1915: One man's story, 108 years later
If you want to read the posts DAY by DAY on the relevant date in 2023 click here to see each day unfolding
January 1915
FRIDAY 1st JANUARY
Sailing on board the “Ulysses” 10 days from sunny Victoria, for a destination, which can only be known on the rear pages of this diary. Left Albany 2 days ago after a very smooth passage from Melbourne. Food very good but slightly “moorish”.
Troops made voluntary parade to the cookhouse demanding more. Things seemed as though they threatened mutiny for a while, but after an explanation by our Major, meals were dished up by our mess orderly in somewhat similar style as we get at
Home Sweet Home
SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY
Sleeping out is a practice taken up very largely on board.
Unlike camp life, we are swung in hammocks instead of the waterproof sheet on the hard ground. On gazing down from the upper deck one can see hammocks swinging from every available holder.
Our company “C” of the 14th Battalion is unfortunate to strike guard
Every man is given a special duty & for some of us it lasts through the night & morning until 8 AM.
Not very interesting walking about all night trying to keep awake “On guard”.
SUNDAY 3rd JANUARY
A very easy day, only a morning inspection of our crockery dishes etc which must be kept scrupuliously clean
& then three church parades.
A very effective sermon was preached on bad language with its causes & effects.
The formation of a choral Society, which we think will take well.
MONDAY 4th JANUARY
Plenty of physical exercises. If I keep at this well I’m sure I’ll be more than 10 stone before the return.
Also an examination on the rifle made the day very interesting
Second dose innoculation after which the usual cry is keep away from my arm.
TUESDAY 5th JANUARY
Two weeks sailing from Melbourne
On looking from astern one is able to detect the order in which we are sailing.
17 Troopships in close formation of three columns
WEDNESDAY 6th JANUARY
In the vicinity of the Equator so you can imagine what the heat is.
Lolling about the deck in armchairs all day one is tempted to cast his thoughts back on Home Sweet Home
THURSDAY 7th JANUARY
Early this morning we are blessed with a tropical shower.
These showers are as thick as the heaviest rainfall we have at home & come up within a few minutes notice
FRIDAY 8th JANUARY
Excessive heat still prevails & on strolling about the deck stepping over prostrate friends one thinks he is
the only being on board with energy.
8 pm on upper deck, a drink of ice water lemon squash
SATURDAY 9th JANUARY
Heavy tropical showers.
Men are parading again about tainted food. A row of dishes along the deck, hundreds of men around, a dog is brought &
put before the meat & sniffs food, then immediately trots off hungry, amidst cheering from men.
This is only one instance.
SUNDAY 10th JANUARY
Parson preached very good & effective sermon as usual.
8P.M. All boats stop as a burial service is being conducted on the NZ.
This is the second death in the 2nd AEF.
MONDAY 11th JANUARY
We are crossing the line today, the sooner the better for this heat is just about getting us under
TUESDAY 12th JANUARY
My 22nd birthday. a day from Colombo.
Not having seen any land since we left Australia we naturally look forward to this treat with no little interest
We have orders today to get our equipment ready for a route march
WEDNESDAY 13th JANUARY (incl. 14th January)
Four o’clock this morning land in sight at last.
Seven o’clock sees us anchored inside the harbour which is cut off from the main water by a concrete breakwater.
As soon as we pulled up into our position we were very soon surrounded on all sides with negroes with boat loads of tropical fruits of all descriptions. Several, more eager to earn money than the others climed (sic) up the ships side to the upper deck & gave exhibitions of diving for 4 shillings a dive.
FRIDAY 15th JANUARY
Seemed almost a mutiny again, hundreds of troops climed (sic) down ropes into boats of eager n**gers & got ashore, after being so disappointed in not being allowed ashore.
These defaulters were all caught & reprimanded for punishment at disembarkation
SATURDAY 16th JANUARY
The fleet :-
Ulysses Borda
Themistocles Willochra
Ceramic Vendalia
Suvic *Altonia
Persic
Port MacQuarie
Vestaila & 3 German boats
Ajana
Ayreshire
Berrama
SUNDAY 17th JANUARY
THIS DATE IS BLANK
MONDAY 18th JANUARY
All boats stopped for a burial. This is the 7th death since embarkation.
Bodies are sewn up in a hammock & put overboard.
I have no inclination for a death at sea.
TUESDAY 19th JANUARY
THIS DATE IS BLANK
WEDNESDAY 20th JANUARY
We are at present sailing halfway between Colombo & Egypt.
Expect to land at Aden for a route march
THURSDAY 21st JANUARY
A thin line of smoke on the horizon early this morning caused a little excitement.
Nearly every glass available was pointed in that direction.
This continued until about 3 o/c PM when it was discovered to be an armed merchant boat & not a German cruiser
FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY
Another burial at sea this morning, making the 8th since embarkation.
SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY
More land hove in sight today. Aden. A very fine spot.
The first thing we saw was a huge rock appearing on the horizon like a cloud.
We stayed here for about 8 hours. It is very interesting to see the different types of n**gers, these appear to be a more civilised & a better class than those of Colombia (sic)
Although we anchored well out, we were soon surrounded on all sides by this tribe with boat loads of fried pines, dates & Turkish & Egyptian Cigarettes.
These were going at 6 per 100 upwards to 2 shillings
I think we all have enough now to last us to end of war.
SUNDAY 24th JANUARY
At 2 am we pass through the strait into the Red Sea.
Hugging the coast of Africa all along, caravans can be seen drawn by mules down the steep mountain tracks.
Another burial today, making the 10th
MONDAY 25th JANUARY
Sailing up the Red Sea we passed the 12 Appostles Islands,
barren rocks jutting hundreds of feet upwards right from the water’s edge with a light-house on top.
TUESDAY 26th JANUARY
In the Red Sea no land in sight.
We travelled 300 miles, this is a record for the voyage.
Had no sleep until 1 o/c in the morning
We were no sooner in our hammocks one side when landed out the other.
WEDNESDAY 27th JANUARY
Travelled 295 miles.
Land closing in on both sides
195 miles to Suez
THURSDAY 28th JANUARY
Arrived at Suez 4.30 this morning.
Long before sunrise we were surrounded again by this dark tribe.
One thing we noticed, very difficult to distinguish women from men.
Went down the freezing chamber on board.
FRIDAY 29th JANUARY
Left Suez up the canal we go.
Passed along-side the British Man O-War “Ocean”.
Also a stone throw from the main street
First Sign OF ACTIVE SERVICE
Trenches on both sides of Canal Ghurkas on the defense.
We passed another Man O War “REQUIM” at Ishmalia. Anchored here tonight
SATURDAY 30th JANUARY
7AM
Leaving this lonely place of one motor and several camels
we have camps on both sides. (Gurkahs.)
We passed another British Cruiser Swiftsure
Also the in the canal (the banks are not more than a stones throw, from one end to another
except in the lakes of 82 miles in length)
We took 2 days to do this journey.
Arrived at Port Said 3.30 PM the most interesting port so far
The city is right on the banks of the canal, so we were soon surrounded by
Side Shows and native traders
Refer to
SUNDAY 31st JANUARY (incl. 1st & 2nd February)
Left Port Said 12 o’clock Saturday night
Fair sailing we arrived at Alexandria 4 o’clock Where we are really going to land at last.
Parson gave very impressive address re conduct of 1st Contingency
with the result, on our arrival absolute silence reigned supreme on board.
For the first time we trod Terra Firma.
My vaccination taking very badly so I stopped back on board while the others went for a route march through Alexandria.
