Diary of Frederick Trouton Small, September-December 1914 - Part 1

LETTS'S No 102 DIARY
1914
 

PRESS NEWS 4th MAY.
PETROGRAN Communique says - after three days battle
Russians completely defeated KHALID BEYS Corps in region of
CHORIDALMAS 13000 dead Turks were found, pursuit continues
AAA Russian fleet bombarded BOSPHORUS FORT and caused
explosion in FORT EIMAS. AAA Desperate battle lower NIDA
and Carpathianem, enemy's attacks on left bank of VISTULA were
repulsed. We captured MOUNT AVKUVJA in the direction of
STRYI. 
 

Advertisements. See original document
Lett's
AUSTRALASIAN
ROUGH DIARY
FOR
1914,
BEING THE FIFTH YEAR OF THE REIGH OF HIS MAJESTY
KING GEORGE V. - (Accession, May 6, 1910)
CONCISE DIRECTORY, SEE PAGE 19,
PUBLISHED FOR
LETT'S DIARIES COMPANY, LIMITED,
LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE.
(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
For Full Description whereby to obtain a Counterpart of this Diary, see Order Form.
Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., Printers, London & Aylesbury.
 

Memoranda of Reference, &c.
As Addresses, Quotations, and other matters of Interest.
Men should be judged, not by their tint of skin
The Gods they serve, the vintage that they drink
Nor by the way they fight, or love, or sin
But by the quality of thought they think. 

1
1914 31 Days 1 THURSDAY [1-364] [1 to 4] January
Circumcision, Bank Holiday, Scotland.
Holiday, Stock Exchange
2 FRIDAY {2-363]
Contd from 11th Sept.
Said good-bye to all Uni chaps after the football
match. Shorty, Eric, Alan, Sid, Mac, George,
GC Wilson, Pup Chook & others too numerous
to mention. I will never forget those hearty hand-shakes
& sincerely trust that I will
3 SATURDAY [3-362]
4 Sun—2 aft Christmas [4-361]
☽ 1h 9m P.M. (Greenwich)
 

Blank pages in this diary have not
been scanned.
 

70
Aug & Sept [31 to 2] 31 MONDAY [243-122] 8th & 9th months 1914
1 Sept TUESDAY [244-121]
Partridge Shooting begins.
2 WEDNESDAY [245-120]
71
Contd on Jan 1^st
1914 30 Days  3 THURSDAY [246-119]  [3-6] September
Heard Jimmy Hunter had been accepd
for Home Service Have decided to try again
myself
Rang wp Toowong 214 & informed N of the
fact. Got just what I expected.
Went to Victoria Barracks & was passed
by the M.O. & told to report at Enoggera
at 10 am the following morning
4 FRIDAY [247-118]
◯ 2h 1m P.M. (Greenwich)
Went to the Victoria Enoggera Cmly motor with 
Jimmy but not without some misgivings. Were
cheered off by "Kings". Never really knew ^before how
the College was to me. Will I ever see the
place again? One knows what one likes
in others but cannot tell what others like in
him. Such thoughts flash thro' one's mind on
occasions when good fellowship appears to be
severed or expressed.
5 SATURDAY [248-117]
After a somewhat broken sleep was called out at
6. Made straight for coffee Then tidied up tent
& paraded at 6.30. Felt a bally ass but found
plenty just a big. Had breakfast at 7.45.
Stew & plenty of it. Paraded again at 9.15. till
12.15 & from 2 to 4. Leave granted from 4-12
6 Sunday—13 aft Trin [249-116]
6 o'clock again almost got the Colonel's
prize for the most tidy tent & yet my
room (perhaps it was rooms) is never
tidy but of course men judged the
lint. A lady would have certainly insisted
that the blades of grass on the floor should
faced the same way
 

