Diary written by Eric Giles Miller, 1914-1917 - Part 2
Page 9
[*May 1915*]
May 27th A very quiet day. Went for a swim in afternoon. First wash
for 8 days.
Fri. 28th Ted Lowndes a fine chap from Port Adelaide was killed also
Baily of (C. Squadron)
Sat. 29th We were called at 3.30 this morning and stood to arms. The Turks undermined and blew up our trench at "Quinn's Post". They then
rained in Bombs and rushed the trench, and actually got in them
But they had Australians to contend with, some of Capt. Beans
"wasters" and they soon got the trench back. It was the 13th & 14th
Battalions and I believe they should all get medals. They stood
upright on the parapet and mowed down the Turks, but of course
they lost heavily themselves. We were standing by ready to support
but were not called upon.
Sun May 30th 2.30 P.M There is a heavy bombardment going on. We are all standing to arms and I understand we are to charge the Turk's
trenches. I do not feel at all excited but just quietly anxious.
Naturally I wonder if I'll get through alive.
June 1st 1915 The charge did not come off on Sunday. Yesterday and today were quiet. Went for a swim this afternoon but shrapnel cut it short
Wed June 2nd "A" Squadron took over defence of portion of "Popes Hill". We were not there ½ and hour when Lieut. Birch was killed, shot thro' the head.
Fri. 4th Our navy bombarded some place for 4 hours. It was one
incessant roar and rumble. Sergeant Paul and L. Cpl Brown killed.
Sat June 5th At 11 P.M. last night everyone was called to arms. The navy and shore guns opened fire also all our machine guns and rifles, and then the New Zealanders on Quinn's Post charged and took a Turkish trench opposite.
Tues 8th Things have been fairly quiet during the last few days. There have been occasional bursts of artillary fire. Of course the rifle fire never ceases.
Wed 9th 4 PM An artillary duel is in progress.
Sat 12th There has been heavy fire from our naval guns the last few days and nights and they are still at it. Received letter and photo from L.
Mon Jun 14th Yesterday one of our aeroplanes dropped 3 bombs in the
[*June 1915*]
Page 10
Turk's trenches amid loud cheers from our men. This morning at
daybreak 2 batteries of German artillary, which had been brought
up during the night, bombarded us, but our guns got onto them
and soon quietened them. (Sundown) We can't hear ourselves
speak for the roar and rattle but very little damage is being done
to our side
June 15th 1915 Today is the 100 anniversary of the battle of Waterloo. So far as we are
concerned it has been the same as any other old day.
June 16th After afortnight in the trenches on "Popes Hill" we were relieved
by the 1st L.H. regiment and we went into bivouc down the gully.
Thur. 17th Was on guard last night. Feeling very unwell all day, but
got a pill from the Doc. and am alright tonight. Our big guns
played havoc in a portion of the enemy's trenches this afternoon.
Fri 18th I woke up feeling grand again this morning. We were subjected
to about an hours shell fire just before dinner, but nobody was
hurt. Had a sponge bath in the afternoon with a pint of water,
the first for over a fortnight. I think I made a mistake about
Waterloo, and that today is the 100th anniversary.
Sat 19th It is 10 months today since I went into camp at
Morpettville. We've had a quiet day and I went down to the
beach and had a swim. Was on guard last night.
In company with Harvey Conigrave and Vern Hocking. I went up
the gully to try and gather some wood and we came across a
dead Turk among some thick undergrowth. The troops on "Popes Hill"
last night distinctly heard a can-can band in a village a few
miles inland.
Mon June 21st Yesterday church services were held in several places just
behind the firing line. At 10.30 P.M. a dummy attack was made
by us to draw the Turks fire, but they were too shrewd and wouldn't
waste their ammunition. Was on guard last night.
Wed 23rd dusk. We are undergoing a rather severe shelling and are
sticking well in our dug-outs.
Thurs June 24th There were over 30 casualties today through shrapnell. The
weather is getting very hot. The Turks blew up some of our trench
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[*June 1915*]
on "Courtneys Post" last night with bombs
Sun. June 27th Turks made a feeble attack on "Courtneys Post"
Wed 30th Last night the Turks made a general attack but were repulsed
everywhere with very heavy losses. They attempted to get down
one gully between "Walkers Ridge" and "Popes Hill". They did get in
to the gully, but our machine guns got on to them, and very
few of them got out of it. We had about 10 men Killed including
Major Nash of the 2nd Regt. We took over Popes from the 1st Regt this
morning. The navy have just finished a 48 hours bombardment of
Gaba Tepe.
