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PRG 1159/1/3 Churchill-Smith diary transcript of 48

PRG 1159/1/3 Captain James Churchill-Smith Diary 1918

Transcribed by Peter Anson, Volunteer at the State Library of South Australia, 2013

Captain J Churchill-Smith

Fly Leaf

1918

Capt J. Churchill-Smith

50th Infantry Battalion,

Ausn. Imperial Force.

Next of Kin:- (Father) James Churchill-Smith,

C/o Messrs Bagot, Shakes Lewis Ltd,

Adelaide

C. M. F.:- Appointed 2/Lieut. 79th Infy 1st July 1913.

“ Prov. Lt. “ 1st July 1915.

“ Hon. Capt. 80th Infy. 24th Septr 1917.

A.I. F.:- Appointed 2/Lieut 8/10th Infy. 16th June 1915.

“ Lieut. 10th “ 20th Feby 1916.

“ Capt. 50th “ 1st April 1916.

A.I. F. List No 391 of 1.10.18 “ T/Major “ 25th Sept 1918

“ “ “ 409 of 12.11.18. Major “ “ 21st Octr 1918

Awarded Military Cross (Aug 13-16, 1916) vide D. R. O. 175

And Battn. Order No 52. 10/19/16

Awarded Bar to Military Cross (Sep. 4, 1916) vide D. R. O. 188,

Para 795, dated 19/10/16, & B. O. 70. 30.10.16.

Appointed Hon. Capt, C. M. F, 80th Infy, 24th Septr 1917, and

To be noted for Brevet Majority upon obtaining substantive rank of Capt. Vide A. I. F List No 279

dated 1/1/18 –.–. – for specially meritorious work rendered on Active Service during the present

War.

[the remainder of this diary is written in pencil]

1 January 1918

Bad cold. Dull day. With Noel all day. Went to “ Carminetta” with Noel at night – “Zig Zag “in

afternoon supper at Savoy. Had to leave supper and go home as I had a touch of influenza.

2 January 1918

With Noel all day. Cold very bad. Went to “Yes, Uncle!” at night with Noel and Swaffer girls –

very enjoyable. Investiture during morning with Noel; he got his D. S. O. & Bar, and I my “M. C.

& Bar”; Dr. Jeffries (D. S. O) & Gordon Cornish (M. C.) there also. Dull foggy day.


3 January 1918

Met Dr. Jeffries” wife at Jermyn Court Hotel. Lunch at Savoy with Noel, Miss Williams and Miss

Lee – dinner at Carlton, & Theatre at night at “Carminetta”; supper at Savoy. Feeling very

unwell. Dull foggy day again. Gave our medals to A. H Lanyon, Scarfes’ agents to mind.

4 January 1918

Met Col. & Mrs. Salisbury, and Tom, Padre Walden and I lunched with them at the “Piccadilly”.

Dull day. Cold very bad. Reported to D. A. A. G. and told to report to Senior Officers School,

Aldershot on 6th – am very pleased. Sent photo to Madame Malfait. Went to “Pamela” at night

with Mona.

5 January Jan 1918.

Up at 2.30 a.m. owing to Keith Wilkinson calling. Savoy in afternoon; “The Beauty Spot” at night;

and supper at the Troc with Wilky & Noel.

6 January 1918

Left Waterloo Station at 11.35 a.m. by train arriving at Aldershot (North Camp Station) at about

1.15 a.m. and reported at Senior Officers School Hdqus Wrote dear Mum, Kate Father, Sid.

F.Gill, Mona, Ida Wood, & Murray Fowler.

7 January 1918

Fine sunny day but rather cold Lecture in morning by General Marshall, School Commandant,

and one on drill by Major Heath. Received letters from Paul G. (2), Lilian Lawes, Mona, Mrs.

Ware, Ted Price, & Madame Malfait and a card from Pattie King. Wrote Pattie King & Paul G.

Bed early. Valise arrived from France, but John not here yet.

8 January 1918

Fine day but rather cold. Received nice letter from Ida. Wrote Jeanne Loutit, Ida Lilian Lawes,

and Ted Price. Bed early

9 January 1918

Dull day with snowfall in morning. Received letter from Mona . Wrote Harry Kay.

10 January 1918

Not so cold today. Very interesting Company drill in morning. Went for a bicycle ride to

Aldershot in afternoon, and went through riding test at 4.30 p.m. Good lecture by Brig. Gen

Marshall at 6 p.m. on “Training”. Bed early.

11 January 1918

Dull morning with light rain; fair in afternoon. Tactical exercise in morning – very interesting.

Wrote Padre Walden, Ida Wood, A. H. Lanyon, Tom, W. T. Turner, A. C. Crapp, also dear Mum,

Kate,and Mattie Adney.


12 January 1918

Dull day. Long week-end leave for all school. Up about 11 a.m. Nothing doing all day. Bed early.

13 January 1918

Lovely fine day – the best for a long time. Up at 11 a.m. Wrote Cooks, and dear Mum.

14 January 1918

Very heavy fall of snow during early morning. Drill from 9 to 11 a.m. – very interesting.

15 January 1918

Wet day – frequent showers of rain. Wired Mona re tomorrow night. Received letter from Mattie

Adney.

16 January 1918

Dull day with light snow during morning. Went to London by 2.14 p.m. train – tea with Lt

Mc.Dermott (51st Bn.) and dinner with Mona. Returned to Aldershot by 10.35 p.m. train arriving

at about midnight. Sent ₤15 to Padre Walden by Mc.Dermott, & Money Order to Tom.

17 January 1918

Heavy fall of snow during early morning, & light fall about 10 a.m. Guest night at Mess – Col.

Compton-Smith, C. 3. Syndicate Commander, was our guest. Lecture at 6 p.m. by Gen Lowther

– very good.

18 January 1918

Dull day. Tactical scheme during morning – very interesting. Received letters from Mrs. Ware &

Ida. Wrote Ida. “Cinderella” at night at Malplequet Concert Hall – rotten

19 January 1918

Dull day with light rain during morning. Received letters from dear Mum (2), Kate (2), Father (2),

Sid, F.Gill, Maude Harris, Mattie Adney, H Kay, & Oscar Baring, and a card from Miss Lewis.

20 January 1918

Dull day. Up at about midday. Wrote Frank Gill, A. H. Lanyon, Ethel Lewis, R. S. M. Vallis, Jim

London, Tom Smith Col. Salisbury, Murray Fowler, Maude Harris, and Swaffers (& a photo)

Received letters from A. I. F. Kit Store & C. S. M Chapman Glad to hear of “Mentions” of Jim

London Tom Smith, also D. C. M. to Vallis.

21 January 1918

Nice day with lovely sunshine. Received letters from Madame Malfait & John Hill. Battalion drill

& Transport during morning. Received letter from Lilian Lawes. Lecture 6 p.m., Prince Consorts

Library, by Capt. Banning R. N. on “Submarines”; illustrated by lantern slides – very interesting.

“Outpost” Scheme as night work after Mess.


22 January 1918

Dull day. Tactical Exercise (Outposts) during morning. Lecture “Aerial photography” by Capt Le

Jeune, R.F.C. in Prince Consorts Library at 6 p.m.

23 January 1918

Dull day – light fog during morning. Went to London during afternoon with Major Houseshaw –

“Carminetta” at night.

24 January 1918

Nice day. Company Training during morning. Very interesting lecture on “Law” at 5.30 p.m. at

Detention Barracks by Brig Gen J. B. Wroughton C. M. G. Received nice Xmas parcel from Aunt

Nell. Wrote Aunt Nell & Ivy. Guest night at Mess – Gen. Marshall present

25 January 1918

Nice day. Received letters from Girlie, Emy J., Sid, W. L. Ware, Charlie Perry, & Iris Galliford,

also a few “Todmorden” snaps from Girlie.

26 January 1918

Dull day but no rain. Very interesting trip to Royal Military College, Sandhurst, during morning.

Wrote long letters to dear Mum, Kate & Dad. Bed late.

27 January 1918

Lovely day with glorious sunshine. Up at 11 am. Wrote Iris, Harry Kay, & John Hill, Sid, Girlie,

Emy J.,Paul G., W. L. Ware & Oscar Baring.

28 January 1918

Lovely fine day. Farriery school for 1 hour during morning. Received letters from Dad & Kate,

and a nice parcel from dear Mum. Wrote dear Kate. Lecture on “Machine Guns” at 5.30 p.m. by

Major Mc.Gregor Mills.

29 January 1918

Lovely day, but heavy fog during early morning. Report of Air Raid on London last night.

Company exercises at Long Hill during morning. Received letters from Dear Mum & A. I. F. Kit

Store. Wired Mona. Air raid on London at 8 p.m. tonight, lasting till midnight.

30 January 1918

Nice day but heavy fog in morning. Received letter from dear Dad & Ida. London in afternoon.

Dinner with Mona.

January 31

Lovely day, but heavy fog during morning which did not lift until 11 a.m. Coy. Training during

morning. Wrote dear Mum, Dad & Gordon Cornish. Got new suit from tailor – very nice.


1 February 1918

Nice day again, but heavy fog during morning. Tactical exercise during morning. Received cake

from dear Kate; wrote her.

2 February 1918

Musketry during morning. Left North Camp by 2.3 p.m. train arriving at Waterloo about 3.15

p.m. Went to “Yes, Uncle!” with Mattie at night. Stayed at Regents Palace. Cabled Dad. Major

du Moulin returned from Hospital.

3 February 1918

Up about 11 a.m. Lunch at Ausa. [?] Club. Wrote to dear Mum & Tom. Met Hancock, Mills &

Christophers over on leave. Returned by 10.15 p.m. train. Capt. Saunders to Hospital –

bronchitis.

4 February 1918

Dull day with light rain. Musketry & Topography during morning – very interesting. Very

interesting lecture at 5.30 p.m. in Prince Consorts Library on “The Strategic Geography of the

Great Powers” by Mr. Vaughan Cornish D Sc. F.R.G.S. FG.S &c. Bed early.

5 February 1918

Fair day; light rain during morning \afternoon/. Musketry & Topography \at Ranges/ during

morning – very uninteresting. Went for a ride in an aeroplane (F.E. 2B.) “Pusher” – up about

600 ft., misty in the air, very pleasant. Lecture at night on “Duties of a Q.M.” by Capt. & Q.M.

W. Fowler M.C. – Black Watch Regt. Very pleased to learn dear old Charlie Moule has been

awarded an M.C. – well earned.

6 February 1918

Dull day. Coy. Training during morning.

7 February 1918

Dull day. Tactical exercise at Crondall – returned at 4.30 p.m. Received lovely parcel from dear

Kate.

8 February 1918

Dull morning, but nice afternoon. Left by 2.25 p.m. train for Waterloo; staying at Russell Hotel –

very nice. Dinner with Kennedy, Christophers, then to “The Boy” with Chris. Met Jim London in

Troc at supper.

9 February 1918

Nice day. Lunch with Murray Fowler & Chris Dinner with Mona & Theatre (“Arlette”) at night –

Winifred Barnes as “Arlette” is perfectly sweet, & her singing is the lovliest I’ve ever heard.

Murray informed me I’ve been made an Hon. Capt in the A.I.F \C.M.F./ & to be favourably

considered for Brevet Majority upon obtaining substantive rank of Capt – for services rendered.

(now 2/Lt, Prov Lt, Hon Capt) Cabled for ₤20 through Scarfes.


10 February 1918

Met Col. Jacob & Tom at Russell Hotel, and had lunch with them & Chris at Regents. Met

Murray in afternoon; dined with Jacque & Murray at Piccadilly Hotel. Home by 10.15 p.m. train.

Very sorry to hear of Mc.Dermott (51st) being severely wounded – do hope he gets over it alright.

11 February 1918

Coy. Training during morning. Two lectures today:- Both very good:- 12.15 p.m. Brig. Gen. Hall

on Staff & Reg. Officers. 5.30 p.m. Mjr. Gore. Browne on “Artillery”. Bed late owing to evening

problem. Received letters from Frances, H Kay, Chris Swaffer & Col. Salisbury. Wrote to

Frances & Chris.

12 February 1918

Dull day. Tactical exercise all day from 10 a.m. returning at 4.30 p.m. – very interesting.

Excellent lecture on “Artillery” by Major Gore. Browne at 9 a.m.

13 February 1918

Dull day. Received letters from dear Mum, Dad, Girlie, Aunt Ada, Lettie Larsson, W. L. Ware,

Dorothy, Trewenick, and a card from Miss Henderson. London in afternoon – met Tom, Murray

& Col. Jacob, & went to “Bubbly” with them at night. Home by 12.15 p.m.

14 February 1918

Dull day. At Rifle Range during morning – shooting good. Skating in afternoon at Club. A most

interesting lecture on “German War Aims, the causes of the War, and Dangers of a Premature

Peace: by Col. The Earl of Denbigh C.V.O. at 5.30 p.m. in P. C. Library. Wrote dear Kate.

15 February 1918

Dull day. Received letter from Ida. Wrote Ida and Gordon Cornish. Very interesting lecture by

Col. V. G. W. Kell C.B. Intelligence Branch, War Office on “Counter Espionage” at 5.30 p.m. in

P. C. Library.

16 February 1918

Caught 2.3 p.m. train to London and met Murray Fowler at “Carlton Hotel at 5 p.m. “Maid of the

Mountain’s” at night with Murray & Jack Mc.Call. Air raid warning at 10 p.m. – very funny.

17 February 1918

Ride in Rotten Row with Murray in morning. Met Jack Hunt, Willcox, Inglis, Mc.Cann […]

Lunched at Ausn. Club with Murray, Jack & Charlie – dinner at Troc with Jack & Charlie Willcox.

Home by 9.30 p.m. Met Mrs “Pongo” Clarke & Col. Hurcombe.

18 February 1918

Nice day. Visited school of Cookery during morning. Lecture by Gen. Marshall on “Raids”.

Received letters from dear Mum, Kate (2) & Ida. Lecture in P. C. Libraryby professor Adkins on

“The Balkan Tangle” at 5.30 p.m. Wrote Lily McManus, Charlie, Willcox, Ivy & Sgt. Ryan.


