1

Frank Maidment Tregilgas

Regtl. No. 195, 32 Battalion AIF (“A” Company), 8th Brigade, 5th Division

Diary 1916

Part 1 & 2 1 January – 1 August

1916

2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Author

- Pte Frank Maidment Tregilgas

- Killed in action 1 Aug 1916 Fromelles France

- Buried: Ref.D.O.47/4792. Buried near Abbaye des Chartreux La Boutillerie (1.75 miles N of Fromelles, 3.75 Miles SSW of Armentieres.

Digital Photography:

- Peter Frank Tregilgas

- Diary Photographed 11 Mar 2015 - Other photography & graphics acknowledged as required - A full download of the Diary Images is available (www.tregilgas.com)

Diary caretaker:

- Lynn Francis Tregilgas-Adamson

- From the estate:

o Frank Lindsay Tregilgas

Reference Material

- National Australian Archives (http://www.naa.gov.au)

© Peter Tregilgas 2016 – All rights reserved

This document may be used for study & research purposes but may not be reproduced in part or full without permission: www.tregilgas.com

Transcription notes: The Diary has been transcribed within the spirit of the document. This includes, abbreviations where applicable and retention of grammar and spelling as presented noting that many of these have now since changed in contemporary vernacular. Place names have been checked where possible. Some remained illegible and the text has been digitised – allowing the reader to interpret. The transcription will remain a work in-progress and feedback will be welcomed through the blog and other related social media sites (www.tregilgas.com) A full download of the Diary Images is available (www.tregilgas.com)

3

Extract from writing this of Claire and Muriel Elsie Tregilgas on the life of Rev Eric Tregilgas

A newspaper cutting tells of Eric's brother Frank Maidment Tregilgas who was killed in action in France on 1 August 2016. On the body of Pte FM Tregilgas was found a farewell message to his mother. “Tomorrow” he wrote “We are going to advance. No doubt a lot of us will have to sacrifice our lives for our country. I am not at all afraid to meet my saviour. I am fully prepared. It will be hard for you but never mind some day we should meet in Heaven above”. In his last letter to his eldest brother he said “War is no picnic, after what I went through the other night the best I could call it is Hell. I was not actually in the charge but I was running dispatchers through the kinds of bullet, shell and bomb imaginable. Every minute I was expecting to go “sky scraping”. His mate Private Percy Vawser gives an account his death. Before going into the trench we read our chapter and had a quiet talk. It was the evening of August 1. Frank was on the last relief which was from 1:30 am - 3:15 am. At 3:15 am called me and he said all was right. The Hun at the same time sent up a flare which Frank took to be ours and on looking over was hit in the head. He did not speak again. The stretcher bearer bound his wound and hurried him to the doctor but on their return said he passed away quietly before reaching there. I may add that he said a fine example of Christian living from the start to the finish of his military life. In expressing sympathy Mr F Wood wrote; we all feel the loss of so brave and gallant soldier. Frank's death was quite painless and almost instantaneous as he did not move or speak after being struck by the enemy’s snipers bullet, which made a small scalp and a vital spot. Pte V. Goldney and Pte R. Burose wrote to the same effect.

4

Calendar Notes:

January 1916

W 12: J.S. Tregilgas Birthday

April 1916

F 21: Geoff Threadgold’s Birthday (Good Friday)

June 1916

Tu 6: E.S. Tregilgas Birthday

Tu 20: F.M. Tregilgas Birthday

October 1916

M 2: Eric Birthday

November 1916

W 22: Willie Tregilgas Birthday

5

Saturday 1st January New Year's Day. We were at El’Ferdan about 20 miles towards Port Said from Ishmailia. Last night I was on canal picquet. The duty of the Picquet is to parade up and down the canal, to allow no enemy to place mines in it. We had two hours on and two hours off so we did not get much sleep. I was on No 7 post. The beat was about to me at 2 miles long. Two standing sentry groups were between No 7 guard room and No 6 guard room. Our guard room was a sand bag trench enclosed with barb wire entanglements. I was on beat from 10.00pm to 12.00pm (31st Jan) so I saw the Old year out and the New in. It was very cold after we were dismissed from picquet we were off all day so I wrote to mother and Marjorie. Sunday 2nd January I rose at 5:00am at 6:00am. I was put in charge of three men and send out in the bastions to form the Bastion guard our breakfast was not sent out to us until 7:30am as the Sergeant Major said it would so at 8:30am I signalled to the signallers who were in the trench near headquarters. A little while after it was brought out to us. Stew for dinner, just after dinner a lot of camels came in at full trot, we suspected something was wrong. A while afterwards a platoon of men with some officers went out. An Aeroplane had come down. We had a sing-song out of our “Brown Books”. At dusk we were shifted to the engine guard about 60 men (Turks) were supposed to of been sighted by Indians. Monday 3rd January Arose at 6:15am about 60 Indians were sent out to try and capture the Turks been seen advancing on the canal. The Indians return late that evening but had seen but seen no enemy. In the morning about 300 English engineers arrived to construct a small railway out into the desert. I was on “Outpost” it was very cold and we had a little drop of rain early next morning before daylight. Pte Whithers had an accident during the night he was on bastion guard and while picking up another man's rifle it went off and the bullet went through his left hand and his left knee. I went and saw him when I got back to the camp. Tuesday 4th January Had a very easy day. I did next to nothing all day. Had a little shower of rain in the morning. I got a little bit wet my clothes soon dried again. As we did not get too much sleep here I decided to have a good rest for this mate for this night so I got between the blankets at 6:30pm Wednesday 5th January I had a lovely sleep and at 5am was roused out to “Stand at Arms”. We stood there in the cold until the sun rose, and we can all see everything. We were already with equipment on for in case an attack was made. Was a terrible dusty day. I paraded before the doctor in the morning my knee had some pains and I could not walk far without limping. I was put on light duty so I did very little all day. I received a parcel from Rene. Heard that the “Geelong” had been sunk. Half B and D boys arrived from Ridge Post where they have been since we arrived at El’Ferdan. No.6 Co had our photos taken today. Bed at 9:15. Chaps had phonograph going. Thursday 6th January Last night was the best night sleep I have had since we arrived in Egypt. I arose 7:30am was very cold for a while. I went on sick parade with a touch of rheumatics in the knee. The doctor only gave me a pill, that's all he has I think. It was a very hot, dusty day. I finished the paper that I had been writing for the Willunga Sunday school children. Today a camel broke its leg, the Sudanese Camel Drivers seen it and cut it up into small chunks and divided up between them and eat it. In the evening Jack Hender came over to our hut and we had a nice long talk and went to bed early.

6

Friday 7th January Arose at 6:30am after a good night sleep. After breakfast we all went out a little into the desert and had a shooting test at 200 yards 400 yards. I passed the test alright. It was a very hot and dusty day, sand was blowing everywhere. Our allowance of bread here is a half a loaf a day per man. It is not quite enough, so we all went on strike. We all lined up outside and the Officer of the day came out to see what was that matter, so we all got a little more each. I was on guard at night. A camel ambulance brought Hartley Ellis in from "C" company who are about 10 miles out in the desert. Bought a table centre for three shillings to send home. Saturday 8th January I arose at 6:00am it has been a sultry day with a light drizzly rain. General Watson visited to camp and expressed his good wishes to us for the New Year. A Sudanese camel driver was caught stealing things out of Australians kit bags, he was immediately arrested. Another camel died. A big battleship passed up the canal, we all stood at attention while it passed us. Skirmishing in the afternoon. I found some old shrapnel, bullets and cartridges cartridge cases which was used by the Turks last year when trying to cross the canal. The house over the other side of the canal riddled with bullets. Had song service and went to bed. Sunday 9th January Stand at arms at 5am. On “water fatigue” from 6:15am until 7:30am. Church parade at 11 o'clock off all day Ted Shinmin came down from Serapeum to see Doug. He was in the 8th field ambulance. Went to song service and an address by Mr Jeux in evening Monday 10th January Arose at 6:45am. Did some washing in the salt water of the Canal. What's home. The mob played football with the stale loaf of bread and as two or three of us were very hungry we kept it and eat. Tuesday 11th January 16. At 5 o'clock we'll all hunted up for "stand to arms" until 6:15am. Section drill all the morning. It's a very hot day. A spy was caught by the "c" company 22nd Battalion and brought in by Indians. Pte Choat accidentally shot himself through the leg with a revolver. The biscuits we had for tea were as hard as wood Wednesday 12 January We went out in the desert about 4 miles imagining we were under fire of artillery and then rifle and finished up with a bayonet change. It has been a fine day. At the evening a kerosene tins of Christmas gifts were distributed between each section they were sent by the WA people. I got one and a 1½tins of lollies, 1 writing pad and a few almonds and raisins. Soap and blotters etc was kept for the mess Thursday 13 January Arose at 5am in the morning. We were sent out to help construct the railway line. Was a nice cool day “C” section of the AMC arrived. I was on bastion guard at night Friday 14 January Arose at 5am is very cold first thing. Warmed up later on in the day when it was very dusty. Christmas puddings were issued 1½ a pound a man. I had a real good sleep during the day

7

Saturday 15 January Arose at 5am. Heard about the death of Hartley Ellis. He had a fine funeral and was buried at Ismailia. They collected for a tombstone for his grave. I received a letter from Frank Whittington. Had an easy day. I was on Picquet at night. Mail arrived dinner time. I got 13 letters from home Gil, Bessie, Emily, D Hitchcon, Elsie S, Irene, Ima, Miss Fossel, six papers. All the chaps barracked to me for getting so many. I got the most of the company. Sunday 16 January I arose at 6 o'clock and it was very cold first thing but it soon warmed up. Had a very easy day reading letters papers. I attended a communion service at 7.00pm, sing song at 8.00pm and I went to bed at 9pm Monday 17 January Arose at 5am and went out 2½ miles on the train and then marched 1 mile and form a covering party for the engineers who were building the line. Came in came in at 4pm and we were put on Picquet outside the Tommies camp. During the night we had a little drop of rain Tuesday 18th January Arose at 5:50am is very cold. Received a parcel from Marjorie it held 3 handkerchiefs. 1 blotter paste, 2 scented soap and 2 packets of cigarettes. Company drill in the afternoon applied for leave to go to Cairo Wednesday 19th January I got it's got up at 6am. Company drill all day. We had No. 7 sections photo taken. Preparing to shift

Underlined - June 28 1916 (Insert – out of sequence) As we travelled from Marseilles to Armentieres Morbecque saw this inscription cemented in very large letters on the side of the big hill about a mile away “GLORIE OF JESUS CHRISTE”. All along the line we constantly passed large crucifixes near the line. In (Morbecque?) there are almost 12 large crucifixes on street corners near churches etc. Nearly every grave as one on it as well. Saw the French bless themselves as they passed.

Thursday 20th January Arose at 5am. Cleaning up kits, blankets and loaded them on a barge. Breakfast at 6:30am. Fell in at 9 o'clock with packs on. Left El’Ferdan at 10:30am in a small steamer. Arrived at Ishmailia and marched about 1 mile to our camp where the 4th Bgde is. I saw Tom Rowling he said that Cliff Nichol was sent to hospital with a touch of fluid on the knee. We had no dinner and only a little bread and cheese for tea. We went to Ishmailia in the evening. Friday 21st January Arose at 6:30am. On fatigue in the morning. Went into Ishmailia in the afternoon. Bought 2 two scarves and 2 handkerchiefs (silk). Registered them and posted them in the town. 1 scarf to Rene, 1 scarf to Marjorie and handkerchief each to the Eric and Will.

8

Saturday 22nd January I was up before the major who remanded me to the Colonel for missing parade yesterday. I got three days’ pay and five days ”O.B.”. There are about 50 of us errand for the same thing. We had to report every ½ hour. We all kicked up a row when reporting, so the Colonel made us all go on a route march at 8:30pm. It was a real joke about 40 us with there. Rese and Jack were in it. Sunday 23 January Arose at 6:15am. Beautiful day. I did very little all day. Church parade in the morning. Wrote home and to Marjorie saw Tom Rowling he said Cliff was in Ishmailia Hospital. Bible class at 6:30pm, sing-song 7:30pm Monday 24 January Arose at 6am. Section drill this morning. It started to rain just as we finished dinner. First rain for a long time. Came over ill in the evening ate no tea. Went to the doctor told me to go straight to bed. Wet and windy night. Tuesday 25 January I went on sick parade. I had influenza exempt from duty all day. The tent blew over as I was in bed at 10am. Wet cold day. Battalion went on a route march from 4pm to 2am. I did not go as I went to bed at 7pm Wednesday 26 January I woke at 2am with cold shivers. Went to Doctor at daylight. Temperature 102°. Sent to first Australian Stationery Hospital in a stretcher. Had influenza. Band played in afternoon. Little rain during the night. Thursday 27th of January Felt a little better at a fair night’s sleep. Come to know Ms Dickson from Youth Training Home also Ms Blight they are the orderlies from all this Ward. Raining in the afternoon. Temp down to 99˚˚. French chaplain visited us. Friday 28 January Much better. Temp 98°. Still on milk diet. Good night’s sleep. The doctor is a nice chap. All the pillows sheets etc come from Queensland. 2 old niggers sweep out the hospital, they do odd jobs daily. There are about 400 patients here. Electric light laid on. Chaplain McNichol visited me. 2 cases of meningitis sent to base hospital. Saturday 29th January Still improving Temp 98°. Lovely day I was up for a little while but was very weak. Two or three of the 32nd chaps came in to see me and said that that that a mail had arrived. Sunday 30 January Much better. Had a good sleep. On an ordinary diet. Wrote letters to mother, Marjorie and Gil. Lovely day. Some mates came to see me and we had a good talk with Jack Hender. Up nearly all day. A military police killed one of the 14th Batt chaps with a handle on his revolver. I saw them bring the corpse in and search it.