72
September [7 to 9]  7 MONDAY [250-115]  9th Month 1914
Same routine with the exception that I
was inoculated & vaccinated. The
former did not trouble me as much as I
thought it would. Got portion of my kit
& at 4 o'clock I was free again. They are
certainly very lenient with us here.
Rang up 814  Mrs Les ansd Con's
clock had not arrived
8 TUESDAY [251-114]
Jimmy made cpl. But I doubt if he will
keep his stripes as he is seeking popularity
& getting big in the head.
Rang up Con & asked her if she could
give me a photo before I went instead of
posting it. She told me I could get
it on the following evening. Stayed in
camp that night of leave had been blocked
thro' the drunkeness of others.
9 WEDNESDAY [252-113]
Same routine after 4 Jimmy went to "Kings"
Its Toowong. I received my picture, but I
will not explain my feelings here as it needs
no diary to recal them. They will remain
where they are. Norm & Bern gave me
a pipe & Mr L a knife had Mrs Les had
previously gn me this diary
Contd on Page 7"
73
1914 30 Days  10 THURSDAY [253-112]  [10-3] September
11 FRIDAY [254-111]
Letters from Dick [[?]] Yard. Bible from Mrs M
Most important event today was the rifle test
Got a possible. The Colonel complimented the
Company on its appearance. We turned out
in Kahki for the first time. Got leave from
4pm so left for town by the 5.3 Rang up T 214 
and got the usual cordial invitation for the
evening. Came to Central in the motor with
the boys Mrs Les & Con. Seems hard to have
to leave them but live in the hope of returning.
12 SATURDAY [255-110]
❨ 5h 48m P.M. (Greenwich)
Today I am tent orderly for the 8 hrs Rotten
job cleaning up greasy dishes with cold water
Was sworn in & acted orderly to Capt Ryder.
till 12 o'clock This confounded military ethicale
has me thinking badly. Played football with the Varsity
against the camp & won 22 to 6. Spent a most enjoyable
evening at Hillcrest. Had tea with Col Lil & friends at half time
13 Sunday—–14 aft Trin [256-109]
Ember Week
Did the usual march before breakfast & at 9 church
parade. Tried again for the engineers, found Capt
Ryder unwilling to let me go. All hands given leave
from 12 to 12. Hoorah! Rang up T 214. I always
ring 214. I don't know why unless its home sweet
home. Mum Dock & Br came to see me. Spent evening at
Hillcrest. Came into town with motor
 

