Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/277/1 - 1926-1939 - Part 3

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
RCDIG1066717
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

Kep opinions of Awoths HW. under ove heading. Toch's opinion of the Australians. From H.S.G. 8.4.33. Daving te peace conference, Harry fullett was with some of the ffecial of the linstration deligation when a French offecial – it may have been millet- came out to trem. He said. I know you will leke Somed to hear what happened jast now. raised nations the question what were the best troops in actual fighting in this war. One ated one nation o one another but when they askes Dock the Austrations. he said: Indubitably Jach also made referma to be tiustialians, I think, in a speech at same post was cernay connected with them at Aweens; I sancy there is also a foreword contributed him to some Custrahion bar book. 30 Princ Ruppresbts openera of Austiahin & Cans Scom see vol. It oficial Hist, Dallicourt, (and of dax $11 Hinderburg's, of dominion ys - see Aet of my Life. 567
42 Hays opinion of the Anstialeans 9.V.) C) Derdwoad in a letter to St. Peance, sives the opinion expressed by Hai to himself - atet in fooluote in VotEE, Aust. OffI. Hist. of War. i Bidwood later, in another letter to the poor min for Defence, quotes a measage Haig concerning his conpisince so they as the Ant. Ops bett the vyge of the we.
r prasth HW. Vo From H.S. Gullett During the Peace Conference in Paris Harry Gullett was told by Mair of the Foreign Office that following upon a committee meeting at the Quai d’orsay a conversation ran upon which Nationality had provided the greatest individual fighter in the war. After sometime there was an appeal to Foch who was present, and he said tersely, Indisputably the Australian. to or lon.
H.N. Oulud Opinions of Austhes. Recollectus of an avrman - by L Col. L. A. Strang D.S.O.M.C..D.F.C., Commander of 80th Way R.F.C. of nos 2s 4 Aust squs he says. Their recods show it they were I fwest material as an attachin force in 1air, just as their infauth divisions on pround were 1 baet to 1 was pooduced on either side. It became I practice for our Auothe Sgelus to lead the 80th wey's bowding raids. When a tateo in 1 year, over a hundred machines set out on one of then the spearpoint was always forwed of Australian aermen, led by an Aushalian" (p. 175 Squadion In individual fighting these austrolious had as equals in their best. days, & more than oace they raised record for nunters of eveny ancroft destroyed in one day by any one Squadron. Thes secret of their success was in my opinion, maily doe to their sease of Puts it down to our initiatioe country life. (p17S
April 1, 1937 REVEILLE te JCIIIIIIIIIIIIT
April 1, 1937 REVEILLE AUSTRALLA IN ERANCE +t Some Candid Recollections (By Major Sidney Rogerson, M.C., 2nd Bn., West Vorkshire Regt.) Majer Regerson, who was intelligence Officer of the 23rd Infantry Brisade in 1918, is the author of a notable war book entitled CTwelve Days—the slain, unvarnished account of one short teur in the Somme trenches during the winter of 1916. nLI LINGLISHMEN with no first hand knowledge of French troop train. The carriage reserved for officers was all faded finery and antimacassars, but without — Australia have to tread warily in writing of window panes. Feeling rather weak and miserable, I got Australians, lest all unconsciously they come a a corner seat and tried to make myself comfortable, but gutzer’—I hope that is the correct phrase! I am the train did not start. Instead, a howling and hur- going to throw myself at once in the way of your rooshing broke out at the rear which the officer command- readers and ask indulgence if, in my efforts to give ing, an old dug-out colonel, told us was caused by some Australians who were refusing to entrain. He got very my frank recollections of Australia in France, I angry, and went down threatening to put them under happen to offend. This caused a louder outburst, the offenders arrest. realising full well he had no means of arresting any of When the Great War broke out I was very, very them, and the fun continued until, unable to stand it English. My upbringing had been that of a village any longer, I asked if I could go down and see what was parsonage, and, although in 1914 I was actually a second The O.C. train had no option, and I found the year undergraduate at Cambridge University, I had met trouble had started over the Aussie contingent having no foreigners—other than one or two Americans—and been allotted the usual waggon—hommes 40, chevaux (en no one from the Dominions. If I had no knowledge long) 8—with a litter of straw in it. I say having neither had I any prejudices, and, being a good mongrel been advisedly, because they had