft was overturned on the Canal today and 17 men were thrown into the water. One man was drowned. Another was in our tent tonight and the incident seems to have upset him. I was talking to some Engineers tonight and they were referring to certain “bonza” graves over the other side of the canal. One man says he intends taking a shovel over to unearth the German major and get a few curios.
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18th Jan (Tuesday) Long route march along the fresh water canal from Einghosien to the Bitter Lakes then back along the Canal. First Aid lecture in the afternoon. Engineers are rapidly constructing elaborate trenches on the other side of the Canal.
Today General Godley carried out an inspection of the camp. A monitor passed in Suez direction, also a hospital ship and big P. & O. Indian Liner.
Wednesday 19th Jan.
Stretcher drill and lecture on application of bandages.
“Kitchener’s Vultures”, big birds for eating up rubbish, such as
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may be seen at Heliopolis in thousands are hear at Serapeum also. These huge birds, I understand were imported originally imported by Kitchener.
20th Jan (Thursday)
Stretcher carrying over long distances across the sand. Trial trip over the new railway branch line to Serapeum. An engine pushing one carriage. O.C. & others went to Ismailia to select our new camping ground there. 500 camels arrived with Indian transport from Ismailia.
21st Jan (Friday) On guard. Camels crossed Canal.
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Rumours that 8th Brigade are to be used as reserves in Ismailia whilst all the other troops form the 1st line extending as far as Serapeum.
22nd Jan (Saturday) Colonel Shepherd arrived to take charge of our unit. Stretcher carrying. Very striking scene as the H.M.S. “Implacable” came back up the Canal. With bands playing and bluejackets cheering from on board this magnificent ship, and the troops ashore giving deafening cheers, the incident was most impressive.
23rd Jan (Sunday) Church Parade. Sergeant from 29th
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Battalion was today run over by a train. Both legs were cut off so he soon died. It was a terrible sight.
24th January (Monday) Carrying heavy stretchers all day. Trains arriving throughout the whole day with troops of the 5th, 6th & 7th Battalions from the Dardanelles. All seem to agree that the evacuation of Gallipoli was the only thing possible because neither side could move on account of the numerous machine guns. Beachy Bill the mystery gun appears to have been troublesome.
25th Jan (Tuesday) Actually
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raining hard last night – an extraordinary thing here. “Ascanius” passed in Suez direction. Sheepskin vests issued. They were presented by a person in Australia. Bitterly clol cold day. Thousands more Australian troops arriving. A pontoon bridge was towed down. This is to be the means of crossing the Canal at Serapeum.
26th Jan (Wednesday)
Bridge now completed over the Canal and transport going across. Shipping is stopped between certain hours in the daytime. Bitterly cold. Kit inspection.
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especially as our clothes are wet.
28th Jan (Friday)
Still raining. Wood supply has runout due to poor management. No more warm meals until supply replenished. Troop trains arriving all last night. On the other side of the Canal there is now a huge camp much larger than Liverpool and Serapeum looks quite busy
29th Jan (Saturday)
More troops arriving last night. It was too cold to sleep. Clearing Hospital arrived today. French mail boat “Amazone” passed. More of that strenuous training – carrying “wounded” (supposed) over sand.
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30th Jan (Sunday)
Beautiful day. Lying on bank of Canal all day reading. New Zealand troops arrived including Artillery. On guard at night.
31st Jan (Monday) Another lovely cloudless day. On Guard. Artillery and long line of transport waggons crossed over the Canal. Cartloads of timber and limbers loaded with new stretchers & material replacing that which was lost on Gallipoli also went across.
1st February (Tuesday) Whole unit went out for the day with tents, medical supplies
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and stretchers just as though in action. I was on telephone duties again. 4 Battalions of Infantry arrived Serapeum also advance guard of the light horse.
2nd February (Wednesday)
Warship H.M.S. Cornwallis passed in Suez direction. She has some big guns aboard also antiaircraft guns. This was a fine sight especially as it happened to be a beautiful day. Bluejackets cheering & band on board playing “Tipperary”. Our boys cheered themselves hoarse.
3rd February (Thursday) Orders to prepare for departure to
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Tel-el-Kebir, the Ismailia movement having been cancelled. Everything packed up and sent to Railway including our tents.
H.M.S. Jupiter passed bound for Suez – she is a big ship with funnels side by side. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles are transporting our baggage. Assisted in carrying patients across the Canal to the Clearing Hospital. On the other side I was surprised to notice how rapidly preparations have been advancing. Road, heavy & light railways are now well in hand. Saw trench mortars for the first time. 7 Battalions of the
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in old buildings last night. More dug-out- digging today. We are now temporarily attached to the 1st. Division (Aust.). For some time there has been some doubt as to where we will eventually go. We have been with the 10th Indians for a time. Other Australians wanted us as we are yet unattached definitely to any particular division. It is thought that we are to be part of a new division consisting of the 4th & 9th Brigades and a new brigade composed of reinforcements from round Cairo. If so we shall most likely be going to France first. Turks
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Serapeum from four to five million pounds. Raining tonight
8th February (Tuesday)
Beautiful Day. Had photo taken near the new filtering works. This is a big bit of engineering carried on by natives under French supervision. It is a scheme of purifying the water from the sweet water canal which at present is forbidden on account of Bil- germs. Today I was carting water on camels. “Hororata” (Plymouth) A20 sailed down towards Suez. Carried queer case of paralysis across Canal to Clearing Hosp.
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Minelayer H.M.S. Magnolia passed in Suez direction. It was a treat for our eyes to see this ship going at a good speed drop a lifeboat full of bluejackets. Immediately the boat touched water the inmates rowed swiftly to the shore with a rope to secure the warship against the side of the Canal. She was now pulling up to allow a troopship to pass. Mines are dropped over the stern by apparatus supplied for the purpose. The ship resembled a destroyer & 2 guns were visible to us. “City of Cairo” and P & O. “Arabia”
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passed in Port Said direction. Daily a number off native boys come round the camp with tomatoes & oranges etc. for sale while occasionally we get a newspaper “The Egyptian Mail”.
9th February (Wednesday)
Showery. Fun with natives collecting rushes down the sweet water canal. After making these Arabs carry the bundles back we got them to show us how mats are made, so we had a good illustration. It was very interesting to note the use made of palm leaves for
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binding and the way the men use their toes for twisting the string made from the palm leaves. A few loaves of bread served as good payment while a cigarette given to one of the natives, containing Cordite, proved amusing. More practise in carrying patients over sand in the afternoon. The railway siding which branches off the main branch line near Serapeum platform and runs to meet the metal road from the cutting through to the pontoon bridge is now complete, and the first train came in today.
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10th February (Thursday)
Beautiful morning. Long route march to the Bitter Lakes. The scenery just where the Canal runs into the Lake is very pretty. We were in the Lake for a swim but the strange part about it is that the water is only knee deep except where the channel passes through so therefore we could go out close on a mile and not strike deep water. In some places it is impossible to see the other side of the Lake. On the shores for some distance back there is a thickness of salt resembling snow. Lecture on the Geneva
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Convention in the afternoon. The Convention, which originated in 1864 and was amended in 1906, was signed first by Great Britain in each case. It was explained to us that Field Ambulances are the most important medical units in warfare. The Germans, beyond doubt, do not recognise the Red Cross, but the Turks are given the highest praise by all. Capt. Wooster referred to certain incidents on Gallipoli when we abused the Red Cross. These incidents are verified from what we hear the troops relating. “Borda” passed homewards.
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11th February (Friday) Morning signalling. Afternoon Squad Drill. Naval Bridging Train arrived. Timber arriving in trainloads probably for Mess Huts and trenches over the other side of the Canal. Surprise in evening when Bill Lang and Beech from Brighton called on me. Guthrie from B.G.S. in the 18th A.S.C. Sailor Law Lieutenant. Live Stock are now pretty bad in the old buildings.
Tonight a raid as made on a gambler den close by and great excitement prevailed.
12th February (Saturday)
Instruction in carrying
4th Fld. Art. Supply Column arrived. Mails per “Arabia” received.
13th February (Sunday)
Two monitors, the “Scarab” and “Aphis” passed in Suez direction. “Kyarra” & “Medic” loaded with troops going Port Said direction. “Athos” big Indian P. & O, and “Osterley” bound homewards.
14th February (Monday) 1st Field Ambulance arrived
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and went across Canal. “Corsican”, a big steamer passed bound for Persian Gulf with East Lancs aboard. Beautiful day. Lecture on bones by Capt. North. The monitors that passed yesterday were peculiar looking boats. They have two large calibre guns, like 11 inch, one forward and the other aft. Several anti-aircraft guns were visible. These warships are slightly longer than a destroyer – the funnels, bright blue in colour, are set side by side and the stern is very broad with 3 rudders attached.
15th February (Tuesday) Dull
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day and showery. In the morning we had a comical display of incompetency on the part of our officers when they were trying ceremonial movements with us, marching past etc. Signalling and Lecture on breaks and fractures by Capt. Wooster. A.M.C. Comforts distributed. “Ceramic” bound for Persian Gulf with 9th Hants aboard – The cheering was intense. Voices from the ship “Will we win” “Yes!” & “Are we downhearted”. In the evening a monster P. & O. liner passed homewards. It was a magnificent ship and the lights on board set it off well. The
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P. & O. Coy. seems to run a better class of vessel to India than to Australia. This one came from Bombay.
16th February (Wednesday)
March up sweet water canal and back with full equipment on. In afternoon Lecture by Capt. Irvine on Antiseptics and dressing of wounds. Todays orders contain special reference to France, It is now stated that the French people at first didn’t wish to have the Australians in their country so special efforts are being made by our Commanding Officers to enforce discipline. Personally I never expected to go
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anywhere else but to France. At present there is a huge camp of N.Z. Mounted Rifles behind us. A long train of 600 camels today passed over the pontoon bridge. Beautiful day.
17th February (Thursday)
Glorious morning. The monitors “Aphis” & “Scarab” returned and this time I had a good look at them. They draw only 4ft of water. The “Scarab” is slightly an improvement on the other inasmuch as she has maxim guns. Lecture on First Aid by Capt. Donald. First replies to our letters written on board the “Ascanius” received this afternoon.
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18th February (Friday)
Lovely day. We were out all the morning running over soft sand after “acting” patients under supposed heavy fire, practising taking cover. It was most exhausting work. Another swim in the Canal. Boatload of Tommies passed for Bombay. H.M.S. Cornwallis came past in Port Said direction. Today trainloads of huge motor lorries are arriving.
19th February (Saturday)
Frightfully windy, sandstorm blowing. In the morning Semaphore signalling and carrying “supposed” wounded,
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generally the heaviest men in the Ambulance. Afternoon off.
The wind ceased and a beautiful moonlight night followed.
20th February (Sunday)
Church parade, at which Brigadier-General Tivey (recently promoted from rank of Colonel) had is cross batons on. Had my hair cut right off again today. Indian Hospital Ship passed in Suez direction. In the beautiful moonlight night which followed I was noticing the vast difference in the stars as compared with the Southern Hemisphere. Over here we seem
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to see millions more than are visible from Australia.
21st February (Monday)
Lovely morning. Long route march up Sweet Water Canal in morning. In afternoon lecture of Fractures and Semaphore Signalling. Infantry leaving from the other side of Suez Canal in trainloads, possibly for Tel-el-Kebir. Amongst the dirty arabs who hang round the camp daily there are two nice looking and well mannered little boys who bring us boiled eggs. We give them bread, jam and many a good feed.
22nd February (Tuesday) Bright
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day. Swim before breakfast. Combined order drill all morning.
P. & O. Mail steamer “Kybir” passed bound for Australia. Ladies on board waving and old gentleman throwing cigarettes and tobacco ashore. There was great excitement on board when one of our men (Richards) jumped in the canal with all his clothes on, hat and wristlet watch, after a tin of cigarettes. Lecture on Commonwealth Military Regulations & Kings’s Regulations by Capt. Donald. Grand sight as huge troopship with Scotch on board passed for the Gulf. The ship was alive with bagpipes.
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23rd February (Wednesday).
Company drill in morning. Lecture on scalds and burns by Capt. North in afternoon. Big steamer “Northland” passed homewards (N.Z. Transport). There is great excitement in the Infantry lines tonight in view of their departure tomorrow morning for Tel-el-Kebir. We at last have our orders to move also. For three weeks we have been in suspense and are still living in the old buildings.
24th February (Thursday)
All prepared for moving, presumably for Tel-el-Kebir,
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when orders came stating that through railway disorder we can’t go till tomorrow. Issued with small ¼lb tins of condensed milk each.
25th February (Friday)
Cleared Camp. Heavy day transporting luggage. After marching to Serapeum railway siding platform wet through with perspiration we loaded the train then moved off for Tel-el-Kebir, some in cattle trucks. Arriving at Tel-el-Kebir we had another miserable few hours unloading all our cumbersome luggage. By the time we got settled down in
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camp after pitching the tents it was 11pm. Then to add to our tired feeling I was one of the unlucky ones to be put on piquet all night.
The present camp site is right on the old famous battlefield of Tel-el-Kebir were Wolseley, Gordon & Kitchener scored the terminating victory over the tribes in 1882. There is a tremendous camp here far ahead of Liverpool in administration. It is well laid out and clean but the evil smell in the atmosphere is a contrast after the pleasant air at the Canal.
26th February (Saturday)
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Setting out new camp. Visit by Harold Alcock, Hughie Steanes and Reg Cannon. We had our photos taken together. Went for a stroll through the lines in the evening and was surprised to note the gambling that goes on also the numerous cases of drunkenness.
All the units seem to be undergoing changes with a view to reorganising the Australian Forces. For instance, a Field Ambulance which hitherto consisted of 3 sections A. B. & C. with their respective subdivisions of Stretcher-bearers, tent division & transport all capable of acting independently, is now losing
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the C Section so that other Field Ambulances can be formed from the “C” Section of each Ambulance now in existence. It seems that we are going to reduce the strength of Ambulances to 2 sections.
27th February (Sunday)
No work today. Visited friends in the Artillery and stayed there all afternoon. Met Lennie Rial. Quirk from the Ocean Co. called to see me in evening.
28th February (Monday)
Beautiful day. Morning squad drill. Meeting of officers to see what can be
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done to start a sports club. Up till today including all camps since I enlisted we have been doing some physical exercise before breakfast but now this has been cut out. One point, however, doesn’t seem to slacken and that is with regard to dress. Every morning boots have to be clean, face clean shaven. We have to turn out fully dressed with belts on every day, no matter how hot the weather may be.
29th February (Tuesday)
Beautiful Day. Long Route march across the old battlefield for about 5 or 6 miles. Came
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back like drowned rats. The ground here is hard and covered with gravel. The old earthworks of 1882 still stand and bones may be seen sticking out of the ground. Infantry men are busy burying these remains. Afternoon signalling. Concert at Y.M.C.A. in evening. Instructions apply in our unit that nobody is to drink water until it has been boiled because of the likelihood of catching Typhoid Fever so every day we have to fill our water bottles with boiled water. Strange to say, no other unit here does this.
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1st March (Wednesday)
Very warm. Stretcher drill in morning, heavy work that made us too tired to do anything in afternoon. Luckily enough we were not asked to. Today a list of Cairo leave came out but unfortunately I have to wait till near the last. Orders were issued this morning with reference to respecting the graves of fallen men and we were warned not to touch the various burial places. As usual some ruffians are bound to hunt for curios so it has to be stopped in future.
2nd March (Thursday)
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Another route march round the old earthworks and more signalling. With Lennie Rial & Allan Bruce I witnessed a queer performance in a canteen – A big burly Australian was actually eating crockery. He bit a mouthful out of a saucer, chewed it up, then drank a bottle of sauce after it. This is a positive fact.
3rd March (Friday)
Fearfully hot day, In fact the hottest since leaving Australia. Stretcher Drill in morning with the usual red-tape of having to turn out with tunics on. 11.30 am to 3 pm off,
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then the “never to be forgotten” French lesson which caused a great deal of amusement. These hours viz midday spell, were marked down as future timetable. In the evening a party of us went to the pictures.
4th March (Saturday)
Stretcher drill .Cricket match in afternoon. Otherwise a quiet day. On guard at night.
5th March (Sunday)
On Guard. Continuation of Cricket Match. 8 Ambulance Waggons and over 60 horses transferred to us from the 4th Light Horse Field Ambulance.
6th March (Monday) Very
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warm day. On Quartermaster’s Fatigue. This gave me an opportunity of having a good look over the Field Bakery where 22,000 loaves a day are turned out. Saw Sherring from Mosman on an Artillery Waggon and Lieut. Sandford from B.G.S. The artillery are preparing to leave Egypt.
7th March (Tuesday) Hot day.
On Cooks Fatigue, carrying water all day. Measured for helmets, khaki drill tunics & long trousers. In one respect this was one of our units’ most unfortunate days – We are losing two officers who have
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been with us from the start and who are well liked by all. Capt Donald is generally looked upon as the father of the Corps. He certainly worked night and day in our interests. As regards Capt. North I never heard him growl once – In fact I really don’t think he could. Well, we lose two thorough gentlemen from a batch of fine officers the likeness of which no other corps can boast. They left this afternoon after shaking hands all round and departed with watery eyes amidst the cheers of true appreciation from the boys.
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8th March (Wednesday)
Visited Ismailia to bring back Red Cross cases and also to make enquiries respecting money sent to me from Australia. Moascar Camp, near Ismailia, is even larger than that at Tel-el-Kebir. Seven aeroplanes were up flying over the camp. I passed trainloads of the Royal Horse Artillery en route for France. Our 1st & 2nd Divisions here are preparing for their departure to France. In Ismailia I passed General Birdwoo’s house and, walking past the lake, I saw quite a number of warships including the monitors
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that passed us at Serapeum. A few French warships were also at anchor. Ismailia is indeed a very pretty little French town. On my way back to Tel-el-Kebir the train guard, who speaks English very well, related the full history of the Tel-el-Kebir battle to me.
9th March (Thursday)
Making mud bricks and ovens for the cooks. About 40 new A.M.C. detail men arrived and are being temporarily attached to us.
10th March (Friday) Mail day. On water fatigue for the cook house. Took 4 horses down
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for their daily drink over the other side of the railway.
11th March (Saturday)
Out for field work in morning with waggons. Rain fell heavily about mid-day preventing cricket match with the 8th Engineers. Heard tonight that Wilfred Bailey is with the 6th Field Ambulance 2nd Division at Ismailia and strange to say Capt. North has just been to our camp to ask me if I would go to Ismailia tomorrow for him with papers for Capt. Donald
12th March (Sunday) Visited Ismailia and met Bill who was withing 100 yards of
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where I had to go. I returned to Tel-el-Kebir that night in company with Baker who lived opposite us in Holt Av. Mosman. He is a Serg. Major in the Camel Corps. I also passed Lenehan from Mosman on the Ismailia station. Aust. leaving for France.
13th March (Monday)
Very warm day. Innoculated this morning with Para-Typhoid cerum, injected as a means of preventing Typhoid Fever. This weakens the system for 48 hours afterwards so all duties are suspended during that time
14th March (Tuesday) Doing nothing all day on account of
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yesterdays injection. Called on Stanton & Wilcox of the 53rd Batt. who were tentmates of mine at Warwick Farm Sydney.
15th March (Wednesday)
Still warm, Guard from 12 am today till mid-day tomorrow. Norman Lillyman from S.C.E.G.S. came to our camp today to look up friends. He used to be in my class at school. Conversation turned to Sidney Pickles the airman who was at the school when we were there. Today I requested that in accordance with the privileges allowed troops over here an Anzac Book should be posted home direct from the
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publishers.
16th March (Thursday)
Warm. On Guard in morning. In the evening a party of us went to the pictures. There being only soldiers present interjections from all quarters of the show are numerous and witty. There was a disturbance at the door on leaving when a few of the troops ran off with chairs after upending the nigger who tried to interfere. On the way back to camp we saw the last 8 rounds of a fight Dyer v Neil both Australian boxers.
17th March (Friday)
Stretcher work using waggons.
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A.M.C. Comforts distributed. Royal Welsh Fusiliers arrived and encamped next to us. They are unfit for further service, having been through many a severe battle. They say that they passed Australian Troops on the way across. These would be our 1st & 2nd Divisions en route for France.
18th March (Saturday)
Showery. One of our horses was kicked by another today & had to be shot. Cricket match v N.C.O.’s in afternoon. Some of our boys who were in Cairo today produced silks etc. which they say were the result of a little
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“pinching” expedition. It seems that they were on a tour round Cairo on donkeys and, like the rest, they don’t trouble to get off the donkey before entering a shop. The whole turnout goes up to the counter heedless of the surprised native.
19th March (Sunday) Carrying water again all day for the cookhouse. I was surprised to meet Bert Newman from Mosman who is camped close to us with the Engineers.
20th March (Monday)
Inoculated again. Artillery A.S.C. & numbers of other troops leaving Tel-el-Kebir for France.
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Huge tents have been created near the railway and in them Military Canteens are opening. Just over on the other side of the railway close to the station there is rather a pretty little cemetery containing the graves of victims of the 1882 battle. The only monument some have are little wooden crosses inscribed with words like these “Sacred to the Memory of an Unknown British Soldier”.
21st March (Tuesday)
All day off due to the second injection yesterday. I saw the Australian Mail going through in four iron-barred vans. Met
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Smith & Cullen, the latter is a son of our Chief Justice. They both live in Mosman and were at school with me. Their Artillery Unit leaves today for France. Issued with helmets, khaki tunics long trousers & puttees today also Plum Puddings.
22nd March (Wednesday)
Still off duty. This was an eventful day inasmuch as the Prince of Wales accompanied by General Irvine, a brother to one of our officers, inspected the camp. An escort of Indian Lancers were in attendance. The whereabouts of the Prince while passing through the various lines could
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easily be followed by the intense cheering. Cases of Gas Helmets arrived.
23rd March (Thursday) My friend Stan Wilson and I were informed late last night that we could have leave to Cairo today so I immediately ran down to the railway station and enquired whether any goods trains would be running this morning. If so we might catch an earlier train than that which leaves at 11a.m. Being informed that a goods train might go through about 6 a.m. we got up early and were not disappointed. However, the amusing part of
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the adventure was that we took exactly 7 hours to do a 2 hours trip so didn’t gain much by dodging the 11 o’clock train. During the stop at Sheblanga station we strolled round the village in company with the engine driver and guard. Judging by the crowd that followed us round one would think that they had never seen Australians before. On arriving in Cairo we made for the Pyramids with a guide. From the tram terminus we rode round the Sphinx & Pyramids on donkeys. We got off the donkeys and, passing through the various
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batches of “land sharks”, went inside the largest Pyramid. The inside is certainly a wonder, like the whole structure, but I never again wish to go into those narrow and evil smelling passages to see the King’s Chamber & the Queen’s Chamber. An everlasting mystery about this place is – “How did they get the coffins (or mummy cases as they call them) in and out”? Another mystery is “How did I get in and out with boots on”? because the stones are frightfully slippery. Well, when we came out absolutely wet through with perspiration, we were
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met by hundreds of arabs who all wanted tips for some reason or other. We have been in Egypt long enough to be just a little too old in the head for these “Gypos”. They therefore soon got the word to “Imshi” or clear off. As we expected, the donkeys and the man had gone so we had to walk back. It will be much better if I get an official book giving particulars of the Pyramids etc than to say much here because every Arab has a different tale to tell. At any rate the largest Pyramid (Choeps) is 410 ft high and it took over 30 years to build. We didn’t climb up
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the outside – It was too much like hard work especially as we were so worn out by the heat, and considering that the stone blocks are about 4ft square. We therefore left the climbing for others. After wandering round the city and an exciting ride in a garry or carriage to the Bank in order to be there by 5 o’clock we returned to Tel-el-Kebir.
24th March (Friday)
8th Brigade left Tel-el-Kebir for Ismailia by train. We also have received orders to prepare for moving. It is now definitely known that
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we are attached to the 5th Australian Division. All our baggage has been packed up and carried to the railway. Hughie Steanes again called on me. In the evening a party of us paid our last visit to the pictures.
25th March (Saturday)
On Cooks Fatigue. We are now preparing to leave on Monday. The distance of about 44 miles has to be marched. It will certainly be an ordeal because such a march has only been undertaken once before in history and then only with the loss of 400 who died on the way.
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Brigadier General Tivey has evidently foreseen difficulties seeing that he has taken his men by train. At night we slept in the open under a heavy dew.
26th March (Sunday)
More preparations to move followed by another sleep in the open.
27th March (Monday)
Roused out at 4 a.m. and commenced the journey at 6 a.m. in a heavy fog. The arrangements were that we would halt for a spell of 5 minutes every hour. The country over which we passed today was
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heavy going – here and there a patch of soft sand had to be crossed but generally speaking it was all hard gravel ground as far as the eye could see . We halted at Kassassin for dinner consisting of bully beef & biscuits then continued to Mehsamah where we halted for the night. Kassassin is the scene of an old battle in the Soudan Wars. The units engaged in this march are Battallions of the 14th Brigade and about 50% of our unit totalling just over 4000. 15,000 troops will be moving during the week on foot but over a different route. Well, up to
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tonight a considerable number dropped out exhausted – In fact the lot of us were very footsore & tired after the day’s 16 mile tramp, with full equipment on of course.
(Tuesday) 28th March
Up at 4 a.m. and resumed the march at 6 am bound for Moascar 22 miles off. Gradually the heat worked up to a fearful temperature and before long we were into soft white sand – From then on the whole journey was nothing but torture. The sand slipped from under us and made conditions almost unbearable,
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added to by the intense heat. When the 5 minutes spell came we preferred to stand up rather than sit down because the heat thrown off from the sand was like a furnace. The infantry dropped like flies – then the order was given to us to spread out and render assistance where possible. The column was no longer marching, but straggling. Hill after hill we passed over and nothing in sight but more sandhills, when suddenly what appeared before us was hard to realize. Yes, it was an oasis, a water hole surrounded
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by palm trees in a hollow between two sandhills. Away behind us lay the poor wretches who couldn’t stand the strain. Our waterbottles were burning hot and what little water we had was almost boiling so we were glad when told we could go in for a dip.
The infantry, who by this time were scaling the next hill, were forbidden at the point of the revolver to go near the water. Now begins the fearful part of it – The sun had by this time increased its heat and down dropped the poor beggars in hundreds –
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Every hill was a painful scene. Naturally what water the men had was soon finished so there they were – begging most painfully for just a mouthful. Our ambulance men were running here & there all over the field but we only had our little drop of water. This however went to only the very serious cases but I’m sorry to say they were too often serious. Men were groaning in agony, some offering all the money they possessed for a mouthful of water while others were almost lifeless on the sand foaming at the mouth. It was a treat to
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hear these words from some who were truly bad “Yes, mate keep it for worse cases than mine – there are plenty of them”. Dodging about amongst the fallen as fast as his horse could carry him was our Major Williams, a Bendigo man, and one whom the infantrymen praise as a “white man”. He worked beautifully. This officer stands out from all others though they all let their horses to convey somebody in. Well, gradually we plodded on until at last we could see the tops of tents 5 miles off – The last hill had been overcome
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but still the men dropped. All our water had by this time given out so we could only stick rifles in the sand and spread waterproof sheets up to keep the sun off the men as we came to them. With packs and rifles which we were carrying for the infantry though our destination was in sight and our will powers said “Keep going” you would never understand how our legs simply refused to move more than about 6 inches at a time. I can well understand the others dropping. There, ahead of us, were the remainder who
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withstood the trial, a mere handful of men looking something 50 in number. At last we got in and dived for water. New Zealanders were by this time coming out with water bottles, whole Battallions of them, and some of our own men too. Long after darkness had set in the N.Z. waggons, some drawn by 12 horses, were bringing in the patients. No men ever did such a good turn as these New Zealanders. They invited everybody they met to go over to their tents for tea and something to eat – then, just
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as we were getting into bed (in the open) round they came with 4 dixies of tea for us. The infantry were treated in just the same way. It may be taken for correct that a Major shot himself and some died en route while about 5 died in hospital afterwards. Altogether from 9 to 13 are believed to have died. In 1882 Wolseley marched over precisely the same route only he started at the opposite end to us and at a different time of the year. In addition he had the sand first – yet he lost 400 in deaths alone.
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29th March (Wednesday)
Another fearfully hot day. Commencing a little later than hitherto we resumed the march which today only consisted of going through Ismailia and across the Canal to Ferry Post Camp. The Prince of Wales was riding round us at Moascar just before we left and the boys gathered round him. He watched us march out.
The change of surroundings form sand to green trees and a good road made conditions much better today. By the way, this road in Ismailia
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with trees overhanging is something beautiful. We moved over the pontoon bridge, which resembles that at Serapeum, and encamped. Later in the afternoon we came back to the Canal for a swim
30th March (Thursday)
Fearfully hot. On Cooks fatigue. Hospital tents being erected to receive 156 patients as a result of the march. Gen. Irvine, the man responsible for the march is to be court martialled. We expect to be moving 9 miles further out in a few days time.
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31st March (Friday) Fearfully Hot. Digging rubbish pit. Swim in Canal. A rather good road and a light railway known as the Anzac Desert Railway run out some 9 or 10 miles from here to Rail Head. The train engine is run by petrol. The 5th Division is now being concentrated at Ferry Post. Met Day & Sherring from Mosman.
1st April (Saturday) Still hot. On Guard. Met Colin Smith an old tennis clubmate who is now a patient in our hospital as a result of the march. Fun at canteen in
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the evening when we walked off with a number of glasses. Concert in our tent at night. A newly formed band is practising all day near us and the noise is something awful.
2nd April (Sunday) Moved out 9 miles to Rail Head. I went with the advance party in an Ambulance Waggon. The remainder followed on foot a few hours later. Having dumped the baggage, which consisted of about 40 waggon loads, on the sand, we slept in an enclosure formed by boxes to keep the wind off us. It was ridiculous to cart all
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this gear out here. We could well do without most of it.
3rd April (Monday)
Sorting “A” & “B” Stores on account of each section going to a different destination further out. The Transport Sections are to remain at Rail Head also Headquarters. At 6 p.m “A” Section moved off to Road Head North bound for Duntroon Plateau a distance of 3 miles. The road does not run out all the way – It ends about a mile short of Duntroon Plateau. We didn’t know this till we got there so when it was found that the transport waggons couldn’t cross the sand
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we bivouaced there for the night. For protection from the wind I scooped a hole in the sand and slept in that.
4th April (Tuesday) I was left behind with a rearguard of 6 men to look after the baggage until a good team of horses arrived to carry the loads on. The remainder of the section moved off early in the morning. We followed in the afternoon and found the others busy pitching camp. The 31st & 32nd Battallions are close by, otherwise there is nothing to be seen but sand and sand hills, all beautifully white.
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A number of huge water tanks are erected near the infantry lines, into which water is pumped from Rail Head.
5th April (Wednesday)
Hot Day. I was put on a carpentry job while the others re-arranged the tents to make the camp look more compact. When the infantry arrived here the New Zealanders who handed the camp over gave all the water that was left in the tanks and went without it themselves – Another good turn.
6th April (Thursday) Nothing
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unusual happening during the day which was pretty warm. In the evening an event of some amusement happened – Bill Burdon from our tent pinched a bike from the Orderly Room after Lights Out and rode in to Ferry Post for provisions. A few of us went to Road Head North to meet him and waited hours. It was after midnight that we met him down the road walking the last couple of miles. He had just been thrown off and broke the lamp. The rest of the bike was in a sad condition. We all got back into bed without being
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discovered.
7th April (Friday)
Still Hot. Stacking timber for Engineer Carpenters who are here to build a Mess Hut. There was trouble at Headquarters today over a cases of Brandy that were “pinched” by Transport men.
