Letters from Oliver Joseph Burke Clarke, 1916-1917 - Part 2

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Well I'm hanged if I can tear myself away.

One other word though about a certain Turkish
prisoner and I shut up. I've never yet recovered from the shock
I got when hearing that Eva O'S intends publishing that buit about
the Turk. I'd be ashamed of my life if she does. Why the
composition of the thing, and everything else about it, is simply atrocious.
She wouldn't mention any names, would she? Anyone who
knows me will think that I'm an infernal idiot.

Am camped right next to the Aerodrome here, or rather
one of the aerodromes, there are many of them in Egypt. All day
long planes are flying over us. Some of the chaps are marvels can
do anything at all in the air. I was always keen on Aviation and
am fifty times more so now. If ever aI chance comes off transfering
into the Flying Corps, I'm there. Can buy a commission in England
for £80. Wish I were in England.

The varieties of paper I've used was done for the
sole purpose of relieving the monotony a little. Hope it succeeds.
Excuse the many mistakes and awful composition, but I've had dozens
of interruptions since I sat down/. Don't forget to explain away
the "Lil Buck-Nelson" problem.
Oll.

P.S. Am enclosing this in a special envelope. One that
needs no censoring at the Regiment. If censored at all, which I
doubt, it will be either at the Base here in Egypt or somewhere in
Australia before its delivered. I seal the envelope myself, also
give my word of honour that I've referred to nothing a Military
character. I've kept my word.
Love
Oll.

[*Paul V 0*] Copy.2 P1 Moascar.
January 5th. 1917.

My dear old Nickie,
Mail closes to-morrow for Australia, so intend
dropping you a few lines.

There is no news of any sort so am afraid this will
hardly be more then a remark or two in reference to your letters, and
the news contained therein.

As you see I'm still at Moascar and am likely to
remain here for some considerable time too, at least I hope so anyhow.
You must have seen by the papers before this,accounts of the recent
fighting on the Sinai Peninsula. The services of the 2nd. Brigade
have not yet been needed, and if they ever are needed in that direction
it may not be for some time.

So here, with a tent over my head each night, and

good tucker I am far better off than out in the desert undergoing the
many hardships and with no immediate prospects of a scrap. If they
are ever called into action I can get to them within a few days.
Am in real good condition, never better since I enlisted.

It is quite likely that on or about the 12th of
this month I shall be going up to Cairo for about three weeks,
There were a few volunteers asked for to go to a school of instruction
in the use of the Stokes Gun, so I took it on to pass the time a bit,
also for the sake of the three weeks in Cairo, that must be hard to
take I can tell you.

The Stokes Gun is an affair for throwing bombs,
a 3lb. bombs I think, and there is no use whatsoever for the Gun in this
country, as it is only used in the trenches. Shall tell you all about
it when I get back from school, at present I only know that it is
a bomb thrower.

My address of course will be unchanged. All my
letters will be forwarded on from here.

For more than a week now the weather has been most
rotten, blowing like the xvery deuce and raining practically all the
time. Egypt I think must have forgotten itself. At the
commencement of every winter there is a little rain-fall but nothing to what
we've had. It has been very cold too, which by the way makes me
realise what the poor lads in France must suffering. I hope Vin.
looks after himself as best he can, for a cold contracted in his presen
climatic conditions will be mighty hard to get rid of, and will often
turn to something more serious. I had a letter from him t'other
day, and sent him along a p.c. for the New Year. He seems happy
enough under such rotten conditions and is very interested in some
possible leave to England, though doubtful as to whether it will ever
eventuate or not. I hope the poor kid gets it alright.

Daisy Harnett dropped me a p.o. for Xmas, she is a
real good sort and often sends me a line/. She and Hilda are having
the time of their lives in London. Flossie is now at the Anzac
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Hostel in Cairo, I know the place well and will probably make her a
call before long. By jove Nickie, I wish you could get a job
like that, con't you apply in any way. I'd go as mad as a meat axe
at the thought of you coming to the Land of the Pharoahs. Wouldn't
we go gay in Cairo? I'd show you round alright, believe me. If
I've ever got the luck Cairo will see me again after the war, it is a
bosca place, and though not quite as lively as London or Paris, it is
quite lively enough, and far more interesting.