forgotten this grouse English father, Irish mother—I had perhaps less of the to seize gleefully on a chance of defying authority. Still, reserve which makes the average Englishman a bad Look at this here truck, captain, they said, it aint mixer. Whatever it was, I invariably found myself more fit for cattle, to which I answered by inviting them to or less at home whoever I was with, whether Frenchmen, come and look at my luxurious compartment, and if they Americans, Canadians, Scotsmen, Irishmen—or Austra- Then they switched their wished to swap with me. lians. tune. Pointing to a man who was actually in the waggon curled up on the straw, the ringleader said: Well, see 1 put the Aussies last, simply because in order of time that chap. Pm a virgin. I couldn't get in with him. they were the last with whom I came in contact. This All right, I said, Tll tell you what Pll do. You get in, was on the Somme in 1916. We had to pass the area and if there’s any trouble 1l1 act as midwifel This of the I. Anzac Corps on our way back to the line in raised the necessary laugh, and they all tumbled in as October, and I was surprised at the strangeness of their meekly as lambs. kit, their shirt-blouses, slouch-hats and knee-breeches, which looked so unserviceable and out of place in that After that, with an Australian officer in our mess at Slough of Despond. My first impression was of lanky, Divisional H. Qrs. in 1917, and being relieved by the 3rd bedraggled men almost entirely covered in mud, and Australian Division—the lost 3rd—at Ploegsteert the riding horses which neither quite walked nor quite same autumn, I came to know the Diggers’ better, to trotted, and whose manes and tails were not clipped. learn their, to us, curious indifferences, and their equally Apropos of that, my second memory is of riding a cobby 1 learnt to recognise sweets as curious sensitiveness. little pony past an Australian working party when my lollies, to know what bonza meant, and what a ding never-very-expert horsemanship evoked lusty cat-calls, bat was. 1 also found that it was much easier for very hurtful to my dignity as an assistant-adjutant to an England and Australia to get on together than it was for Talking of horses, the Boche English regular battalion! Canada and Australia to understand each other, though shelled our transport lines a few nights later near Trones offer no explanation of this mystery. Wood. Next morning two chargers were missing. Aussies, explained Tiger’ Smith, our Cockney trans- During the winter of 17 I came Another memory. port corporal, but Il1 get them back to-night." He was back off leave to Boulogne. I was an old soldier by not quite accurate, but he did get back two others, whose then, and had learnt never to travel by troop train when there was a car or a lorry to be hopped. The only car long manes and tails were docked before daylight! This on the quay-side going near Ypres was an open Anzac reprisal against such expert horse-copers was considered I begged them by us a triumph indeed! staff-car, in charge of two sergeants. politely for a lift, and was told curtly I could get into Coming home from leave that winter, I fell sick of the the back if I liked. I had only a raincoat, and there was fu at Havre, and, still not fully recovered, was sent off snow on the ground, and that ride remains a most pain- to rejoin my unit on a reinforcement train, which was I was almost frozen, and lay crouching ful recollection. due to leave at midnight. It was a bitter cold night. on the foor of the car. Once or twice my escort leant with snow lying about, and the train was the usual over to ask not very solicitously if I were all right, and,
April 1, 1937 REVEILLE with the conviction that I was being tried out, I answered reinforced by 18-year-old boys sent post haste from Eng- with what cheerfulness I could muster that I was fine, land. Before we had had time to assimilate these reinforce- but a bit cold. When we drew up at their mess near ments we were popped in to relieve one of the Australian Poperinghe I could hardly stand, but one sergeant said, divisions, 1 forget which, in front of Villers-Bretonneux. I suppose an Imperial officer wouldn't deign to come into From the moment we took over, enemy shelling increased in volume with a high percentage of gas-shell, reaching an Australian sergeants’ mess, otherwise we'd ask you a crescendo two days later when the Germans, with the inr You ask me and see,? I exclaimed, and in we assistance of tanks, attacked and drove us out of the went, where over hot milk and rum and bacon and fried village. General Grogan has told the story of the way bread the ice thawed literally and metaphorically, and in which General Glasgow and his merry men attacked in the darkness and re-took