19 February 1918

Wrote dear Mum, Kate & Dad, Mrs Hewish, Aunt Ada & Girlie & wired Ida. Lovely day – really

Australian. Another lecture by Professor Adkins in P. C. Library at 5.30 p.m. – “What Belgium

means to us”. – very interesting and instructive.

20 February 1918

Wet and dull day. Received letters from dear Dad, also Sgt. Harper.

21 February 1918

Nice fine day. Ranges during morning. Received letters from Myrtle Galliford & Charlie B. Wrote

Toddy, Myrtle, Lettie Larsson, W. L. Ware, Charlie Baring, Sgt Harper & Lt W. White. Lecture at

night on “Questions of rank” by Lt Col. J. T. I. Bosanquet of War Office. Wrote dear Dad.

22 February 1918

Tactical exercise at at Sandhurst – returned at 4.30 p.m.

23 February 1918

London by 2.25 p.m. Colonial dinner at night at Holborn Restaurant, followed by Theatre (“The

Boy”) – Gen. Marshall & Col. Blewitt present as guests – very enjoyable time. Stayed at Jermyn

Court with Charlie Willcox.

24 February 1918

Up about 12 noon. Lunch at Ausn. Club, dinner at Troc. Home by 10.15 p.m. Bed late.

25 February 1918

Nice fine day. Tactical exercise during morning. Recd ₤20 from dear Mum through Scarfes. Recd

letters from Padre Walden & Paul G. Wrote Lanyons, & Ida & sent Post Card to dear Kate.

Good lecture on “Serbia” by Mjr Goodden at 5.30 p.m. in Detention Barracks.

26 February 1918

Fine early morning – dull afterwards. Recd. letter from Chris & replied. Lecture in P. C. Library at

5.30 p.m. by the Master of Balliol on “Economic and Industrial reconstruction.

27 February 1918

Fine early morning. But dull afterwards – peculiar weather.

28 February 1918

Fine day. Battalion Training at Norris Bridge during morning .Skating at Club in afternoon.

Lecture in P. C. Library at 5.30 p.m. by Lt. Col. Earl Percy on “The present situations on all

fronts” – very true, but rather dull. Wrote Ida.

1 March 1918

Fine day but cold Tactical Exercise at Yately. Received letter from John Hill & Parcel (Birthday

cake) from dear Kate Night operations at 6.30 p.m.


2 March 1918

Cold windy day. Wrote dear Mum, Kate, Paul G., Harry Kay, C. S. M. Chapman, & C. Q. M. S.

Sandercock. Have caught a nice cold.

3 March 1918

Dull day with occasional light showers. Up about 12 noon; bed early.

4 March 1918

Dull, cold, windy day – very unpleasant. Outdoor Topography at Caesars Camp during morning

– bitterly cold. Aldershot in afternoon re Syndicate dinner. Lecture by Lt. Col. J. E. Dingan on

“The problem of the Pacific” – very good.

5 March 1918

Dull day, fairly cold. Bn. Trng. During morning Aldershot re C. 3. Dinner in afternoon. Lecture by

Lt. Col. Ridley D. S. O. on “Military Organisation of Australia” in Detention Barracks at 5.30 p.m.

– good.

6 March 1918

Lovely fine day. Engineering (wiring) during morning. Received letter from dear Kate

7 March 1918

Dull morning, but sunny after about 12 noon. Tactical exercise at Toryham during day –

returned about 4 p.m.

8 March 1918

Lovely day, but slightly cold up to about 11 a.m. Brigade attack practice during morning – fair.

Wrote dear Mum, Kate, & the CO.

9 March 1918

Lovely day. Lecture on “Anti – tank Defence” by Brig. Gen Marshall, School Commandant, at

9.15 a.m. in Malplaquet Concert Hall – good. Received letter from dear Kate. Wrote dear Kate &

Mum. C.1, C.2, & C4 or 5 dinner at night in London.

10 March 1918

Glorious day. Up about 12 noon – walk in afternoon. Wrote Kate.

11 March 1918

Lovely bright day. Practical Engineering (revetting) during morning. Syndicate dinner in London

on Saturday night (9th) very rough finish – Josh McCall & Earl of Lascelles under arrest by A. P.

M. Wrote Tom.

12 March 1918

Congratulations to 50th Bn. Upon 2nd Ann. of its formation – a good record so far, and here’s to

the coming year.


13 March 1918

Bn. Training (Brigade attack) during morning London in afternoon by 2.25 p.m. and returned by

5.30 p.m. train. C3 Syndicate dinner at night at Queen Hotel, Aldershot – very successful &

enjoyable, although Theatre seats were not kept for us.

14 March 1918

Fine day. Received letter from Tom & Card from Maude. School inspected by Lord French in

morning – 10.30 p.m. gave us a hit about Syndicate dinner on 9th. Tactical Exercises 11 a.m. to

4.30 p.m. Lecture on “Tanks” by Lt. Col. Fuller D. S. O., G. S. O. I. Tank Corps, describibg

Cambrai operations – – very interesting.

15 March 1918

Lovely sunny day. D. S. C’s during morning, and a lecture on “The Principles of War” by Lt. Col.

Fuller in Malplaquet Concert Hall. Received letters from dear Mum, Dad, F.Gill, and Oscar.

Wrote dear Mum & Dad. Concert at 8.30 p.m. in Malplaquet Concert Hall by R. F. C. Pierrot

Troupe – very good.

16 March 1918

Commandant’s farewell speech at 9.15 a.m. Left Aldershot by 12.47 p.m. train with Lt. Col.

Ridley arriving at Codford T. B. about 5.30 p.m. Bed late after an enjoyable evening. Pat Auld &

Harding here. Wrote Sid.

17 March 1918

Nice day. Went to Salisbury in afternoon with Col. Ridley, Sims & Harding. Inspected camp in

morning with Tom & Col. Ridley.

18 March 1918

Nice day, moonlight night. Round Parade ground with Tom during morning and afternoon. Night

operations at night – very good. Pat, Auld & Harding left. Tom English boarded. Jacob (51stBn.)

left en route for Australia.

19 March 1918

Up at 10 a.m. Dull day. Roaming round during day. Concert (“Acmes”) at night – rotten. Decided

to stay till tomorrow.

20 March 1918

Nice fine day. Around parade ground with Tom during morning on horses. Judging Drill

Competition in afternoon – result, 51st, 16th, 52nd, 14th Bn – very good. Good concert at night.

Decided to stay till after dance on Friday.

21 March 1918

Lovely fine day. Up about 10 a.m. Ranges in afternoon with Tom. Good night in Mess. Wrote

dear Mum.


22 March 1918

Nice day. All busy getting ready for dance. Dinner at 7 p.m., Concert 8 p.m. dancing till 2 a.m.,

and very nice too!! Quite an enjoyable time and first time danced time since War began.

23 March 1918

Up about 9.30 a.m. Lovely day. Caught 1.17 p.m. train from Codford arriving at Waterloo at

about 4 p.m. – Tom English with me. Staying at Regents Palace Hotel. Met Roy, Hurcombe, L.

B. Smith, Lackman, and others, & after dinner at Regents, went to the Alhambra (“Bing boys on

Broadway)” – very good. Bed late.

24 March 1918

Walking in Rotten Row during morning. Lunched at Ausn. Club. Dinner with Swaffers & Roy H.

at Regents. Bed late.

25 March 1918

Arranged ₤20 with Lanyon. Palladinn in afternoon. Empire ( Box & Tricks) in evening with

Nurses Browne. Home late. Met Sims. Boche push going strong, but I guess we’ll stop them.

26 March 1918

Grafton Galleries (War Pictures) during morning with Roy Hurcombe & Sims. “Dear Brutus” at

night with three Park Hospital girls (Brownies).

27 March 1918

Fine day. Received ₤50 from dear Mum through Scarfes – most opportune. Roy Hurcombe

returned to T. B. at Sutton Cheam. Theatre, “Yes Uncle”, at night with Mona. Left Regents

Palace, now staying at 59 Jermyn Street in a single flat – very nice. Called Dad.

28 March 1918

Dull day with light showers. Received letter from dear Kate and Lottie Larsson; also my report

from Senior Officers School, Aldershot. Wrote dear Mum & Brownie.

29 March 1918

Dull day – heavy thunderstorm about 4 a.m. Up late. Wrote dear Dad, Kate, Trev Dalwood & Mjr

Fowler Bed late.

30 March 1918

Dull day with light showers. Wrote dear Sid, Mattie Adney, Mona, and Roy Hurcombe. Received

letter from Brownie. Wrote Mrs. Bond. Met little Brownie and other nurses in Regents – went to

Flat, & they caught 12.15 a.m. from Charing Cross. Met Greese who stayed the night.

31 March 1918

Up at 6 a.m. & caught 7.35 a.m. train from Victoria, arriving at Folkestone about 9.30 a.m.

Breakfast at Grand Hotel with McKenzie. Boat left about 2.15 p.m. arriving at Boulogne about

4.30 p.m. – rough trip across Channel. Caught motor lorries at 5.30 p.m. arriving at New


Zealand Infy. Base Depot at Etaples about 8 p.m. – dirty trip in lorries, absolutely covered in

dust. Met Tom Smith & Col. Paul in Bologne returning to Bns. Hear Bn. has been in it at Albert.

Bed about 10.30 p.m.

1 April 1918

Lovely fine day. Roaming round during morning. Thinking of this time last year just before

Noreuil, when all were so hopeful. Paris – Plage during afternoon with Major Mc.Kenzie, Davis

and Ulrich. Met Col. Compton Smith. R. F. C. & R. M. A. S. join together as Royal Air Service.

2 April 1918

Noreuil a year ago, & the loss of dear old Armie, Bill Hoggarth, Jose, Bidstrup & Rule. Glad of

news that Boche are held. Paris – Plage in afternoon – met Mjr Johns. Concert at night in

Camp. Sick of remaining here doing nothing – do wish I could get back to Bn. Raining slightly at

night.

3 April 1918

Dull day News of Boche push good today. Left “New Siding”, Etaples, by train at 7.15 p.m.

arriving at Candas about 3.40 a.m. Met Beresford & Cook (51st).

4 April 1918

Candas 3.40 a.m. In bed 4 a.m. and sleeping in clothes; just hitting earth again after 14 weeks

away. Up about 8 a.m. – very light breakfast. Dull day with light rain. Caught motor lorry to

Vignacourt, 3rd Div. Supply lorries to [blank], 4th Div. motor to Beaucourt, & walked to Bn. details

at Bavelincourt arriving about 3 pm. Glad to be back again. Recd letters from dear Mum, Dad,

Mrs Bond, Miss Moule, F. E. Chapman, Joyce Johnston & F.Gill.

5 April 1918

Dull day with light rain. Staying in a Chateau, but can’t help feeling sorry for the owner & his

family, who have left leaving all household goods &c on the chance of losing everything. Recd

letters from dear Mum, Charlie Willcox & Mrs. Ware, & a card from Ettie Campbell. One shell

today killed 9 & wounded 37 of ”D” Coy. Enemy shelling front line heavily all day, and also all

villages near by. 47th Bn. pushed back, 52nd left in air, 49th & 51ST counter – attacked – heavy

casualties.

6 April 1918

Nice fine day. Enemy shelling village about 10.30 a.m. (Brigade relieved from line at night)

Played Bridge all day

7 April 1918

Fine day. Church Parade at 10.30 a.m. Brigade relieved from line at night.


8 April 1918

Dull day with light rain Wrote dear Mum, Tom Loutit, Brownie, Dick Wilton, Mrs. Ware, Mab

Surman, & dear Dad. Kate’s 22nd Birthday, I believe. God bless the dear kid & may she have

very many Happy Returns of today.

9 April 1918

Brigade details left Bavelincourt at 1.30 p.m. arriving at Daours at 4 p.m. Village evacuated by

the majority of the inhabitants. Tommies have broken into nearly every house and throwing

things everywhere. Staying at a Chateau & am very comfortable; owner of Chateau had ₤500

worth of wine stolen during the retreat, but does not complain; his only complaint is that his

wife’s clothes (of no use to any man) were thrown everywhere & damaged . We’re English ??!!

10 April 1918

Dull day – light rain at night. Had hot bath & clean change, so am feeling A.!.

11 April 1918

Lovely fine day. Wrote dear Mrs. Bond, Joyce J, F.Gill, Miss Moule, F. E. Chapman, & Lottie

Larsson, & also dear Kate and Aunt Mary. Chateau owner had his horse stolen last night; one

can hardly realise we have such rotters in our Army. Slight shelling of village during day. Enemy

aeroplanes up at night.

12 April 1918

Bed late this morning – up playing cards, first time gambled for ages & won 300 francs (₤11.)

Glorious day. Higher Commdrs. Full of praise for 13th Bgde. for their march from Arras to Albert

& straight into line – a very fine feat. Slight shelling of village. All bridges around here are mined:

one next to our Chateau & if Hun hits it, I guess we’ll go up too. German planes up at night.

Tanks moved up at night.

13 April 1918

Reported that the Huns used our steel helmets in their advance, & used same for giving the

“retire” signal to our men in their trenches; made it very difficult for our men to tell who they

were. Night dull, with light rain; plenty of artillery firing on both sides. A rotten night for those

poor fellows who are holding the front line. Had a look through our Chateau owners disbanded

woollen mill here; mill & stock valued at ₤20000 \350,000/ (10 million francs). Only a few

workmen about, and they’re endeavouring to get stock away.

14 April 1918

Received card from Toddy, & parcel from dear Mum. Dull windy day. Church Parade – morning.

15 April 1918

Dull day. Wrote Toddy. A Battery of 60 pounders are in position about 200 yards from our

Chateau – the shell explosions shake & break our windows, & the noise is deafening when guns

are fired.


16 April 1918

On F. G. C. M. during afternoon: Fowler, President; Rudall prosecuting . Capts Hancock &

Rhodes, & Lt. Wakelin present as witnesses. Lts. Queale, Billing, Goodes & Langsford arrived.

Organising nucleus of Brigade into a Battalion to start tomorrow – Fortescue C.O.. Joe Waine

Adj. I’m in charge of “B” Coy. (50th Bn. nucleus.)

17 April 1918

Went to inspect trenches, \during morning/ to be occupied by the “Composite” Bn. during the

morning; really our alarm post. Corbie with Murray – lunch at Bn. Hqrs. Received large mail –

letters from dear Mum, Kate (2), Dad (2),Sid, Emy J., Mrs. Scott, Bert Hewish, & Miss Moule.

