Diary of Maude Elizabeth Edmondson - 8 January 1940 - 27 June 1942 - Part 4

Sun. 29^th Sept. '40.
Still wet & wild we were disappointed. The
Marshalls called in on their way home from Narandea
they were very surprised when they called for
us at Wagga to find us gone. I had rang
everywhere I could find after not being able
to contact them by 'phone. I also sent a Telegram
which they did not get. I was sorry but I
really did not put them out except about
½ mile each way from their road. It was
so cold we just stayed & sat around the
lounge fire.
Mon. 30^th JulSept '40.
We went to Parramatta with Jack today
after an early lunch. Jack got the Ford
Sedan from Mr. M. & on to Epping & had
an early afternoon tea. back to Liverpool
& saw Mrs McGowan for a few minutes. & on
to Scotts where we had tea & then on home.
We lit the fire in the dining room & after
J W. to went to bed. We had a good talk, until
morning hrs' again. so I must hurry
The talk got around to his C.O.s & I shall
put it here . just perhaps at some future time
Jack may verify or otherwise his early
judgment not 'judgment' perhaps I should

 

say opinions or thoughts. Jack has seemed
worried tonight & did not seemed inclined to
go to bed & after all our trips. I too am
tired & worried. Perhaps to find a bright
spot we recalled the day he was to send his
civ. clothes home. Then he & Clive Armstrong
put them on & were mistaken for comm’
travellers. Met Col then their C Capt
Balfe when he gave them a talking to they
laughed & thought he was joking too.
We got round to Lt Col. Crawford. Jacks
said how he liked him & what a fine
officer & a fine man. I said he was so good
a certain type tryed to impose on him
but guessed that he would tighten up
on them after leaving Australia.
Then on to Major Allen (Bluey) whom he liked
very much. & to Capt Balfe whom he also
voted a good chap & they all liked him
very much. Then I said what about
Lt. Mackell... he did not reply for a while
& when he did it worried me (perhaps
unduly) as I had previously met Wockell
at Ingleburn & he seemed very light &
flippant more suited to an outdoor
tennis party I should say & he talked a

lot about making "whoopee" What ever that
is when he gets home.
Jack appeared to be thinking, then said "Oh
he is a nice little chap" then silence again
continuing he said "Mother he is so young,
not in years. he is 23 yrs old. but actually
he is a lot younger than that." I could see
he wasn't happy, I got into a wee panic
I suppose but I begged him never to let
Mackell get him into a jam. I told him
I felt a bit anxious about the set up. Jack
put his hand on my knee . & I suppose I
made it worse for us both as I asked
'what ever will you do if you get into
a tight place say "a bayonet" charge or
some such thing & ^said oh if you break your
bayonet". Jack shook me & said "why do
you say such things". I said because
I am afraid, & hated the bayonet." He said
so do we. we all loath it!" I repeated
again the bayonet may break. After a
pause he said " I won't ever break my
bayonet". I said "Oh if it does break" he
gave me another shake & said "Mother
I give you my promise that whatever
happens or wherever I get I will never
break my bayonet". I asked why he felt so secure
in that" he replied "because I know how to xxx
use it". I don't know what pushed us on tonight
I know we both were upset & hiding it from
each other. "I said Jack never any decorations"
he replied quietly & seriously. "No Mother I
want to come back". We both got up & straight
to bed & here I am another hr gone while I
write this but they are both asleep. But I
really don't feel sleepy even now.
Tues. 1^st Oct /40.
An early lunch. Jack & I went for a
drive around Ingleburn camp. he wants
to give the car a try out before he leaves
it. I have made Jacks birthday cake
I got up early & got it done by mid-day.
It is very large 1 ¼ lb mixture
will ice it tomorrow morning.
Jack went to the city this afternoon the
2/17 still have the old choc. & red patches &
it looks like going with them I don't
know why the colours are altered.
Wed. 2^nd Oct '40.
We three went to L.pool this afternoon . & back
tonight to the pictures to see "the march to
Bathurst" the weather is miserable but the

