1st Division 4th Division

WAR DIARY

OF

W 2729 LIEUTENANT COLONEL FREDERICK E. FORREST MC

9TH FIELD ARTILLERY

1ST EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

1ST AIF

19TH OCTOBER 1914 TO 8TH SEPTEMBER 1917

Forward

During 1997 Mary Crowe the Granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Forrest MC mentioned to me that she had her Grandfathers Diary written by him during World War 1, and that he had landed on Gallipoli and then went on to France. Mary told me that she was transcribing it so as to make a printed copy available to interested parties. She mentioned to me that there were terms mentioned that she and her son David were having difficulty in deciphering. Such as “something guns” which she thought was “Krupp” but this did not look right to her. Mary thought because of my previous service in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) and interest in military history that I might be able to help her work out what some of the terminology was by assisting in the transcription. To which I readily agreed. I must say that I did not realize the impact that this statement would have on me. I certainly had knowledge of the Anzacs and Gallipoli from history books etc. but I had never had the chance to read something actually written by a “Digger” who was there on the 25th April 1915, that fateful day in our Military and Countries History. On reading and re-reading Frederick Forrest’s Diary to get the feel of what some of the words might be, two things happened. First, I found that the descriptions of the various incidents in the diary made me feel that I was there with the writer at the time. Secondly, I felt that I knew Frederick Forrest for a long time: yet I never met the man, as he had died before I was born. His descriptions of occurrences are typical of a “Digger” and give that down to earth feeling and understanding that one does not get from an official history or Official War Diary. It is this mans thoughts and comments which have firmed my resolve that the “ANZAC” Traditions must not be allowed to be lost. They must be maintained for our children and grandchildren and their children. This resolve has been reinforced since I visited Gallipoli and the Western Front and have actually stood in and on the places described by Frederick Forrest.

Frederick Forrest I will remember you.

“Lest We Forget”

2173945 Sgt. Matt Walsh (Retd) Royal Australian Army Provost Corps

(i) Australian Military Forces

Name: Frederick Edward Forrest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Regimental Number: W2729 Enlistment Dates: January 1900: 1st AIF 20th September 1914 Age on Enlistment: 22 years & 9 months – Born 20th April 1877. Branch of Service: Army – Corps of Artillery Company-Battalion- Regiment served: Australian Garrison Artillery -1900-1901 Victorian Regiment Royal Australian Artillery (VRRAA) 1901-1904 Light Horse Qld. 1904-1905 Field Artillery Tasmania-1905-1914 9th Battery 1st Australian Division 1914-1914 3rd Field Artillery Brigade 1st Australian Divisional Artillery- 1914-1915 4th Divisional Artillery -1916-1917 1st Anzac Ammunition Park -1917 10th Field Artillery-1917 39th Battery 10th Indian Howitzer Brigade- 1917 13th Australian General Artillery- 1921 10th Australian Field Artillery Brigade -1926-1930 Promotions: Act/Bombardier 26/11/1901 Bombardier 8/11/1903 S/Sergt Major 18/1/1904 Warrant Officer 19/12/1914 2nd Lieutenant 3/7/1915 Lieutenant 8/12/1915 Staff Captain 12/3/1916 T/Major 26/7/1917 Major 1/8/1917 Lt. Colonel 31/3/1926 Campaign Areas: MEF (Mediterranean Expeditionary Force) Egypt; Alexanderia: Cairo: Suez Canal: Gallipoli BEF (British Expeditionary Force) Belgium: France (Ypres & Somme) England Wounded in Action 12th October 1917 remained on duty. Decorations and Service Medals: Military Cross 1st January 1917. 1914-1915 Star. British War Medal - Victory Medal

(ii)

(iii)

(iv) Monday, 19th October, 1914.

Reveille 6 a.m. Orders just issued to prepare for embarkation. Great excitement, everybody bustling. Left Pontville Camp 9.30 a.m. Embarked on transport A.2. S.S. GEELONG. Completed embarkation 5 p.m. Tuesday, 20th October, 1914. Great excitement prevailing. Ship sails at 3 p.m. Great crowds present at departure. Passed an excellent night on board. Weather beautiful. Wednesday, 21st October, 1914. Weather still continues fine. Spirits of troops excellent. Inspection of quarters and routine are the order of the day. Troops gradually settling down to ship quarters. Thursday, 22nd October, 1914. Reveille 6 a.m. weather still fine, sea smooth as a millpond. Ship stood to for a few hours during the night owing to fog. Distance travelled up to noon 257m. sea sickness disappearing. All corps exercised. Ship state 1,250 all ranks. During afternoon fitting of life belts and boat stations. Boat too crowded to carry out routine duties correctly. Behavior of men excellent. Two serious cases of sickness aboard. An operation of a serious and interesting nature was performed on board this morning whilst passing through the Australian Bight. 4 doctors and two nurses present. Quite an interesting event for all but the patient. The Orderly Room was fitted up into quite an up to-date operating theatre. The ship is very crowded and I am afraid that we shall have our work cut out to preserve the health of the troops whilst passing through the tropics. Passed through a large school of whales this morning, caused a great deal of excitement amongst the troops. Saturday, 24th October, 1914. Another fine day with smooth sea. Quite phenomenal weather for this route. All cases of seasickness are disappearing. An Amusement committee has been formed for the purpose of carrying out entertainments for the troops on board. All being well we hope to reach Albany some time tomorrow when it is expected to pick up the remainder of the fleet of transports.

- 1 - Sunday, 25th October 1914.

Another fine day with smooth sea. Nothing substantial to record. Three Church Services held during the morning at which a collection was taken in aid of the distressed Servicemen. At the time of writing there are strong indications of a storm rising. Monday, 26th October 1914. Quite a change in the weather. Heavy rain and high seas are the order of the day. At 6 a.m. our Flagship the “Orrelto “was sighted steaming on our beam. At 7 a.m. we entered King George’s Sound and as we steamed into the bay all the vessels who had arrived before us loomed into view and it was a sight to behold. 23 large ocean going vessels converted into transports lying at anchor in the bay. During the day two warships and 4 additional transports arrived. 4 more vessels are still to arrive to complete the fleet from Australia. The New Zealanders are expected to arrive tomorrow. It is a wonderful sight to see the bay vessels amounting to some thousands of lives. The health of the troops is still keeping excellent. Life on board up to the present has been most enjoyable. Plenty of music and some hundreds of good books which have all been kindly donated for the use of the troops. Tuesday, 27th October 1914. Weather still rough. Tried hard to get leave to go ashore but not successful. Nothing startling occurred during the day. S.S. “Katuna” arrived during the afternoon and reported the loss of two horses. A grand concert, organised by the Archdeacon Richard, was held this evening which was a great success. The weather still continues rough with a thunder storm working up. The health of the troops is still continuing excellent. Having received no news of the war since leaving Hobart. Everyone anxious to have news of same. Wednesday, 28th October 1914. Still lying in the sound awaiting turn to enter harbour and coal up. One case of typhoid developed on board. Patient sent off to Albany Hospital.

- 2 - Quite a deal of indignation exists amongst the troops owing to the fact that all letters sent off yesterday have been held up for censorship. A general order has been issued by the

G.O.C. that no letters are to be posted, only postcards with no indication of our whereabouts to be sent. The New Zealanders arrived in the sound this morning. They look well fitted up and the accommodation appears to be far better than our ships. 3 warships, one Japanese, the “Minator” Flagship China Squadron and the “Pyramus”. Thursday, 29th October, 1914. Weather again beautiful and fine. We go into harbour this morning and take on 500 tons of coal and 300 tons of water. Much disappointment, unable to go ashore. Harbour full of boats coaling etc. Home mail arrived on board, much excitement. 6 men fell overboard, quickly rescued. Number of New Zealanders arrived on board. Fine lot of chaps and well fitted out. Friday, 30th October, 1914. Completed coaling and moved out into roadstream at 8 a.m. we were unable to go ashore. Albany appears to be a very pretty little place although quiet. Inoculation for typhoid was commenced on board today. Quite a few refusing to be inoculated, these to be dealt with for disobedience. A short time after the puncture, the arm becomes very sore and a high fever rises. We are eagerly awaiting to get on the move again. A few papers came aboard today and they were rushed. All eagerly looking for war news. 27 cases of measles reported to have broken out on board the “Star of England” (Transport A). Saturday, 31st October, 1914. Morning broke with heavy clouds and heavy rain soon followed. Quite an interesting and busy day. Completion of inoculation the order of the day. I went through the ordeal which was not at all unpleasant, seeing of course that the operation was performed by a fair nurse, (Sister King, A.A.N.S). This operation has a peculiar effect upon some and others none at all. The injection takes effect about 2 hours after inoculation. The one unpleasant part of this business was the number of able-bodied men who absolutely refused to be inoculated, and in consequence they were all discharged and sent ashore this evening to be sent home. (28 in all were sent off, including one sergeant (Sgt. Groom ) from 3rd B.A. Brigade Amn. Colmn). It was a poor exhibition of courage and their send off consisted of a loud hoot from all hands.

- 3 - We have been kept alive today by the continual fleet of small craft coming alongside. The ladies had many admirers amongst our boat.

The Light Horse (Tas) Squadron is giving a concert tonight and gauging from the very elaborate programme just issued, it promises to be a grand affair. It is rumoured that we weigh anchor early tomorrow. Sunday, 1st November, 1914. The morning broke clear and fine. Orders received during the night for the fleet to prepare for an early start. All ships moved into their stations during the night. At 6.30 a.m. all anchors were weighed and the Flagship “Orrelto“ teamed away, followed by the remaining ships of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions and the New Zealanders. It was an interesting sight to see the long column of ships loaded with troops and horses passing through the entrance of King George’s Sound. Once clear of the sound the Australian fleet formed three lines of “Line ahead”. The 1st Division (“Orrellto“, Flagship) leading the centre on the port, and the 2nd Div. With the “Wiltshire” leading up to position at a mile distance and in line with the 1st Div. The 3rd Div. with the “Euripidies” leading moved up to its station on the starboard. All ships then moved up to their stations. It was a magnificent sight to see the fleet of 28 ships in all, moving in 3 lines units each moving at a distance of 800 yds in rear of each other. The escort took up their position on the flanks and in the rear with the “Minator“ leading the fleet. The New Zealanders, 10 ships in all, took up their station in the rear of our fleet. The following are the names and transport numbers of each ship in our Fleet:- 1st DIVISION 2nd DIVISION 3rd DIVISION Orrelto A.3 Wiltshire A.18 Euripidies A.14 Southern A.27 Medic A.7 Argyleshire A.8 Armadale A.26 Ascanius A.11 Shropshire A.21 Peru A.4. Star of England A.15 Africa A.19. Saldaleha A.12 Geelong A.2 Benalla A.24 Katuna A.13 Port Lincoln A.17 Rangatire A.22 Hymethus A.1 Karoo A.10 Star of Victoria A.16 Suffolk A.23 Marrare A.21 Hororate A.20 Anglo-Egyptain A.25 Clan Macquodale A.6 Omrab A.5 Militades A.28

- 4 - In addition to the above we have the New Zealanders. Their transports consists of 10 ships. The whole fleet is escorted by 6 warships which include a Japanese Man of War. Monday, 2nd November 1914.

Weather again fine. Nothing startling occurring to note. All eyes are scanning the horizon for sight of our West Australian Transports which we expect to pick up off Fremantle. Received news by wireless that England has declared war on Turkey. Things look a bit queer for us getting through the Suez safely. Tuesday, 3rd November, 1914. We ran into very dirty weather during the night and it was not long before waves were washing aboard and things generally were rolling about. During the day the seas increased in fury resulting in many being laid aside with “mal de mer”. The “Medic” and the “Ascanius” took up their station in our Division today. We picked them up some 150 miles out from Fremantle. Wednesday, 4th November, 1914. Seas have moderated slightly but we are still very rough. The rough weather of yesterday played havoc with the horses. Quite a number were thrown overboard from the various ships. A concert by the 12th Infantry which proved quite successful. Thursday, 5th November, 1914. Still steaming ahead quietly. Just entered the danger zone for German cruisers. Great precautions being taken to cover up our movements Great excitement prevails. The R.M.S. “Osterly” passed through our lines homeward bound, being about 6 p.m. the first boat to be seen outside our Fleet since leaving Hobart. In passing it seems strange that while we are sailing with all lights out at night the above boat is allowed to pass on quite ablaze with lights. Friday, 6th November, 1914. We are nearing the tropics. The weather beginning to get unusually hot and muggy. Great excitement prevails this morning- quite a scare. “The Emden” German cruiser reported to be in the vicinity.

- 5 - All ships close up and the warships get out scouting. Fire alarm, collision and boat drill have been the order of the day. Health of troops being splendid. Saturday, 7th November, 1914.

Weather getting decidedly warmer. Order given for troops to sleep on deck. Ships moving with great precaution . It is reported that H.M.S. “Minator” gave chase and fired one round at the “Emden” during the night. Orders given for the whole fleet to move with every light dimmed or put out. Sunday, 8th November, 1914. Weather getting decidedly warmer. All kinds of light clothing (some extremely light) brought into wear. Sad news arrived on board today. One man died on the “Euripides” and was buried at sea this morning. Word also came through from the “Athemic” that 2 New Zealanders had died from fever during the night. This is a bad start. One pleasing thing worth noting on our ships is the keenness of all ranks to increase their knowledge of their respective work and instruction is being carried on at high pressure. Monday, 9th November 1914. Great excitement intermingled with joy and sorrow prevailed today. At 7 a.m. the H.M.A.S. “Sydney” steamed away at full speed towards the west and at 10 a.m. the “Melbourne “and the T.M.S “Ibuka” a Japanese cruiser, hoisted their battle flags and flew through the water to the westward. It was evident that something was doing. At 11 a.m. a wireless message was received from “Sydney” to say that she had engaged the German cruiser “Emden” and had damaged her to such an extent that she beached and was then in pursuit of her casualties. News was received later to say that the “Melbourne” had 2 killed and 13 wounded. German casualties were not given. This is the first real fight that the Australian Navy has been engaged in and of course we are all very proud of the “Sydney’s” achievement. The “Euripides “signaled up today that she was burying another man who had died during the day. This casts gloom over all of us. Inoculations again was the order of the day. The weather is getting warmer and the troops are feeling somewhat distressed. It is surprising the summer rigouts that have turned up. Tuesday, 10th November 1914. The “Orrelto “ issued an order today giving details of “Sydney’s” engagement with the “Emden”. Casualties on the “Emden” are reported to be 120 killed, 130 wounded and 43 missing. The “Sydney’s” casualties are 3 killed and 15 wounded. Weather still very hot.

- 6 - Wednesday, 11 November, 1914. Still sailing along gently. Nothing of importance occurring during the day. Tobacco, cigarettes and matches are becoming a very scarce commodity.

Thursday, 12th November, 1914. Weather still warm. Troops are feeling the heat very much. Health still continues to be excellent. Friday, 13th November, 1914. Crossed the line during the early morning. No demonstrations taking place. Expect to reach Colombo on Sunday. Saturday, 14th November, 1914. The same old thing. Plenty of work. No smokes and little to drink. Looking forward to getting ashore at Colombo. Sunday, 15th November,1914. Sighted Galb Light the southern most point of Ceylon at 4 a.m. At 6 a.m. passed through a fleet of Catamarans ( Singhalese fishing craft). They were like flies on the water. Arrived at Colombo at 1.30 p.m. The harbour full of ships and war boats. The Russian warship H.T.M.S. “Askfold” came out and guarded our port side. The “Sydney” arrived with the German wounded. A number were taken into the Colombo Hospital. We stood off the shore and could not get leave to go ashore and see the town. Colombo is a very interesting place- everything continental. Monday, 16th November 1914. Still lying at Colombo. All anxious to get ashore but it could not be arranged. Quite a little excitement was caused this evening. A number of our boys boarded a launch lying alongside the ship and got ashore. They had a great time ashore but all suffering some punishment now. Each man received 12 days in the cells. Tuesday, 17th November 1914. Left Colombo at 11.30 a.m. leaving the 3rd Division to complete coaling and watering and to follow later - The H.M.S. “Hampshire “.

- 7 - Wednesday, 18th November, 1914. Still moving. Thursday, 19th November, 1914.

O.K. Friday, 20th November, 1914. The 3rd Division appearing over the horizon. Our fleet is now complete. Saturday, 21st November, 1914. A sad catastrophe occurred this morning. A man from the “Shropshire” fell overboard. A comrade went over after him but both were drowned. Seas still beautifully calm. Sunday, 22nd November, 1914. Quite an easy day. Nothing doing. Sea like glass. Monday, 23rd November, 1914. At daylight the Island of Socotra loomed into sight. At breakfast time we were almost off it. A very uninviting place, barren and very rugged. Inhabited only by natives of a cannibal instinct so we are given to understand. The Island is 70 miles long and 40 miles wide. We are looking forward to seeing Aden tomorrow morning. Our supplies are running short. Water supply is now limited . No tobacco, matches or cigarettes obtainable for love or money. The fabulous price of 2/- was paid last week for a packet of 10 cigarettes and 6d. for a box of matches. We are looking forward to a good long smoke on reaching Aden. Tuesday, 24th November, 1914. Heat still intense. Everything going well. Severe famine in tobacco and matches. Exorbitant prices being offered for cigarettes. A problem. A man paid 6d. for two cigarettes and exchanged one for a match (safety). If a cigarette costs 3d. and one cigarette is worth one safety match , what is a pine post 12ft x 6” worth. Everybody looking forward to reaching Aden tomorrow in the hopes of being able to get a smoke.

- 8 - Wednesday, 25th November, 1914. Came in sight of the Arabian coast during the afternoon and reached Aden at 5 p.m. Aden is the most godforsaken hole that I have yet seen. Nothing but barren rock backed by sandy desert.