9

Monday 31 January Quite well. Beautiful day. Funeral of the chap who was killed yesterday. 2 more died, 1 meningitis and 1 operation. I was up all day. Sgt brought my mail over. I got 7 letters. Home, Gil, Marjorie, Bessie, Emily and Irene. February Tuesday 1 February Quite well. Beautiful day wrote Emily. A boy of 13 years is in the hospital with a cold. He is a ‘mascot’ and came away with the NSW chaps. Got issued with tobacco and cigarettes & chocolate Wednesday 2 February Quite well. Cold mess for breakfast. Meat cabbage and rice for dinner. It has been a beautiful day. Fourth brigade Band played in afternoon. In evening and got pains in the stomach. Thursday 3 February I had a bad night, pains in the stomach I couldn’t eat any breakfast. Dr came and seen me at 7am. A. Meaiss(?) broke his leg. I saw the Dr put him under and then set his leg. I had a cup of the Bovril for dinner. Nice day. Today is anniversary of the day the Turks tried across the canal last year. Bovril for tea. Friday 4 February Feeling better. Ordinary diet. Lovely day. Saw machine gunner Clark, is here with appendicitis, he is nearly better. A chap was being discharged from hospital and he was going to shake a plate, Margaret, knife, fork and spoon and had it in his bag, and he saw me reading my Testament and told me his conscience couldn't let him steal. So he took them out and gave them back. Saturday 5 February Much better. Beef tea for breakfast. Good night's sleep. Beef tea for dinner. I was up all the afternoon the three of my section came to see me. Dull day. Saw a motor vehicle (?) run into Egyptian woman it did not hurt her. Sunday 6 February Nice day. Australian nurses took place of orderlies. Quite well. Doctor said I could go out tomorrow. Wrote 12 letters. “Ordinary diet” and playing outside. Monday 7 February Wrote to Cliff. I am quite well but feel a little bit weak. Was supposed to go out but our battalion has shifted, so I stayed here all day. Went for a walk around Ishmailia. Play draughts with Clark for the evening. Tuesday 8 February Arose at 6am. Expecting to go out of hospital but did not. Gave my kit and clothes into the pack store and went back to bed. Posted some postcards. Wrote to Clem. Quite well.

10

Wednesday 9 February Still stayed in hospital. Band played in afternoon. Thursday 10 February A warm day in hospital all day nothing unusual occurred. Saw dentist about my teeth he told me to see eighth Brigade to dentist. Friday 11 February A lovely day. A lot of Red Cross wagons and vans and camels went past going over canal. Saturday 12 February Still in hospital. New Zealand officer had accident he fell off his horse. He was unconscious when I saw him. I watched a delirious chap in the evening he had pneumonia. It was a lovely day Sunday 13 February Wrote home to Eric, Gill and Marjorie. Quiet day getting a cold. I had a bath. Monday 14 February Cold a little worse returned to camp at Tel-El-Kebir by 2:30pm train from Ishmailia. Received 13 letters and 1 papers. Wrote a note home telling them I had been discharged. Went to pictures with Rene (?) Jack and Geoff. Tuesday 15 February Went on ‘sick parade’ and got a ‘light duties’. My cold is about the same. Dull day. This is a fine Camping place, not very sandy. Had a little rain. Received mail 5 letters and 1 parcel from M Ava (?). 1 pair of socks, soap, sardines, paste & khakis handkerchiefs, cigarettes etc. Concert in YMCA hall in the evening. Got watch mended cost 4/-. Trying to get into “Grenadiers”. Wednesday 16 February Went on sick parade and got some medicine for my cold. Marched about 3 miles to shooting ranges. Had five shots. Bread and jam for dinner. At 1pm it came on to rain and we all got wet to the skin. Went home and changed everything. Coming home we passed and ancient well with a mud roof (see hand drawn picture). Wrote letters in the evening.

Thursday 17 February Went on ‘sick Parade for some medicine for cold. On ‘Fatigue” all day. Wrote letters in the evening. Ricked my ankle.

11

Friday 18 February Nice day. Cold much better - ‘sick parade’ in the morning. Company drill all day. Advance Guard of the 4 Brigade arrive to pitch tents etc. Posted a picture of 2 Egyptians to Willie. Went to Bible class at 7.30pm, and had a splendid time. Saturday 19 February Went on ‘sick parade’. Cold nearly better. On “Fatigues” all day. Wrote letters in the evening and went to bed early Sunday 20 February Rose at 7:30am. Went on the old Al-Tel-Kebir battlefield with Jack Hender. We took our dinner and I stayed out to tea time. We found some old cartridges one dumdum and many nice stones etc. I walked about 12 miles in the evening. I walked down the street with Roy Underwood and Jack Hender and it rained a little in the evening. Monday 21 February A warm day pitch tents all day for the 15th Brigade. Tuesday 22 February Marched around 7 miles in desert and had an attacking scheme. Went to evening prayer meeting. Wednesday 23 February We have been trench digging today. Very hot day. Bread and water for dinner as someone stole mine. Feet got very sore. Wrote home in the evening Tuesday 24 February Arose at 6:15am. Rifle exercises until breakfast at 9am. We all fell in and went on a ‘skirmishing scheme’ got very tired. In the evening Roy Bolger came and seen me. I got a surprise to see him. He is in the 57th battalion. I got leave for Cairo. Friday 25 February Arose at 5:30am. Caught the Cairo train at 7:30am. Arrived at Cairo at 9:30am after seeing many water wheels, wooden ploughs with cows, camels, mules, donkeys etc pulling them. We hired a guy who showed us through five mosques and lovely coloured windows, carvings etc. We climbed a tower of 126 steps which was about 150 for feet high. From this tower we could see the Pyramids and Sphinx which is about 14 miles from Cairo. We could see the citadel. We went through the bizarre after dinner we went to Heliopolis aerodrome and Zeiltaugn (*?) camps. I saw Uncle Archie, Oliver, Frank Whittington and Walter M (? – See below) and Archie’s mate. We saw the Palace hospital which has 3000 rooms. Saw a native funeral after we return to Cairo also saw Jack Oatey on the street. The streets are narrow and filthy. Had tea and caught the 7.15 train back to camp. Very tired. Feet blistered. Arrived at camp at 9:15 and got 12 letters and 4 papers. Answers to first letter.

*

12

Saturday 26 February A very hot day. Brigade parade in the morning General Tivey inspected us. We had very little to do all day. Wrote 5 letters. Was with Roy for a few hours Sunday 27 February Arose at 6:30am and went to communion. At 9am we had church parade. Plum pudding for dinner. In afternoon I was with Roy for a few hours. Wrote to Gladys. At 8pm while having tea, the 10th Battalion arrived. I saw Clem and his mate in the ranks, so we had tea together & spent the evening with Roy and talked of “old times” etc. Monday 28 February Inspected by four generals. Very little doing all day. Saw Clem. On guard at night on the wet canteen. The chaps brought buckets, dishes, billies, canvas bags etc to get the beer in. One or two were drunk. Tuesday 29 February Arose at 6am. I was only on from 12pm to 2am during the night. At 7am whilst on Early Morning Parade Pte Hann was testing the aim of Pte Steele of “B Coy” with an aim tester. He was using “dummy” cartridges and somehow a live one got in among and private hand was shot through the hand and head. He died instantly and was buried this afternoon. At 8 O’clock am the rest of the 16th Battalion arrived. Tom Rowly was among them but Cliff was not. At 2pm the 11th, 12th and 13th reinforcements to the 10th Battalion arrived. I saw Frank Whitington and hunted for Sid Bradford who was in the “Details” but did not see him. Whilst on this canteen guard I have had three dozen fried eggs which has been given by the “boss”. Two Xmas billies issued to each Section. I got sardines, lollies and bloater. March Wednesday 1 March It has been a terribly hot day. We have been drilling all day. Dinner-time Clem and is mate came over and seen me, also Tom Rowly and Price from McLaren Vale. After dinner we shifted our tents about 10 feet to the west. After we had our Tea. I went up to see Clem and Roy. Clem was writing letters. I'm getting a cold. Thursday 2 February Arose with aching limbs, and feel feeling feverish, but did not go on sick parade though, because the mob say that a chap is trying to get out of work. At 9:00am whilst out on parade, I felt too bad so Sgt Baumann brought me into the doctor. He took my temperature, which was 102°. Gave me some pills, and told me to get ready to go to the hospital stop. At 2:30pm, I was taken to the field ambulance hospital at El-Tel-Kabir. In the evening my temperature went up to 103.8° and was put outside in the cool to sleep. The Doctor said I had influenza. Got paid 50 Piastres. Friday 3 March Felt a little better when I work has been a very hot day. Porridge for breakfast. Blanch-mange and stewed apples for dinner. For tea I had Maisina and bread and jam. I bought oranges which I enjoyed very much.

13

Saturday 4 March Today has been a beautiful day, sun not so hot. I feel about the same, throat a little sore saw. Doctor transferred me to 2nd Australian Stationery Hospital, which is about 100 yards from this Ambulance Hospital. I was shifted in an Ambulance Van, which jolted us about a lot. Almost 60 tents compose the hospital. Sunday 5 March Today I feel much better, but I'm still on “light diet”, which is mostly rice. It is a beautiful day, not very hot. No Service was held here, would not know it was Sunday if I hadn’t kept diary. I got up for a while, but wasn't supposed to. Monday 6 March Much better Doctor said I can go back to camp tomorrow. Terribly hot day. I've been up all day, and have been for a little walk about the hospital. On “Ordinary diet”, porridge, chops and vegetables, rice, bread and jam. Met a Machine Gunner Clark who is here with appendicitis he's going to Cairo to have it taken out. Tuesday 7 March Quite well again. At 10 AM I was discharged from hospital. Given a days ration, tin meat, loaf of bread, tin jam, packet of tea and sugar. Just before I left a corps was brought in he died of Meningitis. Was a very hot day. I did nothing all day. Dinner time I went up and seen Clem and Rory. In the evening Clem, Roy and Clem’s mate & myself went for a stroll around the camp together. Where a few drinks etc and had an enjoyable time. Wednesday 8 March Arose at 6am went on physical drill till 7.30am. Bacon for breakfast. On fatigue till dinner time, then in the afternoon did nothing. Hot day. Geoff Threadgold and myself put in leave for Cairo to go Friday. Pere learning French. Mail closed for six weeks. Lieutenant Viner put in charge of no 2 Platoon. Capt Chaplain McNichol left us to go in the 2nd Division, he is going straight to the firing line. I applied for a transfer into the motorbike dispatch riders. Thursday 9 March Arose 6am I was made orderly for breakfast. Bacon for breakfast. Section drill in the morning. Half-holiday in afternoon. I had bath, first one for about four weeks. Got photos from photographer. Rather hot day. Played cards in the evening. Nothing unusual occurred. Did not get the leave for Cairo for tomorrow. Hunted for Roy but could not find him. Went to bed at 9pm. Friday 10 March Arose at 6:15am “Physical” drill from 7am to 7:30am we did nothing then until 9.45am, then we fell in with full pack, blanket, & oil sheet and two days rations. We marched out for about 4 miles and dug ourselves in. We had a dry dinner and then dug trenches deeper. We had stew for dinner for tea. Our mail was brought out in the evening and distributed. I received 12 letters. It cheered us up greatly, and went back to the trenches for the night quite happily. I had ours on Sentry duty. It was very cold at night and was waiting for the daylight to appear.

14

Saturday 11 March Stood at arms at 5:30am. It was bitterly cold. Read letters again soon as it got light enough. We had a hot breakfast and started back to camp. When we got back it was 10am. I received for 4 papers, 2 parcels love from mother and one from Bessie and a letter from Marjorie. A photo of Dad was in one parcel. I then had to fall in and go down to camp headquarters, to see about a transfer to the Motor Despatch riders. Had a hot dinner started to rain 1pm. Fell in at 2:30pm and did two hours Section drill. Had tea, put on white slippers and went down and spend the evening with Roy. He is shifted to the 8th 7D ambulance. Sunday 12 March Arose 6:45am and Pere, Geoff, Duss and myself went over to Officers Mess 31st Battalion to Communion. Had a very nice time. At 7:30am had a hot breakfast. Fell in at 9am for church parade. After church I went in to the canteen and wrote to Gil. After dinner I wrote to Eric & home. It is rather hot today. The flys are getting very bad. The Egyptians are working today with camels carting stone to build a house. Bands are playing everywhere. After tea Geoff and I went up and had seen Clem for a while and then went to a Service in the Sergeants Mess. After that we went to another singsong at the 29th Batt. We went to bed outside together after having a little chat. Monday 13 March Awoke at 6am after having a really good sleep. Physical drill at 7am. Bacon and tea for breakfast. Fell in at 9am and had the morning at company. Dinner at 12:30pm. Shifted into No 8 Section. Rather hot day. Flies are very bad started using my fly net. On guard at 4:30pm so we had the afternoon off. I did my washing 8 shirts, 8 sox, 5 handkerchiefs. Put insectibane in my clothes to kill the “chats” Tuesday 14 March I was on 1st relief on a beat from 4:30am to 6:30am. It was very cold morning but it came out very hot during the day. It was the worst guard I have been on, the Sergeant had it all muddled up. Came off at 6pm and then had hot curry for tea. In the evening we played bridge. Transfers for the RF A were called for. I put in but an hour after took it out as I want to get to the ASC with Dad. Slept outside with Geoff. During the night 8 big trains of artillery went away from this camp. Geoff, Jack and I put in for leave to Cairo on Friday. A new YMCA building has just been … indecipherable. Wednesday 15 March Arose 6:15am. At 7am went on “Physical Jerks”. Bacon for breakfast. Bread rations cut down to 1lb a day, used to 1¼llbs a day. Biscuits instead of the ¼lb. Called the role. After breakfast caught two “chats”. At 8:30am we were ‘annoculated’ on the left arm. Just after dinner it began to get sore and it was aching all the afternoon. We have two days extent because of it. I copied this diary out of my notebooks in the afternoon. Playing card cards etc. It was very hot today. After tea we played quoits. At 6:30pm the new YMCA building was opened two ladies and some men came down from Cairo and gave us a concert. The building was crowded. General Core ??? declared the building open Thursday 16 March When I awoke my arms was pretty sore. I did not get up till 7am. “B” Company annoculated today. Geoff, Pere, Jack & I put in for Cairo leave on Tuesday but only two are allowed to go and so we tossed up, & Geoff & I lost. We got Paid. I got 200 Piasties (£1-1-0). Our khaki uniforms & helmets arrived. Very hot day. Played cards most of the day. Wrote three field service cards. Bully beef for dinner. This morning we had a medical parade. After tea I went and seen Bert Ellis he is “A” Coy 14th Bat. In the evening I wrote about 8 letters. A train of 71 tracks went up to Cairo past here it was loaded with Bali and