We all went ashore 7o/c PM & marched to the trains & 9.35 we started for Cairo & from there to Heliopolis
arriving here at 4.20 AM
A journey I shall never forget, thinking every minute was my last.
I could not walk to the camp
Got a lift in transports.
February 1915
WEDNESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY
Find ourselves lying in sand inches thick, cold & hungry & nearly dead.
Shifting about doing all sorts of jobs, our new home seems very crook, but hoping for the best.
We pass on nearly dead.
THURSDAY 4th FEBRUARY
I’m absolutely dead beat with my d-m arm, no hospital yet, so I have to lie in the tent all day waiting for the doctor.
At last he comes & fixes it up & I steadily improve after losing about two stone
FRIDAY 5th FEBRUARY
Today we wander about the town of Heliopolis.
Never have we seen such buildings before, the smallest could leave ours in the shade.
Also Luna Park is here & skating rink.
Fred & I sit in a restaurant.
Bathing, eating & also music
SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY
We wandered about through the town of Heliopolis.
It is very strange to see the people getting about in their garb.
The men of the lower class wear skirts & the women all wear veils, from their eyes down over their faces.
One fine building took our fancy, starts in the middle of the road, it is the R C Church.
Getting fed very badly, dry bread & rotton tea from morning till night.
SUNDAY 7th FEBRUARY
After church parade, general leave is granted throughout the camp & we can go anywhere we wish.
We hear of our fellow soldiers, NZ , at the front along the canal doing good work.
MONDAY 8th FEBRUARY
An attack on the canal several fatalities on our side many prisoners captured.
This rouses us but of no use because we are told we cannot get in action until we do more training & get fit.
TUESDAY 9th FEBRUARY
March through the streets of the town & every man woman & child turns out to see the sight.
If we tried to work out every nationality here I’m sure we would never get half way.
Every nation is well represented
WEDNESDAY 10th FEBRUARY
Another march through the town, this time the whole division.
It gives us a good opportunity to look round.
We rested along side the supposed to be the largest Hotel in the world,
now taken over by the Government for a Hospital.
THURSDAY 11th FEBRUARY
Visited a Khan Khan in Cairo, a sight that could never be seen in Australia.
FRIDAY 12th FEBRUARY
The most realistic fight took place, seemed very much like the real thing.
Artillery fire going on to the flank & overhead with live shells & the inf attacking at the same time
finishing with a bayonet charge at dummy targets.
SATURDAY 13th FEBRUARY
Route marches through sand took most of our time up, & a half-holiday gave us an opportunity to take on skating.
It is a good sport, but as a new skater always finds the skates slippery it is not beneficial to our limbs.
Fred & I are both determined to learn before we leave this place
SUNDAY 14th FEBRUARY
Church parade in the morning with the afternoon to ourselves.
Troops from the 1st AIF at the pyramids visited our camp & we ditto them.
MONDAY 15th FEBRUARY
Turned out early in the morning, which is nothing unusual
& marched through Heliopolis & the sports ground, which is surrounded with good old Aust gum trees,
to the Rifle butts at Abassia where we spent the day in Rifle shooting.
TUESDAY 16th FEBRUARY
Sham fight in the sand in the morning
Also,
The most important day of the week,
Pay Day
WEDNESDAY 17th FEBRUARY
Broke off at miday to prepare ourselves for hard work.
Roused out of bed at 1.30 AM & marched 4 miles in dark to a position to commence a fight at dawn.
Our first night attack.
THURSDAY 18th FEBRUARY
After our early morning attack, marched home again & dismissed for the day.
Visited Cairo again & secured a guide to take us over the Citidel,
where we saw in The Blue Mosque, the tomb of Hassam Pasha, his wife & children, buried 200 years ago
FRIDAY 19th FEBRUARY
The hardest field day we have ever experienced.
After a march to the position, which took all the morning, the attack commenced.
Here, I first took up signalling, & through faulty signalling & disobeyence of orders,
hundreds of men may have been led to their death.
In the words of the Colonel, it was all a dam mess up from start to finish.
We finished the day 7.15. Very tired & sore & Hungry
SATURDAY 20th FEBRUARY
Demonstration on trench digging in the morning. 1/2 holiday in the afternoon.
Visited Cairo dentist through eating bread too stale.
Went to a music Hall, heard Tipperary sung & of course everybody went mad & sung as they never sung before.
Very second rate artists, don’t come up to Melbourne on that point.
Very clever trick cyclists & jap jugglers
SUNDAY 21st FEBRUARY
Church parade in the morning as usual.
Visited Cairo, The Nile bridge, Cairo Zoo.
Had Tea at Cafe De la Paix, best so far since arrival.
Had an orchestra playing any music we liked to mention.
MONDAY 22nd FEBRUARY
Easy Day
Nothing doing.
Wrote letters to everyone I knew in Aust.
TUESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY
Nothing to do & all day to do it in. In the morning, played billiards in a nice cool tent in camp
The afternoon I found a friend & we had violin & piano duels in the Y M C A. Seemed like home sweet home again.
Lecture in YMCA, Australian Poets.
WEDNESDAY 24th FEBRUARY
Holiday. Left camp in the morning for a days visit to Cairo, where I had my dentist trouble completed
& to the pyramids by motor 55 ms per hour.
Saw Sphynxs & several others, inc largest in Egypt, Cheops pyramid.
This one is 451 ft high. Went inside, crawled on hand & knees most of way.
Went 1/2 way up. Saw Queens’ Chamber quarter, Kings’ half.
Very Intelligent guide, Explained everything
THURSDAY 25th FEBRUARY
Very easy day. All kinds of rumers going round about where & when the first forces are going.
Some say France, some the canal & also Asia Minor.
Similar rumors were in circulation at broadmeadows & on the boat, as to where they were bound
but it was soon found to be fact.
FRIDAY 26th FEBRUARY
Easy day. Received news from E Miles New Britain
Also got latest possible papers from Eng of news from the front.
French soldiers only 6 yds entrenched from German trenches with another 30 yards behind.
We also saw a photo proving this to be fact.
SATURDAY 27th FEBRUARY
A Corp in our Batt reduced to ranks for drunkedness.
Fred happened to be on guard & had to march him to where all the NCOs were lined up to see him derided before them.
Our Battalion was out from 4 PM until midnight on a route march.
Had a good confab with tentmates on our past work & our near future, for today rumours start circulating, as in Broadmeadows,
that we are moving soon & experience has taught us not to cast these rumours aside.
SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY
Church parade as usual.
We were on other duties so could not attend a very straight service, that we heard was preached.
The only point worthy of note today is that we had a good gathering in the tent
& a fine feed of oranges, the best part of the day
March 1915
MONDAY 1st MARCH
Easy morning, but made up for it in the afternoon, when we had 1 ½ hours work at trench digging (photo taken in trench) in the afternoon.
The 14th dug a circular trench to hold a Battalion with all conveniences.
Had another hand at flag semaphore signalling (hardest days work yet)
TUESDAY 2nd MARCH
Marched to the rifle butts at Abassia for new rifle practice.
A great discussion arose between Fred, N.P.R & myself about gum trees
that were growing on both sides of the park or sports ground
It could not be more positive. They were gums.
WEDNESDAY 3rd MARCH (incl. 4th March)
Heaviest day so far. Longest route march about 24 miles across sand.
Left camp 9 o/c Had dinner about 9 miles from camp in the desert.
Made a sham attack on an enemy
I was detailed off with 40 others as casualties & marched back to camp across desert
had great difficulty in finding camp 7 to 12PM
FRIDAY 5th MARCH
Holiday. Visited the Obelisk, one solid mass of granite rock. 2 yards sq 50 ft high
(Photo taken).
