Typewritten extracts of letters from Henry Francis Briggs to his Family, 1915-1916

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EXTRACT FROM LETTER WRITTEN BY SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS.

 

Mena Camp,

Egypt,

Saturday, March 27th '15

Dearest Mother,

                              ..........The Turks made another attack last week

but as usual it ended in failure, their force consisted of a

mixed Artillery Cavalry and Infantry Bgde about 1,000 strong,

they were driven back and finally polished off. The forcing

of the Dardenalls will mean an end of these foolish attacks.

Turkey will want all her Forces shortly. The main army that

was engaged against Egypt has encamped about 4 days march from

the canal. No doubt they are awaiting orders. We have not

yet seen signs of Shifting. The Brigade of Infantry (Queenslanders)

which left Egypt a month ago have not been heard of. Rumours say    

they have been landed in England. If so we should follow.

Perhaps you have read about same. They did not know themselves

where they were going but thought it was for Asia Minor. Anyway

we shall soon know if they are in England.

Several of our officers have been given leave so our

departure will not be just yet. There is nothing in the way of 

fresh news as usual. Hope all are keeping well at home. Ede tells

me your Billetted soldiers have left for Shoreham, have they gone

for good? Things seem at a deadlock in France,  the Spring ought

to make things move quicker, reckon the summer will mean the end.

Once the Allies reach German soil they will find her ready for peace.

I personally do not think Germany will let her country be

devastated like Belgium and once the Allies get into the enemys

Country they will avenge some of the wanton destruction in France

and Belgium. In my opinion Germany knows she cannot win and these

Blockades and the general disregard for International laws is for

the purpose of doing as much damage as possible in the hope of

obtaining a Peace Treaty as favourable to herself as possible.
 

They had strange ideas before the war as to how the

Colonies would act. This struggle has shewn that the Empire is 

united when the time came to help the Mother Country.

The Australian force is costing the Government £200,000

a week to keep it going and she is sending another 10,000 more.

Considering the scarcity of the male population in Australia I think

she has done remarably well in raising such a force, and they have

sent the pick of those who offered themselves. 

-2-

There is a Bton fellow in our Battalion whose Father is

in Jacks company, I have mentioned him to Jacks who no doubt knows

him. Almond is the name. The Bton Herald when is has been read

is passed round to several of our chaps who have visited the old 

town some time or other. Of course there are a good many English 

born men in the force. 60 per cent are native born Australians.

.............

Fondest love to all,

from your loving Son,

HARRY.

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EXTRACT FROM LETTER WRITTEN BY SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS, JULY 19TH 1915.
 

Gallipoli Peninsula,

DARDANELLS,

July, 19th 1915.

Dearest Mother,

                              ........ Things are still quiet round our quarter 

although the Artillery have their daily Bombardment's. This is so

consistent that we are getting quite used to it, always gets a bit

exciting during meal times as no doubt they hope to get the men

together in Groups. One never knows when or where they are going

to send a "Johnston" so its not much use looking for cover - thats

one big disadvantage of our position, there is no part of the Trenches

or Base that is immune to shell fire. Can't get a dip in the sea

without getting a few splashing round.
 

As I have previously mentioned for absolutely deadening 

monotony there is nothing to compare with Trench life when there is

not much doing, makes one thankful it is summer time as the wet

winter months must play the devil with a mans nerves. Still winter

or Summer I don't think this part of the World has much rain. In

fact the water supply is causing a lot of stinting and trouble, we

are only allowed 1 water bottle full per day, for all purposes.

To wash in fresh water is considered a crime, although I usually

manage to get a bath, shave, etc, out of a small tobacco tin. Both

sides have been busy mining each others lines. so one get quite used

to Earthquake tremor. There is no sign of gas here yet, although 

being so near the Sea, the changeable breezes might cause more trouble

to the senders than us. Of course we are quite prepared for any 

samples they may send in the way of Gas Shells.

 

Your loving son

 

HARRY.

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COPY OF LETTER WRITTEN BY SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS, AUG. 15TH 1915.

"In the Turks Trenches",

Gallipoli Peninsula,

DARDANELLS,

Aug. 15th 1915.

Dearest Mother,

                      The usual few lines, am still going strong although

things here are still busy. We are now feeling quite at home

in our newly captured quarters although the stench from the Dead

lying in the open is awful whilst the sun is streaming on them. 