Fri. July 2nd Went on the field phone at noon yesterday until noon today. Cpl
Hutton went away to Lemnos with a crook leg and I am
acting corporal during his absence. It was reported from Headquarters
that a German officer is in our lines, dressed as an Australian officer
and orders are out to anyone answering description given. The navy
are pounding away down near Cape Helles.
July 4th
Sun morn 6 am Been on the phone since noon yesterday. At 3 am this morning
a fire balloon went up from our Headquarters. I expect our
Brigadier is an American and is celebrating the "Glorious Fourth"
Received letter from L yesterday dated May 17th. Our artillary are
shelling the Turks trenches directly in front of us, and as they are
only 50 yards away you can guess they are just skimming us.
If any of them drop short some of us can Kiss ourselves goodbye.
[*3500*]
Mon. July 5th The Turks subjected us to a heavy bombardment this morning but did
little damage. Took over the phone at 12 noon The bay is full
of mine sweepers.
Tues 6th Was relieved from phone at noon. A quiet night. Missed the mail on Sunday.
Wed July 7th The 3rd Regt vacated Pope's Post and are now acting as reserves in the gully.
Two other A Squadron Signallers and myself are on the phone at "Hintons Observation
Post". This is where a determined attack was made last week. We've had
shells flying around all the afternoon, and judging by the aroma, they
have stirred up some dead Turks who are lying near this post. Our
bombs have set alight to the trenches immediately in front of "Quinn's Post"
The trench must be timbered for the fire is burning fiercely. The enemy are
[*July 1915*]
Page 12
trying to extinguish the flames by throwing dirt from the communication
trenches, but ours bombs are hindering them.
Thurs July 8th The fire in Turks trench burnted nearly all night. "Quinn's
and Courtneys Posts made a demonstration at 10.30 P.M.
causing enemy to waste a lot of ammunition. All was quiet
in this gully. (evening). Every man in the Regt received
5 Packets of cigarettes and 4 ozs tobacco from "The Overseas Club"
To say we were delighted is putting it too mild.
Sat 10th Came on phone at "Hinton's Post" at noon. Dead Turks in the near
vicinity pong worse than the Patawalonga.
Sun 11th Had a quiet night. Courtneys Post made a demonstration at
3 A.M. to draw the enemy's fire, but the Turks are very careful
with their ammunition. They sent up a few flares but
did not fire many rounds away. Our warships bombarded
a hill to the South East very heavily yesterday afternoon. We
had a fine view from here and it was an awe inspiring sight.
The hill was one mass of flame and smoke. Received a mail in
the evening. I got a letter from L. also one from Vera and a
bulletin and a parcel from Vera. When I opened it tears
came into my eyes when I saw the contents. A lovely knitted
cholera belt and a packed of De Reske fags. The belt was
knitted by Nellie Anders of Birks.
Tues July 13th Last night our Indian mountain batteries shelled the
Turkish trenches, and the screams and moans of the Turks
were distinctly heard. At noon took over phone at Hintons Post
It's very hot and those dead Turks smell stronger than ever.
Thur 15th Went for a swim yesterday evening and nearly got topped off.
The Turks were shelling the beach and 2 men just near me
had their legs blown off by one of the shells.
Fri July 16th Received 10/- pay Note number 038015. Dod Mac received his
commission a few days ago and S.Mjr Coxall is now R.S.M.
Saw Gordon Mc.G. yesterday. First time since we left Egypt
Sat 17th General Russel visited this outpost (Hintons) last night. He
asked me where the officer in charge was, and I said. "He is about
Page 13
[*July 1915*]
ten yards further up this sap. He is lying in it. If you follow the
sap you will tread on him." He thought it a good joke and
laughed outright
Mon July 19th Yesterday afternoon Frank Blackwell (nephew of JB.) and
I went down the gully for water and poor old Frank got
hit in the shoulder with shrapnell. My luck is sticking to
me, as I've had some narrow shaves. It's 11 months today since I
joined the military.
Tues 20th Was innoculated against Cholera.
Wed. 21st Came on phone on top of Popes Hill. Two hours on and 2 off for
24 hours (mussquise) Received mail 2 from Mother & 1 from L..
dated June 4th 11th & 10th.