Villers-Bretonneux by night- we parted the best of friends. Only very seldom in my surely one of the most amazing and dashing exploits of life have I enjoyed food more. the World War, and a fitting curtain-raiser to Mont St. All these memories, however, are prelude to 1918, Quentin. doubt whether, and I am not throwing bouquets just because I am writing for an Australian when, for the first time, we found ourselves in action next journal (besides which I have something to say on the to the Aussies. This was in front of Amiens, in the other sidel), there were, or are any other troops in the series of engagements during April which have received world who could have done what Glasgow's brigade did the name of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, and which Every Englishman who witnessed the that night. have already been described by my old brigadier, General achievement was impressed even more by the individual Grogan. My division, the 8th, had been terribly mauled initiative and coolness displayed than by the gallantry between the 22nd and 30th of March on the Somme. It to quote Grogan, bravery is the commonest military had practically ceased to exist—my own regiment was reduced to 1 officer and 90 other ranks—but had been (Continued on Page 58) The NEW DUNGOWAN is Ideal For ExService Men's Functions Martin Place Location Pleasant Surroundings Moderate Charges For your nexr DINNER, SMOKE-CONCERT or SOCLAL EVENING- write or ring the NEW DUNGOWAN, 34 MARTIN PLACE, CITY. PHONE: B 1OOl.
April 1, 1937 REVEILLE The Undying Anzac Digger Who Spirit Proved his Worth +t Jack O’'Connell of the The gallant seaman of the pilot 2nd Bn. A.L.F. steamer (Captain Cook, who, a few (By Capt. Ken Millar, M.C.) Sunday mornings ago, dived fully H. C. R. Davies clothed into the raging seas between giving, his auto- graph North Head and Blue Fish Point, -HE backbone of the A.L.F. were the platoon com- and swam with a line to a wrecked launch, is none other manders—officers, who, in most cases, started as than Digger H. C. R. Davies of the old 3rd Battalion. privates and earned their stripes one by one; learn- Leaving for Esynt early in 1915 with the 3rd reintercements for the 3rd Bn., he joined it at Mena camp, and on April 25—another ing the, job from the ground up. These fellows fought memorable Sunday merning—took part in the Landing at Anzac. He engagement after engagement; collected pieces of spare was badly wounded in the forehead on May S. and, after a period metal; had odd sicknesses, but always licked their wounds in the Kasr-el-Ainl hespital in Esyst, where his head had to be tre- and came up again for more. Men like them could control panned, he was invalided home and eventually discharged their units. They knew the conditions in and out of the The courage displayed by Davies last menth is of the kind that in line, and could inculcate a pride of platoon. war-time would have earned a man the Victeria Cross. But no doubt Above he will receive the peace-time equivalent, which he richly deserves. all, they commanded the respect of their men and the for, in the words of the Harbourmaster (Capt. Hill) : The action of confidence of their seniors, and so our splendid battalions Davies was wonderful. The seas were the worst I have known in 25 of fighting men were built up and sustained year after years. Davies .... not only risked sharks, but was close to the year. bembera. One of the stoutest of them, and possibly our bat- talion’s best, was Jack O’'Connell. He was the answer being recommended for a D.C.M. or receiving a commis- to a company commander’s prayer—game as a pebble, sion. Some of our officers in those days ranked a com- tactful, and full of the good old blarney that our fellows mission in the field higher than a D.C.M. It was a most loved. He was born at Bathurst in 1894—a vintage year unfair ruling. Too many of our N.C.O.s were com- for the A.L.F.—of good Irish stock. In fact, the Kings missioned, and received no decoration whatever for their of Ireland were his ancestors. Enlisting in 1914, after years of N.C.O. rank. In my opinion, there is nothing having undergone an operation for hernia, he joined the more pleasing to the eye than a double decoration—one battalion at Anzac in May, 1915. for each rank. In the Lone Pine shambles he collected the first of his After Mouquet Farm the battalion journeyed to Ypres, five wounds. On rejoining, a lance jacks stripe was where Jack witnessed our great loss, when Rowlands, handed him. For the Evacuation, a bloodless affair, he Bob Murray, Gordon Chant, Johnnie Dabbs and Calloway was selected by that prince of company commanders, were killed—all good officers—killed in a peace-time line Major Rowlands, to be one of the last three of Dr Coy. after surviving Pozieres. to