One has to be continuously smoking to deaden it and of course you 

can't enjoy your Tucker amidst such sights. We have found

hundreds of Dead Turks buried beneath the Trenches, the heavy

Bombardment previous to the attack knocked the Trenches about a

lot. That was our worst job for we couldn't deepen them unless

we dug out the remains. We had an officer attached to us

specially for these operations but he was wounded before the

attack really commenced so I had to take charge again. As I have

no N.C.O's to give assistance, they being either sick or wounded,

it makes things a bit worrying, but as you know I am not a very

worrying type that accounts for my health keeping so good.
 

                     You have to take things as they come these times, and

one can only do his best so whyyturn Grey over it.

                      I have been told that in the sweet bye and bye we shall

be relieved for a good long spell, reckon those that are lucky

enough to be here since the first day deserve a change of air.

17 weeks in the trenches under shell fire the whole time is an

experience that gets a bit trying on the nerves. Still don't
think I have got many to upset, otherwise I should have been

amongst the hundreds that have been broken up under the strain.

One of the advantages of being "delicate" eh?

                    Am now acting O.C. to the section as before. Whilst 

writing here have just received 3 letters from mail, one from yourself

Jack and Dolly. Pleased to read all are going O.K. so

Trask thinks he may come this way. Pleased to hear that letters

have been received perhaps Dads biscuit P.Card got broken in

transit. Pleased to hear that his health is better Jack seems to

be going along satisfactorily.

-2- 

                  Florrie Walker sent a parcel containing Hdkf, Cigarettes

and come Chocolates, quite a show of gifts etc. Can't help

smiling when I recall her visit to us that time she proved so

totally different to what we would immagine. So some of my little

experiences surprised you eh, must leave the full story until the

family group meets again, extraordinary escapes and experiences

occur daily here but one is so used the them that it becomes part of

the business. Must close, Fondest love to all,

 

From your loving son,

 

HARRY.

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COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS by his Mother.

GALLIPOLI PENINSULA,

DARDANELLES.

Sept. 6th 1915.

Dearest Mother,

                        Just a few lines, am still going along A.1., and am

pleased we are at last getting a spell, where we are going is not yet

Public, but as long as its away from this Hole any old place will do.

I may not be able to send another line for a few days so you will

know the reason if I miss a mail.
 

                      As usual news is scarce have not received a mail since

last writing. Hope you are all going along satisfactory and

keeping well. The weather still continues fine here never a sign

of rain. I think they make up for it in the winter. Suppose there

is no chance of Jack paying you a visit. Shouldn't mind a trip

myself will have to see this job through I expect before they  

parade us in the Old Country.
 

                    Things are going very satisfactory here its turning

out rather a slower process than they thought, its a pity they gave

the Turks all those months to prepare for us, every hill is a 

fortress. I think I mentioned in a previous letter that we

captured Turko-German Machine Gun. You would have laughed when

we first opened fire with it. At the first burst of lead there

was absolute silence from the Enemies lines for about 5 minutes, 

when they suddenly discovered they were receiving a dose of their

own medicine. Then every M. Gun near by opened up

without success. Will Close.

 

Fondest love to all from

 

Your loving son,

 

HARRY.

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EXTRACT FROM LETTER WRITTEN BY SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS, Sept 19th 1915.
 

"Tarti Camp",

Island of Lewmnos,

Agean Sea,

Sept. 19th 1915.

Dearest Mother,

                           At last can find time for a line. As address will

show we are at last away from Gallipoli and enjoying a spell.

This is the Island from which we started off 5 months ago to make the

Landing, and one cannot help comparing the size of the Division

then to the remnant that is now here getting its "second wind".

 

                          We have thoroughly deserved the rest, as we stuck
in those trenches longer than any division in France and we were

always under fire, there being no place on the Peninsula that cannot

be swept by the enemies guns. We have been here 5 days and have

been kept busy erecting tents etc. It has been raining heavens

hardest these last 2 days which made things a bit damp, still we are

away from the excitement which in itself is a big thing. When we go

back nobody knows, we shall be here a month anyway. Of course there

are rumours that we may not return to Gallipoli again, so everything

is quite uncertain. As regards myself the rest came at a very

opportune time for I was feeling a bit run down had a touch of

Diarreh -- cant spell the word but you know the complaint. It made

me feel a bit washed out, but am feeling myself again here, as we

can obtain little extras from natives, Fruit etc. They are feeding

us much better, we get 1 pint bottle English Stout (Guinness)

for each two men per day. Am sure you will not have any misgivings

as to my sobriety when I mention that the little tonic is very

welcome.................................................

                                 Fondest love from you loving son

                                                    

                                                   HARRY.

COPY/MEB      12/11/440

 

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS WRITTEN BY SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS serving

with the Australian Force. 