74
September [14 to 16]  14 MONDAY [257-108]  9th Month 1914
Marched out about 2 miles at the early morning parade
with Colonel Lee reviewing. Got orders to change into
different squads. This meant breaking up our happy tent.
However with a lot of cohesive working we managed to once
again get together with the exception of 4 whom we changed
for Peter S. Jack A & the two Foxes. At 2 parade got notice
to prepare to join the Engineers at Melbourne. Left Enoggera
at 5 & joined the barracks at 6. Given leave till 12. Went
over to Kings, dear old Kings & what a welcome &
what a dear little watch. I am pleased afraid these people
think me better than I am. I would have like to believe half
the good things said about me but appreciate the motive.
I went over to see May she's to be married on 28^h Oct poor
little girl she has had a hard time. Asked for some
stocks & then travelled to see "Hillcrest".
15 TUESDAY [258-107] 
First morning in the Victoria Barracks
My awakening thoughts fly in one direction. Must try
harder to curb them. I have too much of Father's & too little
of the Trouton blood to even make that dear girl happy.
This morning I was put on fatigue duty as I was
mistaken for a deserter. Bad, management somewhere
as my papers had been mislaid. Got the afternoon off &
went to Mrs Floyd's for tea & Afterwards to a splendid lecture
by Dr Mawson this was spoilt by having to report at the
Barracks by 9 pm to get my warrant. Slept at 2 14 Les came
with us he having been away 6 weeks. Vaccination
troubling me a good deal. Saw Con in the drawing
room for a few minutes before tea.
16 WEDNESDAY [259-106]
Ember Day
Got up & dressed at 6. This is the
last day I will spend in B'bane for some time. Left at 7 20
by motor a It is certainly hard to say goodbye to rich
dear friends. Mrs Les will look after Con for me.
At the station Eric & Stan were there to see me off & at
8 oclock I had started off on a new life in new
spheres. I picked up two rather nice travelling
companions on the trip to Sydney. But they must have
found me very unsociable as I slept nearly all day.
& right thro' the night.
At the boarder I had rather a funny experience
my boots being steel shod played all sorts of tricks
on polished oil cloths with the result that I pulled
a completely set table over in my endeavours
to save myself. Left Wallangarra at 6 25 for Syd.
75
1914 30 Days  17 THURSDAY [260-105]  [17-20] September
"Get up sir' awoke me at 7.20 with Newcastle in sight.
I had a grand nights sleep wh speaks well for
the comfort of the N.S.W. Railways. Saw nothing
of Uncle Gard at Stn so put luggage in cloak room
& booked a S.berth Rang up Auntie Flo & discovered
Auntie Eff had arrived home from the Continent. Met
Uncles - Fred,  Gard, Bert at " Wongoon" & had a royal
welcome. Left again at 7 30 & caught the 8 pm
"Limited" Had a splendid sleep & arrived at
albury at 8 Had breakfast & nearly missed
the train. Just vaulting the gate in time.
18 FRIDAY [261-104]
Ember Day
After the above episode settled down & slept again
at 11 30 am had lunch in the dining car.
Arrived a station with nobody to meet me 
jumped into a tram to Princess bridge & walked up
to barracks was directed back to Alexandria Avenue
& saw Major Healy. Met Crocker. Very disappointed
with the whole camp. Every thing very basic. A few drunks in
the tent & the general tone left much to be desired
Went out to see Les's people had a very warm
reception. Invited to spend Sunday. Started to rain
shortly after I turned in.
19 SATURDAY [262-103]
⚫ 9h 33m P.M. (Greenwich).
Ember Day
Turned out at 6.15. Raining. Had to take
off putties. March from the parade ground
into the avenue & do nonsensical idiotic drill which
consisted of a "frog jump" along the avenue in
bare shins & heavy overcoats & thro' pools of water. Men
cussed horribly. Doubled back to breakfast. Served
out with more kit & then told off to dig trenches in
the rain. Nearly a mutiny. Several members previously
left camp for town so escaped. But were caught afterwards
& told not to leave camp. However they cleared.
Wired address to Uncle. Norm & also wired to Con.
20 Sunday – 15 aft Trin [263-102]
Reville at 6.45. cleared up camp ready for kit
inspection after breakfast. This inspection lasted till
11. During the process three bottles of beer were found
in Tim Gooch's plant much to the general amusement
of the crowd congregated outside.  Thro' messing around
we were deprived of our Sunday off so could not
see Mrs Wills till after tea & then only for a few minutes
Paraded at 9 pm & received some kit.
 