Dull day, with light rain about 3 p.m. Bed late.

18 April 1918

Dull day with light rain & wind. Visited defence position of nucleus Coy. during morning with

Officers & N.C.O’s of Coy. Wrote dear Mum, Kate, Observer Office, & “Histed”

19 April 1918

Dull morning with light snow, but fine afternoon. Court Martial in morning. Wrote Sid. Rudall to

dinner. Nice moonlight night.

20 April 1918

Dull day. Brigadier & Morrell called during morning. Wrote dear Dad & Mrs. Scott. Tom Mellor of

2nd Div. Artillery here to dinner. Bombing for fish with Murray, Charlie Willcox & Joe Waine

during afternoon – very interesting episode in a boat with. Caught a few small fish. Lovely

moonlight night.

21 April 1918

Nice fine day Wrote to Emy Johnston. Enemy shelling village during afternoon.

22 April 1918

Battalion arrived back at Daours about 11 a.m. – billeted here. I joined “D” Coy again, so left the

Chateau. Fine day. Charlie Cornish (L/Cpl) in my Coy, also Bunny McManus.

23 April 1918

Fine day. Bunny round for a shot during afternoon.

24 April 1918

Gas shells sent over about 2 a.m. Ordered to “Stand To” about 4 a.m. owing to enemy attack;

heavy bombardment till about 10 a.m. Stood down about 7 a.m. Heavy shelling of Daours – one

shell through next house to mine Chateau badly damaged. Battn. moved at about 12 noon for

woods outside Blangy Tronville & in front of Villers Brettoneux – advanced in artillery formation

to Aubigny line near V. B. only to find 49th Bn. there, so they returned to Woods. Rhodes, Billing

& Goodes wounded. Bn. moved forward again at night and attacked Villers Brettoneax – 51st


52nd front line, 50th support. I with other Dud Officers moved to Adv. Transport lines. Up till late

arranging rations &c for Bn.

25 April 1918

Anzac Day, & nothing to drink. Dull day with light occasional rain. Last nights attack successful.

Many rumours as to Officer casualties. Villers–Brettoneux is now ours and our line is about 300

yds. on other side of it. John Hill wounded in jaw. Hancock, Doc Sewell, Kay & McKay killed. Pat

Auld, Scarborough & Hale missing. Algerians moved up at night.

26 April 1918

Dull day. Enemy counter-attack at 7.30 p.m. – no good. Algerian attack fairly successful – many

wounded. Nuttall, McGregor & Tom Smith wounded. Craven & Riggs left for front line.

Scarborough now reported wounded – no news of Pat Auld, \prisoner/ Claridge missing. News

of successful naval raid on Ostend and Zeebrugge.

27 April 1918

Brighter day than yesterday. Received letters from Mona & Johns. Battn. relieved at night by

45th. Cookers brought forward to wood near Red House, & men called on their way to Blagny-

Tronville billets for a meal. Stunt all through very successful – Monument Wood seems to have

been a thorn .

“D” Coys Casualties to date 1 Officer killed, 2 wounded

10 men “ 35 “, 5 missing

Bn. “ “ “ 4 Officers “, 8 “, 2 “

47 men “, 170 “, 22 “

Total casualties 253

28 April 1918

Battalion all through about 3 a.m. & left in small parties for Blagny-Tronville for billets. Bed about

6 a.m. Up about 12 noon. Received letters from Paul G. Harry Thomson called about 11 a.m.

29 April 1918

Wrote dear Mum, McKay, & Mr. Robertson. Dull day. Called on Harry Thomson with Murray.

Voluntary Church Parade at 11 am A, B, & C Coys at Baths during morning – “D” Coy 2 p.m.

Reorganised Bn – “D” Coy into 1 Platoon and attached to “A” Coy – sorry my Coy “non est” for a

bit. Pte Saunders (“D” Coy) returned to Bn. after having escaped after being taken prisoner by

Germans – got away after having shot the German sentry; lad only 20 yrs old. Received letter

from Mr Armitage & Scarborough.

30 April 1918

Claridge now reported killed. Nucleus left Blagny-Tronville at 9 a.m. arriving at Allonville about

12 noon after picking up nucleus of other Bns of Bgde. Accommodation at Allonville fair, but

place crowded. Officers here are Murray Fowler, McBryde, Mills, Hale, Edwards & self. Greene,

Sims, Goodes \Bills/ & Lynch here at Base Depot. Col. Paul in charge of Bgde “duds.”


1 May 1918

“May Day”; think I’ll be Queen of the May. Parades 9.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Organised nucleus into

2 Platoons & a Hdqrs – Lewis Gun & Gas drill afterwards. Greene & others left for Bn. Enemy

shelled 4th Div. D.A.D.O.S. Workshops at Camon causing about 6 Warrant Officer casualties.

Bridge at night at Divisional Hdqrs.

2 May 1918

Glorious warm day. Greene, Lynch & Sims arrived from Bn. to join Duds. German planes

bombing Amiens at night causing a fire. 4 Bgde “Blue Dandies”at night – good.

3 May 1918

Lovely day. 4Div. “Smart Set” at night – good. Went for a ride about 8.30 p.m. over jumps –

really enjoyable.

4 April 1918

Wrote Mona, Mab Surman, Pte Swift, & Mrs. Swift, “Observer” Office, Roy Hurcombe & Paul G.

Sent “Observer” & Anzac Bulletins to dear dad. Nice day & a nice night. Had a short ride in a

tank – really enjoyable

5 May 1918

Dull day with light showers. Wrote dear Kate, Dad, Brownie, & H. J. Armitage. Joe Waine, Jack

Hunt & Yeatmann to dinner.

6 April 1918

Nucleus Reserves left Allondale at 8 a.m. arriving at Flesselles about 11 a.m., & leaving there

after lunch at 1 a.m., arriving at St Leger about 3.30 p.m. Great trouble over allotment of billets,

but eventually fixed up alright.

7 May 1918

Dull day. Wrote Bert Hewish & Wm. Foulis, also dear Mum. Officers billets much better now –

have moved to more comfortable quarters.

8 May 1918

Fine day. Parades as usual. Good news of another advance by the Australians.

9 May 1918

Fine day. Paid men of details. Orders out re move – I’m to remain at 4th Div.Reinf Wing with

Special Officers.

10 May 1918

Lovely day. Tom Loutit arrived in afternoon.


11 May 1918

Some of nucleus moved out of St Leger at 9 a.m. leaving 5 Off. & 25 O.R. per Bn. behind – I’m

in charge of those remaining. – moved them into billets closer together. Went to Berteaucourt in

afternoon. 3rd Anniversary of my enlisting and going into Mitcham Camp; have had a lot of

experience & luck since then, may it all continue “Oh! What a life”.

12 May 1918

Left StLeger at 9.30 a.m. dumping men’s packs at Bertaucourt on the way, & arriving at Vaux

tent camp at about 2.30 p.m. Mixture of sunshine and rain during day.

13 May 1918

Left Camp near Vaux at 9.a.m. arriving at Camp near Lamotte at about 12.30 p.m. joining up

balance of nucleus. All in a wood in trench shelters and tents. Recd letters from dear Mum, Mrs.

Ware, Brownie, Sgt. Sampson, Lilian Lawes, Robertson, & Pte Walton, & this diary from dear

Dad.

14 May 1918

Dull day but no rain. Parades during day. Wrote up part of this diary from old one.

15 May 1918

Lovely day, fairly hot. Had tooth seen to. Sorry to hear Lt Mc.Gregor has died of wounds. (Left

Dud Camp)

16 May 1918

Left Dud Camp about 9 30 a.m. arriving at Bn. near Blangy Tronville about 10.30 a.m. Very hot

day. 52nd Bn. broken up & divided between 49th, 50th & 51st. Our men arrived about 6 p.m.

Everybody very sorry for 52nd. Reformed “D” Coy. 2/Lt Henderson from 52nd to “D” Coy; Capt

Christophers & Lt Hodge \to “C” Coy/ & Saith to “B” Coy. Heavy enemy bombing at night around

our Camp.

17 May 1918

Reorganised Coy into 2 Platoons. Very hot day. Had tooth – filling completed. Concentrated

Artillery shoot about 5 a.m.

18 May 1918

Extremely hot morning, but cool change in afternoon. Resting all day. Completed writing up of

this diary. Lt Wakelin (C) awarded Croix de Guerre also man of “A” Coy.

19 May 1918

Lovely warm day. Voluntary Church Parade at 10.30 a.m. Gen Birdwood gave out ribbons to

Off. N.C.Os. & men of Bgde. for Croix de Guerre, M.M. & D.C.M. Enemy aeroplane brought

down about 6.30 p m. near Villers Brettoneux. Received letters from Brownie, Ida, & Mab, also

snaps taken at Codford. Enemy planes over bombing at night.


20 May 1918

An Australian day again. Battn. left bivouac outside Blangy Tronville at 4.30 p.m. arriving at

Querrien at about 8 p.m. – a hot march. “Duds” joined up Bn when it marched in.

21 May 1918

Nice day again – hurrah. Reorganisation parade during morning. Major Fowler took over “A”

Coy – Tom back to 2nd in Command. Lt Dyos [?] from 52nd to “D” Coy. Recd letters from Paul G

& Chapman and papers from Dorothy Trewenick. Lovely moonlight night.

22 May 1918

Wrote to dear Mum, Kate & Dad, also Mrs. Ware, Wm. Robinson, Pte Walton, Lilian Lawes &

Kodak. Lovely fine day. Called on Reg Norman at 12th Bgde Hdqrs \near/ Amiens. With Tom in

afternoon & remained to dinner. Enemy planes bombed Querrien at about 10.30 p.m. causing

about 10 casualties at M.G. Coy, 7 “B” Coy,1 “C” Coy, & 1 “D” Coy. 2/Lt McIntyre, 52nd Bn.

joined up, also 2/Lt (late Sgt) Fraser, J.C.

23 May 1918

Nice fine day, but cooler than yesterday. Good work on parade ground. Battn moved to wood

outside halfway between Bussy & Querrien; Coys independently “D” at 7 p.m. Camped in tents

& trench shelters. Military Medals for Villers Brettoneux. Bar for Heinceslater, M.M. to

Brakenridge, Slattery, Strong, Newell, & Routledge.

24 May 1918

Dull windy day with occasional showers. Went to look over sector near Prieux and Laineville [?]

in case of a call out, as we are at present Corps Reserve. Received letter from Lily, much

damaged by having beeng in sea water through enemy action.

25 May 1918

Nice day, slight wind. Bgde swimming Sports in afternoon at Querrien. Results 51st, 29 points,

50th 25 points About 60 casualties by enemy shelling in Querrien during morning; slight shelling

again at night. Recd nice mail – letters from dear Mum (2), Kate, Dad, Sid (2),Ted Price, Mrs

Bond, Jeanne Loutit, Dorothy Trewenick, Joyce & Emy, & F.Gill.

26 May 1918

Nice fine day. Church Parade at 10 a.m. Bridge in afternoon & evening. Enemy planes bombed

Querrein at about 11.30 p.m Gen. Birdwood gone to 5th Army (?) Gen Monash has Corps.

27 May 1918

Nice day; lovely night. Lt McBryde left on special leave to London. Did Canteen Audit during

day. Enemy planes over at night. Cabled Dad. News of new enemy attack near Rheims –

expect we’ll soon go there.


28 May 1918

Nice fine day. Route march during afternoon. Wrote Bank of Adelaide & “Histed” – transferred

₤30 to my a/c at Bank. Band instruments arrived from 47th Bn – first tune at night.

29 May 29 1918

Cool day. Wrote dear Mum, Kate, Dad, Paul Guillamin, Mrs. Bond, Sid, F,Gill, & Joyce. 20 of our

planes made towards the Hun. back area about 7 pm. – some town is going to get it tonight.

Heavy artillery fire down South evidently near Rheims. Tom English arrived & took over “B” Coy.

30 May 1918

Lovely day. Major Loutit & Coy Commdrs & Craven left for Vaire-sur-Corbie to arrange relief of

31st Bn – returned about 6 p.m.

31 May 1918

Lovely warm day. Fixing up nucleus reserve & arranging line distribution during day. Brigadier &

Gen Maclagan round during morning. Recd card from Mattie Adney.

[two blank pages]

1 June 1918

Nucleus reserve (inc C.O.) remained at old Camp; rest of Bn. marched out at 7.45 a.m. halting

at Daours from about 10 a.m. to 9 pm. Coys moved off at 9 p.m. A, B, D & C with 50 yds interval

between posts, and 20 mins between Coys. “D” Coy relieved “C” Coy 31st Bn – Coy Hdqrs very

nice & comfortable. Coy in front of Hamel; trenches &c good. Coy Hdqrs is a glorious cellar,

nicely fitted up with tables, beds, kerosine lamps, flowers &c &c.

2 June 1918

Relief complete at about 2 a.m. Around posts with Charlie Willcox at 3 a.m. returning at about 4

a.m. Tom round about 11 a.m. Nice warm day. Wrote Jeanne Loutit & Ted Price. Around posts

at about 11.30 p.m.

3 June 1918

Lovely warm day again. Front very quiet. Enemy plane brought down about 4 a.m. 1 American

Sgt & 2 Ptes attached to my Coy for experience – very interesting they’re from the 35th Division

at present billeted near En [?] & Le Telfort. Wrote Mattie Adney, Dorothy Treweneck, Mabel

Browne, Mab Surman, & Ida Wood. Our patrols busy around Hamel at night – one went within 5

yds of a German sentry, \but/ fortunately there were no casualties.

4 June 1918

Nice day; rather cooler than yesterday. Wrote Madame Malfait & sent two Anzac bulletins to

dear Dad. Brigadier round about 4 p.m. with Tom & Pongo Clarke.


5 June 1918

Nice fine day. Occasional shelling around our Hdqrs during day, also shelling around VAIRE,

Sent two patrols out at 10 a.m. to find position for Trench Mortar for stunt in morning.

6 June 1918

Two of our patrols out at 1 a.m. to Hamel for purpose of bombarding a couple of Machine Gun

positions found in Hun lines; patrol supported by 12 men of “B” Coy & a Trench Mortar.

Received papers from Adelaide.