But thats enough about Cairo, if I got properly
going I could easily write a book, and it would be a mighty funny one
too. The latest letter I've received from home was one from Paul,
dated 27th November. No letter of that date from either you or
Peter. The previous mail your three letters were dated 12.11.16
respectively. We have had a bit of trouble in the P.O. here so
that probably accounts for the delay. Both Peter's and your letter
will probably turn up shortly. Give Paul my best love and many
thanks for typing Vin's letter to Sullie. I'm always anxious as to
his welfare, and he naturally writes a fuller account home than to me.

A letter arrived from Tissie a few days ago, they
are still very up set, and ar'nt they? Hav'nt answered it yet but
have written Eily. Paul sent me a photo cut from the paper of Capt.
A. Gunther, M.C. It was not his photo by the way, but that of an
Aviator. However I have since then seen all about him in the
Sydney Mail.

The three Xmas parcels arrived O.K. and were simply
wonderful. There was nothing in them that I did'nt want and nothing
left out that I did want. There are two other lads here from my
troop (D. Troop) and the three of us had the time of our lives, and
nearly got sick on the fruit salad and cream. The cake was a
beauty too, was'nt it? Fancy winning it. Had a real good Xmas
dinner, tell you all about it.

On Xmas Eve each of us threw in some few piastres
(or as they are known to us "disasters,") and getting hold of the
biggest waggon and strongest pair of horses we could find, drove off
into Ismailia to buy the dinner. Well after much bargaining and
the full use of the Australian language, we had succeeded in filling
the waggon with all kinds of indigestibles and drove proudly back to
camp. There were a couple of crates of dressed chickens (without
a feather on them) vegetables of all kinds, from a pea to a pumpkin,
fruit galore and a hundred and one other troubles.

The cooks worked manxfully and were up all night
too, I think. Their efforts and those of the Mess Orderlies were
crowned with success as the spread was a real treat. Some English
Officers and their wives, the ladies no doubt are attached to some
Gift Fund or other, made a tour of inspection of the several Mess
sheds whilst dinner was in progress. Some of the lads are killingly
funny. In all seriousness a sentry was placed at each entrance
of the mess shed. He was to warn us of the approach of the ladies
so that English was to be spoken in lieu of Australian. A few of
the most fluent Australian linguists were so fearful, however, of
making a slip that they took the precaution of filling their mouths
so full that they were quite unable to utter a sound.

The ladies tripped gaily from one table to another
at each passing some most abvious remark, such as "Oh, how lovely, and
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you have custard too," when half the chaps at the table were custard
from ear to ear. One lad when questioned as to why he was not having
any watermelon, said"that he did not like it because when eating
it he always wet his ears."

I had a hard job to keep a straight face when she
inspected our table. I happened to be sitting at the head of the
table and Madam gazing into my plate went into ecstasies over the
delicacies thereon. The Officer standing beside her agreed, of
course, and even went as far as to assert that it was "top hole, what!"
You see it was like this. Having finished my first course some
five minutes before and surreptitious by dropping the scraps under
the table, my plate had been refilled with a great piece of pudding and
accompanying custard. Here I might say that a clean plate for each
course is quite out of the question.

So there I was an enamel plate in the middle of
which was a piece of pudding surrounded by custard, beyond the custard
was a circle of mashed potato which belonged to the previous course, x
also with another circle of tomato sauce and an odd green pea.
Whether the lady thought this some newly discovered dish or not, I
don't know, anyhow she certainly seemed to approve of it.

I suppose Bort is now a free man again, I'm glad
to hear it. Thank Pookie-dog for her boscsa letter, if I get time
I promise to write to her. Be sure and send me all the photos you
have taken. Paul said she would be getting some printed at
Harringtons.

Have you made the acquaintance of Charlie Holden
yet? I mentioned before his address, No.4. A.G.H. Randwish, his
friends address is "Bristol Villa" Nelson St, Annandale, I had a letter
from him a few days ago dated 27.10.16, too soon for him to have met
you. I did not tell you that you forgot to enclose the cutting
from the Bulletin as to the manner in which "Billjim catches Turkxs."
however the paper itself turned up shortly after the letter so
everything in the garden is lovely. The punctuation and composition
were simply atrocious. I was terribly humiliated, thank God they
mentioned no names. As a matter of fact most of it was written in
the stables, think of me sitting in the dirt with my back against a
post and millions of flies, now how could I be expected to write anything
worth while.