leave. Tom Bailey and Rowlands were the others. Jack saw out that dreadful winter of 1916-17, and then This selection in a company like Dr stamped O’'Connell followed the Germans to the Hindenburg line; command- as a troop among troops. ing Ar Company in the Second Battle of Bullecourt After the reorganisation at Tel-el-Kebir, he became when the Ist Brigade rushed in behind the 23rd a sergeant, and commanded No. 13 platoon at Pozieres. Battalion, which had valiantly obtained a footing and The night before that battle he and Tiny’ Host carried held on. in this grim bomb-fight, Jack excelled him- out a daring patrol, which gave Dr Company a closer self, and was accorded a splendid write-up by Dr. Bean and better jumping-off ground for the attack. in the Official History. All the battalion gave him, how- One of the highlights of his career was at Pozieres. ever, was a mention in despatches. Truly, decorations After rushing O.G.I., his platoon encountered belligerent were hard to get in the lst Brigade. Wounded, O’Connell Germans, who showed fight. Jack found himself locked in was evacuated from Bullecourt, but was back in time for the arms of a burly Fritz. They fought with bare hands, the Polygon Wood and Passchendaele shows. and fell to the bottom of the trench, chest to chest. His M.C. was gazetted in March, 1918, and his yeoman It was an all-in fight; one to die. As the principals service to the battalion in France ceased on his transfer writhed in deadly embrace, Lance-Jack Curfew stood over to the cadre in England. Returning to Australia in them with bayonet poised, waiting his chance to harpoon March, 1919, he has weathered the trials of civilian life, the Fritz. Jack states that Curfew’s bayonet worried him being happily married, and the good father of two boys. more than the Fritz. His cheery smile and ready wit prevail at Hunter’s boot O’'Connell was commissioned as soon as he came out store, Pitt Street, where he is manager. Ill guarantee of Pozieres. He was given that disgraceful option of Jack never lets a customer out without a sale. ARRANCE FOR VOUR NEXT REUNONAT.. Dissers! Attention, MiSS BISHOPS, Crystal Palace, 590 George St. Copposite Trocadero) MISS BISHOP HOLDS RECORD FOR REUNIONS. Assembly Rooms to suit any number, every modern convenience. Penatrope and Diggers' records evailoble; handy to all trains and troms. RING MSSSl, and our catering specialists will advise you free of charge, and quote you most reasonobly. MisS BISHOP CATERER M 6351
April 1, 1937 REVEILLE City of Sydney King's Honor for R.A.N. Officer The City of Sydney sub-branch entertained detachments from the visiting American destroyers—Preston and Smith. The Vanks had it on us in the singing, but we beat them to it in the short stories. The visitors were profuse in their thanks. Lieut. Worth, executive officer Commander R. Griffiths Bowen, R.A.N., has been advised from of the Smith, said that in his 19 years service he had visited many Lendon that the King has centerred upon him the Venerable places, but this was the first time that he had been honored with an Order of St. John for his executive work on the West Australlan invitation to a function organised by a war veterans’ association. Council for many years. Commander Griffiths Bowen retired from At our general meeting on March 20 discussion took place on the the position of District Naval Officer for West Australla in 1935. three P.&—pensions, preference and poverty. A motion was carried unanimously committing the City of Sydney sub-branch to convene On his return to Australia from an extended visit to Europe, he a meeting at its club rooms 62 Druit St., city, on May 5, to discuss transferred to the N.S.W. St. John's Assoclation and the the advisability of forming a council of delegates from all sub-branches R.S.S.L.L.A. at Rose Bay. Commander Bowen has been a member of the R.S.S.L.L.A. in the Mctropolitan ares.—Ken Buckmaster, pub- of the League since its inception, and in 1916 was the first Hicity officer. elected President for the Victerian Branch. AUSTRALIAN POSTAL CORPS COMSINED CYCLISTS Meeting to form a reunion association of ex-members of this corps, Next meeting, 21 Union St., Newtown, Sydney, April 10, 8 p.m. First foor, Emplre House, 238 Castlereagh St., city. April 13, 8 p.m. All war veteran cyclists who served in any force of British Emplre —D. R. Gibbons, hon. sec., 322 George's River Rd., Croydon Park, or allied armies invited. N.S.W. A.L.F. ARTILLERY REUNIONS 1st division—New Dungowan, 34 Martin Face, April 29, 8 p.m.: 2nd division—Sargents, Market Street, April 29, 8 p.m.; 3rd division. A JOINT SERVICE —Miss Bishops', 590 George Street, May 1, 6.30 p.m.; 4th division— Miss Bishops', Bathurst Street, May 1, 8 p.m.; 5th division—Nock & Somewhere in France the treeps were called up for church Kirby's Building, 188/194 George Street, April 29, 7 p.m.