picture brightened us all up.
Thur. 3^rd Oct
Home all day. Jack went to the city after tea.
Fri 4^th Oct
J.W & Jack went to Liverpool this afternoon to
get battery charged. J.W. came home by bus
& Jack went on to the city - home about 11 P.M.
Sat 5^th Oct 40.
Jack leave over today. he left home this
morning about 10 A.M. I did not go with
him to Liverpool this time or to the city.
I thought it best for him otherwise as
I know the ordeal. When saying good bye
he asked me to promise him "that I will
put up a good fight." Then he said "Mother
it may be harder for you than you think"
We were both upset. Then he just said
"Mother Keep your chin up". He got into the
car pulled himself together. leaned out &
gave me a salute called out "Good luck"
& off. J.W. went to Liverpool with him &
he went to the city by train Norma is to
meet him for lunch. After he got dressed
this morning early & before I was up he
came into my room & threw another
₤9 on to the bed. He said "Go to the pictures
with that or wherever you like. It is my
shout & carry on as usual". He has too
much luggage to take his birthday cake
last night when he came home he & I had
supper & a warm at the fire it was cool
out of doors. When he got up he walked on
to the lounge, opened the piano & played
the 'Maori Farewell! closed the piano again
put the books tidy & through my room to bed.
Sun. 6^th Oct '40.
The Red Angels out also Mr & Mrs Bernie Fitzpatrick
(with boys for a walk in the paddock). Mr. Fitz
very kindly took Jack's birthday cake which
I had packed & is sending it on by
tonights train. It was so kind & I am so
pleased about it.
Tues. 8^th 40.
Jacks birthday - The military in the
paddock all day yesterday. This afternoon
we went to P'matta & I paid the balance of
the money for the car which Jack had
given me to do so.
Thurs 10^th Oct 40.
Mr. Bushy commenced on subdivision of
hill paddock. I don't like J.W. doing it a
bit as am not impressed with the

surveyor. Very tired To night. I painted

the floor of the kitchen with solfar.

Sat 12th Oct '40.

Went for a walk this afternoon. it is very

lonely - The Hosp' Ship 'Manunda" still

held up by these beastly strikers. It is an

everlasting disgrace to Aus' & the Gov. We 

always have them on strike I guess

Jack was right the night war was 

declared.

"Colonel"- Fauntleroy Julian an American

negro air-man has sent a challenge to

the Reich Marshal Goering Chief of the

German Air Staff to a single combat over

the Channel. (Julian had fought in the

Abyssian War) He received a reply from

the German Consul in New York that

Goering would accept the challenge if

Julian paints a baboon on the side of the

plane. Julians reply "That's O.K. with me

if Goering paints a hog on his. So far no

reply from Goering.

Mon. 14th Oct '40.

Very hot Temp 90°

Tues. 15th 40

Temp 94°

Wed 16th Oct '40.

Letter from Jack written last Sunday

went to Camerons after tea with plans.

Thur 17th Oct '40.

A very great surprise Mrs. Baumgartener

came up in the afternoon I am still

surprised after very many years.

Fri 18th '40.

Went to the City today for another Turkish bath.

Jacks letter this morning said "embarking

tomorrow on Queen Mary". have had a

letter every day this week & 2 letters on one

day.

Sat 19th 40.

Gymkhana in Liverpool today it was a 

beautiful day & I went in with J.W. Jacks

letter this morning said - "Embarking on 

Q.M. about midnight. Sgt Turnbull &

Cons Little went down to wharf & said the

2/17 were then going on. the artillery had got

on & Sgt Turnbull saw his son Kevin for

2 sec. as they got out of the train at Darling

Harb.

Sun. 20th Oct '40.

Hot morning ended in a blistering wind & 

rain. it is so very dry & needed badly.