15

Friday 17 March My arm was very painful this morning so I went on sick parade & got exempted from duty. About a dozen did the same. Amused myself playing “Patience” all morning. At dinner they called for volunteers to go to in the Transport for the afternoon. I went and drove horses, cleaned the lines etc. In the evening wrote letters. Pere and Jack went to Cairo and about 9:30pm. Cairo leave has been reduced to 1 percent week days and 2 percent Sat & Sun. We were issued with cork helmets in evening Saturday 18 March My arm is nearly better with on parade you feel in at 9am, with midday meal and full marching orders. We marched about 4 miles & dug trenches all day. Very hot, windy & dusty in the morning. At 4 o'clock on our return to camp it came on to rain. We got wet through. When I got back we had our colours issued (white & gold). I got them sewn on (4) for 2 piasta's. Cold night. Clem and his mate came down to see me. Went over to YMCA with Pere and Les. Slept outside. At 2am it came on to rain. It rained nearly ½” we stopped out in it and our blankets were soaked but we did not get wet. Sunday 19th March (I got letters from Elsie Squires) Arose at 6:15am. Everything very wet. Hung my blanket out to dry. I am mess orderly today. Did not to communion but Pere, Geoff and Les did. I could not go on account of being orderly. Church parade at 9am, short service. All Brigade has colours on. General Tivey present at church. After dinner Geoff, Les, Western and I went up and seen Roy. Then we went to the cemetery, where the fallen were buried from the Tel-El-Kabir battle. A nice Tombstone is over the grave of Pte Hann who was shot accidentally in our Batt. After tea we went up to the YMCA. I wrote home. The mission started today it was glorious to see about 140 step out now step out to lead a new life. Cold Night Monday 20 March Arose at 6:15am. Very cold first thing that warmed up later in the day. I was on Pioneers Fatigue all day. We were digging water pits, emptying pots etc. It was very easy job, I sat down a lot of the time. The artillery have been practising only a few hundred yards from here. Explosion makes a terrible noise. “A” Company is on guard tonight. Geoff is not very well today, he is getting a cold. The air is full of the echoes of “Who’ll have a card”, “House” etc. A terrible lot of this gambling game goes on here. Dozens of groups of lads to be seen all along the street playing “House”. It is a cold evening. A lot off the pictures. There are 2 pictures huts here. Wrote letters in the evening Tuesday 21 March Very cold morning but it came over the afternoon. We spent the morning doing “skirmishing” by platoons. The artillery have been practising, where near them and could see flames and smoke coming from the guns, as they fired. Bully Beef for dinner. On fatigue in the afternoon, digging a drain around the camp and tents. It was very hot. In the evening Geoff, Jack and I went over to the “Bazaar”. A big tent is being erected for a circus. We went to bed went to bed early. Two of the chaps took my pyjamas away, I made out that I had a sudden attack of heart failure and they gave me back my pyjamas and gave me water to drink. Felt my pulse & forehead etc. It frightened them a bit. It was a real joke.

16

Wednesday 22 March It was very cold first thing. A heavy dew falls every night. On “Fatigue” in the morning, before breakfast. After breakfast we had bayonet fighting & company drill, until about 10am. The Prince of Wales and about 24 staff Officers, inspected the camp. I seen the Prince, he has beautiful complexion and looked very young. He was a fine looking chap. Our Col & Major Hugh’s shook hands with him. It was a terrible terribly day, hottest I have felt it. Eat no dinner. Mail arrived at dinner time. We have a half holiday after having inoculation just after dinner. Wrote letters all the afternoon. At 5pm we got orders to pack up and shift at 6am the next morning. Clem came down and seen me. Slept in clothes with a blanket. Little bit cold. Thursday 23 March Reveleigh at 3am had breakfast & got our packs really. Fell in and boarded train by 8am. Arrived in Ishmailia at 10:30am. It was terribly hot. I had 2 blankets, 1 pair of boots, socks, scarf, mittens, etc papers, 100 rounds of ammunition, 1 tin of beef, loaf of bread and the few little things. It weighed about 7lbs. We marched with our packs from Ishmailia to Ferry Port which is about 5 miles. I was so tired that I could hardly stand my feet were blistered and shoulders sore. We past and observation balloon which was up. We arrived at Ferry Port 2pm. Had dinner and washed my feet in the Suez Canal and then was allotted our tents. It was a sandy place. A bridge and 2 punts and a little boat cross the canal here. Geoff and I slept outside. We could hardly get to sleep as our bones were aching so much. Gather 3 Company went further down the canal. Friday 24th March Arose 6:30am after a good sleep. We were very stiff. Breakfast at 7:30am. Have a wash and fell in at 9am. Had orders read out to us and then had to clean up. Very hot day. I'm getting a bit sunburnt. There are two big “Blackstone” oil engines here, which are used for pumping water. Nothing doing in the afternoon as we were to mount Guard in evening. At 4pm fell in with full packs & 100 rounds of ammunition etc. and mounted guard on the opposite side of canal. It is called West Bank Guard I was on the first relief from 6pm to 8pm. We had two hours on and 8 off, so had an easy time. I was on the bridge. The first bridging train company are stationed here. They build the platoon bridge have to work it. Had a bath before mounting Guard. Saturday 25 March On my beat from 4am to 6am. Bitterly cold. I had mittens, balaclava, cap and scarf on and I had a fire going. It was a terribly hot day after the sun arose. A lot of vehicles especially Indian transports cross here. There are also two punts and a Dinghy. We were relieved at 6am and dismissed went to bed early outside with Geoff. Cool night aeroplanes are constantly crossing here and going out over the desert. French and English's circles like this on the wings colours are red Centre White and then black. Turkish this black centre, white next then red & yellow next.

17

Sunday 26 March Arose at 5:30am as we were on. Punt Duty. Fell in and put on third relief, so were dismissed to 2pm. We had 4 hours on an 8 off. Church at 9am. 3/29th Band played. Very hot day. Had a swim at 10am. It is lovely. Two big mail boats passed through in morning, one was a captured German boat “Kaiserine”. We were pulling punt across canal from 2pm to 6pm. Went to bed early. Heavy dew during night time. A few “Eng” boats sent down in the evening. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Monday 27 March Arose at 2am and was on punt duty until 4am. Had nothing to do so we made fire and make some tea and make toast, it was very cold. At 4am we went to bed, I sleep till 7am. Had breakfast in bed and arose at 7:30am. Fell in at 9am. Had Roll Call & was dismissed. Had a swim in canal. A big troop ship & 2 monitors went through. Wrote letters to dinner. Very hot day. Two aeroplanes passed over at 4:30pm. Fell in for Bastion went down to the bastions which is about 2 miles. A big Australian steamer past with a lot of girls on. At 8pm two “dhows” went past. We called out “Halt” but they did not stop. So we fired on it. We put about 30 rounds into her. Tuesday 28 March Arose 5am and “stood to arms”. At 6am we marched back to camp which is about 2 miles. After being dismissed we went for a swim. I swam over and back, the Canal, it is about 200 yards across here. After dinner I went in for another swim. I’m to go to Bastion guard. “A Bastion” at 4:30pm. Crossed the Canal in punt & went and saw Geoff who was on the “West Bank Guard”. Went on guard and marched around to Bastions, put in charge of 7 men. I was on from 7 to 9pm. I slept well all night. Wednesday 29 March Arose at 4:30am to stand to arms. It wasn’t a bit cold. At 5:30am we marched back to camp arriving there at 6am. We were dismissed so I went for a swim. After breakfast we received orders to pack up to move. It was a terrible hot day. I went in for 3 swims after breakfast. On Bastion guard at night. I did my beat from 7 to 9pm and slept all night, it was very warm. Slept with nothing on. Pere and I slept together shortage of water today. (Pumps stopped) Thursday 30 March On fatigues after coming off guard at 6am. Gave in blankets to A.M.S. Helped to take a load over to Ordinance Department which is on the road to Ismailia. At 8am went in for a swim. No tea for dinner, hard job to get water. At 2pm we started off with full Marching order. I had a beer bottle of water and besides of water bottle full. It was very hot. We marched for 8 miles through very heavy sand. When we got the only about 500 out of 1000 were present, the rest had fallen out with some sort feet etc. All water was gone and some out. I, Geoff & Pere share a bottle full from headquarters & I had a drink. I had dry bread and bully beef for dinner. Got blankets & made my bed. Geoff & I slept outside together but could not go to sleep for a long time our bones were aching so much. Our A.M.S. was very bad on the March. Our offices tried to make you work by multiplying (?) but we would not.

18

Friday 31 March Slept fairly well. Arose at 6am went to horse troughs and had a drink there. It was very muddy but was very acceptable as I was very thirsty. Nice cool morning first thing. Salty bacon, dry bread, one bottle of tea issued for breakfast. Our tea is to last us to dinner time. 91st gave us cigarettes and tobacco. Everybody is very tired. No water issued all day. Received 13 letters in evening. Geoff and I made a humpy out on sand hill to sleep in. Read a book in the afternoon. It 10 only about 110 here. Stew for tea, no salt on it. Got about 40 tins of bully beef, where some troops had just shifted from, also bags and boards, which come in handy. (This place is called Rail Head). APRIL Saturday 1 April Arose at 6:15am. Heavy dew last night. A lot of chaps put out towels and got damp so as to have a wash. In fatigues, 2 man gang to go over to build hospital wall. A bottle of water was issued to each man. First water that has landed here. Very hot day. We got pay 30/- (shillings). Easy day, not much to do. Wrote letters in the afternoon. Aeroplane went over us, it was pretty high up. In cook’s fatigue, got a few onions and raisons. Geoff and I made a little humpy near our tent to sleep in. April Fools' Day not much fooling around. About 20 camels brought up water & rations. Our 3rd reinforcements arrived here at about 8pm after I was in bed. Sunday 2 April Arose 6:30am. Had a wash in about ½ pint of water which 8 of us put in a tin. It was the first wash since we came here. Had a shave too. Nice cool morning. Went to communion at 7am. Church parade at 9am. Bacon for breakfast. Wrote letters in the morning after church. Mail closed at 12 noon. Bread and jam for dinner. More letters in the afternoon. Crispin from Aldinga came and found me out. He came in 3rd reinforcements, 1st and 2nd reinforcements were put in 16th Batt a month ago. Another mail has arrived at the rail head in the afternoon. I received two parcels, one from mother and one from Marjorie, Percy got one too so we had a good time. All were in court order. 14 bags of Navels were distributed around the 22nd Battalion. Little gathering in Chaplains tent at 7:30pm. Had a nice chat. Monday 3 April Reveliegh at 5am Breakfast at 6am. Fell-in 6:45am. I was on fatigue and had to go to rail head which is about 4 miles and load up about 40 or 50 camels with water and rations. Had dinner at rail ahead and then rode the camel's home. It was very hot. Got a bit of headache in the evening. Hot curry for tea, saw young Crisp. Two more chaps out of the reinforcements have been attached to the no. 8 section. I killed a small snake while unloading a truck out. Company’s digging trenches on the little rise near our tents. Went to bed early and I was not feeling very well. Les Western came over and I had a long chat to Geoff as we made our bed Tuesday 4 April Arose at 6am and was not very well, so when on sick parade. Did nothing all day. Eat no dinner and very little tea. Had a little of the “Rex” cheese that mum sent to me in a parcel. Geoff is also crook with disintry (sic). A big mail boat went up the canal in the evening. Although we are about 8 miles from the canal we can see big boats passing up and down. Went to bed at 6pm. I had a good sleep.