—W. S. Car- parade. The O.C. gave the command Reman Cathelies two wardine, publicity gunner, Box 3264, C.P.O., Sydney. paces to the frent; nen-Cenfermists two paces to the rear, etc. A commotion arose at the end of the line and the orderly ser- geant was sent to inquire the cause. He accosted the nelsy lad ALBURY with, Well Disser, whats the trouble fr The Disser realled, The N.S.W. Congress of the R.S.S.L.L.A., in commending the Albury Sergeant, we've fought together; we've ted together; weve sub-branch for marking with headstones and maintaining the graves starved together; why the Hell can't we pray together 7r The of war veterans buried in the local cemetery, expressed the hope that orderly reported to the O.C. who centerred with the three waiting other sub-branches would emulate the action of Albury. Already 12 padres and the result was a united service.—Phillip Cook, 25 sub-branches have communicated with Albury seeking information as to McLaren Street, North Sydney. the manner in which it has carried out this noble work. in all. 61 soldiers’ graves have been cared for under the local sub-branch scheme. Hote Grand Central L1A. T CLARENCE STREET, SYDNEY Postal Address: BOK TIOFF, G.P.O., STDNEY. FACING G.F.O. Radio, Telegraphic and Cable Address: GRANCENTRAL. TELEPHONES: BW 153I (Several Lines) - CAL ANNOUNCEMEN7 Dining Room will be open for breakfast from 6 a.m. on ANEAC DAV, April 25th HE POPULAR -ROOM-ONLY TARIFF is specially designed to meet modern requirements of business and pleasure. It enables patrons to enjoy every advantage of hotel life, at the same time keeping hotel expenses down to a minimum. Services Include: THEATRE BOOKING AND INFORMATION BUREAU. TRAVEL AND SIGHTSEEING TOURS ARRANGED. UP-TO-DATE BAREERS SHOP. CLEANING AND PRESSING SERVICE. Garage Accommodation Nearby At Usual Rates. Spacious Dining Room—All Meals a la Carte Single RoomsA/C to 8/6 per Night Two-Bedded Rooms9/- to 17/6 per Night Double Rooms9/- to 18/6 per Night Family Rooms4/- to 18/6 per Night FRASER WEBSTER, Manager.
April 1, 1937 58 REVEILLE Australia in France (From Page 11) DESERT MARCH virtue? I listened to reports coming over the field tele- TORTURE phone of the progress of the attack. These were not only wholly ample and lucid but were sent by an N.C.O. 44 where we should have employed a trained intelligence TeleelKebir to officer. After that experience and the subsequent fight- ing, I was convinced that the Australian infantryman Moascar D was the finest attacking soldier in the world, especially (By A. R. Strang) where the objective was fixed or limited. On the other Every Digger who took part in the Moascar march hand, I was not so impressed by his qualities for pro- in Egypt in March, 1916, must have a recurring image tracted defensive warfare. It subjected the of its tortures engraved on his mind. Here I must degress for a moment. Bravery may be a troops to unnecessary yet terrible privations. common military virtue, but my youthful mind registered After the (formation at Tel-el-Kebir of the 5th Aus- several entirely different manifestations of bravery. The tralian Division, the nucleus of which was Gallipoli infantryman in the front line grew accustomed to certain veterans, a divisional order was issued which required the recognised dangers which became everyday risks, much division to move from Tel-el-Kebir to Moascar. as crossing the streets of London are now to old ladies The orders prescribed for the brigades of the division and other aged folk. But the line soldier had no pre- to move as follows: The Sth Brigade, by rail; the 15th rogative of courage. The fying man who crept out of Brigade, by march along the hard sand of the Sweet a comfortable, warm bed to go on his dawn patrol in the Water Canal; and the men of the 14th Brigade, also full realisation that it was oues against his coming back by march, and in full marching order (to the extent of Equally the had to have bravery of a different kind. COlbs.) through the shifting sands of the desert to driver who, for example, drove ammunition lorries up the Menin road, knowing well that every night one out Moascar. The 14th Brigade set out on its journey at 6.30 a.m. of five was hit and yet had to creep in bottom gear along on March 27, and thus commenced an experience which a track crowded with marching men and ration parties, tried the mental and physical endurance of the troops to had a courage all his own, and no less than his brother breaking point. in the trenches or in the air. The first day's march was across moderately hard sand Similarly, there must be, I think, different values for to Mchsamah, and when that point was reached, after a different