We did not land. Town consists of a huge fort (British) and a number of Government buildings etc. A wonderful sight was seen on entering the harbour. Fully 200 ships (including our own) lie at anchor. Mostly “troopers” returning to India for fresh troops. Ship boats have gone ashore for stores “Hurrah“. Thursday, 26th November, 1914. Alas our hopes for a smoke are dashed again. Boats returned from shore minus tobacco and matches. None procurable. The ship’s company were, however, able to secure a quantity of cigarettes for which they paid 1/- per hundred and are dealing them out to the troops for 10/- per 100. Not bad interest. Anchors were weighed at 6 a.m. and a start made for Port Said. We passed Perim Island at 4 a.m. and entered the Straits of Bab-el-Manded. A British Garrison is stationed at Perim Island. Turkish forts were seen on the mainland. The country on both sides of us is nothing but a wild desert; too awful to imagine. Tonight we are sailing through the Red Sea with all lights out. Heat is still intense. Friday, 27th November, 1914. Sailing gaily up the Red Sea. Heat intense but troops holding up bravely. Numerous troopers (B.I. boats) are passing us on return to India for fresh reinforcements. All hands abound with delight. We obtained a supply of tobacco and cigarettes from the “Orrelto “this afternoon and everyone has a smiling face. Saturday. 28th November, 1914. Great excitement prevails. A wireless has just come through to say that we (the Aust. Div.) will disembark at Alexandria and proceed to Cairo and complete our training and to demonstrate before the Turks. It is thought that we will eventually advance against the Turks. Sunday, 29th November, 1914. Heat intense. Not feeling well.

- 9 - Monday, 30th November, 1914. Had a bad night. In bed all day. Fleet manoeuvering into line ahead. Entered Gulf of Suez. Tuesday, 1st December, 1914.

Dropped anchor off Suez Canal at 8 p.m. Quite a number of boats awaiting to go through the canal. Our ship had hardly anchored when the sides were lined with ------ boats. Arabs in small sailing boats selling fruit, cigarettes etc. It is amusing to watch their methods of selling. Wednesday, 2nd December, 1914. The Gulf of Suez presents a very impressive sight. As the Dawn broke this a.m. a fleet of vessels are observed coming over the horizon. When they anchored alongside of us we found them to be Indian transports and taking British and native troops to the Front. Suez is a most interesting place. The desert stretches for miles on either side. We enter the canal at 3.15 p.m. It is a wonderful piece of engineering. Great defensive works are being constructed along the banks of the canal by the R.E. and the Gurkas from India. This day has been the most interesting of the voyage. Thursday, 3rd December 1914. Arrived at Port Said at 6 a.m. Could not land. The harbour full of ships. Some 8 warships of all descriptions. Great warlike preparations are being made for defence of Canal. A large number of British and Indian troops quartered here together with a French Aero Fleet . Witnessed a trial of a French sea plane. It was most interesting. The coaling operations of the natives was a sight worth seeing. We left the Canal at 3.15 p.m. and went into the Mediterranean and anchored. Friday, 4th December 1914. Still lying at anchor off Port Said waiting berthing accommodation at Alexandria where we are to disembark. Saturday, 5th December, 1914. Still at anchor. Raining hard. The first on the voyage.

- 10 - Sunday, 6th December, 1914. Still at anchor. Nothing unusual to note. Monday, 7th December, 1914.

Still lying by. Rumour has it that we move in tomorrow. I hope so. Most depressing this idle wait. Tuesday, 7th December.1914. Our hopes are crushed again. We are still lying by. Wednesday, 8th December 1914. Joy at last. Orders received for our ship to move in. Weighed anchor 9 p.m. Thursday, 9th December, 1914. Arrived Alexandria 1 p.m. Started to unload. Obtained leave as a favour to visit the city. Much impressed with the sights, especially methods of business. Open cafes everywhere. One is pestered with natives offering their services as guides. A most necessary commodity if one wants to see the many interesting sights, especially at night time. The filth and squalor is very marked especially the native quarters. The immorality of this place is terrible. It is sanctioned by the Government. All nationalities are to be found here. French predominate. The native police are funny in the extreme, especially the way they control the lower classes. At the wharf one is pestered with native peddlers and hawkers. Their sole plea is for “ininish “ ? money. The conveyances for heavy carting consists of a low platform about 3ft. by 8ft. and 4 wheels and are drawn by arab stallions or donkeys. Their load consists of about as much as one would put in a decent size wheelbarrow. The city was full of soldiers. We left for Cairo at 4 p.m. The train service was excellent. Had a most pleasant and interesting ride through the Delta country. On both sides of the railway the country is most fertile and the scheme of irrigation is quite an eye opener. The land apparently will grow anything. The vegetables are of an enormous size. The native villages are most peculiarly laid out and the method of tilling the land somewhat strange to us Australians. It is quite common to see an ox and a camel, or a camel and a donkey pulling an old wooden plough.

- 11 - We arrived at Cairo at 10 p.m. The central Station is a marvellous piece of structure. The size of it is enormous. We transported all stores, vehicles, and men from railway trucks, electric train wagons etc. After a snack provided by the good people of Cairo at 11 p.m. we started for Mena, distance of 10 miles from Cairo. The electric train conveyed us to the camp sight where all stores etc. were transferred to donkey carts.

After some difficulty in getting the native drivers to our way of thinking we landed on the ground allotted to us at about 1.30 a.m. No tents being erected for us we threw out on the sand and slept the sleep of the just. Thus ended a most interesting day, one which will linger long in our memory. Friday, 10th December, 1914. We rose at sunrise and wonders met us everywhere. To our great surprise we discovered we had slept the night under the lee of the Great Gizah Pyramid with pyramids of a lesser note and the Sphinx within a stone’s throw. The country surrounding is a vast desert of sand. Not a blade of grass to be found anywhere We had another interesting day shifting and pitching camp. All our stores and equipment being carried by camels and donkey carts, the loading of the camels being quite novel to us all. We have to date about 25,000 men in this camp and it is expected that the number will reach 80,000 before the end of the month. Saturday, 11th December 1914. Squaring camp and still taken up with our surroundings. Having great fun with the natives. The camp ground is full of them. Our horses arrived in camp. Sunday, 12th December 1914. A quiet day. All very tired and took the advantage to get back a little sleep. Our first party went on to Cairo. Monday, 13th December, 1914. Now that we have our horses we are kept very busy. The camp is pestered with donkeymen (Muleteers) and camelmen offering rides on their beasts for a small piastes. The native or Egyptian currency is causing us a deal of worry. All amounts are spoken of in Piastes - 5 of these coins are equal to 1/-

- 12 - Tuesday, 14th December, 1914. Sorting horses and equipment. Made the acquaintance of Abdul Mahomet and Saleb el Gabbrie. Both men of some standing in their native villages and who have promised to give us a good time. Wednesday, 15th December, 1914.

A quiet day. Thursday, 16th December, 1914. Guns arrived in camp. Everything now ready to start work. This has been the most interesting day of the whole trip so far. At 3.30 p.m. myself and Lt. A.P. Crisp left camp to do the pyramids and sphinx. After selecting a suitable guide we started for the Gazallos Tombs, passing on our way the excavations being carried out at the foot of the Gizah Pyramid. The excavations are being carried out in a huge burial ground so to speak, an area of ground that has at one time been set apart for the tombs of the offshoots of the family of the King who died and was buried in the Gizah Pyramid and in which are situated hundreds of tombs of all sizes. The Professor of the Harvard University of the U.S.A. has purchased the right to search these tombs for mummies and antiquities. A large number of natives are constantly employed digging out and screening the earth. After leaving the excavations we proceeded to the Tombs of Gazallah. They consist of huge passages and recesses cut out of the solid rock in which the ancient Egyptians were buried. The bodies, mummies, have all been removed and placed in various museums. The pictures carved on the walls of the various tombs are simply wonderful. After thoroughly exploring these tombs our guide led us through a field of wells ( from which water was obtained in the ancient days), to the Sphinx. This is a wonderful piece of work. The head of a man is carved out of solid rock. The height from the ground to the top of the head is approx. 20ft. The Sphinx is partly destroyed by having the nasal portion knocked off. It is said by Napoleon who fired at it with one of his guns. Here we found dozens of camels or dromedaries as they are called, gaily and brilliantly decorated with many photographers and scores of native guides and hawkers, fortune tellers and water sellers. The dromedaries are hired for rides into the Sahara desert etc.

- 13 - After thoroughly inspecting and exploring the Sphinx and its immediate surroundings we entered the Temple of the Sphinx. This temple was used by the ancient Egyptians for prayers. After picking up another guide or keeper of the tombs, as it is called and passed in through a huge iron gate. The construction of the interior of the tombs being simply wonderful. The passages and recesses where the mummies at one time were placed and

the recess for the high priests were constructed of huge slabs or blocks of red and black granite measuring in many cases 20ft. x 7ft. x 4ft. and most wonderfully preserved. The floors were covered with white marble and huge columns of red granite supported the ceiling of the room. The roof has since been removed and taken to build mosques in various places. After thoroughly exploring the Temple we proceeded to climb the Gizah Pyramid. Before making the ascent we had to engage a fresh guide. Owing to the casing of marble or alabaster having been removed from the pyramid, the ascent was not at all difficult. We reached the top after a very easy climb and there partook of black coffee and were just in time to witness a marvelous feat of climbing and endurance by one of the natives. For the sum of 20 piastes he undertook to descend from the top of the large pyramid down the most difficult part, cross to an adjacent one and climb the top in 9 minutes. The second one being most difficult to climb and one that very few people dare go up. He did the descent and ascent in 7 ½ mins. From the top was an excellent view of the Upper Nile, surrounding villages and the Sahara Desert. By the time we reached the bottom it was too late to do any more exploring so we put visiting the tombs under the pyramid until a further time. We mounted camels (Dromedaries) and returned to camp tired and hungry, thus ending one of the most interesting days of the trip. Thursday, 17th December 1914. Nothing of importance to note. A hard day’s work in camp. The boys held a donkey race meeting during the luncheon hour. Some four or five races were gone through, the same 4 beasts being used for each event with fresh riders. Quite a series of accidents occurred, many falls as the animals were only about 8 hands and having a habit of falling as soon as the riders were off, no damage was done. Met quite a lot of old Tasmanian boys in other corps.

- 14 - Friday, 18th December, 1914. A dense fog hanging over the camp this morning quite equal to anything that I have seen in Tasmania. Saturday, 19th December, 1914.

Another very interesting day and one that I shall long remember. The morning was taken up with general routine in camp. At 1 p.m. myself, Green and Mckenzie enlisted the services of our guide Abdul Ali and proceeded on a visit to the mosques of Cairo. Even in this we were not allowed to pass without some little experiences. We thought to do the thing in style and so we hired a stylish touring car which broke down after taking us only a short distance. We transferred to a taxi and had not gone very far when our guide informed us that the fare demanded was altogether out of proportion and not being able to beat the driver down, we showed our independence and boarded a garry. After a pleasant run through the site of old Cairo where great excavations were being carried out, we reached the mosque of Ambr-ibsy- Elas . This is a huge building with a holding capacity of 60,000 containing 366 marble columns. This mosque is filled every Friday with worshippers. We next visited the mosque of Mohamet Pasha and it differed very much in its grandeur from the last one. It contains some 300 tombs, the greater number being those of nobles. The splendour of the decorations and works of art was beyond our comprehension. The pulpit being one mass of inlaid ivory. The colourings and design of decorations were something lovely. The chandeliers of cut glass were huge and beautiful. Our next run brought us to the Mosque of El Emell el Shaffie . Another huge building, beautifully decorated, the marble floors being covered with the most beautiful carpets. After noting many things of interest here, our guide next led us to the mosque of Mohomet Ali Pasha, the largest and most beautiful of all mosques in Cairo. The building is situated in the Citadel and is enormously large. It only contains one tomb, that of Mohomet Ail Pasha which in itself is a wonderful work of art. The interior of the mosque is beyond imagination. The huge temple with polished marble floor and highly polished alabaster walls and carpets of the most beautiful colour and quality. This mosque is lit with some 7,000 electric lights. The decorations and the ceilings are of the most beautiful and delicate colours. The Temple of this Mosque alone will hold 60,000 worshippers. I have never in all my life seen such wonderful work. After spending an hour there we next visited the Mosque of King Assonau noted for its gold and silver door at which the King used to enter.

- 15 - It was now getting late so we wended our way to native bazaars. The description of this place would take too long. The streets are narrow in which are crowded shops and stalls of all kinds and variety. We visited a curio shop at which we made some small purchases. Arriving in the city proper, we dismissed our garry and proceeded to a café to satisfy the inner man, being more than satisfied with our day. After doing justice to a good meal we proceeded to explore the city of Cairo and many wonderful sights met our eyes. The traffic is about the most congested that I have yet

seen. The one thought here is to cater for pleasure of all descriptions. The cafes are all open and in many places extending out into the street. The place is full of cafes at which all kinds of amusements are held to entice the unwary. After seeing many things that one could not write about, we called a car and proceeded back to camp, it is now being 12 p.m., feeling well satisfied with the day. Sunday, 20th December, 1914. A quiet morning. Letter writing all afternoon. Monday, 21st December, 1914. Started to work the horses in harness. Lecture at night. Tuesday, 22nd December, 1914. In Cairo during day, cabled Seasons Greetings home. In the evening met Green and McKenzie and another look at the city at night. Fresh places were explored and the more we saw the more we came to the conclusion that Cairo was the most immoral city that it has been our fortune to visit. Nearly every house in certain quarters is a brothel of the worst order. In the city there are a large number of these places (of higher standing ) being mostly occupied by French and Italian women. We returned to camp at 10.a.m. Wednesday, 23rd December, 1914. Nothing unusual to note. Hard at work all day and lecture at night. The day has been very warm. Thursday, 24th December, 1914. Another hard day’s work. Received word that I have been promoted to Warrant Rank. Rather a nice Christmas box. Paid a visit in the evening to the Engineer and had a seasonal glass with the lads.

- 16 - Friday, 25 December, 1914. Paid a visit to the 12th Battalion’s Lines in the morning and saw all the old friends. Paid a visit to the Zoo in the afternoon. Owing to dense traffic had quite a difficult time in obtaining a conveyance. The zoo is quite an up to date show. Well stocked. The exhibits of giraffes and zebras are very fine.

Received first letter from home this morning. Saturday, 26th December, 1914. Had the first mounted parade today. Teams worked well. Sunday, 27th December, 1914. Slept nearly all day. Monday, 28th December, 1914. Testing gunlayer and preparing harness for route march to Cairo. Tuesday, 29th December, 1914. Went to Port Said to meet R.M.S “Osterly”. Wednesday, 30th December, 1914. Went on board “Osterly “and was disappointed at finding that Gertie had not made it as was intended. Met quite a lot of Australian people on board. Sent a parcel to Bert per Capt. Williams. Returned to camp 11 p.m. Had almost interesting run through in the train from Port Said. The country passed through was highly cultivated. Saw two armoured trains and troops camped along the line. Thursday, 31st December 1914. Handed over my duties as B.S.M. to S.M. Light and took over Brigade duties. Friday, 1st January, 1915. Worked all day. Not at all like New Year’s Day.

- 17 - Saturday, 2nd January, 1915. Still another hard day’s work. Sunday, 3rd January, 1915. A constitutional ride in the morning. Letter writing in the afternoon. (no further entries in the diary until January 27th.)

Wednesday, 27th January, 1915. Nothing of special interest transpired during this period. Everybody is hard at work drilling etc. In the morning I went to Port Said. Met Gert returning to Australia on R.M.S. “Orsova “. First contact with the Turks took place this morning off the Canal. Great activity prevails along the coast. Casualties up to date are very light. Thursday, 28th February, 1915. Returned to camp from Port Said. Friday, 29th January, 1915. Brigade moved out and bivouacked and dug themselves in. Saturday, 30th January, 1915. Inspection by C.O. Half Holiday. Sunday, 31st January, 1915. Day of rest. Nothing doing. Monday, 1st February, 1915. Route March. War strength. Column 7 miles long. Tuesday, 2nd February, 1915. Manoeuvres. Bivouac at night. Digging in.

- 18 - Wednesday, 3rd February, 1915. Half holiday. 2nd Inft. Bde. March out. Thursday, 4th February, 1915. Thursday night service on the Canal. Friday, 4th February, 1915.

Moved out to training area during the afternoon. Bivouacked and dug in during night. Saturday, 6th February, 1915. Returned to camp 7 a.m. The whole Division was photographed. Half holiday. Things moving somewhat briskly on the Canal. Harry arrived with 2nd contingent. Sunday, 7th February 1915 to 19th February 1915. No event of any great importance occurring in or around Mena Camp during this period. The Division doing solid work. All envying the chosen few (2nd Inft. Bde.) seeing service on the Canal. Two short brisk actions have taken place on the Canal. The Turks being badly driven back. They were allowed to reach the banks of the Canal with bridging material before fire being opened. Result: All material and a number of prisoners being captured. Our casualties only 67 (9 killed). Saturday, 20th February, 1915. A day in town with W.O. Stamps. Had quite an interesting time visiting antiquities merchants. Made some small purchases which were forwarded home.Visited Heliophis Camp. Returned to Cairo, dined and at home 8.30 p.m.Sunday, 21st February, 1915.An easy day. Church Parade. Met friends and showed them round the Camp in the Afternoon.Monday, 22nd February, 1915.A quite day with Adjutant on the desert. Battery training.Tuesday, 23rd February, 1915.Morning in the office. Afternoon into Cairo. Met Mons. Yackon and Mmle Jack . Had afternoon tea. Returned to camp 8 p.m. Attended “smoker” 1st F.A. Bde. Sergeant’s Mess. Had an enjoyable time. Made speeches and returned to Camp 11 p.m. Pretty “full the now” .Wednesday, 24th February, 1915.A day in Camp. Great excitement prevailing. 3rd Infantry Bde. and 8th Battery received order to move - to where we do not know- presumably Jaffa. The remainder of our Bde. to follow at close intervals. All glad at the prospect of early action.

- 19 - Thursday, 25th February, 1915. All bustle. Casting horses, refitting store, altering sun shields etc. and generally preparing for an early move. Friday, 26th February, 1915. An easy morning in Camp. At 1 p.m. moved out with staff to take part in big Signal Exercise with whole Division. Quite an interesting time - remained out till 12 M.N.