A small parcel containing a packet of cigarettes
and some tobacco arrived for me the other day, the donor camps at a
place called "Aeolian" Cremorne Point. Now would you be kind
enough to explain who this person or persons may be. I have not
the faintest notion and consequently am unable to write and thank them.
Am enclosing the slip, also am enclosing a photo of myself and some
other s a little time ago. I am told that ohotos of any kind are
not allowed out of the country but shall take the risk. What a
bosca snap of you and the bull-pup Nickie. I wonder if the devil
will let me in when I come home.

I had started writing a long account of the Romani
scrap when I was at the Regiment and had about ten pages done when I
got sick and left it behind in my ket bag. It would seem like
telling a story twice for me to write it over again.

Now please remember this before I close Nickie,
there are three things I want you to answer as soon as possible.
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1st. Who this "Aeolian person is.

2nd. The axact identity of the person calling herself
Lil Buck-Wilson.

3rd. Exactly how much money have I to my credit in the
Bank and if is it is possible to have any of it
transfered here to Egypt. I shall give you the
reason for this last request as soon as you answer
it. Also which bank is it in? Perhaps the
Govt. Savings Bank at Crow's Nest.

It is most important that you answer these three
questions and particularly the last one.

Well thats all to night Nickie dear, must try and
drop Vera a few lines before I turn in. Mail closes at 8 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Excuse the writing and spelling but I'm in a
terrible hurry.

Lots of love to everyone and Gardie.
Ollie.

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COPY. Moascar,
22nd. February. 1917.

My dear old Nickie,
I'm a mail behind this trip I think, have not as
yet answered any of last mail's letters, and there was a mail in to
day so of course it was my luck to hear from everyone including Charles
Holden and Miss Mugliston.

The Pound Note arrived safely and was mighty handy
of course, also the bosca snaps you took of the family on the lawn.
You could never send me too many snaps of home. I sit and stare
at them for hours thinking of old times etc. You all look real
well, Dad Des and Uncle have not aged a day and look fine. Why
did'nt you see that Pookie was there, I missed her at once. I notice
Des has taken to shoes at last but is still unconvinced that"permanent
turn ups" look better than otherwise. Am still interested in fashions.
The French Tabbies are wearing short skirts very full round
the bottom, you know what I mean, also plenty of pleats ( don't know
how to spell that word, never used it before) Tissie Crommelin is
wearing one in the photo she sent me t'other day. I roared at what
you had written on the back of Des' photo "The Author in hunting costume
Do you remember how we laughed about that fellows conceit in the book
on the Northern Territory.

By jove I envy Charles in the bosom of the family,
the little wretch sitting there with his hair brushed well back and
looking as though butter would not melt in his mouth. It would'nt
either, of course I could hardly realise it was the same lad who used
to write about the desert with me wearing only a singlet and a pair
of shorts, his hair standing on end and with a little fair moustache
which he had tried for months to cultivate, but there was nothin' doin'.
We all has beards of course but a decent moustache was very rare.

On the day we encountered the Turks at Quatia,
Charles being a signaller, was kept very busy carrying messages and
galloping about from the firing line to Head Quarters on his mare "
"Stumpy". You might tell him that "Stumpy" has'nt stopped a bullet
yet, but is still going strong though doubtless not so well treated as
as when in Signaller Holden's possession, "Stumpy" understood Charles'
language perfectly and would do anything for him. Last week I had
a 14 page letter from him, and a p.c. today. I wish you could see
the letter, it would make a cat laugh. He told me all about his
meeting the family and that they first of all started by handing out
a real stiff nip of whisky. He says he wondered how he would get
through it, not being much of a drinker. As I said, he wrote me
14 pages and 13½ were taken up with telling me of the family, and the
times he'd been having. He says he never thought it possible to
have such a good time in this life. He's quite on love with you all

Hurrah for the Ant! A trip to Tasmania would
be the best thing in the world for her. She must take as much money
as will fet in her bag, take it in £50. notes she can carry all the
more. Its a pity you and Timmie could not go too, nothing like
seeing the world, you can take that from "one what knows."