types of valour and discipline. To illustrate hard trek under a blazing sun, only 250 had dropped out. my point, I find it difficult to believe that the Guards They completed the journey by rail. could have accomplished what the Aussies did at Villers- For the remainder of the brigade the second day was Bretonneux. I am morally certain that they could not. a terrible nightmare. This day's march was commenced Still, I am sure that in certain circumstances the Aussies at 7 a.m., and the men foundered over patchy sand until could not hold a candle to the hard, ingrained discipline midday, when, close to a spring, a meal of bully beef and Individuality may sometimes of the Brigade of Guards. be a cuphemism for indiscipline, and there are occasions army biscuits was partaken of. As many of the Diggers had drained their water bottles when the fruits of rigorous discipline are more precious English history is full of them. under the desert heat, they were astounded to find an than individual elan. armed guard on duty at the spring. No refills of water So it was before Villers-Bretonneux. The Aussies we bottles would be allowed, was the decree. This was a relieved had had hundreds of casualties from gas, chieffy test of the endurance that the marchers were expected to caused by parties foraging without masks in the cellars wither the gas had drifted, but though the gas increased give proof. On resuming the march, the brigade struck out into the vastly in intensity during the two days before the attack, soft sand, and then troubles commenced in earnest. Men our divisional losses were only, I believe, about a dozen, sank to their knees, and horses ridden by senior officers because our men naturally adhered to the strict gas dis- went down to their hocks. The brigade band could not cipline they had been taught. Also, they had fewer ideas of adventuring after booty or booze, which may perform any longer. It was tragic to see the string of casualties in the wake of the brigade. Even the mules be put down either to their possessing less initative or were beaten; they could not drag the medical carts better discipline, whichever you please. (Incidentally had a talk with one party of Aussies who had apparently through. ransacked a milliner's shop or a women's dress factory Few men had water, and there was no help for the stricken. Figures would rise and stagger and then fall. because they were going up the line fantastically arrayed The relentless sun’s rays beat down upon the helpless, in odds and ends of female clothing and underclothing, and the hot sands of the desert added to the pitiless tor- truly an amazing and cheering fancy-dress party, the only drawback to which was that gas-masks were as often as ture. Men were too weak to assist each other. It was All of Some just had sufficient not tucked away under camisoles or chemises! the survival of the fittest. which is to say that, whereas English discipline could not strength to shove a fixed bayonet into the sand, utilising the waterproof sheet on the point of riffe to afford pro- have achieved what Australian individuality did in that night attack, there were and will always be occasions tection against the merciless sun's rays. when the automatic results of discipline are worth more Throats gasped for the want of water. The only water now was from the Alkali Lakes which was a poisonous than the initiative of individuality. I believe it to be true, for example, that the Germans menace. Yet many succumbed to the temptation. have officially confessed that they feared the French more The ever-remembered ridge was the downfall, of many, Those who succeeded in getting over did so on their hands in attack than the British, but would far less readily and knees.& in their sufferings it was some small measure attack the British. Probably the perfect fighting man would need to be a composite personality, combining the of relief when darkness enveloped the victims of the will leave the desert, resulting in the burning hot sands losing some of best characteristics of several races. thought with you, to work out with reference to the re- their viciousness; and also allowing the remnants of a spective virtues of Australians, Englishmen, Scots, and brigade to stagger into Moascar to broadcast the, plight Irishmen, Germans, Frenchmen, Belgians, Bulgars—or of their comrades in the desert. Portuguese! Good old Pork and Beans Immediately the New Zealanders and Camel Corps went Let me end on a different note, yet one which epitomises They found men frantic, and bor- out to succour them. for me the Aussies’ part in the Great War. It was near dering on insanity. Some were unconscious; others unable Cottenchy, in front of Amiens, in April, 1918, on the same (Continued on Page 61, Col. 2)