7 June 1918

Hear the Germans are 43 miles from Paris, so Charlie Willcox and I are thinking of changing our

names to “Muecke” and “Schmidt” – think we’d better start learning German too !!! “Gut – Tag”.

Heavy & continuous gas bombardment by our artillery on HAMEL.

8 June 1918

Nice fine day. Have a nasty rash on legs – very painful. Heavy gas bombardment & H.E. by

enemy on front line & VAIRE from 11.15 p.m. to 1.15 a.m. 9th.

9 June 1918

Received letter from The Bank of Adelaide & a paper from dear Dad, Lovely day.

10 June 1918

Dull day with light rain during morning. Finer in afternoon. Part 51st, 27th Bn & others advanced

about 700 yds at 9.45 p.m. on our left – all objectives taken.

11 June 1918

Nice day. Received instructions re Coy. Bn. advance for tomorrow night. Hear All Divisions of

British Army have to do two things, either raids or advances.

12 June 1918

Fine day. Night marching in No Mans Land from 11 p.m. to 12 mid, to find point P3 central –

rather interesting especially as No Mans Land is composed of crops, some higher than I am.

13 June 1918

Lovely fresh morning. Brigadier Glasgow up during morning with a U.S.A. General, also Tom up

in afternoon with U.S.A. Major, whom I took round the posts at night – very funny.

14 June 1918

Enemy put about half a dozen heavy shells into vicinity of Coy. Hdqrs. – a couple hitting sheds

outside. Nice fine day. (took an) American Major round the with his General to go round posts,

but trip was cancelled by our Brig.


15 June 1918

Nice fine day. Relieving Coy Commander up during morning to look round – his Advanced party

up at about 9 p.m. 16th Bn. raided VAIRE WOOD at 11.30 p.m. with 5 parties of 50 each very

successful, 13 prisoners.

16 June 1918

Nice day again. Enemy plane brought down during morning, also large dump exploded in rear

of enemy lines. Relieved at night by “B” Coy, 45th Bn.

17 June 1918

Arrived at Daours, where Bn. is bivouaced, at about 3 a.m. Uo about 4 p.m. Recd letter from

Mab Surman. Nice fine day.

18 June 1918

Nice warm day. Had lovely hot bath in afternoon at Daours with Tom. One of my men found a

very fine souvenir, which we are sending on to the Ausn \War/ Museum – it is a German bomb,

which had been dropped from an aeroplane & didn’t explode – the work in it is excellent. Pongo

Clarke over during morning.

19 June 1918

Nice day. Parades \in/ morning. Men of Bn. inoculated who hadn’t been done during last 12

mos. Inoculated during afternoon. Bed feeling unwell. Wrote dear Dad.

20 June1918

Up about 2 a.m. Pongo Clarke round during morning. Reconnoitred route \at 2.30 pm./ to

Reserve Line (Aubigny Line) which we have to occupy in case of enemy break through – took

Officers & N.C.O’s round about7 p.m. Bed early – inoculation playing up. Pongo Clarke gone to

Div – Jim London

to Brigade; Lackmann to 4th Bgde as S.C.

21 June 1918

Wet day. Attended Court Martial at Duds camp Querrien, in morning in case Haines – case

dismissed. Went to Transport lines & Duds Camp with Tom at 5 p.m – dinner with Duds. Bishop

Long round during (morn) afternoon to talk to Officers & men about new A.I.F educational

scheme. A few trains moving up along Amiens-Corbie railway line near Daours at night; a sign, I

should think, of a coming attack by us.

22 June 1918

Windy day. A. B. & C Coys on fatigue, “D” Coy on parade. Wrote dear Mum & Bunny Mc, also

dear Kate. Brigade Hdqrs re Locre Club Audit during afternoon.

23 June 1918

On fatigue with A, B & D Coys, burying cable, during morning. Meeting of O ’s C. Coys at night re

contemplated move to front line. Recd letters from Sgt Sampson & Paul G.


24 June 1918

Dull day. Went forward to front line during morning with Willcox to have a look at 13th Bn, sector.

Officers & N.C.O’s classes during afternoon.

25 June 1918

Up late, feeling very unwell. Nice warm day. Wrote to Lily Mc.Manus. Orders out for going into

line tomorrow night.

26 June 1918

Nice day. Feeling very unwell, Temp. 101.6° – in bed till about 2.30 p.m. Bn. moved up about

night & relieved 13th Bn. on front near Villers-Brettoneux & in front of VAIRE WOOD; relief very

haphazard, 13th very casual. Tait, Officers Cook, wounded at Fuillay.

27 June 1918

Up about 2 p.m – feeling a little better. Brig Glasgow, Col. Herring, Tom, Major Arrell and others

round during afternoon. 2 killed, 1 wounded in “A” Coy at night (ration party.) One of our planes

brought down in flames in German lines. Plenty of planes of both sides up at night – a few

interesting episodes.

28 June 1918

Up about 1 p.m. – feeling fair. Tom & Doc, round during afternoon. Plenty of planes up again at

near sundown – exciting scenes at times.

29 June 1918

Nice fine day. Major Morell & Tom round during morning. Feeling much better today. Great

aerial activity at night, Lovely moonlight night.

30 June 1918

Fine day. Wrote Lilian Lawes, Mattie Adney, and Paul Guillemin. Feeling much better today.

[two blank pages]

1 July 1918

Fine warm day. Feeling very much better today. One of our planes brought down behind VAIRE

WOOD in flames. Talk of big stunt on 4th July; believe there are a few Yanks in rear of us. Lt

Fraser wounded on patrol at night – one man killed.

2 July 1918

Nice day. Bn. relieved at night. Morgan, my runner, wounded at B.H.Qrs.

3 July 1918

Arrived at our sector of Aubigny line near Daours at about 2 a.m. – feeling very tired. Up at

about midday, & went for a bath at Daours. Recd letters from dear Kate, Dad, Pat Mc., Girlie,

Jeanne, Joyce J., W. L. Ware & Roy Hurcombe.


4 July 1918

4th Bgde & others hopped over at 3 am. a from Bouzencourt to Villers Brettoneux. Barrage

looked well from Aubigny line especially the phosphorous shells. Over 1200 prisoners taken &

several M.G.’s. Wrote dear Kate, Dad, Joyce J., Girlie, Pat Mc. & Eugene Scott.

5 July 1918

Fine warm day. Recd letters from dear Mum (3), Dad (3), Kate (2), Sid (2), W. L. Ware, Iris

Galliford, Maudie Harris, Girlie, & F.Gill. Transferred from “D” Coy to Bn. Hdqrs – Lt Billson took

of dear old “D”. Wrote dear Mum.

6 July 1918

Nice warm day. Wrote Sid, F.Gill, Iris Galliford, Dad, Girlie, & Kate, Maudie Harris, & Jeanne, &

W. L. Ware. Relieved 44th Bn. at night in front of Hamel – I with Bn. Hqrs. Hqrs an awful place

more like a Coy. Hdqrs.

7 July 1918

Not much sleep last night – feeling very tired. Over at 45th Bn. Hdqrs. with Tom re stunt during

afternoon. Heavy shelling of front & support lines during day by enemy – a few casualties.

8 July 1918

Barrage opened up at 12.15 a.m. & 45th 46 Bn & “C” Coy & ½ “A” Coy 50th Bn. advanced

pivoting on centre of “A” Coy. 45th Bn. went out \at/ about 11 p.m. 7th & 50th were to go out at 12

mid. but were late & suffered a few casualties through enemy barrage. Enemy fire on front line

at about 10.30 p.m. in reply to our barrage. Heavy Light rain during day. Murray Fowler left

nucleus to take charge of A.I.F. Coy. in Paris on 17th.

9 July 1918

Dull day with light occasional rain. Col. Herring (Brig) & Jim London round during afternoon. Up

round line during early morning. Battn. sector much quieter today.

10 July1918

Round line during early morning with Tom & Lt Shannon (Artillery liasson Off). Lt Dunhill (“C”

Coy) on Patrol came upon a German Post & “scuppered” it – 2 Germans killed, 1 wounded, 1

prisoner. Dunhill wounded on left cheek by a piece of one of our Mills Grenades. Col. Herring &

Mjr Morell (B.M.) round during afternoon. 40th Bn. C.O. & Coy. Commdrs. Here during morning

re relief. Dull day with occasional rain.

11 July 1918

Dull day with occasional rain. Occasional enemy shelling near Bn. Hdqrs. during late afternoon

& night – fair amount of gas shells about 9.30 p.m. onwards –very unpleasant. Relieved by 40th

Bn. at night.


[11 July 1918 continued]

Total casualties during tour :- 6 killed , 16 wounded, 13 gassed, 15 Hospital = 50.

“D “ Coy 8 casualties, A, 9; B, 16; C, 17.

4 wounded} 1 killed “ 5 K

1 gassed } 4 W. 4 W. 4 W

3 Hospital } 1 G. 6 G. 5 G.

3 H. 6 H. 3 H.

12 July 1918

Relief complete by 1.15 a.m. – Bn. Hdqrs arrived at Mills, Daours at about 3 a.m. Coys. to

Aubigny line. Must record the very excellent meal Lt Craven provided for us upon our arrival at

Daours – 6 courses, and very acceptable. Had lovely swim in Canal after an excellent sleep.

13 July 1918

Battn. left Daours at 6 a.m. arriving at Camon at about 9 a.m. Made arrangements with

Y.M.C.A. in afternoon re entertainments &c for men – Committee appointed &c.

Major Arrell now T/Lt. Col. Commanding 49th. Major Morell to Corps (Tanks) & Capt Louch now

Brigade Major. Nucleus joined up from Querrien. Recd card from Madame Malfait.

14 July 1918

Dull day with light occasional rain. Church Parade 10 a.m. Col. Salisbury arrived back from

leave. Riding round training area dur after Church Parade. Formed Sports & Entertainment

Committee for benefit of men.

15 July 1918

Dull day. On Court of Enquiry at 13th Ausn Light Horse Regt Hdqrs during day – Mjr Hyman

President – Enquiring into fire in billet on 22nd May. Impromptu Concert at Y.M.C.A at night –

very good.

16 July 1918

Heavy thunderstorm during morning, Fine day. Wrote Westall & Co & enclosed Cheque. Good

night at Y.M.C.A – Pictures. Enjoyable time with Band afterwards.

17 July 1918

Exceptionally hot day – cooler at night. Recd letters from dear Mum, Dad (2), Kate (3), Dick

Wilton, Girlie, Bert Hewish, Lottie Larsson & Aunt Molly Massam. “Green Diamonds” at Rivery at

night – very good show. Wrote dear Kate & Mrs. Crossman.

18 July 1918

Awakened at 12 mid. by hearing “Fire” Call on the bugle – the billet two door from mine was well

alight – got it under hand by 1 a.m. & out by 2 a.m. Court of Enquiry at 11.30 a.m. on 2

“Missing” men. Hot morning, cooler in afternoon. Wrote dear Mum, Dick Wilton, & cards to L.

Larsson, Bert Hewish & Girlie Boxing at Y.M.C.A. at night


19 July 1918

Warm day. Rowing on canal during most of day. Reported to Brigade Hdqrs about 6 p.m.as

Bgde Major Trainee &c.

20 July 1918

Lovely swim first thing this morning. Warm day, but rather windy, rain in afternoon. G.O.C, B.tn.

& I.O. up to line during morning. Wrote dear Mum, Dad, Bunny, & Mrs Massam

21 July 1918

Church Parade 49th Bn. 11 a.m with Brig & Staff. 50th Bn swimming carnival at Baths in

afternoon. Guest night Mess – Col. Salisbury, Col Woorster (C.O. 13th Fld Amb), Major Riddell

(C.O. 12th Fld Coy Eng.). 50th Band playing – Smart Set entertaining us afterwards. Very sorry

to hear of death of dear little Henri Malfait – my dearest French boy friend.

22 July 1918

Nice fine day. 4th Div. Races at Allonville during day – very enjoyable time. Capts Kemiss [?] &

Smith (Eng \Sigs/) killed in first race. Some spectators arrived by aeroplane.

23 July 1918

Dull day with rain during morning. Went to Abbeville by motor lorry with Jim London, Sims, Joe

Waine & Doc, in morning, returning at midnight – most glorious time. Met Sister [?] Nicholls &

others at 3rd A.G.H. and dined with them at Hotel de France. Recd letter from Paul G. & plenty of

papers from W. L. Ware & home.

24 July 1918

Changeable day – occasional sunshine and rain. Recd parcels from Enfield Working Bee &

Mattie Bond. Bed late. Wrote dear Mum & send P.C’s to Kate & Mum. Preliminary orders out re

13th Bgde relieving 14th Bgde in front line.

25 July 1918

Wrote to dear Kate, Estella Hall, & Madame Malfait Went to Heilly to 14th Bgde Hdqrs re relief

during morning. “Smart Set” at night – very nice. Relief of 14th Bgde cancelled.

26 July 1918

Dull day with occasional rain. Gen Maclagan round during afternoon inspecting Transports &c.

27 July 1918

Dull day. Pongo Clarke to dinner. Rufus Rudall returned from Paris leave. Heavy bombing by

enemy planes in vicinity of Hdqrs (Rivery) about midnight.

28 July 1918

Fine day, getting dull at night. Church Parade, 50th Bn. at Y.M.C.A. Camon at 11 a.m. – very

enjoyable. At 50th Bn during afternoon with Jim London.


29 July 291918

Warm day. Recd letter from Lilian Lawes & papers from Dad, Mrs. Bond & W. L. Ware. General

& Staff up looking over new sector during morning – we are taking over from the French in a few

days time on right of Villers Brettoneux. Tom Loutit gone to A.F.C. Liaison school.

30 July 1918

Fine warm day. Rash very bad. Conference of C.O’s during afternoon.

31 July 1918

Fine day. Rash still bad – hope I can get it better in time to do the line tour. Wrote Toddy, Lilian

Lawes T. Smith, and G.W.S. Eaton. Bgde nucleus reserve took up its quarters at Hospice,

Rivery, during afternoon.

[two blank pages]

1 August 1918

Fine warm day. Bgde left Hospice, Rivery, at 8.30 p.m. for front line area, & relieved a French

Brigade on right of Villers Brettoneux. I’m at rear Brigade Hdqrs (late French Bgde Hdqrs near

St Nicholas). Brigade is at late French Regimental Hdqrs near Gentelles.