I notice you all seem to think I have been in the
El Arish stunt, but I hav'nt. I have been here in Moascar detail
camp, which is on the Vairo side of the Canal, ever since I came out
of hospital. That was sometime in November of last year. Then
no where near any Turks or other enemiesin fact am over 100 miles from
her am not having a bad time, though I'd like to be back at the Regt.
for many reasons, but can see no hope for a while yet.

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Had a real bascar letter from Dad last mail, I'm
always promising to write to him but I'm hanged if it ever comes off.

Whatever possessed you to publish portion of another
letter of mine. I did'nt know what to make of it at first then it
suddenly dawned on me that I'd written it myself. Don't you see how
awful the whole thing is. At the end of it I have something like
this "He could'nt walk but "struth" he could run" Apart from hundreds
of other mistakes I've put a stop after "but" and what it is
there for I've no idea. People will think I'm even more ignorant
than I am. However, ma lish, ma lish is Arabic for "never mind".

28th. February.
Je suis ici a le Caire. Mon dieu, mais il n'importe
Ma fish Francais, aud tarif Englize, Comprennez moi M'amselle?
This is a bit of French and Arabic mixed. I sometimes get like
this, 'specially when the moon is full.

Well now, what do you think Nickie? Am in
Zeitoun Instructional Camp, Cairo, and you may depend I'm not going
to be in bed by 9 p.m. every evening. As it is eight or nine months
since I was here before there is an excuse for me if I go gay for a
day or two. Well I'll tell you how it happened that I'm here.

I have been on Moascar Detail Camp for over three
months now and like the man that had the Palsey was dead sick of it.
I was always being asked to join the Signelling School or Machine Gun
School but would never have it on at any price. However a few
days ago I got desperate for something definite to do and agreed to
come here to Zeitoun with the next Machine Gun School, so here I am.
Landed here day before yesterday and will be here only three weeks so
before this letter reaches you shall probably be back at Moascar Camp
as a qualified Machine Gunner or something else. Since I'm not
interested in the game, and only took it on for something to do, I
don't think I shall go back to the Regt. as a Machine Gunner, but merely
a common trooper.

I hav'nt got a cent of money so cabled you the
night before last for £5. to be sent to Anglo Egyptian Bank Cairo.
Hope it comes before the three weeks are up. Also I might mention
right here that anytime I happen to cable for money and it is not
to spare, don't send me any. You see Nickie you might be wanting
it for something whilst I always have a good bed (1/6) and three meals
per day, so that if I had'nt a cent in the world it would'nt matter to
my health.

I shall have to send a few p.c's in lieu of letters
this mail, we have reveille at 5.30 and are kept going pretty well all
day and at night have to put into order the notes taken at lectures.

Miss Mugliston wrote me a jolly fine letter Nickie,
wish I could answer it straight away but can't, my mind is too unsettled.
Have dozens of letters to write and I can't possibly settle
down to it. Some of these days I might be myself again then everything
in the garden will be lovely.

Well shall cut it short now Nickie, am not in a
cheerful mood, but who knows, next letter I write might be the product
of the most peaceful and contented mind in the Land of the Pharoahs.

Lots and lots of love to your dear old seld and
everyone at home.
Ollie. 

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Moascar,
27th. March, 1917.

My dear old Nickie,
I don't feel the least bit in the mood for writing
letters, neither have I any news for you so this will probably bore
you to death.

To-day is the first real spring day we've had this
year, temperature about 90° I should think, promises well for the
summer does'nt it?. T'was far too hot to rush about the desert
sloping arms and charging imaginary Turks with fixed bayonets, so I
worked my head a bit and did a little dodging till I at length found
myself in the Y.M.C.A. and far from the "madding crowd."

Last time you heard from me I was at Zeitoun
Machine Gun School, but arrived back at Moascar a couple weeks ago
Everyone at the school was very kind to me, so much so that they awarded
me a first class Machine Gunner's certificate, I don't know how I
did it and I'm sure God does'nt either. I was in Cairo every
evening and fell asleep at every lecture I attended in the day time,
so where I got my knowledge from beats me. Guess the examiners
were shook on my shape.