Over the Radio Tonight heard that the Queen

Mary, Aqulanaia etc went out at 11 AM this

morning. Many of the lads are unhappy 

tonight.

Mon. 21st Oct '40.

Went to Liverpool in early bus. Met Mrs Hudson

at milk depot & went home with her for the 

day. She brought me back in & I came home

on 5.10 PM bus.

Tues. 22nd Oct '40.

Received a letter today from Jack &

although posted in Liverpool was written in 

the train on Sat morning on the way in

from Bathurst. Writing on the back stated

that it was thrown out to her on Katoomba

platform by a soldier on the Troop train

while it was going through & she thought

the voice asked to post it & it was

signed M. O'Flaherty. Apparently Jack had

it written & stamped as he always does

& as the train went through he did it.

Thur. 24th Oct '40.

Altering up a bit painted the bathroom

& sleep out floors & so tired tonight.

Fri. 25th.

Too tired to write tonight gave the

bathroom & sleep out ^floors another coat of paint.

Mon. 27th Oct.

There is just nothing to enter. Yesterday

the wind was terrific paper says over

52 miles per hr. Today I had a telegram

from Fremantle Jack presumably from 

Fremantle. Just all was well love

Jack. I washed blankets & am

tired so early to bed & try & read

Tues 29th Oct.

Went for arthritis treatment but I know it

is valueless I was so tired. Met a nice

little English nurse she had come out in

charge of evacuee children from 

England. She goes on to N.Z. next week.

They were 16 weeks coming out & had a 

dreadful voyage. disembarked once

in India & crossed the equator 5 times

dodging raiders. She told me such a

lot of London & her own life. I stayed with

Lil for the night.

Wed 30th Oct.

I came home today so tonight I wrote the

29 Oct & tonight's together.

Called in at Fitzpatricks store in L'pool

Mrs [[ ? xxx ]] just walked in from the C.U.S.A.

hut at Ingleburn. She was with the sewing

ladies. A young Priest had told them

of the rumour that the Q.M. had been

sunk off the W.Aus' Coast & that they

thought the rumor was correct. It 

upset me dreadfully although I never

said anything & Mrs. Fitz did not know

that Jack is on the Q.M. by the time

J.W. came to the car I did not feel

happy & had decided I was not going

home until I found out more about it

somehow. J.W. was all for going home

& just waiting developments but for

once I insisted on my way. So we

went to Ingleburn Camp where I got

to see Col. Moore (O.C. in charge)

after debating it around all ways he

assures me that he really thinks it is

without foundation & has promised

me that he would not keep any

thing back from me & at first news he

received of anything happening he would

come across & tell me. Somehow I feel

satisfied the Q.M. is quite safe.

Thur 31st.

Two lads from engineers Norman Harbutt

& Gus Evrington were to be here for tea tonight

was to get he just after 5 P.M. A sudden 

violent storm about 5.30 PM. we waited 

until 7 PM. then had our own. When 

they walked in. Tea spoiled & such a 

 muddle but I did my best.

Fri 1st Nov.

Col Moore over regarding the rumour

of the sinking of the Q.M. he was very 

annoyed over it & had been to the 

C.U.S.A. hut & spoked to 2 young Priests

& says he is investigating it further.

Tues 5th Nov '40

In the early hours this morning (2.45 A.M.)

another peculiar happening. I wasn't asleep

I had been previously & had wakened up

& just lay dozing. I heard a few 

steps in the hall & the floor board

creaked at my bedroom door, as it had 

done for years when trodden on. & as

usual when Jack came in after I was

in bed. the steps reached the door and

Jacks voice distinctly & the usual

loudness said "Mother" (He always

said 'Mother', then 'Are you asleep ^awake & 

enquired if I wanted anything & if I were

alright)) It was followed by silence & no

further steps. I got out of bed to see if J.W.

was still asleep. I knew he was as I could

hear his heavy breathing. I walked

through the house. the outer doors locked

as usual. I then wakened J.W. to ask

him had he been up which I knew he

absolutely was sleeping. I felt so very

satisfied I just felt as I did when Jack

always came in to my door. Never at any

time did Jack return home or even go to

bed later than I without coming to my

open door I never had it shut & saying

Mother "are you awake & asking if I 

wanted anything & "Are you alright" then

Goodnight & off he would go. Last night

although I did not go to sleep again

I felt so comfortable & seem to be sure

that Jack was home.

