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Print_MC_Pocket Diary 1916
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Pt_ E . F S[]hs_
Di[ry of 1916
Regimental number
4866
Religion
Church of England
D.O.B
13 February, 1987
Occupation
Seaman
Address
33 Princes Street, Millers Point, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital status
Single
Age at embarkation
27
Next of kin
Sister, Mrs E Stacey, 59 Hafton Road, Catford ENGLAND
Enlistment date
23 August 1915
Rank on enlistment
Private
Unit name
1st Battalion, 15th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation
Roll no: 23/18/4
Embarkation Details
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, onboard H.M.A.T A15 Star Of England on 8 March 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll
Private
Unit from Nominal Roll
53rd Battalion
Fate
Wounded in action, Gas Keratitis. 18 April 1918
Returned to Australia
Aboard H.M.A.T Devanho, 8 May 1919
Disembarkation details
Put off in Fremantle WA, Hospitalised with Pneumonia, 15 July 1919 Sent to Sydney 6 weeks later
Discharged from AIF
10 November 1919
Awarded
Awarded 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Passed away
7 March 1955 Aged 68 yo
j[nu[ry 1916 1 Sat
Admitted to Hawksbury Hospital
2 Sun
Hawksbury Hospital
3 Mon
Hawksbury Hospital
4 Tue
Hawksbury Hospital
5 Wed
Hawksbury Hospital
6 Thu
Hawksbury Hospital
7 Fri
Hawksbury Hospital
8 Sat
Hawksbury Hospital
9 Sun
Hawksbury Hospital
10 Mon
Hawksbury Hospital
11 Tue
Hawksbury Hospital
12 Wed
Admitted to Hawksbury Hospital.
13 Thu
Hawksbury Hospital
J@NU@RY 1916 14 Fri
Hawksbury Hospital
15 Sat
Hawksbury Hospital
16 Sun
Hawksbury Hospital
17 Mon
Hawksbury Hospital
18 Tue
Discharged from Hawksbury Hospital
19 Wed
Arrived Liverpool transferred to” A” Co 1st Batt. Gave me 7 hours leave
20 Thu
At Liverpool
21 Fri
Liverpool Inoculated for 3rd time
22 Sat
Liverpool General leave till midnight Sunday
23 Sun
At home
24 Mon
Liverpool Hut Guard all day
25 Tue
Liverpool Sydney Piquet
26 Wed
Public Holiday General leave went to the races
j[nu[ry / f_\ru[ry 1916 27 Thu
Liverpool Main Guard
28 Fri
Liverpool Main Guard
29 Sat
Liverpool Main Guard
30 Sun
Liverpool Main Guard
31 Mon
Liverpool Pay Day
1 Tue
Liverpool Sydney Picquet
2 Wed
Liverpool
3 Thu
Liverpool
4 Fri
Liverpool
5 Sat
Liverpool General leave
6 Sun
At home , Wrote to Gregra * friends on Farm in Regional NSW
7 Mon
Liverpool Town Picquet
8 Tue
Liverpool
FEBRU@RY 1916 9 Wed
Liverpool Hut Guard
10 Thu
Liverpool Theatre Party “Under Fire”
11 Fri
Liverpool Wet day, no parade
12 Sat
Liverpool General Leave
13 Sun
At Home
14 Mon
Liverpool trip to Hawksbury riot started in Camp
15 Tue
Liverpool, drill as usual
16 Wed
Liverpool Battle practice
17 Thu
Liverpool Route March
18 Fri
Liverpool Leave until Saturday midnight
19 Sat
At Home
20 Sun
Quarter Guard
21 Mon
Liverpool Route march.
f_\ru[ry / m[r]h 1916 22 Tue
Liverpool Route march.
23 Wed
Liverpool Route march to Cow Pastures.
24 Thu
Skirmishing all day, Sentry duty all night
25 Fri
Marched back to Liverpool arrived at 2.45pm. Theatre party at Her Majesty’s, “Dorothy Bunting.” Presented Battalion with Colours, play to Long Jetty. Colours Black and Green
26 Sat
General leave until midnight Sunday night
27 Sun
At Home
28 Mon
Liverpool
29 Tue
Liverpool Pay Day.
1 Wed
Liverpool
2 Thu
Liverpool Kit Inspection
3 Fri
Liverpool Duty Company 2w Guard
4 Sat
General leave
5 Sun
At home
m[r]h 1916 Liverpool, Drill as usual.