Thanks so much Nickie for sending me the money.
You must have sent it the same hour as my cable arrived, for in less
than a fortnight after I had sent it I had drawn the money from the
Bank. We arrived at Zeitoun on a Sunday night, and on Monday nearly
every one slipped in to Cairo and cabled home for money. As we
were to be there only three weeks it was necessary to get the cable
off straight away, otherwise we might have had to leave before the
money arrived. Mine was the first to arrive and I knew jolly well
it would be too. As it was nearly twelve months since I was in
Cairo I thought you would'nt mind me my cabling.

Big mail arrived in day before yesterday, my share
of it turned up alright, lucky devil, arn't I?. Peter I daresay
will be well on her way to Tasmania by this time, best thing in the
world for her, the only pity is that she could'nt make her holiday
a little longer.

Had a line from Charles Holden, I wish you could
see it, half of it is written in his own "language" but the sent along
a vocabulary so that I was able to translate it. I had been wondering
which one of the F.O.M. had taken his special fancy, but the
wretch tells me that he loves you all and wishes that he was a Turk
or an Egyptian so that he could marry the whole five. Now what do
you think of that? He finishes up by giving his name in full,
number, also number of his rifle, bayonet and scabbard, religion, and
next of kin. This is the way he used to answer his name on parade
every day.

News same through this morning of the big scrap out
near Jaffa. I tried my hardest to get out there a few days ago,
but there was no hope. Expect to get out there in time to help
take Beershellba, or Jerusalem though. It was a victory for us
Nickie, our casualties were heavy but the losses of the Turks and
Germans were greater, numbering about 7000. We took prisoners, 32
Austrian N.C.O's. , 5 German N.C.O's, and the General in command of
the 52nd. Turkish Division, along with the whole of his staff.
That ought to put the Turks about a bit. Just think of it Nickle

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a few months ago El Arish was a mystery to all of us, now you can
take a train in Cairo and go right there, Trės bon?

All kinds of stories are in circulation about the
camp since the news of the scrap came through. One is to the effect
that when the General was captured his wife was with him, so that the
chaps immediately began to toss as to who should take her. No
decision could be arrived at by tossing, so it was decided to fight
for her. During the mix up, however, the lady made her escape, so
that now everything is in order again. General Ryrie and all the
K'Nuts, Colonel Onslow etc. etc. were of course included in the love
affair. You knew of course that General Ryrie was in command of
our Brigade, don't know whether I ever mentioned it before or not.

Well its just on lunch time Nickie, so I'd better
close up shop, particularly as I've no news to tell you. Give my
love to everyone and Dad and Des when you write. Am in tip top
condition myself, the other day in Cairo tipped the scale at 11st 9lbs
This is the heaviest I've ever been.

Lots of love, will write again soon,
Ollie.

P.S. Please don't send me any warm clothes, sent you a cable to
that effect. Still have the sheep skin you first sent me a nd
never have occasion to wear it. If ever you have time a tussor
silk shirt would be most welcome, but I'm really well off for clothes
Ollie.

[*This has came yesterday after-noon
My sweetness, - no time to write in length.
We are delighted about Vin, and can’t get
over his luck – Love in abundance my
own],
Yours Paul.
Imagine Vin thinking of
Yours and Pookies birthdays                May 25^th 1917*]
 

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COPY. Palestine.

My dear old Nickie,
God only knows what manner of letter this will be,
conditions most unfavourable. Am away up here in the Holy Land,
(and don’t feel a bit better than before) sitting in a rectangular
hole in the middle of a field of barley, (each of us has dug a hole
as a protection against bombs) and with only my knee as a rest am trying
to write on a piece of paper that, judging by its appearances, I
brought with me from Australia. Can get plenty of writing material
a few miles away at our canteen, but are not able to carry more than
a few sheets at a time. My horse is loose and grazing a few yards
away, must keep one eye on him and one on the paper, the “John McGuerks
(Turks) are in thousands about 2 miles away, and worst of all I just
burnt half my moustache off, trying to light a bumper. Now is’nt
that enough to make a man so wild that he rushes into the “watcher-callit”
and tears up all the paper. Anyhow it has’nt made me wild,
in spite of it all I’m as happy as a lark.