2 August 1918

Raining during day. French Hdqrs moved out at 10 a.m. Wrote Mattie. 51st Bn. took over part of

49th line during night.

3 August 1918

Dull wet day. 2/Lt Craven arrived from leave. (Arranged) At Transport lines at Boves during

afternoon. 51st Bn. took over part of 4th Bgde line during night. 1 Coy. Canadians moved up to

Support during night.

4 August 1918

4th Anniversary of War – only one more in my opinion as hhe Huns seem do to be losing their

hitting powers especially now the Allies are doing so well between Rheims & Soissons. At

Advanced Brigade Hdqrs during afternoon, & moved to old 4th Bgde Hdqrs (on edge of L’Abbe

Wood) at night – took over maps not handed to Canadians & returned to Rear Brigade Hdqrs.

150 Huns raided 51st Bn losing about 10 killed – 6 of our men prisoners.

5 August 1918

Arrived Rear Brigade Hdqrs about 1 a.m., fairly tired & glad of a sleep. Moved from Rear

Brigade Hdqrs to forward Brigade Hdqrs during afternoon. Enormous Transport on roads during

night; guns, ammunition &c in abundance Brigade took over whole of Div. front during night.


6 August 1918

Dull wet day. Went to 49th Bn. Hdqrs with the G.O.C. during morning – got very wet. Command

of Bgde. front taken over by 3 Canadian Divs. Mrs.Caileur interpreter, taken arrested as a spy by

Tommy Artillery – came here to be recognised – very funny.

7 August 1918

Nice day – place drying up well. Brigade Hdqrs left for Glesy \Blangy Tronville/ at 5 p.m. arriving

at 6 p.m. Battalions relieved by Canadians during night. Brigade now attached to Ausn. Corps.

Ton Lontil doing Liaison work during stunt.

8 August 1918

Battns all out by about 4.30 a.m. Zero hour for stunt 4.20 a.m. News through about 11 a.m. that

all going O.K. Several prisoners taken, also guns. Enemy planes over during morning dropped

about 30 bombs near Petit-Blangy-Cabaret wounding a few. Met Charlie Bath at 5th Div. Hdqra.

Wrote dear Mum, & Kate. Good news regarding stunt – estimated prisoners over 7000 &

several guns.

9 August 1918

Bed 2.30 a.m. owing to having to get move orders out for this morning. Bgde left Blangy-

Tronville at 9.30 a.m. arriving in vicinity of Hamel at about 1 p.m., leaving there again at about 8

p.m. & arriving at Bgde Hdqrs at about 9.30 p.m. relieving the 1st Brigade. More good news

through re stunt. Trouble round Chippily – Tommies failed at first & Yanks eventually took it.

(Tommies “helped”.)

10 August 1918

1st Div. & others attacked this morning – made excellent progress – captured a Div.Hdqrs.

complete. Orders out at night for this Bgde to take Etankcheim \Etinehem/ – 49th & 50th in front,1

Coy 51st mop up. 3 Coys reserve. \Zero hour/ 9.30 p.m. Left with Gen. Herring for new Bgde

Hdqrs at Chipilly Church, then I went forward to the report centre about 1 mile further north.

Recd letters from dear Kate (4), Mum, Maudie & Joyce J.

11 August 1918

Stunt went off well last night – Bns. advancing with practically no opposition. Etinheim was cut

off, but when parties went to mop up this morning – no enemy were found, evidently all having

got out on other side of the Somme owing to the failure of the 10th Bgde stunt on the south side.

A few prisoners taken by us. 131st American Regt. brought up in Support. 10th Bgde endeavored

with Armoured Cars to march along main road to rear of La Neuville-les-Bray and establish a

new line – 11th Bgde then to advance towards them, & mop up the area. Shaw a total failure –

enemy planes doing considerable damage with bombs &c.

12 August 1918

Warm day. Went round Bns with Brig. during afternoon. Huns, not knowing where our line was,

commenced to dig in on Southern edge of Etineheim spur, but were pushed out by 50th & 51st

Bns at night 1 a.m. 13th. Huns put up a light attack on 49th taking a couple of prisoners, but


losing some of their own men killed. 11th Bgde on southern edge of Somme were very

successful in taking Mericourt & Cateaux Woods. Tom Lontil over during morning.

13 August 1918

Attack by 50th & 51st Bns at 1 a.m. to establish posts on Northern edge of Somme between

Etineheim & Bray was very successful; 51st took 1 Off 170 O’R prisoners losing 5 wounded

themselves. (11th Bgde on southern) Col. Salisbury & Murray Fowler here at Bgde Hdqrs during

morning – very successful. Plenty of dead Huns about in dug-outs &c &c. Called on 49th Bn.

during afternoon. 51st Bn. relieved by Yanks at night.

14 August 1918

On watch 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. so wrote dear Kate & Tom English. Enemy gas shelling about 2.30

a.m. “yellow cross, mustard gas” – very unpleasant. Wrote dear Mum, Dad, Maude Harris, and

Joyce Johnston. Hot day again. 50th Bn. relieved by Yanks at night. 2nd Anniversary of Mouquet

Farm & my thoughts go to those we lost there – God bless them.

15 August 1918

Hot day again. Wrote dear old Sid. Enemy shelling fairly heavy & continuous during day.

16 August 1918

Hot again. Enemy shelling heavy during day in Gressaire Wood. 49th relieved by 34th at night.

17 August 1918

Cooler day. Round to 34th, & 50th Bns during afternoon Enemy shelling still fairly heavy and

continuous in Gressaire Wood – hit a cordite dump & one of his own shell dumps.

18 August 1918

Cooler day. Went to Sailly-le-sec during afternoon to 9th Bgde Hdqrs to arrange re our Bgde

relief. Bgde relieved by 9th Bgde at night – Complete by 10.20 p.m. Arrived Sailly-le-sec at about

11 p.m.

19 August 1918

Fine day. Had lovely swim in canal in afternoon. Embussed Brigade at Vaire-sur-Corbie at 7.30

p.m., then proceeded by car with General Herring & Capt Louch to our new Brigade Hdqrs at

Harbonnieres \arriving at 9.3.. 10 p.m./ where we relieved the 132nd American Regt in Reserve,

thereby rejoining the 4th Aus. Div. again. Met Roy Hurcombe, Bill Stewart, McCann & Bill

Sharland of 10th at Vaire. General Herring awarded Croix de Querre.

20 August 1918

Fine day. Lovely moonlight night. Enemy sending heavies into Harbonnieres during morning

and Vauvillers during afternoon. Moved from dug-out into nice cosy room upstairs – am alright

as long as Fritz doesn’t get a direct hit with a bomb or shell on to it. Recd letter from dear Mum.

Round to 50th , 51st & T.M.B. during afternoon. Called on Reg Norman. Cabled Dad. Jim London

left on leave.


21 August 1918

Big dump of brass-work &c &c in Rosieres left there by Germans – they had ransacked the

whole of the villages around about & had candle sticks & all sorts in the dump: – they lost the lot

after stealing it all. Very hot day. Good news through of attack by French West of Soissons on a

kilo front – 10,000 prisoners & several guns taken; also news of “push” by 3rd Army near Achy-

le-grand. Tom called during afternoon, also Reg Norman & Rufus Rudall. Lovely moonlight

night. Not feeling too fit owing to bad cold – believe slight touch of gas. Received papers from

dear Dad & Mrs Bond.

22 August 1918

Exceptionally hot day – like middle of summer in Australia. Round to 50th & 51st Bus with Gens

Mac Lagan & Herring during morning – an awfully warm trip. Recd letters from dear Kate & Dad.

Lovely moonlight night. Not feeling too good. Cold bad. 3rd Ausn. Div attacked this morning, also

3rd Corps – all O.K.

23 August 1918

Very warm day, but cooler than yesterday. Good news through of attacks by 1st Div. & 32nd

British Div. this morning – 1700 prisoners taken. 3rd Corps going well near Bapaume. French

doing O.K. West of Soissons – Where is Fritz now? Heavy bombardments North & South of us

during day. Rumour says Bapaume 7 practically ours. Enemy planes over bombing at night.

24 August 1918

Dull cool day. French Reg. Commander & his I.O. called at 9 a.m. re relief tonight. Left Bgde

Hdqrs for embussing point at 12 mid.

25 August 25 1918

Brigade embussed outside Harbonnieres at 3.55 a.m. arriving at Rivery at about 6.30 a.m.

General, Capt Louch and self arrived Rivery by car at about 5.30 a.m. Slept during morning, &

called on Bns. with the General during afternoon. Light rain at night. Took over duties of Acting

Staff Capt. owing to Lt Conwell going on leave tomorrow.

26 August 1918

Light rain during morning – brighter during afternoon. Recd papers from home, also letters from

dear Mum, Kate, Dad, & Mrs Bond, & T. Smith. Conference C.O’s 4.30 pm. Enemy planes

bombed Amiens \& surroundings? from about 10.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

27 August 1918

Light rain occasionally during day & night. Cold fairly bad. Good news through of advance by us

to near Flers, Bapaume, Deville Wood &c.

28 August 1918

Fine day with occasional showers. Good dinner in Amiens at night – Tom, Murray, Tassie,

Rufus, John Hill, Bill Sims & self – very enjoyable.


29 August 29 1918

Occasional Fine day. Gen Herring left for 3 days school. Heard of Row at 50th between Tom

Loutit, Fowler V Greene. Greene under arrest & transferred to a Coy, & asking to see Div.

Comm & Gen. Birdwood. Understand Loutit & Fowler cursing Tommies, & Greene stuck up for

them. Wrote dear Mum & Kate.

30 August 1918

Changeable day, but no rain. Rufus Rudall in bed ill. Tom Loutit to be T/Lt. Col.& to Command

45th Bn. Our advance excellent – Bapaume, Bullecourt, Noreuil &c ours now; Rufus Rudall to

Casualty Clearing Stn. re illness – returned in afternoon.

31 August 1918

Dull day. Farewell dinner to Tom Loutit at Hotel de la Praix, Amiens, at 7.30 p.m. About 30

Officers present – very enjoyable.

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1 September 1918

Fine day. Gen. Herring returned from P.T. School at Hardelot Plage. Tom over during afternoon

and remained to dinner. Rufus still unwell.

2 September 1918

Fine day. Div. Canteen Committee meeting at 2.30 p.m Lt. Goldstein appointed in charge of

Canteen & Major (Padre) Walden Divisional Buyer. Wrote dear Dad & Mrs. Bond, also Rafferty &

Calver, Tailors, London.

3 September 1918

Fine day. Rufus Rudall left on leave warrant for King George’s Hospital, London, by 8.4.a.m.

train from Amiens. Round Bns during the morning with the G.O.C. 2nd Anniversary 2nd Mouquet

Farm stunt.

4 September 1918

Fair day – occasional showers during day. Orders out that Gen. Maclagan G.O.C, 4th Div. will

inspect the Brigade on 6th. Very interesting chat with Simo [?] at night after he had dismissed “

his”

picquet, (Capt) Reg Powell, Q.M. 51st to leave for London to morrow en route to Australia on

Transport duty.

5 September 1918

Cool day. Marked out forming up position of Bgde in (morning) afternoon for G.O.C. 4th Div.

inspection tomorrow. Orders out at night for move tomorrow. Div. Commandr’s inspection

cancelled. Met Gen Marshall, late Commandant Snr, Off, School, Aldershot, when I was there.

He is now Director of Training, G.H.Qrs.


6 September 1918

Brigade embussed near cemetery Rivery at 9.30 a.m. leaving at 11.20 a.m. and arriving at

destination, (near Biaches at about 5 p.m. Dusty journey. Had nice swim in canal after arrival.

Bed early. Recd letter from Sid.

7 September 1918

Fine warm day. Nice morning swim at 8 a.m. Arranging Pack Dump &c during morning.

Advance going A.1.

8 September 1918

Dull day with plenty of wind occasional heavy showers. Bgde moved from camp near Biaches at

10 a.m. \9.30/ arriving at huts near Cartyny \Catelet/ at about 1 p.m. Route via Peronne, which

is badly knocked about. Round Bns. with G.O.C. during afternoon.

9 September 1918

Dull day with plenty of wind. Bgde left hut camp, near Catelet being relieved by 12 th Bgde – saw

Noel with his Bn. We moved to near St Cren taking over from the 14th Bgde. Recd letter from

Wm. Foules & Cr.advise from Bank of Adelaide. Wrote dear old Sid, Wm. Foules & Rufus Rudall.

10 September 1918

Dull day with occasional sunshine and heavy showers. Went to 8th Bgde Hdqrs, in morning re

relief tonight. 49th left at 2 p.m., other Bns at about 6 p.m. Bgde Hdqrs at 8.30 p.m. (after having

dinner with 12th Bgde, who came into our place) to relieve 8th Bgde. Arrived at 8th Bgde Hdqrs

near Vraignes & Hancourt at 10 pm. – relief complete by 10.30 p.m. Moved to new Hdqrs

further up gully at night.

11 September 1918

Dull day with occasional showers. 2nd Bn. on our left, 50th & 51st Bs advanced their line during

day to railway line on right & 300 yds past line on left. 50th took 1 Sgt 6 men prisoners – Poles

and Alsatians. One prisoner says they are “fed up” & gave themselves up deliberately. 49th Bn.

moved up in Support of line. 12th Bgde moved up & one Bn. \(45th)/ took over 51st old line,& 48th

took over 49th position. Went to 1st Bgde Hdqrs near Hamelet at 7 p.m.

12 September 1918

Changeable day with showers & sunshine. Owing to the the advance of 50 th & 51st Bns.Bgde

Hdqrs moved from outside Vraignes and Hancourt at 5 p.m., and took over new Hdqrs in a bank

near Flechen.[?] Further advance by both Bns.during night & several (about 50) prisoners

taken. Our casualties very light. Wrote dear Kate. Lt Hawker, 50 th Bn. did a very valuable patrol

in front running into 2 parties of Huns.