19

Wednesday 5 April Reveliegh at 4:30am. Breakfast at 5:15am. “A” Co fell in at 6am. Went out and dug trenches till 11am. Very hot day. I went on sick parade. As I was not very well, doctor put me on light duties. Did very little all day. Issued with 2 pints of water at 11:30am, had a wash & rinsed out my towel, water was like mud when I finished. Corporate Driscoll returned to our section from the hospital where he has been for over a week. Went to bed early again after getting kit ready for going to port tomorrow for a swim. Tuesday 6 April Arose 4:30am. Had breakfast etc. and fell in at 6am and went to rail head. I caught the train to ferry port at 8:30am. I went in for a nice swim before dinner and then went up to canteen etc and got some fish, apricots etc and had a good dinner. It was not so very hot today. At 12:50pm about 1500 chaps came down to swim. The water was simply crowded with chaps. We left at 3:30pm by the train arrived at rail head and marched back to camp. We bought about 14 bags of mail back in the train for the 8th Bgdes. Another mob of reinforcements arrive this evening they belong to the 27th and 28th Batts that are transferred to us. Friday 7 April Arose at 6am. Went on sick parade with my teeth. Doctor sent me in with 17 others to get them filled at “Rail Head”. We took a dinner with us and went in at 9am. Has been very hot day. I got a front one filled and made an appointment to come again on Monday next. He is a very good dentist. Did not hurt much. At 1:30pm Geoff & I started for home. When we got back we got our mail. I got 16 letters one parcel (abdominal Belt) and one roll of papers from Eric. Heard from Thelma B. Had tea, went to bed early and read letters over again. Teeth feeling a bit funny. Our black bags were taken away from us whilst away, a lot of my necessary things are in it. Saturday 8 April Reveliegh at 5:30am. Had breakfast. Went out in desert about 3 miles and dug trenches, used sandbags to build up wall. Very hot day. Ran out of water. Arrived at camp at 11:30am. Had dinner and shifted tents around about 100 yds north. Fixed up our neat camp all the afternoon. Hot beef and vegetables for tea. Made a little humpy & made bed. Cigarettes issued. Met Pte Sydgentry in A.M.S. store. He is a 2nd cousin of mine, had a little chat with him. Went to bed early. Flies very bad. Sunday 9 April Arose at 6:30am but there was no communion. Breakfast at 7am. Bacon and tea and day bread. Church parade at 9am but as I could not hear him and there was no band I could not enjoy the service very much. Had a lecture on writing too many letters. Had bread and cheese jam and tea for dinner. Wrote a few letters in the afternoon met Bruce Coffee, his is in “A” Coy. He came in reinforcements. Very hot day. 8 camel loads of mail arrived. Replied to Thelma B’s letters. Had one green envelope issued. After tea we went over to the 31st Battalion lines and had a sing song although only 14 were present we had a fine time. Went to bed at about 9pm. Cool night Monday 10 April Arose at 6am. I did nothing all the morning. After dinner Harold Jose and I walk to rail head and waited about till 4:30pm and got 1 tooth filled and 1 ready to fill. It did not hurt very much. After we finish I went over to the canteen and got one tin of pears & I tin of biscuits each, cost eight pt. A mail of parcels had arrived, Geoff got a parcel so I had some lollies etc. Went to bed early.

20

Tuesday 11 April Reverliegh at 5:30am. After breakfast we went out on Batt. Parade in “fatigue” dress. Then put through a medical test, the last one before going into action. 4 of our company were picked out as unfit for service. We then filled in time with Musketry to 11:30am. Cold dinner. Washed two pairs of sox. Came on to rain after dinner but only lasted a few minutes. At 3pm we went out for about 3 miles in the desert for a route march. Geoff and I had some rice & stewed peaches for tea. He got them sent from home. We have a pineapple & stew. At 7:30pm had a nice little meeting in 31st chaplain’s tent. Gen Crisp was there. Cold night. Wednesday 12 April Arose at 5:30am. Heavy dew overnight. It was fresh first thing. Bacon for breakfast and then fell in and marched out to front row of trenches which are about 1½ miles out. We helped them to build barbed wire entanglements till about 12 O’clock then we had dinner in the dugouts. They were strongly built. At about 1:30pm we started for home. Came over a little bit cooler in the afternoon. At about 6pm it came a real Hurricane and clouds of dust were flying everywhere. Geoff and I slept outside but 4 others of our tent who intended to had to go in about 12am, as it came onto rain, but us two stuck to it and did not get wet. Poor night's sleep. Thursday 13 April In morning it had calmed a little but were nearly covered in sand, blankets etc had to be dugout, our equipment was completely buried in places. We had breakfast and went out “Musketry” but as it came on dusty again and we came in at 6:30am. It continued all day, blew down a portion of the AMC hospital also the Cooks Hut and buried their pots, fire and utensils in the sand, blew some tents down. Could not cook so issues with bully beef & bread & jam. Geoff & I made a little sand bag humpy outside to shield us from the wind and dust. It continued all night, had a few drops of rain. It was terrible. Slept fairly well. Friday 14 April Arose 6am. Wind is still blowing but not quite as much sand. A little drop of rain. Had breakfast and Geoff and I walked to the “Rail head” to see dentist but it was not so dusty he postponed our visit until Monday. So we went and got some tin apricots and had a feed and sat down in a shady spot & read & took things easy. An aeroplane has just been towed to Ismailia behind a motor ferry. It was too windy for it to get back. Rained & thundered & lightened after dinner dust eased. At about 2:30pm started back to camp, had a ride partway in a lorry. When we got back, packed up kits ready to go to Ferry Port in the morning. Went to bed early. Wrote to Willy dinner time. Cold in the evening, had to put 9 rugs over us, used to two. Tooth aches a little as temporary filling fell out Saturday 15 April Reverliegh at 3.45am and we were all roused up immediately. At 4:30am breakfast, tea & cold bacon. Fresh morning. Fell in at 5:30am and marched to the Rail Head and met the other B Battalions in our Brigade. We rested for about ½ half and then Brigade marched to the Ferry Port arriving there at 9:30am. We were not very tired, it being only 10 miles and nice road. We got some tin fruit and I had a good feed. Geoff and I made some cocoa for dinner. Tooth aching slightly. A major has changed a lot, he seems a nice chap now and looks after us well. Beautiful day. Volunteers called for to serve in the canteen. Geoff, Bridgey and I went to brigade headquarters and where told them to report at 7:30am in the morning. Went to bed early. Heavy dew.

21

Sunday 16 April Arose at 6:30am. Had breakfast and went down to the canteen, they wanted to put Geoff and I in the wet canteen but we would not go in it so we were put in the dry canteen. We had a very hard morning's work but in the evening it was easier. Received a parcel & six letters & 1 paper. Very hot day. There at 6 servers and 1 cashier in our canteen. We must of collected about £200 today. Knocked off at 9pm and went straight to bed. Could not do any service during the day. Monday 17 April Arose at 6:30am had breakfast in bed. Reported at canteen at 7:30am. Did not do much in morning. Stock nearly run out. Very hot day. Wrote home dinner time. I saw the Prince of Wales this morning, he and others other officers came over in the same punt as us. They mounted camels and went out in the desert with another div'n camel escort. They came back at about 5:00pm bed at 9:15pm Tuesday 18 April Still working in canteen very busy sold out of nearly everything Wednesday 19 April Still in canteen. Very busy. Hot day. Sold out of nearly everything by night although I’ve just got a fresh supply in today. Received 5 letters and 1 paper. Pere got hit in the eye with spring out of a bomb and has been off all day. Wrote home & 2 or 3 others. Jack Hender jammed his finger and knocked his nail off he will have a few days holiday. Our 1st & 2nd division are supposed to be in France superhot we hear. Thursday 20 April Still working in canteen hours changed to 6 to 7am. 11am till 3pm and 5pm till 9pm. Sold an enormous amount of stuff. Got paid 100pt. Very hot day. The Coy. got issued with khaki uniforms, but I was not there did not get mine. Peres eye very bad, still exempt from duty. Had meals at Canteen, rabbit & lemonade, biscuits & sardines. Friday 21 April Arose 5:15am & went to work at canteen at 6:30am Very hot day. Church parade at 7am but I could not go on account of work. Did not get breakfast until 7:45am. Nothing startling occurred Saturday 22 April Still in canteen. Very busy. No time to write on even wash. Getting sick of it, but Service-ant says it will be alright in a few days is really the time off now and again. Got paid 44pt for extreme duty pay. (7/6 a day here. 6/- by company &and 1/6 canteen) Sunday 23 April Church parade etc. but I could not be present on account of being in Canteen. I am sick of it, the hours are too long & I can't go anywhere.

22

Monday 24 April Today has been very hot. Still plodding on in the A.I.F. Canteen. In the afternoon we marched to Ordinance Stores and handed in our old rifles & got new High Velocity one's. Mine is a 1915 pattern, and a good one too. At 6Ppm I went & told W. O'Shing that I wanted to get out of the canteen, so he said I could finish up tomorrow night so I worked to 9pm and went off to bunk. I was supposed to have been creamed for my rifle being dirty, it has not been cleaned for a week or so. Don't know if I will. Tuesday 25 April Still in canteen, but for the last day. Got large supply in, in the morning but nearly sold out by three o'clock. Bridgey came and helped in the afternoon. At 9pm I was paid 39pts for extra duty pay and finished up. Very glad too. Turks and Bedouins attacked canal but did not succeed in capturing it. Light horse engage them only one of our chaps were killed (Corporal) & a lot of enemy were captured and taken prisoners. Wednesday 26 April Terribly hot day, hottest we've had from long time. Went to the ranges shooting all day. I have a bonzer rifle. Very hot evening. We all had a good chat and went to bed early. Could not bear there any clothes on. Bomb throwers using live bombs today. Turks & Australians Light horse still at it, only little skirmishes though by what I can hear. We have not heard much about. Thursday 27 April Arose at 5:15 and have been bacon and tea for breakfast. Whilst having breakfast a French aeroplane passed over us at only about 100 ft high. We fell in 6:15 and went out to the brits and went through exercises. It was very warm today. When we got back to camp Willies' parcel was waiting for me, had a good feed of contents. Wrote to Eric and Will. About 20 Officers rode around inspecting the camp etc. General Todlay was among them. Bomb throwers using live bombs today. A bomb hit one chap, it blew up his rifle and hat but it did not injure him. At 7.00pm. Geoff and I went to a meeting at the 21st of Batts Chaplains' tent. We had a good time although it last lasted until 9:45pm, cool in evening. Slept with Bob. Cap on. Friday 28 April Reveliegh at 5am. Breakfast at 5:30am. Bacon and tea. Geoff was mess orderly, we went on sick parade together and seen about our teeth which were partly filled. Doctor told us to go to dentist at Ferry Port at 3pm. So I wrote letters all morning. At dinnertime our mail was distributed. I got about 9 and 1 paper. Hot day, little dusty. Had rice & raisins for dinner and at 2:30pm Geoff and I walked down to dentist which is about 1 mile from here. Geoff got a parcel of eatables. Frank had a good share. After waiting about 2 hours at the dentist he gave us an order to come again next week to have them done. Had tea and went to bed early. Beautiful evening. Saturday 29 April Arose at 4:45am had breakfast at 5:15am and fell in at 6am went out on Batt parade (with full marching order). We marched off in column of route, went to rail head which is about 6 miles from here at about 1 hour's spell and then march back with only 1 spell really. We were not very tired when we got back. I felt fit enough for another 12 miles. I had 1/2 a bottle of water left. We had a foot inspection then dismissed. At 4pm we had a kit inspection. I was short of 1 toothbrush, cardigan jacket and Khaki uniform. After tea Jack Pere and I went out for a stroll and then went to bed at about 8:30pm. Cool evening. (wrote 7 letters)

23

Sunday 30 April I slept in till 6am. Had breakfast (bacon and tea). At 8:30am we fell in and went to Church, had a fine address on "Character" ???? terrible, eating at chap alive. Wrote letters all the morning. Heard that we were are we are shifting in a few days. Five or six of our Coy B went to Cairo for a three week instructional. Wrote letters all the afternoon. Went to a swim in the evening. Washed 3 shirts & 1 towel. A 7:30pm we went to Pioneers Batt and heard a lecture on a trip through Palestine a Sal. Army Chaplain. He went through there when the Turks were mobilising, just after war declared with Germany. MAY Monday 1 May At 6 am we fell in & went out in train about 6 miles and cleared stand back from railway cutting. Had dinner (bread & jam & water) and worked till 3 pm, and then marched back to camp. It was very hot today. Had a swim across the channel with Percy. It was A1. Got issued with my khaki uniform. Tuesday 2 May Reveleigh at 4 am. Breakfast at 4:30 am & then we fell in, went out on Battalion parade. The whole Brigade went out about 5 miles & then prepared for an attack on the enemy (who are sent out in front). Our artillery, field telephones, signallers etc were all in position and then our infantry started off to take the hill. We only got out and about 1 mile, when 2 motorcars came out and took the Division Officers back. They were called back for some unforeseen thing. An aeroplane went up above us about 2 or 3 thousand feet & then came down very quickly. We return to camp and had dinner at 3 pm had bayonet fighting. Had a swim in evening. Wednesday 3 May Reveleigh at 5 am. Had breakfast and fell in at 3:30 am, and marched about 2 miles along the road & then went in towards a big sand-hill. We advanced by Platoons under imaginary fire and finished up with you bayonet charge. A lot more left behind as casualties. I was a “connecting file”. Swimming parade in afternoon. I did not go down. Hot day. Flies bad. Bread & jam for dinner. did nothing all the afternoon. At 7:30 pm we fell in and went on “night attack” marched about 4 miles it was very cold. Arrived back at 10 pm. & went straight to bed. Thursday 4 May Arose at 6 am had breakfast. Did very little all day. Medical and Kit inspection. Hot day. Flies awful. Got paid 100 p.t.s., I have 360 Piastres now. Told we are going to France in 10 days time. All anxious to get out of Egypt. Geoff did a lot of washing. Bought & eat 1 tin of Pears & 1 of milk, Pears 7 p.t.s. with milk 3½ p.t.s. ‘A’ platoon of D’Coy returned to camp. After being in Ismailia on guard duty for over a fortnight. Jack Lugg learning Machine Gunnery. Bombs going off only a few chains away. B Co’s practising, Firing with a trench mortar. it makes a terrible noise. Friday 5 May Today our company went on a route march. I had an appointment with the dentist so I went on sick parade. Reported to dentist who told me to come back at 4.30 p.m. Went and had a swim. Had dinner then went out with the Bomb throwers. I got on a hill about 200 yards away intending to look on, but as they started bombing the pieces flew all around me so I got to my legs and got! I stood off about 400 yds and still pieces dropped near me. Two pieces dropped within 8 feet of me. Went down to the dentist at 4:30 PM and he said he was too busy and told me to come in the morning. Went back to the Camp & had tea and then to bed.