8th April (Saturday)
Very Hot. Went with party of 10 to Rail Head to sort out what we required from our Universal Kit Bags because there is a chance of our losing them. Having done this we travelled down the Anzac Desert Railway to Ferry Post
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for a swim in the Suez Canal. This railway is a queer but extremely handy arrangement. Though it is only like a toy it is certainly convenient, both for carrying troops and for A.S.C. stores.
While at Ferry Post we saw the French Aux. Cruiser Letetia pass.
9th April (Sunday) Church parade in the morning. The altar is built of sand bags. Nothing else is worth recording for today because we were just lying down or waiting.
10th April (Monday) Colours issued – Chocolate ?. Building new Cook House. Hot day.
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Dysentry very bad in camp. Concert in our tent at night.
11th April (Tuesday)
Warmer still. Carpentering most of the day and carting stones from Road Head North on Camels. This meant a few rides for us. We gave the “Gypo” ½ piastre to let us have a gallop, so, using the whip, we got such a rough trip that we don’t look forward to another like it.
12th April (Wednesday)
Very Hot. This was the day of our memorable Cheese Funeral which caused great amusement to our officers and also the
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infantry close by. This was no sooner over than the Khamsein sprang up. Sand was hurled about in intense fury. This terrific wind storm was such that no human being could bear to face it for long.
We were hanging on to our ropes inside the tents for hours. Other tents were blown down but had to remain so. The meaning of the word Khamsein is 50, indicating that the wind may last on and off for 50 days. March April and May are the worst months. Egyptians look upon the wind as a healthy sign because it clears
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the air. Generally, the weather following a Khamsein is glorious.
13th April (Thursday) Hot to mid-day, then came a renewal of the storm. It was something frightful. This morning we spent hours in digging sand away from round the tents. It had banked up feet high.
14th April (Friday)
Assisting carpenters all day. 60th Batt. Infantry arrived. Towards mid-day a heavy downpour of rain came.
15th April (Saturday) A
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beautifully mild day. Engineers not coming today so I have charge of the job. We are now busy at the roof. News was today read out in orders about the engagement some 40 miles from us where the 8th & 9th Light Horse captured 130 Turks and 1 German Officer.
16th April (Sunday) Church Parade in morning. This was another bright day. Washing, general cleaning up and writing letters.
17th April (Monday)
Beautiful Day. Swimming Parade to Ferry Post which we made into a trip across
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to Ismailia. We rode down to Ferry Post in Ambulance Waggons which were being returned to ordnance. As we stepped off the punt on crossing the Canal we were face to face with the Prince of Wales. He was carrying a Thermos Flask and was accompanied by Gen Murray. We had a good look round Ismailia including the native quarter. Met Hugie Cameron W.O. 5th Div. A.S.C. On returning to Ferry Post we found that the last train had gone. Luckily, however, some of our limbers were down for mail so we
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rode back in them, passing the Prince again – this time he was on a camel. From Rail Head my friend and I went the rest of the journey on horses (bareback) after being thrown off twice. These horses belonged to the Light Horse who were engaged in the fight a few days back.
18th April (Tuesday)
Fine day. On water fatigue carrying water from the tanks in the Infantry lines.
19th April. (Wednesday)
Lovely Day. Making sand bag pit in morning. Route march in afternoon. Playing draughts
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at night. Shortages in equipment are now being made good in view of our prospective early departure for France.
20th April (Thursday)
Mail Day. Carpentering at Mess Shed. Peaches & cream before going to bed.
21st April (Friday) Good Friday. Glorious day. Parades cancelled except the Church Parade. Reading & writing letters.
22nd April (Easter Saturday) Warm. On Cooks Fatigue & writing. Route march for the remainder. In evening playing draughts.
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23rd April (Easter Sunday)
Fairly hot. No Church Parade Sports meeting held to make arrangements for a good time on Anzac Day.
24th April (Easter Monday)
Hot. Carpentering and Lecture in morning. Enemy aeroplane flew over the other day dropping a few bombs on Serapeum. It is believed that a few were killed.
25th April (Tuesday – Anzac Day)
After carrying an appendicitis case to Road Head North where he was met by an Ambulance Waggon, we came back to a fine dinner of Pineapples,
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Salmon, biscuits, sauce & lollies plus 2 big parcels I received from home. Most of the other things were out of A.M.C. “Comforts”.
In the afternoon we had an enjoyable sports meeting followed by a first class banquet. There was a great deal left over & this was given to hospital patients. The day was a wonderful success.
26th April (Wednesday) Hottest day since we arrived here. Put door on cookhouse & attended lecture in morning. Too hot to do anything in the afternoon.
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27th April (Thursday)
Visited Dentist’s at Rail Head and unfortunately broke the filling off as soon I came out. Very warm day. Foot inspection in afternoon then dismissed.
28th April (Friday) Beautiful Weather. On Water Fatigue. Camel ill, so we had to carry the water on stretchers. In the evening we returned a joke on the Q.M. Staff over a fantasia.
29th April (Saturday) Hot. Carpentering in morning & Lecture on Billet System of encampment in France by Major Newell. Carpentering in Afternoon.
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30th April (Sunday)
Lovely morning. Church Parade
1st May (Monday)
Fine Day. Rail Head on Dental Leave & finishing off the Mess Shed
2nd May (Tuesday) Fine.
Orders read out about Gen. Townshend surrendering with 2900 British & 6000 Indians. Squad & stretcher Drill and practise at carrying patients by the “Fireman’s Lift”. March over desert for sandbags. Infantry having a bombing attack on trenches close by
3rd May (Wednesday)
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Fine. On Cooks Fatigue. I was in a party called to a private consultation by Capt. Mollison in his tent, where he informed us that a Turkish Attack is expected in a day or so, most likely at 4 a.m. in the morning. We were told that the information came from the Secret Service Dept. The Turks are reported to be coming on camels and in strong forces. Though the officers seem to be serious about it and medical stores are being rapidly overhauled I personally look upon the whole thing as a joke just for a test.
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Anyhow I have been given a medical outfit and have been put in charge of a party.
4th May (Thursday) Hot.
In charge of party to clean the camp up – Then we were all marched out to dig a big sandbag dug-out a couple of miles off to be used as an advanced dressing station. We worked till late at night and were even told that we might have to work all night, but every time a wall was nearly built up the thing would collapse. It was far from completion when we returned to camp. The idea of evacuating wounded has
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been set as follows
(Small sketch)
Wounded are to be carried from the sand hill positions, occupied by infantry, to the dug-out on stretchers. From there they will be taken on camels to our camp and on to the road by sand carts drawn by mules. At the road Ambulance waggons will be waiting. The sand carts have arrived already amidst cheers from the boys.
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5th May (Friday) Strange to say, orders for moving came. Tents were struck and everything transported by camels & waggons to Rail Head. I went with the advance party. We all had a hard day’s work and were very sorry indeed to have to leave this “good home”. It was the best camp we have been in so far. Another camp had to be pitched on arrival at Rail Head.
6th May (Saturday) Very hot. Digging deep sand-bag pit from 7 a.m. till 9 p.m. It fell in numbers of times & finally collapsed altogether so we went to bed after hard
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day’s work. Capt. Mollison is anxious to get the job done so that we can get on with the new Mess Shed now partly built by Engineers, hence our reason for working till such a late hour.
7th May (Sunday) Hottest day since we arrived in Egypt. Still on the sandbag pit but didn’t finish it thanks to a few more falls. Medical Board sitting today to decide cases who are to be returned to Aust.
Working after tea.
8th May (Monday) Hot day. Continued on sand-bagging and finished the job. The present camp
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is to be prepared and left standing for the unit who will take it over from us shortly.
9th May (Tuesday) Hot. Carpentering all day. The Water tanks at Rail head are being covered all over with sandbags for protection against aircraft. Today I was informed that I can go to Cairo on Thursday.
10th May (Wednesday) Still warm. Continued carpentering. Left for Cairo in party of 5 at 6.45 pm. Went as far as Ferry Post in light service waggon. Forms had been fixed in it for seats but they all broke before we had gone 100 yards.
The idea of sending us
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down to Ferry Post tonight enables us to catch the 5.45 train tomorrow morning. We hoped to catch the 8 p.m. train tonight by going extra fast in the waggon – Well, we travelled like a fire engine in a very exciting ride, cancelled arrangement for sleeping at the Ferry Post Clearing Hospital and rushed down to the punt only to be kept waiting over an hour for passes. So all chances of reaching Cairo tonight have faded. However, we slept at a handy place for the night, the No 2 Stationary Hospital, which is quite close to the Ismailia Station. Our bed consisted of a stretcher, two
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blankets and a pillow in the backyard. Soon after getting into bed a nurse brought us cocoa.
11th May (Thursday) Nurse Woke us at 5 am and gave us a good breakfast of Ham & Eggs etc. A Major & Captain were on the Ismailia Station examining passes. It was a beautiful day and we reached Cairo at 9 am. The morning was spent in donkey rides round Cairo after various things for mates in camp. I had dinner at the Anzac Hostel and in the afternoon went to have a look round the Zoo.
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Sent cable home & rode on a donkey from Shepheards Hotel to the station in time to catch the 7.15 train for Ismailia. From Ismailia to Ferry Post about 100 of us were crammed into a big motor lorry – Some were up on top and many a time we thought there would be an accident with such a load on board. Slept in a Hospital tent at 15th Field Ambulance quarters.
12th May (Friday)
Warm day. Waited till mid-day for Anzac Desert train. On arriving back in camp we learnt that the unit had received orders to move for Ferry Post tomorrow.
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13th May (Saturday) Extremely hot. Marched from standing camp to standing camp, changing places with the 14th Field Amb. We were like drowned rats when we reached Ferry Post.
14th May (Sunday) Still hot. No Church Parade. Building stone incinerator.
15th May (Monday) Putting up flag pole in morning. Fearfully hot. Aeroplane flew over camp. Piquet at night. The hours we are now to have are as follows:- Breakfast 4.30 Parade 5.15 am to 8.45 am – Morning tea 10.30 am. Afternoon tea 3.30 pm
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Parade 5 pm to 6 pm – Tea 6 pm. This is on account of the Hot weather.
16th May (Tuesday) This was a scorching hot day, worse than yesterday. In Cairo the temperature is 115º. Here it registers 130º in the shade. I was on piquet and even the blue glasses I have been wearing to counteract the glare, are not sufficient to protect the eyesight. The piquet has been doubled so as to shorten the hours. The push for water at the taps is awful. Inspection of camp by A.D.M.S. & D.D.M.S today and “A” section were specially complimented
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on the way they marched on to the parade ground. New rumours go round every day now as to when we will be leaving for France.
17th May (Wednesday) Fine Day. Stretcher drill in morning.
Capt. Lind took us to the trenches close by where infantry were bombing and he intended giving us practise at getting men out under fire but the firing was too heavy. However another idea was carried out :- We were told off into squads and a certain officer, Capt. Nance, went up onto a ridge with a number of “patients”
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whom he spread out. The stretcher-bearers plans were to approach the ridge by the safest way, taking the best cover, and to clear wounded from the ridge. Capt Nance was situated up on the plateau somewhere in the direction of the “supposed enemy” and he was to give a decision afterwards on the work. Well, my squad got the best points. Lecture by Colonel Shepherd on tomorrow’s Divisional manouvres.
18th May (Thursday) Divisional Day postponed till Monday. We were to have gone out with the 8th Brigade as advance guard
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Anzac Army Corps which is controlled by General Godley.
19th May (Friday) Cool. Brushes issued for cleaning boots, buttons & uniforms. All buttons & boots have to be clean for every parade & the boys don’t like the idea. Lecture in the afternoon by Capt. Nance.
20th May (Saturday) Cool. On Cooks Fatigue. The camp was prepared for an inspection by Major General McKay but he didn’t arrive.
21st May (Sunday) Church Parade followed by a few trial moves as
practise for
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the inspection. Inspection by Major Gen. McKay in afternoon.
Being No 3 in the line I was the first one he spoke to. He asked me how long I had been the forces & what regiment I was in before enlisting.
22nd May (Monday) Big Divisional Day. Roused out at 2 a.m. and took up a position some miles out with the 8th Brigade who were acting as advance guard in defending the Canal. Of our unit only “A” section was engaged. Aeroplanes artillery engineers signallers A.S.C. were all out and the spectacle was indeed a fine
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one. We didn’t wear any tunics so “brassards” (Red Cross badges) were attached to our shirt sleeves. An enemy force consisting chiefly of Light Horse scored the victory. We were badly beaten.
On returning to camp we were put on pack drill for having been a few minutes late in getting out of bed this morning. As a matter of fact no whistles were blown so the sergeant was at fault.
Capt. Lind who served us this dirty trick will never be forgiven.
23rd May (Tuesday) On Piquet. Infantry packs, and
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webbing equipment issued. All the old kit has been handed in. I was lucky enough to get a new set.
24th May (Wednesday)
Printing photos most of the day, otherwise nothing doing. Aeroplanes still moving about all day. These machines are the ones that have been annoying the Turks lately.
25th May (Thursday)
Exercise in use of Gas helmets. These helmets are just bags made of woollen material soaked in chemicals, with glasses for the eyes and a rubber tube & mouthpiece
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baggage preparatory to moving in the morning, so we will have to sleep in our overcoats. A general clearing out has been going on during our stay at Ferry Post and the Quartermaster’s baggage has been considerably reduced.
28th May (Sunday) Up at 3 a.m. and marched off shortly afterwards for Moascar. This was our first experience at carrying packs so we had a rough time. I, for one, lost many a pound in weight. The Welsh 1st Field Amb. took our place at Ferry Post. We passed a long line of British
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artillery on the way to Moascar. George Wooten from Mosman was Capt. in charge of the pontoon bridge as we crossed the Canal. On arriving at Moascar we had to pitch camp.
29th May (Monday)
Another march with packs up. We expect to be leaving for Alexandria shortly. All cameras have to be sent home – none are permitted in France. New orders have been issued stating that boots have to laced in one particular way.
30th May (Tuesday)
Read out in orders that the
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8th Field Ambulance marched well on the 28th inst. Graves of victims in the “Great March” close by.
31st May (Wednesday)
Route march through Nefische with packs up followed by tribes of arabs. They speak English fairly well, especially the youngsters. Travellers to Egypt after the war will be shocked at the fluent way these natives speak the “Australian” language.
Swimming Parade in afternoon to the Lake at Ismailia. 15th Brigade came across the Canal to Moascar today. Letter
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writing which was suspended on the 27th inst. is now temporarily resumed.
1st June (Thursday)
Route march with packs up through Nefische. Kit bags emptied. In the universal bag we are only to carry the Australian cloth uniform. This will be put on in place of the Egyptian uniform just before we reach France. “Tommies” who have recently arrived in Egypt paid our tent a visit tonight and we got them 4 bags of socks. They gave us the full strength of the Zep. raids over London. Various
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instructions as to French methods were given to us today in a lecture.
2nd June (Friday)
On Piquet. Hand & foot inspection. Sing-song in our tent tonight. Circulars from Gen Birdwood & Kitchener handed round relative to behaviour in France.
3rd June (Saturday)
Windy. Squad drill in morning. Tents have been packed up ready for moving on Wednesday. Now sleeping in the Mess Hut. A party of us went to a concert in the Y.M.C.A. pavilion tonight.
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4th June (Sunday)
Doing nothing all day. Everything is ready to leave on Wednesday. Writing letters.
5th June (Monday) On various fatigue parties all day. Took number of patients across to the “Tommies” Stationary Hospital opposite us. Preparing for tomorrow’s inspection by Gen McKay. We were cleaning harness and oiling waggons till late at night.
6th June (Tuesday) On Cooks fatigue. Inspection by Gen. McKay in morning. He says our turnout was the best
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he has seen in Egypt. Rumours that tomorrow’s move has been postponed because transports aren’t ready and also on account of the presence of submarines in the Mediterranean. Canteen riots tonight. Numbers of places smashed about.
7th June (Wednesday)
March with packs up. Notice given out that mails will be received till further orders. Lecture by Capt. Lind about entraining, disembarking & duties on board ship. He says we will not be going for 7 or 8 days. Gas Helmet practise. Service at Y.M.C.A.
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in evening.
8th June (Thursday) Making top for drainage pit. Sports meetings coming off on Saturday and Tuesday. We unanimously prefer entering these with the 8th Brigade rather than as combined divisional A.M.C. Read out in orders that if any more canteen riots occur these places will be shut. A shock went through the lines today when news of Lord Kitchener’s death came to hand.
Y.M.C.A. at night.
9th June (Friday)
Sports meeting held in our unit to pick representatives
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for the Brigade meeting tomorrow. Divisional meeting on Tuesday. They are busy on our “limber” and hope to score a success with it.
Concert at Y.M.C.A. in evening.
10th June (Saturday)
Brigade Sports. Major Williams won the Field Officers race and we were proud indeed when our limber got the decision. Four bands were in attendance. It was a fine display. Concert at Y.M.C.A. tonight.
11th June (Sunday)
Church parade in morning where touching reference was
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made regarding the death of Lord Kitchener
12th June (Monday) Marched down to Lake at Ismailia and stayed all the morning. Some were in for a swim while we remainder were lying down in the Palm Groves eating water melons. It is a beautiful spot just here. Some of the rough class amongst the Australians were upsetting natives and “pinching” their goods. In the afternoon we were packing up & loading waggons.
13th June (Tuesday)
Fatigue work all morning preparatory to going away. At
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6 p.m. all troops attended a Memorial Service held in connection with Lord Kitchener’s Death. It was a most impressive scene. At the end of the Service the Dead March was played, followed by the buglers blowing the Last Post.
14th June (Wednesday) On Piquet but managed to get over to see the Divisional Sports meeting. It was a fine display resulting in our winning the “Limber” entry.
Met Hughie Steanes, Cornish & Reg Cannon. H.S. was telling me that at Ferry Post the other day the temperature was 127º in the shade. “Tommy” regiments
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out at Rail Head are suffering in the heat. Waggon loads of them are being daily brought in to Hospital. Quite a large number of black West Indian troops are camped at Moascar. These come from the West Indies and Islands round that quarter and they speak English very well. They say the heat here is worse than they have ever experienced before chiefly on account of the sand which glares and reflects the heat. In their part of the globe there is plenty of green vegetation to relieve the eyes.
15th June (Thursday) Very
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hot. All Parades dismissed. Lying down most of the day in the big Hospital tent where we have been sleeping for the past few days.
30 men and our Headquarters leaving tonight for France by the “Tunician”. We follow them in a couple of days time on the “Transylvania”. The Divisional Headquarters Staff and 3000 men will be leaving per this boat. Red Cross “Brassards” issued tonight and are to be sewn on the left arm sleeve.
16th June (Friday)
Very Hot. 14th Field Ambulance arrived to take the camp over
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We leave tonight. Emergency rations issued – Bully Beef & biscuits for 24 hours. These are not to be touched until we are authorised to do so. Aeroplane dropped a bomb near our Mess Hut, by accident. It was one of our own machines because I saw it land in the camp. Marched down to the railway station at Moascar and boarded open trucks at 9.30 pm. Left for Alexandria at 11.30 pm. It was a very cold and rough ride but I managed to get a little sleep. 41 men per truck meant overcrowding.
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Saturday 17th June
Arrived Alexandria at about 7 a.m., disentraining at the wharf. Fooling about the wharf till mid-day having the roll called over and over again until long after the infantry had embarked. At midday we boarded the S.S. Transylvania a 16,000 ton boat of 24 knots carrying the 5th Divisional Headquarters including Mjr-Gen McKay. This ship has been three times chased by submarines and she saved the survivors of the Southland when that ship was torpedoed off Gallipoli.
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At present there are a large number of transports here mostly loaded with troops ready to sail. The entrance to the harbour at Alexandria is guarded by submarine nets. Arrangements for our quarters on board ship were even more disgraceful than those at the time of leaving Sydney. We wandered about one after the other all over the ship, carrying all our equippment and packs, with perspiration running off us, but couldn’t get any satisfaction for some time. Then at last we discovered
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that on account of being too slow the infantry had beaten us for our position. Consequently we were put right down in the very bottom of the ship – Here bunks were arranged one above another in wire cage system so that the only space to move about was between the different sections of bunks. It also would require some climbing to get into bed. However, on account of the bad ventilation and the obscure quarters I quickly decided to sleep on deck. The Transylvania is a beautifully fitted out
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ship but, as usual, officers had the best space and this was “out of bounds” to the men.
Sunday 18th June 1916
Sailed at 9.30 a.m. and my hat blew overboard very soon afterwards. Directly we left port the ship was set on a zig-zag course so: (zig-zag sketch). Meals on board very mean – all are complaining about the short rations. Notices such as “S.S. Starvania” etc prove that others before us thought likewise. Sleeping on deck again tonight
19th June (Monday) Mess orderly today. Powerful
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little destroyer has arrived to convoy us and is now bouncing from one side to the other before our bows with waves dashing all over her. Passing to the north of Crete all day not far off the land. The coast looks very weird and barren .Various rocks and islands here and there. We are now travelling what is known as “B” route and are in touch with Malta by wireless. Lot of steamers about. Crete still to our left when I fell asleep on deck tonight
20th June (Tuesday)
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Destroyer missing when I awoke. Beautiful morning. It is known that there were at least 2 destroyers round us last night, some say there were four. Absolutely no signs of anxiety on board with regard to submarines. We are ordered to keep our lifebelts with us every minute of the journey. At 10.15 a.m. another destroyer, the 02, came dashing up to us and is still here (2 pm). This destroyer, the “Acorn” by name, was with us when we went to bed on deck at night.
21st June (Wednesday)
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Inspection by Mjr Gen McKay today. Mild weather still. Destroyer changed places with another of the same class about 6 am (name & number not visible). Large Shire Line Transport with troops on board passed us in Eastern direction. Destroyer 77, same class as ours is convoying them. We passed South of Malta at 6 a.m. and had a fine view of the Island with its magnificent buildings.
Numbers of steamers on all sides. Passed the Island of Pantelaria, between Africa and Sicily. Cape Bon light
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from the lighthouse is now flashing out. This is on the north coast of Africa. Slept on deck again.
22nd June (Thursday)
Up at 4 am as usual for decks to be washed. Passed large Hospital Ship. Destroyer still here. Parade for usual morning and afternoon inspection, but this time in the Australian Cloth uniforms.
The Egyptian Light Khaki uniforms and our kit bag are going back to Egypt tomorrow. A memorable incident occurred today – We sighted a fair sized
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tramp steamer coming directly for us from the opposite way, when suddenly the boat was observed to have stopped its engines. The reason was easily understood when our little destroyer immediately dashed off at full speed in the direction of the tramp. Imagine the touch of pride for our Navy when we realised that a small though powerful representative of the fleet is obeyed by a steamer ten times its size and armed with guns. As our destroyer pulled up alongside the other
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steamer they hoisted the French flag but we made an inspection all the same. This happened at the time of the Greek Blockade, hence the precautions. We had a good close view of this episode. Perhaps I ought to mention here that the destroyers we have seen so far on this trip are a new type built since the outbreak of war. They have 4 funnels. We were passing to the left of Corsica at 12.30 pm. today. Our ship is still maintaining the zig-zag course and is accompanied
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by the destroyer as we now make our beds on deck.
23rd June (Friday) Prince of Wales’ Birthday.
Destroyer dived away at 6 am. Entered Marseilles Harbour just as the sun was rising (7 am) and mist gradually clearing revealing wonderful rocky heights with numerous lighthouses on important points. The scenery as we drew in closer to the port became most interesting. After winding round a few islands we passed in behind a stone breakwater and slowly steamed up to the
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wharf. Here, as on all the wharves, there was evidence of up to date shipping facilities. Two British destroyers close by. Band on board our ship playing international music. Cheering from ship and wharf. On our wharf German Prisoners were busy loading steel rails on trucks, their head gear being large straw hats with red bands round them. French soldiers were guarding these men. Wine being pumped from large barrel trucks into smaller barrels on the wharf. Other troopships in port with Australian troops on board.
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About mid-day on 23rd June, after throwing our kitbags and Egyptian uniforms down one of the holds, I disembarked in a party of 8 men with our officers baggage and marched up behind the waggon to the railway platform. Waited there till 5.30 pm and entrained with the remainder of our unit into a 3rd Class Carriage. The train had 45 carriages containing in all, about 2000 troops. 1st & 2nd Class carriages were on the train but infantry were more fortunate than us in their accomodation, though we had nothing to complain of. Leaving Marseilles we travelled to the left up the mountain
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sides through tunnels (one being exceptionally long) and over picturesque white stone bridges spanning across gorges. Looking down to the left (facing the engine) the country slopes to the sea with gardens, lawns, vinyards and beautiful trees all bright and green. About this spot, i.e. close to Marseilles, the famous tile works are to be seen. On the other side of the Harbour, which is not far across the water, the hills, spotted with large buildings, present a fine sight. The slopes on either side of the line even right to the top of some hills
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are terraced with white stone walls and on these terraced positions vinyards are laid out in an admirable manner. Even trees, the oldest to be seen, are planted in fine system. They appear in rows on both sides of roads, all of even distance apart and about the same height. In the open fields of crops and orchards these trees again come under notice. They resemble hedges dividing different properties. Gullies and gorges containing ferns and all the other vegetation previously alluded to are indeed wonderful. Having
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gained such a pleasant first impression in the opening few minutes of out train trip we little dreamed of what was yet to come.
Continuing up the famous Rhone Valley though not yet in sight of the river we passed round hills and through more tunnels only to see country even more beautiful if such were possible, at every change of scene. Streams also have their decorations similar to the roads viz, by systematically planted trees, poplars or such-like, often meeting overhead in the form of an arch. The grandure of Southern France
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at this time of the year is truly astounding. Though we slept in the train 3 nights the scenery from the window was never tiring, from Marseilles to Steinbecque on the Belgian Frontier. Railway stations are all a credit to the country, even the smallest of them. The condition of the country would almost discredit the fact that the nation is at war, although shortage of ablebodied men is very evident. Women, of course, are doing a great deal of the work. As our long train of khaki entered the different stations or passed batches
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of civilians or French soldiers on leave there was a great ovation from end to end of the train. Two Australian flags were hanging from the windows. Cases of ladies in deep mourning here and there brought home to us the sad reality of war. When the train stopped our boys swarmed all over the line in defiance of orders and sometimes caused anxiety to station masters because of passing trains. French and Algerian troops in passing trains were greeted with the usual cheers or
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“Cooee’s”. Bully beef, which was greatly in demand by civilians, was forthcoming so that we really gave away most of our rations. French railways are very fine indeed. Huge engines of all types & sizes, and the numerous big railway yards did not escape our notice. As regards the names of railway stations “en route”, I am only mentioning the larger ones. Our first meal on the train was at Orange 1.30 am Saturday 24th June. Hot water had been previously arranged
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for so all we had to do was to supply the tea and sugar. The stop occupied about an hour. Tea was issued on the railway line and we had our “meal” in the carriage. Passing Vienne we arrived at Lyons and pulled up just outside the platform, our carriage being right opposite the Post Office, where girls were leaning out of the windows cheering and waving as we sang the Marseillaise and various Australian songs. Lyons is a fine city and the River Rhone with its beautiful bridges and “pretty” banks looked a picture, so also did the large buildings.
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Dijon was the next particularly notable place. Here there are large railway yards and also a fine station – Red Cross ladies were in attendance on the platform with large cans of tea. They visited all the carriages giving tea and little souvenir tin flags to the troops. These ladies were well thanked as the train moved on. Passing the fine station of Chalon we had lunch at Macon, tea at Leslaumes, and slept in the train for the second night. In the morning about 7 o’clock we stopped at Juvisy for breakfast, afterwards branching off on to another line, which meant that
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we were doomed not to pass through Paris. We travelled to the South and West of Paris, through St Cyr and Fourveaux, from which latter town we could see Paris in the distance. The big city of Amiens with its numerous locomotive sheds and railway yards was the next stop of any note. Here the people on the platforms cheered and were cheered frantically – Trainloads of 75’s, damaged aeroplanes, waggons and war material passed to and fro. Then, continuing to Abbeville we saw various large munition
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factories, aerodromes containing war balloons and other dirigibles, whilst aeroplanes were to be seen in flight everywhere. About this part hospital barges are to be seen travelling backwards and forwards conveying wounded from the Clearance Hospitals nearer the front. Russian Cavalry were also to be seen on the roads. We arrived at Boulogne 10.30 pm Sunday 25th June where the sea and a few lighthouses on the English Coast were visible from the train window. Late, about midnight, we
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reached Calais, at which station I luckily happened to wake up. The platforms are covered by a huge arch characteristic of most important French Stations. Cairo, (Egypt) which doubtless was of French design, is after the same style but of course on a much smaller scale. Today (Sunday) we also passed Etaplse, the Base as it is termed, where two divisions of Australians are encamped.
Graves of victims at the front are here in thousands. A disturbance occurred in Etaplse last night when a “Tommy” military
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policeman was “knocked out”, so the police have been strongly reinforced to prevent further trouble. Soon after 4 am on Monday the 26th June we reached Steinbecqe, our destination by rail and disentrained in a very cold atmosphere. The trip occupied 58 hours, but was never tiresome – In fact we would all do it over again. We marched to a little batch of huts situated on a piece of ground between a farm house and a school, in the village of Morbecque. After resting for the morning we were given leave for a few hours so a party of
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us took a walk to Hasebrouck. Being struck by the appearance of the fine church we went inside and were astonished at the grandure of the place. Heavy rain fell at night and while lying in bed we heard the guns for the first time.
27th June (Tuesday)
Raining when we awoke. No parades today. Officers arranging to billet themselves in private houses. Still on bully beef and biscuits.
28th June (Wednesday)
Route march in morning carrying packs. Nothing to do in afternoon so we again went
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to Hasebrouck. The Germans passed through this town but not Morbecque.
29th June (Thursday)
Route march in morning over muddy roads. In orders this morning reference was made to the breaking of a shop window by members of the 8th Brigade. A repetition of this offence is threatened with a Court Martial – So we haven’t been long in France before the rough element gets to work. In a cricket match this evening with a New Zealand Field Ambulance we beat them easily. The twilight here lasts till nearly 9 pm. Away in the
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distance, near the front, we could see German shells bursting round British planes.
30th June (Friday)
Raining. Lecture on the gas now being used in warfare, “Chlorine”, when it was explained to us that our helmets are superior to those used by Fritz. Route march all round the district in afternoon. Towards dusk German Anti-aircraft guns were again busy at our planes. Whilst lying in bed tonight we could hear quite distinctly the awful rumble of guns. It was something terrific and kept us awake – The sound
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of heavy rain outside our hut is nothing to that of the guns. Surely something big is afoot, probably the opening of the British Offensive.
1st July (Saturday)
Heavy gun firing continued through the night and has been maintained all day. 14 aeroplanes were busy in the air. Today we had a look round the local church – It seems, from what civilians tell us, that the tower of this church was used by us for observation purposes early in the war. Why, then, condemn the Germans for shelling churches.
[Transcribed by Rex Minter and Alison O’Sullivan for the State Library of New South Wales]
Item 2
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
W. J. A. Allsop diary, 2 July -13 September 1916
MLMSS 1606/Item 2
[Page 1]
Part 2
6777
Private W.J.A. Allsop
“A” Section
8th Australian Field Ambulance
A.I.F. B.E.F.
France
[Page 2]
2nd July (Sunday)
Church Service in paddock close to our billet this morning. The remainder of the day was spent in writing and strolling about the village. Big guns are still booming, some being of large caliber judging by their distinctive very loud reports. We now learn that an offensive has commenced on the Somme, hence the firing lately. This gives some idea of the distance sound will carry.