Thurs 22nd Signallers hear all that is going on and during the 24 hours
I have just finished on the phone. I heard things that point to
some big development within the next few days. We shall see.
Fri 23rd Today is Constitution day with the Turks and we were prepared
for a big attack last night. We we standing to arms at 11.45
P.M. and 3 A.M. but it never came off. We have all been
issued with gas helmets and carry them always.
Sat July 24th Received a letter dated June 17th from Mother also 2 dailies
and a Bulletin
Sun 25th Went to the church service in the evening, held at the bottom of the gully
and thoroughly enjoyed the singing.
Tues 27th The Turks opened a heavy fire with artillary about 10 P.M. last night.
We thought it was the prelude to an attack but nothing occurred.
Thurs 29th I have been very crook with dysentery the last few days, and got
rather weak on it, so paraded sick this morning and was put on rice diet.
Fri. 30th Very ill and weak today. Had cup of cocoa from A.M.C. for dinner, and
bread and milk for tea. Much better this evening. The navy are
plastering Achi Baba with shells
Sat July 31st Feeling much better. Sent a letter to Mother and card to L.
Sun. Aug 1st Our men charged and took some trenches on our right flank last night
with a small loss.
Mon Aug 2nd Was innoculated against Cholera for the second time.
[*August 1915*]
Page 14
Tues Aug 3rd All sorts of wild rumours about today, but they are true
this time I am sure. There is going to be a big general advance
within the next 48 hours. As I write this Achi Baba is being
heavily shelled and it's a sight to be remembered. The hill is
a mass of smoke and fire. We are all to be given an emergency
ration immediately. There are sure to be a lot of good men and
true lost, perhaps myself, not that I was ever true to anyone
unless to Mother. Tonight I am in charge of phone at Hintons Post
and go off at noon tomorrow. U tureedkeer
Wed Aug 4th This morning we are feeling the pangs of thirst thro' shortage of
water, caused by a water barge having been sunk, and by
the arrival of some thousands of Tommies. Later 3 P.M.
Water has arrived thank providence as it's a terribly hot day.
When I was down the gully filling some water bottles, I saw hundreds
of the Tommies there, (some of Kitcheners New Army). Somehow I
couldn't help feeling sorry for them, though why I should I don't know,
except that they looked so boyish and fresh beside our chaps.
Sat Aug 7th At last the day "Our day" has arrived. Yesterday the general
advance started and the two flanks swung around. All night
the Artillary shelled the trenches in front of us which are the
Turks stronghold. This morning our Brigade charged and
although we took the trenches, we had to vacate them on account
of the bombing. Casualties were very heavy in the 1st and 2nd
Regts. However the flanks, especially the left did great work, on
account of the majority of the Turks being massed opposite us here.
Talk about Australian pluck, I've seen enough today to convince me
that there are none pluckier on this planet. They will charge as
often as they're asked, and the wounded were so cheerful. I saw
three chaps, all badly wounded by bombs, each of whom should
have been carried on a stretchers and they were helping each other
down the hill to the dressing station. They had their arms on each other's
shoulders and it was a toss up which one was wounded worst.
Sun Aug 8th 6 A.M. The battle is still raging fiercely. Have been at the outpost all night.
About 6 shells dropped within a few yards of us, but as we are in
Page 15
[*August 1915*]
Aug 8th Cont. a deep and narrow sap we were not hurt. A lot of wounded
men from the 1st L.H. crawled back to our trenches on Popes Hill
under cover of the darkness, after lying out all day in the hot sun.
Not far from here there is a poor little Tommy lying dead. One of
our submarines sank a Turkish battleship in the Narrows at 5.30
this morning. The New Zealanders have taken Hill 270 (Chunuk Bair).
Tues. Aug 10th Yesterday our regiment relieved the 2nd Rgt at Quinn's Post. I have
been in the trench continuously since except for a few minutes at
times. A fairly quiet night. There were several heavy bursts of
firing and some bombing, but as we are in the bomb proof trenches
nobody was hit. Jack Raby was hit in the leg whilst going for
water about 7 A.M. and two No 6 Squadron (Tas) were badly blown
up by a bomb. The trenches on this post are only 8 yards from the
Turks trenches in places.
