Diary of Maude Elizabeth Edmondson - 8 January 1940 - 27 June 1942 - Part 1

PR89/56
Australian
War Memorial
Monday 8^th Jan. 1940.
At Jack's suggestion I am writing
this. both he & I are to write a few lines
each day if possible, or as often as we
conveniently can then later the little
events & so on that I put down can be
read by him, so pick up a little of the
home life that he shall miss whilst away.
Firstly as a refresher war was
declared on Sunday evening 3^rd Sept' 1939.
Jack being in the militia reported for duty
immediately. We were at the Scotts
when the Prime Minister R.G. Menzies.
at 8 PM. read the declaration of war.
Jacks immediate reply was that Menzies
should use his power & bring in at once
conscription for all. placing all &
every one just where their services were
most necessary & get on with the job. &
not talk for a year before acting.
We came home from the Scotts. Jack
got all his gear ready & things packed
for morning. We were up early had
breakfast & J.W. drove him to Liverpool
Station where he caught the train for
Merrylands & was at the drill hall by
7 A.M. He was in 4^th Bn which then after

falling in. went on by trucks to Narrabeen
where they formed a camp commenced
coastal duty at Barranjoey Lighthouse
Camping on low grounds & getting damp
∧together with the damp sea air & night duty
brought on the old dreaded bronchal.asthma
Knew that Jack had been ill when he had
his week ends home as they came in his
turn, although he tried to evade the question.
saying he was alright. I found at night
he had difficulty with his breathing.
Jack Tulley came home & reported Jack as
very ill although Jack had asked Jack
Tulley not to say anything about it. "Saying
dont let mother know." but he said he
was afraid if they did not get out of there
that Jack would die some night. You
can see how worrying it all is for me
I went & saw Dr Pine to ask his advice.
he was annoyed & upset & as he said
"all the years I have done by best for him
& kept him away from coastal air etc
to go & camp in the midst of it. He shall
have to get out. something will have to
be done about it" It really only upset
me the more. Jack would just say
nothing only "I will be alright soon."
According to the other boys the Capt was
most unpopular inconsiderate & all else
they did not like to Instead of Capt Geering
he was spoken of by many as Goering.
Jack came home one week end before Xmas
very distressed I immediately knew
that something was wrong. When J.W.
went out whilst still sitting at the dinner
table Jack told me. The previous Sunday
their camp had been open to visitors.
many went but we could not from here.
One of the lads (Jack was his Cpl) a poor
kid that knew more of racing stables etc
than other modes of life helped himself
to Jacks puttees. When Jack came to get
them he saw this boy (Kuhn) wearing
them. they were marked both with Jacks
name and number. He gave them up to
Jack when requested to do so. unfortunately
Sgt Scott came along and interfered &
in spite of Jacks request not to do so, as
all was well etc. the Sgt ordered the arrest
of Kuhn. After nearly a week C.B. in the
camp he was taken to Manly Gaol. & where
Jack had to attend the court on the
Monday - his first appearance at a court-
& he has upset about it all. At the court Jack

truthfully stated just what had happened.
The boy not having an issue of his own
wanting to make an impression on his folk
just took the puttees to do so. The boy told
Jack he intended to return them which he
did immediately he was asked to do so. &.
that it was the Sgt & not he that had
ordered the arrest. The lad Kuhn was
dismissed from the Army although the
case was dismissed in court. Jack asked
that he be allowed to take him Kuhn back into
his section but was refused. It all upset
Jack as he said he could have made a
decent lad out of him there as he was
just turned adrift & would just go to the
pack, as he termed it. An account of
the case appeared in the following Sundays
issue of 'Truth" newspaper..
Then the funny side of it - Mrs McCann
got a copy of the 'Truth' paper on Monday
so she hurried along by bus on Tuesday
to tell me that she had seen Jacks name
in "Truth", saying she did not think it of
Jack — putting her own construction on it
not the papers which reported correctly
I tried to tell her I had seen it & to re read
her paper before she commented. but she hurried
on to tell me her version saying "Ashley
didn't think Jack would do it" repeating it
several times & then "Ashley said Jack could
buy a pair of putties for 3/6" She rather
upset me with her persistance. & I asked
her to keep to the version she ∧had got out of the
paper & not to enlarge on it & told her
what she was saying was untrue, which
of course she knew. but she being M^rs M^cCann
could not resist the chance to give Jack
a dig even when she knew how false
she was.
Mostly camp life was monotonous &
Jack Tully said Jack mostly ill but
Jack Tully was wonderfully good. he did
guard duty for Jack 2 nights in
succession when he said he fully expected
that Jack would not live the night through
so bad was the bronchal-asthma. yet he
would not report ill nor let the others
do it. I am worried over it all as I
know from experience how dreadful it is
with him. from that the other boys
have said of Capt Geering. I read an
article which in dealing with bronchal-
asthma said a patient having a sea-
voyage may not get it & infact may help