3rd July (Monday)
Rumours that we may shortly expect to be moving up near Armentieres. All our Divisional troops round this district were today put under tests in ordinary Chorine Gas and Tear Gas. For the former, men were massed in the centre of the paddock, ordered to put on gas helmets, and then the yellow
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green clouds produced by the liquid being allowed to escape from large cylinders, enveloped the body of troops. They remained under those clouds for some minutes but the helmets everywhere proved successful. Whilst awaiting our turn the wind changed bringing some of the gas over to where we were standing. We only waited there long enough to get one sniff. With regard to the “tear” gas we were marched past a hedge behind which weeping gas bombs were exploded. As we approached one particular spot our eyes began to show the effect of the gas. It is perfectly harmless except that the eyes are painful for days afterwards. The guns on the Somme are still going and this morning’s papers report good news.
4th July (Tuesday)
Hearty firing at times
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On Piquet all day and writing letters in spare time.
5th July (Wednesday)
Issued with 2 Gas Helmets each and a satchel to carry one in. The other is to be kept in a pocket we have been told to sew on the inside of our tunics. Small bottle of Iodine and weeping goggles issued. Guns still to be heard. First pay in France resulting in many cases of drunken disorder.
6th July (Thursday)
Route march. In afternoon inspection of Gas Helmets and more pay. The scene at our billet was disgraceful tonight. Half the unit were under the influence of drink. The officers didn’t know what to do about it. Numbers were [indecipherable]. Antiaircraft guns again busy.
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7th July (Friday)
Raining. In morning filling water tanks of Ambulance Waggons preparatory to moving off tomorrow. Steel Helmets issued. The roads are fearfully muddy.
8th July (Saturday)
Started out at 9 a.m. carrying all our belongings and two blankets and entered upon a heavy march of 11½ miles over rough cobble-stone roads. 1000 out of 4000 dropped out up to mid-day. This refers to infantry. Of our Section none dropped out. Passing through Merville we reached Estaires about 4 p.m. and slept in the old Town Hall building for the night. There was an air fight this afternoon resulting in the Fritz plane backing out.
9th July (Sunday)
Estaires a busy sight
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this morning with military movements. We marched out at 10.30 a.m. passed through Sailly, Bac St. Marn & Font Rompu to a farm house in Erquinghem. Observation Balloons and aeroplanes busy overhead. We made ourselves comfortable on the straw in a barn. Milk butter & eggs are plentiful and the Farm People are very nice. Guns hidden amongst the trees nearby opened up but had not fired many shells before Fritz returned a few which landed so close to our guns that they remained silent for the rest of the evening.
10th July (Monday)
Slept well during the night and did not hear the gas alarm which sounded about midnight. Fattening up on eggs and milk throughout the day. Helping the house people to milk cows and make butter. 4 new
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60 pounders arrived today and have been put in a paddock close by. Germans again located a battery well. Not moving tonight – postponed till the morning. We were to have taken over the Brewery at Fort Rompu from the 4th Field Ambulance. Heavy bombardment opened up tonight.
11th July (Tuesday)
Marched out about 9 a.m. in small groups to the Brewery at Fort Rompu noticing in the distance the battered Church spire of Armentieres. All this district is occupied by civilians. In fact they live closer to the line than Fleurbaix and this village is only about 1½ miles from Fritz. The Brewery is in good working order. Some parts of the buildings are occupied by the Ambulance and other parts by Wireless Headquarters and Artillery Headquarters. Most of our
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“C” Section men have been sent to the trenches whilst our “B” Section are running baths at Erquingham. Wounded are now coming in from the line. Our billet is a concrete floored loft in a huge two storey building. Heavy guns kept me awake for hours.
12th July (Wednesday)
Nothing to do all day – writing etc. More of “B” & “C” Sections sent to trenches. Wounded continue to come in, some in fearful condition. Conversing with “Tommy” Artillerymen this afternoon. They say that before the Australians & New Zealanders came to this part of the front things were pretty quiet. A kind of understanding seems to have existed between the Tommies & Fritz. If one didn’t fire the other wouldn’t, but now the Australians have started knocking things about.
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On Piquet tonight and for the first time I saw star shells. They make a fine fireworks display.
13th July (Thursday)
On Piquet all day in charge of Gas Gong. Three of us, whilst walking through the village tonight were hailed by civilians to do a little favour which required “First Aid” “experience”. London Rifle Brigade arrived from Ypres, also the Shropshires. Some of our division came out of the trenches today, having been relieved by the “Tommies”. Antiaircraft shelling throughout the day.
14th July (Friday)
Guns have been silent for two nights. Royal Garrison Artillery with 60 pounders leaving last night and this morning. More arriving to take their place. More of the Rifle Brigade & Shropshires arrived.
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15th July (Saturday)
More guns arriving. The wounded who came in today were a grim sight – two having died in the Ambulance Motor.
16th July (Sunday)
Two of us were given a job of making the Operating Theatre Gas Proof. Later in the afternoon we were asked to make two operating tables as fast as we could. Evidently something is expected. The arrival of troops and guns seem to suggest it.
17th July (Monday)
Orders this morning stated that an offensive movement had been planned for today but it has been postponed till Wednesday. It is rather strange that such orders should be circulated when they are generally kept secret.
Aeroplanes were very busy today.
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18th July (Tuesday)
Assisting in the making of letter boxes for our O.C. and then commenced to make the big dugout behind the Brewery gas-proof. The sky was spotted with numerous planes including a few Germans.
19th July (Wednesday)
Working hard at dug-out and finished it in the afternoon. 12 Aeroplanes up. On Piquet at night. Just before 6 p.m. a frightful bombardment opened up indicating that the attack is being made. The deafening roar and clatter of these guns was such that I shall never forget it.
20th July (Thursday)
I had just settled in bed when, at 1 a.m., every stretcher bearer was ordered to dress and fall in prepared for the trenches to assist in clearing
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the wounded away. We moved down the sides of roads under shelter of the hedges to the Rue du Bois, Fromelles, known to us as Rifle Farm. Star Shells were flashing out in the darkness and guns barked from all round us. When least expected, a terrific report form a heavy gun would almost throw us off the earth. We watched with a look of dread the artillerymen with their tunics off, charging the guns as fast as they possibly could. It was a fine sight. Down this road we continued, passing a parapet behind which the reserve troops were sheltering, whilst every step seemed to be a dangerous one. Surely the world has never before known such a terrible night as that which confronted us. The awful din and chaos in the trenches were
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proceeding from the spot we would have to enter in a few minutes.
We reached a battered building known as Two Tree Farm where a heap of stretchers awaited us. The order given us was something like this “Two men to a stretcher and get across this piece of land to Rifle Villa”. Well, we started off – doubling for about 20 yards then falling on to the ground and so on to our destination. Bullets were flying past in hundreds. My word they had me bewildered. My friend Stan Wilson & I on arriving at Rifle Villa saw the frightful result of war. Here the wounded were lying in dozens and dozens were arriving from the trenches in front. We picked up our patient from amongst these
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mangled human beings & carried him right back to the Motor about 1½ miles along the road, but this time we took no notice of bullets or snipers. Prior to coming into action we had been ordered to leave our “Red Cross Brassards” off because they present a target. This first trip of ours was too far altogether considering that we might have to carry thousands out. However, luckily enough, the Motors were brought closer to the line thus shortening our carry. The first trip I have referred to was very exhausting – On returning to Rifle Villa my mate and I were included in a party of six sent up the communication trenches to the Regimental Aid Post up in the support trenches. We carried stretchers with us passing on the way a large
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batch of German Prisoners being escorted out, one of whom exclaimed “Trip to London”. Continuing up this trolly line to old battered walls we at last came to the sap that leads on to the R.A.P. No sooner had I entered this sap “Piney Avenue” than a bullet struck my steel helmet and nearly knocked it off my head. The sound caused my mates in front of me to look round. Happily the bullet came at an angle so that the roundness of the helmet caused it to glance off. Moving on up “Piney Avenue” to the R.A.P. we kept pretty low and at times nearly lost our breath dodging high explosives and bullets. At the R.A.P. Stan Wilson & I in company with two of the others were told to go up into the firing line and bring wounded out. The long
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communication trench which took us into the firing line was torn about with high explosives. Shrapnel was bursting in the air above us and machine gun bullets hit the sides of the sap in hundreds. Dead lay about on all sides and wounded were coming through though very slowly on account of the trench being used by so many troops. It is also frightfully narrow. On arriving at the firing line grim sights confronted us. Dead & wounded lay in heaps behind the parapet and worn-out Australians crouched close under cover. The looks in their faces and on the faces of those lying on the ground greatly impressed me. Chaos and weird noises like thousands of iron foundries, deafening and dreadful, coupled with the roar of high explosives on coal-boxes as they ripped the
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earth out of the parapet, prevailed as we crept along seeking first of all the serious cases of wounded. Backwards & forwards we travelled between the firing line and the R.A.P. with knuckles torn and bleeding due to the narrow passage ways. “Cold sweat”, not perspiration, dripped from our faces and our breath came only in gasps. The communication trench was about 1½ miles long. By the time we had completed 2 trips (six miles) with the numerous zig-zag turns in the trench and the stoppages caused by the traffic up and down, we were weak and completely exhausted. Stretcher-bearing is no light work. After this second trip the regimental doctor happened to notice our condition and those words of his will remain stamped in my memory for all time. Gaining a second wind we did two more trips
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to the firing line and were then sent back to Rifle Villa with a patient to enable us to get a drink of tea. It was now 10 a.m. and we hadn’t had a drink or anything to eat. Things were quietening down a bit in the front line and the rush was gradually dying off by now – Another party from our Ambulance were sent up the line and we continued from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. carrying the wounded across to the Motor Ambulances at Two Tree Barn from Rifle Farm. The distance was not very far and the bullets had ceased to fly about – Earlier in the day one of our men was hit in the leg about this spot. After 6 p.m. Motor Ambulances left with only one or two stretcher cases inside, indicating that the wounded had been nearly all evacuated. The remainder of our troops, those who managed
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to get back from the German Lines were being relieved from action and quietness prevailed as darkness set in. So the adventure proved a failure though at different stages of the battle cheerful messages came through as follows “They are into the 4th line” – “Complete system of German trenches taken and being held at all costs” – “Some are through into the village of Fromelles”. Then, when we finally heard of the failure, various reports and opinions flew round. There is no doubt, however, but that orders were not adhered to, inasmuch as some troops went further than they should have gone.
Note In this report of our first engagement I am able to give it more fully than was possible at the time, seeing that this account is being rewritten months afterwards. Therefore I am able to include
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extracts from papers which I consider the most reliable information.
At midnight we returned to the Brewery after a strenuous and never-to-be-forgotten event. The only meal we had throughout the 24 hours consisted of a few dry and hard biscuits.
Last night at 6 p.m. just before the attack commenced Fritz hoisted a notice over his parapet reading “Why so much delay Australia? You are a few days late”. He therefore knew that we were informed about the event having been postponed to Wednesday from Monday. The best opinion here is that we purposely read that out in orders, knowing that spies would give Fritz particulars. This, coupled with the fact that empty ammunition cases had been stacked along the railway line for days beforehand, and troops were daily
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marched about behind the lines in large numbers (some being taken to the trenches in daytime & marched out at night) led the Germans to get well prepared for something big. Therefore we really did render great assistance to our other divisions at Pozieres by holding reinforcements up in the North. It is said that the Germans brought up 11 divisions for this encounter. Whatever results were attained ours was the first Australian Battle in France. Disgust and feelings of angry disappointment reigned for days afterwards when a report something like this appeared in the “Daily Mail”. “A raid was carried out south of Armentieres in which Australians took par. We captured 140 prisoners”. What an insult!
The total casualties numbered 7800 out of no more than 1200 troops if there were that many.
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More than the losses at the landing in Gallipoli, and one of the hardest fought fights in the war to date. Men who were in Gallipoli told me personally that Gallipoli was a picnic to it.
Extracts
The Australians
Battle in France
Advance and Retirement
“The 19th July will be a date to remember for the A.I.F. We hoped that it would be a lucky date, and that we would repeat the achievement of May 19th 1915, when we drove the Turks back over the hills at Anzac, with a loss to them of 7000 killed. But the conditions were different now that we were attacking. One reassuring fact, however, stands out. These new Australian Divisions possess the same spirit as the Anzacs – a proportion of them are Anzacs. The whole movement shows that where Australians
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fight there will be an advance at all costs.”
“We had been taken out of the trenches to organise for the movement. British regiments, just relieved from Ypres, were put in to hold the lines whilst the attacking party, composed of a British division, some Canadians, and Australians, were to make a push on a front of 2 miles.” “We hoped that it might mean an advance, for at least the extent of the enemy’s first line; at all events it would be a valuable demonstration and would prevent the Germans continuing to remove guns and troops to assail our advancing army in the south.”
In our battalions a final meeting of officers was held on the morning of the 19th July, so that all might have clear orders, and then the Colonel issued his final message to the battalion
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“Best of good luck!
“What you are asked to do, do quickly and quietly.”
“Keep Cool!
“Conserve your water supply.
“Trust in God and do your duty, and all must be well.”
The Advance
“ – Proceeding in single file along the hedge side of the country roads, with long intervals between the companies to prevent observation from the air we soon came to the communication trenches – deep saps zigzagging to the front – and we took up our position.
“Punctually at 6 p.m. the first wave went over the parapet, being at once subjected to a tremendous cannon fire from the Germans; high explosives shattering our works and doing much damage. In a similar way, and with the same
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discouraging experience, two other battalions went over.”
“The Germans were not surprised, for we had subjected subjected them to an artillery preparation of varying intensity for three days. For the whole of the afternoon our Australian artillery had been wire-cutting; now they lifted their range so as to form a barrage of fire and thus prevent the Germans sending reinforcements up to their front. Already our guns were hot and the oil in them was boiling. The German Artillery was wonderful, and in many cases they were “on to” our batteries, and crews had to be removed. In one case the gun was struck and the whole pit wrecked. Here not a man was lost, but in another case one of our guns was hit and several men were killed including the Captain.”
It has been advanced as a criticism that, in addition
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to the barrage of fire, our guns should have directly engaged the big guns of the enemy which were firing high explosives. —— The men were willing enough, and we found that when we came up to the German machine guns the Boches were quite ready to surrender or flee. Such prisoners as we took at this stage were abject in their fear.”
“Soon there was a shortage of bombs, not because there were not bombs enough on the ground, but already the communication trenches were choked with traffic, and it was impossible to get the wounded out and the material in with sufficient speed. We were handicapped by having to fight in a system of trenches and ways which we had not time thoroughly to understand.
Terrible Fighting
“Now followed hours of confused and terrible fighting. Individual
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deeds of heroism were common. —-”
“Meanwhile our men suffered. Germans dressed in Australian uniforms came out of dug outs and turned machine guns on the backs of our advancing men. Many were thus wounded in the back. It is said that Boches who spoke English and were dressed in Australian overcoats gave bogus orders. But our men were not to be denied, and they fought on till they had captured the whole system of German trenches.
“All during the night the wounded kept coming into the dressing stations exulting in advance, and we thought we had indeed made good, for the positions were being consolidated, a trench having already been dug behind the German line, and facing them.”
“—— But the
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German has always something up his sleeve. They had flooded many of their trenches with water, and our men had to go through the muddy water up to their waists. Hour after hour the enemy guns were playing right and left, and during the night the right and left flanks were forced to withdraw. This left the Australians “in the air” and the Boches began advancing down their communication trenches on each flank until they almost enveloped our men, who by this time had fully occupied the German works in the centre. To be enfiladed with machine guns and field guns, to be bombed by rifle grenades from both flanks was our unhappy lot, and yet there was no thought of retirement in the minds of our men.”
“When the order was at last given it was only by discreet
[Page 29]
instructions, and even ruses, and then with difficulty, that the officers managed to secure an orderly retirement, so anxious were our men to stay. It was not, however, until much booty – machine guns, maps, official orders, material of all sorts, and over 100 prisoners – had been passed to the rear first.
“During the fight we unfortunately lost one of our chaplains – Captain Rev. S.E. Maxted M.A. B.D. Dog tired with running for stretcher-bearers
during a fierce cannonade, he turned aside for refuge and rest in a trench, and sitting down in the corner he immediately fell asleep. It was a front line trench and by-and-by a high explosive landed on the parapet, a fragment killing him instantly.”
“The fight lasted from 6 p.m. on the 19th to 2 p.m. on the 20th inst., although there were still a few
[Page 30]
casualties after that hour through artillery. At that time I walked round the aid posts in the front line, and hardly a stray bullet was fired on either side. Both sides were tired out, and the difficult work of getting the wounded and dead out of “no man’s land” was proceeding.”
“The work of the Australian A.M. Corps was good. Getting the wounded up the mile and a half of narrow trenches was very difficult, and the regular number of stretcher-bearers was inadequate, but the A.M.C. did all that was possible. The motor ambulance service was perfect. The vehicles were made more or less shell proof by being covered with meshes of expanded steel, and they drove right into the zone of fire.”
A Raid, or a Battle?
[Page 31]
“Of the whole movement we are told that the result has been to force the Germans to bring reinforcements and leave their guns here, thus preventing them adding to the forces which our army in the South would have to face. Our men, however, are disgusted to find the operation described in brief paragraphs in the London papers as an Anglo-Australian Raid. They think that fierce fighting for eight hours under terrific gunfire might be considered a battle.”
“We now learn that the Canadians were subjected to such artillery fire that they were unable to leave their trenches. The British got out but only reached the first line of German trenches. The Australian division, it appears was the only one to capture and occupy the German lines.”
In these extracts which
[Page 32]
come from a Captain’s letter to one of the Australian Papers I think the information is really good and reliable.
Having got to this stage I was almost forgetting one of the most outstanding and brilliant episodes of the fight. While working in the firing line when the fray was at its height we passed Major Williams of our Ambulance carrying a stretcher with a Private from the infantry. With no headgear on and perspiration running off him I was simply astounded, so much so that I paused to watch him. Yes, a Major silently working in the very front line and doing a private’s work. Until I saw him I understood that he would be back at the Brewery to perform operations and rearrange dressings as required.
Here we have the White Man so well remembered and respected by everyone since the memorable great march in Egypt.
[Page 33]
Late in the afternoon we witnessed fine aerial manouvres by 8 of our planes.
21st July (Friday)
Relieved at 1 a.m. feeling like birds let loose on the way back to the brewery. Here we had a drink of tea and something to eat, then went to bed tired out. In the afternoon Fritz bombarded the Brewery, throwing shells in the front yard and just a few yards behind it but no damage was done. We retired to trenches in the field behind the brewery while the music was going on. Later in the evening I was included in a party despatched to Port de Cleus for more Active Service Duty. When we arrived at this old farm house we learnt that shells had been thrown into it during the day so naturally we felt a bit disturbed. We waited some hours for the
[Page 34]
officer who was to have come to join us, then word reached us ordering our return to the Brewery as this idea had been cancelled. A little nearer the trenches the sky was alight with the reflection from a burning building, the place having been hit by shells. German searchlights were also scouring the district.
22nd July (Saturday)
This morning a letter of congratulations from the A.D.M.S. (Asst. Director of Medical Services) was read to us, highly praising the work performed by our Ambulance in the recent engagement. It appears that we put up a record by clearing 3,075 wounded between the hours of 2 a.m. & 6 p.m. on Thursday last. Unlucky again – this time I was included in another party of 10 and sent to the trenches at Wye Farm.
[Page 35]
This part of the “line” is approached through the village of Fleurbaix. It lies to the right of Bois Grenier where O’Leary won his V.C. A road runs through Fleurbaix past Elbow Farm and then down to Wye Farm. Both these Farms are considerably battered about but there is a strange feature about the latter. This is Headquarters of the Battalion in the trenches and yet not one shell has been fired at it during the past 18 months. So far as I am able to understand Fritz has a similar building behind his lines and if he fires at ours we will soon make short work of his. This Wye Farm is therefore pretty safe notwithstanding that the communication trenches or saps to the firing line commence here. Machine Gun bullets at night get a bit troublesome. The A.M.C. aid post is in a big brick barn building. Round the wall outside sandbags are stacked, whilst an extra strong
[Page 36]
roof has been erected in the inside about half way up. The London Rifle Brigade are occupying the trenches at present but Australians will be taking over in a day or two. Only 9 out of the original battalion of this Rifle Brigade are here now but it would be hard to find a merrier party than these. They kept us laughing for hours tonight.
23rd July (Sunday)
Last night we learnt that other creatures occupy the building besides troops. The place is alive with rats quite the size of a cat. Whilst lying awake several ran over me. It’s a relief to fall asleep. The New Zealand Field Ambulance Men have not yet been called away so we do not take over until they go. A few casualties came through during the night. Another farm house
[Page 37]
was set alight back near Fleurbaix. It seems that this is the exact place where British & Germans shook hands last Christmas, to the annoyance of the French people. Kemp & I went down to Elbow Farm for tomorrow’s rations. This was at about 9 p.m., and on the way back, just in rear of the farm on the road nine bullets flew past us.
Yesterday’s paper “The Daily Mail” refers to our recent fight as a raid.
24th July (Monday)
Slept in till 10 a.m. There were a few bad cases during the night – not much hope for them. Took over from the New Zealanders. The method of evacuating wounded is as follows:- One party carry from the R.A.P. (Regimental Aid Post) up in the support
[Page 38]
trenches down Gunner’s Walk sap to Wye Farm. Here another party wheel patients on “spiders” to Elbow Farm. From Elbow Farm a third party is allotted the duty of loading the Motor Ambulance when it comes down or if it is daylight they have to wheel the patient in to Fleurbaix and put him on the Ambulance there. These duties at the three posts are undertaken turn about. Four men occupy a dug-out at Jay Post in the supports near the R.A.P. for 2 days, another 4 stay at Wye Farm, and the last two at Elbow Farm in a small dug-out for 24 hours.
At mid-day my mate Kemp and I were sent to the R.A.P. now occupying a dirty little dug-out which has previously been used as a fire place. Rats are numerous so also are shells and bullets.
[Page 39]
We carried down a few cases this evening.
25th July (Tuesday)
Practically no sleep during the night. The Germans were shelling heavily – 150 H.E.’s into our front parapets killing numbers and wounding a few. There were 20 casualties altogether. A Shell nose cap dropped at the door of our dug-out.
In the afternoon we changed over to the new dug-out. Two of our men who have been here for 2 days are being relieved by another two so we hopped into the better dug-out.
26th July (Wednesday)
Only one case to carry down today. Two were shot through the head but they died shortly afterwards. We never carry dead unless they have passed away while in our hands, in which case we
[Page 40]
send them right on to the Ambulance Dressing Station.
At 6 p.m. returned to Wye Farm. Another trip for rations which proved very lively with machine guns sweeping the road and shells flying on all sides. Glad to get into bed.
27th July (Thursday)
Out of bed at about 10 a.m. It was mostly artillery firing today. Fritz knocked our trenches about a bit. Machine Guns & snipers dangerous at night.
28th July (Friday)
Beautiful Day. Had to get up early this morning to prepare for an inspection by Mjr. Gen. McKay but he didn’t come. Instructions referred to the General as Lance-Corporal so as to ward off any spies. Our Artillery and a few 75’s
[Page 41]
were very busy today. Germans shelling Fleurbaix and roads behind us. 11 of our aeroplanes were up, one performing wonderfully. This was The Mad Major’s plane so we watched him very closely. He dived to within 100 ft. of the German trenches and opened up the machine gun. In this manner he carried on throughout the whole afternoon and Fritz had painted the sky black & white with shells but couldn’t hit him. The man is indeed a marvel. An artillery man told me today that during last night they knocked a German armoured train off the line.
29th July (Saturday)
Another lovely day. I went to Elbow Farm for the rations. We have decided that it is better to go for them in
[Page 42]
the mornings. Today the sky is beautifully clear for aerial observation and planes made the best of it. A great fleet of our aeroplanes passed across the German lines on a bombing expedition. Fritz fired wildly at them but without success.
In the evening we had another trip to the R.A.P.
30th July (Sunday)
Up at about 10 o’clock. Only two cases to carry down to Wye Farm. Our Artillery battered the German trenches about and we were surprised that Fritz didn’t retaliate. Aircraft busy.
31st July (Monday)
About 6 a.m. took serious case down to Wye Farm – this man was shot through the head after sniping a few Germans. These cases are very unpleasant especially
[Page 43]
before breakfast. My clothes were splashed with blood. The poor fellow died later I understand. A sergeant was also shot in the head but not seriously. There were 6 cases altogether. During last night the boom from our Naval Guns in the rear shook the earth. One of Fritz’s big guns was hit yesterday. My mate & I are now at Elbow Farm in a solid little dug-out. We have had rather a happy evening in company with two signallers and an A.M.C. detail man from the machine gun section.
1st August (Tuesday)
The cook from the Machine Gun Section brought us our breakfast in bed – cocoa and ham. Trip in to Fleurbaix with patient. Shells coming over this way pretty heavily today. Top blown off the Church. Back to Wye Farm Post,
[Page 44]
2nd August (Wednesday)
Up at 10 a.m. Walked right back to the Brewery at Fort Rompu with a sick man. Germans shelling both sides of the road. Ambulance packed up – “C” Section moved. Lucky to have been back at the Brewery today for Fritz was shelling our supports heavily. Our dug-out in the supports narrowly escaped. Returned to Wye Farm from the Brewery in the ration car tonight.
3rd August (Thursday)
Roused out to take serious case at 5.20 a.m. – man shot through head. Germans still shelling our supports. 3rd turn at the R.A.P. An intense bombardment opened up by our guns.
[Page 45]
4th August (Friday)
We passed through a night of anxious terror, sitting huddled up in the small dug-out – four of us. For days past Fritz has been exposing a notice “Keep your heads down till August 4th”. Yesterday he threw over some heavy shells. At exactly midnight terrific crashes broke forth. All our guns fired at the same time, some having been connected together so that they would go off at the one moment. Fritz got an awful introduction into the 3rd year of the war. The guns hammered away for hours in intense fury. We got no rest at all. This morning there were 4 casualties to carry down. A few more shells came close to us during the day. 8th Fld. Ambulance have moved from the Brewery to an unknown destination &
[Page 46]
we are left isolated. No news of relief.
5th August (Saturday)
Lay awake for hours last night troubled by large mosquitoes, guns and machine guns. A few more patients this morning. One man was hit by an explosive bullet. The infantry here are being relieved today. My friend and I before settling down at Elbow Farm after changing over were required to take some dressings to an officer at Port de Cleus, between Fort Rompu and Fleurbaix. We had handed the dressings over and were having our tea in an estaminet close by when two shells came over with an awful crash. They landed in a farm yard not far behind us and the concussion shook the building we were in.
[Page 47]
20 men were wounded by these two shells.
An aeroplane decended in the fields near us on the way back to Elbow Farm. It seems that the airman was hit whilst over Lille and he volplaned down to our lines. Today we had a look round the ruins of the Fleurbaix Church. No sooner had we got into bed at Elbow Farm than we heard the call for A.M.C. men. We went over to where the man was lying, carried him into our dug-out and soon decided that drink was the only complaint. He couldn’t return to his unit in this state so we put him to bed.
6th August (Sunday)
The bird gave trouble all night. We got rid of him at daybreak and slept in till 11 a.m. Quiet day
[Page 48]
except for aeroplanes. At night on returning to Wye Farm things were terrifying in the fields to our left. Guns and bursting shells made a fierce chaos. Looking out from the porthole in our building the scene was awful. We had no sleep till 3 o’clock in the morning.
7th August (Monday)
Went to Elbow Farm for rations & mail. Fritz shelling the batteries behind us also Fleurbaix which is already in ruins. Numbers wounded in the village.
British squadron of planes passed over. There were 8 altogether & Fritz failed to hit any. No doubt we have the superiority here in aeroplanes.
8th August (Tuesday)
Case at about 5 a.m. Back
[Page 49]
to bed and slept till 11. Not much doing today except for aeroplanes and artillery. Light Horse entered the trenches today to reinforce infantry.
In the afternoon we returned to the R.A.P.
9th August (Wednesday)
No cases to carry down. Left the trenches at 3.30 p.m. having been relieved by another party from the Ambulance. Fleurbaix shelled. Guns knocked out and roads torn up. Walked to Fort Rompu, had tea, then proceeded off to Doulieu to rejoin our unit. We passed out on a road through Sailly and were stopped by a representative of the Divisional Staff. This officer marched us back to Div. Headquarters without giving a reason. Here we were informed that
[Page 50]
we shouldn’t have used this road, but they allowed us to go on this time seeing that we had commenced on the and it would mean lengthening our journey to go by the proper route. Arrived in camp at Doulieu 11 p.m. and slept in a bell tent.
10th August (Thursday)
Not asked to do any work. Looked round the local Church which was destroyed by the Germans. It is said that the Germans put their dead inside the building, threw petroleum over the bodies and then set them alight.
11th August (Friday)
On Piquet and wandering round the village when
[Page 51]
off duty. Stan Wilson, my particular friend in the Ambulance and who carried with me in our first engagement today got shell shock in the trenches to the right of Wye Farm. The Regimental Aid Post was blown in by high explosives and a party had to dig themselves out.
12th August (Saturday)
Digging grass from round the wards all the morning. In afternoon marched to Sailly for a bath and rode back on motor lorries.
13th August (Sunday)
On Water Piquet. Went with Gillies to a village behind Doulieu and to Estaires in the afternoon
[Page 52]
for water. All these villages have their well somewhere in a prominent place and the water is drawn up chiefly by a pump. This district is looking beautiful at present now that the crops are ripe.
A special parade was called this evening in order to notify us about moving tomorrow. The Colonel also announced that T.W. Howard has been awarded the Military Medal for distinguished bravery on 19th July.
14th August (Monday)
Marched out at 6.30 a.m. It was a lovely morning. We halted close to Laventie and sat down on the side
[Page 53]
of the road waiting to see the King. He, however, came by a different road. Some managed to see him but I didn’t. Returning back a few miles along the same roads we billeted in a buildings part of which are being used as a school for little girls. It is rather a fine place to live in. So here we are in Estaires again, and right in the centre of the town.
15th August (Tuesday)
Squad drill morning and afternoon up and down the yard. Its amusing to hear the boys “going crook”, as the saying goes. They don’t like the idea of cleaning boots every morning & shaving to do squad drill. Tommy Artillery going in Armentieres way. Orders today contain reference to assisting civilians in harvesting whenever troops can be spared.
[Page 54]
Leave from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. Had a look through the beautiful church in the town.
16th August (Wednesday)
In morning marched to Baths. Afternoon march to Sailly and back, then paid. Two of us were yarning with a family of refined French people who own a large shop in the town. They were in Lille previously but fled when the Germans came through that city. These people speak remarkably good English, especially a son who has been discharged from the French Army minus a hand. It seems that the French detested the Indians and were glad to get rid of the dirty black men, as they are termed. The Indians were practically useless in France as everyone agrees.
[Page 55]
17th August (Thursday)
Raining last night and wet today. In morning more squad drill. Afternoon off. T.W. Howard was today decorated. Newspapers report King George under fire in France. This is a source of great amusement here because the King didn’t go any further than a nervous child would go. This evening we went to the Pictures in La Gorgue. New Zealand Artillery moving in Somme direction.
18th August (Friday)
Went to the dentists’ at No. 1 Clearing Hospital this morning. More agony in the shape of squad drill this afternoon. Out for tea as usual after 5.30 p.m. Rumours that 22,000 Tommies arrive on Sunday. Not very pleasing to the inhabitants.
Raining hard tonight.
[Page 56]
19th August (Saturday)
Still raining. By a little bit of headwork managed to secure a very soft job – sweeping a room out after meals. This is all I have to do daily. Letter writing cut down to three letters a week each one not to consist of more than two pages.
20th August (Sunday)
Raining. Church Parade at Y.M.C.A. Everyone in this village seems to go to Church. The chiming of the church bells is beautiful. Kit inspection. 22,000 Tommies arrived from the Somme. They are a merry lot notwithstanding the heavy losses.