76
September [21 to 23]  21 MONDAY [264-101]  9th Month 1914
St. Matthew, Ap.
Jewish Year 5676 begins
Reville at 5.30 packed kits & paraded at 6. Took
bedding down to drill shed & received remainder of kit
Dismissed & brought kits down to shed had a mere smell
of a breakfast so brought some Frankfort sausage from
the vendor Fell in outside the shed & marched to
station entrained for Williamstown & boarded the Geelong
Had a splendid dinner and I discovered that our bunks were
clung 12 deep over the mess tables. Not conducive to health
Another drawback - we were placed along side
the canteen & the yabber & scrambling was awfully
annoying. Very disturbed night mainly thro' my
companions rolling on their hammocks.
[*'Wrote to Norm'*]
22 TUESDAY [265-100]
Orderly for the day The arrangement
were generally better than those of the camp Did
no work all day & set sail at last about 2 o'clock
There was a fair crowd on the wharf to see us off.
We had tea about five o'clock & were just clearing
the heads when the signal ship said "Stop go back
anchor & await orders". So we had to leave to heave to
A few minutes later the P&O liner outward
bound came along she was stopped but subsequently
sailed. Slept on the table found it a deal more
comfortable than the hammock. Tim Gooch created a
bit of amusement thro' losing his hammock, blanket.
[*cont to Norm*]
23 WEDNESDAY [266-99]
Sailed again at 5am evidently sailing
along West coast to pick us escort
Gave cook a tip of 5/- to make things good for
the trip. Things starting to get very lively as
the weather is getting very dirty. Men a very ill.
& helpless. The seas remind me very much of the
film is saw at Sir Douglas Mawson's lecture. The
seas were continually breaking over the ship & on more
than one occasion drenched mobs of 20.
I was going to find another shot to sleep but
as our mess seemed fairly well, I decided to risk
it but took the precaution of covering myself with
canvas. Slept well, so did the crowd.
Was again orderly owing to some of the lads
"feeling it" a bit.
_______Sunday________
After treating us right royally to bacon & eggs, toast, home made
cake & jam also to music we helped to "wash up" No
words can express the pleasure & appreciation of our treatment
at the Collins St Café. After tea 4 of our company took the
girls to ?? while Dunston & I went to chemist: & afterwards
to Mr Ross's place (Municipal Engineer). Bye the bye we came home from
Mt Wellington via the cascade road
77
1914 30 Days  24 THURSDAY [267-98]  [24-27] September
Wrote to Con 2.
Water freezingly cold sorry to hear that there is
no likelihood of the hot water being turned on
Asked the cook for half a dozen buckets of boiling
water, everything O.K. Weather extremely dirty but No 16
17 Messes sticking to it well. Our mess made me
book-keeper for extras etc. Again helped orderlies.
Speculated on a tin of Peach jam, No 16 & 17 
messes generall manage to be first in the
ration line we thus get an early start & quick finish
25 FRIDAY [268-97]
Talk about a lively night
We shipped sea after sea & about 12 o'clock our
saloon was swimming. Tubs buckets dixies etc simply
tore from one side of the floor to the other. Before six
we were all out & bailing for all we knew & it was not
long before our feet was numbed with cold. On deck many
funny sights were seen as men endeavoured to keep their
feet. This state of affairs lasted all night
Dave Fergus, Bill Moller & self lay for a couple
on the boat deck. I showed evidence of a
heavy cold. Camped in hammock with
a very hot whisky & lemon inside. Shipped more
green seas during the night. Canteen seemed to have
slipped it moorings.
26 SATURDAY [269-96]
☽ 0h 3m A.M. (Greenwich)
Wrote to Dick. Mrs Lloyd
Tables 16 & 17 complimented upon the appearance
Much calmer- land in sight expect to make
Hobart about 4 p.m. Cold slightly better Had
tug-of-war against Tas. SA. Gunners. A service. We came 2^nd
Came into H'bart shortly after 4.30. Was very struck with
the beauty of the place & for the first time saw a snow
capped peak. We were all dressed in our very best
& planning a great trip up Mt Wellington & fine time in
town when to our sorrow "no leave" was granted.
All the sections paraded & formed a deputation but all to no
purpose. I think after our rough trip we might have been allowed
ashore. Gwyn slipped thro' the port & suction for it. Plucky!
27 Sunday — 16 aft Trin [270-95]
A grand morning & a grand sight at sunrise. Mt Wellington
was in a shadow while the pretty scene at its foot was
in a delicate shade of light. Fine crisp air Once again
our tables (16 & 17) received praise for their appearance
Church parade at 10.15. Splendid Service much interrupted by the coughing
of the men. Dinner on ship. Party of nine hired two cars & went up
Mt Wellington. First of all went to Fern Tree had refreshments & then
walked to a beautiful spot Fern Tree Course. We all made up our
minds to spend our honeymoons there. We then moved on to the "springs"
& had our first show fight. More refreshment. Loaded care with
balls & plugged people on way home. Filled Lachy's ear, knocked
mans hat. Fellow mouth filled. Spent enjoyable time at
restaurant. Did not serve on Sundays but obliged us
 