13 September 13

Round to 50th & 51st Bns during afternoon with the General. Got “strafed” by a Hun machine

gun. 50th Hdqrs, in a railway cutting, shelled regularly by the Huns. “S.O.S.” up on 50 th front at

about 8 p.m. Huns pushed in a couple of posts – a few casualties on our side. 50th Hdqrs


“standing to”. Two enemy bombing planes brought down at night by one of our planes.Met Tom

Loutit at 51st Hdqrs – doing O.K. Word through of his engagement.

14 September 1918

Sent 2 Off 10 men off to Australia on Transport duty. Went to Nucleus in morning. Enemy

shelled our Hdqrs at night, but had no luck. Recd letters from dear Mum, Kate (2), Dad, Sid,

Pattie Mc., F.Gill, Bert Hewish, Lettie Larson, Secy Bn [?] (Miss G. Chambers) & Emy J.

15 September 1918

Warm day Wrote dear Mum, Dad, Pat Mc., Secy Enfield Bn [?], Rafferty & Calver, & Emy J. 49th

& 51st Bns with Tommies on the right advanced their lines during daylight – about 30 prisoners

of 58th I.R. taken all told, all of whom were very pleased to be our prisoners. They say there are

plenty of their fellows only waiting an opportunity to give themselves up to us. Officers of 4 th &

12TH Bgdes up looking over during day as they are to relieve us tomorrow night, so that they can

attack on 18th[?] inst. 2 of our balloons brought down by a Hun aeroplanes during the day.

Rephorman [?] called

16 September 1918

Cooler day. Wrote dear Mum \(2)/ & Kate \also/ F Gill, Lettie Larsson, & Bert Hewish. A few

prisoners taken during early morning. Bgde relieved by 4th & 12th Bgdes at night, preparatory to

the stunt. Artillery moving up all day. Col. Ridley & Padre Walden called. Col. Ridley doing

D.A.Q.M.G. as Carter has gone to Hospital. Wrote dear old Sid & sent a paper to dear Dad

17 September 1918

Believe French & Serbs have broken through at Salonika & taken 3000 prisoners. Nice day, but

cooler than yesterday owing to early morning thunderstorms. Went round Bn. Transport lines &

then on to Div. with the General. Had tea at Div – Gen Rawlinson present. Lt Col. Whitham

returned from Aldershot to command 49th Bn. Enemy planes very active day and night (one

brought down at night) – evidently Huns have wind of coming stunt. Plenty of Transport on

roads at night & new batteries of guns arriving.

18 September 1918

Very cloudy day, though no rain until night time. Zero hour for attack on 3rd, 4th & a French Army

Front about 4.20 a.m. (5.20?) – all objectives taken but exploitation of blue line not properly

carried out, so blue line attacked with artillery barrage at 11 p.m. Prisoners from Div. front 67 Off

1689 O.R. & a few guns. 50th & 51st Bns moved to old front line at about 7 p.m. – 49th moved to

near Bgde Hdqrs 8 a.m. Enemy planes active – one balloon brought down. Bombing at night

until rain fell. Total prisoners \to about/ (3 p.m.) Corps front, (1st & 4th Div front) – 114 Off. 2642

men, 23 guns! Result 11 p.m attack – 13 Off 329 OR prisoners & several MG’s.

19 September 1918

Dull day with occasional showers. Saw Tom in morning wounded right breast & right arm, but

feeling O.K. He was hit yesterday with all his Bn Staff but carried on, his Bn. did remarkably well

capturing 12 5.9 guns & 2 77 cms, and about 400 prisoners. Cabled Dad through Bank of


Adelaide per Cpl Benefield, 51st Bn re Noel. Pongo Clarke arrived to act as I.O. during Jim

London’s absence.

20 September 1918

Fine day Div [?] is to be relieved tomorrow so I left at 3 p.m. for Div by car, & left there at 5.45

p.m. arriving at Amiens at 7.30 p.m staying there for dinner & then going on to Abbeville for

night – as billeting party for Bgde. Bartlett, Div C.C.with me. Most glorious ride in moonlight.

21 September 1918

Left Abbeville at 9.30 a.m. & arrived at Cavillon at about 11 a.m. Bartlett remained at Cavillon to

billet Div. Hdqrs., & I went on to Bovelles where I picked up sub-area Commandant, &

afterwards drove round the area: – Guigenemicourt [?] [possibly Guignicourt], Clairy, Ferrieres,

Saveuse, Ailly-sur-Somme & Dreuil-les-Amiens. – Plenty of room for men, but very little room

for Officers. Arrived back at Cavillon at about 2 p.m., had light lunch, then returned to Bovelles

sleeping night at Bovelles Chateau.

22 September 1918

Dull day with rain. Advanced parties from 49th, 50th, & 51st Bns, 13 T.M.B, & Bgde Hdqrs arrived,

also 13th Fld Amb. Went to Amiens for dinner with Capt Anderson, Q.M. 13th Fld. Amb., Bill

Carlton & Sub Area Comm, Bovelles, at night & returned at 9.30 p.m. Advanced party of 26 th

A.A.S.C. (Supply Section) arrived about 9.30 p.m. – evidently in wrong area, but put them up for

night in one of our billets.

23 September 1918

Fine day. Brigade Interpreter arrived at night. 50th Bn, brought down a Hun plane by Lewis Gun

fire on night 20th – all very pleased. Capt Louch appointed Brigade Major of 13 th Bgde.

24 September 1918

Bgde. arrived during afternoon. Capt Louch & Col. Christie left on leave to England. Gen

MacLagan, & Brand; Major Reg Norman, & several others did not come out, but were left

behind to assist the Yanks who are going in on our front. Good news through of push by Gen.

Allenby – 25,000 prisoners taken, 120 guns – Nazareth taken: Goodbye […]

25 September 1918

Fine day. Took over duties of Brigade Major whilst Louch is away on leave. Went to 50 th Bn.

with the General during the afternoon. Very sorry to learn of deaths of L/Cpls Bawden &

Bampton; two very fine fellows who’ve given their lives for Country – my sympathies are for their

loved ones. This Chateau is glorious – very pretty garden & grounds. From my window I can get

a clear view of Amiens & Villers Brettoneux.

26 September 1918

A year \ago/ tonight I was wounded – how I look back during the past 12 mos. & think of the

many dear lads who have passed away after fighting hard – God bless their loved ones. Round

Bns during afternoon with the General. C.O’s Conference at 10 a.m. Rcd letter from


Rufus. Palestine front – 40000 prisoners; Tiberas captured after stiff fighting & troops have

reached Es Samrar.

27 September 1918

Fine day. Played tennis in afternoon at on Chateau Court – quite enjoyable. Gen. & Conwell to

Div. during afternoon. Good news through of French & American push on 60 kilo front, 10000

prisoners. Rumor has it that Bulgaria asked for an Armistice, but that it was refused. Serles &

others doing O.K. on that front – British entered Bulgarian territory & occupied \captured/

Kosturino, 10 miles N.E. of Lake Doiran & are advancing towards Strumitsa.

28 September 1918

Changeable day – heavy shower during morning, threatening during afternoon. My promotion to

Tempy. Major out to date from 25th Septr. Called on 50th in morning. Good news through of

advances on practically all fronts.

29 September 1918

Dull day with occasional showers. Called on 49th in afternoon with G.O.C. Church Parade in

front of Chateau at 9.30 a.m. – Padre Walden. Brigade Signal School assembled at Aerodrome,

Bovelles.

30 September 1918

Wrote short note to Dad, also Teddy, dear Mum, and Kate. Called on 50 th in afternoon with the

General. Wet day – occasional showers and sunshine. Moved Bgde Signal School to a billet

close to Aerodrome owing to rain.

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1 October 1918

Nice fine day, slightly chilly at times. Very enjoyable games of tennis in afternoon with G.O.C.,

Lade, Churcher & Lec. Brig. Gen Leane & Capt Varley called during afternoon, & played tennis

with us. Saw 51st Bn. on route march during morning, & watched 49th Bn. training. Guest night at

Mess – Cols. Whitham & Worster [?], Majors Rowe & Fowler present also 51st Orchestra – very

enjoyable. Good news of Bulgaria giving in.

2 October 1918

Fine morning, dull afternoon, but played tennis. Called at 59th Bn during morning, also Brigade

School. Good news of French push east & west of Rheims. Since yesterday 21,000 prisoners

counted. Bulgarians handed over all ships & Railways – Turkey next I should say. Good-byee

Germany !!! Bridge at night with G.O.C. & others. Recd letter from Louch.

3 October 1918

Good games of tennis today. Wrote Tom, Mona & Brownie. Lovely fine day. Gen Maclagan

round during morning. Round to all Bns. during morning. Officers & N.C.O.’s from American

Mission returned on 2nd – Col. Salisbury & Lt. Hawker. Lt. J.H.Hill wounded when going over the


top with the Yanks. News of more scrapping round St Quentin by French & west of it by the

Australian’s 2nd Div. have had a hard scrap & yesterday took 21 Off 652 O.R prisoners. Tanks

reported blown up by (mines) land mines & whippets unable to cross all Hun trenches owing to

width.

4 October 1918

Dull day. Tennis in afternoon – very enjoyable. News through of Turkey giving in; everybody

quite excited about it. Austria in about 3 weeks time, I should say, then Goodbye to Germany.

Bridge at night with G.O.C., Bennett & the Interpreter. Saw 50 th, 51st, & T.B.M. on route march

during morning.

5 October 1918

Fine day Around inspecting 50th & 51st Bn Transports during morning, also 49th Bn on route

march. Went with G.O.C. to 50th & 51st Bn. Sports during afternoon, then back home for tennis.

Bridge at night.

6 October 1918

Dull day, but no rain. Write dear Dad. News through of Germany & Austria asking for an

Armistice – up them!!! Church Parade at 9.30 a.m. at Aerodrome. French lady called re having

been robbed of 15000 francs at Ferrieres last night – muster parade of 50th held & all strays

arrested in villages – enquiry to be held on 2 men of 50th – suspects.

7 October 1918

Around to 49th & 51st Bns during morning with the General – 51st Bn on ranges. Letter received

from Hughes through Div. re Greene’s case (50th Bn) – report called for. Col. Salisbury here for

lunch. Recommendations sent on for Brevet Lt. Col for Lt. Col. Whitham & Hon. Capt (& to be

Bn Mjr) for Tom Loutit. Enquiry at 10 a.m. on 50th suspects re robbery. General at dinner at

Division. Bridge afternoon & evening.

8 October 1918

Changeable day with occasional showers at night. At 49th Bn at 10 a.m. – met Gens. Birdwood

& MacLagan called & saw 49th, 51st & 50th C.O.’s respectively. Lecture 4 p.m. by Lt Garrett Ausn

Flying Corps. Bridge at night.

9 October 1918

Fair day – threatening at times, but fortunately no rain. Sports commenced at 11 a.m. with

athletic events & at 2 10 p.m. with equestrian. Very enjoyable day; my old Coy. horse “Winston”

(Dick) won the Flag Race. Nurses present from Abbeville & a few French folk. Lt. Sims to dinner

& bridge afterwards.

10 October 1918

Round to 49th & 51st Bns. during morning with the General. Col. Christie & Louch returned from

leave.


11 October 1918

Dull day but no rain. Round to 50th & 51st Bns. during morning with the General. Conference of

C.O.’s at 4 p.m. – Gen. Mac Lagan called. Bridge at night.

12 October 1918

G.O.C.’s 4th Div. inspection of Brigade cancelled; Bns. on route marches. Recd letters from dear

Mum (3), Kate, Dad, Bert Hewish, Mrs. Swift, Aunt Mary, and Toddy. Wrote dear Mum, Kate,

Dad, & Aunt Mary Campbell & sent souvenirs (Rheims Cathedral picture) to dear Mum. Heavy

rain in afternoon and during night.

13 October 1918

Dull day with light drizzle. Gen. Herring left by car in morning on leave: – Col. Witham (temp

comm. 4th Bgde) to come over & take charge. I left Bn. in afternoon for 50th Bn as Murray Fowler

is going on leave. Good news in paper of Peace talk and advances. Recd letters from Lily

McManus and little Brownie, also parcel from dear Mum, & breeches from the tailors.

14 October 1918

Route march in morning. Fine day. Padre Golt (attached temp. with Y.M.C.A.) entertained the

Bn. during afternoon – very enjoyable.

15 October 1918

My birthday – getting old. (24 yrs.) Dull day – heavy shower in morning. Brigade assembled on

Aerodrome \grounds/ near Bovelles in morning – Billy Hughes & and Party arrived about 11

a.m. – speech by Billy. President F.G.C.M. at 12.30p.m. (51st Bn. man). Major Fowler left on

leave.

Bridge at night with Sims, Hawker and Allan Crase

16 October 1918

Wrote Lily Mc. and Rafferty & Calver (enc. Cheque) Recd. letter from Mona & new diary from

dear Dad – O.K. Dull day, but no rain.

17 October 1918

Fine day. Bn. on route march during morning. Attended meeting at Bde re Sports at 10.30 a.m.

– remained to lunch. Rcd letters from dear Dad & Joyce Johnston. Meeting Educational

Committee at 7.30 a.m.

18 October 1918

Fine day. Got tooth filled in afternoon. Good news through of capture of Lille, Douai, & Ostend.

Bridge at night with Crase, Harding & Sims. Sports meeting at 5.30 p.m. Recd 1919 diary from

dear Dad – O.K.

19 October 1918

Fine day; heavy fog during early morning. Football in afternoon “A” Team V “B” Team. Good

news through of occupation of Tourcoing & Roubaix.


20 October 1918

Dull day with occasional light showers Church Parade & Holy Communion in morning. Wrote

dear Mum, & Kate, & Dad, also Joyce Johnston. More good news through. Huns have

evacuated the whole of the Flanders coast, & we now occupy it.

21 October 1918

Dull day. Lovely moonlight night. Bn. route march with Transport during morning. Bridge at

night. Wrote Tom Loutit.

22 October 1918

Fine day. Doing Brigade Canteen Audit during morning. Visited Coys. at work in afternoon with

C.O. Dined with “B” Coy – most enjoyable night. Recd letter from Murray Fowler.

23 October 1918

Fine day. Bn. road race – 4½ miles – in afternoon; 15 entries per Platoon – won by No 8

Platoon, “B” Coy. highest aggregate points. Winner Pte Quigley (of Prospect) “B” Coy. 2nd Pte

Wilson, P.H. “D” Coy. Am getting very fat & have had to get my tunic let out – and this is war!!!