Peculiar irrigation scheme around these parts
Camels or cows walk round in circles drawing water from wells. These animals
are blindfolded (Photo taken). Visited tree at where Virgin Mary rested (Photo taken)
Ostrich farm.
SATURDAY 6th MARCH
Left camp Friday evening 8 o/c (with a ration of 3 biscuits to last until 9.30AM today)
Marched through Heliopolis town & 7 ½ miles along Suez road
(not a sign of civilization on this desert road) in the dark.
No smoking or talking is allowed.
At a dead slow pace that took us 4 hours we took up our position for a sham defence.
Tried a hand at trench digging at 1 o/c midnight & then spent the coldest night I can remember, sleeping on the sand with great coats for a blanket, pillow etc, until daybreak, then we took our places in the trenches keeping back an imaginary foe.
At 6.30 we marched back to camp hungry & tired, hoping that these games would be wiped off the slate for ever. Had the rest of the day well off.
SUNDAY 7th MARCH
(In Gardens on the banks of Nile)
While watching the bridge over the Nile closing I managed to lose Fred & Norm
& I strolled over to the gardens & stretched out on the lawns here.
I strolled alone over to the museum where I just had a glance over the mummies
MONDAY 8th MARCH (incl. 9th March)
Today & most of the following days we have had nothing but divisional & Brigade training over the desert sands.
On several occasions we have risen at 5 o/c in the morning & carried a bottle of water & had nothing but a slice of bread & jam on the move from 5.30 until 7 & 8 o/c at night
WEDNESDAY 10th, THURSDAY 11th & FRIDAY 12th MARCH
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
SATURDAY 13th MARCH
NO ENTRY TODAY
THIS DATE IN THE DIARY CROSSED OUT AND CHANGED TO 14 SUNDAY
SUNDAY 14th MARCH
Visited the Dead City. The tram takes into the centre of these slums.
It seems this is the only place in or about Cairo where you can be alone.
On roaming down the narrow streets, with old stone & mud walls &
houses hundreds of years old.
We spent most of the day here. Norm Rooney & I taking photos of the tombstones.
Saw The Tombs of Mammmalooks. Went there to the Citidel.
A beautiful place is the Mosque here.
A fine view of Cairo can be got here. (Photos taken)
These are the names of some very good natured wounded Indian soldiers
MONDAY 15th MARCH
Battalion manoeuvres through Zeitoun.
The Lt Cl Courtney gave us an account of the rumers going round Melbourne of the 4th brigade. We all treated this as a joke & so did he as they were so ridiculous.
The 2nd fall of rain here. Preparing for a two o/c rise tomorrow.
Just received letter from home.
TUESDAY 16th MARCH (incl. 17th & 18th March)
Rose at 2 AM. Heavy marching through the desert sands of Egypt, done about 20 miles or more today.
From 5 pm I was unfortunate enough to be picked for Cairo picquet until 2 AM next morning. Our duties were to march through the slums in the charge of an officer to arrest soldiers overstaying their leave & to put drunks on their way back to camp.
We were out all Wednesday night on an attack.
Had the experience of sleeping between blankets out on the desert sands & it was so cold in the morning that we lit some desert tusks to keep us warm.
FRIDAY 19th MARCH
Stayed in camp all day on LD.s with slight cold caught from last nights manoeuvres. While sitting in my tent a stranger to me, came & inquired for F & I.
Happened to be Emmel Dawes from Sydney AMC Corp with 4 Battn
SATURDAY 20th MARCH
Made wager with Fred we leave Heliopolis before this time next month. (25 piastres
SUNDAY 21st MARCH
Visited Cairo, & Mena camp for first time.
Had tea with Emmel Dawes with the pyramids just outside the mess room in the hill.
Had word from Monsieur Mark the Bgde interpreter to be Hon Rank Captain,
whose acquaintance we have made.
½ of division leaving end of week for Marseilles.
MONDAY 22nd MARCH
Review at Heliopolis of 2nd Division. Inspected by High commissioner of Egypt
C.O of Division, General Godley & C.O. of all forces in Egypt.
TUESDAY 23rd MARCH
Field firing. Dummy targets were arranged in trenches on the side of a hill while we advanced 100 yds off. Every man was issued with ball ammunition & the most realistic fight, finishing with bayonet charge, took place.
WEDNESDAY 24th MARCH
THIS DATE IS BLANK
THURSDAY 25th MARCH
Short route march through the streets of Heliopolis in the morning.
In the afternoon we practiced bayonet exercises & charging.
Whilst doing this I sprained my ankle.
FRIDAY 26th MARCH
Stayed in camp all day nursing ankle.
An Australian football match was played today between No 1 Cny &
ours No 3 Officers inc, finishing up with a victory for No 3.
SATURDAY 27th MARCH
Another easy day.
Issued with new clothing.
I stayed back & envied the battalion marching out (at 2 o/c PM) to the bands tune of Tipperary.
They are to return tomorrow at noon.
Church parade is to be held out on the desert.
I sit here (an invalid) 9PM in my tent eating oranges & nuts stretched on my bunk
wondering for how long I am to be separated from civil life & how I will manage to break into its peculiar ways again
SUNDAY 28th MARCH
The Battalion marched in about 10AM after the night out, amid clouds of dust.
Easy afternoon. Filled in time eating oranges etc & smoking a good “pipe ‘o toby”.
MONDAY 29th MARCH
Easy morning.
Review in afternoon for Sir Ian Hamilton
Could not see more than a few yards ahead for dust. An absolute curse.
My first day out for a few days.
TUESDAY 30th MARCH
THIS DATE IS BLANK
WEDNESDAY 31st MARCH
Funeral of Sgt of Machine Gun Sectn in afternoon.
We left camp early. Route march through green fields of Egypt.
Green hedges on both sides almost all the way.
N**gers pasted with butter & syrup caused much amusement.
Marched to the Obelisk.
April 1915
THURSDAY 1st APRIL
Fooling started early. We were told anight alarm was to be sounded at 12.30 Midnight so all turned in early with great expectations & exclamations about it, only to sleep all night & wake in the morning surprised to find themselves still in bed in the tent.
FRIDAY 2nd APRIL
An attack, by the forces in Egypt on the slums of Cairo. Started at 3.45PM by showers of clothing being thrown from the windows of every floor. Then furniture of all descriptions. The mounted guard then came on the scene with revolvers. A fire of the debris in street, followed by a 4 floor building alight, deaths & several casualties. The crowd cleared at small hours of the morning.
SATURDAY 3rd APRIL
Left camp 7.30AM. Marched through Heliopolis & Zeitoun & Marg. Plenty of that cursed dust. We reach the date palm forest 5 miles from camp. A most beautiful place.
As we march along, we see these tall trees & green undergrowth as far as the eye reaches. Through this we go about 4 ½ miles where we rest weary & foot sore for lunch. Under a green spreading palm tree we sit here (Photo taken) for the first time in Egypt out of the sun. After bathing first in a cool spring we make way back to camp dead beat. I am unfortunate enough to be on guard all night & day Sun
SUNDAY 4th APRIL
Monotonous duty of guard over guard tent.
Reports circulating leaving at last Wednesday
MONDAY 5th APRIL
Still going Wednesday night. To the Dardenelles under shell fire.
TUESDAY 6th APRIL
What joy, leaving tomorrow.
Everybody busy packing up. I spent all the evening packing up.