Bright moonlit night and movement through palms, farms and native villages somewhat novel and fraught. Natives quite scared in many places. Strong opposition barred our entrance for some time to a native village called El Tahbea. Here the native guards or watchmen blocked our progress and bright shining muskets bristled out of many corners. After a little parleying , we managed to make them understand that activities were of goodwill. They allowed us to pass on. After an interesting exercise we returned to Camp at 1 a.m. Saturday, 27th February, 1915. Great excitement. General order just issued warning the whole Division to be in readiness to move at short notice. We are expecting our marching orders very shortly. Sunday, 28th February, 1915. Church Parade in the morning as usual. Busy all morning preparing S.A.A. Section B.A.C. to move out. Destination unknown. 3rd Inf Bde moved out for service destination unknown - admist great cheering etc. Harry arrived in Camp paying a visit. Letter writing all evening. Monday, 1st March, 1915. A quiet day in Camp. 2nd Bde. Doing gunnery practice. Tuesday, 2 March, 1915. On range all day. 3rd Bde. Gunnery practice. Attended lecture by Brigadier General Cuncliffe - -------- C.R.A. entitled “ Fighting on the Asine “. This being the second given by this officer. The other was the “Retreat from Mons “. Both lectures interesting and instructive.

- 20 - Wednesday, 3rd March 1915. General overhauling of equipment and preparing for an early move to the front. All anxious to get away. Thursday, 4th March 1915. Morning in Camp. Spent the afternoon in Cairo. Spent a pleasant hour with Mrs. Jaillon. Returned to camp 11 p.m. Friday, 5th March, 1915.

In Cairo at Gov. Arsenal arranging repairs to wagon. Obtained an insight from a native regarding Mohammedan custom of wooing and marriages. Method of testing maidenhood etc. Code of morals which are very strict. During evening took part in large Divisional Tactical Scheme. The whole Division at war strength taking part. Operations ceasing at 6 a.m. Saturday. Saturday, 6th March 1915. Something doing. Great preparations going on for an early move. It is expected that we will get away early next week. Sunday, 7th to Monday 15th. General cleaning up and preparing for an early move. All guns and carriages have been painted a tan colour and at present look much like the vehicles of a travelling circus. Something quite out of the ordinary has occurred. It is raining. The first real rain since we have been in Egypt. 4 p.m. Tuesday, 16th March, 1915. A busy day. Brigade drill. Moving brigade over rough ground. Excellent training. Major Parker, 8th Battery, taken to hospital. Wednesday, 17th March, 1915. A.M. Hauling guns and wagons up steep slopes. Interesting and useful training- working up slopes of 40ft. Afternoon: swimming horses -punting guns across streams. Death of Major Parker D.S.O. reported at 9 p.m. This sad event has cast a gloom over the whole Brigade. He was a good soldier, a thorough gentleman and a thoughtful comrade.

- 21 - Thursday, 18th March, 1915, Gloomy work. Exercising Firing Party for funeral through the morning. Buried Major Parker in the Cairo (British) Cemetery in the afternoon. A large and well represented funeral. Friday, 19th March, 1915. Tactical Scheme. Preparing -------- etc. for an early move. Saturday, 20th March, 1915.

Court Martial duty all day Letter writing etc. during evening. Sunday, 21st March, 1915. A quiet day. Monday, 22nd March, 1915. Court Martial Duty. Tuesday, 23rd March, 1915. Tactical scheme.Wednesday, 24th March, 1915.A day in town. Visited Hasr-el-Hil Barracks. This is the largest British Barracks in Cairo. It covers a vast area and is more like a town. Visited the Moresky, native quarters. Went through all the bazaars. Was most interested in the spice bazaar. Returned to the city. Met S.M. Light, had dinner and took a look around the Wosar quarter. Thursday, 25th March, 1915. Tactical Scheme. Friday, 26th March, 1915. Tactical Scheme.

- 22 - Saturday, 27th March, 1915 to Saturday 3rd April, 1915. General training and inspection. Received orders to prepare for early removal to the Front. - destination unknown - presumably Turkey, Asia Minor. Some units have moved out tonight. Saturday, 4th April, 1915. Busy preparing to get away. Move out and embark on Monday evening 5/4/15. Will probably be the last entry for some time. Monday, 5th April, 1915.

Moved out of camp amidst one of the severest sand storms that we have yet experienced. Entrained at Cairo. Arrived Alexandria at 4 a.m. and proceeded to embark on the “Cardiganshire” A. 18. 7th April, 1915. Completed embarking and sailed at 1.15 p.m. for somewhere under sealed orders. Our Doctor went ashore to get bedding for hospital. He arrived back just as our ship had pulled off. Left Doctor and staff sitting on bedding on the wharf. All wharves at Alexandria were full of ships. Several large French Transports unloading so great activity. The whole of the Australian and New Zealand Divisions all embarking here. Sealed order broken when out at sea. Destination, Gallipoli, Turkey, from the landing maps issued. BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI PENINSULA. 9TH APRIL, 1915. At sea on the Mediterranean. 10th April, 1915. Passed through many islands . Lemnos our rendezvous at 4 p.m. Passed through minefields into harbour at 6 p.m.

- 24 - Lemnos is a Greek island taken over by the British. It is an elongated shaped island and is very pretty. Greek farms studded the foreshores and hills. An ideal harbour well protected. Inside was full of ships, transports, warships, and hospital ships. Our 3rd Inft. Bde. in camp on the foreshore. There are hundreds of ships awaiting here for a general move to Gallipoli where we are to force a landing. Warships of all nations, French, Russian and British. We hope to move for a landing in the course of a few days and expect strong opposition. 11th April, 1915. Moved into our station with other transports. The village of Lemnos looks very pretty nestled amongst the hills. The country is devoid of any timber. This is an ideal harbour for the concentration of a large force. It is estimated that we will have at least 150,000 troops concentrated here and a large number of warships.

There are a number of small villages on the island. 12th April, 1915. Still lying at anchor. Transports still arriving . A German airship sighted this morning. Our seaplanes went up. The German disappeared. 13th April, 1915. Went ashore and stretched our legs. The country surrounding us is very pleasant . Undulating country cultivated etc.. This island is leased from Greece for the large sum of 1 pound per annum. 14th April, 1915. Still laying at rest. Having a lazy time. 15th April, 1915. Went ashore to one of the villages this morning. Saw a portion of French Division. The Greek people here are very hospitable but are very quaint. Their dress and customs are indeed very antiquated. A captive balloon went up to day to observe. The Dardenelles are a only a short way from this place (Port Murdos).

- 24 - 16th April, 1915. Still lying in the Port of Murdos. Went ashore during the morning and spent an hour in one of the many villages on the island. The inhabitants are all Greek and are very friendly disposed to us despite the war. They have gone so far as to print notices of welcome to the Allied Troops. Had landing exercises during the afternoon. Vessels still keep coming into the Bay. Some 20 have arrived since we cast anchor. 17th April, 1915. Ashore again during the morning. Had a most pleasant walk over the hill and dale and through cornfields. On the hills surrounding us there are erected quite a number of

windmills used for crushing corn. Visited the village of Cados. Had coffee with an inhabitant. Received news of the success of our troops (British ) in Mesopotamia Asia-Minor. LANDING GALLIPOLI PENINSULA. Active preparations being made for an early landing on Gallipoli Peninsula. By all accounts we have a hard and difficult task before us. 17th April, 1915. At rest Port Murdos. Making final preparations for an early departure to the Dardanelles. All Troops are apportioned off into tours. 97 Officers and men per Battery and 48 horses per Brigade only are landing in 1st tour. Remainder remain on board till they make good. 18th April, 1915. Sunday. Church service in the evening with Corporal Hare (Tas ). 19th April, 1915. Transferring horses into barges and landing them for exercises ashore. Paid a visit to Transport A.11 “Ascanius” and A.18 “Arkantian“. A.11 contains the Headquarters for Army Corps and Australian Div.

-25 - Monday, 19th April 1915.

Sending horses ashore for exercise. Have received no letters for 6 weeks. Practicing landing. Rumors of a move tomorrow. More “troopers” have entered the Bay. The sight that lies before us is very inspiring. Hundreds of vessels of all kinds laden with troops. Tuesday, 20th April, 1915. All in high glee. Orders received for a move this afternoon. All preparations made for landing. I am included in first party to leave. LATER: Departure postponed for 24 hours. Weather conditions bad. 21st April, 1915. Departure again delayed. Went on board A.29 Saw Harry - a pleasant surprise.

22nd, April, 1915. Still waiting. Delay now making all anxious to get away. Ship officers volunteering for service on trawlers to assist landing. Chief Officer brings his “ship” alongside. Great amusement. 23rd, April, 1915. Rumour of a move 11 a.m. 2 p.m. weigh anchor. Great jubilation. Move out of Bay. Much disappointment - anchor outside. Not to proceed until tomorrow. All ships divided up into echelons for landing. A wonderful sight. Warships, destroyers, submarines and airships moving around and above us. Three large hospital ships anchored in the roadstead ready to move. They are all painted white with a large green band around them. This evening they are encircled with a row of green lights. 24th, April 1915. Things are moving rapidly. A number of transports with infantry aboard have gone. During the morning the remainder of the fleet ( Troopers) came out. 2 p.m. all warships departed preceded by submarines. 2 more hospital ships arrive. The Russian and French warships getting ready to depart. Our ship A.18 “ Cardingshire “ leaves at 1 a.m. Ordered to disembark at 8 a.m. Message received from Ian Hamilton, G.O.C. This is going to be one of the biggest moments in history. Nearly 500,000 troops afloat bound for one place. Had an enjoyable day. Received 6 letters, the first for 5 weeks.

- 26 - 25th April, 1915. What a memorable day. At 1 a.m. we steamed out of Port Murdos for Anafarta Bay at which place we reached at 5 a.m. The warships had preceded us and had landed 3rd Infantry Bde. The bombardment of the coast from the Dardanelles to the bay was tremendous. About 20 ships belching forth. All shore batteries were apparently silenced. Close in to discharge. Saw Infantry attacking hills. Peal of musket tremendous. At about 9 a.m. a destroyer came alongside and ordered us to close in and informed us that Col. McClagan O/C 3rd Infantry Bde. had captured 3 Krupp Guns. A great cheer went up. At 9.30 a.m. the enemy’s shore guns got our range. First shell struck torpedo boat 50 yds from us, just under the waterline. Next shell a few yards from us and the next two just over our bow. They had got the range and things looked very bleak for us. We received orders to get out of range and then there was a rush to get away. It was a narrow shave. Many curious incidents occurred trying to clear forecastle head when shells dropped near. No trouble keeping the winches clear .

Miniwashes A.11 lost several of her boats. All anxious to get ashore and help the infantry. We are the first artillery to go ashore. Enemy’s battery causing trouble to our Infantry. Ships’ guns cannot locate them. Bombardment tremendous. Our Infantry suffering terribly. Sent two guns with horses ashore, commencing to send more. Orders received to re-embark - country too precipitous. O/C and H/Q. sent ashore. One of our B.A.C. wounded with shrapnel on returning to ship with boat. Infantry returning - cannot hold on. The work done by the 3rd Infantry Bde. is magnificent - cannot say more . They landed at 2 a.m. today in rowing boats The enemy was entrenched on the beach. They made a renowned bayonet charge and took trench after trench. Captured many prisoners and machine guns. Unfortunately we cannot land the artillery to hold the ground they have so dearly won. The roar of muskets and field gun fire is awful. Almost deafening. Reported that one shrapnel killed 30 men on the beach. I shall never forget Sunday, 25th April. It has been a most perfect day as regards the weather. The water was as smooth as a mill pond yet on the hills in front of us, men were laying down their lives admist suffering. Our hospital ship the “Casgon “ has returned to Port Murdos Station Hospital with a load of wounded. We heard that the 12th Batt. were almost cut up. At 5 p.m. this evening the H.M.S. Queen and Majestic commenced bombardment on the hills to try and silence the enemy’s battery that was causing our Infantry trouble.

- 27 - It is a great shame that we could not get our guns ashore to assist them for all the casualties were being caused by the enemy’s shrapnel. The Australians have made a name in history for themselves, particularly the 12th Batt. Their landing and the bayonet charge on the foreshore at dawn this morning is beyond all praise. They ran the enemy back about 3 miles, taking trench after trench. The first attack was made without firing a shot. Their bayonet charges were terrific. The Turks could not stand them. It was something they had never seen before. The enemy Siege guns again commenced to shell our boats and in consequence we had to pull further out. The following is a rough diagram of the firing on our boat this morning. From it, it will be seen that we had a very close shave.

Monday, 26th April, 1915. At 6 p.m. to move out to Senos Island. The enemy during the night drove our Infantry back over the ridge. The H.M.S. “Queen Elizabeth “came up during the night from the Dardanelles and at daylight opened fire on the enemy with 15” shrapnel. This subdued the enemy’s fire. Our position became so dangerous that all boats were ordered in to the shore ready to take our forces off in the event of them being driven back to the shore. The Royal Naval Division that had landed around Nibrunesi Pt. to make a dummy attack, were brought round in tours during the early morning and with the aid of the naval guns and a few of our own F Arty. guns, were able to retake the ridge commanding the foreshore and make good a deal of ground that they had lost previous night. During the early morning a small force of naval men landed and captured Kaba Tepe. This fort was causing us a deal of trouble during landings.

- 28 - This a.m. we are landing our artillery and hope to establish ourselves on the ridges commanding the enemy’s position.

Landing Australian Artillery Anzac Cove 25th April 1915 I refer again to the magnificent work of 3rd Infantry Bde. during landing. Immediately their boats neared the shore they leap out of their boats and rushed to cover. When the order was given to charge, they rose and the onslaught was terrific. The Turks simply fled. Nothing could stand against them. They took ridge after ridge and trench after trench. Their advance was so rapid that at 8 a.m. they had advanced to a position which it was intended they should reach at 6 p.m. Many funny and brave instances occurred during the bayonet charge. One man lost his rifle overboard and not to be beaten he took up an oar from the boat and rushed onto the Turks belabouring them with same. Guns were sent ashore but it was found that there was no position available for them all so the majority were sent back to the ships. Tuesday, 27th April, 1915. At 9.a.m all ships conveying artillery were sent away to make a demonstration up in the Gulf of Senos. Wednesday, 28th April 1915. Senos Gulf. All boats lowered and under cover of torpedo boats, manoeuvered around the Bay. Returned to vicinity of Base.

- 29 - Thursday, 29th April, 1915. Returned to Gulf of Senos. Boats were lowered off Fort Buclair. Guns in position on Old Buclair. Lines opened fire. They fired live shell from one Fort and blanks from another. Returned to Base. Friday, 30th April, 1915. Laying off waiting to land guns. 5 guns in action doing good work. Situation good. Gradually pushing enemy back. Gaba Tepe guns silenced. Warships shelled Koyadere and set fire to the town, destroying a quantity of stores and ammunition. 3rd Infantry Bde. relieved from trenches after 5 days hard work. About 300 ships in sight. A wonderful sight. Saturday, 1st May, 1915. Enemy still holding out . Casualties during the last few days slight. Unable to land whole of our artillery.

Sunday, 2nd May, 1915. 8 days today since we landed and have not gained 50 yards of ground. The enemy still active. Casualties gradually mounting up. S.S.M. reported killed in boat on morning of landing (Sunday last week). Major Smith, Cols. Hawley and Clark reported killed in action same day. A big movement took place this evening, object is to try and gain ground on flank. Bombardment by naval guns terrific. The sky is simply ablaze with bursting shells. Monday, 3rd May, 1915. Last night’s movement unsuccessful. Some confusion - ground gained by our Infantry but lost to enemy later on by some mishap our guns fired on our own Infantry. Some casualties occurred. The 16th Batt. almost wiped out. Carnage terrible. Heavy guns of enemy found range of boats this morning. Many narrow escapes. One column being badly struck off-reported 1 killed, 7 wounded. Left for Cape Helles to have artillery to assist 29th Division in the attack on Achi Baba. This position of the enemy is holding us up. Arrived at sunrise. The ruins of all the forts at entrance to straits are a sight to be seen. All the villages adjoining Fort Kim Kali and Helles Port are razed to the ground. The French Division and the 29th Imperial Division are occupying here and have done some good work. They lost heroically during the landing.

- 30 - Total casualties up to date in the Section - 7,000. Reinforcements badly wanted. An aeroplane attack with bombs on shipping this afternoon. No damage done All the hills on which troops are camped are like huge rabbit warrens. All are dug into the ground. A big movement tonight. Expect big things. Anxiously awaiting to get ashore. Tuesday, 4th May, 1915. Still waiting to get ashore. Many casualties still occurring. Wednesday, 5th May, 1915. Our left Flank advanced some 200yards. Enemy still strongly entrenched. Hidden Battery causing us most annoyance. Warships bombarding heavily. Col. Rosenthal and Major Bruyers wounded today. Thursday, 6th May, 1915.

No prospect of getting horses ashore. Our fighting line only 3 or 4 hundred yards from the beach. Australians relieved by R.N. Division and New Zealanders. Enemy attacked. Our lines gave away. Australians put back into trenches and retook ground lost. Friday, 7th May, 1915. Enemy’s shrapnel raking ridges and along trenches. Many casualties among the horses and mules. Saturday, 8th May, 1915. Capt. Leslie 7th Bty. killed. Big loss to the Bde. He was a gallant officer. Some ghastly sights amongst the wounded. Sunday, 9th May, 1915. Enemy quiet. We are content to hold our ground until the British and French Divisions make junctions with us. They are having a hard time, Achi Babi being a very strong position to take. Monday, 10th May, 1915. Rumours that all horses will have to go back to Alexandria until we make good sufficient ground for safe bivouacing of horses etc.

- 31 - Tuesday, 11th May, 1915. Received a Turkish prisoner on board. Received orders to proceed to Alexandria and land horses for exercise. Great disappointment prevailing. Wednesday, 12 May, 1915. Left Kapa Tepe at 5 a.m. for Alexandria. Thursday, 13th May, 1915. Dummy cruiser conveying us. Proceeding to Alexandria. Saturday, 15th May, 1915. Arrived Alexandria. Sunday, 16th May, 1915. Disembarked and took horses to Zarish Camp.

Monday, 16th to 22nd May 1915. Arranging camp and exercising horses. Saturday, 22nd May, 1915. Visited S.M. Light in Alassia School. Saw O/C on “Derifluger” and got permission to return with him to Kapa Tepe. Sunday, 23rd May, 1915. Left Alexandria for Lemnos Island en route to Port Murdos. Monday, 24th May, 1915. Man fell overboard. Rescued after some difficulty. Tuesday, 25th May, 1915. Arrived Port Murdos. Wednesday, 26th May, 1915. Left Port Murdos for Kapa Tepe on “ Destroyers”. Arrived there at 6.30 p.m. Enemy guns opened fire on us, killing 5 and wounding 40 of our Infantry. Effected a landing at 7.30 p.m.