towards a cure. & again it may be other
wise even to proving fatal. I have told
Jack & asked him to think about it, Dr
Pine still insists he should get out of
amp - well that has cough up a bit
8.1.40 The first Aus. troops (6 Div) left
Ingleburn camp today. Walked to Ingleburn
Sta. then train to Darling Harbour, Then
by ferry etc to the troop ship — unknown
destination. so the authorities say.
Jack was at Merrylands with 4 Bn. came
back by train about 11 P.M. bringing
Johnny Low with him. J.W. had been to a
show meeting at the School of Arts. I at the
picture theatre putting in time. Jack then
drove the car & he took Johnnie back to
Ingleburn Camp — was his last visit home —
He leaves camp with the rest at 5 A.M.
tomorrow marching to Ingleburn Sta.
It was after 12 P.M. when we left poor old
Johnny feeling very sad still carrying a
pair of new silk pyjamas his wife had
given him, besides his kit etc. We were not
happy either
Tues. 9^th Jan. /40
Second lot of troops left this morning
Johnnie Low with them.
Wed' 10^th Jan'/40
Last of the 6^th Div left camp this morning
have embarked one the Ships. "Empress of
Britain". "Empress of Japan" "Themistocles"
"Orion" "Narkunda" Orontes.
(6th Div) sailed from Sydney 4 PM. 10.1.40.
Wed' 17^th Jan 40.
Quite a shock. Charlie walked in very
unexpectedly from Mackay (Q'land), same old
Charlie, same strong opinions. but tonight
a very tired Charlie indeed.
Thur' 25^th Jan 40
Jack has leave for a few days, he & Charlie
went to the city & then Charlie on to Appollo
Bay Victoria
Fri 2^nd Feb' /40
First day of the Liverpool we are all very
tired. Jack a horse steward, J.W. as Pres. every
where at once & J steward in Hall.
Sat' 3^rd Feb. 40
Second day of Show. Charlie unexpectedly
turns up again at the show, returning from
Appolo Bay — met us in the afternoon & came
home with us.
Sat' 10^th Feb. 40.
Jack took Charlie in on Thursday for his
long trip back to Mackay, Today news came

through of the landing of the 6^th Div at Suez
& entraining for Jerusalem & Haifa. News
said all well but 1 death at sea.
Wed' 3^rd April /40
A long break but ack was home from camp
awaiting the formation of 7^th Div. Col.
Crawford is to be his Col. or he hopes so.
Alice came this evening from Holbrook, she
is staying a few days & then on to Manly.
Had Gordon & Nellie a couple of weeks back
together with a friend of theirs (Bell M^cNeill)
on their start home had an accident to
car, so came back & stayed here while
awaiting car repairs. Bell McNeill was
rather an unusual type of girl. I was
not sorry when she went home.
Mon' 8^th Apr. 40
Interstate lads in Ingleburn chiefly S. Aus.
preparing for mock battle tomorrow. I had
them around all the morning. A crowd of
them under Col. Fiedock for morning tea
kept us lively for a time.
Tues' 9^th Apr. 40.
Ingleburn crowd again & very lively they
were to. We are battle H.Q. & had all for
morning tea again. The attack was very
successful so they said. The defence claimed
equal success. Col Fiedock. Capt Anderson
Q.M.S. McMillan Cpt Morris & Scott & many to
numerous to name. McMillan & Morris the
comedians of the batch & all were in good
spirits & all piles of ginger nuts. Cpl Morris
claimed to be a cook & wanted to make me
some scones. I was afraid to risk it. M^cMillan
as a chemist a Adelaide in private life.
Alice has helped me & enjoyed it all
Sat' 13^th Apr. 40
Alice went on to Manly. a wet day reg. 240 pts
Fri 19^th Apr. 40.
Jacks final visit today to the dentist at Parramatta
getting all in order whilst awaiting his transfer
to A.I.F. & back to camp. I went on to the city got
some winter underclothing & a blue eider down
at Anthony Horderns. (for Jacks home coming)
Had a distressing dream a few nights ago
it is so vivid, so very real I cannot get
it out of my mind so shall enter it then
perhaps I may forget it. I have tried hard
to forget it but there it is & it is not like me to
ever remember dreams. Shall have to
condense it. The main feature was myself
in an enclosure seemed to be round &
surrounded by strong high posts. I was
desperately trying to get out. sometimes I would