24 October 1918

Fine day – cold at night. Conference of Bgde, Bn, & Coy. Commdrs of Division at Aerodrome at

Bovelles from 10.15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Training. Director of Training, G.H.Q., present, & gave

demonstrations: – very interesting.

25 October 1918

Our F.G.C’s M. from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bde Boxing tournament during

afternoon – very good. Lt Slee (50th) V Lt Earl (51st) was won by Slee.

26 October 1918

Dull day. Football in afternoon: –

51st Bn 7 goals 6 behinds

50th “ 4 “ 6 “

Jim London arrived back at Brigade.

27 October 27 1918

Dull day. Church Parade (Padre Walden) 11 a.m. Bridge during afternoon. Gen. Herring

returned from leave.

28 October 1918

Bn route march during morning. Out with C.O. & Coy. Commdrs in afternoon reconnoitring

ground for Bn. Attack scheme tomorrow. Up till 12 mid. writing out Orders & Instructions.


29 October 1918

Bn. Attack scheme between Guignemicourt & Bovelles during morning. G.O.C. Bde present. –

fair. All Officers & N.C.O’s out in afternoon going over attack again in skeleton formation. Sent

Xmas Cards issued to men of Bn. to dear Mum, Kate, Dad & Sid.

30 October 1918

C.O. left for Camiers M.G. school and \so/ I took over command of the Bn. Capt. Wilson left for

Australian furlough. Bn. Parade in afternoon as practice for tomorrow – turnout good.Bgde

lecture (Off & N.C.O.’s) at Guignemicourt at 3 p.m. on “Artillery.”

31 October 1918

Brigade formed up on 49th Bn parade ground between Guignemicourt & Clairy at 10 a.m. &

were inspected by Gen. MacLagan, G.O.C. 4th Aust. Div. Verdict on 50th Bn – “very satisfactory”

March past at conclusion of inspection. Football in afternoon “A” V “B” Team.

[two blank pages]

1 November 1918

Lovely fine sunny day. Round Coys. on parade during morning. Lt. Sims left on U.K. leave. Recd

letters from dear Mum, Kate, Dad & Pat. Major Fowler returned from U.K. leave.

2 November 1918

Dull day with light sprinkle during morning. Whole Austn. Corps searching country between 9

a.m. & 1 p.m. for absentees; 50th Bn scouring Bovelles sub-area. Left Bn at Ferrieres at 1 p.m.,

catching train from Amiens for Boulogne at about 4.45 p.m.

3 November 1918

Arrived Boulogne 12.30 a.m. – slept at Hotel Bouvre. Caught leave boat at 10.30 a.m. arriving

Folkestone about 12.15 p.m.& London at about 3 p.m. Dinner at A.I.F Club with Bill Stewart, Bill

McCann & others. Staying at Jermyn Court Hotel.

4 November 1918

Met Bill Sims at Regents & Tom at A.I.F. Club. “Tails Up” in afternoon, and “Big Boys in

Broadway” at night – both very good.

5 November 1918

Fine day. Lunch at “Cavour” with Bill Sims. Dinner with Lal & Doris Swaffer at Regents. Called

on Rufus Rudall at night at his house.

6 November 1918

Lunch at Cavour with Rufus Rudall & Harry Thomson & Simmo. “Maid of the Mountains” at night

with Bill Sims.


7 November 1918

Tom arrived about 10 a.m. from Welwyn. [?] Round City in morning. News of Peace through –

great excitement, but only a rumor. Alhambra at night, “Big Boys on Broadway,” with Tom & Bill

Sims. Met George Robey at Cavour & after show in his dressing room.

8 November 1918

Dull day with light showers during the morning. “Box of Tricks” in afternoon with Tom & Simmo,

& “The Lilac Domino” at night with Simmo. Called on The Countess of Harrowby in morning, &

arranged for a few days in Scotland. Wrote dear Mum.

9 November 1918

Left Jermyn Court in morning & took my things of to Bill Sim’s Room at Regents Palace. Caught

10.15 p.m. train to Edinburgh (train – “Flying Scotsman” or was in Peace time). Slept some of

journey.

10 November 1918

Arrived Edinburgh about 8 a.m. & took rooms at Caledonian Hotel. Met Johnston, late Supt. [?]

Public Bldgs Office. Drove round Edinburgh during morning, & out to Forth Bridge in afternoon,

& saw part of fleet – very interesting.

11 November 11 1918

Left Edinburgh by 9.50 a.m. train arriving at Nairn at 5.18 p.m. very interesting journey up

amongst the mountains, on Snow on some mountain tops. Light rain during afternoon. Arrived

at Mrs Blanes at about 5.30 p.m had tea, changed, & dinner at 8 p.m. Very nice place. Word

through of Armistice being signed – great rejoicing – lit bonfire at Mrs Blanes – school children

present.

12 November 1918

Round village during morning and watched fishing boats arriving back from mornings fishing –

good catches – very interesting. Golf in afternoon – Simmo & I V Lt Osman & Miss Stevens.

Simmo & I won by 2 holes – very enjoyable. A few of Mrs Blane’s friends to dinner – dancing &

parlor games followed – very enjoyable.

13 November 1918

Fine day. Golf in morning with Simmo and Osman. Drove to Cawdray Castle in afternoon with

Misses Blane and Stevens, & had a good look over the place – very interesting. Dinner at Miss

Wilkie’s, followed by parlor games – very enjoyable. Wrote dear Mum & Kate.

14 November 1918

Golfing during morning. Left Allton Down & caught 2.32 p.m. train for London. Fair journey

down. Sorry to leave healthy Scotland.


15 November 1918

Arrived Euston Station at about 10 a.m. – train 2 hrs. late. Booked rooms at Regents Palace

Hotel. Met Tom. Dinner at night with George Robey, Simmo & Tom, after which had front row

centre seats for “Bing Boys” – glorious time Saw George afterwards. Crowds very merry in

streets at night owing to Armistice.

16 November 1918

With Tom & Simmo during morning; called on Mrs. Herring. Met little Brownie & Fiskie at

Regents, in afternoon, & took them to “Shanghai” at night. Met Harry Seager over our Transport

Duty. Crowds very merry again at night..

17 November 1918

Left Charing Cross Station by Staff train at 11.35 a.m. arriving at Folkestone at about 1.45 p.m.

Boat left at 2.30 p.m. arriving at Boulogne at about 4.15 p.m. Fairly cold rough trip. Met Simmo

at \Hotel/ Louvre, where we stayed the night.

18 November 1918

Caught train at 7.30 a.m. arriving at Fresnay at about 2.30 5 a.m. 19th Train journey very slow

and tiresome as usual.

19 November 1918

Arrived outside Fresnay at about 2.30 a.m. & pulled into station at 5 a.m. Arrived Bde Hdqrs at

5.30 a.m. & slept till 8 a.m. Took over position of Bde Major as Capt Louch is away on leave.

Round Bns. during morning & to 50th in afternoon.

20 November 1918

Sunshine during morning – heavy fog during afternoon – moonlight at night. Orders out at night

for tomorrows move. Wrote dear Mum, Kate, Sid, Mrs. Blane, Countess Harrowby, Pat

Mc.Manus, Joyce Johnston, Gladys Chambers, also sent several Xmas Cards around.

21 November 1918

Bdge group left Fresnay at 7.30 a.m. – 49th, Pioneers & Fld. Amb. to Maurois, balance to St

Souplet – St Souplet party arrived at about 12.30 p.m. marching very good. Trouble with mens

feet owing to issue of new boots. Called on 49th, Pioneers & Fld Amb. in afternoon with G.O.C.

22 November 1918

Fine day. Bde Group left Starting Point, about 1 mile north of St Benin at 10 a.m. – last unit

passed at 12.15 p.m. Midday meal on route. Last unit arrived Favril at 5.45 p.m. – long march,

but well done.

23 November 1918

Brigade group left Favril at 9 a.m. – last unit passing Starting Point at 10.30 a.m. All units

arrived at destination by 12.45 p.m. Pioneers & Fld Amb in Le Petit Fayt, & balance of group in

Le Grand Fayt. Capt Louch, Brigade Major, returned from leave at 11 p.m.


24 November 1918

Fine day, but becoming \colder;/ cloudy at night. Gen MacLagan, 4th Div Commdr, left on leave;

Gen. Leane, G.O.C. 12th Bde to Div; Lt Col Witham C.O. 49th Bn to 12th Bde; &I went to 49th as

Tempy. in Command.

25 November 1918

Battn. left Le Gd Fayt at 9.45 a.m. arriving at Sains (12 mls away) at 4 p.m. with 1 hrs. halt for

lunch on the route. Dull day with light mist. Roads – fair. Wrote dear Mum & Dad.

26 November 1918

Bn left Sains at 10 a.m. arriving at Sivry (just over Belgian Border) at about 3.45 p.m. – midday

meal on road. Wrote Bunny. Dull day, but not so cold as Yesterday. Evidence all along the route

of a hasty & disorganised General retreat. Transport, guns ammunition &c on the roadsides.

Sivry was evacuated by the Huns after the Armistice was signed.

27 November 1918

Dull day with light mist. Bn. resting all day, and men cleaning up generally. Understand we are

not going to Germany as Huns are carrying out Armistice terms to the letter, and we therefore

do not want too many Divisions in occupation. Wrote Rafferty & Calver, & Simpson & Edwards.

also dear Kate.

28 November 1918

Dull day with light occasional \showers/. Inspection parades during morning. Conferences of

C.O’s at Bde Hdqrs at 4 p.m. re Demobilisation.

29 November 1918

Dull morning but brighter in afternoon. Gen Herring called in morning, and Col. Whitham in

afternoon. Wrote Sid.

30 November 1918

Dull day. Gen. Herring called in after \morning./ Football (Rugby) in afternoon – 49th V Pioneer

Bn. Result 49th 15 points, Pioneers 3 – a lovely game, though I didn’t understand it. Recd letters

from dear Mum, Kate (2), Dad, Girlie, Emy, Joyce, & Aunt Nell, & Peggy.

1 December 1918

Fine sunny day. Lovely ride during afternoon through neighbouring wood. Wood said to be

infested with wild pigs, so an Officers’ party went out with rifles – result, no pigs. Wrote dear

Mum, Aunt Nell, and Claude Morlet.

2 December 1918

Fine day. Had Bn. on parade in morning – very good. Gave Padre Walden order for Bn. Xmas

dinner (850 men) 400 lbs tinned fruit, 250 lbs pudding, 100 lbs onions, 2000 pints beer, 150 lbs

Ham, 750 lbs potatoes, 250 lbs nuts, 100 lbs raisins, 400 lbs flour, and jelly & custard powders

– I hope we get them, as the boys deserve a good time. Wrote dear Mum, Kate & Dad.


Celebrations at night in mess – birthday of Doc. Crisp & Q.M. Cadell, & departure on Australian

furlough of McDougall (T.O.) (49th Bn) & Capt Pattrick (51st.)

3 December 1918

Dull day with light rain. A.B & D Coys refused to turn out on parade in morning on pretence of

shortness of rations. Complaint not justified, as rations O.K. Believe matter is a reaction after so

much line work, but is led by Suspended sentence men & latest arrivals from the Base. Slight

trouble in 50th Bn as well, so I believe. Wrote Eugenie Scott.

4 December 1918

Dull day. Bn. parade at 9.15 a.m. – spoke to men about “rotten” performance yesterday. Bn. on

fatigue during morning salvaging area, Wrote Emy & Peggy. Bridge at night. 2/Lieut Vardan, Bn.

Educational Officer, arrived back from Cambridge.

5 December 1918

Fine sunny day. Bn. parade in morning, followed by Coy. route marches. G.O.C. & Bde Major

called during morning. John Hill called during afternoon. Recd papers from W.L.Ware & home.

6 December 1918

Fine sunny day again; rather extraordinary weather for December. Capt \C.E.W./ Bean called

during morning & remained to lunch. Wrote Girlie & Joyce.

7 December 1918

Fine morning, dull afternoon. Soccer in afternoon 49th V 51st Bn. result 49 Bn. 1 goal to NIL.

Good evening at bridge.

8 December 1918

Fine day. Dance in Hotel Communale at night, but did not go. Recd letters from dear Dad, Mum,

Kate, Dolly Gurner, Girlie, Mattie (also photo), FGill, W.L.Ware, Jeanne, & Mr. Crossman, also

papers.

9 December 1918

Dull day with light showers during early morning. Football (Rugby) in afternoon – “A” V “B” Team

– result “B” 9 points “A” 3. Attended show given by 1st Div. “Sentimental Blokes” in Hotel

Communale in evening – very good.

10 December 1918

Dull day with light rain in afternoon. Wrote dear Mum & Mr. Ware. Soccer in afternoon against

1st M.G. Coy – result, 49th Bn 2 goals to Nil. Bn route march during morning.

11 December 1918

Dull day with occasional light showers. Gen. Herring round during morning. Sent Xmas cards to

Mrs Ware, Pattie King, & Tom Loutit. Recd card from Jack Pike.


12 December 1918

Dull day with light showers. Went to 12th Bde “Aussies” in afternoon – good show. Bed early

owing to tomorrow’s move.

13 December 1918

Dull day with light showers during the morning.Bn. left SIVRY at 9.30 a.m. arriving at

SILENRIEUX at 3.30 p.m., halting between 12 noon & 1 p.m. for lunch. Good marching:

distance 13 miles. Silenrieux has been partially burned down by the Huns, therefore men are

rather crowded in the billets.

14 December 1918

Dull day with light showers during afternoon. Bn. left Silenrieux at 9.30 a.m. arriving at

Florennes at about 2.45 p.m – midday meal on road.

Florrennes very nice place, – billets very good. Recd letters from Tom Loutit & Claude Morley.

15 December 1918

Bn. left Florrennes at 8.a.m. arriving at Gerin at about 1.50 a.m. – midday halt for 1 hr. on road.

Gerin very nice cosy little village – billets very good. Roads very muddy, but men marching well.

16 December 1918

Bn. left Gerin at 9 a.m. arriving at Dinant at about 11 a.m. – light showers during march. Billets

very good & will improve as we settle down. Dinant is a very pretty place, but about ⅓rd has

been burnt down by the Huns. Several inhabitants shot in square by Huns here – one notice

says 243, but there are several more in other places.