Ships come out causing another report to spread to the effect that we are going to England
& not to the Dardenelles.
WEDNESDAY 7th APRIL
Dental leave to Cairo. Visited some friends in Heliopolis Hospital.
Got attended to by the dentist there using plenty of stratagy, with a young fellow, named Syd Lamb,
whom on getting my name, found he knew all at Yarrawonga.
Wednesday comes at last, but no sign of leaving.
Hopes down to Zero
THURSDAY 8th APRIL
Tried my hand at scouting in the morning & buzzed off to Cairo for dental attention (new plate) where I spent the rest of the day at the Mandolin & Piano & supper
card tricks etc & the expence of the doctor
FRIDAY 9th APRIL
Long march from Heliopolis through Cairo where we marched through with fixed bayonets over the Nile bridge (Kasr El Nile) to a beautiful park where we dined on the green grass in the shade of lovely green palms (Photo taken)
SATURDAY 10th APRIL
Great preparations are being made for our departure.
Cheering is going on, some of our brigade are leaving for Alexandria. Visited the Hospital. Got my plate.
On Entering the hospital, I pass along a wide hall with galleries & stairways on either side into a great ward with a dome roof, a balcony all round the first floor with other wards branching off. All round the 1st floor balcony is made of streak marble. This is without exception the finest building to be seen here.
SUNDAY 11th APRIL
Every one busy preparing for departure from Heliopolis. Left camp amidst cheering & good wishes from fellow troops. 9.45 PM arrived at station 11.30 Left per rail
Heliopolis & Cairo with all its fascinations, mysteries & wonders never to be forgotten.
1AM. Writing in train from Cairo to Alexandria
MONDAY 12th APRIL
Kept awake all night, couldn’t sleep. Arrived at the S.S. Seang Choon about 6.30 AM. Boarded about 9AM. Much smaller than the Ulysses. About 135 yds long. Very dirty boat. Roamed about the boat all day.
Troop-decks similar to those of Ulysses, save them all being converted into one.
Spent the night in the good old hammock again
on upper deck watching glimmering port lights.
TUESDAY 13th APRIL
Rose early to our new surroundings which came back to us like to old sailors.
Left Alexandria port 7.10AM
Great excitement on board when a sailor fell overboard. Capt rushed down from bridge & had a boat lowered in record time, but just as it was near waters edge, it was found that he clung to a rope & was safe.
WEDNESDAY 14th APRIL
A slight swell with rain falling, & a choppy sea following was the cause of a number of Karkhi lads hanging over the rails & remarks to the effect of Why did we volunteer.
d-m the Turks. Don’t give a d-m if we go to the bottom. Everybody was going round as though they were inspired with “dutch courage”.
THURSDAY 15th APRIL
A beautiful sunrise and clear day. Sailing North.
On our port side is a rocky island with a snow clad top. Anchored in a harbour 2 PM in an island called “Limnos” with dozens of Cruisers & several submarines & a balloon.
This is SW of the Dardenelles. Things seem very lively with a boat load of N.Zs. alongside of us.
FRIDAY 16 APRIL
Boats were lowered today for the purpose of keeping us fit. Taking advantage of this we pulled over to the Great Cruiser “Queen Elizabeth” after being in action up the Dardenelles, “she” anchored just close to us, with 8 fifteen inch guns she is a fine sight.
SATURDAY 17th APRIL
Getting quite used to a sailor’s life, we are still anchored in a harbour off the island of Lymnos waiting patiently for instructions to take us to the front. We have been hearing things about the Turks & their movements preparing us for the fray.
SUNDAY 18th APRIL
Easy day, yet interesting. Several chaps incl myself, stole off in one of the ships boats to the Cruiser Queen Elizabeth & was shown all over the 15 inch guns. The first appearance on entering is a huge mass of brass & steel work just like an engine. Saw also effect of shrapnel on the deck funnel sides & walls.
MONDAY 19th APRIL
Still anchored here, the island of Lymnos S West of Gallipoli peninsula.
We were informed today that we are to land on the N West coast of Gallipoli.
The name of the town here is Madros. When one of our chaps went ashore the 2 things struck him as being the most conspicuous was the shy women & the quantity of wine.
TUESDAY 20th APRIL
Battleships and Destroyers & Transports lying all round us.
Good food & plenty, but we are rather crushed for room.
A medium size fellow would have to stoop down in the troop-decks.
WEDNESDAY 21st & THURSDAY 22ND APRIL
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
FRIDAY 23RD APRIL
Watching transport boats moving out of the Harbour all day. Great cheering & excitement lasted when we moved away from the New Zealand boat. The band played up as it never played before after the NZs called for the well known “Swanee River band.
SATURDAY 24th APRIL
Anchored in Harbour all day.
SUNDAY 25TH APRIL
Left Isle of Limnos 9.30AM. The Cruisers Majestic and Triumph.
Actually heard first guns in action.
The 1st forces of the AIF landed in small boats & a most frightful bayonet charge into machine guns & lines of Turks all along the beach. Heroic work took place here.
This attack kept on. An advance is made over the cliff in bayonet charge.
The Turks curved back after killing & putting out of action hundreds & hundreds of men, if not thousands.
All the afternoon & evening wounded are coming on board our boat.
We have no room ourselves.
Wounded men in all the troopdecks. 1500 all told. Hosptl boat full & dozens of others (troopships)
Firing continues all the night on the hills. Reports coming over Wholesale Murder.
MONDAY 26th APRIL
Awoke hearing groans from wounded.
Getting ready to leave for shore. What Moments. Just imagine, after what we have seen already.
Left on a destroyer 9.30AM. Several hit & one killed in landing boats.
First feeling comes over me. Slept on beach all night & advanced up the gully under heavy shell fire
from enemy. Tuesday AM
TUESDAY 27TH APRIL
Fred, Hyde, Garcia, Russell & I, first of 14th Battalion for some special duty.
Ammunition carriers.
Carrying it through “dead man’s ravine” up the hills under fire from Turks. Most Sensl.
Continued this all day passing Red Cross bearing unfortunate men from firing line
WEDNESDAY 28th APRIL
Transferred to take Charge of Main Amn Depot. Hyde & myself, FAD in charge.
We are at present holding our own with the Turks. Hand bombs are being thrown into our trenches.
THURSDAY 29th APRIL
Turks actually creep up within 15 yds of our trenches & hurl hand bombs into our trenches.
Sitting in our little “dug out” holding 3 of us while firing is going on at top of the ridge
FRIDAY 30th APRIL 1915
THIS DATE IS BLANK
May 1915
SATURDAY 1st MAY
Poor Alec Rackstraw killed an hour or so after telling us his experiences in firing line. His rifle, shot through the butt.
Shrapnell fire very heavy & coming down all round us.
Our loses so far are very heavy & Turks heavier. Shots still flying all round us from Turkish snipers who are doing a terrible amount of harm to our forces.
Poor Norm shot while doing excellent work.
Exposed himself whilst firing 5 shots instead of being more cautious & coming down after each shot.
Excellent reports from Platoon Comdr Re Norm.
5.30pm. Buried on right flank top ridge of the valley
SUNDAY 2nd MAY
Fairly quiet morning men are being killed 10 yds from where we sit.
Shells from enemy bursting overhead are considered nothing.
The Hills on our front up valley are being crowded with the Nelson
& Royal Marines & New Zealanders
Hell! Being blown up in Hundreds by own artillery. Absolutely Murder.