21 August (Monday)
In morning the A.D.M.S. visited our Ambulance &
[Page 57]
asked for 6 carpenters to be sent to erect buildings at the Nouve Au Monde Rest Station, at present being carried on by the 15th Fld. Amb. My name was mentioned by someone, without referring to me first. Marched to Sailly, (or, to be more precise, Nouve Au Monde) and commenced work. The first building to be erected measures 99’ x 12’ of 5 rooms. In evening walked to Fort Rompu, halting on the way to have a look through a small but new cemetry where numbers of victims killed on 19th July are buried. Tommies are leaving this locality on their second trip to the Somme and they don’t like the idea of it at all. An operation that has been provided for us to live in while working here.
22nd August (Tuesday)
Started work at 9 a.m.
[Page 58]
In evening went to Picture Show in Sailly. Scotch on their way to Armentieres from the Somme. Gas School in the paddock near by – experimenting today. Thunder storm tonight.
23rd August (Wednesday)
A.D.M.S. came and expressed his satisfaction with the progress we are making. Cutting out roof plates all day. In the evening huge guns on caterpillar wheels and drawn by two tractors arrived to strafe La Bassee. Aeroplanes report the presence of civilians in the German trenches so the Tommies are going over the bags tonight. Gas Alert. Terrific bombardment opened late at night. Poor Fritz must be getting on rather badly.
24th August (Thursday)
A lovely day. Four cart
[Page 59]
loads of timber arrived & we got a good bit of the framework up. Planes & battle planes up all day. As darkness set in the sky was spotted with shell marks & it was a great sight watching the flashes from a machine gun on one of our planes.
25th August (Friday)
Guns & aeroplanes again busy. Party of 12 more men arrived from our unit to dig a drain. 2 9.8 howitzers dragged along the road by tractors. One of our planes brought down.
26th August (Saturday)
Heard that Wilcox & Stanton who enlisted and were in camp with me in Aust. both suffered on 19th July. The former was wounded & the latter is a prisoner of war, also wounded. Advance Guard of 1st & 2nd Aust. Div.
[Page 60]
passed through from the Somme. Went to baths at Bac St. Maur this afternoon and met Middlecoat from Mosman.
27th August (Sunday)
At 2 a.m. the cooks were roused out in order to get breakfast ready for the 15th F. Amb. bearers at 4.30 a.m. These bearers were rushed down to the trenches to be in readiness for a raid which had been planned. However, nothing transpired and the men returned, later in the day. Some of our unit are out harvesting. More guns arrived today.
28th August (Monday)
Taubes up. Residents of Fleurbaix warned to leave the village. 15th F.A. bearers off again to the trenches. 5th Divisional troops going over the bags at midnight.
[Page 61]
Five of our carpentry party went in to Estaires to see a concert given by our unit. I, however, went into Sailly with Roy Middlecoat and visited the picture show. Later in the night we were called upon to assist in the operating theatre, working in shifts. A heavy bombardment was going on till after midnight.
30th August (Wednesday)
Completed the roof of our job, then commenced putting malthoid round the walls. Rain & mud made conditions miserable. A.M.C. Comforts distributed, consisting of Salmon, Tomato Sauce, Fruit etc. Again the guns and trench mortars got busy.
29th August (Tuesday)
The attack last night was a failure on account of the barbed wire not having been
[Page 62]
out sufficiently. Stretcher-bearers came back at midday. Heavy rain fell during the evening and increased to a thunderstorm. Guns however could be heard distinctly above the noise of the storm.
31st August (Thursday)
Couple of our planes brought down. We are now using High Explosives in the air.
1st September (Friday)
Building. In evening went into Estaires.
2nd September (Saturday)
Should have been sent to Baths at Sailly this afternoon but the 15th Colonel mixed things up & we were therefore beaten for our usual bath. Some of our unit are doing traffic police duty in Estaires.
[Page 63]
3rd September (Sunday)
No work. Saw a magnificent sight in the air – 25 of our planes were performing and Fritz was firing frantically at them. Went into Estaires again this evening.
4th September (Monday)
A cold day. Laying flooring on job. Orders have been sent to us requesting the return of the pocket patches which we have previously had sewn inside our tunics. Another satchel is being issued instead to carry the second gas helmet.
5th September (Tuesday)
Raining all day and the guns are still hammering away. They seem to take advantage of the rain. Still on flooring.
[Page 64]
6th September (Wednesday)
On job. “B” section have been recalled to Estaires to run the baths. At night guns from all round us, though I couldn’t locate many, made a terrific commotion till after midnight. A stray shell dropped near Estaires. Cavalry came through Estaires tonight in large numbers apparently bound for Ypres.
7th September (Thursday)
Bombardment opened again. Pieces of shrapnel from Fritz whistled near our tent.
8th September (Friday)
On Job. Went into Estaires again after tea. The intense bombardment of yesterday opened again today. Airman brought in by 15th F. Amb. stretcher bearers. He flew from over Lille wounded badly in arm and leg. More
[Page 65]
pieces of shrapnel came over our way.
9th September (Saturday)
Afternoon off to visit baths at Bac-St.-Maur then a few of us went on to Fort Rompu. German planes dropped circulars round Estaires for the citizens to read. Heavy bombardment in the night.
10th September (Sunday)
Nothing doing in morning. In afternoon we had to erect a bell tent and leave the operation tent because it was required for patients. One of our chaps chap was fool enough to sprinkle too much formalin in the tent. The fumes caused considerable trouble for hours. Rumours of a big offensive from Ypres to Arras.
11th September (Monday)
Tommy Artillery replacing
[Page 66]
ours in this district. Went to Estaires in evening. “C” Section leaving the Rest Station at Doulieu and coming in to headquarters at Estaires. 80 men to be held in readiness for use in the trenches when required.
12th September (Tuesday)
Bombardment opening round Armentieres way. Laying floor of the 4th room at the building today. Beautiful day. It is rumoured that we would have attacked Fritz on this front last night only that the light was too bad for aerial observation. Tonight the conditions are bad but planes are up.
13th September (Wednesday)
On job. Tents in camp were all stained red today to ward off aerial observation by Fritz. Raining & Cloudy. Concert in evening given by
[Page 67]
the 15th Fld. Amb. and every item was exceedingly good.
[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Betty Smith for the State Library of New South Wales]
Item 3
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
W. J. A. Allsop diary, 14 September-22 November 1916
MLMSS 1606/Item 3
[Page 1]
Thursday 14th September
On job. Bitterly cold. Weather dull for observation purposes. 2000 loads of ammunition coming across bridge behind us tonight so probably things will liven up.
Friday 15th Sept.
Bitterly cold last night. Day turned out very clear so aeroplanes made the best of it. 12 of them were visible, all ours. Guns broke out in the evening.
Saturday 16th Sept.
On job in morning. In afternoon went to Estaires
[Page 2]
for bath. Proclamation comes into force today keeping civilians inside their houses after 8.30 pm. Our “C” Section came in from Doulieu. Intense bombardment opened out late at night. Guns round us shaking the floor of our tent. 30th Batt. going over tonight in a raid.
Sunday 17th Sept.
Beautiful Day. Writing most of the time. Two huge battleplanes flew over and we got a fine view of them because they weren’t far up. Numbers of other planes are up. Two
[Page 3]
of Fritz’s taubes are up, & British guns are after them. In evening went to Bac St. Maur re cushion. Leave roster now out. I am No. 120 on the list. Intense “Kettle drum” bombardment in evening.
Monday 18th Sept.
Raining all day. Plans out for new bathroom which we are to commence after the present job. The 30th Batt. went over last night in raid close by. They brought back a few prisoners & knocked the German trenches about.
[Page 4]
Tuesday 19th Sept.
Raining all day. The Major again hurried us on with our work because of patients. He is very impatient. The building is now ready all but the windows. These have been made but not yet put together. Aeroplanes busy today. Intense bombardment of Fritz’s line, taking advantage of the rain. Dreamt that we would be called in tomorrow.
Wednesday 20th Sept.
Raining all day. Order came recalling us. We have
[Page 5]
to report back in camp tomorrow morning. The 15th F.A. don’t want to let us go as the Engineer says the work will come to a standstill. Went to Fort Rompu in evening & got the cushion.
Thursday 21st Sept.
Marched back to our headquarters at Estaires, our packs being sent in per ambulance motor. Bath as soon as we arrived. Market day in the town. Pictures at La Gorgue in evening. We are to move out
[Page 6]
at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning bound for Armentiers to relieve the Scottish.
Friday 22nd Sept.
Up at 4.30 a.m. The unit moved off at 6 a.m. but I was left behind through having to load a waggon. This however proved a good thing because my friend & I put our packs on a motor and rode on the Ambulance Car behind the unit. I met Jack Ellis & young Best on the road. Reached Armentieres early in the morning. It is a fine big town (or city to be more precise).
[Page 7]
I doubt whether it would be possible to go all round the place in one day. Tram lines are not used but trams run up with stores at night. We were put into a big Hospital building at present occupied by the Scots whom we are to relieve. This unit is composed of all branches including some from the Black Watch. Wandered round the city at night up to 8 pm. The trenches are very close by & occasionally the Germans throw shells in though our building hasn’t been touched.
[Page 8]
Streets are desolate in some places & sandbag barricades are put up to protect the cellars under the various buildings. There are some rather fine buildings here. Only the 8th Brigade of our Division are being sent to Armentieres accompanied by our unit. The church has been badly smashed and this is remarkable when one notices that the places around about haven’t been touched. Aeroplanes flew over all day & the Germans were firing at them, the shell
[Page 9]
nose-caps dropping in the city. At night after our “B” Section went to the trenches a fierce bombardment opened up and ended abruptly. It It seems that “A” section will be given duties at cleaning up the town etc.
23rd Sept. Saturday.
The bombardment last night was only the Scots spending their surplus shells on Fritz. I was put on the garbage cart sweeping rubbish off the streets. Pictures at night.
24th Sept. Sunday.
Scotties leaving Armentiers. A part of 22 of our unit put
[Page 10]
on the incinerators. The Scotch regiment consisted of Royal Scotch, Gordon H’landers, Seaforth H’landers, Highland Light Infantry, Scottish Rifles or (Cameronians) Black Watch etc. Prisoners working at incinerators clearing the ashes away. Coates Cotton Factory & a Blue Factory on either side of us. Troops have been shot on this spot & I have heard tales of the disgraceful treatment of our prisoners. Belgians hated at this part. Belgium only across the bridge close to us.
25th Sept. Monday
[Page 11]
On incinerator. Just after 6 o’clock Fritz gave us the usual welcome he gives all new troops to this town viz. a few shells. Awful crashes and explosions occurred just down the street from us at 11.30 “square” and shrapnel burst overhead sending the pellets rolling along the footpath. A number of casualties.
26th Sept. Tuesday
Incinerator. No Pictures last night because of shells. Its marvellous how Fritz gets to know about this. Our guns and armoured train gave
[Page 12]
Fritz a lively time tonight. A few more shells dropped in town principally at 11.30 square & Houplines. Each evening we visit some French friends and sit talking to them till 8.30.
27th Sept. Wednesday
Incinerator. More shells in the evening. Numbers killed & wounded though none are hurt in the trenches. 1000 British drove 40,000 Germans out of Armentiers two years back. Spies are pretty numerous. German balloon broke loose & 5 of our planes
[Page 13]
plus anti aircraft guns were at it. They eventually brought it down in flames.
28th Sept. Thursday.
Incinerator. Baths at Nieppe in afternoon. Lucky to have gone there because shells fell on the road we would most likely have returned by. It was a terrible evening. 20 killed & over 40 wounded. Hideous sights were sickening. Woman who was off her head. Crowds watching cars unload. Old man killed aged 72 & windows of every place in the street broken by 6 inch
[Page 14]
high explosive. Some shells fell close to our billet & killed 8 pioneers wounding others. All this from Fritz was retaliation for our success on the Somme because artillery say every one of our guns here can be hit without the Germans putting one shell near the town. Late in the evening up came the armoured train and all guns gave Fritz a hell of a time.
29th September (Friday)
Incinerator all day. When we returned to billet all
[Page 15]
were ordered off to the cellars in Brewery because our guns intended giving Fritz a heavy bombardment. We were in the cellars over an hour but Fritz didn’t send one shell back. Before going to cellars we were all issued with new box gas respirators and were put under tear gas to experiment. No lights allowed at night. Learnt that one of our aeroplanes had ventured low over a village opposite which had hitherto been in our opinion
[Page 16]
only occupied by civilians but the airman discovered the presence of Germans there, so our guns were all going to concentrate on this spot at the same time. Naturally we expected that Fritz would get annoyed hence the precautions in the town. All was peaceful during the night.
30th Sept. (Saturday)
On incinerator for hour or so then a party of us were sent off to Neippe to bury 8 cows killed in Armentiers on 28th inst.
[Page 17]
We got the hole pretty deep in the hard clay with the assistance of the N.Z. but the cows didn’t turn up.
1st October (Sunday)
Working at moving the cows from the shed in rather bad smell. Scottish assisting. It was frightfully bad work. Fritz shelling town again.
2nd October (Monday)
Moving cows again. Raining all day. Fritz dropped more shells in scaring the civilians. Usual round of
[Page 18]
visits at night.
3rd October (Tuesday)
On incinerator. More shells dropped at 3 pm some near our billet. A number of casualties including an old man killed. Our guns retaliated.
4th October (Wednesday)
On incinerator. Early in afternoon Fritz started to drop shells all over the town. When we returned to our billet the others were missing, having gone to the brewery cellars. At 9 pm more shells dropped all round us. Three times
[Page 19]
to bed and up again as late as 2 am. Our big guns including “Happy Harry” retaliated in such a way as to shake the buildings.
5th October (Thursday)
Quiet this morning. Town badly damaged yesterday. Number of casualties. Civilians leaving Armentiers. Even now the place is nearly deserted. Afternoon off. Today’s Daily Mail contains fine article of tribute to Anzac.
[Page 20]
6th October (Friday)
Buried a horse at Pont de Neippe in morning. Ten more shells thrown over into the town.
7th October (Saturday)
On incinerator all day. 8th Brigade put gas over but proved disastrous to our own side as also did the raid last night. No more shells today from Fritz.
8th October (Sunday)
Quiet day – light rain. No work and peace from Fritz. Estaminets close
[Page 21]
tomorrow night in all towns round this quarter due to illness diphtheria having broken out. Rumours say that the Germans are responsible. Civilians have left Armentiers in large numbers during the past week. The bombardment lately was the heaviest since the commencement of the war.
9th October (Monday)
On incinerator. Weak N.Z. replaced by stronger men. 30th Batt. Stretcher bearers returned to their
[Page 22]
unit. Estaminets closed for 3 days.
10th October (Tuesday)
On Waggons touring round the streets after rubbish. No more souvenirs from Fritz. Heated arguments against conscription, in our billet till late at night.
11th October (Wednesday)
On Waggons again today and visited dentist. Debate on Conscription at Y.M.C.A. 6 pm. Only 5 votes for conscription from the whole audience.
12th October (Thursday)
Off duty on dental leave
[Page 23]
but didn’t see the dentist. Between 1 & 3 pm artillery finding ranges. About 7 pm a huge 15 inch gun drawn in parts by 7 traction engines passed through towards Erquinghem with only 16 rounds of ammunition 16 tons. The gun itself would weigh about 96 tons. The road space taken up by this gun was about 100 yards long.
13th October (Friday)
New Zealanders from the Somme returning to take our place in Armentieres. 40 motor lorries arrived this
[Page 24]
morning. I was asked to accompany a sgt. & an officer as billet guide, so, late in the afternoon, after bidding “Au Revoir” to my many French friends we rode as far as the Y.M.C.A. in a motor Ambulance where we were transferred to the last of 40 lorries conveying the 31st Batt. Up to the time we arrived in France there were over 30,000 of these lorries here but now the country is alive with them. The civilians were sorry to lose the Australians
[Page 25]
from Armentieres but glad the N.Z’s are coming back (those that remain). We travelled out through Pont de Neippe and Bailleul to a place called Strazeele situated 7 kilos from Hazebrouck. It stands on a hill and gives beautiful views in all directions. The Germans were only here for 1 day before being hunted out by the British. We slept in a small building used as a school but as the place was already crowded with infantry we had to be
[Page 26]
satisfied with a draughty position at the top of the stairs.
14th October (Saturday)
After breakfast of the usual and only type obtainable by way of a feed viz eggs & chips we wandered all round the farmhouses and finally completed billeting arrangements just as the first flight of our unit arrived about 12.30 pm. I then hurriedly secured a position in the best billet which consisted of a room above an Estaminet
[Page 27]
capable of holding 20 men. The remainder of our unit arrived soon after 6.30 pm and I had to direct them to their respective barns. The people in our Estaminet speak surprisingly good English.
15th October (Sunday)
Good sleep last night. Route march with packs up in morning. In afternoon list of shortages in equipment taken & leaflets issued from Mr. Hughes re conscription. He advises all of us to vote yes but so far as the majority
[Page 28]
of those I know are concerned it will be a solid “NO”. The evening turned out bitterly cold just after we returned from blackberry picking.
16th October (Monday)
Reveille at 5.30. Breakfast 6 am. Parade with 1 blanket at 7. These are being sent off with the transport. Party of 12 left at 6.30 for Armentieres to load a few waggons there. At 8.30 we were called to the Orderly Room to vote. Mine was “No Conscription” without
[Page 29]
hesitation. Most of our unit voted likewise. When half way through the voting orders came to stop proceedings but we put all the votes through. The reason for stopping is unknown.
17th October (Tuesday)
Coffee as usual from the girls as soon as we got out of bed. Infantry are now moving out. Yesterday afternoon we marched to Caestre and Flerte for exercise. About 2 pm started on march to Bailleul
[Page 30]
over a distance of 9 miles arriving there in the evening in pouring rain. Entrained in cattle trucks (110 per truck). No sleep all night. Passed Calais & Boulogne and disentrained at Longpre at 8 am.
18th October (Wednesday)
About 10 o’clock marched off in drizzling rain 10 miles to Erguies, a little village out on the hills. The roads are all frightfully muddy. It was a very tiring march especially as we carried all our gear including packs & blanket. Reached Erguies
[Page 31]
about 4 pm. We are the first Australians to visit the village. Scenery all round this Somme country is beautiful. Bitterly cold in bed at night with only the one blanket. We slept on the straw in a barn.
19th October (Thursday)
Resting all day. Raining & bitterly cold. Pinching apples and walnuts from the orchards. Had to cook our own tea in the evening because the transport left last night for Albert. We follow tomorrow. Farm people here have a fancy for rabbits,
[Page 32]
almost every farm has its cage of rabbits. Whether they are pets or used for eating I don’t know.
20th October (Friday)
Moved off at 8 am. and after a stupid round about march by our colonel we arrived at the position on top of a hill a few miles from Erguies where hundreds of Paris motor busses & motor lorries were lined up to take us to Albert. As far as the eye could see over numbers of hills there was this chain of motors. Leaving our position at about 10 am we
(Passed Amiens, through part of it.)
[Page 33]
passed in a direction through Flixecourt to Buire arriving here at about 4 pm. As our motor had broken down on the road we arrived late and our Ambulance had moved off. After wandering about 4 miles off the road we finally found the others in Dernancourt close to Albert. Slept on wire beds in a barn. Bitterly Cold.
21 October (Saturday)
It was fearfully cold last night and frosty this morning. Moved off at about 9 am sighting the famous statue of Albert Church in the distance. Transport and
[Page 34]
moving British Troops coming out of action made our progress along the roads very slow. German Prisoners. Everything living creature is covered in mud. Guns booming from all directions. We gradually made our way round the hills along these muddy roads, over trenches & shell holes to a spot on the northern side of Mametz woods. Lucky to get in with Tommies and sleep for the night in a floored hut. 18” gun on the railway line. Numbers of others on different branches of the railway now being pushed forward.
[Page 35]
22nd October (Sunday)
Up about 8.30 am after bitterly cold night. Frost is thick on the ground and ice is caked on every waterhole. We moved out to the Advanced Dressing Station. Bearers were then sent across to dugouts at Green Dump, a mile further on to a position about a mile north of Montauban. 9.2” and 8” Howitzers not far away crashing out deafening reports. The whole earth is scattered with dugouts and guns. There are guns everywhere and thousands
[Page 36]
of shells to each gun. At 4 pm all our bearers were taken out to relieve the Tommy ambulance, our party taking the first post. The distance of 6,000 yards is worked in 7 posts. The noise of our guns as we passed under their muzzles and the fierce flashes which blinded us and left us dazed for some seconds afterwards were terrifying. Six 8” howitzers close to the sap in which we 12 were stationed made the earth rock. Cotton wool in our ears was the
[Page 37]
only step we could take towards easing the noise for our ear drums. Little grave yards are scattered here and there. From a small and insignificant little army England has one there now, the might of which will never be fully realized by those who have not been through a phase of this World’s greatest butchery on the Somme. A few bricks remain of places that were once villages. High Wood and Mametz wood are torn up in a frightful state.
[Page 38]
Fritz made a fine show of resistance no doubt, but he was absolutely blown out by artillery. Of all the ground visible for miles in every direction, up and down hill. There isn’t a patch of sound earth. It resembles the effect of heavy rain on a pool of water. Aeroplanes, too numerous to count were up today and 22 observation balloons, one occupied by W. Beach Thomas the Daily Mail correspondent. Fritz can’t get even one balloon up, so effective are our planes.
[Page 39]
Four fights in the air took place today. Our antiaircraft guns spoilt one engagement by unavoidably bringing one forcing our plane to land. It got in the fire zone of the land guns. However we brought down 3 German planes this afternoon. Relieved by the 14th Field Amb. at 12 o’clock midnight. 15th Field Amb. relieve the 14th at 8 am in the morning.
23rd October (Monday)
It was a heavy task finding our way back to Green Dump. Almost all of us slipped
[Page 40]
into water holes or muddy marshes so that we were clay from the tops of our heads to the big clumps of earth clinging to our boots. 17” naval gun near green dump. Up to our post again at 4 pm today and enlarged the dug-out post into a fair sized dug-out. It’s awful carrying patients at night, not only for the slippery mud and shell holes but also on account of the dazing and nerve-racking flashes from our own guns.
[Page 41]
Another struggle back to green dump at midnight.
24th October (Tuesday)
Raining and dull again today. Guns still on their dismal boom, ours giving Fritz fully 20 to 1. Relieved tonight at 11 p.m. after 7 hours work because we have a more strenuous outing tomorrow. Numbers of our men are now cracking up under the strain.
25th October (Wednesday)
No breakfast. Called out
[Page 42]
at 10.30 a.m. – moved off at 12.30 to take up a new post, this time the R.A.P. at the firing line 4 miles or more out. 26 men went out there. Saps up to our knees in water. Sinking to our knees on roads (or what was left of them). Passing through Flers we duly arrived at the old factory which to outside appearances is nothing but a heap of bricks and broken timber. Underneath, however the German dugout is an
[Page 43]
enormous place. Numbers of large rooms and passageways running deep into the earth, with two outlets is the nearest description. Shells have apparently failed to pierce the inmost parts. In here we were crowded out, as the place was full when we arrived. Worked in two shifts of 6 hours off & 6 hours on, 12 men & an N.C.O. per shift. When on duty we waited at the Medical Aid passageway, standing up all the time in this foul-aired compartment.
[Page 44]
When off duty we retired to a dark and cold draughty passage near the escape door. Here we sat huddled up or stood up for the 6 hours with in wet boots & clay covered sand bags bound round our legs, these also soaking wet. During the whole 30 hours under these conditions Fritz shelled all round the place and even hit us at times. It was dangerous to show a head up the opening. Four men were
[Page 45]
killed at the entrance just as we arrived. Imagine therefore the duty of stretcher bearers, for we are now carrying under heavy fire when other men in the dugout cannot venture out. The flare lights at night show us up, hence the liability of being picked out by machine guns. Climbing over trenches and round the shell holes where sometimes the path is only 6 inches wide and slippery the result was simply
[Page 46]
awful. Stretcher and bearers fell time after time but still we had to plod on. It’s the heaviest and most exhausting duty on the field as even infantry admit. When our attack comes in a day or two I don’t know how we are to get on.
26th October (Thursday)
Heavily shelled today. The colonel of the 31st asked our artillery to retaliate and they did. Relieved two hours late – 8 pm instead of 6 pm so had to find our way
[Page 47]
right back over the 5 or 6 miles distance to Green Dump. This we did in 5 hours, losing our track more than once. I fell into the mud 5 times but all the others were worse off. Absolutely exhausted when we reached A.D.S. where they gave us cocoa. Glad to reach Green Dump at 1 am tonight and get our wet things off, also to get some stew and tea. During the two days we have been out our rations consisted of 2 loaves for 13 men
[Page 48]
2 small tins of jam, & 1 tin of butter. 2 tins of Pork & Beans enough only for 4 men for 1 meal, and 1 tin of Army Rations (meat & vegetables cold) sufficing 4 men for 1 meal. Hence there was only really enough for 1 meal all round, therefore, of the 5 meals, we missed four. How ever did we lift a stretcher? We were glad to get a sleep too on arriving at Green Dump because we had none last night.
[Page 49]
27th October (Friday)
Stayed in bed all the morning. Cold, cloudy & raining outside. At 4 pm we moved off to relieve the 14th F. Amb. at Runner’s Post (the second). It was raining heavily at the time and we lost our way. We went miles out of our course through Longueval & Delville Woods. In these places there is good evidence of bitter fighting. Absolutely wet through we duly relieved the 14th and spent a busy evening with patients as a
[Page 50]
result of Fritz’s heavy shelling. The sap in some places holds water knee deep and mud the same depth in other places. The number of sick men from our unit is rapidly increasing. There will be more after our present experience. Alick, the cook, put blanket socks on us while our others dried, but even so we were nearly frozen in this draughty spot.
28th October (Saturday)
The attack previously arranged for today has been put off
[Page 51]
on account of the beastly weather. The mud in places is feet deep. No sleep at all last night. A new invention has been put into operation today in the shape of a sledge which holds one stretcher. This is drawn by a horse and it slides over the mud. It is hoped to use this method more extensively in the future and so save the stretcher-bearers laborious work. Air fight today in which one of our planes came slowly to earth. At 6 pm we moved out to Goose Alley,
[Page 52]
(1 Fritz plane brought down)
another R.A.P. about the same distance out as Factory Wall, past Flers. Infantry were changing over at the same time and Fritz was throwing a barrage across. Of the 6 or 7 small houses which constituted Flers before the war there isn’t one brick left upon another. One time villages are now only a few bricks. A tank may be seen near Flers and the paths across trenches by these instruments are visible outside our present German dugout. Yes, we
[Page 53]
are again in a deep German Dugout close to the firing line. German dead bodies are scattered all over the ground. About a dozen wounded were taken back to Flers tonight.
29th October (Sunday)
Woke up this morning after a short sleep, and could hardly speak with the bad cold I developed in the night. One of our patients today had shot himself in the foot. Met Bert Newman. Relieved at 4.30 pm & left for Green Dump hurried along by 3 shrapnel shells from Fritz. Issued with
[Page 54]
new pair of socks and hot tea on arrival at Green Dump. 17” Naval Gun kept waking us up through the night.
30th October (Monday)
Raining & bitterly cold wind blowing. Attack which had been put off till today has to be postponed still further. First shave for 12 days & first apology for a wash in 10 days. Took up position at Turk Post. The rain was coming in through the stretchers overhead and one portion of the sap collapsed. We were all wet through and our feet were
[Page 55]
frozen. Two of us therefore decided to go down to the A.D.S at Thistle Dump and sit in the cook house, which we did. No sleep all night.
31st October (Tuesday)
At mid-day after removing a large number of wounded we were ordered back to A.D.S. as Turk Post would not be used again on account of the sledges. At A.D.S. we had to pull down a large dug out and were then sent out to McCormack’s Post to assist in digging new accomodation for a dressing station to be used when the advance comes. On arrival at
[Page 56]
McCormack’s (near Flers) we found that a large body of men were already engaged in the work. It looked dangerous considering that the day was so clear and aircraft were busy. As we expected, Fritz immediately commenced to throw shells round us so that we had to clear off back to Green Dump. On the way back we were dodging numbers of shells. Infantry were changing over at the time and some of these were killed or wounded. 5 infantry attached to us as stretcher bearers were killed. Jim Lilly seriously wounded in head. Palmer
[Page 57]
blown into the air some 20 ft. At night Fritz threw gas shells over near Green Dump.
1st November (Wednesday)
Reported at Thistle Dump 9.30 am for fatigue or other work and we had to erect tents. The earth is covered with mud feet deep in places and it was raining most of the day. Cold and dull day. 2 German planes brought down. There is excitement in the air almost every day. I counted 30 of our aeroplanes up today and 17 observation balloons. Returned to Green Dump with the remainder from
[Page 58]
their 48 hours duty, to find that our belongings had been pilfered by the infantry. The usual procedure of putting boots in front of a fire before getting to bed.
2nd November (Thursday)
Raining, dull, and bitterly cold again. Continuing with the erection of tents until 3.30 pm, then sent out to duty at McCormack’s post. 5 bearers from 15th F. Amb. wounded. The attack which should f have taken place on 25th ult. and has been postponed so often was to have been attempted
[Page 59]
for certain today but weather conditions are too bad, so the event has been put off indefinitely. 3000 guns were going to throw and lift a barrage at intervals of 4 minutes. Informed that our division will be relieved in couple of days. So it should be. 270 on sick parade from one infantry Battalion yesterday & a large number today. Only 44 from close on 300 of our unit could be mustered for stretcher bearing today. Wounded are coming in in one continuous stream, some dying on the way in and being buried near the A.D.S.
[Page 60]
From our post tonight we carried about 17 cases in a few hours, distance 1½ miles. We are all exhausted. Infantry with us say it’s the hardest work ever they were asked to do. Two of us found cover in a hole with a stretcher across the top for shelter. We sat in here all night without any sleep.
3rd November (Friday)
At midday moved out to Goose Alley again. Nearly blown up on the way. Shells landed all round us when near Flers. Rush of cases during.
[Page 61]
the night. Still raining & miserable out.
4th November (Saturday)
At 9 am a relief from the 6th F. Amb. 2nd Division arrived and we were quite merry over the thought that we would be leaving the Somme. Our Amb. is now working in the 2nd Division after having done its share with the 5th. Both the other ambulances have left. On arrival at Green Dump orders for leaving at 2 pm were cancelled and sub. by orders to prepare for action again tomorrow if the 5th F. Amb. do not arrive tonight.
[Page 62]
Went to bed absolutely worn out.
5th November (Sunday)
The 5th F. Amb. not having arrived yet we were ordered out for duty again. The attack came off this morning so we are right in it now. The country beyond Geudecourt is one mass of exploding shells. All along the line on our left, front & right the shells are falling like hail on Fritz. How any living creature can exist I don’t know. (Afternoon) Wounded are coming through in large numbers & we are struggling in
[Page 63]
with them. The 27th & 28th Batt. of the 2nd Div. went over this morning and took the ridge leaving one other before Bapaume. From the chaos of the battlefield rumours say we have been driven back but this can’t be verified in such confusion as yet. Late into the night we worked with the wounded slipping and sliding between shell holes. Rain is still falling.
6th November (Monday)
Still busy with the wounded. Gun blown out near our post. The Crest under heavy shell fire making our position
[Page 64]
too hot. Wounded happened to be coming in in large numbers at the time and we had to carry two to a stretcher. One of our dug outs was blown up. Runners Post evacuated by our unit because the bearers were knocked up so our party worked two posts until the relief came. We have therefore worked 3 days with another division because of the slowness of the 5th Fld. Amb. and the work has been exhausting. Early in afternoon relieved and returned to Green Dump. Rain falling heavily. Our
[Page 65]
feet have been wet during the whole 16 days at the front and now we are once more wet through. Only a drink of tea & biscuits for a meal when we came in.