7 Tue
Liverpool wet all day preparing for embarkation. Left Liverpool for Showgrounds
8 Wed
Left Showgrounds for transport “Star of Scotland” Left Wharf at 8.30am for anchorage, left harbour 4.00pm rough weather outside all the boys sick. Allotment 4 shillings Deferred 1 shilling
9 Thu
At sea weather moderating, a lot of the boys are begging to get their sea legs. All well Allotment 4/- Deferred 1/-
10 Fri
At sea, weather moderate, left Australian land this morning. Allotment 4/Deferred 1/-
11 Sat
At sea weather fine. All the boys are eating like horses myself included. Passed a four mast sailing ship, no signals exchanged. Allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
12 Sun
At sea weather fine Church parade allotment 4/-deferred 1/-
13 Mon
At sea weather fine allotment 4/-deferred 1/-
14 Tue
At sea weather fine inoculated fourth time allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
15 Wed
At sea weather fine. Wrote home to Sydney allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
16 Thu
At sea weather fine allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
17 Fri
At sea weather fine Pay day allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
18 Sat
At sea weather fine, getting hotter. Sports held in the afternoon allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
m[r]h 1916 19 Sun
At sea weather fine. Church parade as usual. Allotment 4/- deferred 1/-
20 Mon
At sea weather fine getting very hot
21 Tue
At sea weather fine inoculated again for the last time. Wrote to Maud
22 Wed
At sea fine weather Company on duty
23 Thu
At sea, weather fine, General medical inspection
24 Fri
At sea, weather fine,
25 Sat
At sea weather fine 6.oopm arrived Colombo
26 Sun
At Colombo left ship 7.30 am for route march. Marched through the principal parts of the town were entertained at the barracks by the Garrison men. Returned to ship 12.00 o’clock very hot all day. Suffering, from the effects, of the sun.
27 Mon
At Colombo all hands went ashore. Left harbour 5.00pm anchored outside waiting for men to come aboard
28 Tue
At sea weather fine all well
29 Wed
At sea fine weather
30 Thu
At sea fine weather, Pay Day
31 Fri
At sea fine weather. Mumps very prevalent on board
[pril 1916 1 Sat
At sea, weather fine
2 Sun
At sea, weather fine. Church parade in the afternoon. Company isolated on account of the mumps
3 Mon
At sea weather fine. Inspection by the OC of troops Wrote home wrote Sydney
4 Tue
At sea weather fine nearing Aden
5 Wed
At sea, weather fine
6 Thu
At sea, weather fine
7 Fri
At sea, weather fine
8 Sat
At sea weather fine. Preparing to land
9 Sun
Arrived in Suez 6.00am dropped anchor. Waiting orders proceeding through to Port Said. 6.10pm hove up anchor then through the Suez Canal
10 Mon
10.00am arrived Port Said waiting to disembark, orders came to proceed to Alexandria, mounting guns on afterdeck. Orders are that we are to land in the morning instead of going on to Alexandria
11 Tue
8.30 am landed at Port Said, entrained straight away. 9.30am left for Tel-elKibir, 3.00pm arrived camp. 6.00pm tea and then blanket street. Tel-el Kibir is 8 miles long and 2 miles broad
12 Wed
First day in new camp. Inspection at 0100. Working at fatigue all day have to take the place of horses. Posted Walter’s letter. Reveille 4.45am Breakfast 6.00am Parade 7.45am Smoke Oh 8.45-9.00am. Dismissed from first parade 10.30am till 2.45pm. Drill till late
[pril 1916 13 Thu
In camp at Tel-el- Kibir. Went on parade at 7.00am till 10.30am. Medical examination. .Blowing very hard dust is nearly blinding us. No parade in the afternoon.
14 Fri
In camp at Tel-el-Kabir, Mess orderly and tent orderly went on parade at 8.00am till 10.30am. Kit inspection. 3.00pm went for a route march across the desert in full marching kit returning at 6.00pm. Issue of helmets
15 Sat
Tel-el-Kibir. No parade, pick and shovel fatigue worked from 7.00am till 11.00am. No parade in the afternoon on account of it being Saturday. Our half-holiday consisted of erecting tents till 5.00pm. Muster roll call at 6.30pm
16 Sun
No Church parade, fatigue work instead, shifting muck from cook house, duty company, Issued with tobacco and cigarettes, 1oz Tobacco, 22 Cigarettes and 2 boxes of matches. No parade or fatigue. After dinner wrote Nora and home. Went for a walk around the native quarters, turned in early.