get up the wall a few feet. then back I
would be again I would try. There was no
gateway the high wall appeared the same
all around & I was frantic. When I looked
around to the centre there Jack was
standing dressed in a grey suit. watching
me, his hands crossed is front of him
& on his face sheer agony, yet standing
perfectly still & not attempting to help me
whilst neither of us spoke to the other. nor
did I expect him to help me, the job was
apparently all mine. the dream seemed
to continue for so long. Perhaps I
should not put silly dreams here & I dont
know why I should. Jack came home on
leave tonight. Yet the dream still
persists.
Sat: 20 Apr. 40
Jack & I spent a very happy day, we
went to the city as usual no fixed plan
& then do just what we felt inclined to do
Sometimes we would visit a church or a
picture theatre or the gardens. & usually
have a peep at the cacti gardens
today we saw the Mauritania at the wharf
then went on to Manly chiefly to pass close to
the Queen Mary. We passed very closely each
way. I thought the ship wonderful Jack made
no comment. A lot of activity on both ships
rapidly loading. We had a very nice lunch
at Manly — schnapper & cooked beautifully.
we both seemed loth to leave but we had to
& came to Liverpool just in good time to
catch J.W. leaving the soles.
Sun' Apr. 21^st 40.
We had an early lunch did not go to
church but went for a long walk. & got as
far as the trenches in Shephards paddock
we had such a long & serious talk. & we
seemed away from the world. but it took
quite a bit of assistance to end the journey
home my feet & legs didn't want to work.
As we came to the creek in Shephards paddock
we came face to face with a huge Hereford
Bull. My heart stopped also my legs & I
could hardly make myself go. Jack enjoyed
the look on both myself, the Hereford.
but he was quiet (was told afterwar that he was very
angry bull)
Mon Apr. 22/40.
Jack went to the city by early train
passed his medical for the A.I.F. It only
consisted of sounding his heart once asking
him had he had any sickness. of course
Jack replied 'no' & that was all. He had been

awaiting his call for quite a time as it is
a long time since his papers were in.
Tues' Apr' 23^rd, 40.
Washed & ironed all Jacks things while
he cleaned up his gear etc camp again
in the early morning
Wed' Apr' 24^th/40
Jack left home at 6 A.M. I caught the 6.40A.M.
for Homebush where all met and returned
to Liverpool camp. I have a feeling the last
of the carefree days are over, he is awaiting
the A.I.F. call & does not like being in a
militia camp & longing to get out
Mervyn paid us a surprise visit from
Coolamon came out on the bus this morning
the first time I have seen him since he
was a wee chap
Sat 27^th Apr. 40
Very lonely by myself this time
I caught the 7.15 A.M. bus & went on to
Manly to help Alice back with her
luggage as she is not too well.
The crossing was particularly rough
both ways & strange to say, I enjoyed
the roughness although the day was
damp and unpleasant. Such a
pleasant surprise when we got to Liverpool
Jack was waiting at the top of the steps
for me, he just finds out my doings
somehow, he had week end off & spent
it at home.
Sun' 28^th April /40
The day wet & miserable. neither
church or walk. Alice here & we
spent the day indoors talking.
J.W. took Jack back to Liverpool Camp, left
here 9 P.M.
Tues' 30^th Apr. 40.
When the 11 A.M. bus arrived today
another surprise. Robt was on it. Just
back from Port Macquarie we are quite
a house full. Had to go to Lpool so took
Alice & Robt around by Ingleburn Camp
in the afternoon. Met a young Victorian
Ray McGenniskin, such a fine type of lad
took him on ∧to Liverpool with us. He was
having his last leave (only to 12 PM)
before going overseas. All the old crowd
that we have had are going & I shall
miss them too
Wed. 1st May /40
Rose Mavis. Hazel & even Carol out