H.N.

(Keep Opinions of AIstlns

under one heading.)

Foch's opinion of the Australians.

From S.S.G. 6. 4. 33.
During the peace conference, Harry Gullett was with
some of the officials of the Australian delegation when
a French official - xxxx it may have been Millet -
came out to them. He said, "I know you will like
to hear what happened just now.  There wa  Someone raised
the question what ^nations were the best fighter troops
in actual fighting in this war.  One cited one
nation ^ one another, but when they asked Foch
he said: 'Indubitably, the Australians.' "
Foch also made reference to the
Australians, I think, in a speech at some
post War Ceremony connected with them at Amiens;
I fancy there is also a foreword contributed by
him to some Australian war book.

Prince Rupprechts Group - [[ ?opinira]]  of Australians & Canad.

See vol. IV official Hist., ^ Second Bullecourt, (end of Chap XIII).

Hindenburg's, of dominion Tps - see "Out of my Life."
 

 

H.N.

Haig's opinion of the Australians

(1) Birdwood in a letter to G.F. Pearce ^(q.v.) gives
the opinion expressed by Haig to himself - cited
in footnote in Vol IV, Aust. Offl. Hist. of War.
(2) Birdwood later, in another letter to the

Mins for Defence, quotes a message from 
Haig concerning his confidence so long as

the Aust. Corps held the right of the line.
 