Pres. Rooseveldt again elected Pres' of

U.S.A. I am glad of that too. J.W. went

to shire office. I called at the Camerons

& found them all packed up & ready to

leave for Cooma tonight which was 

a surprise to me.

 

Wed. 6th Nov '40.

J.W. went to installation of T. Prince.

S.O.S. message saying the ^German pocket battle-ship 
attacking British Ships. A convoy

of 38 ships with only 1 armed merchant

vessel - The Jervis Bay. The Jervis Bay 

pluckily counter attacked in an attempt 

to save the shipping which had to scatter

in a smoke screen. The Jervis Bay sank

together with its Cap'n Acting Comm.

Fegan. 

Friday 8th Nov. 40.

British vessel sank off coast of Australia

Crew of 56 all saved but the carpenter

who when last seen was slacking the

ropes of the last of 3 life boats - The 

4th ship to be sunk in Australian waters.

The U.S.A. freighter 'City of Rayville' 5883

tons sank off Cape Otway - Vic by an

explosion - apparently a mine. one of the

crew loss - Bass Sts closed for shipping 

for the time being.

Sun 19th Nov 40.

J.W. still goes now & again to the cattle

sales (Lpool). The Prendergasts were over for

the afternoon. was very hot today but

yesterday was worse with a hot wind as well.

Earthquake in Rumania (Radio)

Mon. 11th Nov. 40.

Dreadful day of heat & wind & dust. Strong

hardy leaves just burned up. A poor little 

magpie blew to the house in bad condition

with the young feathers broken up. I trimmed

him up & washed him & fed him as I

suppose he shall stay until he grows wings.

Heard that the Q.M. had arrived at a

destination & disembarked the troops. a 

rumour it is India.

Tues. 12th Nov 40.

Day cooler & more pleasant. Mrs. Schoepfel

sent across & asked me to go over. Which 

I did. A strange atmosphere seems to be

there rather an undercurrant all the

time. She seemed on edge as thought all

the time listening & it made me nervy.

I don't think I can go often . if again.

yet she & I are the only women in the

district but I am puzzled & still feel

the strain.

[[?]] Canteens opened in all A.I.F. camps

Greeks & Italians fighting so far Greece

seems on Top.

Wed 13th Nov 40

Mentioned last Wednes the attack on 38

ships. today states that 29 ships out of the

38 reached port safely. including the NZ liner

"Rangitiki" 16,000 tons.

Thur 14th Nov 40.

Royal Navy struck heavily at the Italian

fleet. Italian casualties. 2 battle ships & 2

cruisers badly damaged. & 2 of Italian fleet 

Auxiliaries with their sterns submerged.

65 Survivors of the Jervis Bay picked up by

Swedish Freighter & landed at Coroda.

Told of how Act. Comm. Fegan . Kept 

command (issuing orders etc with one

of his arms blown away) until the ship

sank with him.

Fri. 15th Nov 40.

Had 80 pts rain last night. wont write

much arthritis particularly bothersome & I had

a big day cleaning etc so am very tired. Was

a really nice day.

Sat 16th Nov 40.

First letter from Jack since his leaving 

Australia. air mail posted Bombay. rather

expensive postage. it was a long letter &

heavy . on ordinary thick paper . & written

during the course of the voyage. With

additions while awaiting the postage. He

had a wonderful trip. no sea sickness

uneventful & no excitement. His last entry

just previous to going ashore. Don't know

how he got it posted - it had Bombay post

mark & loads of stamps.