7th November (Tuesday)
We all spent a restless night. Whenever I woke up I could hear the others moaning or talking in their sleep. All are absolutely knocked up though only about 10 in the section have stuck to the work all through without falling out or reporting sick. Drink of tea for breakfast and nothing
[Page 66]
else. Moved off between 8 & 9 am in heavy rain & passed along the railway line back to a position 1½ K from Albert, carrying packs & blankets. Our destination was the Main Dressing Station & we were put into big tents for the night after being given what was available in the way of new socks, food tobacco etc. No news of our
Ambulance.
8th November (Wednesday)
Doing nothing all day at this place Becordel awaiting orders as to whether we move
[Page 67]
or not. Our Headquarters are back near Amiens. Raining all day.
9th November.
Mending roads near the German Prisoners. This is our share of “rest”. It is now definitely known that we are to stay here until required back at the front. Major Williams & Newell have left us as Lt. Cols. to command other units. Our Colonel is on leave, so we have been temp. abandoned. Jumped on motor lorry in afternoon & rode into Albert. There are no more than
[Page 68]
a dozen civilians in the place. Troops are billetted there in thousands. The Church is well worth viewing and the stature is a wonder. Shells were falling in Albert while we were there.
10th November (Friday)
Zep. brought down during the night & it landed on French Amm. dump near us. Getting stones for road mending all day. Visited Becourt Meaulte in evening. Shells dropped round our camp during the night.
11th November (Saturday)
[Page 69]
Heard that last night a German Plane swooped down near our quarters and a traffic policeman was shot. More shells dropped round us early in the morning. Making roads all day.
12th November (Sunday)
Church Parade in morning. Moving tents and baggage all afternoon, then ordered out after tea to put tents up. When the “Fall In” blew it was a sight to see a crowd
[Page 70]
of our men running for the road with coats and hats under their arms.
13th November (Monday)
In morning all A Section went to the baths and in afternoon we were down at the quarry getting stones.
14th November (Tuesday)
Rushed off as attendant on Motor Car to Thistle Dump. 12 went in all. Took 7 hours to get there, such was the bad traffic management. Wounded were being brought in in large numbers and we were taking them off to the railway
[Page 71]
where they were transferred to cattle or open trucks. Blocked for 7 hours at one spot on the road with our first load. 3 died in our ambulances. Conditions today are a disgrace to civilisation. Worked all day without any rations. Saw tank in motion near Montauban. German plane brought down in flames.
15th November (Wednesday)
We were going all night, three of us, the remainder having returned to M.D.S. last night. It was bitterly cold at 5 am so we three decided to clear off seeing that
[Page 72]
no wounded were coming through. We made off back to Becordel on foot, leaving the 2nd Div. Amb. to do their own work. We had been going hard, loading & unloading waggons, stretcher bearing etc. and were nearly frozen with the cold. Yesterday a shell landed a few yards from me, and gave a Tommy shell shock. I carried him in. Arrived M.D.S. & refused to do anything all day. Tonight all hands were called out at 8 pm to parade with overcoat &
[Page 73]
blanket the rumour being that they were going to do duty on a hospital train. Trains carry wounded from Quarry Dump near Montauban to Becordel & patients are carried up to the Main Dressing Station.
16th November (Thursday)
We were not required to go out last night and thereby great got off well because the others were sent off some miles to unload timber from trucks. They returned at 3 a.m. highly indignant
[Page 74]
at the nature of the part we are having job they had been on when we are expected to be back at the trenches any day now. A large batch of our unit last night went off to Quarry Dump to assist the 7th F. Amb. loading trains. Its a mystery to me why the 2nd Div. Amb. can’t carry on considering the beautiful weather they are having as compared with the 17 days rain and misery we had. This morning the frost was thick on the ground and even mud was frozen. Cleaning the
[Page 75]
camp up all morning. Issued with new clothes where necessary, sheepskin vests, trench gloves and mittens. Cleaning up the camp again in afternoon. Amusing to see two of our chaps jump into a G.S. waggon and clear off. We managed to bolt too and spent the evening in Becourt Meaulte. Bitterly cold tonight.
17th November (Friday)
Frost thick on the ground. Bitterly cold this morning. On sick parade with bad throat and chest. Poor attempt at medical treatment by one of the many
[Page 76]
boy doctors. Put myself on “No Duties”. Remainder loading coal in Albert. 14th F. Amb. arrived to re-enter the line. We also expect to be going in again on Sunday. The other day a German airman flew over the D.R.S. & C.C.S. dropped bombs and inflicted many casualties. The plane was forced to land further up & the men gave themselves up to a few 3 F. Amb. Bearers. If these airmen had landed here they would have been torn limb from limb, so frantically mad are the
[Page 77]
Aust. troops about this quarter. However, it is understood that both have been shot.
18th November (Saturday)
Snow was falling all night and is now thick on the ground. Water everywhere is frozen. Our boys again refused to fall in until they had finished breakfast. Snow ball fight on parade.
19th November (Sunday)
Raining all morning. Afternoon clear so two of us went to Heiley on Red Cross Amb.
[Page 78]
Motor. This is the Aust. Army Hd. Q. where Gen. Birdwood is situated. The C.C.S.‘s also are here. There was little to be seen in this village, lights being extinguished on account of aeroplanes. However we managed to secure a feed & caught a bus back.
20th November (Monday)
14th Fld. Amb. bearers went out to take up the positions behind our division which has relieved the Guards to the right of Flers. Unloading motor ambulances all day and unloading a
[Page 79]
train of wounded after tea. Orders for marching out tomorrow.
21st November (Tuesday)
Commenced our journey in motor ambulances but were held up on the road so had to continue on foot, packs being carried on the waggons. Arrived at destination Bernafay Wood and, after erecting tents settled down for the night. The ground is soaking wet, a bad place for tent accommodation. Huge naval guns were firing late into the night and some shells from Fritz landed
[Page 80]
nearby.
22nd November (Wednesday)
All our unit on fatigue work. Fine air sights. 3 planes brought down, two at least being Germans. It was a grand bit of sport. One Plane came down headlong & the other rolling over & over sideways. 15th Fld. Amb. relieved the 14th in the trenches. The 14th didn’t like the idea of carrying Grenadier Guards out as patients because of their great physique. Fierce bombardment and machine gunning till after midnight.
[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Alison O’Sullivan for the State Library of New South Wales]
Item 4
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
W. J. A. Allsop diary, 23 November 1916-4 January 1917
MLMSS 1606/Item 4
[Page 1]
23rd November (Thursday)
Making incinerator at A.D.S. Watching 6” Naval Guns at work. Another busy day in the air. Fritz ventured a little too far but our anti aircraft guns firing 11 pounder shrapnel soon drove him off.
24th November (Friday)
Preparing to move out to the line up to 1 p.m. then we commenced our tramp through mud rain and water. Passed a very striking Indian train of waggons & limbers, so clean looking for the
[Page 2]
bad conditions on the Somme. We entered one side of Delville Wood & passed right through it on to the crest of a hill about 1½ miles distant from the wood, with Flers over to our left. There are 4 posts altogether. One at the road behind Delville wood, where horse ambulances are in waiting. From here a duckboard track leads to a post at the other side of the wood. It would be impossible to walk through the wood carrying stretchers but
[Page 3]
for the duckboards, so great is the disturbance of the ground. This wood is indeed a picture. It changed hands 18 times & even now there are limbs lying about everywhere. The track from the 2nd Post to where we are is very rough, the duckboards being very irregular. There is a valley, Death Valley, to cross and in here Fritz throws shells every day and night. This morning one S. Bearer from the 14th F. Amb. was killed near the valley and 2 were
[Page 4]
wounded. While we were moving out to relieve the 15th shells dropped all round us blowing up the duckboards and throwing mud in all directions. Naturally we followed the wise course of steering in a semi-circle off the track. Our post consists of 5 squads of bearers, each squad containing 4 men. Small dugouts supply the necessary cover though not shell proof or even water proof, but we have a fine little fire-
[Page 5]
place in ours and therefore are a bit cheerful. The timber comes from D. Wood.
25th November (Saturday)
No sleep last night. We just sat up and gazed at the fire. Carrying at night is something we dread hence not being able to sleep. Misty and light rain all day. One end of our dugout is under water. Fritz sent some more shells handy this afternoon.
26th November (Sunday)
Very luck indeed during the night in the way of cases
[Page 6]
Our squad was not called out. I got about an hour’s sleep and didn’t hear the shell which burst a few yards from our dugout in the night. This morning we were busy carrying, likewise this afternoon. Today has been one of sensations for every hour or so Fritz threw the shells over. One landed 2’6” behind us, another dropped in the doorway of our dugout while we were away. Gas shells, shrapnel and high explosives rained all
[Page 7]
round the crest but not a man was wounded. We were just taking over 2 stretcher cases at the time and didn’t know whether to stand still or move on. However we dived out through the barrage and were indeed lucky to escape with our lives. Stumbling, falling & panting we managed to clear the danger zone. Our relief was expected at the time & we passed them in the valley. Another trip back to our post had to
[Page 8]
be gone through before we finally got out with all our gear. In crossing Delville Wood I met Clive Dunlop who told me that of their gun crew of 10 6 had been killed including Billy Wright. A cup of pea soup at the loading point was very acceptable. Wading along the roads knee deep in muddy water we arrived back at Bernafay Wood absolutely beaten for strength. Put into tent which had been erected on the mud.
[Page 9]
27th November (Monday)
Off duty all day. Dull & misty. Long wading boots issued. Busy time in the air during a clearance in the sky temporarily. One of our planes came down in flames. In the night a number of German shells dropped close to our tent.
28th November (Tuesday)
Nothing eventful today except that tractors are drawing all the heavy guns round about here to a position further back. Trench feet patients coming in in large numbers. Over
[Page 10]
400 today. Our unit is busy either carrying these men on their backs or taking them to Quarry Dump on the trolly.
29th November (Wednesday)
Chopping timber for the A.D.S. fires from Bernafay Wood. The French join the British lines here & we were up alongside their trolly line in the wood.
30th November (Thursday)
Left again for duty in the line again at 1 p.m. This time we are out at No. 4 post in a sunken road some distance past
[Page 11]
Flers, and to the right. On the way out we passed another abandoned Tank to the right of Flers. Met Benson, now a Lieut. in the 56 Batt. As soon as we reached our post business commenced. Three trench feet patients were there to be carried out. They poured in for hours & our 4 squads were carrying all night till we could hardly stand up. Today water will freeze if left in the open for an hour. The fog is also thickening. For days now the weather
[Page 12]
has been bitterly cold and foggy.
1st December (Friday)
In our last carry during the night we were lost for 2 hours. We couldn’t see our way for two yards in front of us. This morning the fog is still fairly thick. We haven’t seen the sun for days. The trench feet complaint is playing up with the Australians, and no wonder when men are standing in water up to their knees for three or four days, especially
[Page 13]
when the water is frozen day & night. All day the bombardment by our guns has been nerve-racking. Fritz has been dropping big shells all round our track and in places the earth is all churned up in a frightful manner right where we have to cross. Luckily enough our cases came just at the right time so that none of us were touched. This afternoon things got busy again. Fritz caught the 29th Batt.
[Page 14]
changing over and about 30 were wounded (stretcher cases alone). This was the reason for our artillery opening up with intense fury, but after a term of comparative silence off they went again in a fearful din. Well, we were carrying till midnight and felt the strain very badly.
2nd December (Saturday)
The rush last night lasted till 4 a.m. Twice the message came to our post from No. 3
[Page 15]
requesting that something be done to afford a temporary relief. The bearers were completely knocked up, staggering along with stretcher after stretcher. Never have I seen men more exhausted, since the memorable march in Egypt, as I did last night. We now learn that Fritz attacked, hence the second bombardment and the extra wounded. We simply had to continue but were informed that we would shall be relieved
[Page 16]
in the this morning. (11 a.m.) Relief arrived but they might have be waited till the usual time (mid-day) because we are now doing nothing. All the patients have been cleared. The exertion last night temporarily upset me but I am now alright. On our way back to headquarters at Bernafay Wood we were hurried on by a few high explosives which fortunately fell wide. Met Dunlop again. During the
[Page 17]
time we have been out, viz. 48 hours, we have had no sleep. It has be cold indeed. The frost was never off the ground & ice is even now 1/2” thick on water. Sheets of ice lie on the ground everywhere. We all felt sorry for the wounded in these cold conditions.
3rd December (Sunday)
Off duty till about 2.30 then given a job of carrying iron from the railway to the A.D.S. for the new huts which
[Page 18]
are being erected. Still bitterly cold. Mud is frozen that so hard that we can walk across the surface easily.
4th December (Monday)
Assisting Engineers in erection of new huts at the A.D.S. and unloading timber from waggons. Big mail arrived including that which we thought to have gone down with the Arabia. Parcel from Scotland. Shells falling pretty heavily
[Page 19]
on the 4th F. Amb. nearby. The 1st F. Amb. have arrived with the 1st Division to relieve the 4th.
5th December (Tuesday)
The strength of the 15th F. Amb. is such that our unit had to reinforce them yesterday with 40 men. We likewise will need to be reinforced when our turn comes. Stretcher bearing at A.D.S. carrying patients from Amb. waggons to Dressing Room and returning them to
[Page 20]
Motor Ambulances. We were on duty till 8 p.m. Fritz put some heavy shells over near the railway a few hundred yards off and pieces flew over near our tent on the hill.
6th December (Wednesday)
Still bitterly cold. All day carrying duckboards from the railway to A.D.S. Leave roll h as been altered so that the new men who joined us in Egypt will have to go last. This will considerably raise my turn from
[Page 21]
No. 120 as hitherto.
7th December (Thursday)
Cold. All morning preparing for our trip to the line again. New arrangements have been made whereby we do 3 days in and 3 out. Left at 1 p.m. and took over No. 2 post situated in Delville Wood. At the present moment I am sitting in a dugout 8’ x 10’ of 4 bunks, a few pieces of timber & iron overhead – a petrol tin for fireplace, tin of whale oil with piece of
[Page 22]
sandbag for wick, bayonet to chop wood. Of course we do our own cooking etc. German dugouts & remains of German equipment surround us in this mangled wood. For the past few days there have only been 6 patients but tonight we started off with the usual push, mostly trench feet.
8th December (Friday)
We were called up a few times during the night. Misty rain this morning & a little
[Page 23]
warmer than usual. Playing cards & writing to pass the time away. Very few patients coming through. Hot drinks at No. 1 post.
9th December (Saturday)
In the early hours Fritz shelled the road behind Delville Wood pretty heavily & set fire to an ammunition Dump. The effect looked very fine as the atmosphere was thick with fog. This Dump isn’t very far from No. 1 post (The loading station)., A raid took place during the night
[Page 24]
the idea being to ascertain Fritz’s machine gun emplacements. As usual it was a failure but few casualties resulted. Today misty rain is falling and we have only been called out once. Our eyes are aching with the smoke from the fire. Another case just before midnight.
10th December (Sunday)
We were not called up again last night so had a good sleep. The atmosphere cleared a little and heavy shelling took place. Fritz dropped high explosives to
[Page 25]
the right & left of Delville Wood. Our artillery were busy bombarding Bapaume. We were watching our shells bursting over that town. The tower was knocked a few weeks back. Returned to Bernafay Wood by the new duckboard track passing under one side of Trones Wood. Camped in Bell tent. Drizzling rain.
11th December (Monday)
No duty today. Reinforcements arrived for the 14th F. Amb. Raining and cold. Good coke fire going in our tent.
[Page 26]
12th December (Tuesday)
Snowing when we awoke. It beat into our tent when we opened the flap. Everywhere the surface of the ground is miserable what with the previous mud and water and this morning’s addition. Occasionally the snow would cease and rain take its place, then sleet would assume command. All day these conditions prevailed and a cold wind also. We were out in Bernafay Wood after timber for the
[Page 27]
fires at the A.D.S. One of the 14th was wounded in the head and face at the R.A.P. this morning.
13th December (Wednesday)
Raining in morning. Moved out to occupy No. 4 Post at 1 p.m. Major Gen. McKay spoke to us on the way out. We were kept fairly busy till late at night. The tent covering across a sap, which constitutes our shelter, with a few stretchers to lie on, proved a rather unsafe position. Pieces of shell came through and the smell of powder
[Page 28]
was at times almost unbearable.
14th December (Thursday)
Busy before breakfast and all the morning carrying patients out. Word came per one of our squads to say that wounded were lying in all directions between No. 4 Post and the R.A.P. Needle Trench, so our party, No. 3, set off in the face of Terrific Shell Fire and soon came across a trench where we were sadly needed. In this trench two men
[Page 29]
were blown to pieces and others were wounded. Only one man was there to be carried out so two of us jumped into the trench & got the man out from his difficult position and put him on the stretcher. No sooner was this done than Fritz rained the shells all round us. They hit the sides of the trench and splashed into the muddy ground only a couple of yards off. It was a case of getting this man away and nothing else
[Page 30]
so we scrambled out with the stretcher and raced for our lives along the duckboard track. Many a shell came dangerously close – some smashed the duckboards up, but we got away untouched except that our clothes were smothered in mud. The patient had to be carried right in to No. 3 post so we were exhausted by the time we got back. On returning to our Post (No. 4, in the Sunken Road Gun Alley) our squad
[Page 31]
was sent to the R.A.P. Here we got into a dugout with the A.M.C. Details of the 57th Battalion. We were not long idle – the wounded began to come in, commencing with 4 who were hit just near us in the same trench. Up to midnight we travelled backwards & forwards to No. 4 through mud up to our knees.
15th December (Friday)
From midnight to 5 a.m. we kept going and at one stage we were all exhausted but luckily
[Page 32]
the rush slackened off. Huge shells burst round Needle Trench (our post) all day but nobody was hit notwithstanding that infantry were standing there in large numbers prior to moving forward to the firing line. A “dud” fell into the trench where men were drying their feet but nobody got hit. The 58th M.O. put us to unnecessary trouble once by sending us in for 2 stretchers and again when he wanted a stretcher case lifted
[Page 33]
down the German Dugout so that he wouldn’t have to get out. No mistake this medical officer had the “wind up”, as the saying goes, but he had little consideration for us. We waited close on an hour with shells falling very close and here was the doctor half way down the dugout, with the stretcher in as far as it would go, ducking every time he heard a shell. We were glad when a lull came and cases ceased to come in because
[Page 34]
we felt run down after carrying continuously for 24 hours through shell fire. Heavy shells landed round us every time we were out. Once the duckboards were blown up in front of us, but many a shell burst in waterholes close by and splashed us from head to foot. From 5 a.m. until relieved at 2 p.m. we hadn’t a carry – Lucky for us, as the shelling was heavy. Returned to No. 4 post, had tea & got into bed.
[Page 35]
16th December (Saturday)
Woke up at 8 o’clock, not having been disturbed once. It was a treat to get our wet boots & socks off and have a sleep as we needed one badly. This morning the air is very clear and our Capt. Parkinson is fussy about keeping under cover. German & British planes are busy overhead. Fritz continues his heavy shelling. About midday snow began to fall lightly. Relieved at 3.30 p.m. after doing an extra
[Page 36]
half hour on the new dug out which is being made at this post.
17th December (Sunday)
Bitterly cold as usual. No time off to clean up. Put on fatigue work at the A.D.S. Xmas cake from home arrived last night.
18th December (Monday)
Still cold. Laying duckboards at A.D.S. and chopping out a tree stump. Fritz threw a few more shells near the railway line & also late at night.
[Page 37]
19th December (Tuesday)
Frost & ice thick on the ground at daybreak. Getting wood from Bernafay Wood for the A.D.S. fires. In the afternoon snow fell making a rather pretty sight. Read out in orders this morning that the 8th F. Amb. bearers are to stay here and others at the posts are to be in by 4 p.m. It is our turn to go out to the line today, but apparently we are to leave the Somme Front now for a few weeks. The Division will be
[Page 38]
relieved in a day or two.
20th December (Wednesday)
Ice 1 inch thick on the water holes and snow lying on the ground otherwise it has been a beautiful day. The sun was out all day for the first time since we came to the Somme. Again collecting wood for the A.D.S. 10th & 21st Batts. of the 2nd Div. arrived. Gen. Birdwood acc. by an Archbishop from West Aust. spoke to us on the road. 15th F. Amb. have received their marching out orders. They
[Page 39]
leave at 8.30 tomorrow morning. We were informed tonight that we have to go to the line tomorrow & relieve the 14th. This comes as a knock out blow.
21st December (Thursday)
Drizzling rain all day. The majority of our unit were put on fatigue work for the morning. Some of us, however, managed to dodge off parade. At 1 p.m. moved off to the line with the understanding that we are only going
[Page 40]
out for 24 hours. Took over Battery Post No. 3. New Dugouts have been built but the position nevertheless is dangerous because new batteries have been inserted close in front of us and close behind. Playing cards till 10 p.m. and were not called up through the night. Out of bed at 10.30
22nd December (Friday)
Out of bed at 10.30 a.m. after a lively night with “chats”. We were preparing for breakfast
[Page 41]
when the 5th F. Amb. relief arrived. A patient came through at the same time and our squad had to carry him through. Sad news also came relating how Alick Gedwells and Nugget Bennetts were blown to pieces in Needle Trench. This was the dugout we were occupying on our last trip to the line. Orders read out stating that we move off tomorrow morning.
23rd December (Saturday)
Up at 6 a.m. Rush to have
[Page 42]
breakfast and pack up by 8.15 a.m. Moved off at 8.30 and marched to the Quarry a distance of only half a mile. Here we entrained and left for Meault Siding a couple of hours later. Arrived Meault and got into Motor Busses thence travelled to Vignacourt Olincourt Chateau some 30 miles off. We passed Corbie and Amiens arriving at Vignacourt about 3.30 p.m. after a cold ride in the motors. It was
[Page 43]
like arriving home, to meet the rest of the Amb. again. The Chateau is situated in rather pretty country. We were given a fine welcome and they looked after us very well. Sleeping acc. was there for us and a good tea followed plus a big mail from Aust.
24th Dec. (Sunday)
A very beautiful day, the best since we came to the Somme. Spent some time cleaning up then went into the village of Vignacourt (3 miles off)
[Page 44]
for a bath but no water was available. The meals today were extremely good. This evening the boys were singing carols and everything points to a Happy Xmas. A dinner has been arranged for tomorrow and we look forward to a good time. Carols and singing till after midnight.
Christmas Day 25/12/16
No work today. At midday we attended a fine dinner in a
[Page 45]
big tent which had previously been decorated for the occasion. Patients assisted our Tent Division men. Col. Shepherd is to be commended for having informed these patients that he wouldn’t discharge them till after Xmas Day so that they could attend the dinner. In the evening clouds gathered & rain fell but didn’t spoil the day. For tea the cooks provided another enjoyable meal.
Tuesday 26th Dec. 1916
[Page 46]
Boxing Day
No work again today. High class and rich meals again were the order of the menu. Strolled to Vignacourt & Flesselles. At 5 p.m., in response to a kind invitation from certain friends in the tent division 3 of us (bearers) were welcomed at a “banquet” in one of the Chateau rooms. Everything imaginable was there in abundance, a surprisingly good table, and we heartily
[Page 47]
enjoyed ourselves, a few speeches and songs concluded the nights merriment.
Wednesday 27th Dec. 16
The most beautiful and perfect day we have had while in France – not a cloud is to be seen anywhere. Put in app. for leave to Amiens. No duties today so we again broke up into parties and went for walks, our destination being Vignacourt again.
[Page 48]
Thursday 28th Dec.
Nothing to do. Were to have visited the caves but conveyance not available.
Friday 29th Dec.
Filling water carts from 280 ft. well. 185 turns of the handle to haul up one bucket. French Battleplane landed in fields close by unable to face the gale which sprang up. We had a fine opportunity of viewing the machine.
[Page 49]
Saturday 30th Dec.
Into Vignacourt again for the day. Boxing tournament on tonight in the local hall, the Follies Show having disbanded temporarily. Went inside local Church.
Sunday 31st Dec.
Writing all day otherwise things were very quiet. The weather for the past few days has been dull and drizzling rain.
Monday 1st Jan. 1917
New Years Day. Xmas
[Page 50]
comforts from Aust. Distributed – Parcel for each man from Sydney A.M.C. Comforts, Plum Puddings and good meals. Good & highly amusing concert in the recreation tents tonight. The Colonel was so pleased with the first half of the program that he wishes the artists to give a show to the 5th Division Troops when they come back here.
2nd January 1917
Pulling down a hospital
[Page 51]
tent in the morning and re-erecting it in another part of the grounds. In the afternoon a party of 10 of us went for a trip to the famous caves near Naours where the refugees used to hide in time of invasion. These caves contain about 300 rooms – one cave being ½ mile long. A whole division of troops with horses, artillery and all transport could be put into these caves. The names of John Norton & Eva Pannett are to be
[Page 52]
seen autographed on the stone erected just inside the entrance.
3rd Jan. 1917
Went to the dentist in Vignacourt in morning and again in evening to have the temporary filling removed because it was giving trouble. Drizzling rain all day.
4th Jan. 1917
[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Betty Smith for the State Library of New South Wales]
Item 5
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
W. J. A. Allsop diary, 1 January-31 December 1917
MLMSS 1606/Item 5
[Transcriber’s note: Wilfred Allsop had his 24th Birthday on 11 April 1917. During May he became a Despatch Rider. On leave in February he visited relatives living near Sheffield in England. He writes vividly of the devastation of some of the villages and of the horrific injuries to many of the wounded he carried as a Stretcher Bearer]
[Page 1]
No. 6777
Private W.J.A.; Allsop
8th Aust. Field Ambce
France
[Page 2]
Agenda Souvenir Journalier 1917
[Not transcribed]
[Page 3]
Premier Trimestre
[Not transcribed]
[Page 4]
Monday 1 January
Christmas Comforts from the Sydney A.M.C. Comforts Depot and from the War Chest Funds were distributed today. They consisted of a parcel for each man and rich additions to the regular menu, Plum Puddings included. In the evening “The Nightbirds” gave us an amusing entertainment in the large recreation tents. It was such a great success that the Colonel wishes these men to extend the first half of the Program and give a night’s Entertainment to the troops of the 5th Division when they come back to this district shortly.
[Page 5]
Tuesday 2 January
Striking a hospital tent in the morning and erecting it again in another part of the grounds. At 1 p.m. 10 of us went to the famous Caves near Naours where refugees used to hide in times of Invasion. These Caves contain about 300 rooms, one cave being ½ mile long. A whole Division of troops 20,000 could be accomodated here, horses, artillery etc. The names of John Norton & Eva Pannett are to be seen autographed on a stone just inside the entrance. Met “Ginger” Smith from Mosman.
[Page 6]
Wednesday 3 January
Dentist’s at Vignacourt this morning and again in the afternoon to have the temporary filling removed because it was giving trouble.
Drizzling rain all day.
[Page 7]
Thursday 4 January
Raining all morning.
Another trip to the dentist, and in the afternoon was included in a party to fill limbers at the quarry with stones for mending roads.
[Page 8]
Friday 5 January
Water fatigue drawing water from the well and filling the carts. Last time we were on this job we had two oil drums and two kerosene tins on the rope, but all were missing when we were ready to start work. I was therefore asked to cut the tops off more drums and clean them out. Went into Vignacourt for tea and afterwards visited the local small Picture Show in company with three others from our unit.
The weather today was glorious.
[Page 9]
Saturday 6 January
Dentist’s at Vignacourt this morning. Raining. Afternoon off duty.
[Page 10]
Sunday 7 January
Beautiful Day. No duty. Church Service in morning and walk to Vignacourt in afternoon.
The village of Vignacourt is about 2 miles from Olincourt Chateau.
[Page 11]
Monday 8 January
Finished with Dentist. Drizzling Rain. Afternoon carrying timber for new huts which are being erected in the grounds. Tea in Vignacourt, afterwards visited picture show. It was snowing heavily on our way home
[Page 12]
Tuesday 9 January
On Piquet. Went into Vignacourt for tea and afterwards spent a very fine evening at a concert given by Tommies in the local Hall. It was a great success – a scream from commencement to finish. I doubt whether I have ever seen a better one. The new 5th Divisional Australian Band performed splendidly under Wellings.
[Page 13]
Wednesday 10 January
On Piquet. In the evening we again went to the concert in Vignacourt
[Page 14]
Thursday 11 January
A pleasant surprise came this morning when Connell & I were informed that we could go to Amiens on leave. This follows a special request we made to an officer a few days back. We travelled in by Motor Ambulance and arrived there when snow was falling pretty heavily. Had dinner at the Hotel Modern, looked through the wonderful Cathedral and walked all round the city. For a matter of curiosity we had a ride on the queer trams. Sent post card views of the city home. Amiens is a beautiful city and the trip proved rather a fine outting except that it was a bit short. Returned by Motor 4.30 p.m.
[Page 15]
Friday 12 January
Quiet day. Misty rain falling. Went into Vignacourt for tea.
[Page 16]
Saturday 13 January
Nothing doing in morning. Afternoon – Issued with any shortages in equipment required by the Bearers who leave for the front tomorrow, afterwards went into Vignacourt for tea. Another Concert by the Nightbirds took place in our recreation tent tonight & proved highly successful.
[Page 17]
Sunday 14 January
Parade at 9.30 a.m. in full marching order preparatory to moving off. Marched out from Olincourt Chateau as snow was falling heavily and on arriving at Flesselles Railway Station we entrained. The fields on all sides were covered with snow 6 metres deep. Disentrained near Buire Station and marched to Ribemont. Here we are now settled in an old building previously used for storing grain etc. Cobwebs and rats are numerous.
[Page 18]
Monday 15 January
We spent a very cold night. Not moving off today. A party of us walked to a local Mobile Workshop & watched the “Tommies” preparing to move a 15” gun. In the afternoon we went out for another walk to keep warm & after tea visited an amusement hall in Mericourt which is financed by the Aust. Comforts Fund. The performance consisted of a picture show, concert & Drama combined. “Some” Drama too.
[Page 19]
Tuesday 16 January
Moving away tomorrow. Bitterly cold all day. We had nothing to do but move about and keep warm.
[Page 20]
Wednesday 17 January
Up at 6 a.m., moved off at 9 a.m. Snow deep on the ground and has been falling all day. Marched through Buire, Dernancourt and Meaulte to the famous old Main Dressing Station at Becordel where we spent many a miserable day some weeks back. Sleeping here for the night.
[Page 21]
Thursday 18 January
Managed to get a stretcher to sleep on last night. Snow was falling when we awoke this morning and it continued all day. We marched out from Becordel soon after 10 a.m. and reached Bernafay Wood at 1 p.m. On all sides snow is about 6 inches deep. This time we are to be quartered in Bow Huts which we built last month when here before.
[Page 22]
Friday 19 January
Not doing anything all day. The snow is still thick on the ground, and, in order to have a wash we have to boil snow. Our present quarters are now quite comfortable. Merry time in the hut prior to “lights out”.
[Page 23]
Saturday 20 January
I wasn’t feeling too well today so did not go out with the others from “A” Section who were taken out to carry on with the building of a new A.A.D.S. some 4 miles to the right of our present No. 3 (or Battery) Post. Freezing cold and frosty – Ground still white with snow.
[Page 24]
Sunday 21 January
Cold and snowing heavily. Water in our water bottles is frozen. Tea freezes in a short space of time. Canteen open – financed by officers.
[Page 25]
Monday 22 January
Bitterly cold. Our boots get frozen and have to be warmed and softened over the fire before we can put them on. Went to a concert tonight in a big new Y.M.C.A. Hut near Montauban and it proved a very fine one indeed. Some really good artists are to be found in the Army.
[Page 26]
Tuesday 23 January
So cold today that the wheels of the water cart were frozen to the ground and we had to loosen the hard ground with a pick. Today I have been on a job of digging an old German trench a bit wider so that it can be made into a dugout to accomodate bearers, at the A.D.S. The sky has been beautifully clear and Fritz aeroplanes ventured over. Later in the evening heavy shells came over, some killing and wounding 12th Fld. Amb. men a few hundred yards away from us. Tomorrow we go to the trenches for 7 days. I was hoping to be off to England on leave but unfortunately will have to wait another week.