Wed Aug 11th Had a very broken nights rest last night. Arty Hutton came back to
A. Squadron this morning. Our aeroplanes and balloons are busy, but
otherwise things are very quiet. (Evening) The Turks put about 20 shells
into Pope's Post this afternoon killing one man of our Regt (Walker)
Thurs. 12th As usual a lot of bombs were exchanged during the night. I havnt had
my boots off for over a week. They are landing still more troops on the right
flank (Suvla Bay). I shall be surprised if the Turks hold out for more than
a month now, as we have made great progress the last week. Just posted
a letter home. Our last mail went to the bottom of the sea owing to a collision
Friday Aug 13th Last night the Turks got a machine gun into such a position that they were
able to enfilade our trenches. Lieut Barnett and I had a narrow escape.
We were standing at the back of the support trench, admiring the sunset (and
we see some very fine sunsets from the top of these hills) when they opened up. About
a dozen bullets plonked into the sandbags by us and covered us with dirt.
We very quickly dived into the bomb proof trench.
Sat Aug 14th Last night at 9 P.M. our engineers exploded a mine under the Turks Trenches.
It shook the whole hill and did considerable damage to their trench.
The Turks were very nervous all the night after that and there was
considerable bombing and machine gun and rifle fire.
Sunday Aug 15th A fairly quiet night.
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[*August 1915*]
Aug Tues. 17th Have been off duty for 2 days owing to a severe attack of diarrehoe.
Our health is breaking up fast now, and there is always a big sick
parade. The reinforcements who arrived last week are easily
distinguished by their healthy faces from those who have been here 14
long weeks. We all look physical wrecks and we are just what we look
We are still on Quinn's Post and we have a few of the Leicester R.C with us.
Wed Aug 18th Several of our chaps were wounded last night and one Leicester killed.
I am back in the trench again but am feeling very weak. Post a
letter to Mother and card to L. Had a shave this morning.
Thurs. 19th A perfect warm, moonlight night. I was on duty from 8 to 12 P.M.
Everything looked so calm in the bay. I watched the lights of a
hospital ship as she steamed away to Malta or Alexandria
and faded away over the horizon. Some of the British troops with
us last night were Irishmen. I had a long chat to one. He came
from the banks of the Shannon and his rich brogue was great.
This evening the Navy are bombarding Achi Baba again. They
have put thousands of tons of metal on to that hill during the last
4 months. Twelve months ago today I became a soldier.
Sat Aug 21st Our troops on the left flank made an attemp to advance this
afternoon. I don't know how they got on.
Sunday 22nd The Turks sent over incendiary flares during the night and
set our overhead cover on fire several times, but each time we
got them out without any damage being done. One of our chaps,
a fine fellow named Bert Baker (from Blackwood) had his hand
blown off and a rib broken by a bomb this afternoon. It will be
extra hard for him as he was an ardent gymnast.
Mond^ay Aug 23rd The Navy are still hammering away down at Achi Baba. The noise
of the guns is like a continual roll of thunder. The nights are getting
a bit cold again now. Got a few hours leave in afternoon and went
to the beach and had a swim. Also washed my clothes, staying in the
water while they dried.
Tues 24th Still those guns are thundering down at Achi Baba. Surely the place must
give way soon. Day after day we sit in the trench, nothing to read.
All we can do is smoke, and kill flies and grey-backs. The sick
Page 17
[*Aug 1915*]
Tues 24th contin'd Parade gets larger every day. Lieut S. Rowell arrived back last
night after 5 or 5 weeks spell. I am quite well again now, or as
well as its possible to be under the circumstances. I had a look
at my face in a piece of broken periscope glass this morning and was
astounded to see the lines in my face and dark rings around
puffy eyes caused thro' want of sleep and rest
Aug 25th The bombardment is still going on. Rumour has it that the fleet
are making another dash thro' the "Narrows". Pray God they succeed.
Thurs 26th Had a wonderful escape last night with a bomb. I was lying on my back
in one of the communication trenches when I heard something drop
into the trench just behind my head. Something told me it was
a bomb and I sprang up just as it went off. The next thing I
was picking myself up in a cloud of smoke and dust, but found all
the power in my legs gone. I was also a bit sick on it but was
alright again in 10 minutes. Later in the night another dropped in
and went off very close to Lieut Rowell and I. We have lost our
Colonel and the whole regt mourns him deeply. No finer man left
Australia, and during his 12 months with us I have not heard one
word spoken against him.