17 Mon
In camp at Tel-el-Kibir new syllabus started, this morning first parade 5.40am till 8.00am then breakfast. 9.40am parade again till 11.30am dinner 12.30pm. No1 platoon told off for guard, Mounted guard at 6.00pm on guard at No2 post Ordinance Department. Marched around for two hours, with full pack on.
18 Tue
In camp at Tel-el-Kibir, on guard, No2 post until 5.00pm. Weather, windy and dusty. Guard relieved 5.15pm. Inspected and dismissed 6.00pm.Staved for today no bread. Half loaf has to last a man 24 hours. One slice per meal. Turning in early
19 Wed
In camp at Tel-el-Kibir, 6.00am issue of rifles and bayonets, 9.30am fell in and got orders to pack up and shift. We are to be paid before we go. Entrained 6.30pm dis-entrained 7.30pm bivouac all night at Maocotte proceeded in the morning
20 Thu
Moved off from Maocotte 6.30 am marching to xxxxxxxxxxxxx about 6 miles arrived Ferry Post. Transferred to battalion. Pay Day 50 piastres =10/3. Medical examination 53 Battalion, 14 Brigade.
[pril 1916 21 Fri
Ferry Post Church Parade 8.30am No parade holiday being allotted tents. Went for a swim, in the Canal. That is the only way we can get a wash. Better tucker here than at Tel-el Kibir. Reveille 5.30 am
22 Sat
In camp at Ferry Post, 6.30am route march with full pack, returned 11.30am feet inspection, 2.00pm, inoculation 6th time. 4.00pm, inspection by CO of reinforcements, with pack up. Issued with cigarettes, matches and tobacco.
23 Sun
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 6.00am, 6.30am fell in to clean up lines. 8.30am Church Parade. 10.15am general kit parade 1.00pm finished kit inspection. This is how we spend our holiday. Entertained by Indian juggler very good. Went for a swim in the canal
24 Mon
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 5.30am. Went on Parade 6.30am Rifle exercises till 8.30am. Trench digging, from 8.30 till 11.00am. 1.00pm water fatigue. Resumed trench digging 3.30pm 6.30pm. Lecture by OC on musketry in mess shed at 7.30 pm.
25 Tue
In camp at Ferry Post. Anzac Day, detailed for railway fatigue fell in at 6.30am, 7.30am dismissed not required. 8.30am Church parade in commemoration of the landing at the Dardanelles. Holiday for the rest of the day sports to be held.5.15pm fall in for outpost duty 6.30 marched out and dug ourselves in.
26 Wed
In camp at Ferry Post, came in from outpost duty 9.30am off duty till 3.35pm. Found Walter, he is in the 54th Battalion 14 Brigade. Got letter, 5.15pm fell in for outpost duty marched out and dug ourselves in. There was a swimming parade in the afternoon.
27 Thu
In camp at Ferry Post. Came in from outpost duty 6.30am. Swimming parade, at 10.00am. No other parade until 3.30pm. Went trench building for 2 hours, joined Grenadiers?
28 Fri
In camp at Ferry Post. 5.00am fell in for breakfast, 6.00am fell in, 6.15am with Grenadiers, till 11.30. Rejected, on account of there being too many of us. Went out with Grenadiers 3.15pm digging trenches etc, First mail from Sydney arrived today, no letters for me. Band concert, at the bottom, of the 53 Batt lines. Wrote Eleise
@pril / m[y 1916 29 Sat
In camp at Ferry Post. Went out on preliminary musketry. Inoculated for 7th time Issued with cigarettes, 3 pkts per man. Wrote Jack Sullivan. I am very sore turning in early.
30 Sun
In camp at Ferry Post. Church parade as usual. Got news of General Townsends surrender to the Turks. 6000 Indian troops, 2500 British received orders to go to the Canal on outpost duty.