Rose Angel came out today & strang to say

a cold & windy night after so much heat.

Sun. 17th Nov 40.

Went to H.C. at St. Lukes this morning

Rose & Mrs. Brown came with us. I left an

air mail letter for inclusion in air-mail

despatch.

Tues. 19th Nov 40.

 Artillery wants the use of the paddocks.

J.W. went to Ingleburn camp this afternoon 
to try & get particulars . as usual

no satisfaction. Then on to L.pool. Rose

said she enjoyed the drive very much & 

the day was pleasant & cool

Wed. 20th Nov. 40.

J.W. took plans of subdivision to council

(Council meets tomorrow) 24 seamen lost

their lives as passenger steamer collided

with the mine sweeper "Goorangai" inside 

Pt Phillip Hds (on late news tonight). Not one of

the "Goorangai" crew being saved. Enemy

raider sighted off the W.A. Coast.

Thur 21 Nov 40

Interstate passenger steamer "Oungal" 5826

tons ran ashore in a gale off Barwon Hds

near the entrance to Pt Phillip bay. all 

aboard saved.

Fri 22nd Nov 40

Quite a storm raised today. Robb .(Pres.

R.S.S.A. & sec to Lord Wakehurst) reported in

the papers to have said that Menzies (P.M)

should adopt the role of dictator. I wonder?

Anyway Menzies always sounds like one

over the air but he was not up to asking

conscription at the beginning.

British freighter "Port Brisbane" 8739 Tons

sank in the Indian Ocean presumably by 

a raider 27 survivors escaped in the

darkness by lifeboat & were picked up by an

Aus' warship & landed at an Aus' port .,

with the passengers was one woman believed

to have been taken on board the "Pr Bustons"

raider. Port Brisbane had frozen food

stuffs wool & other necessary products

for

Sat 23rd Nov 40.

Rose & I went to pictures in L.pool this afternoon 
"My Son" we enjoyed it . & after went to

Cattle Sales. paper reports some Australian

troops in Athens but unconfirmed.

British freighter "Warmoa" 8011 tons sent

S.O.S. that she was being attacked - no 

further news all silence. Aus' warship

picked up an empty lifeboat from "Warmoa"

It is believed that crew taken prisoner on

board the raider. The raider is known 

to the Admiralty as "Narvik" a motor

ship about 16000 tons. Light coloured

hull. squat funnel. Goal post masts & equipped

with searchlights & armed with torpedo

tubes & 4. 4inch guns.

Sun. 24th Nov 40.

The Bernie Fitz for the afternoon. the boys

stayed in the bottom paddock. J.W. & Bernie

walked down later & to their consternation

the boys ile were having the time of their

young lives riding the calves it was good.

Mon. 22nd Nov. 40. 

J.W. went to Liverpool to collect petrol coupons.

Rose. Mrs. Brown & I went also for the drive.

Wed. 27th Nov. 40.

J.W. got steering gears fixed on car & a few

minor repairs. - British ship attacks 

enemy raider 400 miles east of NZ. Coast

after brief radio message nothing further

heard or seen.

Fri 29th Nov 40.

After 3 weeks war Greece reports fall of

Argyra Kastion. Italians pushed back. Rose

went home today I shall miss her I always

do. I wish she could stay longer. Terrific

thunder & lightning last night & some rain.

Argyra Kastion was a strongly fortified

Italian base in Southern Albinia. R.A.F. 

gave Greeks assistance. Rumanian murders

still going on. Queen Helen fled the 

country.

Sun. 1st Dec '40.

Yesterdays steady rain registered 163 pts

Today still beautiful steady rain . but it is

such a miserable & lonely day.

Tues. 3rd Dec. 40.

 After all the dry weather the rain is very

wonderful 480 pts. mushrooms - plenty

but rather small. bottled 12 bottles today

for when J' gets home. S.O.S. messages