78
September [28 to 30]  28 MONDAY [271-94]  9th Month 1914
Six am again. Orderly for the day. Managed to top the file
again. Poor Tom put in "boob". For the first time I was made a guard
Rather a novel experience. Put on the main entrance & kept all
bluffers back. Had dinner at one o clock. Rather disappointed 
as no mail has reached me from B'bane - live in hopes.
Had to guard a prisoner over the barrier while he
talked to his wife & child. General leave was given
to the whole ship but being on guard I could not get
off; we were relieved at 10 pm for good. Turned in
early as the cold was troubling me. Poor old Tom
was released from the guard room after open day
2 days there. He was fined 2/6 & had to report
every hour for 14 days. Two of our guard who were
off duty went into town but as it was against
regulations they were put in the "boob". Jim Lindsay
was one Craig Lead the other. Thee former went out not
knowing it was against the rules.
29 TUESDAY [272-93]
St. Michael ad All Angels. Michaelmas
Day. Quarter Day
Orderly again. Paraded again
at 9.30. Marched to the domain & did skirmishy
work. Wrote to Bern & started one Mrs Les.
Spent afternoon writing & drawing stores.  We also
had to parade in full marching order & after
the usual messing around we took everything off
again. Most of the lads are spending the night
cutting and button-holing holes in their shirts for the tags
of their brass to go thro. There has been a good deal
of grumbling lately over the "mucking around".
Great fun after "lights out" Lnt Savage came down to
see what was disturbing the fowls. Cat & dogs were
the main cause; some of the impersonation were splendid.
30 WEDNESDAY [273-92]
Another grand morning. Have to pack kits & get ready to go
into camp. Something wrong on the ship.
Suggested to Sergt Tom that one man be allowed to go to
town & do the business for the mess. This was granted & I
was selected to go for N^o 16 mess. Had any amount of business
to do but unfortunately was unable to do any for myself.
Returned at 10.10. & found the 3^rd Coy ready to embark on
the train for Brighton Camp. Left about 11.15 & arrived
at Brighton safely. A very pretty & interesting trip
at Brighton we marched about ¼ of the mile from the
station we halted & dropped all our heavy baggage & had
dinner Segt Major Healy &  Quarts Martin
honoured us at dinner. Poor old Tim drunk again
but extremely amusing. Fell into ranks after about an
hours spell & alas told off with 4 others to arrest
4 missing men. This done we marched off to the
camp about 2 miles away. It was a rotten march
hot dry & dusty & were were not sorry when we had
wasall over. Turned in fairly early & am glad
to say with the same men as I was with on the
boat. Dave joined us.
79
1914 31 Days  1 THURSDAY [264-91]  [1-4] October
Cambridge Michaelmas Term begins.
Pheasant Shooting begins
Freezingly cold. Paraded at 6.30. & did rifle drill.
Finished 7.15. Went to creek for bath which is against
orders. Paraded at 9.30. in D.O. did rifle work
again Cold pretty bad. Had half holiday
for the military sports but did washing instead.
Went to bed early. Jack Fin & Hudson not in
at "lights out" Heard Inf Bage "Posting Guard"
wh means they are sure to be caught.
2 FRIDAY [275-90]
Cold again Jack S & Hudson caught, the former was
made to do sentry duties. Paraded at 9 in DO & did
shermishing work. Liked this work but almost
fainted in the ranks.
"Constable" Hinks did a rather clever thing. He & several
others "broke bounds" & where they congregated the guard
was sent to arrest them & others. Hinks was equal to the
occasion when the guard come along & arrested them
he stepped in. I said "Yall engineers" & when the corporal of the
guard said 'to whom am i speaking" he said Lance Coporal
Smith" at the same time displaying a police badge/ The
coporal allowed them to go & by the same ruse they passed
the sentry but they were caught at their own lines by the
guard that Int Brge posted. Turned out in M.O. at 2
after tea had a tug-of-war against the "pick team" & WOW.
feeling very "off" afraid I'll have to knuckle under.
3 SATURDAY [276-89]
Too sick to parade Doctor said "off duty"
slept nearly all day. Mail arrived 12 letters, 6 of which
were from "Hillcrest" Leave granted from 2 to 9.15.
Sunday. Made an attempt at 5 pm to get into
Hobart Arrived there at 10 pm. Stayed at the
Carlton Club. Had glorious hot bath. Its great to be
between sheets again. Bill Farquar not to well but Dave
Fergus Wilson Chas in pm little
4 Sunday—17 aft Trin [277-88]
◯ 5h 59m A.M. (Greenwich)
Spent morning writing to Con. Had dinner & tea with
Mr Ross who drove us around Hobart. First to Ridgway
& then to Kingstown via Brown's River. Most delightful
trim at Ridgway we saw the site for the new water works.
which is to hold 200,000000 gals. It is build into massive
basalt formation & when completed the wall will
be some what like the fig Hand drawn diagram, see original.