- 32 - Thursday, 27th May, 1915. In the trenches. First news of the Turks big attack on our position earlier in the week. Turk casualties 7,000 including 3,000 killed. Our casualties approx. 500 Enemy still very active but can make no impression on our position. Our boys holding magnificently. Friday, 28th May, 1915. A quiet day. Some bombardments by enemy recommenced at sundown. A patrol from our 9th Inft. Batt. went out under cover of darkness to reconnoitre, surprising an enemy trench, killing 6 and capturing one prisoner. A few casualties occurred today, mostly amongst the Infantry. Saturday, 29th May, 1915. At 4.00 a.m. the enemy opened up with a terrific bombardment with heavy guns, causing us some little inconvenience. A few casualties. Capt. Sidall, 4th Bty had his head blown off this morning.

Sunday, 30th May 1915 to Tuesday, 1st June 1915. Enemy very quiet in our section. A few light attacks. Enemy blew up trench and made a strong attack against 4th Bde. trenches. Were repulsed with heavy loss. Shifted Headquarters camp to a more central position. Read letters from home. Had a swim in the sea. First decent wash for 5 days. Wednesday, 3rd June, 1915. Working hard getting dugout fixed up. King’s Birthday. All issued a rum to celebrate same. A regrettable incident occurred this evening, a premature firing from Major Burgess’ guns killed 3 and wounded 11. Great doings through the night. Many ruses were executed to draw enemy’s fire. Several were quite successful. The Turks gave vent to their feelings by firing wildly and madly. Friday, 4th June, 1915. A quiet day. Expect things to be moving some time this evening. Have met many old chums during the last few days. Have quite a mansion of a dug out.

- 33 - Saturday, 5th June, 1915. A big attack on the enemy’s trenches on the left Flank. Captured a trench and gained much valuable information. Casualties very slight. Sunday, 6th June, 1915. Another quiet day. Enemy shelling brisk. A few casualties on the track. Monday, 7th June, 1915. Another quiet day. Tuesday, 8th June, 1915. The usual early morning and late evening shelling by the enemy. Little damage done. An occasional man killed or wounded. Wednesday, 9th June, 1915. Sortie made on Quinn’s Post. Quite successful. Losses slight. Thursday, 10th June, 1915.

Hot day, flies bad, water scarce, biscuits hard and no letters. Shells dropping uncomfortably close to our little home in the earth. Witnessed a most glorious sunset this evening. Friday, 11th June, 1915. Awoke some hours before sunrise to the sound of a terrific bombardment of gun and rifle fire. The Turks were holding a usual rowdy concert. Saturday, 12th June, 1915. The flies are very busy this morning. They woke me hours before I wanted to. The Turkish shells are more lively than usual, getting a few home on the trenches. Caught our observing station. Killed 2 men - one a Sgt. of Engineers. Wounded 1 Indian. Sunday, 13th June, 1915. Quite like old times. At daylight the boats came over from Embros Island and opened out with broadsides onto the enemy’s trenches. Some hundreds of rounds were poured into them. Outward mail day. Busy censoring letters. Getting mail ready. Received our inward mail but it was disappointing, only a few papers, etc. No mail received for three weeks.

- 34 - Monday, 14th June, 1915 to Saturday, 26th June, 1915. Nothing of a startling nature occurring. Beach being shelled daily resulting in usual percentage of casualties. The only point of note during this period is the arrival of several barrels of wine washed ashore from the sunken “Triumph“. It was very soon confiscated but not before our lads had a taste. I had one myself, it was not bad! The Turks have been very quiet during these last few days, being content to work day and night making earthworks and trenches for their defences. Sunday, 27th June, 1915. The 5th (City of Glasgow) Howitzer Battery arrived at Anzac and are in position opposite our Headquarter’s dugout. During the day they fired several series to register targets. Monday, 28th June, 1915. A big day. During the morning orders came through that 8th Corps (South) were making an attack and we were to harass the enemy on our front and so prevent them from

taking reinforcements to Achi Baba. At 11.00 a.m. (1100) we started out a few companies of Infantry and a few Squadrons of Lighthorse. The air was full of wild noises and flying shells. Our Force was withdrawn at dusk. Casualties about 300 for the afternoon. The 8th Corps was successful at Helles. They gained all the trenches they set out to take. During the evening another demonstration took place so as to amuse the Turks and preventing them from drawing troops from our front for a counter attack. Turks blew up two Saps during the evening. Little damage was done. One man only being injured. Tuesday, 29th June, 1915. Rather a quiet day. Very few shots fired. Weather getting warm and water scarce. Still shelling trenches at intervals. Wednesday, 30th June, 1915. Nothing of note happening other than the usual shelling by the enemy on shipping and beach.

- 35 - Thursday, 1st July to Wednesday, 9th July, 1915. Enemy very active with their shell fire. Our7th Bty. being severely handled, having 2 killed and 2 wounded. The Lowland Howitzer Battery doing good work on enemy’s earth works An amusing incident - the above Howitzer firing round failed to clear the crest, struck into Infantryman dugout. Dugout completely demolished. Owner escaped with a scare and was very indignant about the destruction of his home and straight away rushed into the I.M.A. Pit and in a very abusive tone asked the Officer -in -Charge what the ----------- did they mean by knocking down his home which took him 3 days to do and they could ------b---- have to go and dig him another one. He did not realise that he had a narrow escape with his own life, his only trouble was the destruction of his “home”. Evening ruses are the order of the day. All kinds of firing noises are made to endeavour to get the enemy to open fire and thus waste their ammunition which we know they are short of. We have heard that gas bombs are likely to be used by the Turks and so have been issued with respirators and we are quite prepared when that interesting time does come.

Have not heard of Harry for some time, am getting a little anxious. 10th July, 1915 to 12th July 1915. Nothing startling. Still plugging along and awaiting big crunch to come off in the near future. 12th July, 1915. Woke to the sounds of booming guns. The 8th Corps at Helles are making another attack. We are to co-operate by engaging the enemy on our Front. Our guns busily engaged. Have since heard that 8th Corps quite successful in their venture. Turks badly driven back. 13th July, 1915. A “calm after the storm”. Was informed by Div. Artillery Commander that I have been recommended for a Commission. Am lucky if I get it. 14th July, 1915 to 15th July, 1915. The usual morning and evening shelling of enemy. Not much damage done.

- 36 - July, 16th 1915. Laid low with influenza. July, 17th 1915. Same as above. July 18th, 1915. Same as above. Severe casualties occurred in our 8th Bty. 2 killed, one wounded. The fortitude and endurance displayed by the two men before they died was wonderful. One man had his arm and leg taken off. His first concern was for his comrades. He knew that he was dying and said “never mind me I am done, see that the others are alright”. July 19, 1915. Still very foggy. 9th Battery had one casualty. Enemy paid dear for it. Burgess opened with rapid fire on enemy guns which were completely silenced, guns knocked out of action and gave stretcher bearers a busy time.

Received word today (19th) that Harry was wounded on July 4th and was now in hospital at Lemnos Island. July 20th ,1915. Inspected new trenches on Tasmanian Post. Work done simply wonderful. 63rd Brigade 5th Howitzer (Col. Hope-Johnstone) arrived. July 21st, 1915. Enemy Artillery very active. Entrenching very hard in our front. July 22nd to 30th July, 1915. Nothing startling to chronicle during this period. Everything very quiet on both flanks. All hard at trenching new firing line.

- 37 - 31st July, 1915. A memorable day. Received word of my Commission and promotion to rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Congratulated by General and Col. Rosey. Had quite an exciting evening. The Turks had trenched forward to a position almost commanding the trenches of our Tasmania Post. At moonrise our 11th Batt. (W.Aus) blew up enemy trenches with mines and then stormed and captured the trenches which were rapidly reconstructed for our own defence. The casualties of the Turks were heavy. Our own: 20 killed - 70 wounded. The enemy shell fire on captured trenches caused nearly all our casualties. The bombardment was something terrific. The whole of the Artillery work fell on our Brigade and the Scotch (Lowland ) Howitzer Brigade. Turks must be rather demoralised. No attempt to counter-attack was made by the enemy. The whole enterprise was quite successful and means quite a lot to us. Capt. Gee, 9th Bty. was wounded also Brigadier Higgins, 9th severely wounded. 1st August, 1915.

Great preparation in progress for landing new force. A big movement possible which we hope will clear up the situation here. 2nd August, 1915. Appointed Orderly Officer and Acting Adjutant 3rd F.A. Brigade. 3rd August, 1915. A very warm day. Not very well. A big pain in the “bingy”. 4th August, 1915. Commenced bombardment of enemy trenches. 5th August, 1915. Bombardment continued. Enemy trenches raked and demolished with Howitzer high explosives

- 38 - 6th August, 1915. Bombardment still in progress. Our Infantry attacked and captured Lone Pine trenches. Our losses fairly heavy. Bombs and machine guns was the cause of all the trouble. Portion of Ks Army - the 13th and 16th Divs. landed at Suvla Bay. Landing successful. Subsequent movements very shaky. They suffered very heavy losses during first 3 days. Had the misfortune to be sent away to hospital at Mudros. A few days rest and decent food soon fixed me up. Returned to Anzac on 19th August. 18th August, 1915. Back to duty, Still feeling a bit shaky. 19th August to 22nd August, 1915. Everything very quiet. 23rd August, 1915. Had a narrow escape today. A high explosive fell quite close to our H.Q. Buried 2 Infantry and wrecked the cover of our H.Q. dugout.

26th August, 1915. Col. Rosenthal sent to hospital. Heard later that he had a severe attack of Enteritis. Major Hughes took over temporary command of Brigade. Enemy very quiet, but busy digging. 27th August, 1915. Major Bessell Brown took over temporary command of Brigade, vice Major Hughes to 9th Bde. Enemy again very quiet. 1st September to 19th September, 1915. Decided change in weather. Sickness increasing. Enemy very quiet. 19th September, 1915. During the evening enemy’s “Olive Grove” guns fired over 100 shells at Burgess’ gun. Only one entered pit. Gnrs. McGregor and Wood wounded in arms. Gnr. McGregor bad compound fracture.

- 39 - 20th September, 1915. Excitement at “Lone Pine”. Our Miners broke into the enemy’s sap. Entrance blocked with sand bags and sentry placed on same. Sentry left post and Turks broke through. Officer- in - Charge of post went to see what was the matter and was shot. Sapper Kiddle constructed a portable mine - an ammunition box on wheels made of jam tins in which was placed a charge of ammunition cotton. Then with lengths of water pipe screwed together with electric lead connected to charge - was pushed down the sap and ignited by electric battery. Result: sap, together with Turks, blown up and we regained possession of sap. 22nd September, 1915. A wonderful daring act on part of the enemy discovered today. Out in front of our trench what appeared to be a sack was seen lying on the ground. At this particular time all our periscopes and periscope rifles were being broken. While a sharp lookout was being kept to locate the sniper, the bag was seen to move and on closer examination the forms of 2 men were discovered lying in the bag 50 yards away from our trenches. Rifles were at once brought to bear on the bags and their contents. No further trouble has since been experienced from this quarter. 23rd September, 1915.

Enemy shelling our trenches very heavily. All our guns retaliating. Bde. H.Q. and 9th Bty. observing stations blown down. Fortunately no-one hurt. A decided change in the weather noticeable. Atmosphere quite wintry. 24th September, 1915. 17th Siege Battery opened fire for the first time on Johnston’s Jolly. Preparations for another attack being made on the left. Went for a walk with Lt. Pybus out on the left Flank. Was greatly surprised to see advance made. Country beautiful and open. Quite a change from our own position. Inspected Chunuk Bair position, also the Apex. A big demonstration took place along the line last night. The bombardment continued for 20 minutes and was quite inspiring while it lasted. 25th September to 12th October, 1915. Things generally very quiet during the period. Only routine work being carried out accompanied by desultory shell and rifle firing.

- 40 - 13th October, 1915. Another quiet day. General Walker hit in thigh by enemy sniper. One of our sea planes had to descend on land owing to engine trouble. Turks shelled and broke up the machine after landing. Weather beginning to get decidedly cool. Enemy very quiet. 14th October, 1915. Great jubilation prevails amongst the lads. A canteen (dry goods only) has been established on one of the adjacent islands for the use of the troops here. A chance of decent food looms up very largely. Received word from Detail Camp, Alexandria, that my horse “Patch” died on 28th September. My best friend gone. 15th October to 14th November, 1915. A very quiet and peaceful month. Weather gradually getting cooler and sickness diminishing in consequence. 15th November, 1915.

All hands busy getting Christmas mail away. 16th November, 1915. Terrific thunder storms. Part 3rd and 4th Bde. to Rest Camp. 17th November, 1915. Most violent storm last night. Heavy sea, beach swept clear of all stores, fittings washed away. Tug conveying Christmas mail to ship sunk and all mail lost. “Loves labor Lost”. 18th November, 1915. To 22nd November, 1915. Busy writing letters to replace those lost by sinking of tug. Enemy’s Olive Grove guns particularly active on beach. Our guns unable to silence them. Enemy’s trench mortars and bombs causing a lot of annoyance to our troops in the trenches. Busy preparing winter quarters.

- 41 - 22nd November, 1915. Very quiet. Another big disappointment. Word received that all our Australian mail inwards was lost on the sinking of the “Orange Prince” through being torpedoed by a submarine when only a few hours out from Alex. Weather getting bitterly cold. 23rd November, 1915. Enemy shelling beach persistently. A “Peace” stunt on in progress. Enemy have the idea that we are preparing to evacuate. No firing of any sort to be carried out. 24th November, 1915. Enemy very active. Patrols crawling up to our trenches to see if they are still occupied. They never return to their own trenches. 25th November, 1915. An attack made on Chathams’ Post during the night. Easily repulsed. 30 dead left in front of our trenches. 26th November, 1915.

A terrific thunderstorm and heavy seas. Turks expected to attack tonight. 27th November, 1915. Weather very stormy and bitterly cold. Every indication of an attack being launched by enemy tonight. 28th November, 1915. A heavy snow storm. Temperature very icy. Enemy did not attack as was expected last night. Mud knee deep everywhere. Am almost frozen. 29th November, 1915. Weather again mild. 30th November to 8th December, 1915. Exceedingly quiet. Promoted Lieutenant - dated 8.12.15. List of Promotion No 15 8.12.15.

- 42 - 9th December, 1915. Enemy’s Olive Grove guns active again. 10th December, 1915. A combined bombardment. 5 Navy ships, “Baccable”, Grogtin, Earl of Petersburg, Minatuar and all our 3rd Bde. Guns -6” Howitzers, 5” Howitzers and heavy Battery on Olive Grove guns. Bombardment lasted ¾ hours. A magnificent sight. Enemy’s guns opened fire on completion of bombardment. All excited, a strange move ordered. A section from each Bty. complete order to embark. 2 hours notice. Wonder why? 11th December, 1915. A peculiar feeling prevails. Rumors are afloat that we are to withdraw from Anzac. Further instructions issued for us to embark guns etc. 12th December, 1915. Definite orders received to embark 2 guns and 100 men. These were withdrawn from positions after dark and embarked during night. 13th December, 1915.

Orders issued for the evacuation of Anzac. The whole force was to be withdrawn during the following 6 nights. Another party consisting of guns and men from our Brigade were sent off during the night. 14th December, 1915. All hands busy returning ammunition and stores to beach. Another party left during the night. 15th December, 1915. Detailed preparations now being made for removal of as many guns as possible. A busy day. 16th December, 1915. Everybody in a fever of excitement. The object of the withdrawal not yet divulged. Infantry lines being thinned.

- 43 - 17th December, 1915. Destroying wagons. Burying ammunition and stores. 18th December, 1915. Completion of burying of ammunition etc. remainder of Bde, less the guns (18th and 19th Btys) and observing details embarked. 19th December, 1915. The remainder of the Force was withdrawn without casualties. The guns left to cover last parties were blown up as soon as Infantry were clear of firing line. The arrangements made for withdrawal were perfect. Not a hitch occurring throughout . All tracks from firing line to beach were clearly marked to enable the Infantry to retire safely on the last night. The enemy was not aware that we had gone until some 24 hours after the last party got away. A large quantity of store, tents, ammunition and wagons had to be left behind. The success of the movement depended on keeping the enemy ignorant of our intentions and this was only possible by leaving everything appear as if nothing unusual was happening . The enemy’s aeroplanes were very active throughout the operation and were kept off by our own planes.

A large quantity of stores were burnt by accident on the beach and a large quantity of ammunition had to be dumped into the sea. All ammunition and explosives were buried before leaving. The Imperial Divisions at Suvla Bay were withdrawn at the same time as our Divisions at Anzac. The whole Force concentrated at Murdos and were eventually shipped to Egypt. It was estimated that some 30,000 casualties would result from the withdrawal and some 20 hospital ships were lying at Murdos awaiting to be filled. Fortunately, none of them were required. We arrived at Murdos on the morning of 19th December and were transferred to the H.M.T.Campenello. On 21st December we were again transferred to the “Horatio” which left Murdos en route for Alexandria at 7.30 a.m. on 24th December 1915 with 3,000 troops, (1st Div. Artillery and New Zealanders) on board. Christmas Day. Christmas Day was spent at sea. A very quiet day and to make things less cheerful one of our lads died during the night and was buried at sea on Christmas afternoon.

- 44 - 26th December, 1915. Arrived Alexandria 10.00 a.m. Went alongside wharf but did not disembark until the following day. 27th December, 1915. Left at 7.30 p.m. by train for Tel-el-Kibir Camp at which place we arrived at 4 a.m. on 28th December, 1915. 28th December, 1915. Bde. details from Cairo arrived during the night. Camp pitched during the day. 30th December, 1915. Pitching and squaring camp. During the next few days I lost count of the dates being so busy fixing Bde. up in camp. 1st January, 1916. A very quiet New Year. Working hard. 2nd January, 1916.