We are off to the Senai at last, well off it too, and
mighty glad I am. This is certainly a land of milk and honey as
far as the horses are concerned, for hundreds of miles there is nothing
but cultivation, particularly barley, we often ride through fields
of grain up as high as the horses bellies; after there long spell
in the desert they must now think they’re in heaven. Hols a sec.
Nickie_____ there’s a German ‘plane coming over and he may drop an
egg, I must go and hang onto my horse_____ here. I am again, everything
in the garden is lovely. The Hun did’nt worry us a bit,
just flew around and had a good look, guess he must be broody or
perhaps egg bound ‘cause he did’nt lay anything. It’s a wonder you
didn’t hear the row though, about 100 Machine Guns and the lord
knows how many rifles pouring the lead into him. Trouble about
firing at a ‘plane is that one can’t judge the distance and as there
is no such thing as hitting up the dust its impossible to know how
you’re firing.

Well, all the mail has arrived safely Nicky, also
the photos, give me photos in preference to anything else, parcels
or whatever you like to mention. The fact of seeing you all is
the next best thing to being home. An awful pity that Grandpa is
only half in, better luck next time.

What a terribly sad happening Moidear’s death was,
I can well imagine how worried and upset you and Gadmother were.
I’m afraid I xxx shall not be able to write to the Garrys, much as
I’d like to. Its impossible even to keep the mail up to you even.
This is the first chance of writing any of us have had for the past
three weeks. Times have been exceptionally trying, day and night
riding all the time, sometimes a few hours sleep other times none at x
all. That is over now though and I think not likely to be as
bad again. Haven’t written to the Burtons yet, and God only knows
when I can do so. I wish you’d thank her for me when next you meet
and explain the situation. Kathleen Muglistxon wrote me a jolly
nice letter about six weeks ago, and I’ve not answered that yet either

Have been back with the regiment about five weeks
now and am much more contented than when in Moascar. Had letters

from Florrie, Vern, Paul and Peter. Am s
eventuated alright, t’will do them both the world of good. Hope
they had a real good time. A long letter from Charles Holden a
few days ago, he is still having the best xxx of times evidently, and
continues to sing the praises of the F.O.M. Great surprise yesterday
morning, real long and newsy letter from Vin. The poor old
chap has had “trench feet” but says he is alright again now and having
the best time London can offer. Wish I had his luck.

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He's well deserving of it anyhow and the two month he’s had away
from France will do him all the world.

By the way, I haven’t written to that rotten
Manager yet. The old wretch has gotten me properly worried, have
started about umpteen letters but never finished one. Do not go
to the Stokes Gun school, but to the Machine Gun school instead,
however I am back with the regiment as an ordinary trooper and not
as a Machine Gunner, so all’s well.

Now as regards the money x I asked about. I am
not the least bit surprised nor disappointed that the amount is only
£20., in fact I expected it to be less, you told me some time ago
that Dad wanted some and I’m jolly glad to think that it was there
for him to take. If Dad is still short I wish you’d make him take
what is left. I don’t want it for a single thing on God‘s earth
and if Dad would only take it , it would give me more pleasure than
you could possibly imagine. I wonder did Peter take as much as
she wanted. I have m’doubts, I do wish she had taken a few more
pounds, she might have had a better time.

Now remember this. If Dad wants that money or
the house needs it or any of you want it for clothes or a holiday or
anything else, just take it, I not only don’t want it, but don’t
need it. Also if any of you mention anything about paying it
back I’ll be terribly angry, it will spoil the whole thing, and all
the pleasure will be taken out of it for me.

Whatever put the idea into your heads that I was
trying to get a commission in an English reg. such a thing has never
even occurred to me. The only unit I ever wanted a commission in is
the Aviation Corps, in any other unit I am satisfied to remain in the
ranks. You cannot fly a Machine unless you hold a commission,
otherwise I would’nt want one even in the Aviation Corps. However
at present I have no prospect of transferring to any other corps at
all. I’m simply here, a trooper in the 7th L.H. regt. as I was
twelve months ago and with prospects unaltered. Am both happy and
philosophical, at least as far as I know how to be.

Well, I must cut short here Nickie, the horses
are just off to water and I must hand this in too. Meant to write
to Vera but now I have no time, did not think I should write you such
a long letter.

Give my everyone my love and keep tons for yourself
(Signed) Ollie.
P.S. No time to read this over.