[Page 27]
Wednesday 24 January
Off duty all the morning. At midday the R.A.P. parties, which included our squad, moved off to the line, having got our feet washed with the new “trench foot” preparation on the way out. Our squad were some time in finding our post, after wandering dangerously near the firing line. I don’t think think we will go for any more walks in that direction. Finally stationed in Windmill trench (practically the same as Needle Trench) quite close to where we were when last in action here, but this time we have a deep dug-out after the style of the Germans. Les Boeufs lies a little to our right. We were doomed to a rush of patients as soon as we took over.
[Page 28]
Thursday 25 January
Fairly busy all night. This dugout is very warm and comfortable. It is occupied by infantry A.M.C. details and also as a trench feet hospital. The Primus Stove comes in handy for warm meals. Heavy shelling took place today but we only had a few cases to take down.
[Page 29]
Friday 26 January
Not disturbed once during the night and all was quiet until we were relieved at 3 p.m. The weather is still extremely cold and snow covers the surrounding country. All the water is frozen into ice – condensed milk is frozen – in fact everything is. The tinned foodstuffs contain pieces of ice too. Returned to No. 4 post, the A.A.D.S. in Gun Alley on being relieved from the Regimental Aid post. Got into bed as soon as possible to keep warm.
[Page 30]
Saturday 27 January
We were next for duty all night but luckily enough were not required to get out of bed. At 5 o’clock this morning a terrific bombardment opened up, indicating that the Tommies had hopped over the bags to our right. It seems that they have captured 2 lines of trenches and numerous prisoners. As a birthday present to the Kaiser and also in reply to our success this morning the Germans fiercely bombarded all points very heavily. The crest at our No. 3 post has been badly cut up. Some of our guns have suffered. German planes brought to earth in a fine sight. The weather today has been a bit too clear for our liking. Rather a large number of wounded came through.
[Page 31]
Sunday 28 January
Another quiet night. Bitterly cold today and nothing warm to eat or drink. Only get out of bed whenever there is a case to be carried on.
[Page 32]
Monday 29 January
Quiet again during the night so far as wounded were concerned but the guns and shells continued unceasingly. We still remain in bed until required for duty. Rations are very poor indeed and far from cheerful – One loaf of frozen bread between 7, a small tin of jam and a tin of pork and beans. No water obtainable anywhere – all is frozen into ice. Snow still covers the ground. Two German aeroplanes brought to earth.
[Page 33]
Tuesday 30 January
Freezing cold. This being a clear day artillery on both sides are busy. Shells from Fritz have been raining in all directions. No improvement in the rations yet.
[Page 34]
Wednesday 31 January
Icy again today and a heavy day for stretcher-bearers. The wounded came through in a continuous stream. When relieved at about 4 p.m. we had to carry a patient out in addition to our equipment and my word it was a lively trip. High Explosive shrapnel burst above us all the way. On returning to Bernafay Wood I was disappointed to learn that all leave has been stopped indefinitely. Should have gone today.
[Page 35]
Thursday 1 February
Not doing anything in particular today. One section is required to assist back at Bellevue Farm Rest Camp, just a few hundred yards this side of Albert. Our unit is taking the place over. “A” section are therefore to go back to this Rest Camp in the morning.
[Page 36]
Friday, 2 February
Set off at 8 a.m. – packs being carried on a limber. Arrived Bellevue Farm about midday. Some of the 6th and 2nd Field Ambulances are here. Our unit has not yet arrived from Vignacourt. Met Bill Bailey.
Heavy shells were thrown into Albert about 6 p.m.
[Page 37]
Saturday 3 February
Managed to get a fairly soft job, that of loading motor ambulances every afternoon with patients for the Casualty Clearing Station. It only takes about ½ an hour daily.
The spare time I had today was occupied in strolling round Albert. Shells come over pretty frequently.
[Page 38]
Sunday 4 February
Into Albert again this morning. Last night a Fritz aeroplane came across and dropped bombs round our camp. He spe swept hospital tents with machine gun fire, but fortunately there were no patients in the tents. One chap was firing at the airman with a rifle and got into trouble for doing so.
[Page 39]
Monday 5 February
We are now very comfortable in this camp. A good coal fire burns in the tent all day long. Still doing practically nothing, and again visited Albert.
[Page 40]
Tuesday 6 February
Nothing doing.
Same as yesterday.
[Page 41]
Wednesday 7 February
Unexpectedly informed that I could go on leave tonight, and was given about 15 minutes to get ready. Had to report at Albert Station at 6 p.m. to catch a train leaving at 9.30 p.m. We were fortunate in getting a hospital train. Tea is made on the “Kitchen Car” and served out whilst the train is in motion.
[Page 42]
Thursday 8 February
Unexpectedly inf
Arrived at Le Havre 4 p.m. after passing the Portuguese Army on their way up to the front. Marched straight to the boat. Stayed on deck for an hour or so in the lifebelt box, then we managed to secure a cabin down below. I put on a sergeants coat and went in with them for some supper. Left Le Havre at midnight.
[Page 43]
Friday 9 February
Arrived Southampton at sunrise. Luckily got off the boat early enough to catch the first train arriving at Waterloo Station London at 11 a.m. Tea & cake and French money changed on the platform, Com. Bank & A.I.F. Headquarters. Dinner at War Chest Fund rooms opposite A.I.F. Headquarters. Put up at Imperial Hotel Russel Square. Out for tea elsewhere and afterwards went to the Hippodrome Theatre to see Zig-Zag – Very Fine Indeed. It’s a treat in bed tonight with our heads sunk into the pillows, quite a change from that wretched France.
[Page 44]
Saturday 10 February
Switched on the lights & discovered that it was 10 a.m. Ordered breakfast in bed. At 11 a.m. set off and first visited The Houses of Westminster including the House of Lords & House of Commons. Then we went into Westminster Abbey, St. Pauls and The Tower of London. We saw the burial place of The Duke of Wellington, his £20,000 gun carriage of 18 tons. The tomb of Nelson & the bit of needlework by his sister. Wolseleys grave and that of Lord Roberts. Kitcheners sword & the letter he wrote asking for 300,000 men. Roberts’ revolver. The Gun Carriage used at King Edward’s funeral. Crown Jewels. Place of execution of Anne Bolyn. Ancient Armour etc. etc.
Pictures at night.
Today we also saw Wellington’s uniform.
[Page 45]
Sunday 11 February
After breakfast started out for a few bus rides, walked round Buckingham Palace – Whitehall, Hyde Park and other notable places. In front of Buckingham Palace is the famous statue of Queen Victoria.
Trafalgar Square decorated with notices in connection with The Victory Loan.
[Page 46]
Monday 12 February
In morning went to Whiteleys and had a few Bus rides round Paddington. Ride in tube from Charing Cross to Kings Cross. In afternoon went to a performance at The Colliseum. This is a magnificent Theatre of marble and about 24 dozen boxes. At 9.45 p.m. caught train to Berwick from Kings Cross.
Passed York & Newcastle arrived Berwick just over the border at 8.30 a.m. (over).
[Page 47]
Tuesday 13 February
8.30 a.m. Now in Berwickshire near the sea coast after crossing the Border Bridge. Jean waiting at the station with a motor car. Travelled 9 miles to Ayton. Looked round the grounds and the village of Ayton during the day.
This is rather a pretty spot – snow caps the surrounding heights.
[Page 48]
Wednesday 14 February
Walked to Ayton Station. Train to Berwick and then on to Edinburgh arriving there about 10 a.m. Walked under Arthurs Seat – through Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. Went into St. Giles Cathedral – passed John Knox’s house. Dinner at Jenners. Afternoon trip to Firth of Forth in Motor Bus. Its a pity the day has been foggy especially on account of the views from Edin. Castle and the Forth Bridge. Saw portion of the fleet lying at anchor. Returned to Berwick by train just after 5 p.m. and motored out to Ayton.
Also saw Scotts Memorial.
[Page 49]
Thursday 15 February
Walked to Ayton Station in time to catch train for Berwick. Left Berwick 8.24 a.m. and travelled to York then across country past Sheffield & Derby to Birmingham arriving there at 7 p.m. Met by Uncle Harry & Bessie. Tram to their house at 238 Willow Av. Edgbaston.
The country round Sheffield is full of ammunition works. Saw where 2 Zep. bombs had dropped. Leaning tower near Sheffield.
Edgbaston
(Aunt Emma Morris
(Uncle Harry
(Bessie Jones
(Eric “
(Leonard “
[Page 50
Friday, 16 February
In morning went for walk with Bessie round the neighbouring country & the town of Bearwood. After dinner motored out to Pelsall and after calling at 2 places in Mill Rd. Sheffield stayed at Ridding House for the night.
Ridding House
(Mrs Eliza Harrington
(Mr. Geo. Harrington
(Connie Georgie
(Madge Arnold
(Kathleen Arnold
Edgbaston
Mill Road
(Auntie Lizzie
(Mabel Allsop
(Sally “
(Fred “
The Farm
Mill House
(Uncle Charlie
(Aunt Emily
(Gerald Allsop
(Charlie Allsop
(married)
Lunts
(Uncle Charlie
(Auntie Edie
(Winnie
(Kitty
Before motoring to Pelsall we went all through Birmingham for a look round.
[Page 51]
Saturday 17 February
Morning walked round Pelsall with Uncle George Harrington. Called on Mr. Tom Lloyds and at Harrington’s Bakery. Saw all the old houses where father was born and lived etc. The cemetery, but didn’t go inside. Dinner Tea at Uncle Charlie Allsop’s brought here by Madge. Called at Auntie Lunt’s in afternoon. Bessie took me back to Harringtons.
[Page 52]
Sunday 18 February
Went to the Wesleyan Chapel with Harringtons & Edgbaston people afterwards had dinner at Uncle Charlie Allsop’s, called at Auntie Lizzie’s and had tea at Auntie Lunts. Returned to Uncle Charlie’s for a few hours then back to Ridding House with Bessie & Madge. At Auntie Lunts place there must have been 15 people this evening. A crowd also gathered at Uncle Charlie’s.
[Page 53]
Monday 19 February
Left Ridding House at 9.30. Caught 10 o’clock train to Walsall. Changed Walsall thence to Birmingham. Auntie Emma & Eric came in to Birmingham. Auntie Eliza & Uncle George came to Pelsall station also Kathleen. Delayed by fog & missed the train to London from B’ham. Walked round to the North Western Station (Snow Hill) and then the train here was ½ hour late. Arrived London 3.15 p.m., raced to A.I.F. for blankets & tin hat. Off to Southampton on 2nd train. Need not have hurried and probably would have been given a few more days in London. No boats at Southampton so we were put into a Rest Camp after straggling some 4 miles out of the city.
[Page 54]
Tuesday 20 February
Too tired to get up in time for breakfast. I went into Southampton for a few hours this morning. Passed the remainder of the day in writing at the Salvation Army Hut opposite on in the Y.M.C.A. Hut.
In the evening, though no leave was granted we all found a way of getting into Southampton.
No boats to France yet.
[Page 55]
Wednesday 21 February
Still at the Rest Camp and no signs of moving. Spent the day as I did yesterday and went into Southampton again in the evening.
[Page 56]
Thursday 22 February
In the morning we were passing the time away in the Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. Huts. At 3 o’clock everyone in the camp had to fall in and we were marched down to the boat. Great crowds watched us march along the streets singing. The singing soon stopped when we arrived at the wharf. We five remained on deck. Moved out from the wharf at 8 p.m.
The huge hospital ship Aquitania was in port when we left.
[Page 57]
Friday 23 February
I had a little sleep on deck during the night. The trip was very smooth. We reached Le Havre at 3 a.m. disembarked at 8 a.m. and marched to a rest camp some distance from the wharf. Issued with tickets to provide meals, and allotted huts to sleep in. Sea planes were flying over the harbour as we came in and two airships were busy in the air all day. The huge sheds for housing these machines are next to our camp.
[Page 58]
Saturday 24 February
Reveille at 3 a.m. Straggled in a mob to the railway and scrambled on to the first train to be seen. This was very amusing. Luckily the train happened to be the right one.
In the train all day making back for Albert.
[Page 59]
Sunday 25 February
Arrived Albert 4 a.m. walked to the Bellevue Farm Rest Camp and found our unit still there. Rumours current relative to the Germans having fallen back before Bapaume.
While I was away arrangements were made between the Field Cashier & our unit to put me into the 56th Batt. as Pay Sergeant, so I have to go out there tomorrow.
[Page 60]
Monday, 26 February
Left at midday per motor ambulance for Bernafay Wood, ascertained from Divisional Hd. Quarters the whereabouts of the 56th. Went there & found that the position has been filled by a man from the Batt. Good Luck for me because I don’t like the idea of going to this unit.
Interviewed the Field Cashier & then returned to our own unit.
[Page 61]
Tuesday 27 February
Writing letters to make up for lost time.
Meals here are better now than before we left for leave.
Aeroplanes busy today in connection with the mysterious German retirement.
Went into Albert in the evening.
[Page 62]
Wednesday 28 February
Today we witnessed a very fine sight. Large bodies of cavalry passed on their way to the line. The 1st Dragoon Guards, Mounted Machine Gun Corps, and Indian Cavalry were among the number, Lancers too were in the line.
[Page 63]
Thursday 1 March
Left for trip to Heilly at 12 o’clock to take dirty clothes from our baths to be washed. Heilly is 11 Kilometres from Albert. Passed the Detention Camp where defaulters are imprisoned. Saw the posts to which men are chained daily for No. 1 Field Punishment. This is true, and a disgrace to any Nation professing to fight for liberty.
[Page 64]
Friday 2 March
At midday took party of eye patients to Becordel. Lt. Col. Williams who used to be a Major in our unit came down from the front line shot through the lungs. He is in a serious condition.
Went to Pierrot Show in Albert after tea. This place is financed by the Aust. Comforts Fund.
[Page 65]
Saturday 3 March
Frosty and bitterly cold this morning. Left for Heilly at 9 a.m. with General Service Waggon & clothes to be exchanged. From Heilly I went into Corbie and returned to Bellevue Farm by motor lorry which was drawing a 6 inch howitzer along. Corbie is about 18 Kilos from Albert.
After tea went to picture show in Albert.
[Page 66]
Sunday 4 March
Very cold again today. Caught for a job – cleaning out a gutter. News to hand that Lt. Col. Williams died last night at 9 p.m. Party to go from this unit tomorrow to be present at his funeral.
This afternoon I was burning off rubbish.
Church service in the grounds of the camp at 3 p.m. The 5th Div. Band attended.
[Page 67]
Monday 5 March
Marched off to Edgehill – between Dernancourt and Buire – and witnessed the burial of Lt. Col. Williams. A party of about 26 from our unit attended. Bob Troup the batman who left Aust. with Lt. Col. Williams fainted at the graveside & Capt. Irvine & Major Donald were deeply affected.
Pierrot Show in Albert after tea.
[Page 68]
Tuesday 6 March
Taking down 10 large tents all day. Worked up till 9 p.m.
We have now moved to another part of the grounds but are even more comfortable than before. There are ten of us in a large tent. A good coal fire burns all day long. Toast and various other additions which are made possible with a good fire, are making us quite fat. The tent presents a very homelike appearance with deck chairs, forms, and stretchers surrounding the fire. The smoke from the coal makes us as black as niggers.
[Page 69]
Wednesday 7 March
Up very early to continue with the work of getting the tents away. This kept me busy all day.
Bitterly cold.
[Page 70]
Thursday 8 March
Took another load of clothes to the baths at Heilly. A bitterly cold blizzard was blowing all day and we felt pretty uncomfortable sitting up on the front seat of a general service waggon. Snow falling heavily.
[Page 71]
Friday 9 March
General Duties.
[Page 72]
Saturday 10 March
Trip to Heilly.
[Page 73]
Sunday 11 March
A beautiful day. Had nothing to do but stroll round Albert. Shells seem to have ceased coming over this way.
[Page 74]
Monday 12 March
Went to Heilly with clothes for the laundry. Concert in Albert after tea.
[Page 75]
Tuesday 13 March
Doing odd jobs all day. Germans have again retreated – this time to a distance of a mile.
[Page 76]
Wednesday 14 March
Light rain all day.
Kit inspection at 9 a.m. afterwards went to Heilly again with clothes to be exchanged at the Baths.
Went to “Anzac Coves” Concert in Albert at night.
[Page 77]
Thursday 15 March
Doing nothing all day except for a Gas Helmet Inspection at 2 p.m. Rumours that 40 bearers have to be kept in readiness for the line. Doubtless something big is expected. It is commonly know that Bapaume is to be attempted within a day or so.
[Page 78]
Friday 16 March
Trip to Heilly with clothes – met Carter from Brighton who has just joined our unit. 20 men to leave at 7 a.m. tomorrow. My name is not on the list. Heavy bombardment opened up in the evening
[Page 79]
Saturday 17 March
The bombardment continued all night. Bapaume fell at 4 a.m. The 30th Batt. were the first Australian troops to enter the town. The 8th Brigade & the 29th Tommy Division took it. Le Transloy has also fallen. Concert in our camp tonight.
List of 30 names read out including mine. These have to leave for the line at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Bapaume is in flames so also are the surrounding villages.
[Page 80]
Sunday 18 March
Up at 6 a.m. Left Bellevue Farm at 7 a.m. marched to Meaulte Railway Siding and entrained here. On arriving at Bernafay Wood we were put into a hut where we remained all day.
The quietness here now is very remarkable. No guns are to be seen anywhere. We do not go out to the line until tomorrow. Observation Balloon taken up to Delville Wood, along the road. Men walked along the road holding the ropes while the balloon floated along in the air.
[Page 81]
Monday 19 March
The greatest day in our Military life to date. I was one of 4 volunteers to proceed into Bapaume at 7 a.m. Travelled there by Motor Amb. through Longueval, Contalmaison, Pozieres & Le Sars. Round Pozieres 8 “Tanks” are lying damaged. Le Sars is one long street of Ruins. Before leaving Bapaume Fritz lit fires in nearly every third house. The destruction there is astounding. Our guns played havoc. Fires are still burning – 2 mines were exploded by Fritz in the main street. Heaps of debris block up every street. There isn’t one sound building in the town. In the centre of the town there was once a statue in memory of French fallen heroes in 1870. Well Fritz has removed the bronze figure & has put up an iron piping instead making it resemble an antiaircraft gun. German shells are dropping in the town. We are forming a dressing station in ruined premises.
[Page 82]
Tuesday 20 March
Slept in a double bed in the cellar of a ruined residence at No. 7 Rue de Republique. There is a terrace of fine places here, all smashed about. We are now busy clearing out the debris of Nos. 3, 5 & 7, the bottom floors of which are to be used as a dressing station. The second floor and the attic, are being in a sad condition, are quite unsafe. Our flags are now flying in the front garden. Shells are still coming over. The stories of how the 30th Battalion troops of the 8th Aust. Brigade entered Bapaume & raced after souvenirs are very amusing. They marched out wearing women’s hats, mens top hats, straw hats & German head gear. The guns are coming up in pursuit of Fritz and its a fine sight to see caterpillar tractors drawing the heavy guns along the Albert-Bapaume Road. Infantry are moving slowly with mounted troops out in front as scouts. Some of these are coming in wounded.
[Page 83]
Wednesday 21 March
Slept in the double bed again last night. Today has been spent in getting straight and cleaning out the buildings. Tonight all stretcher-bearers were cleared out of Bapaume and I went with a party along the Rue de Peronne to the village of Beaulencourt. When working out from Bernafay Wood through Delville Wood this village was opposite us in Fritz’s lines. Now it is nothing but a heap of ruins. All fruit trees have been cut down. We sleep in a German Dugout tonight running under a heap of bricks which once was a house. Trees along the Bapaume-Peronne Road have been cut down. Mine craters are also along this road.
[Page 84]
Thursday 22 March
At 9 a.m. we were divided up into various parties resulting in two of us being sent to a relay post back along the road to Bapaume, so that I am now half way between Bapaume and Beaulencourt in a little ruined house. A Red Cross flag is on the front door and between the 6 of us we take turns in carrying patients through to Bapaume Dressing Station as they are brought to us from Beaulencourt. From our front door we can see Delville Wood and all the important heights upon which Fritz’s shells used to fall round us at one time. Prince Frederick, third son of the Kaiser came through today so also did his aeroplane which we brought down. Drew rations for all our bearers in the line, from the A.S.C. now in Bapaume.
[Page 85]
Friday, 23 March
Slept down in the cellar last night. This morning after breakfast I took a stroll round the villages, or one time villages of Reincourt and Bancourt out in Fritz’s direction. Both these places have been levelled to the ground & fruit trees have been cut down. The extensive scheme of barbed-wiring in these districts serves to indicate that Fitz’s original intention was to put up a stern fight rather than to retreat as he is now doing. The weather lately has been sunny and clear but the bitterly cold March winds are blowing in a gale.
[Page 86]
Saturday 24 March
Bitterly Cold Again.
Aeroplane dropped a note in Bapaume asking how the Prince is. (The one who was captured by us.) He has since died. Have just finished building a new fire place and chimney in this “shanty” of ours. Rats are pretty numerous.
[Page 87]
Sunday 25 March
A glorious day.
German observation balloons can be seen in the distance. Big explosion occurred in the Town Hall cellars Bapaume today. Fritz apparently left mines which are exploded on the 8 day clock system. About 40 men are imprisoned underneath and their voices can be heard from the surface of the ground. Men are working for their very lives in trying to rescue the others below.
[Page 88]
Monday 26 March
Still fine.
Great contest in the air resulting in a severe loss to our air service. 9 German planes & 6 of ours had a battle in which 5 of ours came to earth & only one Fritz. Two of the planes came down in flames. More explosions have occurred in Bapaume. 3 of us are now sleeping on the ground floor instead of the cellar using stretchers to keep us off the cold tiles.
One of our posts along this Bapaume-Peronne Road has been cut out & the men are now in at the Main Dressing Station, Bapaume, erecting tents etc. 15th F. Amb. have moved up from Bernafay. Probably our post will soon be cut out as there is no work to do here.
[Page 89]
Tuesday 27 March
Snowing & cold outside.
More explosions in Bapaume. Other cellars have gone up into the air, one being a Staff billet. Here a number of German Prisoners had just been examined and had been taken about 20 yards from the cellar on their way elsewhere when the explosion made them turn round. They burst out laughing when they heard the facts. Orders reached us tonight saying that we have to evacuate this post and report to Capt. Marshall at the Collecting Station Beaulencourt tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock. So we have to break up the happy home.
[Page 90]
Wednesday 28 March
My eyes are sore after sitting round the smoky fire last night. Left the “shanty” at 9.15 a.m. and reached Beaulencourt at 10 o’clock. Le Transloy lies only a stone’s throw further up the road. Big log fire going all day in the old ruined house we have patched up. No orders have yet been issued relative to moving further on. Sleeping on old wire mattrass tonight. Observation balloon was taken past here today. It used to be in Delville Wood & now it has been transferred to a position nearer the front.
[Page 91]
Thursday 29 March
Rain came through the roof on to our bed all night. Got up at 11 a.m. Orders that all men must shave today. 58th Batt. hopped the bags the other night & captured 2 machine guns, 2 searchlights etc., a very successful raid. The 2 machine gun crews who were captured were taken to Bapaume for examination. On passing the Town Hall these Fritzs laughed at the sight of dead bodies being carried out from the ruins. Australians on the roads rushed them with picks & could only be kept off by a strong guard. The Aust. demanded a chance to get at the Germans in order to nail them to the crucifixs & riddle them with bullets.
Left in party of 6 & moved off to Bancourt after tea, arriving there wet through. We are here to take casualties from the 55th Batt.
[Page 92]
Friday 30 March
Awoke this morning & was surprised to hear the birds chattering. It is the first time for 18 months. The country round about here is quite green, so different to the other side of Bapaume. Went to Beaulencourt for rations – not ready in the morning so we had to return again in the afternoon. Only one stretcher-case came through last night and two of our chaps took him on. On coming to the big mine crater the whole lot, stretcher case included, slipped in.
It is rumoured today that the 8th Fld. Amb. go out of action on the 5th ulto.
Every village here is strewn with bottles which give the impression that Fritz is a bit of a drinker.
[Page 93]
Saturday 31 March
Up at 10 a.m. Cold wind blowing all day.
By getting up late we save a meal and therefore make the most of the very short rations. There isn’t really enough for two meals a day.
Went up to Beaulencourt for rations this afternoon.
All 8th Field Ambulance bearers are now coming to Beaulencourt, leaving the 15th Fld. Amb. to work out from Bapaume.
The 14th Field Amb. are going out of action in two days time.
[Page 94]
Agenda Souvenir Journalier 1917
[Not transcribed]
[Page 95]
Deuxieme Trimestre
[Not transcribed]
[Page 96]
Sunday 1 April
April Fools Day. A Balloon went up from Villers Au Flos & Fritz immediately flew across and brought it down in flames. The Airmen came to earth in parachutes. This is the balloon we saw on the 28th ult.
Connell & I were today ordered to go to the front line with the 55th Batt. for the purpose of ascertaining whether provision has been made out there for bringing wounded away. There is to be an action tomorrow morning. We walked all day carrying blankets & passing through these villages:- Haplincourt,
Breakfast was the only meal we had today.
Returned to Bancourt in the evening and are now quartered in the old church ruins. All the above named villages are wrecked in a frightful manner.
[Page 97]
Monday 2 April
Out of bed at 10.30 a.m. Bitterly cold wind blowing all morning which later on turned into a snowstorm.
Walked into Bapaume for canteen goods without success. This afternoon two of us went up to Beaulencourt for the rations. Today there is a vast improvement in rations. Not only has Capt. Marshall given Connell & I a tin of Glaxo & Arrowroot on account of yesterdays exertion but Col. Shepherd, O.C. of our ambulance has sent his bearers extra bread, butter etc. (a motor amb. full). The attack came off this morning resulting in a success. We have taken all the villages we were asked to. Wounded are now pouring into Bapaume.
[Page 98]
Tuesday 3 April
Raining & windy. In the evening two of our observation Balloons which had been put up for the first time in Grevillers suffered badly. Fritz flew across in precisely the same manner as on the 1st inst. and dropped fire bombs on both, bringing them down in flames. It was a wonderful & brilliant feat. However we knocked the plane out nearer the front line so the loss has been evened up a bit. The other Fritz who was responsible for Sunday’s feat was also brought to earth. 500 wounded from our 54 & 55th Batts. in the recent fight, but Fritz’s losses were heavier. The 8th F. Amb. went out to assist the 15th with the stretcher-bearing. 6 German counter-attacks have been repulsed. Heavy gun firing is going on in the direction of Arras.
[Page 99]
Wednesday 4 April
At various stages today the weather has been wet, snowy, & fine alternately. Last night the Australians took another village. All through the night and throughout today the heavy guns have been booming up the line a bit. According to Div. Hd. Quarters America has declared war on Germany. When we went to Beaulencourt today for rations we were informed that the 8th Fld. Amb. are to be relieved tomorrow morning and tomorrow night will be spent at Bernafay Wood. Pioneers are in this village (Bancourt) now getting timber from the ruins to make dug-outs in the front line. They are also pushing on with the light railway. All day Fritz has been dropping “heavies” into Bapaume. About 100 German prisoners were taken last Monday.
[Page 100]
Thursday 5 April
Beautiful day. Pushed the “spider” back to Beaulencourt, with all stretchers and blankets we have been using in Bancourt. Early in the afternoon we commenced a long tramp back to Bernafay Wood arriving there between 5 and 6 p.m. The whole of this country is now desolate, and not a sign of life of any kind was to be seen as we came through, passing our old firing line (Sunray Trench) and the old posts we occupied for weeks. This is the track which runs through Delville Wood. In the old “No Mans Land” shell damage is something frightful. The remainder of our Amb. are staying at Bernafay tonight and will be coming on to Bellevue tomorrow. I continued on to Bellevue tonight by train. Bombs dropped round camp. Balloon replaced at Villers Au Flos today.
[Page 101]
Friday 6 April
Slept in a ward last night. The remainder of the bearers came down by road carrying everything, and arrived here soon after midday. I have been busy throughout the day in patching up two little brick huts which a few of us intend occupying. After tea Connell & I strolled into Albert. This town is gradually being inhabited by civilians again. Fritz flies over every clear night and drops bombs. He got 13 staff officers recently. Met Bill Bailey again in Albert. The men who remained in camp while we were in the line have arranged a dinner to welcome the bearers back. This is to take place tomorrow night. The French people at the farm have been busy killing & dressing a pig for the occasion.
[Page 102]
Saturday 7 April
Mild Day. Making & fitting a stove for a coal fire in our huts. An oil drum serves the purpose well, with piping to take the smoke out. 13 of us occupy these huts and are getting quite comfortable. Stretchers to sleep on. The dinner passed off very well and so did the concert given by the “Nightbirds” later in the evening. “The Nightbirds” is the name given to the 8th F. Amb. concert party. Officers provided the pig for the dinner tonight. In response to words of thanks expressed by one of our sergeants at the concert, Col. Shepherd said the 8th has put up a record above all other ambulances on the Somme during the past 6 months. He is surprised at the way some of us have gone through it all.
[Page 103]
Sunday 8 April – Easter Day
A Glorious Day. Put on to incinerator as a permanent job.
[Page 104]
Monday 9 April
Showery. On incinerator. Papers today report that The German Prince Charles Frederick died of wounds at Rouen hospital, but, as I said some days back, he died just after leaving our hands.
[Page 105]
Tuesday 10 April
Up at 5.30 a.m. Walked to Mericourt-Ribemont railway station. Caught train here for Amiens at 8.10 a.m. Arrived Amiens soon after 9. 10 men and a Lance Corporal have leave daily. Dinner at Hotel Univers. Town Hall decorated with flags including a large one in honour of America’s recent decision. Photos taken of group of 10 and also our stretcher squad. Snow falling all day. Met Arthur Preston in the Hotel Univers. Left Amiens at 7.30 p.m. travelled to the Albert Road by tram (Woman driver & conductor). For the remainder of the distance of about 30 Kilos (19 miles) we walked & rode on motor lorries at different stages, arriving back in Bellevue Farm Camp at 11 p.m.
[Page 106]
Wednesday 11 April
On incinerator. Inoculated at 11 a.m. which brought a fair sized lump on to my left arm. This made me feel off colour for the rest of the day. Snow falling in big flakes. All are delighted with the wonderful news in today’s “Daily Mail” relative to the great push at Arras. 11,000 prisoners captured.
24th Birthday today.
[Page 107]
Thursday 12 April
Very cold. During the night the snow has frozen. Trouble about the missing horse. It came back riderless during the morning. Someone has apparently taken it in order to ride as far as Mericourt, and there catch the train, leaving the horse to return by itself.
[Page 108]
Friday 13 April
On Incinerator.
Showery weather.
Lance Corp. Marlow went to Beaulencourt to Div. Headquarters where Gen. Birdwood presented him with the Military Medal ribbon. The Tanks have so far been something in the shape of a failure, 6 out of 12 were hit yesterday by direct shots. Others got caught in Fritz’s wires. 4th Division got fearfully cut up at Bullecourt.
All this news comes from Gen. Birdwood.
Before breakfast this morning we were tramped off on a Route March for half an hour. We are wondering what officer has gone mad. Snowing heavily in evening.
[Page 109]
Saturday 14 April
Glorious day. All leave to bearers from this camp has been stopped thanks to two men getting drunk in Armiens Amiens yesterday. They were run in by the Military Police.
On incinerator.
Excitement caused by news of the Arras Offensive. 13,000 prisoners reported in papers.
Our little hut it a picture of comfort. The fire seldom goes out.
Route march this morning before breakfast, as yesterday.
[Page 110]
Sunday 15 April
Gas helmet parade before breakfast in lieu of route march.