for the day, they missed the bus & so came
in a Camp taxi, had a pleasant day
& while awaiting the bus in the evening
a nice young man in a nice utility
came along. & took them all it was so
helpful & so good of him.
Thur. 2^nd May 40.
Took Alice to Liverpool this morning
she is returning to Holbrook by day train
leaving L.pool 10.22 AM. She got quite a
good seat.
Sat May 4^th /40
Glorious weather today we went to
L.pool in the morning. J.W. stayed I went
to gymkhana on the Show ground. & I
came home on the 10.20 A.M. bus, Whilst
awaiting at the Sta. troop trains were
continually going through & had been
since early morning first train left
Ingleburn 3 A.M.
A wretched man sitting near we kept up
a continual talk. Continually repeating
"They won't come home none of them". in
despair I asked him not to say it, as we
all hoped so much they would all of them.
Thinking to end him, I said my son is going
his reply was. "Well I don't care he won't come
back either" Dont know the man but have
frequently seen him be gets off & on at
Casula. I just counted my knitting at
as well as I could got my back around to
him. Jack got off from Camp in the
evening in time to get home in the car.
another week end.
Sun. May 5^th 40
Q. Mary & Mauritania went out on the
morning tide. Heavy practice gun fire
last night & again at 3.30 A.M. Jack
spent the day indoors as it was so nasty
& unpleasant. J.W. took him to L.pool Camp
at 9 P.M.
Tues. May 7^th 40
Robert went to the city today to spend
a few more days before returning home.
& it is very quiet & lonely again.
Thur. 9^th May /40.
Still unrest and dissatisfaction in
England- Chamberlain now resigned
from Premiership
Fri. May 10^th 40
Paper today — German invasion of
Holland Belgium & Luxemburg. England

sends troops to Iceland to do guard duty
Electricity & gas to be cut of as from 12 P.M.
Sa 11^th May /40
Jack on duty for the week end Acting
orderly Sgt. so shall be a lonely week
end. JW. went to the sales in L.pool.
Mon. May 13^th 40
Glorious day yesterday — Sun — it
always appears so when Jack can't get
home was for me such a miserable &
lonely Sunday.
Notice in the mail today for Jack to
report to Moore Park for his medical
etc. We took it to the camp to him
as he had previously asked me to get
it to him immediately. He will be glad
he has been waiting a long time for it
although he so dislikes the idea of war
& going away from home, he dislikes
more to be still tied to militia & home
defence all this time. He was still on
Sgt. duty we had to wait quite a while
for him to get in. He fully expected he
was entitled to 6 days leave on his transfer
but it was refused him. He was very
disappointed, & felt dreadful about it
Others have been having it but Jack has
bad luck in so much & yet he plays
straight all the time. Wonder if he [[wo?]]
commenced on all the rule breaking
that others do & get away with. The
Army say they are right.
Tues 14^th May 40.
A wonderful surprise Jack came
home on the early bus. The Col. acted
decently. Jack on speaking to him told
him he was more than disappointed at
missing out on his 6 days leave & did
not like the prospect of 6 more days militia.
The Col. told him not to ask again.
but to grab his Kit & get out of camp as
early as possible hence the early bus
home. His notice to report to medical &
A.I.F. camp stated.
Bring your lunch attend 9 A.M.
on 20-5-20. bring comb, hair brush
shaving brush. Razor. table fork. table
knife & spoon.
Wed 15^th May. 40.
Very gruesome reports. surrender of
Holland (5 days after occupation,) with
¾ of their troops casualties. The German

behaving like fiends. Crushing all alike
as the inhabitants tried to flee along
the roads driving heavy tanks over
the fallen & those overtaken on the
overcrowded roads. Machine gunning
them as they ran. The paper quotes
the most ghastly thing that has ever
taken place in history, with dive.
bombers blowing up all before them
Thur. 16^th May 40
Jack & I went to the city this afternoon
had a nice time, popped into a few shops
had a really nice afternoon tea. Jack

saw me on me train. I came home by
bus. Jack later by car I was so glad
he stayed his time is so short.
Fri. 17^th May 40.
J.W. & Jack went to L.pool & Jack on to the
city, is another late night for him but
I am glad he can get out been a very
miserable day. cold southerly blowing
gale force. The Herald stated troops from
Q. Mary, Mauritania landed 3 P.M. Aus time
12 days 8 hrs from Sydney no destination
recorded. No doubt the troop ships make
records
Sat 18^th May 40
Jack & I had a good day mapped out
his last before entering A.I.F. Camp.
The day was dreadful again. Strong cold
winds. J.W. wished to go to Stock sales. so
Jack & I went to the pictures as usual the
Sat afternoon pictures about impossible
so we came out well before the finish &
had chocolates in the car
Sun 19^th May 40
Jacks last day home, fine & cool, just a
nice cool breeze. We had lunch at
12 oclock as Jack suggested another
try at a long walk J.W. sat at the
fire all the afternoon with the paper.
We went is the bottom creek & well up
the paddock among the big trees. was
lovely & quiet with plenty of birds etc
We had a long serious talk & time went
by. I had a job to walk home my
feet & legs pained so much, but had
plenty of assistance. We both seemed to
feel the strain but we got through
things as we should.
Jack made toasted salmon sandwiches
for supper while I made the coffee.