Same. 3rd January, 1916. Col. Rosenthal arrived back from England. Our Christmas mail just arriving. 6th January, 1916. Two days leave in Cairo getting kit etc. Following days general camp routine work. Our camping ground is on the old battle fields of Tel -el- Kibir. And is a very interesting place in so much that all the old entrenchment and earth works remain quite intact. Otherwise it is a very dull place but an excellent training ground. We are to remain here to refit and are then booked for service on the Canal. A big action is expected there in the near future. 22nd January, 1916. Went down to Alexandria to see Bert Brown.

- 45 - 23rd January, 1916. Spent the day with Bert sight-seeing around Alex. Had lunch and dinner together. A very pleasant day. 24th January, 1916. Spent the afternoon shopping for curios to send home and left by 4 p.m. train for camp. 25th January, 1916. General routine work in camp. 26th January, 1916. Brigade training. 27th January, 1916. Took over duties of Orderly Officer, Capt. W.A. Martin being appointed Adjutant. 28th January, 1916. Major Burgess awarded D.S.O., Capt. W.A. Martin M.C. 2nd February, 1916.

Hard at work training staff. 3rd February, 1916 to 15th February, 1916. Nothing of great importance occurring this period. 16th February, 1916. Spent day in Desert with H.Q. Staff. Send off to Major Martin who is appointed A.D.M.S. 4th Div. A wild night.

- 46 – 17th February, 1916. Definite arrangements being made to form new Arty. Div. Col. Rosenthal to command the 9th and Col. Christian to command the 5th Div. Three Divisions to be formed, two in Egypt and one in Australia. Was informed by Col. Rosenthal that I was being recommended for appointment as Staff Capt. Great excitement prevailing amongst the Officers, some big promotions anticipated. 18th February, 1916. A busy day fixing up arrangements for transfer of personnel to form nucleus of 4th Div. 19th February, 1916. A busy morning at the Dentist. Prosecution at Court martial of Gnr. Brockineer, 8th Bty. During the afternoon. Arranging to draw equipment for 12th Brigade. Appointed (Prov) Staff Capt. R.A. Attended concert given by members of 3rd Infantry Bde. In Y.M.C.A. hut during the evening. Lord and General Hobb present. 20th February, 1916.

Laying out camp for 12th Brigade. Arranging engineering details for same. General routine work. Sent parcel to Harry. Wrote to Bertie. 21st February,1916. Spent the afternoon at R.E. Depot arranging for buildings etc. for new Division. Was occupied during the afternoon drafting standing orders and syllabus of training for 4th Division. Was fixed up with “prad”. Had a few runs at tentpegging with Hydrabad Lancers. Wrote letter to The Mater during the evening. 22nd February, 1916. A busy afternoon at R.E. yard. Paid a visit to the Ord. Depot, Div. H.Q. and the dentist. Had a few runs at tentpegging during the evening. Loaned Major Hughes 5 pounds.

- 47 - 23rd February, 1916. Arranging building materials from R.E. Depot. New division formally taken over by Gen. Cox, Divisional Commander. Gen. Cox made a detailed inspection of 12th Bde. and all officers. Drawing camp equipment during the afternoon. 24th February, 1916. A busy day drawing equipment etc. 25th February, 1916. Morning in the office. Drawing equipment during the afternoon. 26th March, 1916. Organising new Brigades. Attended a reunion Dinner given by members of permanent staff of 8th Infty. Bde. Had a most enjoyable evening. Met quite a lot of R.A.A. and Infty. Staff comrades. Arrived home safely and sober at 12.15 a.m. 27th February, 1916. A quiet forenoon. Letter writing.

Completing arrangements for Court Martial of Capt. Parry-Okeden of 1st O.A.PK. during afternoon. 28th February, 1916. A busy forenoon at R.E. Yard. Spent the afternoon in the office. 29th February, 1916. Arranging court Martial for trial of Capt. Parry-Okeden. General office routine. Informed C.O. that the present organisation of Div. is likely to be slightly altered and distorted. 1st March, 1916. Ordnance Depot drawing stores. General office work and drawing pay during the afternoon.

- 48 - 2nd March, 1916. Paid a visit to Cairo to check Impost A/c with Staff Paymaster and to purchase stationary. 3rd March, 1916. Organisation of 4th Div. broken up. Word received today to transfer the 12th Bde. back to 1st Division. Only 197 officers and men left to form new Div. Busy all day arranging details for transfer of 12th Bde. 4th March, 1916. Laying out new camp site. Arranging details for shifting camp. Left camp for Port Said at 12 noon. Arrived Port Said at 4.30 a.m. Was met by M. Zorb. Arranged room at Eastern Exchange Hotel. Afternoon tea and dinner with M. Zorb. Spent an enjoyable evening at Casino Palace Hotel. Had several enjoyable dances. Returned to Hotel at 12 midnight. 5th March, 1916. Made several small purchases. Met M. Zorb, M. Mitrel and M. Yailloon at Hotel. Had lunch with M. Zorb. Spent afternoon with family. Went for walk along the breakwater with Mde. Yailloon and Mde. Zorb. Returned to Hotel and caught train leaving Port Said for camp at 6.30 p.m. Arrived camp 10.00 p.m. A most enjoyable 2 days furlough.

6th March, 1916. A busy morning at Ordnance Depot. A quiet afternoon awaiting definite arrangements being made for a new camping ground. Received word that our Division is to go down on to the Canal and relieve 2nd Div. who are leaving for England. The move is not at all relished by our men. The Canal Zone being a dreary and dismal hole to put in the summer. 7th March, 1916. Laying out new camp site for Div. Arranging engineering and sanitary details. A very busy day.

- 49 - 8th March, 1916. Shifting camp. Drawing camp equipment from Ordnance Depot. 9th March, 1916. Left camp for Cairo 7.15 a.m. A busy day in Cairo. Managed to obtain a typewriter from Stationary Department after a deal of bother. Had lunch with Mr. Waite at Hotel National. 10th March, 1916. Selecting site for Div. H.Q. Arranging sanitary details. Drawing equipment from Ordnance Depot. Received two letters from home. First for several weeks. 11th March, 1916. General routine work all day. 12th March, 1916. Office work. Letter writing. 13th March, 1916. Ordnance Depot re equipment. Taking over our allotted reinforcement from Infantry.

14th March, 1916. Day in Cairo. A busy day. Had lunch at Sheppard’s with Capt. (Dr) Sterins. Went to Giza with Lt. Aspinal. 15th March, 1916. Arranging camp details. Drawing pay for H.Q. 16th March, 1916. Drawing camp equipment. Taking over and allotting reinforcements from Infantry. A busy night in office. Remitted 12 pounds home to Bertha.

- 50 – 17th March, 1916. General routine work. 18th March, 1916. Drawing camp equipment. Taking over and allotting reinforcements from Infantry. A fine lot of lads and should make good gunners. Major Waite went on leave. Am Acting Bde Adj. A large number of N.C.O’s from Lighthorse Bde. Applying for commissions in our Infantry. Arranging equipment at Ordnance Depot. Taking over and allotting reinforcements from Infantry. Saw Ken and Mat. O’Donnell. 19th March, 1916. Received information that Dvr. McFarlane, Major Waite’s batman was found dead on railway line 4 miles this side of Zagazig. Made arrangements for burial. Sent Lt. White with firing party to Zagazig by 3.5 p.m. train. Arranged with medical officer, Govt. hospital to complete arrangements for burial in British Cemetery at Zagazig. Received instructions to take over equipment from 1st I.H. Brigade who are moving out for ------- on Monday evening. Detailed O/C 10th I.H. Brigade to take over the equipment. Completed arrangements for our officers to attend the gunnery practice of 2nd and 3rd I.H. Brigades.

Major Waite returned from leave. Col. Rosenthal left for Cairo by 1115 train. Major Waite has been appointed Brigade Commander 24th (How.) Bde. I am to take over the duties of Brigade Major pending another appointment being made. The 2nd Division have just left Egypt presumably for France. The 1st Division are to get away this week. Unfortunately, we are to remain here for training. 20th March, 1916. A busy morning. Saw Ken for a few minutes. Wasted the afternoon waiting for an inspection by D.A.M.G. – was postponed. Received word of my promotion to rank of Capt. (Temp) dated 12/3/16. Notified in list of promotions No.40. Wrote to Bertie.

- 51 - 21.3. 1916. 1st Division Arty. Commenced gunnery practice. 1st Brigade moved out of camp for France. 22.3.1916. 2 I.H. Brigade entrain. 24.3.16. 3 I.H. Brigade entrain. We take over 1st D.A. Area. 25. 3.16. A busy day taking over equipment and shifting camp etc. 26.3.16. Squaring up camp. 27.3.16. Major W.C.A. Waite promoted to Lt Col and to command 24th How. Brigade. Myself taking over the duties of Brigade Major as well as Staff Capt. 28.3.16. Received large reinforcements from Light Horse Regts. 29.3.16.

Received horses (125 draft, 25 rider) from Remount Depot. Very hot day. Not feeling too grand. 30.3.16. Received word of move to Serapeum. 31.3.16. Received reinforcements from Light Horse. Making arrangements to shift camp.

- 52 - 1.4.16. Completing march arrangements. Inspection of camp by Gen. Delavoe and Bge. Gen. Skellhein. 2.4.16. Headquarters moved to Serapeum. On arrival found that the site had again been altered. Stayed night at D.H.Q. 3.4.16. Inspected camp site and made arrangements for marking out. 4.4.16. Laying out camp. 10th and 11th Bde. with equipment marched into camp. 5.4.16. Balance of division marched into camp. Inspected by Gen. Godley. 6.4.16. Squaring up camp and attending to office routine. Had lunch with BrigGen. Clayton Commanding N.Z. 12 Bde. 7.4.16. Saw Capt. Elliott re mess kits etc. for camp. A.P.M. re Regimental Police duties and D.O.O.O.S re equipment. Visited camp and straightened out matters. Col. Rosenthal promoted Brig. General.

Our H.Q. camp is situated on the bank of Canal (Suez) amongst a lovely plantation of trees. An ideal spot for a camp. Good swimming and fishing. Brigade camp about 1½ miles away. Gen. Rosenthal left for Cairo by train. 8th April, 1916 to 13th April, 1916 . A busy time settling troops down in camp. 14th April, 1916. Left for Cairo 9.a.m. Visited A.A.G’s Office. Corrected proofs etc. and left for Port Said 6.15 p.m. Spent weekend in Port Said. An enjoyable time.

- 53 - 16th April, 1916. Left for Camp 12 noon. Arrived back to find correspondence piled up awaiting action. 17th April, 1916. A busy day at camp and in office. Received 235 reinforcements. 18th April, 1916. Another busy day. Will be glad when a Brigade Major is appointed to take over some of the duties. Work at present is strenuous. 19th April, 1916. Weather getting warm. Inspection by Gen. Sir Archibald Murray G.O.C. Egyptian Expd. Force. General Rosenthal left for Alexandria. 20th April, 1916. A busy day in camp. An officer, Capt. Patterson, 42 Lowland Div. arrived for duty with Div. 21st April, 1916. Gen. Rosenthal returned. 22nd April, 1916. Usual routine. 23rd April, 1916 Ditto. Feeling a bit off colour.

24th April, 1916. Accompanied Gen. Rosenthal to “Front Line” of defence on an extended reconnaissance of artillery position. Left Brigade here at 5 a.m. by car, picked up horses at railhead. A long hot and dusty day. Saw the result of Khonouseens trenches. All trenches completely filled in with sand. Heartbreaking for Infantry. Remarkable result of wind on sand dunes. Lunch with Col. Arnott, 4th L.H. Reg. Met Major Scott, the officer who conducted the successful raid on Turkish post at Fort Jaffa. Received news of Turk attack at Kaitia.

- 54 - 25th April, 1916. ANZAC DAY. Celebrated by aquatic sports on Canal. Saw H.R.H. Prince of Wales. Not much impressed with his appearance. Very boyish, notwithstanding he is 23 years old. Went to dinner at Officers’ Mess, 24th Howitzer Bde. Attended concert. 26th April, 1916. Inspected by G.O.C. 2nd Anzac, Gen. Godley. Dined at Officers’ mess 10th F.A. Bde. The hottest day experienced in Egypt by our troops. 27th April, 1916. An inspection by M.G.R.A. Gen. Smith. A fine fellow and a real gunner. Feeling a bit off colour. Heat affecting me somewhat. No letter from home for over 2 months. 28th April, 1916 to 10 May, 1916. Too tired to write. 11th May, 1916. Received letter from home. Weather beginning to warm up. Commenced shell practice. The formation of Div. now nearly complete. 15th May, 1916 to 19th May, 1916. Capt. De Low appointed Acting Brigade Major. Having a busy time completing the equipment of Division.

23rd May, 1916. Spent day in Alexandria with Bert Brown. 24th May, 1916. Left Serapeum for Alexandria enroute to France with staff from D.H.Q. 25th May, 1916. Left Alexandria by H.M.T. “Tunisian”.

- 55 - 3rd June, 1916. Arrived Marseilles. A very bright place. Left by train for Paris at 2.30 p.m. Stayed a few hours at Lyons. Travelled up through the beautiful Rhone Valley. A lovely sight. 4th June, 1916. Arrived Paris 6 a.m. Spent the day in sight seeing. Visited Notre Dame Church. Paris is a delightful place. People treated us royally. Left Paris 7.30. p.m. for Hazebrouck. 5th June, 1916. Arrived Bolougne 8 a.m. Proceeded to Calais. Arrived Hazebrouck 2 p.m. and went into billets. 6th June, 1916. Spent the day in Hazebrouck. Had a particularly good time. Obtained all information re new billeting area for Div. 7th June, 1916. Left per motor for Merris. Selected position for D.H.Q. 8th June, 1916. Was allotted interpreters and proceeded to Caestre area and arranged billets for Div. Arty. 9th June, 1916. Left for Heure 5 p.m. via Abbeville. 10th June, 1916.

Arrived Heure 10 a.m. Met the General and Capt. Richards. Fixed up matters in connection with drawing equipment for Brigades. Left Heure 5.pm. enroute to Merris for Paris. Arrived Paris 8.30 p.m. Spent a very pleasant evening in Paris. Met some nice people. 11th June, 1916. Left Paris en route to Merris at 9.30 p.m. arrived Hazebrouck 10.00 a.m. Arrived at Merris by motor 10.50 p.m.

- 56 - 12th June, 1916 and succeeding days. Proceeded with billeting at Caestre. All billets arranged and everything in readiness for troops to arrive. First train load arrived 11th F.A. Bde. Brigades arrived each day until all completed. Received orders to proceed to take over Front Lines from 1st and 2nd Aust. Div. Completed taking over on night of --------- . Held line until arrival of 5th Div. Handed over to 5th Div. on Armentiers (Sailly-sur-lys- Front). 4th Div. less Artillery proceeded with 1st Anzac to the Somme. 19th July, 1916. Co-operated with 5th Div. Artillery in battle of Fromelles. Casualties approx. 5,000 amongst Infantry. Our Artillery casualties: 1 Officer -Capt. G. Thompson - killed. 3 Officers wounded. 15 O.R. killed and wounded. 23rd July, 1916. Withdrew to reserve and billeted in Croix du Bac area. One Brigade went over to 5th Division. One brigade went over to the N.Z. Division. 1st August, 1916. Received order to proceed to St. Omer training area for mobile transport. 2nd August, 1916. Arrived at area. H.Q. located at Lumbres. All Units busy training during succeeding days. Working through standing corn was quite a unique proceeding.

11th August, 1916. Granted 7 days leave to proceed to England. Left by car 8.30 a.m. for Boulonge. 12th August, 1916. Left Boulogne 10.15 p.m. for Folkstone and London. Arrived London 5.pm. Put up at Regent Palace Hotel. Went out to Windsor and saw Gert. Spent the afternoon and evening with her.

- 57 - 13th August, 1916. Went for a walk through Hyde Park with friends. Had lunch. Met Gert after lunch. Went out to Wandsworth Hospital . Saw Sgt. O’Rourke. Had dinner at Palace Hotel with Gert. 14th August, 1916. Spent the remaining days of leave looking around London. Impressions too great to record here. Had a most pleasant time. Met quite a lot of old friends including Lt Col. Spencer, Capt. Doolan and Lt. Turner of Tasmania. 19th August, 1916. Left London to return to France 12.30 p.m. from Charing Cross Station. Met the General on the station who was also returning to France. Had a pleasant trip across. Arrived Boulogne 6 a.m. Motored through to our H.Q. arriving home at 7 p.m. 20th August, 1916. Division under orders to proceed to Front lines and relieve the Canadian Corps in the Ypres Sector. 21st August, 1916. Busy making necessary arrangements for move. 22nd August, 1916. Proceeded to Calais to arrange about stores etc. 23rd August, 1916.

Completing arrangements for transfer of Division to Ypres Sector. Our stay at Lumbres has been most delightful. We have been living in a fine old Chateau owned by one of the Counts of France. The Chateau is a beautiful home handed over to the British Government as a Billet for H.Q. of troops billeted in this area.

- 59 - 24th August , 1916. 1st Inf. Light and D.A.P. move off to Wallon Cappel enroute to Ypres. Spent morning in office. Went to St. Omer with the General after lunch, and on return stopped at aerodrome. Had quite a pleasant time looking around the many hangers in which were stored all kinds of machines. Saw machines in the course of construction and repair. Machines rising for a flight and machines landing . Also witnessed the arrival of 5 big fighting planes from England having flown over. All new machines from England are flown over to France. 25th August, 1916. Last of light move off for Ypres sector. Clearing up and moving out tonight. Have written letters to Bertie. Left Lumbres at 8.30 p.m. arrived Caestre at 10 p.m. and stayed the night with the Vallee’s. 26th August, 1916. Arrived at Reningelst at 10 a.m. Busy all day taking over from 4th Canadian Div. Capt. T.H. Macaray Staff Capt. 4th Canadian Div. Artillery rendering me every assistance. 27th August, 1916. Visited Group Headquarters and wagon lines. Batteries all in position. Enemy very active. 28th August, 1916. Completed taking over. Everybody settling down. Enemy action with trench mortars. Casualties 1 killed - 8 wounded. This is much the warmest place we have been in yet. 29th August, 1916. A busy day in the office. Several gas alarms during the night. Raining hard.