Orders have come through from the A.D.M.S. saying that all bearers are to be held in readiness for the line at a few minutes notice. The Australians have been pushed back at Lagnicourt but after a fierce counter-attack, retook the positions, inflicting a heavy hiding on Fritz.
Still on Incinerator.
Put through tear gas to test our box respirators.
Showery all day.
[Page 111]
Monday 16 April
Short march this morning before breakfast. This incinerator job is a very soft one allowing us practically the whole day to ourselves. This time is spent near a good fire, reading or writing.
Showery again today and very cold.
No further orders are on relative to moving.
[Page 112]
Tuesday 17 April
Nothing exciting today. Raining continuously all day.
Incinerator duties.
[Page 113]
Wednesday 18 April
Showery and snowy. Route march before breakfast. 24 Batteries of howitzers parked nearby pending transfer to positions in the line. These consist mainly of 6 inch and they came down from the famous action at Vimy Ridge near Arras. The thunder of guns continues incessantly.
[Page 114]
Thursday 19 April
Drizzling rain.
On Incinerator.
Guns booming in kettle drum fashion all day.
Circulars posted up re the Australian Federal Elections.
[Page 115]
Friday 20 April
Fine.
Incinerator.
Guns still line the roads nearby prior to moving up the line.
[Page 116]
Saturday 21 April
Fine.
Football match in afternoon.
There is now very little to do at the incinerator so our time is spent in reading books. Our hut is full of them – obtained from Red Cross Stores.
[Page 117]
Sunday 22 April
Fine Day.
Football matches in afternoon against the 14th Fld. Ambulance. They came in Ambulance waggons. The ragged outfit of our side was very amusing – Some played in pyjamas.
[Page 118]
Monday 23 April
Fine Day.
Incinerator.
“Anzac Coves” concert in Albert after tea. I was particularly impressed by one item – a song sung by a chap in evening dress. He was singing and pretending to be writing the subject of the song in letter form.
“The Mountains of Mourn”.
[Page 119]
Tuesday 24 April
Incinerator.
Perfect Day.
Leave to Albert forbidden except by special pass. This comes about because Anzacs have not been saluting officers in this city. Army Hd. Quarters is here, hence the new ideas.
[Page 120]
Wednesday 25 April
Anzac Day.
Football matches. Rugby, Soccer & Aust. Rules.
Beautiful Day.
[Page 121]
Thursday 26 April
Lovely Day.
Incinerator.
After tea practising football for tomorrow’s match V Reinforcement Camp. 3 hours football so am feeling pretty stiff.
Supper tonight of cocoa toast & eggs – fruit & cream.
[Page 122]
Friday 27 April
Lovely Day.
Incinerator.
The football match after tea tonight resulted in a win for us.
[Page 123]
Saturday 28 April
Lovely Day.
Another Football Match this afternoon.
[Page 124]
Sunday 29 April
Glorious Day.
At 9 a.m. I went to assist Major Wooster in the Polling Booth. Voting in connection with the Aust. Commonwealth Federal Elections takes place today.
Got another chap to take my place after midday because of the Aust. Rules Football Match V Div. Supply Column. Well, this time we got beaten.
[Page 125]
Monday 30 April
Beautiful Day.
On Incinerator.
Notice posted up re Horse sports which are to take place next Saturday.
Aust. Rules Football Meeting.
Went to “Anzac Coves” concert in Albert at 7 p.m.
Late this evening a flock of aeroplanes flew over in Fritzs direction possibly on a bombing expedition. It was a pretty sight – the planes being detected only by the buzz of the engine and the moving lights in the sky.
[Page 126]
Tuesday 1 May
Glorious Day.
On Incinerator.
Training for football match after tea.
A repetition of the aerial movements again tonight.
[Page 127]
Wednesday 2 May
Fine.
The usual “before breakfast” march.
Incinerator Duties.
Football after tea.
[Page 128]
Thursday 3 May
Fine.
Same as yesterday.
[Page 129]
Friday 4 May
Beautiful Day.
Incinerator and helping Transport men to burnish chains of the harness for tomorrow’s show.
Foot sports today resulting in 3 wins.
[Page 130]
Saturday 5 May
Beautiful Day.
Still on incinerator.
In the afternoon we were watching an Aust. Rules Football between the 26th A.S.C. and the 15th F. Amb. We are due to play the 15th tomorrow.
Went to pictures in Albert tonight.
Orders out late tonight telling all bearers to be ready for action at a moments notice. The 15th F. Amb. have gone out in cars.
[Page 131]
Sunday 6 May
Fine but windy.
Claude Le Quesne paid me a surprise visit.
Football match in evening V Rugby team resulting in a win for us.
Match V 15th F. Amb. postponed.
35 to 40 casualties in the 7th Field Amb. in the last day or so’s fighting, and 15 casualties in the 14th F.A. 9 of the 7th F.A. have died.
[Page 132]
Monday 7 May
Glorious morning.
Incinerator.
Orders have come through telling us to prepare for the line. Will be going out there tomorrow or Wednesday.
15th F. Amb. have had over a dozen casualties.
[Page 133]
Tuesday 8 May
Raining all day.
Moving tomorrow. 15th F. Amb. transport arrived to take over Bellevue Farm from us.
[Page 134]
Wednesday 9 May
Lovely Day. Moved off at 12 a.m. by motor lorries to the big Main Dressing Station at Vaulx, travelling up the straight road from Albert to Bapaume then out to the left of our previous posts. Nearly all the Aust. Ambulances are here and they have suffered terribly. Over 300 casualties in the stretcher-bearers. Fritz has been deliberately shooting them. Met Harry Reynolds, Coffey, Bill Bailey & Totton. All reports say its like Hell out near the Hindenburg line. Dressing Station shelled this morning – men raced away down the hillside. D.D.M.S. congratulating the stretcher bearers on their recent work through Barrages. 1 Driver & 2 horses of 14th Fld. Amb. killed this afternoon, 2 other bearers brought in wounded. Party of B. Section left for A.D.S.
[Page 135]
Thursday 10 May
Rather warm weather.
Last night while we were in bed Fritz again threw about 15 shells round our Dressing Station. It was funny to see some chaps spring out of bed and run. Gas alarms through the night at intervals also kept us awake. Moving cook house this morning. Shelling has been Heavy today, numbers of shells dropping in our camps. Over 20 casualties – 2 Motors (Amb.) smashed up. Each time shelling commenced we galloped away as fast as our legs would carry us. At 7.30 p.m. our stretcher-bearers left for the line. Shelled heavily all the way. Finally took up position in a sunken road just a few hundred yards from Fritz’s lines. Its like Hell out here carrying from the Hindenburg Line across the open chased along by “whiz-bangs”. Bullecourt stands to our left & Quent to our right.
[Page 136]
Friday 11 May
Glorious day but a little too warm. In the early hours, just after midnight the fearful hammering of guns and shells was terrible. Fritz attempted an attack this afternoon after a heavy artillery preparation, under which we shivered from head to foot, but he got such a frightful hammering in return. The chaos on the battlefield was perfect Hell. We carried through barrages of heavy fire and fumes. Dead bodies are in an awful mess and are smashed up by shells. Then the sun makes things pretty ripe. Shelled heavily again as we were being relieved, the sunken road dressing station being in danger. Returned to Main Dressing Station late tonight. This has been the worst day of my life.
Casualties in our Amb. today number 8 including Lyn Palmer & MacDonald.
[Page 137]
Saturday 12 May
Arrived at M.D.S. 2.30 a.m. The Dressing Station has been shifted back from Vaulx to within 1½ miles of Bapaume, as a result of the shelling. Slept out in the open till 9.30 a.m. The sun is again very warm. This afternoon Samuels came & asked me if I could ride a Motor Bike. A little headwork told me it might mean a good job so I said “Yes”. A few spins up & down the road were highly successful without any spills.
[Page 138]
Sunday 13 May
Warm again today. All stretcher-bearers left for the line this morning. Every available man was sent, but I have been left behind as a Despatch Rider on the Douglas Bike. Up to the present I have not missed one carry in the line & have been out every time. Having done as much as anyone in the unit and considering that very few of the original 8th are here now I think its my turn for a sweet job. Whether it will be permanent or not its hard to say, but each Amb. is supposed to have 2 Despatch Riders. All runs today were successful. Shelling of the roads was heavy. Fritz observation Balloon brought down.
Heavy thunderstorm broke out just before midnight.
[Page 139]
Monday 14 May
Showery but otherwise very warm. Successful day on the motor bike. Fritz threw a few shells on the road near our camp. The chief event of the day was a brilliant piece of work in the air to Fritz’s credit. A plane flew over us at about 7000 ft. high – Our guns fired at him but didn’t seem to hit him. However he pretended to be knocked and fell over & over sideways until he came very low. Meantime we were all yelling with delight. Suddenly the plane righted itself and made off home followed by our battleplane.
The opinion has been advanced that this plane intended to dive at one of our balloons by means of the joke.
[Page 140]
Tuesday 15 May
Cloudy & warm.
Heavy gunfire continues at highest pitch.
The plane which ventured over yesterday on that tricky expedition was brought to earth out near the front line by one of our battleplanes.
Despatch Riding.
[Page 141]
Wednesday 16 May
Showery all day.
Tommy Ambulance arrived to assist on this part of the front. The Daily papers are full of talk about the Bullecourt fighting where the Australians are still repulsing all German attacks and are also smashing The German Divisions up.
This is said to be the heaviest fighting of the war to date.
Despatch riding.
Casualties in the Field Ambulances are growing, our unit being the luckiest with about 15 (none killed), i.e. at the present front Bullecourt.
[Page 142]
Thursday 17 May
See the 22nd May.
[Page 143]
Friday 18 May
2 Australians have escaped from the German lines where they have been imprisoned for 6 weeks, since the first Bullecourt fighting when our 4th Division suffered heavily. 12 Tanks were knocked out that day.
[Page 144]
Saturday 19 May
These two men have valuable information and their escape is causing deep interest.
[Page 145]
Tuesday 22 May
Lovely weather, a little on the warm side, has been prevailing since the 17th inst. My Despatch Riding continues with success. We are to move to Bapaume tomorrow. It is believed that all Australians except the 5th Division (ours) are leaving this front to go up Armentieres way. The 5th are being left behind for a while as reserve to the Tommies.
Papers now daily report on the severe fighting which is going on at Bullecourt. This is our sector of the front.
[Page 146]
Wednesday 23 May
Lovely day.
Preparations for moving all morning. Marched out at 3 p.m. a distance of 1½ miles to Bapaume to the same place we occupied when first entering Bapaume last March. Now living in a tent. Twilight lasts till about 11 o’clock. When “Lights Out” is blown on the bugle the sun hasn’t gone down by that time.
[Page 147]
Thursday 24 May
Lovely Day.
The boys are busy digging and decorating gardens round the premises.
A new Seaside Rest Camp has been opened at the north of the River Somme. 72 men from the 8th Brigade are to go fortnightly, our allottment being three.
Walked round the Bapaume fortifications after tea.
[Page 148]
Friday 25 May
Lovely Day.
D.R. as usual.
In evening went to see the “Curios” at a hall in Bapaume. It was an exceptionally fine performance by professional artists. Every item was splendid.
[Page 149]
Saturday 26 May
Weather continues fine.
The premises we are now occupying are the cause of much comment. Gardens etc. are looking first class.
Exp. Force Canteen next door to us – Comes in handy for morning and afternoon tea.
Fritz threw shells round our end of the town and inflicted many casualties on the 29th Batt. Stray pieces of steel flew into our yard.
[Page 150]
Sunday 27 May
Fine and cloudless day.
Church parades in the Church Army Hut two doors away.
Despatch Riding duties continue smoothly.
Leave to Amiens has reopened – parties of 8 may go daily.
No word yet about leaving this part of the front.
[Page 151]
Monday 28 May
Fine all day until the evening when a heavy rainstorm broke out. By a successful manouvre I managed to secure a new uniform outfit today.
[Page 152]
Tuesday 29 May
Fine.
D.R. Duties as usual.
Today the Military Police are busy on the roads stopping motor cycles in an endeavour to trace certain new machines which have been pinched.
[Page 153]
Wednesday 30 May
Lovely Day.
Tomorrow our party is due for a trip to Amiens.
4 German Prisoners today escaped from the Prisoners Compound in Bapaume.
The A.D.M.S. inspected our camp today & was so impressed by the gardens we have made all round the tents and throughout the grounds that tomorrow he intends bring General Tivey along.
Met Bill Cannon today.
[Page 154]
Thursday 31 May
Perfect Day – Cloudless and followed by long twilight lasting till nearly 11 o’clock.
Left Camp at 7 a.m. by Motor Ambulance bound for Albert. Car broke down a mile from our destination but we luckily managed to catch a lorry and so finish the journey in time to catch the 8.15 a.m. train to Amiens. Arrived Amiens before 10 o’clock. After the usual procedure of haircut bath etc. we had a good look round the city by 8 p.m. when we caught the return train to Albert. As no train proceeded on to Bapaume tonight we sat on the roadside near Albert and waited till we got a lift in a Flying Corps motor. Back in camp soon after midnight.
Sent souvenir paper knives home.
Met Stuart McKern & Chas. Jarvis in Amiens.
[Page 155]
Friday 1 June
Lovely Day.
Military Medals have been awarded in connection with the Bullecourt business. Only two are deserving cases, one being Lce. Cpl. Marlow who is receiving a bar to a medal already won. Much dissension exists in the unit rendering the decorations valueless. I now repeat my previous impressions with regard to awards viz. that 9 out of every ten are useless. They certainly are not looked upon as honours. Far from it. The best men get nothing at all. Gen. Tivey inspected the camp yesterday & was delighted.
The Australians (now out of the line are undergoing special training & sports are included.
[Page 156]
Saturday 2 June
Fine.
Four more Military Medal awards. None of these men have not done anything to deserve distinction.
[Page 157]
Sunday 3 June
Fine.
See Friday the 8th.
[Page 158]
Monday 4 June
Fine.
[Page 159]
Tuesday 5 June
Fine.
[Page 160]
Wednesday 6 June
Fine.
[Page 161]
Thursday 7 June
Fine.
Played in cricket match against the transport section and scored 13 runs.
[Page 162]
Friday 8 June
Fine.
Trip down to Albert today on the bike
Since the 2nd inst. nothing of any note has been occurring, other the daily cricket matches.
We are now a reserve division in the 3rd Army. All units have orders to make use of afternoons by playing cricket.
Despatch Riding duties continue
[Page 163]
Saturday 9 June
Fine.
Cricket match in accordance with daily programme.
Thanks to the energies of one of our Sergeants to whom the motor bike was lent for a much desired joy ride, he came back with the frame broken, hence the cancellation of all future favours
[Page 164]
Sunday 10 June
Fine.
Doing nothing all morning.
In afternoon I was playing in a cricket match against the Divisional Ammunition Park – Scored 3 runs.
[Page 165]
Monday 11 June
Heavy thunderstorm broke upon us just after midnight and the rain seemed to come straight through our tent. Everything was wet through. About mid-day the weather cleared. Our Division, the 5th, are due to take Bapaume over again, so that the moving picture men can exhibit the move before the Aust. Public. This was to have been done today.
Capt. Riley & Les Townsend mentioned in despatches. The former is a dentist and deserves no distinction.
[Page 166]
Tuesday 12 June
See Friday.
[Page 167]
Wednesday 13 June
See Friday.
[Page 168]
Thursday 14 June
See Friday.
[Page 169]
Friday 15 June
Since Monday nothing of any note has occurred other than a couple of route marches, one being over a distance of about 12 miles. Cricket matches are still on the afternoon program – my best score to date is 29 not out.
The weather continues warm.
2 trips to Buire today on the “Triumph” Motor Bike a total distance of about 120 Kilos or 75 miles. Met Harry Reynolds & Ron Wolff.
Tomorrow we move to Senlis back near Warloy about 3 miles to the West of Albert.
New “Douglas” Motor Cycle has arrived to replace the broken one.
[Page 170]
Saturday 16 June
Very warm – Quite a record for France – That wet heat.
By mid-day our unit had been relieved by the 5th F. Amb. and the last of our men had left by. I rode the new Douglas motor cycle.
Our new camp is on a hill overlooking Senlis & the country is very picturesque. The hillsides are a mass of colours due to the wild flowers.
This little village is quite intact – untouched by shell fire or the any other signs of warfare
[Page 171]
Sunday 17 June
Very Warm.
Busy all morning cleaning the bike.
Out all the afternoon. My sleeping quarters are in the Armstrong Hut used as the Orderly Room. 4 of us sleep here on bunks and live very well.
[Page 172]
Monday 25 June
I have omitted to set down events day by day because nothing has happened of any interest for some time. I do a daily run into Albert for papers. Another regular run is that which carries returns to the A.D.M.S. (Asst. Director of Medical Services) 5th Aust. Divisional Hd. Q. This means a daily run or perhaps even three runs a day, through Warloy, Contay Herissart to Rubempre. The country looks splendid climbing up and
[Page 173]
Tuesday 26 June
down hills, on a bright day of course. Then I often have to run to Edgehill C.C.S. either through Albert and Dernancourt or on the return from A.D.M.S. branching off at Warloy and running through Henencourt and Warlencourt, Aveloy, Mericourt, Ribemont, Bray, Bellevue Farm, Acheux, Belle Eglise and numerous other villages are amongst the daily trips. Also, I have twice been to Amiens on duty.
[Page 174]
Wednesday 27 June
Apart from Duty we get a day off whenever we like, to visit Amiens. Parties go every day in Motor Ambulances to Albert Station thence per train to Amiens.
Football matches are also regular events. In Rugby Matches our team never meets with defeat.
[Page 175]
Thursday 28 June
Occasionally the distance covered in one day reaches a total of 120 miles.
[Page 176]
Agenda
Sourvenir Journalier
1917
Troisieme Trimestre
[Page 177]
Troisieme Trimestre
[Not transcribed]
[Page 178]
Saturday 7 July
Extract from Routine Orders for today No. 376.
Administration
No. 6777 Private Allsop W.J.
Transferred from A Section Bearer Sub Division and detailed for duty as Motor Cycle Orderly.
This formally makes me the Official Despatch Rider in black & white. The other chap F.H. Prist is now the spare man.
[Page 179]
Thursday 12 July
5 Division Sports at Henencourt Wood and inspection by King George. I was round there on the bike and had a good view of His Majesty.
This Australian turnout was a magnificent display and our Ambulance Waggon secured first prize
[Page 180]
Tuesday 24 July
During most of the time we have been in this Camp I have been acting as Postman in addition to the Despatch Rider Job, so my time is fully occupied
[Page 181]
Thursday 26 July
This camp at Senlis has been one long holiday. A little work is perhaps done in the morning, but the afternoons are free. I, however, am liable to be called out at any moment. My time is fully occupied, as the other bike has be detailed for duty with the A.D.M.S. Office at 5th Div. Hd. Q., Rubempre.
Football and Cricket matches take place every
[Page 182]
Friday 27 July
afternoon – In the former game we never seem to get beaten.
Concerts are held occasionally at night by our own Concert Party.
Recently a two days event was carried out, consisting of a Brigade Route March to Corbie and back
[Page 183]
Sunday 29 July
Tomorrow we move up North to a village called Racquinghem near the town of St. Omer.
[Page 184]
Monday 30 July
At mid-day we moved off, but I struck trouble less than ½ a mile from camp – water in the petrol. Was delayed some time but picked the others up before they reached the entraining point arrived.
Left Senlis late at night, the bike having been tied to the wheels of a G.S. Waggon on one of the trucks. We travelled up in Cattle Trucks passing Amiens, Boulogne & Calais, reaching
From Senlis we entrained at Aveloy Railway Siding – through Bouzincourt.
[Page 185]
Tuesday 31 July
St. Omer this morning. I followed a Ford Ambulance out on to Racquinghem. This Amb. was carrying our Colonel. I was given orders and directions as to where the different parties were to be billetted and then had to see that these instructions were carried out.
Returned to St. Omer and arranged for Daily Papers.
Now living in a barn
[Page 186]
Saturday 4 August
These 4 days were passed in fine weather. Runs included the Daily trip to St. Omer for papers – 3 or 4 trips to Blaringhem where the 5th Div. Hd. Q. are situated with the A.D.M.S. & Signallers office included.
Brigade Head Quarters are at Wardreques.
[Page 187]
Sunday 5 August
Raining fairly heavily. In addition to the usual paper run and the trips to Brigade & Divisional Hd. Q. I had another run to Hazebrouck this afternoon passing through Blaringhem Steenbecque & Morbecque on the way there & returning through Morbecque, Steenbecque, St. Venant, Boesingen, Aire & Wittel. Had a look round Aire plus a first class tea. In Morbecque I visited a few friends made during our stay there last year.
Hazebrouck was shelled on August 1st with long range guns.
[Page 188]
Monday 6 August
Paper run to St. Omer as usual.
[Page 189]
Tuesday 7 August
Fine. In workshop. The 5th Divisional Supply Column all day from 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. We had the bike to pieces and replaced parts which require renewing. Bombs were dropped on Morbecque last night
[Page 190]
Wednesday 8 August
Fine. Brought Bike out of workshops at mid-day. She is now running like a new machine.
[Page 191]
Sunday 19 August
2 runs to Bailleul. In the 2nd run, at Pradelles 5 kilos from Hazebrouck I smashed into a Flying Corps Cycle & Side Car. He was on his wrong side of the road & neither of us had lights due to aircraft overhead. 3 bombs were dropped not far from the road I was taking. My bike had the front wheel badly mangled, the headspring broken & front fork slightly bent. The other party had their turnout completely wrecked. I walked to Strazeele, got a lift from this village to Bailleul & delivered my message, then rang up for an ambulance to come up to convey me home.
[Page 192]
Monday 20 August
At 4 a.m. whilst I was asleep on the floor of the 5th Canadian Mobile Bact. Laboratory at Bailleul one of our car drivers entered and woke me up. We travelled back via Pradelles, picked the bike up and dropped it in the workshops at Blaringhem – then returned to our unit in Racquinghem in time to hear Reveille blowing. I made up my report of the accident and gave the names of three witnesses from a British Machine Gun Unit
[Page 193]
Wednesday 22 August
Bessie 21 years on 22nd Aug.
[Page 194]
Wednesday 29 August
Inspected by Sir Douglas Haig at Blaringhem.
[Page 195]
Thursday 6 September
There has been little or nothing to report for some time, hence the vacant pages. There has been the usual daily paper run to St. Omer a distance of 10 kilos. At times there might be two runs a day to Bailleul with swabbings for the Laboratory. Called at the Estaminet in Strazeele where we had such a good time whilst en route from Armentieres to the Somme last October. The weather has been very changeable – Perhaps fine for a few days then wet for a few days. Every fine night the sky is ablaze with fire works & Fritz drops bombs on the various towns and
[Page 196]
Friday 7 September
villages. Fights between the Portuguese & Australian troops are frequent. Some have been killed. These Portuguese troops are hated by everybody. They are small vicious little good-for-nothings and are quick to flash a knife, but the Anzac knows how to deal with them.
St. Omer is a nice place over-run by these W.A.A.C. girls from Eng. (The Womens Army Aux. Corps.) Aire is also a nice place. The fruit in the orchard surrounding our Orderly Room Tent is now ripe & of course we get a good share, though only by pinching it at great risk.
My bike is now in the Workshops at Morbecque being overhauled.
[Page 197]
Saturday 8 September
On clear nights Fritz comes across to different villages bu with a supply of bombs, though none are dropped near us.
He generally waits for moonlight nights and the time to expect him is 9.20 p.m.
[Page 198]
Monday 10 September
Paper run to St. Omer.
To Blaringhem, Ebblinghem thence St. Momelin via St. Omer
[Page 199]
Tuesday 11 September
Paper run as usual.
To A.D.M.S. Blaringhem, 8th Brigade Sigs. and 31st Battn.
[Page 200]
Wednesday 12 September
To Blaringhem thence Ebblinghem and return via Blaringhem
To Blaringhem, 8th Bgde. Hd. Q. and into Racquinghem on Duty
[Page 201]
Thursday 13 September
Paper run to St. Omer.
Blaringhem and Wardriques
[Page 202]
Friday, 14 September
St. Omer run.
To Hazebrouck.
3 times to Blaringhem and another to 8th Brigade Hd. Q.
[Page 203]
Saturday 15 September
Paper run St. Omer.
3 times to A.D.M.S. Blaringhem.
To Aire and 8th Bgde. Hd. Q.
[Page 204]
Sunday 16 September
Another long rough trip to St. Momelin via St. Omer.
8th Brigade Hd. Q.
[Page 205]
Monday 17 September
Moving Day.
Trips to Arques, 8th Brigade Sigs. and A.D.M.S. at Blaringhem.
At mid-day I set off following two motor ambulances. We passed through Hazebrouck, St. Sylvestre, Eecke, Godewaerevelde and Boeschepe to Remy Siding just over the Belgian Border 2 Kilos from Poperinghe.
5 C.C.S’s opposite us. Met Bill Bailey & Rupert Cooke
First impressions of this camp give us the opinion that we are taking over a very comfortable home.
[Page 206]
Tuesday 18 September
To A.D.M.S. Reninghelst.
8th Bgde. Hd. Q. at Abeele on the border.
To 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q.
Our Camp is the 5th D.R.S. or Divisional Rest Station – Really a hospital to take cases which can be cured in a few weeks.
[Page 207]
Wednesday 19 September
The finding of the Court on my “buster” of 19th August is that the costs are to be paid out of Public Funds, no responsibility being attached to me
To A.D.M.S. Reninghelst 3 times and once to Anzac Hd. Q.
[Page 208]
Thursday 20 September
To A.D.M.S. Reininghelst twice
A long run to Belgian Battery Corner near Ypres.
To K. Supply Column and Anzac Hd. Q.
Our Bearers left for the line today. Things are pretty hot and traffic enormous near Belgian Battery Corner where I was today
[Page 209]
Friday 21 September
To A.D.M.S. Reninghelst twice.
2 trips to Poperinghe and one to Anzac Hd. Quarters
Whenever daily papers come up to Poperinghe a woman calls each morning, so there is no need for me to make special trips for them.
[Page 210]
Saturday 22 September
To A.D.M.S. Reninghelst.
To Poperinghe thence A.D.M.S. Reninghelst.
The evenings now are very favourable to aircraft and Fritz has been across frequently with bombs, several dropping near our camp. The C.C.S. referred to in the press lately, where bombs were dropped killing about 60 Germans, is over the road from us.
[Page 211]
Sunday 23 September
To A.D.M.S. Reninghelst.
Head Quarters later in the day moved to Dickebush so my next run was to this place via Westoutre La Clytte and return via Ouderdom & Busseboom
To 29th Battn. L29 Sheet 27.
More Bombs from Fritz & shells into Poperinghe.
[Page 212]
Monday 24 September
3 trips to Dickebush via Reninghelst and Ouderdom, and one trip to 29th Battn. Hd. Q.
A repetition of Bombs from Fritz.
The bearers are having a very rough time in the line, the casualties being heavy in all ambulances
[Page 213]
Tuesday 25 September
Twice to 5th Divisional Hd. Q. (A.D.M.S.) at Dickebush
To 1st Anzac Corps Head Quarters
Dickebush is not a choice place for motor cycles – At one spot I have to plough through mud & water about a foot deep.
[Page 214]
Wednesday 26 September
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush and return via Scottish Lines, Busseboom
To Anzac Hd. Q.
Another run to Dickebush.
To St. Momelin via Steenvoorde, Cassel, Arques, & St. Omer returning at midnight via Arques, Cassel, St. Sylvestre, Caestre, Flerte, Meteren, Berthen & Boeschepe.
Part of 5th Div. Hd. Q. is stationed at Walker’s Camp Dickebush whilst the other part is at Scottish Lines Busseboom.
[Page 215]
Thursday 27 September
To Dickebush
To 5th Mobile Vet Section
To Dickebush and all the batteries of the 7th Aust. Artillery Brigade
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush
The third run as above was undertaken with the object of finding out the owner of a horse which we had to shoot yesterday and drag inside our front gate. Now we want the other party to come and bury it. I managed to find the owners after a bit of Sherlock Holmes strategy
Met Metcalfe from the “Royal”.
[Page 216]
Friday 28 September
To 5th Div. Workshops
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush
To “K” Supply Column
To Dickebush again
[Page 217]
Saturday 29 September
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush
To Anzac Hd. Quarters
To Advanced Dressing Station on the Menin Road through Ypres. Ypres is a pitiful sight – smashed to the ground. It is one of those old fashioned towns surrounded by a wall and ditch, with gateways leading out on to the main roads. In peace time Ypres must have been a beautiful place, but now it is much more knocked about than Bapaume. There isnt a building with a roof on it, and there are only a few walls of buildings left. It reminds one of acres of scattered bricks. The one time Church is now practically wiped out.
[Page 218]
Sunday 30 September
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush
To 2nd Div. Rest Station at Hillock
To A.D.M.S. Dickebush
To Scottish Lines Camp near Busseboom
[Page 219]
Notes
These notes are those with which I armed myself for the Court of Enquiry re accident
Routine Orders 396 of 28th July 1917 for 3rd Army Area
10 miles per Hr through towns or villages and 25 m.p.h. elsewhere.
When passing lorry parks or stationary transport reduce speed to 10 miles per hour.
Routine Order 410 of 12th August.
1.066 Headlights – Lights to be extinguished if enemy aircraft are in vicinity or when held up at level crossings. These lights may be relit about ½ mile from the crossing
[Page 220]
Notes
[Drawing not transcribed]
[Page 221]
Agenda
Souvenir Journalier
1917
Quatrieme Trimestre
[Page 222]
Quatrieme Trimestre
[Not transcribed]
[Page 223]
Tuesday 2 October
At 7.45 a.m. set off for trip to A.D.M.S. on the Menin Road about a mile further out than Ypres. Returned by 9 a.m., travelling via Poperinghe both ways.
Todays runs also include 14th Fld. Ambce. Busseboom – Poperinghe and the 6th Brigade Artillery at Ouderdom.
To “K” Supply Column at Abeele.
The weather has been hot and tiring denoting rain although there are no signs of clouds about.
The moon being still bright “Fritz” came over again on his bombing expedition (or egg-laying competition, as the boys term it)
[Page 224]
Wednesday 3 October
To 28 A.S.C.
To A.D.M.S. at Scottish Lines Busseboom three times
To “K” Supply Column.
To 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q. Signallers
[Page 225]
Thursday 4 October
To 8th Brigade Post Office on the border of France & Belgium
To A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines twice
To “K” Supply Column
[Page 226]
Friday 5 October
To A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines twice
To “K” Supply Column
To Ouderdom
To A.D.M.S. again
[Page 227]
Saturday 6 October
To A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines Busseboom twice
To “K” Supply Column
To 56th Battn. Hd. Q. Reninghelst
To The Advanced Dressing Station on the Menin Road out through Ypres
To 28th A.S.C.
The run to A.D.S. Menin Road is by no means a pleasure. Traffic is thick and the roads are very bad. It is also a great distance from us, this A.D.S.
[Page 228]
Sunday 7 October
To A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines Busseboom 3 times
To 28th A.S.C. twice
To 8th Brigade Post Offic
To “K” Supply Column
[Page 229]
Monday 8 October
To “K” Supply Column
To 2nd Anzac Corps Rest Camp Hillock
To A.D.M.S. Office Scottish Lines 3 times
[Page 230]
Tuesday 9 October
To “K” Supply Column & 5th D.S.C. Workshops
To A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines Busseboom
To Do. and thence to all the Battalions of the 8th Brigade up near Ypres.
Coming home tonight I met with a slight accident due to a loaded Ambulance Car stopping in front of me. Resulted in smashing of the front wheel of my bike. One of the lorry wheels passed over the instep of my left foot. Only slight
[Page 231]
Wednesday 10 October
No Duty.