 

EGYPT,

1st April, 1916,

 

Dearest Mother, 

                           We have shipped from our old camp, marched for

40 miles to our present spot. We are now quite near our "Old

Friends" but they don't show any signs of activity yet. The

march down was very trying owing to the heavy sand and the heat

which is particularly solid at this time of the year, there was

also a shortage of water. Anyway that is over thank Goodness,

so now for the next piece of information.

 

                           You will no doubt be surprised and pleased to hear 

that I have received a 2nd/Lieut Commission. The appointment

came out in last Army Orders dated March 18th. Of course I had

an idea it was coming, a few days ago. For I was sent for by the

General and told that I had been recommended by the Colonel of the

55th Bn. and that he would also be pleased to sign the recommendation

and so it eventually arrived about 8 days ago. 

 

                           I was first recommended at "Lone Pine Charge" but the

Col. was killed shortly afterwards and the affair dropped. However,

on the Second in Command who is now Col. of the 55th Bn, arriving

from Hospital another recommendation was sent through. I was sent

to the school, no doubt to make sure that I was qualified to hold the 

position.

 

                           I am in the same Machine Gun Company as before but will

give address again to make sure, far more privileges and more comfort,

am allowed a batman or servant to do the extra jobs. There is a 

big difference in the pay also.

 

                            I now receive 21/- per day and Dress allowance of £15,

which does not cover the actual kit expenses in ordinary times but

is sufficient for Service Clothing. On receiving a commission you

are first appointed second Lieutenant, the full rank of Lieut.

automatically arrives after a few months service. Am afraid shall

have to close this time to catch the mail. Herbert in his letter

mentioned he was going to Persian Gulf or somewhere in that direction

The school I am at now is Machine Gun School, Ismallia, Egypt. 

It is not far from our present camp, the exact position of which I 

cannot give. Sand is very troublesome so forgive scribble. Flies

absolutely eat you here.

                                  Fondest love to all,

                                                 Your loving son, HARRY.

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THE LAST LETTER RECIEVED FROM SERGEANT H.F. BRIGGS before notice that

he was missing. 

 

FRANCE,

12/7/16.

 

Dearest Mother,

 

                             Just a few lines giving news. I am at last amongst 

the Ironmongery again.

 

                            We moved into here early yesterday morning. I am with

my section in the Front Line of Trenches, Seems quite like old

times again, But there is one exception, the conditions are far

better here than at Anzac. After a reasonable period we get relieved

for a spell in Billetts which soon takes away the Tired feeling.

Of course the shell fire is heavier but this place is a Home compared

with Gallipoli. We have only been here 24 hrs. but from what the

previous Battalion tell us things are always fairly quiet. They

are rather fond of using Gas here but we are well protected from

anything of that description. We in the Company take turn about in

the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines and I have been the lucky one to be in the

1st. When I say Lucky I really mean it. 

 

                     There is no doubt there is some sort of facination in

dodging bullets etc. and to me is really quite a welcome change

to have a bit of real excitement again. Of course at the other

place we had too much of a good thing, but here things are different.

 

                     I have been told by the Brigadier there is sure to be 

leave granted in a week or so. Then I get 1st chance and its something to look forward to. I dont want you to worry yourself on my account, am as full of confidence as before. Am going strong and feeling A.1. There is plenty of water, too much in fact, so it is not necessary to worry over the "little creatures" for you can always get underwear cleaned. The Trenches here are far better than the 

other spot. Stronger Dugouts, better food and above all you are in

touch with Civilization almost in the Firing line.

 

                         In fact there are families living as per usual in the

3rd line trenches, perhaps they are too poor to leave the Houses but

there they are, taking shells etc., as quite a daily event even small

children are running about the different Farm Houses which have not 

been entirely destroyed.

 

They did not keep us long in Billetts after landing for we were in the fire Zone 14 days after arrival at Marseilles.

-2-

Weather is of course very unsettled has been fine last

two days but seems to rain more times that not. The Trenches

absolutely swarm with rats. Huge creatures like kittens, they

get very hungry, and often need a boot to shift them. Most of the 

firing is done by night here, so there is not much sleep to be got

only during the day. Will close for this time. Trust alls well

as usual. Have not yet received a mail but looking forward to same.

 

                                     Fondest love,

                                                  Your loving son,       

                                                              HARRY.

SPIRITED LETTER FROM THE DARDANELLES.

 

Letter written by Sergeant H.F. Briggs serving with the Australian

Forces at the Dardanelles, to his father Mr. W. Briggs.

 

Dear Dad,

Thought you might like a few lines reporting progress.

I will not burden you with details of the landing, etc., as I see

the press has done that for us in language we should be too modest

to use.