30th August, 1916. Still raining. A very dreary day. Received letters from Bertie also Berties mum. 31st August, 1916. Weather fine at present. We have in the Salient (Ypres) 4th British Division, 4th Canadian Division and ourselves - the 4th Aust. Division. The 1st Aust. Division have arrived and are taking over from 4th British Division. Have met many old friends.

- 59 - 1st September, 1916. A busy day. 4th Canadian Div. H.Q. moved to Westhove. Saw Col. Burges and many of the old 3rd Bde. who have just returned from the Somme. Received news of Lt. Hare’s death, killed in action. 7th Bty had many casualties caused by bombs dropped from hostile aircraft. 2nd September, 1916. Weather just a little finer. Saw Col. Eliott of the 12th Inf Batt and Savage of 1st Div Trans. Motored into Properinge during the morning. 3rd September, 1916. Spent all forenoon in the office. Witnessed a great sight this morning. 20 big battle planes in one ‘flock’ flying overhead. It was quite an inspiring sight. Ran down to Caestre in the afternoon and had tea with the Vallee’s. 4th September, 1916. Another wet day. Firing lines very quite. A heavy bombardment going on down south. 4th September,1916 to 16th September, 1916. Conditions normal. Usual daily straffing. 1st Anzac Corp arriving this sector from -----. 17th September, 1916. All Batteries busy wire cutting preparatory to raid being carried out by 4th Canadian Div. during the night. Bombardments terrific. 18th September, 1916. Raids to take place at 1.15 a.m. at 3 points. All raids successfully carried out, 22 prisoners taken, much damage done to enemy works and valuable documents captured. Work of Artillery excellent, wire cutting well carried out and barrages quite effective.

19th September, 1916. Called on Major Gen of old 9th Bty and saw many old friends. Inspected D.A.C. Ammunition Dump. Met Capt. J. Ray in the afternoon. News of big advance down south. The “tanks” (otherwise known as armoured motor cars) doing splendid work. These cars are like warships. They carry 12 machine guns and one 12 pounder. Weigh approximately 28 tons speed over any type of ground 3 M.per Hr. Their effect on the Boche is tremendous.

- 60 - 20th September, 1916 to 30th September 1916. It has been raining now for 4 days. The place is a sea of mud. Everything on the front very quite. Nothing unusual to report. Enemy exceedingly quiet on this front during this period. All hands busy constructing winter quarters. 1st October, 1916 to 4th October, 1916. Conditions normal. 5th October, 1916. Brigade Major went on leave. Took over duties of the Bde Major, Lieut. A.C. Waite taking over duties of Staff Captain. 6th October, 1916. A heavy day. Enemy fairly active. 7th October, 1916. 8th October, 1916. 9th October, 1916. 10th October, 1916. Carried out a heavy bombardment on enemy’s T.M. positions. 11th October, 1916. (no entry) 12th October, 1916.

Made artillery arrangements for a raid to be carried out in the evening. Accompany the General to Windmill O.P. to witness bombardment. Raid reported as successful. Our losses 2 killed - several wounded. 13th October, 1916. Normal conditions prevail.

- 61 - 14th October, 1916. Spent the day visiting front lines. 15th October, 1916. 11th Bde. took over “Buff” Group. Col.Hughes commanding 12th Inf. Bde. carried out a trench raid at (4.30 p.m.). Result a “dud” not one German being found in trenches. Major Bates and Col. Waite returned from leave. 16th October, 1916. Took over duties of Staff Captain again. Reconnoitered position in front line for K “Camouflage” info with Camouflage experts. A long but interesting day. 17th October, 1916. A quite day in the office. Word received that we are to proceed to the Somme. The 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Aust. Divisions will operate together. 18th October, 1916. Making necessary arrangements for withdrawal from Line. Weather very bad. 19th October, 1916. Enemy very active. Weather very cold. 20th October, 1916. Nothing doing. 21st October, 1916. } } } Nothing doing. 22nd October, 1916. }

- 62 - 23rd October, 1916. A very busy day. Enemy aeroplanes active. Accompanied the General to Pershea Trench Mortar School and witnessed a demonstration carried out with a new Newton 6” Trench Mortar. With slight improvements the mortar will be a very effective weapon for trench warfare. The gun itself is very simple, simply a steel tube on the “stokes” principle, attached to a bar with a ball and socket point. The bomb which is of the aerial topeodo type, weighs about 90lbs. and is filled with a powerful explosive “Amenol”. The bomb is inserted from the muzzle and contains the propelling detonator which is detonated on the back nose of breech end of the gun. Accompanied General to dinner at St. Elio Group H.Q. Enemy ‘sprang” 3 mines in the Bluff sector at 6 a.m. attempting to occupy craters but were driven back by our guns and machine gun fire. The Garrison of one of our craters buried. Slight casulties to our Infantry. 24th October, 1916. 4th Aust. Division less our Artillery moved out of line to concentration area prior to proceeding to the Somme. 41st Division taking over from them. We remain behind to cover the 41st Div. until their own artillery arrives. We then follow our Division. Received letter from home. 25th October, 1916. Weather cold and miserable. Fighting normal. 26th October, 1916. A busy morning in the office. Lunched with Baron Col. Gourrdal officer Commanding 7th Belgian Artillery. Visited Mont des Cats sniping school with Lt. Wood Liaison officer to Belgian Artillery. Excellent work being carried out in this school. Rifle Batteries and Sniperscope shooting has been developed to a fine art. Camouflage observing posts and sniping posts are wonderfully constructed with the view of deceiving the enemy. 27th October, 1916. Weather wet and miserable. Spent the morning inspecting wagon lines making things a sea of mud. A busy afternoon in the office.

28th October, 1916. A busy morning in the office. Enemy artillery and mines very active on front line and P&O communication trench . Arranging company reliefs. Visited wagon lines. All wagon lines knee deep in mud. Weather beastly wet and cold. Wrote Christmas letters till 12 midnight. Have just received word that all boats to and from England temporarily stopped. Ports of Boulogne and Harve closed . Reason not known. Rumoured German destroyer activity in channel.

- 63 - 29th October, 1916. Busy morning in the office. Motored to Hazebrouck with A.D.A. Halford and R.A. Signal Officer Ashe in the afternoon. Object of visit was to get a hair cut. All coiffures closed. Hair still on. Called in at Vallees for afternoon tea. 30th October, 1916. Another busy morning in the office. Went around front lines in the afternoon with Brigade Major. Inspected new 9.45” trench mortar kit. Enemy artillery very active . Just missed a 5.9” shell - fell a few feet from where we passed. Trenches awfully sloppy - knee deep in mud. Arrived home 5 p.m. dog tired. 31st October, 1916. Inspection of Deepeendall Sector with the General. A wet miserable day. Walked about 15 miles, arrived home 1 p.m. Spent rest of day in the office. 1st November, 1916. Spent the whole day in the office. Went for a long walk and called on Baron Gourrdal before dinner. 2nd November, 1916. Went to Bailleul and arranged for pay with 2nd Anzac. Called into Vallee’s at Caestre and had lunch. Spent rest of day in office. Entered up diary and wrote letters after dinner. 3rd November, 1916. Inspected wagon lines. Conferred with O/C D.A.C. on several matters of importance during the morning. Afternoon in the office. One of our balloons broke loose this afternoon. The observer coming down in a parachute. Balloon drifted over the North Sea.

4th November, 1916. Attended a lecture with Cols. Rakett and Hughes given by Sir John Kean at Berthen Trench Mortar School. Had a demonstration of the 6” trench mortar. Quite a useful instrument, constructed on the stokes principle and throws a bomb of the aerial torpedo type weighing 90lbs. Some 500 to 600 yards. The mortar was designed and constructed by Capt. Newton at our army workshop. Brought Sir John Kean home to lunch. Had quite a big shell day during the afternoon.

- 64 - The 1st occasion on which we fired our big 9.45” trench mortar under the covering fire of the heavies and our own. The trial was not too successful, 8 rounds only was fired, three of which fell 50 to 60 yards from the pit. 2 in our own trenches and the balance on the Boche. Fault due to faulty ammunition. Staff Capt. 41st Div. Artillery arrived to take over. We are to be ready to move out to the Somme on 13th November. Weather rotten. Cold and wet. No letters received this week. 5th November, 1916. Raining heavily, and very cold. Conditions normal. 6th November, 1916. Still wet and cold. Representatives from 41st Div. Artillery arrived from the Somme to relieve us. 7th November, 1916. Still raining. Inspected wagon lines, horses up to bellies in mud and slush. 8th November, 1916. Terrific rain and wind. Visited Corps H.Q. at Abbeele. 9th November, 1916. Bright day but very cold. Enemy very quiet. Our trench mortars have been very active and causing the Hun some slight annoyance. Visited Boeschepe. Went out to inspect wagon lines. Car stuck in the mud and had to call on a farmer for loan of horse team to haul car out . 10th November, 1916. A fine day. A run to Quinton Siding. Carried out a 2” trench mortar straffe along the whole of the front line. Effect good - a considerable amount of damage to enemy’s front line. Our casualties - one gunner killed. A premonition. Received Aust. Mail 4 letters. 11th November, 1916.

Handing over sector of St. Olio, Diependall and Bluff to 41st British Div. 12th November, 1916. Withdrawal of brigades from line, preparatory to move south. Left for Caestre during afternoon, enroute to Vaux Berquin. Spent night with Vallee’s.

- 65 - 13th November, 1916. Proceeded to Vaux Berquin and arranged billets for first night march, returned to Reningelst and completed handing over to Capt. Bullock Staff Capt. 41st Div. Artillery. 14th November, 1916. Div. moved out of billets for Neuf Berquin. Inspected by Army Commander Seecerto Left Reningelst (Belgium) per motor car for Neuf Berquin with Nitupribi Diebolt. Completed billeting arrangements and met Div. at 2 p.m. Left Neuf Berquin at 3 p.m. for Lillers. Proceeded to St. Hileire, saw Marie and arranged for billets and returned to Lillers and billited for night. 15th November, 1916. Proceeded to St. Hileire, Ecquedecques, Liettres, and Bourecq. Completed billeting parties and allocated billets. At 12 noon proceeded to Ames passing through Firliog mining district . Lunched at Pernes then proceeded to inspect billets at La Thieuloye, Monchy- Breton, Orlen Court en Comte passing through villages of Bours, Dieval, Anlignent Chateau. Returned To Pernes. Arranged billets for self and Nitupribi. Returned to D.A.H.Q. which was located at Ames. Dined with acting C.R.A. Col. King and returned to Pernes. 16th November, 1916. Up at 7 am. proceeded to new billeting area for nights of 16/17th . Completed arrangements. Picked up C.R.A. and brought him to D.A.H.Q. at Monchy Breton - arranged lunch and proceeded to area for night of 17/18th. Passing through Baileul-aux -Cornailles, Averdoingst, Maizieres, and Magnkourt-sur Canche. Arranged billets at Estree-Wamin, Poziers, Brouilly, Rebreuviette, Rebreuve, Bouret-sur-Canche and then on to Frevent for night . Billeted at Hotel de Amiens. 18th November, 1916. Picked up billeting parties and directed them to billets area returned to Doullens for lunch. Saw troops with billets and then proceeded to Talmos & Villers Bocage. Arranged with town mayors for billets for night 18/19th and proceeded to Amiens. Put up at Hotel de la Boix.

19th November, 1916. Up at 7 a.m. and returned to Villers Bocage completed billets then returned to Amiens for lunch. Proceeded to Talmos and Villers Bocage area for nights 19/20th passing through Bonnay, Bussy, Daours.

- 66 - Allocated billets in above villages, then proceeded to 1st Anzac H.Q. at Hielly for instructions. Met Bde. Major Bates in B.G.R.A. office obtained information re subsequent moves . Returned to Villers Bocage with Col. King and Bates. Called a Conference of C.Os. re sending B.Cs forward to take over line . Remained night at Villers Bocage. 20th November, 1916. Proceeded to Bonnay, thence to K. area. Completed billets and returned to Bonnay for night. Completed Billets and returned to Amiens for lunch and then on to Daours dropped interpreter and returned to Bonnay for night. 21st November, 1916. Remained day in billets. Proceeded to K. Area and returned to billets. 22nd November, 1916. Div. moved into K area. Col. Hughes and self proceeded to Pomiers Redoubt and reported to C.R.A. Returned to K. Area. 23rd November, 1916. Moved up into line and took over from 2nd Aust Div. Reporting at D.H.Q. and took over duties from S.C. 2 Div A. Shortly after leaving “K” area which by the way is a big Rest Camp, we entered the Battle Zone of the recent big “push” fighting on the Somme evidence of which met us at every turn. In passing through the remains of the villages of Fricourt and Mametz the ravages of modern warfare was most apparent. The whole place was levelled by shell fire and cut up with trenches. From Fricourt to Mametz, the desolation was even greater, the ground being torn up as if by a series of earthquakes. The traffic on these roads was tremendous. Columns of vehicles miles long slowly wending their way to the Front Area. It took us some 3 hours to proceed by car some 8 miles so great was the traffic. Area H.Q. was situated at Pomiers Redoubt which was the scene of one of the early battles and consisted of a little knoll rising above the general lie of the ground. On this knoll our H.Q. is situated.

From now on all records of days and dates are lost to memory so strenuous was the work before. We had two Div. Artillerys working on a one Div. Front and as the wet weather had set in further advance was impossible so every effort was made to consolidate our position.

- 67 - On an inspection of the ground from our H.Q. to the front line one is impressed with the enormous task that our people had to undertake to clear the Boche. The fighting in around Delville Wood, High Wood and Longueval and on the Flers was appalling over the ground. You see tons of waste and broken equipment and hundreds of dead both Boche and our own. Arms and legs lying about in all directions. Shell holes full of dead bodies. Everywhere one met same most awful sight. Standing out majestically just on the edge of Delville Wood is one of our monster tanks, fully armed but unmoveable. As one proceeds along towards the Front Line you get lost in the maze of huge shell holes which cover the landscape for miles. The whole country side seems to be full of guns of all calibres from 15” to 13 pr. So well hidden are they that you do not see them until you are right on to them or you hear the fire. During this period there was so many things of interest took place but time did not permit me to record them. The whole of our time was taken consolidating, gell up and tallying amtn and attending to daily straffe. 18th December, 1916. Left Pomier for Amiens enroute for England for 10 days after a chapter of accidents. Caught train and arrived at Boulogne just to miss the boat. Stayed the night in Boulogne and proceeded by boat the next day, arriving London at about 3 p.m. Stayed at the Regent Palace Hotel. Went out and hunted up Gert. The weather beastly throughout. Spent a pleasant time. Returned to France on 1.1.17. General Rosenthal wounded in leg (3rd time wounded). 3rd January, 1917. Arrived back at Pomier much knocked up after journey. Started work. General and Brigade Major away. Col. King and self carried on. 4th January, 1917 to 19th January 1917. 1st Aust. Div. Artillery moved out of line. 4th Aust Div. taking over complete control of Divisional Sector. Major Bates left to attend Trench Artillery School at Amiens.

Attended a course on Ammunition Accounting at Corps Park lasting 10 days. Lt. Col. Waite M.C. taking over duties of Bdge Major and Lieut. Traite the duties of Staff Capt. Granted the Military Cross. New Years List of Honours, London - Gazette No - Col. Hughes and Col. Burgess and 3rd Bde Officer and Major Marks received the D.S.O.

- 68 - On the 25th January, 1917 4th Aust Div. Artillery again re-organised to 2 Artillery Brigades of 3 18pr. Batterys ( 6 guns) and 1 6 gun How. Battery. DAC to 3 sections, A echelon of 1st 1 & 2 and B echelon --------. 24th F.A. Brigade split up to complete 10th & 11th F.A. Brigades to six guns. 12th Brigade to arrive. Lt Col. King C.O. 10 Bde. Lt Col. Waite C.O. 11 Bde. 29th January, 1917. Returned from Corps Park and took over duties of Brigade Major and Staff Capt. 30th January, 1917. Major Bates returned to H.Q. from Trench Artillery School on 30/1/17. 1st February, 1917. On night of 1/1 Inft. made a minor attack on enemy trenches. Attack failed owing to enemy will and defences. Our casualties 1 Officer killed and 40 O.R. Wounded 5 Officers and 120 O.R. 4th February, 1917. On night of 4/5th our 14th Battalion captured trenches lost on night 1/2nd. Trench held and consolidated. Casualties slight Prisoners 28. 9th February, 1917. Major Bates went on leave. Major Williams left for school in England. 10th February, 1917. 10th FA Bde relieved by 6th FA (Army) Bde. 11th February, 1917.

General Rosenthal took over command of 4th Aust. Div. Am carrying out duties of Bde. Major and Staff Capt. Having rather a thin time. 14th February, 1917. Received information that enemy intends bombing our ammunition dump.

- 69 - 15th February, 1917. Early in the morning ammunition dump of III Corps bombed. The whole dump caught fire. Many thousands of rounds of ammunition destroyed. Wonderful sight to see all this ammunition exploding. 16th February, 1917. Inspected 3 How. Batteries and wrote to Bert in the evening. 17th February, 1917. A great day. Thaw setting in. The whole place mushy. 18th February, 1917. Thaw setting in. Thaw precautions adopted from midnight. All traffic on road cut out. 19th February, 1917. Rain set in. The whole place is a sea of mud. Prepared artillery order for operation on Bayonet Trench. Attack postponed owing to muddy nature of ground. 20th February, 1917. Still raining . Received order re relief from Line. Sector to be divided and taken over by 1st and 5th Aust. Div. Received word that II Corps took 12 officers and 767 prisoners on night 17/18 and gained all objectives. Information received that enemy were in full fact of our intended attack and in consequence was prepared. Operation: Our Right Bde. (General Robertson) bombed up stonney trench and captured another 250 yards and took 29 prisoners. Quite a successful little show. Enemy much subdued, no retaliation. 21st February, 1917.

Accompanied Col. Armstrong on inspection of camp site. Also inspected ammunition of III Corps recently blown up by enemy aeroplanes “A sight for the Gods” Millions of rounds of ammtn destroyed. Wreckage beyond description.