MONDAY 3rd MAY
Up all night with ammunition. The worst night & day we will ever experience. Dead & wounded being borne down from hills in hundreds. AMC & stretcher bearers doing marvellous work. I am looking through a telescope at the dead on sides of the cliffs which cannot be got at 4.45 PM
TUESDAY 4th MAY
We built a new “dug out” for the 3 of us & a more comfortable home could not be got. We have three good meals a day & a comfortable bed at night. Just at daylight a bullet chipped off a box & landed in a box 6 ins above my head. Firing is kept up all day & night
WEDNESDAY 5th MAY (incl. 6th & 7th MAY)
Men are being shot dead just opposite our hut at various intervals during the day. Shell fire from our navy at the hills at the end of our valley also from
our batteries.
Turks are landing shells just above our heads & 100 yds short of us but too high to do much harm although the din is enough to drive us mad. One gun is just above us on the ridge & the Turks are trying to silence it so just imagine the position we are in. Suspicion is aroused as to Turks movements for things are getting remarkably quiet to be good. Shots are being fired at very long intervals sometimes two or 3 minutes of silence. Photo taken of The “dugout”. Mr Price WO & Sgt Leys have joined us with our meals. I have the job of cooking for all.
SATURDAY 8th MAY 1915 (incl. 9th & 10th MAY)
Still very quiet. Snipers are busy picking our Mule drivers & Mules off between the beach & here up the valley track about 1 mile long, So all night long trains of mules are carrying from the beach ammunition & stores of all kinds also water & ammunition
Too much
din with
rifle fire & shells
bursting
all round
us to set mind
on writing
TUESDAY 11th MAY (incl. 12th, 13th & 14th MAY)
Hell! what’s this. Boom! Bang !!?
Good heavens a great 8” Howitzer shell fired by the Turks 5.45 AM first shell. A great cloud of black smoke followed by volumes of white fumes. It came over the top of the hill & landed right on the roadway to the beach.
Averaging 1 every 5 minutes and 15 or so every morning noon & evening regularly for 3 days. The second shell lands in the centre of the AMC dressing station 100 yds from our temporary dug out. Of course everybody flew for their lives up the valley where the hills are higher & steeper making it impossible for them to lob there. Fortunate enough not one of these two hurt anybody, but the scatter & noise & confusion. I cannot imagine how it did not blow up the valley altogether.
The third lands 25 yds from us. Hell’s bells! What a scatter, huge boulders of earth fly in all directions & everyone rushing behind barricades & under cover. Sure enough we all are of the opinion that their threat was coming true. Failing to surrender in 24 hrs we would be blown into the sea.
SATURDAY 15th MAY
Yesterday was the most peculiar day of the war. No firing at all. what’s up? The white flag goes up on both sides for to enable Red Cross to bring in the wounded. One can pop his head over the trenches safely for first time. The strangest sight of all is to see all the Turks lined up on top of their trenches walking about as though no war was on at all. Also our own, some talking with Turks in groups & smoking together. Turks walking about on top of ridge which commands view of the whole of our valley seemed almost uncanny after our artillery have been shelling for weeks.
SUNDAY 16th - MONDAY 31st MAY
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
June 1915
TUESDAY 1st JUNE - WEDNESDAY 16th JUNE
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
THURSDAY 17TH JUNE
A pier 250 yds long is completed from off Anzac Cove.
This particular spot seems like a town now with all the stores, boats, wagons, water tanks, & tents etc.
FRIDAY 18th JUNE
Left “Rest valley” for beach work for about 2 weeks. The rest of Btn & Bgde being left in R. Valley.
Seems as though Brighton & Mentone have been shipped here. Thousands of troops bathing here all day long
SATURDAY 19th JUNE
First thing I was acquainted with was Fred in dressing station with slight wound in thigh, caught by a sniper after
3 shots at 1000 yds range whilst effecting barb wire entanglements in front of inner defence trenches on left of Monash Gully
Said good bye 9.15 AM. when he left for the Hospl ship lying a short distance of West of Anzac Cove where we now are (Sicilia 3 masted, 7000 tons Hospl Ship) He was looking a little pale but was feeling “allright” according to his own words.
Rooney’s gone & now Fred
What’s to be the fate of Me?
SUNDAY 20th JUNE
Put in most of the day unloading barges of foodstuffs timber for trenches & also iron loopholes,
while our spare moments were put in surfing.
MONDAY 21st JUNE
Same routine today things fairly quiet save Turkish shells disturbing bathers & workers at intervals during the day.
Pinnaces are being fired at as they tug barges of stores in
TUESDAY 22nd JUNE
After breakfast the Turkish artillery sent a number of precision shells into the cove,
the first I could have touched as it wizzed passed me. One drove a hole through an iron water barge.
Finished unloading barges 11.30 PM
WEDNESDAY 23rd JUNE
Beach work as usual all day. Shrapnell & precision shells bursting along beach killing several & wounding many.
Another Horse barge punctured. Transport ships & pinnaces are being shelled 1 hit no damage done
THURSDAY 24th JUNE
Shells still flying round. Afternoons work of sinking a magazine for high explosives.
Several times we had to “duck” under cover from shells which are bursting all round us & lying out dozens on beach & in the water. I’ve made a dozen dives into the Dug Out writing this.
FRIDAY 25th JUNE
Awoke this morning to the sound of shells bursting over our heads.
Shells are still landing on the beach causing same to be absolutely clear of men.
SATURDAY 26th JUNE
THIS DATE IS BLANK
SUNDAY 27TH JUNE
Left beach known as Anzac Cove to return to the Valley of rest.
Although we are surrounded by 3 cliffs, the Turks manage to land shells up here causing many casualties & deaths.
MONDAY 28TH JUNE
A fleet of Cruisers, Destroyers are forcing a landing between here & Hellespont. Terrific bombardment going on.
Shells are still flying round us. We never seem free from them.
TUESDAY 29TH JUNE
The 4th Bgde still in Rest Valley. Some days & nights one would think this was a peace camp whilst again it seems as though the gates of hell have opened, & yet we are only a few hundred yds from our firing line.
Another attack was made last night. Captured 2 lines Turks trenches
WEDNESDAY 30th JUNE
Turks attacked last night losing heavily. General Godley inspired our bomb throwers who hold an important lot at present here. Our engineers have completed a *** ** road from our gully over a cliff 400 feet high into Shrapnell Gully
July 1915
THURSDAY 1st JULY
Still in Rest Gully doing musketry drill only a few hundred yds from firing line.
Occasionally we have to break off owing to Shrapnell fire. Sprained my ankle this evening.
FRIDAY 2nd JULY
Carried on stretcher for the first time to beach Amb, where I was conveyed to the Hospl ship. Arrived 12 midnight.
Saw a woman for first time for over two months. Ships name Neuralia. Also slept on soft mattress for 1st time since leaving Aust.
SATURDAY 3rd JULY (incl. 4th JULY)
Hopped about the deck for a while viewing the war from a distance.
Left the Neuralia & boarded the fleet sweeper & then the Prince Abass 9.30 AM.
Had dinner consisting of bread & jam & tea & landed at Mudros Isle of Limnos at 2.30.
The Harbour is full of French Battleships Cruisers Transports etc. This once lonely place is like a city now.
An over-coat over a pair of white flannel pyjamas is my travelling dress.
After being put to bed on a spring mattress bed I knew no more until I awoke facing a view of the busy little harbour with the hills on the other side & a beautiful breeze coming through the tent. I’m getting used to a spring bed
I find out my neighbour is a Scotty & the next an Englishman, then an Irishman, N Zealander & an Italian
all in a 1st Aust stationary Hospl.
MONDAY 5th JULY
Not very exciting lying in bed all day but a great change. Food excellent.