24

Saturday 6 May Today Geoff and I have had a real holiday. We reported at the dentist at 9 am & then we went down and have a longer swim. Saw a French man of war pass. Went back to dentist and he told us to come back after dinner. Had our dinner. Went back and I got 1 tooth temporarily filled with arsenic & lead. The and nerve was killed. We then went down for another swim a great crowd was there. It has been terribly hot today. Received our mail. I got 8 letters and letter parcel promised by Rene. All good news. Dad to leave Aust. this week I believe. Went to be good spirits. Sunday 7 May Arose at 6 am had breakfast at 7 am Church parade at 8 am. After church and we’re all marched into a shed where our Colonel gave us a lecture on attacking the enemy. He then gave out prizes to the winners of the sports held on Anzac Day. Flies awful. Terribly hot. Wrote 8 or 9 letters and posted them. Geoff and I went down and had a swim in the canal. I swim over and back 8 times without a spell which must have been about ¾ of a mile altogether. 14 more bags of mail arrived. Water turned off couldn’t get any this afternoon. In the evening we went to a S. Army sing-song meeting, a drunk was there, had a fine time. Went to bed at about 8 pm. Monday 8 May Reveleigh at 4:45 am. breakfast at 5:15. We fell in at 6:30 and marched out over the sand about 4 miles and dug ourselves in. The other three companies in our Batt. attacked us, we were enemy. We beat them & then at 12 o’clock we marched into camp at full speed, a lot fell out. It was terribly hot. Had bread and jam to dinner. Sat down and read for a while then had a sleep. Geoff is sending a bomb home. After tea we went down for a swim. Saw a big boat pass up the canal whilst in the water. Went back to camp and went to bed at 7:30 pm Note at the bottom of this entry: an item in brackets and in brackets slightly lighter pen (A Terrible lot of them is sold here. I have seen a string of about 800 chaps lined up and waiting their turn with Liras etc!)

Tuesday 9 May Reveille at 3:45 am. Breakfast at 4:15 am. Went on sick parade as I had appointment with dentist for today. I washed up two dishes whilst waiting for 9 am. Wrote to Clem. All the Batt. went on a route march. An aeroplane passed over us at only about 50 feet high, we could see the pilot and observer quite plainly. We thought he was going to bump into the tops of tents. Turks supposed to be advancing on Canal. Had swim in morning. Went and got tooth filled, a new dentist was there, he was very rough. Have to go again on the 22nd of this month to get them finished. A lot of rumours are going about when we’re going away. Some say Rail Head again & others say France. We can’t take much notice of what we hear.

25

Wednesday 10 May We had a nice sleep in until 5 am. Went on bayonet fighting all the morning, charging trenches etc. Terribly hot. Bread and jam to dinner. After dinner an order came out to pack up and prepare for action in 3 hours time. We were all thinking this it was “dinkum” this time, and were all getting excited. After we were all already, we were told to fall in. in drill order. Went out for an hour or two and did a bit of a rapid loading etc. Went to bed at 7 pm After having curry for tea. Not feeling too bright. Got medicine from AMC 3 times today. Flies bad Thursday 11 May Arose at 5 am. We went out scheme until 10 30 am. It was very hot job. Geoff and I was Scouts. was supposed to be killed in the attack. Had a tin of peaches when returned to camp. Cold not too good, getting down on chest. I had my pack stuffed full with everything which I would want in action. Rested most of afternoon. Wrote a letter to Elsie Squires. Saw Glynn Crisp and had a long chat with him. Did nothing all the afternoon, as we have to go out night scheme. After tea we listen to band playing for a while. Went to bed early and slept until 11:30 pm when we aroused by the call of “Reveille”. Friday 12 May Sick parade at 12 midnight and breakfast at 12:15 am. It was fairly warm then. We fell in at about 1 am with all packs, ammunition etc. The whole division marched out on the road & went towards Rail Head. We marched slowly & were half asleep, we extended into the artillery formation and lay down after matching out about 4 miles. We lay there and I went to sleep until daylight it was very cold and my hands were numb. Colonel mucked things up a bit. I believe & all some Officers were fallen in & Gen McKay had a yack to them. We marched back to camp had breakfast and did nothing all day. Except swim and sleep. Terrible hot pesky flies, they are awful. Plenty of beer is sold this weather. Saturday 13 May Slept you. Had breakfast and then fell in at 6:15 am. We matched out about ½ a mile with full packs etc. & did bayonet charge in the trenches. It puffs a chat out easily, running with about 100 pounds on his back. After that we took our packs off and did some bayonet fighting and musketry. It was terrible hot. At 10 am an aeroplane flew over us at an height of only about 100 feet. At 10:30 am we fill in & proceeded back to camp, where No2 Platoon was detailed for “picquet”. Flies very bad today again. It is rumoured that we are going to France on the 25th of this month. Picquet was called out at 9 pm and then we slept in our close all night. Sunday 14 May Arose at about 5 am we laid about all day as we out on Picquet. Terribly hot. Equipment had to be worn all day. Could not go to church. Wrote a letter. Major Bright gave us a lecture on “Billeting”. He said we were going to France in a short time. Monday 15 May We got up at about 5 am. No2 Platoon was detailed to be at the victims of work for N.D.O’ School. We drilled till 11 am and again in the evening from 7 – til 9 pm. Water was turned off as it was very short. Nearly all bottles drip. We were issued with 1 Tins of pears, 2 tins tobacco & lollies from SA people to our section. Got parcel from René, Pasties, Sardines, cheese tobacco cigarettes etc in fear order.

26

Tuesday 16 May Reverllie at 3:30 am Bacon and tea for breakfast. We all Fell in with light Marching orders, with no tunics on. Eight Pts and No1 Co were Detailed to go through a class of introduction on Bomb throwing. I was one of them, no one was dismissed and Fell in again in battle order at 6 am. Flies started to worry us as soon as we got out of bed. Our drill hours have been lessened a good deal. Reveille at 4 am. Breakfast at 4:15 am. Fall in at 5 am. Knock off at 9 am. Dinner at 10:30 am. Tea at 4:15 pm. Fall in at 5 pm till 6 pm. Had a lecture on explosives in evening, then went in for a swim, it was A.1. Went to bed at about 8 pm after being paid 150 Dian… and bartering one tin pears. I couldn’t get to sleep for about an hour or so, it was too hot, & dusty and flies were eating me. Candles issued in big lump, all melted together. Wednesday 17 May Arose at 4 am. I was Mess orderly they had to go and get breakfast, Bacon and tea. We never get a change for breakfast here. Fell in at 5 am in light of marching order and marched to parade ground. Had a lecture on explosives, for about an hour. Then we did some throwing with a catapult, it is a bit like a shang-heigh, it throws them for about 600 yards. We came back to care at 9 am. It Is about 120 in the shade. Rice & dates for dinner, with tea. Everyone is miserable courteous of the heat. We had orders that tomorrow will be holiday, therefore could sleep in, in the morning. All very glad. Was in the swimming for 2 ½ hours today we have had a swim everyday here. It freshens one up a great deal. Thursday 18 May Slept until 5 am, had breakfast fell in and Lieut. Hann read the orders to us then we were dismissed. We spent the day in swimming, reading, writing sleeping etc After tea Geoff, Perc and I went down for a swim and saw the Mooltan go up the canal. She brought our mail out from Australia. Not many passengers aboard they all cheers as they passed us. Threw over cigarettes etc. It Is just six months today since we left Australia. I think that was cause of our holiday. After tea the Grenadiers feeling and had a lecture on bond throwing. Went to bed about 7.30 after going down to Y.M.C.A and got some writing paper. Snow and Nugget really drunk, they are real twits when “jolly” Friday 19 May Reveille at 4 am. Bacon and tea for our breakfast alas a little … Fell in at 4:45 am in the battle order and marched out to the bomb trenches. Had a lecture on Bombardiers barricading. Then made barricade in the trenches and did a bit of throwing etc. Sandbags, wire netting, barb wire etc is all used for barricading a trench. At 9 am we marched back and was dismissed. Bread and jam for dinner. Wrote letters in afternoon. Nice and cool today. Little bit of a breeze. The engineers are making good sandbag trenches me too very post bridge. They going to make it this first in line of defence and I believe and do away with the Port Head & Rail Head camps. That will be much easier to hold if they do. Saturday 20 May Two entries for the same day. Top one is struck out with a diagonal cross. Above the entry is a bracketed date: (Thursday18th made mistake) Entry 1 It is just six months today since we left Australia. B’fast, the day swimming, reading, sleeping, writing DTC as it was a holiday. It has been terribly hot. Saw Jack Hender for a while. Went down to Canal after tea, & seen the Australian maritime that brought our mail out. Not many passengers on her. Cold really bitter.

27

Entry 2 Nice day. Still bomb throwing, we threw out first to live grenades today, it made us frightened for a little while, the pieces flying over our heads. Plum pudding for tea, rather heavy but went A.1. Made Geoff Gold lecture on Hypnotism in YMCA. We went but had to come out as Geoff had took enough. Received 11 letters & parcels. Elsie & Gladys Dad leaving Aus on the 25th Sunday 21 May Arose at 5:15 am. Let our tents down. Had bacon and tea for breakfast. Church parade at 8. Good address, on “the joy of Christianity” Rather warm day but not as bad as it has been. Major Knight not in good humour. Put tents up again. Wrote four letters. Had dinner. Slept & took it easy all the afternoon. Went down for a swim with Geoff and Les Western. Cool evening. Sing-song in Y.M.C.A. Also one at the Huts. Was not feeling too bright. Went to bed early. Monday 22 May Top of page: Had a back tooth filled Reveille at 2:30 am. We had breakfast fell in, and marched out about 4 miles & did some running about over sand hills etc. We retired about a mile and then advanced again. The whole of the 5th Division was there. About 20 thousand men all together. Arrived back at camp at 8 am. Did nothing all day, until 5 pm then we went out bomb throwing. I got two blind bombs. I gave one to Jack Hender and the other I emptied and kept. Sent a parcel of curiosities home to Willie, coins, stone, cartridges, buttons etc. Went down for a swim in the evening and coming back took ill, vomited up my tea & had to go straight to bed. Concert held in Hut. Tuesday 23 May Note: Diary entry at the top of the page: Sgt Watts put in charge of No. 8 section Reveille at 4 am. Our breakfast was bacon, tea, and a sort of brand mesh, which they called “porridge”. We fell in at 5 am & was put on C.R.E. fatigue. We marched down to the canal, reported to the officer & then went and swam, lay down etc. and this passed away the morning as there was no work to do. Had bread & marmalade “& Bloater” for dinner. Washed out 2 shirts & had a long lay down after dinner. Hot day. Flies bad. We did nothing in the afternoon, so we went swimming again. Tooth nagging a bit after being filled. Expect a move off to France soon. War news giving much better. Germans are looming at Verdun. Wednesday 24 May (Note: entries in the diary differ from the order of the pages in diary … ) We fell in at 6 am and went to trenches near the canal. We dug new trenches and bagged up etc. It got very warm about 7:30 am on. Put in till 9:30 am at this, then we marched back to camp. I went down and had a longer swim. Perc and I swam over the canal. We had some good fun down there. I got pushed in the water, after pushing Stanley. Then we both pushed Perc in, dressed. In the evening we practice Review drill etc getting ready for a big Review which is tomorrow. Went to bed early after writing a letter home. Mail close today at 7 pm the last time for a while.