Sat 28th Have received 2 letters and 2 papers from home the last few days. Our left
flank made a successful advance yesterday evening. Have not been
too well the last few days
Mon 30th Our 5th Reinforcement arrived during Sat night under Lieut James.
Feeling better again now. The 11th and 12th Light Horse landed yesterday.
Colonel Rowell died on Aug 8th. Another man (Ockendon) had his hand
blown off by a bomb today
Wed September 1st Last night was very dark until the moon rose (about 11.30) and
the Turks were very jumpy. We hear the 9th L.H. have been cut up
badly. We have been fairly fortunate so far compared with other units,
but our turn will come.
Thurs 2nd Very dark again last night, consequently a lot of bombing and firing
on both sides. The firing was heavy on the left flank. I was on duty from
8 to midnight, and sitting in the corner of a trench with overhead cover
it sounded just like rain on an iron roof. It is RUMOURED that an
[*6000 words.*]
Page 18
[*September 1915*]
Sept 2nd Con. Italian army is landing shortly. We pray that it is true
Fri. Sept 3rd The Fifth Infantry Brigade are relieving the 1st L.H. Brigade on these
posts. Part of the 17th Batt. are already up here on Quinn's. I think
we move out tomorrow, bound for the left flank, and in our present
state of health I think we shall find the 6 mile march pretty hard.
Nearly everybody is very weak owing to dysentary. I myself feel
fairly well, except for a splitting headache that I've had for a week
and eyes that pain if I try to look sideways or upwards.
Sat Sept 4th After 17 weeks in Monash Gully, we shifted around here on the left flank
last night and bivouced in a gully about a mile behind the firing
line. We were pretty tired and slept well. Harry Cosgrave and I bivvied
together
Thurs. 8th Brought on Hospital ship with enteric
Thurs 16th Arrived at Malta
Thurs. 23rd Getting along fine now. Getting a little food after 3 weeks on milk
and water. The Hospital ship I came over on was the "Gascon" (Indian
boat) I was 7 days on it. Wrote to Mother again today.
Sat Sept 25th The doctor knocked off my food again this morning.
Thurs 30th Started on a light diet this morning. Been in hospital fortnight
Sun. Oct. 3rd Doing well. The chap in the next bed on my right is a
sailor off H.M.S. Glory, which has done, and is doing
great work at the Dardonelles. He is very interesting. The
chap on my left is a New Zealander.
Oct 8th Transferred to convalescent ward
Mon 11th I was allowed to get up for ½ an hour yesterday. wrote home
Wed 13th Been up nearly all day. I'm very weak on the legs. Put on
mince diet. Food is the chief topic of conversation in the ward,
which is only natural. A sailor off the Majestic, who was
on her when she was torpedoed was telling me of his escape
It was a thrilling story.
Thurs Oct 14th Received 2/- pay. Met Jack Callander and George Hayes.
Sat 16th Went to a concert last night in recreation Hall, given
by the Naval Vaudeville Co. (Quise Kateer)
Page 19
[*Oct 1915*]
Thurs Oct 21st We left Imtarfa yesterday afternoon and came
aboard the Italian Hospital Ship Re D'Italia. We steamed
out of harbour at 6 a.m.
Mon Oct 25th Reached Gibralter at 7.30 am and left there at noon.
Wed 27th We had a rough passage yesterday. A howling wind
and huge seas that broke over the deck occasionally.
I have kept fine so far. Eating everything that comes
my way. I must say these Italians can turn out some
great dishes. We passed the Aquitania about noon. It is not
so rough this morning but we are not in the Bay of Biscay yet.
Friday Oct 29th Crossed the bay yesterday. Pretty rough. Woke this morning
and found land on our port side (England). Just before
noon we passed Weymouth and Portland Prison.
Sat Oct 30th We arrived at Southampton about 4.30 p.m. yesterday and
by 5 we were on a special hospital train bound for Birmingham
We reached there at 10.5 P.M. and a long string of motors
soon took us to our destination, which in my case proved to be
the University. The lights of the motor car failed to penetrate
the dense fog for more than about 10 yards. We were given a
hot plunge bath and mug of hot milk and then bundled
into bed
Mon Nov. 1st Yesterday was visiting day. Some girls from the Birmingham
branch of the "Australian War Contingent Fund" had a chat, and
gave me cakes, grapes, cigarettes, and toothpaste. Their name were
Vera and Connie Parker.