- 71 - 22nd February, 1917. Received order for relief of 4th Div. on night 23/24. Arty H.Q. move to Bavelincourt Chateau. Raining. 24th February, 1917. Proceeded to Bavelincourt and completed billeting arrangements for Div. Artillery in Behencourt, Bavelincourt and Beaucourt. 25th February, 1917. D.A.H.Q. arrived in Rest Area and located in fine old French Chateau at Bavelincourt. 28th February, 1917. 10th F.A. Bdge arrived in Rest Area. 1st March, 1917. Spent day in Amiens. On 26th February received word that enemy was withdrawing from our Front. Our advance troops being pushed out to get in touch. Many villages evacuated by enemy. Enemy destroyed all billets, dugouts and roads. Covering his retirement by strong posts. Several strong attacks had taken place with our troops. Retirement continuing under heavy pressure of our troops. The object of retirement is to shorten Line and thus relieve further troops for his offensive. Indications are that the Boche is retiring on the Arras - Cambrai Line which is well formed and strongly held The morale of trench troops has risen considerably. Great jubilation re success of British troops. The whole of British Front on this Sector is going forward. Bapaume expected to fall any day. 4th March, 1917.

Having splendid weather and taking full advantage of rest. Expect to go into line again in a few days. 6th March, 1917. 112 How. Battery moved into Rest billets at Behencourt

- 71 - 7th March, 1917. 11th F.A. Bde. and 11” How. Battery moved into rest billets at Behencourt. 8th March, 1917. A heavy fall of snow. A quiet time. 9th March, 1917. Took over the 118th How. Battery (4.5”) from 12th F.A. Brigade and posted them one section of 110th How. Battery and the remaining Section to 111th How. Battery and completed 6 gun establishment. 10th March, 1917. Received orders from Brigade to move up in Line again in 2nd Aust. Div. Sector in preparation of impending offensive. Witnessed Contact demonstration carried out 4th, 12th, and 13th Inf. Bde. 11th March, 1917. Bde. and Battery Commanders left per motor transport for Front Line. 12th March, 1917. Batteries moved up to forward area preparatory to moving into Front Line. 13th March, 1917. Lunched with General and Major Bates in Amiens, returned to H.Q. at 4 p.m. Received word that the enemy had withdrawn from Warlencourt Line to Bapaume Line. Pending attack by 2nd Aust. Div. abandoned in consequence. Brigade of 4th A.D.A returning to Rest Area. Enemy evidently intend retreating for some distance. This is the 2nd time within the last 3 weeks that the enemy has frustrated our attack on his positions.

14th March, 1917. Part of the 11th F.A. Bde. returned to Rest Area. Enemy has withdrawn to Bapaume Line.

- 72 - 15th March, 1917. 10th F.A. Bde. and remains of 11th F.A. Bde. returned to Rest Area. Bapaume expected to be occupied by our troops tonight. 16th March, 1917. A cold day. Arranging for fodder lorry disienfector to disienfect all blankets. Czar of Russia abdicated in favour of Cr. Prince Nicholas. Enemy reported to have vacated Bapaume Line. 17th March, 1917. Beautiful day. Rest drawing to a close. 19th March, 1917. A successful Divisional exercise carried out. 20th March, 1917. Enemy still retiring. Our advanced mounted troops in touch with enemy’s rear guard. Several other villages captured. Enemy devastating villages right and left. 21st March, 1917. Accompanied General on a visit to Bapaume. Albert-Bapaume Road frightfully congested with traffic of all sorts moving up. Derelict tanks and aeroplanes lying everywhere. Bapaume completely demolished by enemy prior to his evacuation - absolute vandalism committed everywhere. All buildings blown down and trees cut down, roads and railways blown up. Our troops rapidly advancing and harassing the enemy. 22nd March, 1917. Inspection by G.O.C. Division. Snowing heavily. Still in comfortable Rest billet but expect to be moving up shortly.

23rd March, 1917. Carried out signalling on communications scheme. Inspected camouflage for guns.

- 73 - 24th March, 1917. Accompanied the Bde. Major to 2nd D.A.H.Q. at Bapaume to arrange taking over Line on 28/29/30th inst. Called at Henencourt. Received word late at night that relief put back for 24hours owing to 2nd Aust. Div. carrying out an attack on villages in Front . Summer time comes into force - watches are advanced 1 hour from midnight. 25th March, 1917. General and Bde Commanders went out to inspect Front Line. Rode over to Puisieux to see 12th Batn. Met Battalion on road out for route march. Saw Col. Elliot, Major Rafferty, Tyndal and Charles Willing. MEMORY BLANK. 4th April, 1917. Left our comfortable Chateau home for a more active Centre. Rode through to D.A.C. Camp at x2 q.d.and stayed there for the night. A beautiful day, but a very cold night. 5th April, 1917. Winter again in all its anger. Snowing heavily and oh so cold. Breakfast at 7 a.m. Unusual- my visit here was for the purpose of supervising an experiment in the use of mechanical transport for drawing field artillery. The experiment was carried out this a.m. with 11th F.A. Bde on their 2nd day march enroute to Bapaume Area. At 8 a.m. 24 x 3 ton lorries drew up and loaded with Amtn. and proceeded to park. Guns came along were hooked on to the lorries by many methods. All ready and away they went much to the delight of the detachments riding inside the lorries, who would otherwise have had to walk Generals of all sorts, Kings etc and their staff were found waiting at all corners to watch progress. The Brigade reached destination in good time and all pronounced the experiment a success (big). Arrived at D.A.C. Advance Camp. Settled for night. 10 officers in one leaky hut. Took over from 2nd A.D.A. and commenced work.

Preparation for big offensive got under way. 3 Divisions of Artillery placed under our General 1st, 2nd and 4th. My heart nearly sunk. No additional staff or assistance. My task to administer the three is a big one. Ammunition arrangements immense - “ a stout heart etc.” is my motto.

- 74 - 6th April, 1917. Selection of position for guns, arranging plan of attack occupies all day and the greater part of the night to say nothing of settling camp which is situated just out of Bapaume on Sapignies Road. The whole place is still being hotly shelled. 7th April, 1917. A busy day. 1st Div. Artillery arrived under our control, pushed them into camp and filled them up with ammunition. On returning from this camp a Boche 9.2 passed overhead and landed in 7th A.S.C. Camp, killed 3 including W.O. Wilkinson and wounded many. Killed 3 mules. 8th April, 1917. Accompanied General on reconnaissance for Ordnance Wagon Line and refilling points, passed through ruins of Favreuil, Beugnatre and Fremicourt. Boche vandalism is seen at every turn. Preliminary bombardment started on this front and at Arras where the big push is being made. Our casualties so far include 3 officers wounded and several O.R killed. Enemy’s guns very active. News of fresh developments mobile force organised for a dash . Relieved 3 a.m. 9th April, 1917. The great day. The Big Push started at 5.30 a.m. at ARRAS - big success. Up till 8 p.m. 7,000 prisoners. All objectives gained. Canadians captured Vimy Ridge. Big enveloping movement started. 1st and 5th Aust Div. doing good work south of us. Captured villages of Hemes, Dernicourt and Boursies. Casualties fairly heavy. Tanks and Cavalry preparing to break through our Front tomorrow morning. Every thing looks well and bright. Our Artillery are all standing to ready for a dash forward. The weather again very wintery. Snow hail and rain. Aust. mail arrived, no time to reply (a little note). 10th April, 1917. Oh what a day. The heaviest blizzard we have had yet has raged all day. Intense cold. Operations against the Hindenburg Line which were to have commenced at 4.30 a.m.

postponed owing to tanks not being able to get into position in time due to the snow storms. One tank lost its way. Not yet turned up. Heavy Boche shelling all day. Casualties heavy again.

- 75 - The whole of 4th F.A Brigade H.Q. scuppered by one stray shell. H.Q blown to glory I hope? Lt Col. Watts D.S.O. Capt. Black MO. Lt. Harding Adj. Davenport, Ord. Off. Was speaking to Watts only a few minutes before the fatal shell arrived. The attack on ARRAS Front progressing well. So far 11,000 prisoners and 100 guns taken. We move to the attack tomorrow morning. Another late night preparing orders and making arrangements for the attack. 11th April, 1917. At 4.30 a.m. our attack started under cover of 2 sections of tanks. Good progress made. Hindenburg Line crossed and occupied. Troops entered Hendencourt and Reincourt. Enemy counter attacked heavily, moved our troops back to original line. Casualties heavy approx. 4,000. Cause of retirement , complete failure of tanks, too slow and drew fire. 6 knocked out at starting point. Ammunition supply ran out. Carrying parties picked off by snipers. Owing to slowness of tanks Left Flank in care 62nd Div. failed to come up and cover withering machine gun fire on Left Flank from Bullecourt and 4th & 13th Bde. badly cut up. 4th Bde. particularly. Casualties in officers enormous. Division being withdrawn from Line, relieved by 2nd Div. All artillery to remain in. Our General to command Divisional Artilleries. A fresh plan of campaign prepared to retake ground given up. 7th Corps attacking heavily on Right Front. Progress reported to be good. 1st and 3rd. Armies still pushing on, on ARRAS Front. No details in tonight. 62nd Division to attack Bullecourt. All guns bombarding this village tonight. Weather still cruel, snowing and raining heavily. Cold intense. A sorry night for unfortunate wounded lying out in no man’s land. Enemy adopting a cruel practice of shooting our collecting parties. Many wounded had to be left behind. Total prisoners lost to the enemy about one thousand, including wounded. Going to bed. I am dog tired. 12th April, 1917. A cold raw day. Snow storms and sleet. Remnants of our Infantry withdrawn from Line. Withdrawal of Div. H.Q. postponed for 24 hours. Big Push on ARRAS Front still progressing favourably. Cavalry doing good work. Enemy shelling our front heavily. Our Artillery casualties very slight. Move Wagon Lines and refilling points to advanced positions. Completing arrangements for new plan of attack.

- 76 - 13th April, 1917. Weather still miserable. Quite as bad as any we have yet had. Another busy day preparing for the next push. Enemy guns still very active and causing us casualties. 14th April, 1917. Same old beastly weather. A stiff day in the office pending attack postponed until the morning of 16th inst. Have just heard that our casualties in recent attack amounted to 1,000 killed, 2,000 wounded and prisoners. 4th Infantry Bde. almost wiped out. 15th April, 1917. What a day of excitement and grief. Was awakened at 4.30a.m. by telephone bells ringing madly. Arose to find that the Boche was carrying out a raid in force on our front. Col. Commanding our right Group informed us that the enemy were pushing our Infantry back through his guns and he was expecting his guns to go any moment. The position was most critical. The enemy pressed on and it looked as if we were going to lose all our guns. All teams were sent up to be in readiness to withdraw those possible. Fortunately reinforcements were handy and 2 Battalions were rushed up. After a severe tussle the enemy began to give way until we at last claim Line back under our own barrage fire they were badly cut. The guns played up historically. Two Brigade of guns had been actually lost, i.e. seven 6 gun Batteries but were recaptured. The enemy had only sufficient time to destroy 9 of them before he was driven out and the guns retaken. The enemy is retiring. Came under our barrage fire and were frightfully cut up. Hundreds lying dead everywhere. We took 3 officers and 300 O.R. prisoners. Only about 300 of the enemy got back to their own lines. Our casualties only number 150 which must be considered slight. Unfortunately we lost two of our best officers in Major Rick Pyfus and Lieut. E.H. Clark two of the bravest men ever walked. Major Pyfus commanded the 43rd Battery. This Battery suffered heavy casualties, 2 officers and 12 O.R. killed and 28 O.R. wounded. Pyfus was killed fighting with his Battery and had he not brought his guns out onto the road to give greater assistance to the Infantry he would have been alright. His eagerness to do the right thing cost him his life.

16th April, 1917. A sad morning. General and I attended funeral of Major Pyfus and Lieut. Clark. They were buried in the Bapaume Cemetery.

The remainder of the day hard at work in the office. Am so dog tired.

- 77 - 17th April, 1917. Beastly weather still. Attack postponed until 20th Inst. Enemy Artillery still active. Batteries suffering fairly heavy casualties. 18th April, 1917. No change in weather. Conditions otherwise normal. 19th April, 1917. Still raining and very cold. A heavy day in the office. Attack again postponed until 26th inst. All arrangements upset. 20th April, 1917. Glorious day. Inspected Dump and Wagon Lines. Received word that C.R.A. 2nd Aust. Div. coming in to take over command of Artillery Sector. We move out tomorrow. 21st April, 1917. Handed over command of Left Sector 1st Anzac Artillery to C.R.A. 2nd Aust. Div. General Johnson and in a way was not sorry. The Left sector Artillery consisted of 8 Brigades of Artillery. A terrific crowd to administer and control. Fixed up new quarters so that we may remain in Sector until the “big show” comes off. 22nd April, 1917. General and I rode through to Arras. A lovely trip and very interesting. Inspected the Boche old lines, Beaurarins, the village on which the Boche swung his flank in the retirement to the Hindenberg Line is a complete ruin. Arras is much knocked about. This town has been held by the British throughout. Witnessed a battle raging on the Heights of Monchy les Preux. 23rd April, 1917. A day’s loaf. Not feeling too grand, having caught virus and cold. 24th April, 1917.

Inspected horse lines and general look around. III Army attacked Cherisy, and Fontaine les Crosille. A terrific struggle, Boche launched 9 successive attacks. Day ended without either side having given an inch of ground.

- 78 - 25th April, 1917. A day “at home’ in the office. 26th April, 1917. The General and I went on another riding ramble along the French Front to Peronne. A most interesting day. Country over which French attacked frightfully cut up. Villages completely demolished. Dead bodies lying everywhere. Peronne a total wreck. The Germans gutted every house before retiring from it.

Australians in Peronne after retaking it from the Germans Rode home around our Front at Flers du Cruedconrte. Inspected the lines that held us up for so long. 27th April, 1917. Another day at home. Not feeling too grand. Wrote letters home. 28th April, 1917. Weather improving. Pending attack again postponed. 29th April, 1917. See 28th above. Nothing doing. 30th April, 1917. Obtained 3 days leave to visit Caestre. Left ----------- per car at 8.30 a.m. A lovely run through Arras, Souchez, Bethune, Noeux, Lillers and St. Venant and Hazebrouck . 22 M.A.C. came to my assistance and towed car into work shop. Arrived Caestre per Arab supplied by M.A.C. Feeling much done up.

- 79 - 1st May, 1917. A good rest under the care of Mdme Vallee and her kindly family. 2nd May, 1917. Got in touch with Capt. Dawson per phone and arranged to visit him. Arrived at Steenwerke. Met Col. Henly Capt. Dawson and Lieut. O’Rourke and had a pleasant day amongst old comrades. Arrived back at Caestre 4.p.m. 3rd May, 1917. Col. Henly called for me and ran me back in his car. A lovely day and a lovely trip. Journey spoilt by another accident when within 10 miles of H.Q. broke a front spring. The big attack on our Front commenced at 4.30 a.m. Results not too good. Our Infantry got their 1st objective but were hung up owing to 62nd Div. not obtaining theirs. Our Trench Mortar Batteries badly cut up by explosion of ammunition. Lieut. O’Reilly killed tonight. A fine officer doing fine work. 4th May, 1917. A very busy day in the office. The 7th British Div. brought in to clear Bullecourt with not too much success. Boche putting up a big fight. Our Infantry holding out well against big counter attacks. An enemy plane flew over us tonight and brightened things up by dropping bombs with disastrous results. Dropped one bomb on 45 Battery Wagon Line, killing Capt. Collins, Lieut. Lewis and wounding Lieut. Callinsen. 6th to 10th May, 1917. Weather beautiful. A quiet time. 11th May, 1917. Received information of withdrawal from Line and transfer to 2nd Army Area. 12th May, 1917. Busy making necessary preparation to move.

- 80 -

13th May, 1917. Bde. withdrawal to wagon lines prior to moving to Albert to entrain on 14th Inst. The closing days of over 6 months fighting on the Somme. The fighting on the Bullecourt Front has been the hottest yet experienced by us. Our casualties amounting to 14 officers killed, 17 officers wounded, 98 O.R. killed, 302 wounded, 20 missing. Guns destroyed by shell fire 16. Ammunition fired period 9th April to 13th May, 18pr, 326,313, 4.5 How. 79,274 Total 405,537 Rds weighing 3,861 tons. Heavy Amtn. 235,555 Rds. weighing 12,676. Total for the whole group 18 prs. 3,500 tons = 426,313 Rds. 4.5 1,600tons =105,274 Rds. Heavy 12,674tons= 12,674 rounds. Total 17,731 tons = 766,142 rounds. 14th May, 1917. Left Bapaume enroute to new area. A pleasant trip through Arras, St. Pol, Lillers, Hazebrouck to Bailleul. Obtained billeting area and proceeded to Neuf Berquin. 15th May, 1917. Completed billeting for units. 16th May, 1917. Returned to Bailleul and selected Div. Arty. H.Q. General and Bde. Major arrived. 17th, 18th, 19th May, 1917. Batteries commenced to arrive by train at Bailleul and Caestre Railway stations. 20th May, 1917. Bde. Major went on leave. Batteries handed over to N.Z. Arty. for tactical handling Batteries move to battle position. 21st May, 1917. Visited N.Z. D.A. H.Q. with the General. 22nd May, 1917. Inspected 3rd Aust. Div. Arty. Front and gun positions with the General.

- 81 - 23rd/24th/25th May, 1917. General settling down and preparing for Magnamus Opus - attack on Wytschaete-Messines Ridge. 26th May, 1917. General and Col. Vernon left for England on leave. 27th May, 1917. A busy day with Units. A terrific concentration of troops and material taking place. The Boche Artillery very active on back country. 28th May, 1917. Col. King arrived back from leave and took over command of Div. Artillery. Visited Caestre. 29th May, 1917. Visited 3rd D.A. with C.R.A. and proceeded to Nieppe to see D.T.M.O. 30th May, 1917. Having a quite time, preparations for attack pushing on. 31st May, 1917. Enemy shelling vicinity of towns. Beautiful weather. 1st/2nd/3rd June, 1917. Enemy daily active. Has blown up quite a number of our dumps. Went out to Neurf Eglisse with Col. Cockroft. 4th June, 1917. A busy day in the office. Renin telephoned to send a car to St. Omer to pick up General who had just flown over from England. Done the trip in 60 mins.