28

Thursday 25 May We fell in at 5:15 am after having bread and bacon for breakfast. The whole 5th Division went through the review for practice. We marched for about 1½ hours at the slope without changing arms, and when we finished our arms were numbed. Dust was awful. There was about 20,000 men in the March. Artillery, Cyclists Transports, Engineers, Infantry etc. they formed a very long line. After tea we fell in at 4:30 pm and marched out again. The Army Corp staff including 3 Generals and numerous Officers of all ranks inspected the whole division. It was a long and tiresome job. We were not sorry when it was all over. Went to bed at about 7:30 pm and had a good rest. I am Mess orderly tomorrow. Generals have, cross, sword, and button and crown & star on shoulder. Friday 26 May Reveille at 5 am and a breakfast at 5:45 am so we had a good sleep in. I was mess orderly. About 7 o’clock we feel in and marched out on the Italian parade. Our Reg. Numbers were all checked then “A” Co was marched away and pay books taken from us. Boots inspected and were told to pack up everything ready to shift. Only 36 lbs is allowed to be carried in kitbags. Dozens of pairs of socks, shirts etc were all burnt because chaps had too much. I did not burn everything but poked them in my bag. Very hot day. After dinner we fell in and packs workers inspected etc. Expect to shift tomorrow morning to Mraskar (?). Saturday 27 May Note: TOP of PAGE ADDITIONAL ENTRY. We expect to go to France in a few days. Arose at 4 am had breakfast then fill in and stacked our black kit bags by the road they were then loaded on wagons. We then let our tents down carried them out on parade ground, cleaned out tents, lines etc. 9 tins of fruit, sardines, 1 pickle, 1 milk, two tins of lollies were issued to our section. We had a real good feed for dinner. Geoff and I made some Cocoa it was A.1. we went Down for a swim in the canal for the last time I suppose. I swim across twice. We got everything ready to move off early in the morning and went for a walk down to the hospital & got back about 7:30 pm and was immediately put on fatigue for a half an hour. We at last got to bunks, and was not sorry at all. Sunday 28 May Note: Diary entry at top of the page: Bands played in evening cheer us up greatly. Reveille at 2:30 am. I did not like getting out of bed at such an unearthly hour. We had cold beef and bread for our breakfast. At about 3:30 am14 & us were detailed to be baggage guard. We were posted to a wagon. The Brigade marched off at 5 am and then our Transports followed. For a long time it was nothing but stop, stop, wait, but after we crossed the pontoon bridge it was alright. We were allowed to remove our packs which made things a bit lighter. We passed the brigade of English chaps who were relieving us. They were very small and young chaps. They never sang or spoke, but our chaps were yelling out all the way. We arrived at Mraskar at about 10 am then had bread and jam to dinner. On fatigue most of the afternoon, straightening ups etc. Cold bacon and the little vegetables for tea, we were very hungry and tired. Went to bed early, I was very glad to get rest. No church parade. Very hot day

29

Monday 29 May Note: Diary entry at top of the page: This is called Aerodrome Camp. Arose at 2:30 am breakfast at 3 am we were very tired & the considerable bit of the language was being used. The canteen was broken into last night and for punishment we have to do 3 early minute warning marchers for about 8 miles each. As the sun was rising over the horizon we started off on our route march with full packs and ammunition. I got rather warm marching and it wasn’t long before we were wet through with perspiration. We got back to camp at 8 am. Had dinner at 10:30 am. We received our mail in the afternoon. I only got 1 letter and a parcel from home. Perc, Geoff and I have a nice bath. My heels will be blistered after the march so, I went on sick parade and was exempted from duty for tomorrow. The Brigade fell in after tea (bully beef) I went down for a swim went to bed at 7 pm. Tuesday 30 May We were all worked up at 2:30 am by the Bugler yelling out “Reveille”. I had the laughing side this morning as I was exempted, so you could lay in till daylight. Break-fast was brought and it was “curry” so I hopped out and got my “cut”, it was the first we have ever had for breakfast and was A.1. The Brigade went on their Route march and I lay in till 6.15 am. Then it got up, had a wash etc. Little cooler today. Perc got some peas in a parcel yesterday so am having them for tea tonight. Had “Bully beef” for dinner. We had a foot inspection and I was put down in the Officers book as having sore heels. Had a nice easy day, nothing to do but sleep etc. Still no other jam butt marmalade the being served in canteen, here and cannot get anything. Saw two aeroplanes land and go up again, we’re only 100 yards from aerodrome here. Wednesday 31 May We slept until 5 o’clock, and then we got up and had breakfast. I got a tin of pears & had them for breakfast. I was on “Light Duties” so had to clean up the lines, making bunks around the Officers tents etc. I saw several aeroplanes ascend & descend, they can land as easily as a bird. There are 2-3 Australian Aeroplanes

they have a boomerang on wing. Temperature about 100 today. Wrote and posted a letter home, only allowed 1 letter each. Bread and plum jam for dinner. On cooks fatiguing afternoon. Expect to shift on Sunday next. Went on sick right with my heels, he gave me “Fatigue” and bound my feet up. Curry for tea. Dusty in the evening. Lecture by Lieut Hann on France, coins, people, language etc. Colonel told us about taking stuff out of kit-bags. JUNE Thursday 1 June Slept in till 5 am. After breakfast we all fell in and got our kitbags, and we all could you leave in them was 1 uniform, 1 shirt, 1 underpants, 2 socks all the rest of the stuff had to be burned. Good stuff was sent to hospitals etc and anything we valued Post to France. I did not through any of my gifts stuff away but kept them, and am sending them over. Gave 4 pair of socks away. In the evening went over to Y.M.C.A. and bought some cherries and had a good feed. Had a very easy day. Nice and cool only about 90° I suppose. Expect to shift Sunday. Saw a lot of aeroplanes hovering around Went to bed with 1 blanket had to give others in. On sick parade “Light Duties”.

30

Friday 2 June Reveille at 5 am breakfast consisted of two pieces of bacon ¾ mess tin full of tea and as I bought a tin of cherries last night, I ate them with great relish. The battalion marched out to drill at 6:15 am. I was put on cleaning up the tents the offices lines etc. Some more parcels arrived. Warm day. Saw several aeroplanes landing etc. Artillery have shifted here now. Had an easy day. Heels quite better. In the evening went down too Lake Timsey & had a swim, the battery marched down. When arriving home we got our kitbag & took out our uniforms and put in our Khaki drill uniforms. Had a little yarn and went to bed early with 1 blanket, very cool night, wearing balaclava cap. Heavy dews fall in the night now. Shaved my moustache off (6 months old). Saturday 3 June We arose at 5:15 am had breakfast (Bacon and tea) & fell in with full marching order & in Field Service Uniform. Went out on the Battalion Parade and had an inspection of clothes, equipment etc. After being dismissed we packed that in our black kit bags and stacked them behind tents again. Hot day. Had a bit of the spell in the afternoon and in evening went down to the lake and had good swim. Stew for dinner nearly all meet & water. Sunday 4 June We’re rose at 5 am. Breakfast as usual. We fell in with side-arms at 7 am and went to Church Parade. Had a good service. Sermon “Rich young Rubin”. After church parade a communion service was held in our Officers Mess. We have a splendid time about 75 present was out of our section. Hot day, getting sick of this Sandy and hot place, we will be glad to get away from here. In the afternoon we had to get our kit bags back again take everything out, and roll everything in our blankets and just wear overcoat. We marched down to station and had all them fumigated. Had a nice chat and made bed and off to bed again. Bed is the best place in Egypt. Monday 5 June We were called out of our hard beds at 3:15 am. This morning Bacon and T was really for our morning meal, which we soon demolished. Fell in at 4:45 am with our heavy packs and went for another one of our early morning walks of 9 miles. Had a swim before returning to Camp. Very hot. Bread and jam for dinner. Fatigue for a while. Pack bags again for last time I hope. Our Co. is Duty Company today so No.8 Section used to be Brigade Headquarters. Picquet tonight. More news of shifting to France. We mounted pique at 6:30 pm. I was on second relief we are having 4 hours on and 8 hours off during the night & 2 on & 6 off in the day. I was on from 11 pm till 8 am. Easy, cold, & at dawn most of the time. Tuesday 6 June (water damaged – almost indecipherable) Awake at 5 am but we all got to sleep again till around 6:30 am. Got some curry was my breakfast which was real good. I went on duty again at 9 till 11, it was rather warm, it is easy job, until 3 pm. I slept, read etc then went on duty again for two hours. Not going to all shift now until the 1st. thinking of mother’s day, would like to send a cable but cannot. A general inspection of the lines division. Good morning. Picquet was dismounted at 7 pm. Was paid 400 P.T.S. Tents were all pulled down at about 8 pm everything stored

31

Wednesday 7 June (water damaged – almost indecipherable) Slept in till 5 o’clock. Had breakfast and then feel in with full matching orders. Marched out on Battalion Parade ground and had an inspection. of rifles, ammunition etc. After that had a Lecture on discipline and then was dismissed. Bread and Jam (strawberry &Marmalade). In the afternoon we slept and read. Came over dusty about 8 pm. Lime juice issue. Steak for tea. (gap in text – water damage … ???) spent the evening laying about reading etc. Geoff & I put our bed outside at entrance. We have slept together every night for about 4 months. Thursday 8 June We had a good sleep in to 5 am this morning. After breakfast we had Company drill and then went down for a swim. It was A.1. In the water, we swim about a mile and then marched back to camp. Spent the rest of the morning on Fatigue, sleeping etc. After dinner Perc and I was detailed as Batt. Headquarters Orderlies. We had to run messages etc till bedtime (9:30 pm). Today we got news of the death of Lord Kitchener, being drowned. Wrote a letter home and one to dad. Only supposed to post one, but our Sargeant told me I could post two. Had a feed of eggs and tomatoes at canteen. A real treat for us here. Friday 9 June 5 o’clock soon came around and we had to hop out of bed. I was mess orderly so I had to get the breakfast which was a nice curry and some tea. We fell in 6:15 am and all marched out to the parade ground to hold sports. Racing, Jumping, Cycle races, Tug’o’war etc. was indulged in “A” Coy doing well (8 Batt Sports). It was rather warm today. I am not feeling too well. Scabs on my face & swore, jaw swelling a bit. Heard we have two stop in Egypt for another 6 months (Rotten). Went on sick parade with sore face & got M&D. Nice cool evening, went to bed but could not get to sleep for a long time on account of face. Saturday 10 June Arose at 5 am again, had breakfast it was supposed to go on parade but as I was not feeling too fit. I got permission from the sergeant to stay in my lines. I slept read etc. I had an lazy morning. The remainder of the chaps went out to see the Brigade awards. Our Batt. did not score very many prizes. Very nice morning but it came over dusty in afternoon. Our tent was picked out by Parade Officer as the cleanest and tidiest in the whole brigade. We banked up sand all around it this morning & made it look nice. All other sections doing the same. Doctor sent me to hospital also Geoff septic poison. Sunday 11 June Awoke at about 5:30 am and felt about the same. I went in to “A” Ward (next tent) and saw Geoff. He was feeling a little better. I had two pieces of bread and marmalade and a cup of tea for breakfast. A little after breakfast the doctor came round and he ordered me to another ward where there were only there was only one chap, with septic sores too. This is an English Hospital 24th Eng. Infantry. All pommey orderlies today. They are very slow but nice chaps. I got 9 eggs off a Egyptian & Orderly gave us 4, so we had a good tea. Perc and Jack H came down in the evening and seen Geoff and I. I got him to buy me two tins of peaches. Face on mending a bit. Monday 12 June Arose after a real good sleep. Scabs much better. Milk and bread and jam and two tins of preserved Peaches for breakfast. Hot day. Wrote a letter home and one to Elsie S. We get our face freed up twice a day. They are healing very rapidly, Geoff is going out tomorrow. 32nd Batt. is off to France on Wednesday so I’m afraid I will miss them, and be out in details. Got Sussex badge off the chap with me. Paper gives good news of the Russians. Several bands played during the day. Two eggs for tea. Slept well all night.

32

Tuesday 13 June We were awakened by the bands playing at Reveille. Had a sore throat. Arose and cleaned up the tent etc. Doctor came around at 7 am & said we were getting on well. Breakfast at 7-30 which was tea & bread & marmalade. Very warm day. I went to the captain of the hospital who said I could go out tomorrow so as to The battalion. Geoff went out this afternoon. Perry came down to see me. Meet & vegetables for dinner. Bread and jam for tea. Will be glad to get out. Memorial service to Lord Kitchener. Bed early. Wednesday 14 June We swept the floor and clean up the tent. Two more patients came in early, now we have 5 in B4 tent bread & marmalade & porridge for first meal. Warm day. Had a face dressed several times. It is going really well now. Wrote two more letters. Had a good dinner of meat & vegetables, sago, also soup. Just after dinner I got my letters etc. I got ready to be discharge. After eggs for tea our orderly Sargeant came & took me back. Went to a sing song in YMCA with Perc & Roy. As soon as I came back, I had to go into a tent by myself and be isolated. We took off guard was put in with me late at night Thursday 15 June Had a splendid sleeping in till about 9:30 am. Had breakfast in bed, which was a chop, bacon, tea & 11 doughnuts (6 bought off a nigger & the cooks took a cap off him & gave me 5 of them). The took the chaps hat that was crook, there out this morning. Got a bag of water for washing etc. Dinner was brought to me. rice & raisons & tea. Had a real easy time reading over my diary, papers etc. Had equipment, ammunition issued again, so now I have a rifle. Hot day. Perc & Geoff came to see me. Thought of loved ones at home, a lot & I looked through my photos. Packed up ready to shift in the morning. The 29th, 30th & 31st entrained and went away tonight. Went to bed in tent by myself. Friday 16 June When I woke up, the Battalion was lined up ready to go so I had to hurry up and get ready. We matched down main station and stayed in Artillery tents all day. We came for breakfast. The 18th Brigade arrived early this morning & took our places. Finished reading the new Testament right through since leaving Australia. I’m still isolated & was in a hut all by myself, no work to do. Perc arrived and brought some peaches so we had a good tea. At 6 pm we were fallen in with full marching order and orders read out. After that we were marched to station and entrained, 92 in our truck. We started off with gay hearts just as the golden moon was rising at 7:45. We tried to sleep, but only got 4 hours all night. All one on top of others it was awful. Crossed Nile twice, nice river. Great fun niggers along the line. Thinking of home a lot. Saturday 17 June Top of page - They searched our kit bags and took out my bomb. We were travelling all night and at 3 am we arrived at Alexandria. Heavy dew had fallen. We had a roll call & boarded the Transylvania, a fine big 2 funnel liner, but inside awfully dirty. Bunks to sleep in. Cold bacon & tea for breakfast. Had to keep down below until about 10 am when we were allowed on deck. This is a very nice harbour, about 40 boats, 1 Greek boat. Cold stew for dinner. Permanent mess orderlies appointed. Life parade. Handed money to give change. Electric ears in Alexandria. This is nice place, fine palace near shore. Best place I’ve seen in Egypt. Slept about 4 hours in afternoon. We pulled out a few hundred yards from wharf & anchored. Very stuffy below. Went to bed about 6:30 pm, & sleep well.