Fri. Nov 5th Things are very much of a muchness these days. We are not allowed
outside the hospital grounds, so have to make our own fun.
Our ward has a lot of colonials in it, and we pass the time fairly
well. Added to which we have good sisters, who appreciate a bit of
fun, and in fact, are real sports. We are being treated fine in
every way. Another couple of lady members of the "Aus War Con. Fund"
came on Wed, and gave me a razor strop, writing pad, tobacco, fruit
and cake.
Wed. Nov 10th Had a new visitor today in person of Miss Ladbrooke of
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[*Nov 1915 and 1916*]
Nov 10th con. No1 Moorland Road, Edgbaston. A rather superior sort, but I
like her very much. Gave me 2 big cakes made by herself
also some fags.
Dec 1st Was to have been discharged 2 days ago, but contracted
mumps. Received an invitation to go and stay with a
family in Yorkshire. Mr and Mrs Sisson.
Dec 6th Am getting real spoiled with kindness. The nurses
and sisters seem to try and outdo each other in
kind acts.
Dec 14th Nothing doing
29th Discharged from Hospital. Proceeded to London
Jan. 6th 1916 Left London. Arrived at Sedbergh Yorkshire at 5.30 P.M.
Fri 7th Went to British School at 3 P.M. and met Miss G. Fowler
with whom I had been corresponding for 2 months,
whilst in hospital. Had tea with her and Miss
Punch (her landlady).
Tues. Jan 11th Had tea with Mr and Mrs T. Askew, and after went to
a lecture on Modern Russia? with Miss T. Met Mrs
Hodgson at Askews. Health improving but still very
weak. I go up on the fell every morning about 10 and
feed the poultry. Couldn't have struck more homely or
kinder people than Mr and Mrs Sisson. I am the first
Australian ever in Sedbergh, therefore a bit of a
nine days wonder.
Thur Feb. 10th Left Sedbergh after spending 5 of the most pleasant
weeks of my life.
Fri. Feb. 11th Report to H.Q. London and was sent to Abbe Wood.
Tues 29th Sent to Base Depot at Weymouth
Thur. Mar. 2nd My 27th birthday. My previous one was spent in Egypt.
Went to a concert in Y.M.C.A. in evening.
Thurs Mar. 16th Was innoculated against meningitis and went to
Weymouth in evening and saw "When Knights were bold"
Tues. 21st Transferred from Monte Video to Westham camp.
Sun. April 23rd Left Weymouth for London.
Page 21
[*April 1916*]
April 24th In camp at Abbey Wood. Reviewed by Gen. Moore.
Tues 25th Marched thro' London to Westminster Abbey, Then to Hotel Cecil and
then to His Majesty's Theatre. Returned to Abbey Wood, Zepps came
over.
April 27th Returned to Weymouth
Fri. 29th Was equipped for active service and transferred to Monte Video Camp
Mon May 9th Was innoculated against enteric
Fri May 12th Twelve months today our brigade (1st L.H) landed at Anzac.
June 4th Have been at Weymouth over 3 months. Am at present on
signalling. 2 other 3rd LH. sigs are here Sgt Artie Hutton and
Frank McKenzie
Tues 21st Frank McK. was knocked down by a motor and sustained broken leg.
27th This is my last day at Weymouth. Tomorrow 1000 of us leave for
Salisbury Plains. I like this place and am loth to leave it.
Wed 28th Arrived at No 4 Camp. Park House Salisbury Plains.
Fri July 7th At P.H. Camp. doing route marches and looking after a mule convoy.
Thur. July 20th Expecting to go to Egypt any day. All leave stopped. Since
my last entry I have had 4 days leave in London. Left
here at reveille on Mon.10th arrived at Waterloo Stn at 10.15
Artie Hutton, Sgt Scott (2nd L.H.) and I stayed at Well's Ship Hotel
Wardour St. Picadilly Circus. We had 4 good days and
got back to Luggershall at 2 am. on Friday and slept
in a barn until 4.30 and then walked across thro'
the woods to camp, arriving just in time for 1st Parade.
Sun. July 30th Went to Tidsworth with Artie Hutton and saw "The Girl
in the Taxi" at the Garrison Theatre
Tues. Aug 1st Route marched to Stonehenge. 15 miles there and back.
Stood it alright so must be well.
Sat. Aug 5th Reviewed by Gus Moore and Ryrie
Sun Aug 6th Marched to Tidsworth and participated in trooping of colors
presented by the ladies of England.