 

H. N. (Bring forward for 

Vol VI)
From H. S. Gullett.
During the Peace Conference in Paris Harry Gullett
was told by Mair of the Foreign Office  that following upon
a committee meeting at the Quai d'Orsay a conversation ran
upon which Nationality had provided the greatest individual
fighter in the war.
After sometime there was an appeal to Foch who was 
present and he said tersely. "Indisputably the Australian."

[*More or less!*]

 

 

H.N.

Outside Opinions of Austlns.

"Reflections of an airman" - by Lt. Col. L.A. Strange
D.S.O., M.C., D.F.C., Commander of 80th wing R.F.C.
Of nos 2 & 4 Aust Squs A.F.C. he says " Their records
show tt they were / finest material as an

attacking force in / air, just as their  infantry
divisions on / ground were / best tt / war
produced on either side. It became /
practice for our anothr Sqdns to lead the 80th wing's
bombing raids.  When x later in / year, over
a hundred machines set out on one of them,
the spearpoint was always formed of
Australian airmen, led by an Australian."
(p. 175)
" In individual ^squadron fighting these 
Australians had no equals in their best
days, & more than once they raised /
record for numbers of enemy aircraft
destroyed in one day by any one squadron.
Their secret of their success was, in my
opinion, mainly due to their sense of
initiative . . . . " Puts it down to our
country life.

(p 175)
 

 

April 1, 1937 REVEILLE  9

graphic - see original

C.C.WAKEFIELD & CO.LTD. [THE ALL BRITISH FIRM]
 

 

10 REVEILLE   April 1, 1937
AUSTRALIA IN FRANCE

Some Candid recollections

(By Major Sidney Rogerson, M.C., 2nd Bn., West Yorkshire

Regt.)

Major Rogerson, who was Intelligence Officer of the 23rd Brigade in 1918, is the
author of

a notable war book entitled "Twelve Days" - the plain, unvarnished account of one short tour in the
Somme trenches during the winter of 1916.
  article - see original
 

 

April 1, 1937 REVEILLE  11

article and advertisement - see original

(Continued on Page 58)
 

 

12  REVEILLE April 1, 1937

Digger Who

Proved his Worth

Jack O'Connell of the

2nd Bn. A.I.F.

(By Capt. Ken Millar, M.C.)

[* The Undying Anzac Spirit

H.C.R. Davies

giving his autograph

 

The gallant seaman of the pilot
steamer "Captain Cook," who, a few
Sunday mornings ago, dived fully 
clothed into the raging seas between

North Head and Blue Fish Point,
and swam with a line to a wrecked launch is none other
than Digger H. C. R. Davies of the old 3rd Battalion.

Leaving for Egypt early in 1915 with the 3rd reinforcements for
the 3rd Bn., he joined it at Mena camp, and on April 25 - another
memorable Sunday morning - took part in the Landing of Anzac. He
was badly wounded in the forehead on May 5, and, after a period

in the Kasr-el-Aini hospital in Egypt, where his head had to be
trepanned, he was invalided home and eventually discharged,

The courage displayed by Davies last month is of the same kind that in
war-time would have earned a man the Victoria Cross. But no doubt
he will receive the peace-time equivalent, which he richly deserves,
for, in the words of the Harbourmaster ( Capt. Hill) : " The action of
Davies was wonderful. The seas were the worst I have known in 25
year.  Davies . . . . not only risked sharks, but was close to the 
bombora." *]

 

article - see original
advertisement - see original

 

April, 1, 1937   REVEILLE  57

City of Sydney

King's Honour for R.A.N. Officer

AUSTRALIAN POSTAL CORPS

A JOINT SERVICE

COMBINED CYCLISTS

A.I.F.  ARTILLERY REUNIONS

ALBURY

articles and advertisement- see original
 

 

58   REVEILLE April 1, 1937

DESERT MARCH

TORTURE

Tel-el-Kebir to

Moascar 

(By A.R. Strang)

article - see original

(Continued on Page 61, Col.2)

AUSTRALIA in France (From Page 11)

article - see original
 

 

 

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Sam scottSam scott
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