33

Sunday 18 June Awoke expecting to be well out to sea, but we were still lying in the Harbour. Breakfast at 6:30 am, porridge and tea. At 9 am we said “Goodbye” to Egypt our boat steamed out. At the entrance of saw several floating mines. Paris’s control boats. We had a life boat parade call. We were allocated lifeboats. Sea was choppy. Dinner was at 2 o’clock we had meat & potatoes & soup. Had a nice boats bath & do not feel a bit sick. I’ve nearly forgotten it’s Sunday, Church parade. We are going at about 5 knots. Church service 10.30 pm. At 7 pm we went to our bunks which were nice and comfortable with a mattress. Got money changed. Monday 19 June I lay in bed until breakfast time, which was at 8:30 am this morning. Eggs & Bread & butter. Sea nice & calm. A torpedo boat, destroyer escorted us today, she can go a terrific pace. Zig - zagging in front of us. Saw land at 9 am and could see it all day. Passed a lot of patrol boats. Went to the stern of our boat and seen the 4” naval guns which are ready for action. Parade at 10 am, we had to go to our lifeboats, really to lower her. Nice cool day. All looking out for submarines. Good dinner. Officers have an eight course dinner. Physical jerks 3 - 4 pm. Sea as calm as a docile pond in evening. Escort left us at 9 o’clock. Its lights out after 8 pm. Port holes to be closed at 7 pm. Went to bed early, had a nice sleep. Did some washing. Tuesday 20 June ** Arose at 6 am feeling fit & well. My 19th birthday today*. All the chats wish you good luck etc. Beautiful car and warm day. Had a nice bath and good meals. Bully beef & potatoes & beans for dinner. Had a good feed of chocolate. Another torpedo boat destroyer escorted us all day. Passed about 14 steamers. Our boat is very fast. Hat inspection in afternoon. Very little land seen today. Got news of Russian victory & death of Von Moltke by wireless. Think war nearly finished. Tea at 5:30 pm. We got two little loaves of bread day only just enough. Our escort left us at dark. She was D2. Transcribers Note: * Wednesday 21 June I crawled out all my bunk at 5 am & got things straightened up ready for inspection. Breakfast at 7:30 am. Land insight most of the day. We passed a small island in afternoon with hundreds of tents on. Passed a lot of boats, mine-sweepers etc. Another destroyer picked us up at daybreak and escort with us all day. Zig-zagging in front of us. General McKay inspected the decks and troops in the afternoon. All the Divisional Staff are aboard with us. Sea getting a bit rougher one or two are sick but I feel A.1. Wrote a letter and one too dead. Expect to arrive at Marseilles at 5 am on Friday. Transylvania is No 2.47. Very cold on deck in evening, but warm down below. Slept with no blankets on top. Thursday 22 June Still sailing along, very cold morning. Had to keep coat on. We had breakfast at 6:30 am. Boat drill & inspection at 10 till 11 am dinner at 12 noon. I am assistant mess orderly today. 2 pm we had to parade in field service address and put our car key drill away in kitbag. Got Pack ready for landing. Passed a lot of boats one was at a standstill, engine was broken. Still our little destroyer escorts us. Seas are a trifle rough passed a lot of small islands. Had a bath in the evening. Had some fun tonight as it was out last night on the boat. Bit chilly in the evening. All anxious to get to France.

34

Friday 23 June Arrived at Marseilles at about 9 am. Misty nearing it. The coast is very picturesque & not high. The French were very glad to see us. Disembarked about 1 pm & boarded train & left about 2:15 pm. Beautiful ride. We had no dinner. Passed several nice towns, all tiled roofs on houses, big vineyards. 40 men in a carriage. We stayed at a station about 4 pm & had bully beef & bread for our tea. We were very hungry too. Had some fun with French girls. On Picquet after tea. Left at 7 pm. Passed three hey terrible lot of tunnels 10 minutes to go through. We all (8) slept in the carriage, it is about 8’ x 4’, so we were cramped. Stan slept on top of me. Wally slept on the rack. Bones aching a treat. Saturday 24 June It rained a little during in night. Stopped at Lyons 4 am, It is a fine and big place. Churches in abundance. Beautiful day. Passed a lot of nice little towns. Had bully and biscuits the dinner at 4:30 am. Women work in the fields, ploughing, stacking hay, working etc in mines, foundries etc. We’re very tired. There are dozens of trains of French soldiers. Past several stations and French red cross nurses came out with cold tea & wine & gave them to our chaps. Training to pick up. Trench barricades. I saw an aeroplane up. At 12 O’clock pm we got some tea, but I was too tired to get out for some. Poor sleep. Sunday 25 June At 3:30 am we came very close to Paris (next station) but we turned off and missed going through town. We could see Paris at a distance, saw towers, chimney stacks etc. Very cold morning. Foggy at about 8.30 we started station and had some more biscuits & jam for breakfast. A lot of French Soldiers passed us. A lot are wearing medals. They ask us for souvenirs. Saw an Airship up. Over 30 tunnels on trip up to date. Just one year since I enlisted*. Arrived at our beds at midnight (after passing near Calais, saw English Channel). We came back about 2 miles through town & we camped in tents. Could see the flash of shells about 14 miles away, heard of them in the distance. Cold night, little rain. Bed 2.30 am Transcribers Note: * Monday 26 June Awoke at 9:15 am, had a longer sleep. Little rain before breakfast. Biscuits & jam & butter for breakfast. Had a nice wash and went up and looked around Hazebrouck. Parade at 12 pm, orders read out etc. Dull day. Heard the rumble of a few shells bursting, a long way off. Dispatch riders going about 50 miles hour all day long. In the afternoon there was general leave. So I went up around Morbecque. There is a lovely church cemetery, every grave had a crucifix on it. Crucifixes are posted up all over the town, very old. Got a good feed of bread & butter. Then I went Hazebrouck and went inside a beautiful Catholic Church. French girls & children red after us& gave us a good welcome. Got wet in the process, rained heavy. Water coming through the tent. Its lights out 10 pm. Tuesday 27 June Awoke at 6:30 am. wet to the skin, water poured in our tents. Dull morning. On fatigues all the morning evening up the lines etc. Wet for about an hour or two. Heavy bombardments taking place by the noise going on. Bully beef and cheese for dinner. We had general leave in the afternoon & had to polish up belts. Went up too Hazebrouck and bought a Watch for 25 Francs. Had a look into the spinning factory, lots of boys and girls & old people working. Then we went to Morbecque & got some postcards etc. Very sloppy underfoot. Lot of red cross ambulances bringing sick and wounded from the firing line. We could read a paper 10 o’clock at night by daylight, it does not get dark until about 11 pm. Nice cool night. Perc Sydunary & I slept together.

35

Wednesday 28 June Arose at 6:45 am. Wet outside and coming through the tents a little. Breakfast at 8 am. At 9 am we fell in full marching order and marched out toward the firing line & returned at 11:30 am. Little rain. Had marching orders rations for dinner, it was real good. Harold Daniels & I volunteered for the job of the Batman for the Interpreter & Dentist. Harold got it, I didn’t. Bayonet fighting in afternoon. No leave granted. Bombardment slackened off a bit. Expecting a move, it is nearly a month since we received the last mail. No. 2 platoon on guard but I happen to miss it. Went down to the town for an hour or two and then came back to camp & went to bed.

From 19 January Underlined - June 28 1916 (Insert – out of sequence) As we travelled from Marseilles to Armentieres Morbecque saw this inscription cemented in very large letters on the side of the big hill about a mile away “GLORIE OF JESUS CHRISTE”. All along the line we constantly passed large crucifixes near the line. In (Morbecque?) there are almost 12 large crucifixes on street corners near churches etc. Nearly every grave as one on it as well. Saw the French bless themselves as they passed.

Thursday 29 June Arose at 6:15 am was very cold first thing. I was detailed as picquet orderly so I had an easy day. In the morning the Batt. went for a route march. I went up and look around the streets, went into a house and bought some strawberries & had a long chat to the girls, trying to learn French. After dinner I helped to carry the (English) mail up none for me. Took the because picquet tea up, and stayed talking the girls etc until 9 o’clock. Got pretty fresh in evening. Two aeroplanes came over & dozens of shells were fired at them. Think they were enemy planes, afterwards to 10 more went over, & a great bombardment’s started. Friday 30 June Reveille at 6 am. Very cold first thing. Physical exercise until breakfast time. After breakfast we went out and did more bayonet fighting and musketry etc. Cold bacon & butter & jam for dinner. Lovely day. At 2 pm we fell in and had lecture on use of our helmets. Then we tried them on. Mail arrived in the evening, first one for nearly a month. I received 8 letters & parcel of nuts from Gil. More aeroplanes up in evening and found out that they are our planes dropping bombs on the German trenches. Last night we saw one fall slowly & suppose be was wounded. About 5 - 10 shells must of being fired at them. A great attack on the enemy is taking place, big guns booming. JULY Saturday 1 July Reveille at 5:30 am breakfast at 6:30 am & we fell in with for full marching order and blankets. At 8am marched off Morbecque to a place about 2 miles out of the town & we were billeted in a barn behind the home. It was full of straw & rubbish & very wet, we cleared it out& got it habitable. Had dinner at 12 o’clock and lay down under the green trees all the afternoon. A nice big orchard (with no fruit) surround the place & nice green grass. Big guns are still arriving & we saw a lot more aeroplanes, we were firing that them, but seem to do no damage. No leave to be granted, but we had to simply wait too we call to help on the trenches. Perc & I had a nice walk & chat. Very long bombardments in the evening. Good war news Mail arrived (7 letters) 2 balloons up.

36

Sunday 2 July Arose at 6:30 am. Very cold morning. Church parade at 9 o’clock, good service and Lord’s supper at conclusion. Coming home we saw a dog working a share by means of a big wheel, It was very funny, several about here like it. Wrote a letter to Elsie explaining the question. Good dinner. Lovely afternoon, sort several aeroplanes and balloons up. Parade and 2 o’clock, Lecture and practice with gas helmets. General leave from 4 till 9 but very few went out, I stayed in & read the letters etc. Another mail supposed to be in. We expect to be going into action in a few days now. A small mail came in mostly passes but I got more. Went to bed the bar at 10 pm after coming home from the stroll in Morbecque. Monday 3 July 6 am our Sergeant came and roused of us up out of bed, it was about freezing point. I took the Guards rations down and then when I returned, I had breakfast. Fill in at 9 o’clock marching down and got our guest helmets issued, March out in a panic and had a lecture on gas etc by an English officer, then we were marched into a cloud of gas which was released from the cylinder. It was a yellowish colour and we could smell an awful odour throughout helmets. After that we passed through “weeping gas” which we could not see but it made us cry like babies, it was terrible for a little while, for this gas, we have goggles issued. After dinner we wrote letters. At 6 pm I was put on Picquet, marching down to No6 Billets & was inspected and dismissed to lines. Slight bombardments today. Sgt Watts went away to school. Issue with steel helmets at 9 pm they are very heavy. Clothes on, with Perc & Sydunary. Tuesday 4 July Very cold. Picquet immediately, fell in and was inspected. After breakfast we had more practice with gas helmets & a lecture by Chaplain on encoring. Bread & butter & jam for dinner. At 2 pm we feel in with full marching order and went for a 4 mile march around a beautiful road, surrounded by shrubs and green trees. Arrived home in a light shower of rain, thunder & zig-zag lightning, got slightly damp. Soon as we got in the barn it poured heavily. Slight bombardments going on. In afternoon we had to guess how I can grill and usual training. Dismissed Picquet at 7 pm. Went to bed at 10 pm. Slept well & warm. Wednesday 5 July Awoke, dressed, and fell in four physical drill by 7 am. Breakfast and at 9:15 for a 6 mile route march towards Armentieres. Passed 2 villages. Rained a little. Slight bombardments. Arrived home at noon. 2 o’clock we fell in and had a lecture on gas helmets etc. & then distance guessing. After tea we were paid, 30 francs. Perc & I went for a walk and caught 2 girls stacking hay, so we helped them and had a good time. Arrived back at the camp at 9 pm went to bed. Perc Sydunary got into the Machine Gun Section. Wrote a letter home. Good news of French cavalry. Thursday 6 July Reveille at 4 am. Had breakfast & fell in at 5:20 am. & marched 3 miles to rifle butts had 15 shots and then returned to camp without a stop. Arrived back at noon. Had dinner and fill in at 2 pm and had a lecture on gas etc. at 4 pm we were dismissed and Perc & I went up to town and had a good tea, 14, 2 cups of coffee, etc, it cost us 1/4’ each. Then we went up and met two girls who we saw last night they can talk good English and they tried to teach us. Had a good time with them. Drizzling rain in evening. Very little bombardments. Check came home drunk and crawled in the dogs kennel, great excitement for time.