Mon Aug 7th Transferred to 3rd Div. H.Q. and made Lance Corpl.
Tues Aug 23rd Left on 4 days leave. Arrived in London 6 P.M. Went to
Ship. met E. Hamshire P. and A. Caught 11.45 PM. train to Carlisle
Page 22
[*Aug. 1916*]
23rd Cont'd. Arrived at Sedbergh at 11 am on Wed. Went up Winder
at 1500 feet fell in afternoon with B.W.H. Had dinner with
Tom and Ede Askew and tea with Mrs Hodgson. Had two lovely
days and returned to London on Sat morn, travelling with
B as far as Preston. Missed the last train to Salisbury
Plains and had to stay until 7.5 P.M. Sunday. Arrived in
camp at 10.30 P.M after a very pleasant leave.
Wed Sept 27th The King reviewed all Australians and New Zealanders.
Thur Oct 12th Was gazetted a corporal, to date from Sept. 23rd.
Wed. Went with Artie H and Jack Dean to Bert Smithurst's
wedding in Harrow "some time." Saw "High Jinks"
in London.
Sun. Nov 19th This will be my last entry in this book before I leave
for France. I've made a lot of friends in England
and no enemies that I know of. In two days I leave.
and although I came to England a physical wreck,
I am leaving strong and well. I don't know whats
before me and I don't care. Luck seems to be sticking
to me and I live in hopes of coming thro' all I may have
to do, and someday be able to read these disjointed
notes in peace and quietness. Tomorrow I send this
book, which has been with me thro' all to Mrs Sisson
a real friend for safe keeping until I return.
Wed Nov 22nd Entrained at Amesbury and embarked on "The City
of Benares" at Southampton.
Thurs 23rd Disembarked at Le Havre.
24th Entrained
Sat 25th Travelling until Steenwerck was reached at 9 P.M.
disentrained and proceeded to billets
Sun. 26th Took over area from N.Z. Div. Staff.
Tues 28th Saw a German balloon brought to earth in flames.
29th Rode to Armentiers with Corpl Jess Edgar N.Z. Div. H.Q.
Slept there at night.
Thurs. Nov. 30th Returned to Steenwerck in afternoon. Found a letter from Vera
[*7500 words*]
| Agreement | Selector | Default | Remarks |
| Agreement | Selector | Default | Remarks |
"It's damn near daybreak H. "Feng. I cant to get thro
if you don't get a wriggle on."
"I wont be a second now — I must stir Coy.
up about the ammunition."
The runner was distinctly restless and small
wonder. The out post which was on the left hand side
of the Bray Corbie Road, held by 8 men (all that was
left of a platoon ^of 30) was short of ammunition and
the only chance getting communication with
H.Q. was during the darkness, and while the
officer i/c of the Platoon was wording nicely his
message, that faint grey streak in the East was
gradually getting bigger & brighter.
"Here you are. You can't get back before daylight.
You'd better wait until the rations party are ready, this evening
and bring them along, and see if you can get us
another roll of Barb wire and tell —————
The runner was gone. Slipping the despatch
into his left hand top pocket. (ride K.R.R.) he
jumped out of the trench onto the sunken road.
leading back towards Coy. H.Q.
All was quiet and he made the best use of his
time for 50 or 75 yards, hugging the bank of the
road, his bayonet sheathed so the glint of the steel
should not draw the fire of the enemy on him.
Then he halted for a second. The road here a
crossed a little gully depression in the ground
and an enemy M.G was trained on to this spot.
Zip Zip Zip Zip. - Yes they are going high —
A twenty yards sprint and that danger was over.
A little breather against the bank and on again
"Halt who goes there." The runner stopped with a
jerk "Umpty third runner, ninth platoon" he replied
[*It was Mr. Ferg the officer with*]
"That you Lt Smith?" It was LtSmith, the scout officer with
[*a meur his bitruan*]
a meur his betwen out at the hill going back opaspedsan horror too in
No man's land." How far down the road is your outpost? he
asked. "About 3 or four hundred yards" said the runner, and the
next post on the right is just over from the quarry. How did
you come out?" The normal custom is for a patrol to go xx
from one post into No man's Land and come out further
along at a post which has been warned to expect them.
"Came out at No 9 Post" said Lieut Smith, "and I think we'd better go
while the goings good. Cheerio."
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