Had some chocolate bought from this Greek village today (Mudros)
Also had some little squibs of pears, we wouldn’t be bothered feeding a pig with, green as grass. I paid the penalty.
TUESDAY 6th JULY
Plenty of reading & a game of cards occasionally passes the day away very slowly.
Left Mudros by motor amb & barge for Hospl ship. Arrived 2.30 “Neuralia”.
Drawn up in a sling & then I find myself in a nice cabin.
WEDNESDAY 7th JULY
After lying in Mudros Harbour for 1/2 a day we left this morning 5.30.
Sailing due South through the Archipelago 2.30PM. Although a nice soft bed to sleep on could not bear being shut up in a cabin.
THURSDAY 8th JULY
Fair sailing passed a beautiful little island at midday. With a nice white lighthouse on she looked a very peaceful sight.
Heat unbearable during night. slept on deck
FRIDAY 9th JULY
Alexandria sighted. The place seems just as we left it 3 months ago.
After buzzing round the harbour for a while we pull in to shore & landed at 2.30. boarded Hospl Train.
Arrived Heliopolis 9.30PM & admitted to Atelier No 2 Aux Hospl.
SATURDAY 10th JULY
New to my surroundings I wander down the corridor of cots & wash then up to get some reading material
& sure enough I run up against Fred, almost better & able to get about.
Paid Cairo a visit & after so long an absence the old place is still as attractive as ever, but this time we go alone
without poor Norm & Rack.
Got back & into bed at 11 o/c. Time is our own & plenty of freedom is allowed
SUNDAY 11th JULY
Food good & plenty. Sitting about reading on deck chairs passes a good day away. A church service was held in the Hospl.
They evidently don’t forget the slightly wounded
MONDAY 12th JULY (incl. 13th & 14th JULY)
Wrote a huge letter home, finished it today. Food good but very moorish.
Over 300 beds in this Hospital, which is a big brick building previously built for a timber working shed & a piano is here for our use. Occasionally a tryer gets on it & he is immediately counted out. A good man receives yells of more we want more & so on. Patients though slightly wounded & sick can make a noise if necessary.
THURSDAY 15th JULY
A concert was held by English artists. In the afternoon French artists favored us with a quartet party on the piano,
flute & two fiddles
FRIDAY 16th JULY
Fred leaves for convalescence camp, Zeitoun.
Had an experience with the “clink” this evening.
SATURDAY 17th JULY
Visited Cairo again. Fred digs up Frank Parker, finds out Harry Mac is in Egypt sick in Hospl.
From him we get news of Ethel Rooney being laid up on getting news from front of Norm.
So far we’ve had no news from home since Norms fatal day. Letters may be waiting at the front for us
SUNDAY 18th JULY
Another Church Service in Hospital. Meals served up, or rather cooked by natives, with the result we get more & better meals, quite as good as before & better than anywhere in Cairo
MONDAY 19th JULY
Heat very trying, lying about in pyjamas all day. Visited Cairo again also Esbekiah gardens, the beautiful greens & lawns in the heart of Cairo. Met Duke Wellington here today
TUESDAY 20th JULY
Visited Zeitoun convalescent & rest camp. A miniature bioscope lantern was shown in Hospl. Also a very thrilling song was sung by the departing soldiers “Britain never beats retreat.
WEDNESDAY 21st JULY
Visited Zeitoun again.
Could not get paid & on returning to “Ateliar” Hospl found Fred is back here, we are not going to be separated evidently.
THURSDAY 22nd JULY
Eat mellons & played cards all day. Strolled round the dark parts near the hospl. Had strawberries & ice cream, back entrance,
in pyjamas, also saw the flickers until 11.15. bed 2.AM.
FRIDAY 23rd JULY
Still doing absolutely nothing. Was warned yesterday, “Fit for duty.” So expect to leave any day now.
A good concert was sprung on us suddenly tonight, Count, Countess, Officers & men, “Toasted” good bye ”My ain Folk”
Down the vale made Fred & I, cast thoughts back on that Faraway Home.
SATURDAY 24th JULY
We get very little news from the peninsula in Hospital.
Pass away the time by getting into a bridge party in 4 deck chairs & a table in the shade of Hospl. Strolled out in the cool evening to our usual ice cream “joint” & saw The “Flickers” Although so far from home we manage to get our usual city night pastimes
Will Corbett leaving Hospl
SUNDAY 25th JULY
Played bridge nearly all day. Saw for the first time news of Norms death in the “Argus”.
Run against an old neighbour at Camberwell, Harry Butterfield in this Hospital
MONDAY 26th JULY
Played bridge nearly all day. This is a “great” pastime & a very interesting game
TUESDAY 27th JULY
Went into Cairo early to draw pay, but could only draw 10/- out of £12.00 owing.
Strolled though the beautiful green gardens in Kamel St (Esbekiah gardens) Also took photos of same
WEDNESDAY 28th JULY
Paid another visit to Cairo, & was nearly run in for demanding money that was due to me through paymaster telling a damnable lie about a pass I presented him yesterday saying he endorsed it & returned it.
THURSDAY 29th JULY
Still taking things easy, playing bridge all day long in deckchairs round a box, the only thing wanted to complete the job is lawns. Almost every night F & I wander through dark lanes cross main st Heliopolis into back entrance to cafe, ice cream Strawberries supper etc, then to Flickers in pyjamas bed midnight.
FRIDAY 30th JULY
Visited our old camp spot Heliopolis, So many troops there now, cannot recognise the place.
Struck Rae Thomas here in the 6th Bgde. Played billiards all evening in the old camp saloon.
SATURDAY 31st JULY
Fred leaves Hospital for convalescent camp at Alexandria.
We are separated this time, I am wondering where & when providence will bring us together again
August 1915
SUNDAY 1st AUGUST
Played bridge all day as per usual, I’m sure I don’t know how I’m going to tackle the pack again after such an easy time.
Never had such a loafing time in my life before
MONDAY 2ND AUGUST
THIS DATE IS BLANK
TUESDAY 3RD AUGUST
The same routine goes on in Hospital, but this evening three YEOMAN troops favoured us with a fiddle & 2 voices.
The Intermediary from Ca Pier brought back memories of home. Went to usual flickers & the evening pjamas supper.
WEDNESDAY 4th AUGUST
Very anxious to know what letters are waiting for me at the front. The usual piano fiddle & flute quartet favoured us with many of our old favourites (French artists). Played bridge all day
THURSDAY 5th AUGUST
Played 500 all day for a change. Rumors going about Ashi Barbas’s taken.
A Motor car racing past the Hospital caused everyone to remark What’s up, because it had French, Belgian & other flags flying from it. A huge bag of Aust papers received today from Aust patriots
FRIDAY 6th AUGUST
Still playing 500 all day. While a concert was on in the evening a Mrs. Makem taught us Auction Bridge.
Very interesting especially with such a woman for a partner.
Went to the usual Pictures etc to have revenge on an Arabic that made 3 or 4 lashes at me with a stick last night.
SATURDAY 7th AUGUST
Surprised to see Rae Thomas H Mac & F .P inquiring for me outside the Hospl fence.
I managed to get a little home news from them, for first time for six weeks.
As usual played 500 all day & have several showers & 3 meals so nothing very exciting doing save being told no body is allowed out of Hospl as several contagious diseases have broken out lately necessitating the relocation of the place for a few days.
SUNDAY 8th AUGUST
Parson interrupted the card players outside by removing the piano out near the tables & starting off with a hymn
followed by a sermon. Played bridge & 500 all day long until lights out
MONDAY 9th AUGUST
Run against Rae Thomas in Hospl. Saw poor Norms photo in the Australian.