17 December 1918

Dull day with light rain. Col. Whitham called on his way to report to London on Demobilisation

Staff – A.I.F. representative at G.H.Q. G.O.C. round during afternoon, also the Bde. Major.

18 December 1918

Dull day with showers. Riding during afternoon morning to select a parade ground. Good night

at Dinant. at Red letters from dear Mum, Kate, Dad, Sid, Ted Price, Mabel Carpenter, Maudie,

Lettie Larsson, & Joyce. Wrote Pope & Bradley & Tom.

19 December 1918

Light showers during morning. Prince of Wales at Bde. During afternoon – 49th Bn 2 p.m. I

showed him round billets &c. All inhabitants turned out. Had a very interesting time taking him

round & rather enjoyed the privilege. Recd camera from Kodaks.

20 December 1918

Wrote Joyce Johnstone, Lettie Larsson & Maudie Dull day with showers. Guest night at mess –

a Belgian to dinner, supposed to be a pro-German or some such article. He’s making himself “a

good fellow”, so we have decided to let him, but it’s all at his expense.


21 December 1918

Dull day. King Albert of Belgium visited Dinant during morning & I succeeded in getting 3 good

snaps of him, but light was bad. Once after snapping him, he past me, & asked, “I wish you’d

take my photo”, & I said I would “if he’d stand for me”, but just then a civilian was brought up

and introduced to him – still I got him again later. Wrote dear Mum, Dad, Kate, Ted Price, Mrs.

Payne & Joyce Johnston, & sent copy of English monks letter on German occupation of Dinant

in Aug 1914 to Dad.

22 December 1918

Dull day. Bn Church Parade 9.30 a.m. Went for lovely ride during afternoon to Houx – lovely

scenery. At Club at night. A Private of Bn. coming home with a friend (both quite sober) at 9

p.m. fell into locks of Meuse – friend jumped in after him, but unable to save man, who was

drowned.

23 December 1918

Body of Private dragged for and secured this morning. Court of Enquiry held on matter. Rotten

luck. Dull day. Sent copies of English monk’s letter to his Mother in England (written Sep. 1914

about German atrocities) to Dad, W.L. Ware, & T. Loutit. Wrote dear old Sid, Dolly Gurner, &

sent stamps to dear Dad.

24 December 1918

Lovely fine day – first since we’ve been here. Went for a ride to Walzin Chateau in afternoon.

Chateau built on a cliff alongside the river, & is very pretty. Good night at Mess. Recd. letter

from Lily McManus, & Peggy.

25 December 1918

A Merry Christmas to all at home is my wish of to day. I trust next Xmas I shall be home again.

Men’s Xmas dinner went off well – Sgts. & Officers did the waiting, & all Bn. accommodated at

tables, 2 Coys at a time. Lovely fine day. Wrote Girlie, F. Gill, & Lily McManus.Good Xmas

Dinner at night – all O.K. Recd lovely parcel from Aunt Nell.

26 December 1918

Dull day, but no rain. Gen. Glasgow at Bde. for lunch, so went over with Bert Rowe (Lt Col,

50th). At 50th during afternoon. Wrote Aunt Nell, Secy Lodge St Andrew, Townsville, & sent

Anzac Bulletin to dear Dad.

27 December 1918

Dull day with light showers during afternoon. G.O.C. called during morning.

28 December 1918

Dull day with showers. Called on Bert Rowe in afternoon; he in bed with the “flu”. Down village

at night. Sent panorama to dear Mum.


29 December 1918

Dull day with light occasional showers – am wondering if the sun ever shines in these parts.

Walked through Dinant during afternoon; 49th Bn. Band playing in square. Lt. Col. Bert Rowe left

on 75 days U.K. leave. Recd lovely parcel from dear Mum.

30 December 1918

Not as dull today – a few moments of sunshine occasionally. G.O.C. & B.M. over during

morning. Went to see Fort of Dinant and Caves nearby in afternoon – very interesting, but a

very tiresome journey. 408 steps up to Fort, but fortunately we went up another way & came

down the steps. 3000 French & 5 English were prisoners in the Fort when Armistice was signed

& were released by the Huns, (150 on guard) who broke up their (the Huns) rifles & got away.

31 December 1918

Dull day with occasional sunshine. Tom Loutit over during afternoon. Summary of Evidence in

case Lieut T. Chilton taken in afternoon. Celebrated the New Year, in ours & 50th Bn. Messes

\Supper at 50th at 11 p.m./ at 50th when old Year went out – very enjoyable. Thoughts of Home

& dear Mum & Dad, may my next New Year be spent with them.

[the next 14 pages are blank]

1

Addresses

Name Address

Miss M.Adey 7 St Stephens Road, Bayswater, London, W.

“ M. Ledwidge 13 Stonor Road, W. Kensington, London, W. Phone. Victoria 8290, Ext

119.

“ Swaffer. 47 Elgin Mansions, Maida Vale.

“ Ida Wood. {36 Nottingham Place, London, W.1.

{30 Montpelier Gardens, East Ham, London, E.6.

Paul Guillemin. 8 Rue Mazieres, Beaune, Cote T’or, France.

Madame Malfait. 5 Rue de la Rade, Le Treport, France.

Sister P. King. No 3 Ausn Gen. France, A.I.F, France.

Miss Ethel N. Lewis. C/o Bagots, Adelaide.

Jack Turner (No 2172) “B” Sec., M.G. Sec, 3rd L.H. Bgde, A.I.F., Egypt.

Lily McManus. 36th Gen. Hospital, Mohamydia [Poss. Mohammedia, Morocco] E.E.F.,

A.I.F.

Mrs Mary Massam. Wyberton Street, \Wyberton Vale/ Beaudesert, Queensland.

Lieut W. White 2 M.G. Squadron, Cavalry Corps, B.E.F.

Capt M Gore. Ströhen, den (Krus Sulinger) Offizier, – Gefan\gen/elager, Germany.

Marion Henderson. “Edinbow” Cr.Watson & Victoria Av, Rose Park.

Gunner J. Kaines. 104th Batty. 22nd Howitzer Bdge, 2nd Ausn . Div.

19728

Spr. K.P. Phillips. 16th Reinf., 5th Div. Sig Coy of Eng., A.I.F.


Miss H.K. Moule Wagin, Western Australia.

Miss Frances Carrdus 8 Great Russell St. London W.C.1.

Miss L. Lawes 11 Auriol Mansions, West Kensington.

{Holywell House, Coker, Somerset, England

{29 Studdridge St, Henbingham S.W.6.

W.P. Hoggarth Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Mrs. A.C. Somerville Myall Avenue, Kensington Gardens

(Jeanne)

Name Address

Mrs. Minna Bidstrup Raglan Street, Dalesford, Victoria.

Rev. Jose North Adelaide, South Australia.

H.J. Armitage Millicent, South Australia.

Capt. D.L. Todd British Prisoner of War, C/o G.P.O.

Offizier – Gefangenenlager, Holymendier, Brunswick, Germany.

Nurse Mabel Browne The Park Hospital, Hither Green, Lewisham, London S.E.13

(Phone Lee Green 753)

L/Cpl T.W. Dalwood 27th Bn., A.I.F.

Major Wm Foulis {1/5th H.L.I.

{2 Montgomerie Quadrant, Kelvinside, Glasgow.

Miss Mab. Surman. ! Lettice St., Munston Road, Parsons Green London, S.W.

(Phone Lee Green 753)

F.E. Chapman “A” Coy, No 4 Officer Cadet Bn., New College, Oxford.

Fred S. Slee Magdalen College, Oxford.

J.W. Thompson Walker 30 Queen Anne St, London, W.

Dr. Henry Braund. 39 Harley St, London. (Mayfair 4436) (Sid Walker)

T.A. Francis Crown Chambers, 59/60 Jermyn St. St James, London, S.W.1.

Telegraphic Address. “Enjoyed”, London. Phone Gerrard 5738/9.

Dick Wilton. C/o Eng. in Chiefs Dept, Adelaide.

Ted Price Hawthorn, South Australia.

Rafferty & Calver. Tailors &c, 79 Coleman St, London Wall, E.C.

Rufus Rudall 41 Eccleston Square, S.W.1.

Dr E.R. Campbell Moona, Westralia.

Pope & Bradley. Tailors &c, 11 Southhampton Row, London, W.C.

[the next 2 pages are blank]

3

Letters

Jan Feb Mch Apl May June July

Mum. 6,11,13,26,31; 3, 19; 2,8,9,15,21,28; 8,18,29; 7,22,29; 22, 5,18,20,24;

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

8,14,29; 15,16,16 30; 12,20,29; 8,13,20,25; 1,2,10,21,


Jan. Feb. Mch Cable Apl May Jne July Aug Cable Sep

Father. 6,26 31; 2,19,21; 15, 27, 29; 8,20; 5,22,29; 19, 4,6,20 14, 20; 2,15,30,

Oct Nov Dec

6,12,20,29; 25; 2,21,

Jan Feb Mch Apl May June July Aug Sep

Kate. 6,11,26; 1,19,25; 2,8,9,29; 11,18; 5,22,29; 22, 4,6,17,25; 8,14,29 12,16,30,

Nov Dec

12,20,29; 13,20,27; 2,21,

Sid. Jan Mch Apl May July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

6,27;16,30; 19; 29, 6 15, 9,16; 29; 29, 23

Jan Mch Apl May July Sep Dec

F. Gill. 6,20; 10; 11; 29, 6; 16, 25,

Jan Mch May June

Paul G. 7,27 2; 4,29; 30;

Jan Apl May July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Emy & Joyce. 27; 11,21; 29; 4; 14; 15; 20; 20; 4,6,20,21,

Jan Mch May Oct

Mona. 6; 30; 5, 3,

Jan June July Nov Dec

Jeanne L. & […] 8, 2, 4,6, 20 3,

Mch Apl May Aug Septr

Mrs. & Mattie B. 20; 11; 29; 2; 2;

Jan Feb June

Ida Wood. 6,8,11,18; 19,25,28 3,

Jan

Pattie King. 7;

Jan Dec

Ted Price. 8; 21,

Jan May June July

Lilian Lawes. 8; 22; 30; 31;

Jan Apl Oct

Tom Loutit. 11; 8; 3;21

Jan

W.T.Turner. 11;

Jan

A.C. Crapp. 11;

3

Outwards.

Mattie Adney. Jan Mch June

11; 30; 3, 30;


Ethel Lewis Jan

20;

Maudie Harris & Pat Mc. Jan July Aug Sep Dec

20; 6, 14; 15, 20,

Aunt Nell & Mollie Jan July Decr

24: 20; 1, 26,

E.M. Inglis. Jan

24:

M & Iris G. Jan Feb July

27; 21; 6,

Girlie & Aunt Ada. Jan Feb July Dec

27; 19; 6,18; 6,25,

W.L. & Mrs. Ware. Jan Feb May July Dec

27; 21; 22: 6, 10,

Lily McManus. Feb Oct Dec

18; 16; 25;

Capt Todd. Feb Apl July Sep

21; 15; 31; 30;

Lettie Larsson. Feb Apl July Sep Dec

21; 11; 18, 16, 22,

Nurse M. Browne Mch Apl May June Octr

28; 8; 5; 3, 3,

Mab. Surman Apl June

8: 3,

Letters Outwards 4

Wm. Foulis May Sep

7, 9,

Letters Inwards

Mum

Octr 25. Nov 1, 21 26 Dec 12, 27 Jan 6, 24, Feby 15, 21 Mch 7, 25 Apl 4 May 6, 20, 2

June 12, June 20 July 11, 21 Aug 5, 17 Septr 11 16 Oct 15

Father.

Octr 25, 31 Novr 10, 23, 27 Decr 13, 21 Jan 10, 24 Feby 2, 14, 22, Mch 1, 26 Apl 18, 4 May 3,

10 June 12, 21 July 6,12,26 Aug 17, 23, 31 Sep 26 Oct 24.

Kate.

Octr 15 Nov 2, 18 Dec 2, 9, 23, 28 Jan 11, 27 Feb 3 Mch 24, 19 Apl 15, 4, 28 May 8, 12, 22,

June 2, 12, 21 July 7, 11, 27 Aug 12 Sep 2, 12 16, Oct 6

Sid.

Septr 5 Octr 3 Decr 4 Jany 16, 31 May 24 April 22 Aug 7.


“If a battle has been won by one sort of stratagem”, don’t repeat it”. Chinese War Book

6

The wife of a Methodist Minister in West Virginia has been married three times. Her maiden

name was Partridge, her first husband was named Robins, her second husband, Sparrow, the

present Quale. There are now two young Robins, one Sparrow and three Quales in the family.

One grandfather was a Swan, and another a Jay, but he’s dead now, and a Bird of Paradise.

They live on Hawk Avenue, Eagleville, Canary Island, and the fellow who wrote this is a Lyre

and a relative of the family.

E.R.Evans. 460 francs = 17.12.8

3 notes 3

₤20.12.8.

Bank a/c

Date Dr. Cr. Balance

17/ 6/18 30. – . –

5/ 6/18 cheques 2. –

17/ 6/18 stamps 1d

25/ 6/18 11. – .2

20/ 7/18 Popes 4.10. –

(Tom Loutit)

22/ 7/18 Westall 14. –

31/ 8/18 300 11. 8. 2 11.8.2

24/ 9/18 Cable 3. – 44.2.3

26/10/18 Rafferty 5. 6. 5

6/11/18 Self 15. – . –

9/11/18 Jermyn Court 4.13.5

15/11/18 Self 12. –. –

22/11/18 3.16.6 (100 francs)

29/11/18 Kodak 2. 2. 6 8.14.5

24/12/18 A.I.F. Hdqrs 21. – . – 29.14.5

17/12/18 Rafferty 3/19/ 4 26.15.1

3/1/19 Pope & Bradley 5. 8. 6 20.6.7

To new Diary Fo. 123.

[rear fly leaf by red rubber stamp]

CAPTAIN

STAFF CAPTAIN. 13th AUST. INFY. BRIGADE

MAJOR.

BRIGADE MAJOR 13th AUST. INF. BRIGADE

prg 1159/1/3 captain james churchill-smith diary 1918 … · · 2014-05-29prg 1159/1/3 captain...

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