 

                  Anyway it was a tough job, and our chaps proved just the

boys for it. It required a large pair of lungs and plenty of

stamina to storm those heights as we did; but after that hard, 

strenuous work on the desert we felt fit for anything. The

casualty list was a large one, but that was to be expected; and 

when one considered the fact that the enemy had been expecting and 

preparing for us for months, it is a wonder we forced a landing

here at all.

 

                Our section was in the first tow, as the machine guns

were required to the advance of the infantry.

 

                We had to jump from the boats and rush forward for cover.

I stepped from the boat into a deep hole and went under straight

away. I was carrying a box of mechanism weighing thirty pounds,

besides rifle and equipment. So all I could do was to walk ashore 

along the bottom like diver. It had its funny side. The

Navy did great work, especially the landing parties in charge of

the towing. The had to work under a perfect hail of shrapnel.

 

                                       THREE LUCKY ESCAPES.

 

                   The first day we were absolutely at the mercy of the

enemy's artillery, as, with the exception of a few Indian mountain

guns, there were no batteries landed until the second day. It was

a continual hail of lead, and I had some lucky escapes. The

nearest was a bullet through my service cap-sent it spinning. I had another through my boot; while a spent bullet struck my pack at the back. So with such a lucky list I am confident I shall see this through safely.

 

                 Our section has lost rather; out of that group you

have there are only five and myself left. the first man to be 

killed was the fellow from Murdocks that I joined with (the New Zealander). He was struck by shrapnel and never uttered a

word. He was my best pal, and a white man through and through.

-2-

I saw red when he went down. We lost our officer next day, and

the second one was wounded a month ago. The sooner the third 

arrives the easier for me, as I have been in sole charge since he

was sent away, and it comes a bit heavy doing sergeant's work as 

well. I might mention re my promotion that with the exception of 

my shop mate who was a lance-corporal we have lost no N.C.O's.

 

                      We are expecting another two guns per battalion; so are 

busy training fresh men in spare time. Of course it is a risky

job at times, for the artillery always try to get you when you open

up. Still there are always plenty of volunteers.

 

                   During the first day I had a splendid view of our men

storming one of the surrounding hills. We were covering their

advance from an opposite hill; and it was a splendid sight to

see them driving back the Turks. They were opposed to such

overwhelming numbers of the enemy that they were forced to give

ground occasionally; but each time they retreated they would rally

up the hill again with bayonets fixed, until at last reinforcements

arrived and they made a final rush and stayed there.

 

                 Since the first four days when we drove them back, every

time they charged our position the Turks have refused to face our

bayonets. I think the size of our chaps worries them.

 

               The Turk as a fighting man is a big surprise. He is a 

plucky , tough customer to tackle, and they have the reputation of 

being the finest trench fighters in the world. Nothing only cold

steel will shift them from their trenches. Being almost fanatical

in their religion, when worked up they will charge against a stone

wall; and so with German officers at their head they make a more 

formidable foe than some people imagine. Their snipers are also dead shots, as we found to our sorrow at first; but now we have the upper hand in that line of business, for the man from Way Back is hard to equal as a shot.

 

                                  SHOOTING BY QUEEN ELIZABETH.

 

The shooting of the Queen Elizabeth is marvellous. She

fires special shrapnel for this occasion out of her 15inch guns.

The shells weigh over a ton and will carry eighteen miles. They

contain 20,000 bullets. She swept out of existence entire regiments

of Turks the day we landed. And yet the Turks face such awful firing

as this without budging an inch.

 

               Of course we have the old German tricks - hoisting of white

flags, etc. They also use dum-dum and explosive bullets. We have

also seen evidence of their mutilating games. But after all, I

would rather be fighting Germans, as we feel the poor old Turks have

been forced into it.

-3-

I am glad the cable relieved your anxiety. There were a

good many mistakes made in the first casualty list, and a report went

about that I was killed. I thought it advisable to cable straight

away. Mistakes often occur in the first few days when they are

making the lists, and I know of several cases where men have been

put down as wounded or missing, instead of which they have well

and on duty.

 

                   So Johnson and Alf Simone have joined the Army. Can't

understand any able-bodied fellow without ties keeping out of this.

It is no place for the married man, and it's a shame they should be

accepted.

 

                 By the way, I received Herald safely; also sheet of News

of the World. They seem to have given us a lot of praise. Still

it was a tough job, and our chaps behaved splendidly; and highly

paid as they say we are it has been the hardest-earnt money I've 

handled.

 

               The Canadians also have made a great name, I hear. By the

time this is delivered I suppose Ede will be married and settled down.

Hope they both have the best of luck. Sorry I couldn't be there;

although, as I said previously, it won't be long, in my opinion

before we see the white cliffs again.