Phurphy going round more furious that Achi Barbo’s taken. Went to flickers & had French supper as usual
TUESDAY 10th AUGUST
Did absolutely nothing all day. Atelier is being cleaned. Something is evidently in the wind.
WEDNESDAY 11th AUGUST
Marked for Convalescent this morning. As expected more wounded from Anzac Cove arrived this afternoon.
A big advance was made last Friday night, the 14th being well in it. Am wondering if things turn out at Suez.
THURSDAY 12th AUGUST
Played bridge all day.
FRIDAY 13th AUGUST
Favoured with more talent. An Opera singer set forth causing a dog to howl.
SATURDAY 14th AUGUST
34 disabled Australians left here for Aust. Everybody lines up to see these “Stumpies” & “Wingies” go.
Sometimes with a tear from the Sisters.
Motoring is in the boom all of a sudden. Went first of all for a joy ride to the Palace for clothes then round Heliopolis, back to Atelier for tea & a car was hired by some generous person & with a sister in charge of us we set forth through Cairo over the Nile & through some beautiful gardens & landed back at dusk. Finished up with bridge (deckchair- bridge).
More (50) wounded for Atelier tonight.
SUNDAY 15th AUGUST
Seems as though I am going to have a job in getting away from here, but a new lot of wounded being brought in means someone has to go.
MONDAY 16th AUGUST
Nothing doing save a few trips round Heliopolis in a Motor Amb. Went to Cairo for pay but could only get £1.00
TUESDAY 17th AUGUST
Played bridge nearly all day as usual. Most of the old players have gone & the game is not so interesting with all new faces.
WEDNESDAY 18th AUGUST
Named once again for Helouan Conv Home to go in the morning.
THURSDAY 19th AUGUST
Left Atelier 9 AM Red cross Motor amb to Babalook Stn at 60 per, about 45 minutes in train Arrived at Helouan.
Marched to Hotel Al Hayat Convalescent Hospl Similar to the palace, only much smaller
Met several old friends here. By tea time was playing tennis
FRIDAY 20th AUGUST
Tucker best in Egypt. N**gers look after us mealtimes. Along corridor out on to balcony hundreds of deck chairs are arranged in the shade. This overlooks the gardens which separate us from the tennis courts.
Visited Helouan a small place of 1 man & a dog. Concerts every evening
SATURDAY 21st AUGUST
This place has 1400 Conv soldiers. Played bridge & lounged about in deck chairs all day.
In the evening had a bonza game of tennis. Never expected to have this pleasure. The Y.M.C.A supply all material necessary.
I learn today nearly all officers & a great number of 14th have been cut about & killed.
One platoon are wiped out. An advance was made from left flank
SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST
Church service in the morning. Cards and tennis in the evening.
Lounging about in deck chairs all day
MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
Atelier Aux Hosp No 2 Semi Convalescent Hospl is only one of the many big places the government have taken over as Hospitals in Egypt. In Alexandria they have several also.
This place is for slightly wounded chaps although there are some serious
TUESDAY 24th AUGUST (incl. 25th & 26th AUGUST)
Helouan is supposed to be a healthy convalescent climate, but I’m hanged if i can see it at all.
I fancy it is all the same all over Egypt, dry & cloudless skies from one weeks end to another.
One may stay here for months at time & never experience a rainfall.
Some of the mornings & evenings are certainly very cool & we feel the benefits of it lounging about in deckchairs shaded from the sun by an impromptu screen built by the natives here at a very low cost, yet there is really little or no effecience work or material attached to them. They are made from light timber formed into a framework with straw mats tacked to form the roof.
FRIDAY 27th AUGUST
Between Babalook Station & where we entered the train for Helouan there is nothing worthy of note save old buildings & ruins of a Historical Character. Once at Helouan you can see the Nile a short distance off & several pyramids just on the other side
SATURDAY 28th AUGUST (incl. 29th AUGUST)
It is very pitiful to hear some of the tales of the chaps here. They’d make you cry, fellows limping on a stick come in with toothache malinger here for weeks & weeks & make out their lame, perhaps never been to the front nor intend to go.
I watched O’Hara Wood playing tennis on these courts today. He has been wounded. A big crowd going away from here booked for Australia, today. Today I start work in this place as a ward clerk to give myself something to do. If I continue this lazy life doing nothing & worrying about everything & not receiving any mail from Home I feel that in a very short time I’ll be insane, so I volunteer for this job. Little or nothing to save keep the ward book & check the roll every night with ward Sgt.
Caught a bonza cold. Wind blowing a gale all day long. Nose won’t stop bleeding. Things are not to good.
MONDAY 30th AUGUST
Wrote a long letter home to notify my change of address. Nothing much doing. Dine with the Hospl staff as I’m one of them.
Pictures this evening. Very amazing to hear an Aust soldiers audience at these shows. The scene was an old building somewhere in France owned by a very pretty girl. She entertains a tourist at dinner afterwards she gets a jap fiddle & plays this to him Just as she starts one of the audience hums the Khan Khan dance
TUESDAY 31st AUGUST (incl. 1st, 2nd & 3rd SEPTEMBER)
Awoke this morning with a beautiful headache & a temperature of 102° & so of course was sent to hospital which is in another wing to this convalescent part. Landed there in time for dinner which consisted of a jug of milk & milk slops. For the first time on active service I had to refuse it. There is very little difference in one meal from another.
I’m worrying my life out wondering what the name of good fortune is the matter with me. High temperature headache & a severe cold. At last the MD comes round. Slight bronchial trouble is the verdict. Well whatever the trouble is I’m not going to stick here as I’ve got my appetite back & can’t satisfy it on milk diet. On my temperature dropping to 99° & the demand for room being great I managed to get out & back to my old possie, after expecting a serious illness
September 1915
SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER (incl. 5th-11th SEPTEMBER)
From some of our 14th that were in the advance on the left I hear Capt Groom our Company Commander is killed.
Also Chas Wells & many of the originals leaving only a few in the old Battalion.
The saddest news of all is Chaplain Gillison Our padre is killed. Without any exception he was the whisest & finest man of the Aust on the peninsula. He was working with the Red Cross after the charge bandaging our wounded & giving them cigarettes from his own cigarette case, all the time under gun & rifle fire. He was just that kind of man who would go through anything to save our chaps from unnecessary suffering.
He should have never been in the danger zone at all.
Yet he sacrificed his life in this way with many others just as willing perhaps, but not with opportunities. He was always busy up at our old position Courtneys Post stalking about (under the eye of the ever ready Turkish sniper to fire on the Red Cross) holding burial services on the slope of the hill or supervising the bringing down of the wounded from the trenches. This was no easy task owing to the great drop from the firing line to the dressing station.
In fact where-ever he was needed he was always there. The last sermon I heard him preach was to the whole brigade in Rest Valley. His remarks were on the language used by the Aust troops. A very impressive sermon it was too. Not a single man there closed his ears to it. I watched the whole thing through from our dug-out on the other side of the gully to the troops (the same side as the padre) & you’d be surprised to see how every man was interested. He also dwelt on “A mans Conscience”.
A photo was taken, probably by one of the local papers.
Many a strong minded man was drawn to tears, on hearing of the death of Chaplain Gillison.
Things are going along slowly. A lecture was given on places about Egypt, accompanied by lantern slides. The usual pictures were run this evening, attracting everybody in Al Hayet
SUNDAY 12th SEPTEMBER (incl. 13th SEPTEMBER)
Still no news from home.