Cycle in 5th D.S.C. Workshops as a result of yesterdays accident
[Page 232]
Thursday 11 October
No Duty – I’m taking things easy Never attend any parades. In fact I haven’t done so since I first took over the bike in May last
[Page 233]
Friday 12 October
No Duty.
The Bike has been repaired and Samuels – the former rider, has taken it over temporarily.
[Page 234]
Saturday 13 October
No Duty today.
Raining and dull.
It was cold enough for tonight for a fire so we made ourselves comfortable and had a game of cards
[Page 235]
Sunday 14 October
To “K” Supply Column 3 times today and once to Steenvoorde, passing through Abeele and past a fine big aerodrome
To A.D.M.S. office at Lille Gate Ypres along the main Poperinghe-Ypres Road
Filled in the evening by playing cards near a good fire. It has been a lovely day but got cold towards dusk.
[Page 236]
Monday 15 October
Beautiful Day.
Run to Anzac Hd. Q. Signallers and again to D.D.M.S.1st Anzac With returns to A.D. M.S.Office 5th Div. Hd. Q. Lille Gate Ypres going via Poperinghe, Brandoek and Vlamertinghe – Continued on to Advanced Dressing Station up the Menin Road. Along the main Pop.-Ypres Road the traffic is thick – Lorries, artillery and troops. Never have I seen such a busy road
To 1st, 2nd & 4th Div. Rest Stations. Two of these are on the main Poperinghe-Reninghelst Road & the other is on the way to Boeschepe. Whilst I was at the 4th D.R.S. Fritz flew over and dropped a salvo of bombs in a paddock not more than 150 yards from me. The searchlights had him beautifully
[Page 237]
Tuesday 16 October
Fine in the morning but showery towards dusk.
Runs to
1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q. Sigs. twice
A.D.M.S. Ypres via Busseboom Ouderdom & Vlamertinghe.
2nd
[Page 238]
Wednesday 17 October
Fine
Runs to
5th Div. Workshops (Hillock)
A.D.M.S. Ypres – through Busseboom & Ouderdom & Vlamertinghe
3rd Aust. Field Ambce
5th Div. Workshops again
1st Anzac Corps Head Quarters
Sgt. Roberts & Briggs evacuated “gassed”
Cards again tonight as usual.
Saw two Fritz planes brought down. Our young 19 year old pilot descended & took the hat and gloves from one Fritz.
[Page 239]
Thursday 18 October
Lovely Day with occasional showers
Runs to
A.D.M.S. (5th Aust. Div.) at Ypres
Again to Ypres
passing Busseboom,
Ouderdom & Vlamertinghe on each occasion
2nd Can. Adv. Medical Stores
14th Field Ambce. (Dickebush)
This has been a busy day & the roads were slippery.
In Ypres shelling by Fritz was in progress & my second run to this place was very lively. Assisted to bandage up a wounded man who was hit by piece of shell just about 20 yards in front of me. Other shells fell round me on the road.
[Page 240]
Friday 19 October
Lovely Day.
Runs to
7th Field Ambce. at Reninghelst
5th Div. Workshops Hillock
4th Div. Rest Station Reninghelst
Spent the evening till 10 p.m. playing cards in front of a warm fire
Whittaker sent through C.C.S. gassed.
[Page 241]
Saturday 20 October
To A.D.M.S. Office at Lille Gate Ypres passing through Busseboom, Ouderdom & Vlamertinghe
To “K” Supply Column
To 7th Field Ambce. at Reninghelst
[Page 242]
Sunday 21 October
To “K” Supply Column
To 1st Anzac Corps Headquarters.
To A.D.M.S. Ypres via Poperinghe
Note Though in most cases I only mention A.D.M.S. when in reality I mean 5th Div. Hd. Q., it may be stated here that I have to take returns to the Asst. Director of Medical Services. This is the all important factor of each trip, but in addition I also have despatches for The 5th Div. Paymaster, The Veterinary Officer, The Engineers, etc. & various despatches to be sent via D.R.L.S.
[Page 243]
Monday 22 October
To 1st Anzac Corps. Hd. Q.
To Poperinghe
To 14th Field Ambulance
The Signal Service consists of 2 parts – The Telegraphic or Telegram Department and the Despatch Rider Letter Service. In the first case the messages, written on telegram forms, are sent by wire. In the second place the papers are marked D.R.L.S. and are delivered by Despatch Riders who have regular runs throughout the day.
[Page 244]
Tuesday 23 October
Wet and dull weather.
2 trips to A.D.M.S. Ypres via Busseboom, Ouderdom & Vlamertinghe on each occasion
The roads today are very muddy making motor-cycling an unpleasant job. I’m splashed from head to foot with mud to say nothing of the state of the bike
Cards after tea.
[Page 245]
Wednesday 24 October
Cold winds – dull and showery
To 1st Anzac Corps. Hd. Q. Sigs
To A.D.M.S. 5th Aust. Div. Hd. Qd. at Ypres via Poperinghe and Vlamertinghe
Playing cards after tea
Over Ypres the aeroplanes were very busy about midday. The air was thick with them. A few German new planes of the huge variety were over and ours tried unsuccessfully to attack them. Men came down in paraschutes from their balloons.
[Page 246]
Thursday 25 October
Showery.
Run to Ypres and another to 1st Anzac Corps. Hd. Q. Sigs
Major Mackenzie and Tilsley came through C.C.S. severely wounded
Cards after tea
[Page 247]
Friday 26 October
Raining all day.
Only one trip – to 1st Anzac Corps. Hd. Q.
Joe Connell died in B2 Ward No. 17 C.C.S. this afternoon just as I was entering the door to see him. He was wounded through the abdomen. Our boys had been relieved and this squad were about to carry a patient down with them when a shell burst close by. This chap carried with me when I was in the stretcher-bearers, he at one end of the stretcher & I at the other end. His name appears elsewhere in this diary
Cards after tea
[Page 248]
Saturday 27 October
Showery and Dull.
Twice to The A.D.M.S. Office Lille Gate Ypres by the main Poperinghe-Ypres Road
To 1st Anzac Hd. Q.
Our Bearers came in from line. Frank Moore Killed – two others wounded in the baths in Ypres. Shells were falling while I was in Ypres.
Went to Joe Connell’s funeral.
Total Battle Casualties in this unit in the present engagement 46.
7 Killed – 22 wounded
16 gassed – 1 shell shock
68 Casualties in France to date
[Page 249]
Sunday 28 October
Fine but muddy on the Roads.
Runs to
Scottish Lines Busseboom (The 5th Div. Hd. Q. having moved back to this camp).
To 1st Anzac Corps. Hd. Q.
To Bac St. Maur & Erquinghem via Boeschepe, Berthen, St. Jans, Bailleul, Steenwerck & Croix Du Bac – returning by the same route, but completing this return journey in the record time of 16 minutes. This trip to our old area was made with the object of interviewing old friends.
To Lille Gate Ypres via Poperinghe & Vlamertinghe with chain for the Douglas Bike. Fritz was shelling Ypres heavily.
[Page 250]
Monday 29 October
Lovely Day but very cold early this morning
Twice to A.D.M.S. & Signallers Office at Scottish Lines Busseboom via 15th Field Ambulance.
Cabled Home
[Page 251]
Tuesday 30 October
Fine.
Twice to 5th Div. H.Q. (A.D.M.S. etc.) at Scottish Lines Busseboom
To Poperinghe Railway Stn.
To “K” Supply Column
To Anzac Hd. Q.
Concert & Dinner tonight to Bearers
Went to Picture Show in Poperinghe tonight
[Page 252]
Wednesday 31 October
Fine
One run to A.D.M.S. etc. at Scottish Lines Busseboom.
To 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q. Signallers
[Page 253]
Thursday 1 November
Dull.
2 runs to A.D.M.S. Scottish Lines Busseboom.
To 5th Div. A.P.M. (Ouderdom).
To 30th Battalion (Ouderdom).
I saw an impressive scene today at Ouderdom railway siding – A great procession of Tanks was making its way to the railway platform. I counted 40 of them as they made their way across the fields towards the Railway.
Note: It transpires later that these tanks went to Cambrai front.
[Page 254]
Friday 2 November
Dull – Muddy and Slippery roads.
2 runs to A.D.M.S. and other branches of the 5th Div. Hd. Q. at Scottish Lines Busseboom.
To “K” Supply Column.
To 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q.
Airman flying over the C.C.S.’s today doing fancy moves in the air. He dropped 4 messages to the nurses who were out looking at him. This is a daily occurrence and doubtless essential to the successful prosecution of the war.
[Page 255]
Saturday 3 November
Fine – Roads slippery.
To 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q. Signallers & to the 5th D.S.C. Workshop for repairs to bike lamp.
To “K” Supply Column.
Football match against the 55th Battn. resulting in another win for us
[Page 256]
Sunday 4 November
Fine.
Only one two runs today.
To A.D.M.S. at Scottish Lines Busseboom
& To 5th D.S.C. Workshops.
14th Brigade of our Division have moved down Estaires way.
Went to Pictures in Poperinghe after tea
[Page 257]
Monday 5 November
Fine.
Trip to 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q. Signal Section.
5th Div. Hd. Q. (Sig’s. A.D.M.S. & Paymaster) at Scottish Lines Busseboom.
Writing & Cards after tea.
[Page 258]
Tuesday 6 November
Dull & showery.
The usual love making performances by aeroplane this morning.
Run to “K” Supply Column & A.D.M.S. Office 5th Div. Hd. Q. Scottish Lines Busseboom.
Joy ride, notwithstanding the bad roads, to Proven in search of Will Lindsay. I passed a huge aerodrome & watched the numerous planes preparing for flight. 27 in all flew up as I was looking on – One dashed to the ground before rising to a height off the gr. The Plane was damaged but the pilot escaped.
Went to the “Duds” Pierrot Show in Poperinghe – a really fine affair.
Saw Bill Bailey.
[Page 259]
Wednesday 7 November
Fine & Sunny but the roads are dangerous.
Trip to A.D.M.S. Office at Scottish Lines Busseboom & 15th Field Ambulance.
To 5th D.S.C. Workshops for another saddle spring.
Booked seats in Poperinghe for some of the boys – at the “Duds” Show. This reminds one of a 1st Class performance in London. Everything was perfect last night when we were there, and the Hall was packed
Met Norman Broadbent
Cards and writing after tea.
[Page 260]
Thursday 8 November
Fine all day – Showery towards evening.
Run to A.D.M.S. at Scottish Lines Busseboom – calling in Poperinghe to book seats as I did yesterday.
The D.D.M.S. Col. Manifold inspected our camp today accompanied by Sir Alex McCormack who is now Consulting Surgeon to A.I.F. Previously he was Consulting Surgeon to the British Army.
[Page 261]
Sunday 11 November
Showery and dull all day.
Trip to 8th Bgde. Hd. Q. at Steenvoorde and thence to 1st Anzac Corps Hd. Q.
After dinner started off on a long run through Boeschepe, Berthen, St. Jans to 5th Div. Hd. Q. at Bailleul. From there I had to call at 8th Bgde. Hd. Q. in Locre – thence to deliver despatches to our Major Bond at Dranoutre where he has put up for tonight en route to the Main Dressing Station on the Wytschaete road. Our “B” Section is here, having left Remy Siding as the Advance Party. We go on the 14th inst. I returned to Remy Siding via Locre, Westoutre & Reninghelst. At night Fritz came over dropping bombs.
[Page 262]
Monday 12 November
Beautiful Day.
Cleaning the bike all the morning. After Dinner set off on a long round passing through Boeschepe, Berthen, St. Jans, dropped returns at A.D.M.S. Bailleul and other despatches at the Paymaster’s & Signallers – Continued on through Dranoutre, Daylight Corner, Lidenhoek & Suicide Corner to the Main Dressing Station midway between Kemmel & Wytschaete. Returned to Remy Siding near Poperinghe.
Passchendaele fell to the Germans this morning & our bombardment this evening is terrific as a prelude to a strong Counter Attack.
[Page 263]
Tuesday 13 November
Fine Day but the roads were greasy.
Run to the new Tommy Ambce. that has taken over Waratah Camp, the 49th.
After dinner I went to Bailleul by the same route as yesterday and returned by the same road.
Today a terrific bombardment opened up – quite the worst I ever remember.
After tea a party of us went to a splendid Pierrot Show given by the 4th Canadian Div. under the name of “The Maple Leaves”. It even beats “The Duds”. The chap who dresses as a girl takes the part admirably, in voice, actions and dress. He makes a very pretty & attractive Girl. I will never forget this show. The band too, was A1. A number of nurses were present.
The remainder of our unit go tomorrow.
[Page 264]
Wednesday 14 November
The weather today had every indication of being bright but when we awoke, but at 9 a.m. a heavy mist fell and remained all day. Before 8 o’clock I set off to the Main Dressing Station half way between Kemmel & Wytschaete passing through Reninghelst, Westoutre, La Clytte & Kemmel. My next job was to run back & meet the main body on the road. I met them half way between Poperinghe & Reninghelst. Got returns & despatches from the clerks and proceeded via Reninghelst, Westoutre, Mont Adaigne, Mont Noir & St. Jans Cappel to Bailleul. Had dinner at 5th Div. Hd. Q. then continued on to the C.C.S. at Oultersteen. From this place I returned to the M.D.S. via Vieux Berquin, Neuf Berquin, Estaires, Steenwerck, Neuve Eglise, Wulverghem & Lindenhoek. In Estaires I met numbers of old friends made 16 months ago. Our Bearers are now in the line. This M.D.S. is a safe & rather comfortable place.
[Page 265]
Thursday 15 November
Misty – Roads greasy.
In the morning I had a run back to Remy Siding via Kemmel, La Clytte, Reninghelst and Poperinghe, returning by the same road.
To Lindenhoek.
At 8 p.m. to A.D.M.S. in Dranoutre via Lindenhoek and Daylight Corner. Travelling without a light on greasy roads is by no means easy work
Canteen opened today.
Guns last night were carrying out a terrific bombardment.
Amentieres can be seen from a hill close by.
[Page 266]
Friday, 16 November
Fine but the sun was very weak – Roads Greasy.
Cleaning bike in morning & run to Lindenhoek.
After Dinner to 5th D.H.Q. at Dranoutre by same route as last night
[Page 267]
Tuesday 20 November
Fine.
Put in for leave to Paris applying for 4 days as from the 24th inst
The usual 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. wires in connection with casualties I took to 14th Brigade Sigs.
The A.D.M.S. run today had to be continued on to 1st Anzac Corps. I have to do the run for 8 days then the other ambulances take their turns. Leaving Dranoutre I passed through Bailleul & Meteren and Flete and dropped the returns at D.D.M.S. Offices. Came back by same route.
[Page 268]
Wednesday 21 November
Fine but showery.
Early morning and night wires as usual.
Repeated the long run to D.D.M.S. 1st Anzac Corps at Flete and incidentally put in a word with regard to my Pris leave.
Took wire to 14th Bgde. Sigs.
[Page 269]
Thursday 22 November
Fine.
Early morning run with casualty wire to the 14th Bgde. Sigs.
At midday set off to 5th Div. Hd. Q. thence to Anzac Hd. Q. at Flete. Here I learned that my Paris leave has been granted and I am to leave tomorrow morning. Called at Bailleul Station to ascertain time the train leaves.
On returning to camp I immediately set about preparing for departure in the morning`e
Night wire trip cancelled so I turned into bed early.
[Page 270]
Friday 23 November
Called at 6 a.m. and left by car for Bailleul at 7 a.m. arriving there in good time for the train which moved out at 8.30 a.m. Travelled via Hazebrouck, St. Omer, changing at Calais to 2nd Class on another train. From Calais to Boulogne we were in the dining car amongst the heads (Generals etc.). At Boulogne we resumed our seats in the other carriage & had an amusing time on the journey via Abbeville & Amiens to Paris with a French Soldier who spoke English well. Arrived Paris 8.30 p.m. – rounded up by the M.P’s and conveyed in a motor bus to the British Commandant’s Office to report. After the usual cries of dissent from the 20 rowdy Anzacs on account of all the red tape meted out we eventually were free – So Harry Price & I went by Taxi to Hotel Violet at Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere just off the main central Boulevardes, having been recommended here by others from our unit.
[Page 271]
Saturday 24 November
Corp Nunn transferred to our Hotel so we three are now together.
Fine today – like yesterday. Some job getting to sleep last night in a soft bed. After an apology for a breakfast we set off round the village by Tubes Trams Busses Taxis etc. Saw Eiffel Tower, Trocadero and all sights round about the Place Concorde, crossing the Concorde Bridge & along the Quai D’orsay, Jardin Tuileries, Grand & Petit Palais. Saw round the Bastille quarter reaching there by underground tubes. Walked round the main Boulevardes to Boulevarde Montmartre. At Rue du Faubourg Montmartre we had dinner & tea every day. The Opera building at B’de des Capucines and other interesting places occupied our time during the afternoon. In the evening we had Promenade tickets at the Folies (Bergere). In France there are only really 2 meals Breakfast at 1 p.m. & Dinner 6.30 p.m. – The early morn. (meal) is called little breakfast – Only a cup of coffee & bread & butter.
[Page 272]
Sunday 25 November
Today St. Catherine’s Day is a great carnival day in Paris, but the excitement took place yesterday in the streets and we of course joined in the fun. Fine weather prevails. Visited the big wheel – Blighty Corner – Pathe Freres Gramaphone Rooms. Politeness of the French People is very marked.
Sunday night here is very lively It seems to be a great amusement night and the city is crowded. Quite a merry time at the Alhambra
Called on Paul de Longchamps, 14 Rue de Washington off B’de Haussmann.
Australians are well liked in Paris and eyes are upon us everywhere we go
[Page 273]
Monday 26 November
Fine again.
We had a look through the Gallery of War Pictures in The Jardin des Tuileries – well worth seeing. Visited The Invalides where we saw German implements of war e captured at the Marne & Somme. Zeppelin L49 which was brought down recently – German Fokker & other types of aeroplanes. Guynemer’s Plane is also on show. He was killed recently – France’s greatest airman. The plane is decorated with flowers. Saw Hotel de Ville – the leading Banks – The Matin Printing Office – Madeleine (Church) – Notre Dame (Church), Arc de Triomphe (2), many different Theatre Buildings & practically all the monuments. The Tube railways are good & run on a splendid system. Busses & Trams likewise, but the Taxis are not up to London standard.
Saw Napoleon’s Tomb at The Invalides
[Page 274]
Tuesday 27 November
Beautiful Day. Sightseeing again – Impossible to name all we saw. Visited the American Club and yarned with the Yanks. Paid a very amusing visit to the Musee Grevin (wax works) – a very fine display.
After tea we went to the Olympia – This, too, was very funny especially the bicycle turn.
Paris is a gay city and in many respects more attractive than London, though the meals are not up to the English standard, the customs being different entirely. Today I tasted a few snails as a souvenir dish.
[Page 275]
Wednesday 28 November
Fine still. Caught train at 9.10 a.m. at Gare Du Nord travelling 1st Class, Dinner between Abbeville and Boulogne. American War Correspondent yarning to us in the carriage. At Calais we had a couple of hours to wait so we strolled round the town a bit and had tea at the Church Army rooms. 3rd Class to Hazebrouck. Here we were informed that the train would not be going any further tonight so we tipped an M.P. and he put us in a 1st Class carriage of the train which leaves tomorrow morning at 6.46 a.m. for Bailleul. This constitutes our bed for the night
[Page 276]
Thursday 29 November
Fine. Continued in the 1st Class carriage to Bailleul then made our way back to the Main Dressing Station near Wytschaete by lorries and on foot arriving at our camp by 10 a.m.
Resumed Despatch riding duties and had many runs to do throughout the day including A.D.M.S. at Dranoutre and to Locre.
[Page 277]
Friday 30 November
Showery.
One long trip today calling at A.D.M.S. Office Dranoutre then to 15th Field Ambce. and on to the 5th Canadian mob. Lab at Bailleul – Thence to 5th Div. Workshops outside of Bailleul where I learned that a new Douglas Cycle is waiting for us. Returned to Dranoutre, then on to Locre and back to the Main Dressing Station.
Guns were active in the evening indicating that a move of some sort was taking place.
We later on learned that a move of the 3rd Aust. Div. had hopped the bags.
[Page 278]
Saturday 1 December
Very cold indeed today.
Took the Triumph Cycle to the workshops at Bailleul and returned with the New “Douglas” machine. This was the only job I undertook throughout the day. With a good fire going in the hut I wrote a number of letters on the Paris trip
[Page 279]
Sunday 2 December
Bitterly cold and windy. Light snow fell during the night – the first fall this winter.
Doing nothing today
[Page 280]
Monday 3 December
Frosty – all water is frozen – Bitterly cold.
Went by Amb. Car to Dranoutre and walked the remainder of the distance (9 kilos) to the workshops.
Worked all day cleaning the engine of the Triumph Cycle. Returned to camp at night per motor lorries passing through Locre & Kemmel
One of the houses in Bailleul was last night levelled to the ground by a German bomb
[Page 281]
Tuesday 4 December
Frosty and bitterly cold.
Assisting in the cleaning of a motor ambulance during the morning.
After dinner went in a car to the 5th Div. Workshops near Bailleul, calling at the 2nd Aust. Casualty Clearing Station near Steenwerck on the way. Rode the motor bike back to camp.
After tea took the usual Casualty wire to 15th Brigade Sigs.
Fritz was over early this morning dropping bombs
[Page 282]
Wednesday 5 December
Heavy frost through the night and bitterly cold today. Cleaning the bike all the morning. At midday dropped returns at A.D.M.S. Office Dranoutre then continued on through Bailleul to 1st Anzac Hd. Q. at Flete where I dropped the 5th Div. Returns. Came back by the same route.
German Balloon drifted over our lines today dropping circulars written in French & German detailing the great German success in Italy
[Page 283]
Thursday 6 December
Frosty & bitterly cold.
Big run to 1st Anzac Corp. after dropping the usual returns at Dranoutre. Took a new course today from Dranoutre to Bailleul via Neuve Eglise road & Ravetsburg.
German Planes busy tonight – one came under the concentrated flares from our searchlights & an antiaircraft shell got him. It was a pretty sight to see him fall in flames. Many bombs were dropped
[Page 284]
(For 7th see next page)
Saturday 8 December
Fine, but roads very greasy. Cold outside.
Run to A.D.M.S. Dranoutre thence to 1st Anzac Corps at Flete.
Night casualty wire at 6 p.m.
Our unit today played the 14th Fld. Ambce, at Locre – Rugby League. Resulted in a win for us as usual 20 to Nil.
Lt. Col. Makin reported back from sick leave to England. He is our new O.C. & not a bad sort.
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(for 8th see previous page)
Friday 7 December
Dull & cold.
Early morning (6 a.m.) trip with Casualty wire
Run to Adv. Dressing Station at Khandahah Farm
Nothing else to do today
Heard the sad news of Reg Cannon’s death. His head was blown right off last night.
Had a look over the RE8 aeroplane which landed on rough ground near our camp & was considerably smashed.
The bow hut in which I am living is very comfortable. We have a fire going all day long.
[Page 286]
Sunday 9 December
Drizzling rain all day.
Today happens to be Prust’s turn for the Corps. run.
Fortunately I was not required for any trips today other than the 5 p.m. Casualty wire which I took to 15th Bgde. Sigs. on foot.
It is expected that we are to move on or about the 15th inst. for a month’s spell near the sea coast.
[Page 287]
Monday 10 December
Muddy after yesterday’s rain but the sun was shining all day, hence very considerable aerial activity. Fritz attempted to bring down one of our balloons but the M.G. bullets from his plane didn’t take effect. The balloon men came down in paraschutes. 6 Gothas came over this afternoon & dropped a few bombs. This evening the sky is clear & German machines are buzzing in the air. Searchlights are hunting for them.
My last run to Corps. Hd. Q. today. Went as usual to A.D.M.S. at Dranoutre thence to Flete via Bailleul & Meteren
We move to Boulogne way in a few days time
A Fritz balloon came over dropping newspapers to say how they have won the war.
[Page 288]
Tuesday 11 December
Fine but very cold.
2 trips to 53rd Battn. in search of an R.C. Chaplain to come & bury a body which is now lying at our M.D.S.
A number of Spanish gentlemen called to have a look round our Dressing Station. This being the first place a wounded man comes to from the line our visitors were deeply interested in the up-to-date conveniences we have here.
General Birdwood passed by on another trip to the line. He invariably wears the Aust. Hat, unlike other “heads” who prefer the red facings.
Our guns nearby were very busy tonight and so was Fritz. Many Shells came over
5 p.m. Casualty wire.
[Page 289]
Wednesday 12 December
Cloudy & Sunny & Showery alternately. Very cold in early morning & at 4 p.m.
One trip today – to our Horse Transport at Daylight Corner through Lindenhoek
About 20 Gotha Planes flew over this afternoon – Huge planes, the iron cross being easily recognised. They didn’t do any damage. Saw one of these planes hit but it descended in Fritz’s lines.
I took the 6 a.m. & 5 p.m. Casualty Wires to 15th Brigade Signallers.
Trench Mortar accident at 14th Brigade – premature explosion – 6 killed & an officer badly wounded.
[Page 290]
Thursday 13 December
Misty – Greasy Roads
Dark at 4.30 p.m.
Working at the bike all morning.
After dinner I took the A.D.M.S. Run and continued on to Bailleul via Ravetsburg
Took the 6 a.m. casualty wire and another this afternoon to 15th Bgde. Sigs.
1st Div. Troops are now arriving to relieve our 5th Division – 14th Brigade & 14th Field Ambulance moved today for a destination near Etaples. The 8th Brigade & our Ambulance move on the 17th inst. (Monday)
[Page 291]
Monday 17 December
Up early this morning. Snow falling fairly heavily
Moved off at 10 a.m. following the motor ambulances through Neuve Eglise, Bailleul, Flete, Caestre, Cassel, Arques, St. Omer, Lumbres, Longueville, Bournonville, Cremarest to Wirwignes some 6 or 7 kilos North of Desvres & 11½ kilos East of Boulogne. I was first of all our unit who moved today to enter the village.
Billets are pretty rotten as a whole but the orderly room is in a two roomed cottage. We sleep in one of these rooms where there is a double bed. I have a mattrass on the floor. Travelled 80 miles today – Snowing all the time
[Page 292]
Tuesday 18 December
Roads covered with snow. Rest of our unit arrived at about 4 a.m.
Run to Desvres thence to Samer and return via Questrecques.
Another run to 5th D.H.A. later in the day.
Tonight I sleep on a mattrass which I have taken off the bed, there having been two on the bed previously.
This mattrass plus 5 blankets, a thick “Tommy Warmer” coat and the water proof motor coat are sufficient to make a warm bed.
[Page 293]
Wednesday 19 December
Snowy – ground Frozen. Beautiful sunny day followed by bright starry night.
A busy day on the bike. Visited La Capelle, Bellebrune & Cremarest and ran along practically all the roads within a radius of 10 kilos.
Trip to A.D.M.S. Sigs. etc. at Samer.
Then after tea I had to run back to Desvres to look for our horse transport which is coming here by road
[Page 294]
Thursday 20 December
Snowy and frozen ground.
Sun shining all day – Beautiful weather but rather cold.
I took a day off and this afternoon two of us went for a long walk through Cremarest and Bellebrune to La Capelle. At this place we had a fine meal. Only French Forestry troops live here & civilians, of course.
Returned through the Boulogne Forest to Wirwignes and hopped straight into bed.
[Page 295]
Friday 21 December
Snow still lies on the ground and frost also formed through the night. The ground is frozen & so are the water holes.
Making a fire all the morning.
After dinner I was sent to a village 26 Kilos the other side of Desvres – a total distance of over 32 Kilos each way. Took 25 minutes to go there and 20 minutes to return.
Run to Samer after tea to A.D.M.S. Signallers and the 5th Div. Workshops.
It has been very cold today and my ears feel it most.
[Page 296]
Saturday 22 December
Weather as yesterday. Beautiful but cold.
Off Duty today. We take the runs one day on then one day off
Leave to Boulogne is allowed daily.
Strolled up to a very small village to the east of the Boulogne Forest between Cremarest & Bellebrune after tea. Black Watch are billeted in these villages.
Saw Deer in the Forest
Tonight we were helping to milk cows at the place above mentioned. Had a fine humerous evening
[Page 297]
Sunday 23 December
Frost and snow – a continuation of what we have been having for some days past. Sunny & pleasant.
3 trips to Samer, visiting A.D.M.S. Sigs. 5th Div. Workshops, A.P.M., Canteen etc.
Another run (Joyride) to the place we were at last night. French Officers here from Calais on a shooting expedition. Saw the Deer being skinned & Dressed
[Page 298]
Monday 24 December
Off Duty today. Today and the next two days are general holidays for the troops. The snow & ice are beginning to thaw. Preparations for tomorrows spread are on a large scale. Turkeys, Geese & Fowls, Vegetables etc. from Boulogne are being bought out of Canteen profits & Reg. Funds. About £80 is being spent
Christmas Eve tonight.
We strolled up to see our friends near Cremarest. Very pleasant evening and a beautifully clear night.
[Page 299]
Tuesday 25 December
Only one run today – To A.D.M.S. at Samer.
Christmas Dinner in the big tents passed off A1. Plum Pudding turned up alright too.
Concert in the big tents from 5 to 7
Afterwards my friend Fred Williams and I went for a stroll
It was as clear as daylight tonight and occasional snowstorms fell.
The usual “matter of form” greetings arrived from Douglas Haig Birdie etc.
[Page 300]
Wednesday 26 December
Off Duty today – loafing & writing.
Snow fell all day with occasional spells of sunshine. The snow is nearly a foot deep in places.
Bombardments with snowballs took place all day too & I was in the thick of it. The Officers were given their share
[Page 301]
Thursday 27 December
Cold – Snow on the ground.
2 runs to Samer to 5th Div. Hd. Q.
After tea went for a stroll as usual to the farmhouse north of Cremarest
[Page 302]
Friday 28 December
Snow falling – Bitterly Cold
Doing nothing all day but writing a few letters. After tea likewise.
[Page 303]
Saturday 29 December
Cold – Snow on the ground.
One run today – To Samer visiting A.D.M.S. Paymaster & Signallers
After Tea went for a stroll as usual
As a result of the Field Bakery near Boulogne having been bombed the other night there is now a shortage in bread, the issue being one loaf to six men
[Page 304]
Sunday 30 December
Cold – ground still white with snow.
2 trips to Samer via Questrecques (A.D.M.S.) Signallers & other branches of 5th Div. Hd. Q.
After tea strolled up to visit our farmhouse friends
[Page 305]
Monday 31 December
Cold – similar to yesterday, but followed by a beautifully clear and starry night.
Trips to Desvres & Samer
Evening – same programme as last night.
[Page 306]
L/Cpl. H.V. Berry
The Palace
V.A.D. Hosp.
Gloucester Eng.
[Page 307]
[Map drawn of area and villages around Bapaume]
A.S.C. – Army Service Corps
A.D.M.S. – Asst. Director of Medical Services
D.D.M.S. – Deputy Director of Medical Services
Exp. Force Canteen – Expeditionary Force Canteen
C.C.S. – Casualty Clearing Station
D.S.C. Workshops – Divisional Supply Columns Workshops
D.R.L.S. – Despatch Rider Letter Service
A.P.M. – Assistant Paymaster
Quent now known as Queant
Aveloy – Avluy
Wardreques – Wardrecques
Boesingen – Boeseghem
Wittel – Wittes
Godewaerevelde – Goewaersvelde
Dickebush – Dikkebus
Westoutre – Westouter
Flerte – Fletre
Poperinghe – Poperinge
Reninghelst – Reningelst
Brandoek – Brandhoek
Vlamertinghe – Vlamertinge
Dranoutre – Dranouter
Locre – Loker
Flete – Fletre
Wytschaete – Wijtschate
Oultersteen – Outtersteene
[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Patricia Ryan for the State Library of New South Wales]