- 82 -

5th June, 1917. Great excitement. An ammunition dump blown up close to town, glass from windows falling everywhere caused by explosion. People running wild into cellars and any other old spot; Most amusing. 6th June, 1917. Bombardment of Messines and Wytschaete continued. Every available gun shooting fast. Reported to N.Z. Div. Arty. H.Q. for duty to assist during final operations. 7th June, 1917. The long looked for day arrived at last. Zero Hour 3 a.m. today. All mines exploded a few seconds before Zero Hour. Infantry advanced to the attack. Noise of bombardment and explosions terrifying. Attack progressing favourably. All objectives gained. Prisoners to date approx. 3,000. Boche casualties heavy. Ours extremely light for such a large offensive. Attack carried out by Guards division 25th Div. and N.Z. Div. on this sector. 4th Aust. Div. moved through the attacking troops at 2 p.m. and consolidated positions gained. 8th June, 1917. Things extremely quiet on the Front. The Boche is completely broken in this sector. The bombardment completely demoralised his troops. Patrols still pushing out. Prisoners approx. 5,000 in Div. Sector. Enemy feebly shelling back across. 9th June, 1917. N.Z. Division withdrawing from Line. 4th Aust. Div. taking over. No change in composition of Artillery covering Front. Things quiet on Front. Patrols upset enemy retiring on Warneton Lines. 10th June, 1917. 4th Div. took over from N.Z. Div. at 10 a.m. today. All Artillery consisting of N.Z. and our own come under our control. Visited Wagon Lines. 11th June, 1917. Took over 25th Div. Artillery. Received orders to prepare to handle a large amount of ammunition in anticipation of an attack on the Warneton Lines. Called a conference of D.A.C. Commanders and F. am people and drew up a plan to clear all ammunition . Inspected dumps and trans. system.

- 83 - 12th June, 1917.

All arrangements for handling ammunition completed. Scheme working well. All Wagon Lines moved forward. Took over 242 Army Bde. 12 midnight. Received instructions Batteries to reduce amount of ammunition at gun pits. Whole scheme upset. Div. handed over control of Front to 25th Division. 13th June, 1917. A quiet day. 14th June, 1917. Have decided to go on leave on 15th. A busy day closing office. 15th June, 1917. Left for Boulogne enroute to England on 10 days leave. General and Halford accompanied me as far as Cassel (Army H.Q.). Picked up General Robertson. Arrived Boulogne 12 noon. Lunched at Folkstone Hotel and boat left 5 p.m. Arrived London 10.30 p.m. Harris met me at station (Victoria). Went to Guilford. 16th June, 1917. A busy day in London. Went out to Richmond with Gert in the afternoon. Ran into a thunderstorm and got drenched. Had dinner at the Regent Palace. 17th June, 1917. Another day in London, a quiet day. Went to Hyde Park during the afternoon. 18th June, 1917. In London. Called on Countess of Harroby and Lady Frances Ryder. 20th June, 1917. Attended Investiture at Buckingham Palace. Received M.C. from King George. Left for Dumfries, Scotland 9.30 p.m. Spent night on train.

- 84 - 21st June, 1917.

Arrived Dumfries 7.30 am. Had breakfast with Mr. Harris Sen. Went around the town through the Academy met all the Masters. Left for Glasgow at 12.30 p.m. A lovely trip through this delightful part of the country. Arrived Glasgow 4 p.m. changed stations and proceeded to Dundee and on to Carnoustie. 22nd June, 1917. Carnoustie - spent to day looking around, lying on beach and playing tennis. 23rd June, 1917. As above. A lovely time. Inspected a munitions factory Lovain Foundry 500 girls working all making shells. Girls do everything. Quite an eye opener and very interesting. Proceeded to Dundee and had lunch. Tramped around the city. Left Dundee for Edinburgh. Passed over the wonderful Bridge of the Tay and Fourth Rivers. The Forth Bridge is a wonderful piece of engineering. Arrived Edinburgh 7.pm. Had dinner. A walk around town and to bed 10 p.m. feeling very tired. 24th June, 1917. Up at 8 a.m. went over the Castle and through Old High Street. Most interesting place. Lunched and went for a walk around town. Had dinner at Nth. British Stn. Hotel. Left for London 10 p.m. All night in train. Arrived London (Kings Cross Station) at 7.30 a.m. Went to Guildford. Breakfast and up to Horseferry Road. Drew some money. Walked over city of London. Met Gert at 12 noon. Lunched at “The Popolor”. Went around town making purchases. Had tea at Trocadero. Sent Gert home. Went to Guildford, changed and out to dinner at Maxims. Spent evening at Cafe Royal. A most cosmopolitan place. Home to bed at 11 p.m. 26th June, 1917. Up at 8. Am. Breakfast and out to town. Spent the morning with pals at Regent Palace. Lunched at “Popolor”. Home and packed up at 3 p.m. Left London from Charing Cross Station for Folkstone enroute to France at 4.45 p.m. Arrived Boulogne 9.p.m. Got a lift in 41st Div. car to Bailleul. Spent night walking about the town. Waiting for car to come for me. Had a most enjoyable holiday. The best yet spent in England. Met many nice friends. Sorry to come back to France.

- 85 - 27th June, 1917.

Car arrived 8 p.m. Breakfast at Officer Club. Found our H.Q. has shifted to Vieux Berquin. Joined up H.Q. at 9 p.m. The General and Bde. Major away inspecting the Belgium Front. 28th June, 1917. Received instructions to take over Line from N.Z. Div. proceeded to Steenwerck and spent the morning with N.Z. Div. Arty. going into matters of administration. 29th June, 1917. Day in office. General and Bde. Major at Tilques Arty School. 30th June, 1917. A wet day. General and Bde. Major reconnoitering Front. Everywhere very quiet on the Front. Another big stunt likely to come shortly. 1st July, 1917. Transferred my quarters to Steenwerck and took over from N.Z. Div. Arty. Attended Horse Show of Army Brigade at Westhof Farm during the afternoon. 2nd July, 1917. General and Bde. Major arrived and took over command of Line. Div. suffers a sense of loss, General Holmes, Div. Commander killed this a.m. He was showing Mr. Holman, Premier of New South Wales around the Front when he was hit by a shell. Holman was not hurt. A fine soldier and a thorough gentleman gone under. 3rd July, 1917. General Holmes buried in Steenwerck Military Cemetery today. A very large and representative gathering present. 4th July, 1917. A slack day. Enemy planes active. Saw O’Rourke during the evening. 5th July, 1917. Another quiet day.

- 86 - 6th July, 1917. Went around the Front Line and inspected all Batteries. Harry called to see me.

7th July, 1917. A day in the office. 8th July, 1917. Visited 47th Div. Arty. Selected Wagon Lines for Bde. Moving out to X Corps. 9th July, 1917. Received word of Bdes. Being relieved by N.Z. Div. Brigades withdrawn. 10th July, 1917. Relieved by N.Z.D.A. Handed over at 10 a.m. Lectured officers. H.Q. moved to Vieux Berquin. 11th July, 1917. H.Q. established at Vieux Berquin. 12th July, 1917. Call at X Corps. Picked up Capt. Olliphant and proceeded to Brigade Wagon Lines. Lunched with X Corps. 13th July, 1917. Received word of the German attack on our Front at Nieuport. The attack was proceeded by a heavy bombardment. Our line driven back 600’ on a 1400’ Front. Withdrew to W. bank of Yser. All bridges destroyed. Boche expects capture of 1250 prisoners. This set back will probably throw our northern offensive back some 3 or 4 weeks. Went for a gallop through the Bois de Nieppe. A delightful ride through this very pretty wood. 14th July, to 22nd July, 1917. Little doing. A lazy day. Col. Waite arrives back from leave. Brigades settling down in the Line. Enemy shelling very heavy. Enemy dropped bombs on Wagon Lines of 11th I.H. Bde. Killed 32 horses, wounded 20. Horses feet cut off about 4 inches above pastern by explosion.

- 87 - 23rd July, 1917. Liut. Nagel and 12 others 11th F.A. Bde wounded

Harry gassed. On night 17th evacuated to C.C.S. on 18th , evacuated to Base Hospital on 19th inst. Not serious. ---------------- Arty. Orchard killed. Buried on 20th. Enemy bombed and shelled Bailleul during night with effect. 24th July, 1917. Col. King left for England for duty Reserve Brigade. Talk of my getting Battery, possibly the 39th Bty. 25th to 1st August, 1917. Generally a quiet time. All Brigades in Line under X Corps. 2nd August, 1917. Bates and Vernon arrived back from Paris. Lieut. A.C. Waite reported to learn duties of Staff Captain. Received advice of my promotion to rank of Major (Temp) and to command 39th Battery to date from 26th July. Major T.I.C. Williams to be Lieut. Col. (Temp) and to command 10th F.A. Brigade. 3rd August, 1917. Handed over my duties to Lieut. Waite. Waite appointed Staff Captain. Said goodbye to Div. Staff. 4th August, 1917. Reported to 10th F.A. Brigade for duty. Took over Wagon Lines. 5th August, 1917. Looking around, squaring up Wagon Lines. Orders received for Bde to pull out. Relieved by 119th Army Bde. No. One Section withdraws to Wagon Lines. Guns stuck in shell holes, and had to be left till morning. Attack made on Boche Lines. Barrage fire terrific.

- 88 - 6th August, 1917. Guns of No. 2 section successfully removed to Wagon Lines. Remaining guns of Battery withdrawn to wagon lines. P.s to Bombardiers killed on night of 4/5th . Weather

clearing. Major Williams of 33rd A.H.A. Group called - late R.A.G.A. invited me out to dinner. 7th August, 1917. Moved out from Wagon Lines at Vierstraat and marched to new line near Croix de Bac. Turn out fair. March discipline very good. Received orders to go into line on Wytschaete - Messines Front and relieve 37th Div. 8th August, 1917. 7.30 a.m. Reported to Bde H.Q. and proceeded to recoinnoitre new position. Reported at Group H.Q. and received instructions. Saw O.C. C/123 battery and arranged to put one Section in same evening. Selected Wagon Lines. Battery moved up arriving at Lindeukoctt at 5p.m section proceeded to position at 8.30 p.m. Got lost - turned up at about 1 a.m. 9th August, 1917. Proceeded to Battery position 9.a.m. Went to O.P. with Capt. Roberts C/123 and registered guns. Remaining guns brought up and relief completed 9 p.m. Took over command of front allocated. 10th August, 1917. Rain. Enemy shelled heavily during morning. Rest of day comparatively quiet. Visited Major Sandford 108 How. Bty. Selected new gun positions. O/C Group visited Bty. with Engineer Officer. Arranged for work to be put in hand. 11th August, 1917. A very quiet night. A few gas shells only thrown over. Heavy shelling of Bty. position from 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. result nil. Battery again shelled heavily during afternoon. Destroyed 50 rds of ammunition. Telephonists Gs. - Walkden, Burnley, Anderson and Miller, have sent their names on for recognition for immediate award. A very hot time for an hour or so. Put No 1 gun into action.

- 89 - 12th August, 1917. Morning very quiet. Enemy aeroplanes active. Busy constructing gun pits.

Received notification of confirmation of my rank. Capt. Aiken left Bty. for Wagon Lines. Not feeling too good. A bit nervy. Lt. Brown came up to Arty. position last night. 13th August, 1917. Up at 4.45 am. reg. Guns on 5.0 Lines from Anzac Farm O.P. Enemy shelled Battery position from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with 4.5s. No damage done. Setting out work for new gun pits during afternoon. 14th August, 1917. Busy constructing new gun pits. Weather dull. Letter from Gert. and Mrs.Hoys. Visited Wagon Lines and adjusted several matters requiring attention. One of our planes brought down. 15th August, 1917. Proceeded to Anzac Farm O.P. and linked up to S.O.G. Lines with 26th and 37th Batteries. Received orders for stunt to support 18 and 19 Corps attack north of Ypres. Working out programme of tasks till 12 midnight. 16th August, 1917. Zero hour 4.45 a.m. up at 4 a.m. Guns opened up at 4.45 a.m. and shot till 6.2 a.m. = 77 mins 600 rounds fired. Enemy shelled position during night, destroying railway running through Bty position. Cols. Williams and O’Mahoney called during the morning. 17th August, 1917. A quiet day. Enemy shelling valley in rear of Messines intermittently throughout the day. 18th August, 1917. Went up to Front Lines. Selected new O.P. Set party to clean up and lay out telephone lines. Enemy plane brought down. 19th August, 1917. Normal inspection Wagon Lines. Good show. Harness looking well.

- 90 - 20th August, 1917.

Day normal. Battery position heavily strafed with 5.9” during night. No damage. P.S. Lieut. Florance reported for duty on 17th. Lieut. Harlock returned from leave 18th. Capt. Sheppard reported for duty on transfer to Battery. 21st August, 1917. Attend Court Martial. President of Court F.G.C.M to try man for horse stealing. Paid a visit to Div. Artillery H.Q. Had tea with the General. 22nd August, 1917. Received word of withdrawal from line to Rest Area. Duration unknown. Major Littleton and Lieut. Dangar of Relieving Battery called and was shown over position. 23rd August, 1917. Rain pending. Lieut. Brown proceeds to Camouflage School at St. Omer. One section of guns withdraws to Wagon Lines tonight. 24th August, 1917. Went up to O.P. with Lt. Dangar and registered his guns onto Zero Point. C.R.A. of 30th Div. called on me. Remaining guns withdrawn and relief completed. All O.K. withdrawn to Wagon Lines at Lindeubock and prepare to march to Rest Area tomorrow. 25th August, 1917. Route marched to Rest Billet in Sailly area. Left Lindeubock at 8 a.m. Went to D.AH.Q. Met Gen. Burgess and said goodbye to Gen. Rosenthal. Had lunch with Col. Williams and Padu Stevenson in Bailleul. 26th August, 1917. General cleaning up and checking equipment. 27th August, 1917. Bathing prad . Lecture to members of Battery. 28th August, 1917. Inspection of horses by C.R.A.

- 91 - 29th August, 1917. Route March. Inspected by C.R.A. and Div. Commander.

30th August, 1917. Painting vehicles and checking equipment. 31st August, 1917. Same as above. 1st September, 1917. Same as above. 2nd September, 1917. Received word that a move to another area is imminent. 3rd September, 1917. Received word that we are to remain in present area. 4th September, 1917. Commenced a course of training for Battery. Dined with Col. W at B.H.Q. Boche sending up a number of small balloons which discharge newspapers published in enemy territory. The papers all printed in French are pro German throughout. 5th September, 1917. Received orders at 3 a.m. to move to Caestre area. Battery to reach starting point 5 miles distant from Billet at 9.30 a.m. A big rush but Battery got away clear and up to time. A good march to Boore Area where decent billets were obtained. 6th September, 1917. Squaring up camp. Visited Caestre. 7th September, 1917. Received warning order to move into action on Front of Ypres. Half holiday and sport for men.

- 92 - 8th September, 1917.

Went by motor bus to Ypres, thence walked to Railway Wood. Inspected Battery Position and completed arrangements for relief. Had a narrow squeak when moving along the Menin Road. A “pip squeak” landed a few feet away from us. Returned to lines. There were no further entries in the diary.

- 93 - GLOSSARY

A.A.G. Assistant Adjutant General.

A.A.M.C. Australian Army Medical Corps. A.A.N.S Australian Army Nursing Service. A.D.A. Australian Divisional Artillery. Adj. Adjutant. A.HQ. Australian Headquarters AHA. Australian Heavy Artillery. Amtn. Ammunition. A.P.M. Assistant Provost Marshal. Arty. Artillery B.A.C. Battery/Brigade Ammunition Column Batt. Battalion. B.C. Battery Commander. Bde. Brigade. Bge. Gen. Brigadier General. B.G.R.A. Brigadier General Royal Artillery. B.H.Q. Brigade/Battalion Headquarters. Bmdr. Bombardier (a Corporal in the Artillery). B.S.M. Battery/Brigade Sergeant major. Bty. Battery. Capt. Captain. C.C.S. Casualty Clearing Station. C.O. Commanding Officer. Col. Colonel. C.R.A. Commander Royal Artillery. D.A. Divisional Artillery. D.A.C. Divisional Artillery Column. D.A.T. Divisional Artillery Troop. D.A.H.Q. Divisional Artillery Headquarters. D.A.M.G. Deputy Assistant Master General. D.H.Q. Divisional Headquarters. Div. A.A. Division/Divisional Army Area. Div. Division / Divisional. D.S.O. Distinguished Service Order. D.T.M.O. F.A. Field Artilleryy F.A.Bde. Field Artillery Brigade. F.G.M.C. Field General Court Martial. Gnr./Gs. Gunner (a Private in the Artillery). G.O.C. General Officer Commanding. How. Howitzer. H.M.A.T. His Majesty’s Australian Transport. H.M.S. His Majesty’s Ship.

- 94 - H.M.T. His Majesty’s Transport. H.T.M.S Prefix before Japanese Warship. H.Q. Headquarters.

I.A. Bde. Indian Artillery Brigade. I.A. Indian Artillery. I.H. Bde. Indian Howitzer Brigade. I.M.A. Indian Mountain Artillery. Inft. Infantry. Lt. Lieutenant. Lieut. Lieutenant. L.H. Bdge. Light Horse Brigade. L.H. Regt. Light Horse Regiment. LtCol. Lieutenant Colonel. M.A.C. M.G.R.A. Major General Royal Artillery. N.Z.D.A New Zealand Divisional Artillery. O.C. Officer Commanding. O.P. Observation Post. Ord. Ordnance Ord. Off. Orderly Officer. P.s Prayer service Prad Horse. Old English slang but used by the Australians in France. Prov. Provisional. R.A.N.S Royal Australian Naval Service. R.A.G.A Royal Australian Garrison Artillery R.M.S Royal Mail Ship. R.N. Royal Navy. R.E. Royal Engineers. Sap A tunnel dug under or into Turkish/German Trench. Sapper. Private in the Engineers. S.C. 2 D.A. Staff Captain 2nd Division Artillery. Sgt. Sergeant. S.M. Sergeant Major. S.S.M. Section Sergeant Major. S.O.G. T.M. Trench Mortar. W.O. Warrant Officer

Other Notes References to Harry relate to Frederick’s brother who was serving in France at the same time.

Bertie is the nickname of Frederick’s wife Bertha.

Gert. was his sister.

Some spelling of towns etc may be incorrect, but they have been transcribed as written. - 95 -