What would I give for a letter. No news from Fred yet.
Played tennis & coits in the cool of the evening followed by a sing song of Alexander Hymns then Chaplain Gault preached a right good sermon. He takes a great interest in the lads here. Keeps things busy with amusements etc. Every second night he makes his way to all the rooms after lights out, with his electric torch, to wish us good night & inquiring after lice.
He always carries a little bag of bug killer.
The pictures were run this evening as per usual 3 times weekly Mondays Thursdays & Saturdays
Every-body in the Hospital turns out
TUESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER
Read most of the day out. Played tennis this evening with the Chaplain & 2 staff’eads. Have lost a great deal of the old dash F & I cultivated at “Walhalla”. There are three courts & not overcrowded.
Visited the small Town of Helouan. Very quiet place, with one picture show.
WEDNESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER
Received receipt of my enquiry card from Cairo (received Cairo 13/9/15)
I hear today Captain Loughrim our Regimental Medical Officer is dead. He & our Padre will be greatly missed.
THURSDAY 16th SEPTEMBER
Another batch leaving to-day for Australia. Still receive no letters nor any news from home.
Dozens of Conv’t patients leave here & come every day.
Fully expect Fred here one of these days, as I expect he’s returned to the front not hearing from him
FRIDAY 17th SEPTEMBER
Still no news from Fred.
Visited museum Cairo saw the overseer of the building of the Great King Cheops pyramid also his wife.
Saw preserved form of King Cheops Also his wifes tomb
SATURDAY 18th - SATURDAY 25th SEPTEMBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER
Took over new job at Al Hayat as pack store-man.
MONDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
THIS DATE IS BLANK
TUESDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
Received word from Fred at last. He leaves today for Limnos to rejoin his unit. Separated at last.
Got all my back mail from base, Cairo, today letters dating back to June 17th
WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
Spent most of my time in writing home & answering all the letters I’ve received
THURSDAY 30th SEPTEMBER
Paid today. Still going strong writing home.
Wrote to Percy today for parcel.
FRIDAY 1st - MONDAY 4th OCTOBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
TUESDAY 5TH OCTOBER
Received parcel from
B & W on or about this
date, from, Miss Barnett
Miss McGuinness Mr Lacey. Flo Chapy
Miss Peers D. Athol Bryce. W Pattison
Miss Patterson M Shall. Mr Walker
Miss Vereve
WEDNESDAY 6th - MONDAY 11th OCTOBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
TUESDAY 12TH OCTOBER
Started to take lessons in French privately from a friend in Helouan.
WEDNESDAY 13TH & THURSDAY 14TH OCTOBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
FRIDAY 15TH OCTOBER
Strolled down the deserted streets of Helouan & spent the night in the Winter Garden also had dinner which lasted about 2 hours & cost 16 Pts
followed that was piano music.
SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER
Met Charlie Merritt today at Al Hayat Helouan. Found out he lived at Canterbury & friend of Higgs now living at Welshpool. Asked him if he knew Rackstraw & found that this was the chap who used to visit Rack at old Broadmeadows when in camp.
He is in the 8 Lt horse Regiment & boarded for Australia.
SUNDAY 17TH - SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
November 1915
MONDAY 1st - TUESDAY 30th NOVEMBER
ALL OF THESE DATES ARE BLANK
December 1915
WEDNESDAY 1st - WEDNESDAY 29th DECEMBER
THESE DATES ARE BLANK
THURSDAY 30TH DECEMBER
Spent Xmas & New Year at Helouan.
Have been here since Aug 19th.
FRIDAY 31st DECEMBER
THIS DATE IS BLANK
After 1915
As this diary was the only one we found belonging to this soldier, we have no further diary entries. But we have been able to find some information about what happened to him during the war and after 1915, and also a small amount of information about his life and family.
He was born on the 12th January 1893 in Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia,
to parents Robert and Rosina Dawes.
His name was Leonard Fletcher Dawes.
Leonard was the 3rd eldest of 7 boys.
He volunteered to join the Australian Imperial Force (AIF)
on the 28th September 1914 when he was 21 years and 8 months old,
and his occupation was listed at the time as draper.
He enlisted alongside his younger brother Fred.
They both embarked from Melbourne onboard the HMAT Ulysses
on the 22nd December 1914.
Robert and Rosina Dawes.
Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Services Abroad
.. 28th September 1914
From his service and medical records, as well as the official war diary of his battalion, we have been able to establish a brief timeline of his service as a private in C Company, 14th Battalion, 4th Brigade, AIF.
After being in injured at Gallipoli in July 1915 he spent the rest of the year in hospital and the Al Hayat convalescent home in Helouan, Egypt. He wrote on the 1st July that he sprained his ankle but in a medical record dated 19/8/15, it was recorded as “Shrap. ankle”, which may explain why his time in hospital was extended, as well as many respiratory illnesses.
In March 1916 he was discharged from Helouan to the AIF Headquarters International base for duty and temporarily attached to the Royal Army Pay Corps, Egypt.
Leonard then spent some time in England, attached to the Royal Army Pay Corps, London.
He was promoted to Corporal in September 1916.
In late 1916 and early 1917 he was in and out of hospital suffering from illnesses including laryngitis and being tested for Tuberculosis (“No TB detected”).
In May 1917 he joined the war on the Western Front in Europe. He proceeded overseas to France and joined the 4th A.D.B.D (Australian Divisional Base Depot) Etaples, France and then rejoined his unit. He was appointed Lance Corporal in Belgium, where on the 13th August 1917 he was wounded in action, suffering a gunshot wound to his left shoulder.
After being admitted to the 13th General Hospital in Boulogne, France, he was transferred to England and admitted to Ontario Military Hospital, Orphington, England.
In late 1917 and early 1918, he spent time in Sutton Veny, where there was one of the largest Australian Imperial Force training and convalescent depots in Great Britain. He was admitted to Sutton Veny Military Hospital suffering with “Dilated Action of the Heart”
GREENHILL HOUSE (SUTTON VENY), 1918. THE GRAND STAIRCASE.
AWMH01044
In May 1918 he proceeded overseas again to France and marched in to A.I.B.D (Australian Infantry Base Depot) Havre, France. After being transferred to the 13th Battalion, he rejoined his unit in the 14th Battalion in June 1918.
In one record it was documented he was “Missing in Action – France” on the 8th of August 1918.
But on the 11th of August it states “Now reported Not Missing”.
After another admission to hospital, with influenza in August 1918, he rejoined the 14th Battalion in October 1918.
After the guns fell silent on the Western front on the 11th of November 1918,
Leonard left England for his return to Australia on the 3rd December
and reached his home in Melbourne on the 27th January 1919.
He was discharged from the AIF on the 14th June 1919 - “disability not stated”.
His records state he was awarded for his service, the Star Medal, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
After the war...
It has been difficult to find any information about Leonard after he returned from the war in 1919,
as it is very hard to find details of an “ordinary man”.
But we do know he was married, at the age of 40, to Ruby Maud McCallum in 1933.
They did not have any children, as far as our research has shown.
In 1939 he is listed on the electoral roll as living in Albert Park, Victoria and working as a “radio retailer”
In the electoral roll of 1963 he was living in the “War Veteran’s Home, Frankston”
The only photograph we have been able to find of Leonard is from a newspaper article in 1918.
He is the one in the middle of the bottom row. His brother Fred is next to him on the left.
Leonard Fletcher Dawes died on the 27th October 1965 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia, at the age of 72.
Rest in Peace
Lest we forget