37

Friday 7 July Top of page note: send a cable home “ARRIVED SAFELY FRANCE” Got out of the blankets at 6:30 am. Physical exercises till 7:15 am. Breakfast at 7:30 am. Feel in for 9 for gas helmet instructions. Little rain. Saw funeral pass. The Hurst was a wagon with a white cover over it, people walk behind at every crucifix etc they stopped and put a little wooden cross at the foot of it. On Brigade guard at night, 3 men & corporal. A lot of chaps in the town tonight, as we just got orders to shift at 9 am. in the morning. I was on my beat from 8 to 10 pm. It was raining a little, old church bells chiming, the flash of skyrockets were lighting up the sky. Bed at 10:30 very tired. Saturday 8 July Top of page note: shells booming look in the lovely church. Morbecque to Estaires about 13 miles. I was work up at 2 o’clock to join my beat till 4 am. I had to wake up 3 chaps at 6 o’clock so they could get ready for shift. At 9 o’clock the Brigade moved off & had to stay till 10 o’clock then we set off with full pack Rifle & equipment, caught up to the transports. I followed them for a few miles, then I backed off & caught up with the Batt’n. Had a little dinner at 2 o’clock. Passed several nice towns, people were very pleased to see us and gave us water etc. Arrived Estaires at about 5 pm. Feet sore & blistered body and legs aching& Only about ½ Batt., left, the others were straggling behind. Had a nice tea of eggs etc. Had a look around town & went to bed on the hay-stacks. Sunday 9 July Breakfast at seven and then we pack& After out at 9 am without blankets. We marched about 5 miles and arrived at Erquinam or Nieppe at about 2 pm. About half a dozen enemy aeroplanes were up above us & shells were bursting or around them but did not see any fall. We were billeted in the hills. Beautiful day. You’re not allowed to leave our hearts only on special occasions. Shells were bursting all the afternoon & aeroplanes & balloons all over the place. I saw several of the 16 Batt chaps. Had a swim in a canal in the evening. Feeling real well. We are liable to be shelled at any time here. Issued with another gas helmet. Mr Benson has rejoined our platoon after being in the hospital. We’re all feeling anxious to get into our trenches went to bed at 9:15 pm tremendous bombardments at 11 pm. Monday 10 July Had a good sleeping till 7 am, had breakfast in bed. Perc and I went down to the canal and had a wash. The Germans had been shelling out aeroplanes a lot today, but did not hit any. Did nothing all day, so I had a good rest, wrote a letter etc. A slight bombardment has taken place today. Issued with eight days ration and iodine. Major Knight is leaving us also Capt Viven, so we hear. We got orders to pack up this afternoon to proceed to trenches tonight. All getting anxious. Wearing two pairs of socks, big tender. Fell in at 9 pm started off under the command of Major Higgons. Passed a big town, House with broken down I shall fire. Starship will fly up at dozens of places. Arrived at our billets about 200 yards behind the trenches at Midnight. Relieved 16th Batt. Tuesday 11 July Awoke at 8 am. Breakfast at 8:30 am. Lovely day. Not much firing going on. Shell hole is in our billet. Saw a lot of 48th chaps. Nothing doing in the morning so we write letters, red and took it easy. Trenches all over the place. Major thinking gatehouse chat in Afternoon. In afternoon our artillery shelled the enemy first line trenches keep up a tremendous noise. I went down and saw battery timing shells, loading and firing. The enemy sent a few shells over to us, after tea they were involving them over. One went through the roof of house most of them fell in prop. We were all standing out watching them burst. Slept in clothes in case of alarm, slept well.

38

Wednesday 12 July Arose at 8 o’clock Bacon and spuds for breakfast. Had a very easy day. Little shelling going on. Landing only a short distance from us. We got orders to pack up our belongings and be ready to move off to trenches at a minutes notice as they were expecting a long bombardment, but it did not happen. In the evening we were told to be ready to move out in light marching water at any time during the night in our clothes. At 11:15 pm we were all aroused and told to fall in. In working parties of 10 to do fatigues in the firing line so we took our oil sheets. Thursday 13 July Note top of page: FIRST TIME IN FIRING LINE. At 12 o’clock midnight this morning we have marched off to the trenches for the first time. It was about 2 miles. It was very exciting as the bullets buzzed over our heads. We were all ducking as the guns were going off but an hour or two after we got used to them. We were put on filling up sandbags and filling up the shell holes in the parapets etc. Star shells and flares were going up all night until daylight. Five of us went down to the firing line, it was much different to what I expected. Snipers were pipping all the time and machine guns were cracking. At 5:30 am we went back to camp after a very exciting morning. Did nothing all day. Slept, played cards etc. Dull day. Very little bombarding going on. Slept in our clothes, expect to go out midnight. Friday 14 of July Awoke at midnight & was told we were not going out till 4:30 am. Reveille at 4:30 am, had breakfast at 5 am, then we fell in & marched down to the frontline of trenches. Our party carried timber, built dugouts and made new trenches etc. I look out with periscope and sniper nearly hit it. Bullets were flying everywhere. Arrived back at 10 o’clock. Heavy bombardment on our trenches in the afternoon. Our itinerary did not reply very much. Got orders to pack up at 6 pm to shift. Two German shells landed near our billet at dusk. Fill in at 10:15 pm & much about 3 miles to Fleurbeauve (Fleurbaix) arriving there at 12:30 am. I was billeted in an old house. Saturday 15 July Had some breakfast. 11 o’clock we shifted down into another billet, (a stable). Had very little dinner. Our mail arrived, I parcel from Marjorie, it contained 1 pair of socks and 1 good pipe. Our artillery was firing a good bit in afternoon, that had no reply from the enemy. Had a good bath. Lovely warm day. Spent the day reading etc. At 4 pm we got orders to move off at 5, with light marching order. Went on fatigue in the trenches. Heavy fighting going on. Gas attack by us, but blew back on us, had helmets on. One of our Coy, shot dead in the back, close to me. Had a lot of narrow escapes. Lot of snipers shooting at us. So a lot of wounded. It was awful. Bombarding as well. Sunday 16 July Arrived back at camp at 5 am, very tired. Had 1 hours sleep & then breakfast time. At 10 o’clock our Major gave us a talk and told us we were picked for a special work. After dinner our Lieut told us that we had to attack a German fort and two divisions were going to advance. He told us exactly what to do. Did nothing the rest of the afternoon, but got rifles, ammunition etc ready. Wrote a letter home. Showers of rain. Started bombarding at 2:30 pm picking up a terrible row. Had an hours sleep and at 9:30 pm we were all woke up & fell in & marched off to support the trenches, arriving there at about 5 am next morning. Snipers were firing at us treat but hit none of our company. Light showers of rain.

39

Monday 17 July Arrived at the support trench early & lay down and had an hours sleep. Ground very muddy. We lay about & had a bit of breakfast, then on the fatigues, carrying bombs, cartridges, & stones etc. a tremendous amount of stuff was brought up. At some dinner, I just went to get some water & “wiz-bang” shrapnel was flying all around me, had a miraculous escape. Everyone was cowering behind cover when returned to trenches. We intended making a big advance at 3 pm but for some reason it was delayed. The enemy shelled us terribly, killing and wounding several of our Batt. Return to Billet at 3 PM after missing a lot of shrapnel. Got mail, 13 letters. On fatigue till 9 pm. Went to bed tired out, first night sleep for about 4 nights. Tuesday 18 July Awoke at 8 am, Felt real good. Had breakfast. Then we got orders to pack up with fighting order. Marched off to the frontline of trenches, relieving B Coy. Saw Jack Hender. Got a good dug out with Perc & Geoff. Bullying beef and biscuits for dinner. On fatigue filling sandbags. Fritz sent in a dozen or two shells into us, but did no damage to our chaps. On duty as an “Observer” from 3:30 pm, the periscope is a great thing. At 5 o’clock as I was sitting on the firing step with Perc and two others a “whiz-bang” lobbed right on top of our parapet. It covered us right up with dirt sandbags etc, filled my mess tin with dirt & no one got hurt. I shook our nerves a lot. Had no sleep, had to stand to all night. We were firing “flares” as well as the Germans. Dozens of machine guns going. Friday 19 July – Saturday 22 July NOTE: Pages missing!! Sunday 23 July Arose 10 o’clock after a real good sleep. It Was a little bit cold. Feeling a little better. Breakfast at 11 o’clock. Church service in our loft 12 p.m. Had a good service singing was lovely. Glen Crisp is dead, buried with Perc Sydunary. Jack Hender is missing. Had a spell in the afternoon & in evening. Ralph Brown and I went up to the YMCA & had some fruit, cake and tea. Went to bed early. Tried send a cable home “safe well”, also sent some postcards & letters. Monday 24 July Arose at 7:30 am had a good breakfast. Went to the 8th Field Hospital & found out about some of our mates, then to Y.M.C.A. Had a tip-top dinner. Lay down & read all afternoon. Very tired and done out. Nice day. Applied for R.F. Corps but did not get it. This place is called Bac-St-Maur it is a big town with the fair population of French. Tuesday 25 July Arose at 8 am. Had breakfast. In the morning went to machine gun lecture. Had a lovely dinner. In writing letters. A mail arrived today. Had a hot bath. Hundreds were going in the door, dirty and they came out in a little time after, with clean clothes, towels and clean bodies (it was like sausage factory). I felt real good after it. My shirt has not been washed for over a month. Got back to care and orders to pack up really to shift at 7:30 pm. We match down to the trenches & I was put on guard at the “Sap”, rats and mosquitoes in hundreds, things are quiet, only snipers shooting. Rather cold. Tried to kill rap with bayonet to keep awake on duty

40

Wednesday 26 July On duty 3 am, to 5 am. At 9 o’clock I was shifted to a billet & put on guard there. Person is promoted to Lnce Corporal. Only at a few guns shooting today, “Fritz” not replying. Dull day. Had an easy day. Had tip-top meals. Received a parcel of toffee, face washers & chocolate from Ima Stevens. On duty from 10 pm till 12 pm rather cold. Slept on a wooden stretcher which was in the house. Did some washing today Thursday 27 July On duty at 5 am to 7 am, it was cold and drizzly rain. Had steak and bacon for breakfast. Had a lay down but couldn’t sleep all the morning. Found some mushrooms. A lot of green apples and pears in garden at the back of house. Heard the Austrians have surrendered. No shooting going on today. Everything very quiet. We had roast beef, most potatoes and cabbage for dinner. For tea mushroom stew boiled beef & potatoes & date pudding. In evening helped to help fill a tank of water. Few shells lobbing over here. Nice cool evening. Went to bed early. Friday 28 July On duty from 1 to 3 am. Breakfast at 8 am (Porridge & bacon). Our guns bombarding a little Fritz replying with a few shells Will stop a lot of our planes up and Fritz sent a lot of shells at them did no damage to them. Wrote 8 letters. Lovely day. Getting real good weather now. A piece of a small Shell landed right in our backyard. Got private belongings of Geoff’s as they aren’t destroying all belongings to dead. … ??? … on duty from 9 to 11 pm. In night our guns were booming and kept us awake for a long time. Numerous star shells in the air, also machine guns cracking a lot. Saturday 29 July On my beat again from 7 am to 9 am. Very fresh first thing. Porridge, fried bacon etc breakfast. I was detailed to go to Perc’s billet to go on guard there. So at 9:30 am I went out and reported there. Nice day. Shells falling all around the place, very uncomfortable. Slight bombardment by our guns. Made identification disc out of old shell case. Good dinner. On duty from 4 to 6 pm. We are guarding a lot of bombs and ammunition. The old house is severely damaged with shellfire. Got a feed of half ripe plums out of garden, was up the tree and shell landed close & I soon was on the ground & off. Went to bed at 8 o’clock but could not get to sleep for a long time as Fritz was landing a few shells only 100 yards from our billet. They raided our trenches in night but failed. Sunday 30 July Awoke at 8 am and was on my beat to 10 am. Lovely day. Slight bombardment all day “Fritz” replying and they were landing only a few yds from our billet, some pieces almost hitting us. A lot of our aeroplanes were up reconnoitring etc. Believe we have to go in to the first line morning trenches tomorrow. Mail has arrived that is not sorted yet. Run issue that I would not have any of it. Good meal steel. Every man to sleep fully dressed and with the equipment on until further notice. Wrote two clean and Marjorie. On duty from 6 pm till 8pm. It keeps quite light until 10 pm here. Heard Douglas Shimmer is in England lucky chap. Went to my bed of sand bags & straw at 8:15 pm.

41

Monday 31 July Top of page note: Adjutant wounded (Cpt Taplin) On the duty from 1 am till 2 am. I’m it was slightly cold. A few stray bullets were buzzing around the house making things interesting. Few shells landing near at hand. Star shells were busy all night. On duty again from 8 am till 10 am. Got the good news of 71,000 prisoners, also 540 officers & 2 generals captured. Went to brigade headquarters with message, about 2 miles walk. Hot day. Got mail, two letters, one parcel from Bessie. Also got a parcel from Percy Sydunary. One pair socks & handkerchief. Few air duals. Packed up kits as we have to shift into trenches tonight. Went to bomb lecture. At 10 PM in trenches at “Devon Avenue”. Gas attack as soon as we arrived. On duty all night. Lots of sniping by Germans Machine guns quiet. Lot star shells. August Tuesday 1 August Stood “to arms” at 3:15 am. Very cool. Foggy first thing. German sniping a lot. From 4:30 am to 8 am we had a good sleep. Breakfast & then I was put on as observer. Things very quiet. Dinner at 1:30 pm & then I had another 2 hours sleep. All of us Grenadiers were put on the “Sally Port” with plenty of bombs. Germans sent a few “whiz-bangs” over to us in the afternoon, & we replied with about twice as many. Hot day. Perc & I have a nice day out all to ourselves. We sat in day out and had a nice tour of home etc for about an hour. Rats and nice in dozens here rat-trap in our “humpy”. Tea at 5pm. Final diary entry ---------

42

Memoranda I enlisted for “Active Service” on June 25 1915 at Keswick barracks “Sworn in” and went into camp at Mitcham on June 30th 1915 Promoted to Lce Cpl on November 4th 1915 Reverted to the ranks on 29th December 1915 Left Sch Australia on 18th of November in 1915 Arrived and landed at Suez Egypt on 18th December 1915 Left Egypt on 18 June 1916 Arrived at France and June 25th 1916 In the Battle of Fleurbaix July 1916 Personal Memoranda Frank M Tregilgas 18 Sussex Street Lower North Adelaide South Australia Identification number: 195 Personal Note: This diary belongs to Pte F.M. Tregilgas Reg No. 195 A Coy 8th Brigade 5th Division AIF