Diary of Keith Morton Hickman, 1916-1919 - Part 1

War Diary of
Keith Morton Hickman
Tasmania 1916 — 1919
 

After trying several times to enlist for
service abroad I succeeded in doing so
at the Anglesea barracks Hobart on
January 24^th 1916. After setteling up my
affairs I reported for duty at the camp
at Claremont on January 27^th, and after
being duly sworn in etc. I was posted
as a gunner to the field artillery.
On January 9th I left camp at midday
on leave till midnight. I went home.
the afternoon was bright and clear, but
at about 4 P.M. a strong wind sprang
up, and very soon rain was falling
heavily, and by 8 P.M. we were having
the worst storm that Tasmania had
seen for several years. I started for
camp at 10 P.M. and arrived there to
find nearly all the tents blown down
and everything soaking wet. My tent,
however, was still standing, so I took
off my boots and leggins only and
turned in. I am glad to say my tent
weathered the storm.
 

1916
2
Nothing of interest happened after that
untill February 15^th when examinations
were held in order to appoint two corporals
for the 18^th Artillery reinforcements from
Tasmania. I came second in six starters
and I was duly decorated with two stripes.
which raised my daily rate of pay from
6/- per day to 10/- per day.
February 19^th marked my departure from
home for scenes of great adventures. I

left Claremont at 8.A.M. and proceeded
by a special train to Burnie, where
we embarked on board the "SS [[Omrah?]]"
for Melbourne. We arrived without
adventure at Melbourne at midday on
February 20^th. During the journey across
I met a M^r Franklin who later, proved an
excellent friend to me, as he welcomed me
to his home and I spent many pleasant
week ends during with him during my
stay at Maribyrnong.
On arrival at Melbourne we were
entrained and taken to the Ascotvale
1916
3
railway station, from where we marched to
the Artillery camp at Maribyrnong. It was
a Sunday afternoon with a hot wind
blowing so we were glad to get rid of our
kits. As soon as we were setteled we
were allowed to proceed on leave to
Melbourne till midnight.