1 Mon
Arrived Ridge Post, left Ferry Post at 7.0am. Full marching order, blankets, 120 rounds of ammunition
2 Tue
On outpost duty at Ridge Post. Morning occupied in cleaning up. Issue of tobacco and cigarettes. Left camp 5.0pm to go on sentry 3 miles away everything quite all night
3 Wed
Relieved from sentry, arrived camp 6.30am. Morning occupied in artillery formation. Afternoon spent in bayonet and rifle drills. Officially announced that we may expect an attack from the Turks within the next fortnight.
4 Thu
On outpost duty, morning spent in building up banks and filling sandbags. Pay day, 100 piastres. Afternoon working at sand bags told of for sentry No1 post all night. Observation, went for swim in the Canal.
5 Fri
Carrying sandbags all morning, afternoon spent same work. Slept in supports all night
6 Sat
Shovelling sand away all morning gave in rifles, knocked off at 11.00am for dinner, afternoon wash clothes, parade, 5.0pm went to 3 mile post sentry duty, Went for swim in Canal. Issued with HV rifles
7 Sun
Came in from sentry 6.30am breakfast of porridge and eggs however ten men had to eat Bully beef and biscuits. Spent the rest of day cleaning up camp, no Church Parade went for swim in canal lost all my pay at banker. Bully Beef stew for dinner, rice and tea without sugar. Called out, at 6.0pm, to clean trenches.
m[y 1916 8 Mon
Moved from Ridges Post 7.0 am, arrived camp Ferry Post put up our tents. Dinner Bully Beef, bread, tea with sugar. We are to fall in on Battalion Parade ground at 3.30pm. Equipment parade, how to carry a full pack. In orders, that we are to embark, for France on Friday night. Orders cancelled worse luck.
9 Tue
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 3.30am breakfast 4.15am. Fell in 5.00am skirmishing till 10.0am with full pack on. No more parades until 4.00pm. Told off for quarter guard. Mounted guard 6.00pm .Told off forNo1 post.
10 Wed
In camp at Ferry Post. On quarter guard No1 post reveille 5.0 am. Relieved from quarter guard 6.0pm. Received letters from Maud and Mrs Mac first letters since I left Sydney.
11 Thu
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 5.00am breakfast and fall in 6.30am. Bayonet charges and musketry all the morning. Half-holiday writing letters while we have the chance. Wrote two letters to Sydney one home.
12 Fri
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 12 midnight route march with full pack 250 rounds ammunition, returned at 6.30am. No parade until after dinner. 4.30pm swimming parade in the Canal. Very hot today, the hottest since we have been in Egypt.
13 Sat
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 5.00am breakfast and fell in. Joined scouts as company scout. Issue of cigarettes 4.00pm went out scouting, 7.00pm scouting by stars.
14 Sun
In camp at Ferry Post, Church parade as usual, new divisional padre. Weather exceedingly hot.
15 Mon
In camp at Ferry Post. Reveille 4.00am, moved off to trenches at 6.00am. First line of defence 10.00am. Arrived, halting camp resting till 5.30pm. Weather very hot and no water.
16 Tue
In first line of trenches, stand to arms at 3.00am till 5.00am. Breakfast tea and Bully Beef 6.30am. Marched out and cleaned up trenches till 10.00am, spell till 6.00pm boiling hot. 2 pints water 24 hours. 6.30pm went on outpost duty.
m[y 1916 17 Wed
Stand to arms 4.0am am relieved from outpost duty 6.00am breakfast. Marched out of trenches with full pack and received meal already there. Sand storm all day, boiling hot, went on patrol 6.30pm
18 Thu
Relieved from patrol 6.0am. Stood to arms 3.30.am. Weather fairly cool. Pay day 100 piastres =1 pound 6 shillings.
19 Fri
No 8 trench rotten row stood to arms 3.30am some of the boys were found not sleeping in their equipment. Punishment all troops to wear their equipment and 120 rounds in the day time. Issued with paper and envelopes, from the people of Australia. Weather fairly cool. Told off for outpost duty. First wash today since Monday
20 Sat
On outpost duty, stood to arms 3.30am relieved 5.0am breakfast 6.0am marched out for field firing practice, 15 rounds failed to score an average. Came in and sat in the boiling hot sun for 6 hours waiting to be relieved. 5.00pm relieved and marched down to the supports went out and did 1 hours trenching
21 Sun
In the supports, stood to arms 3.30am breakfast bacon and cocoa. No church parade marched out and did rapid firing practice 5 rounds in 30 seconds. Finished and resting for a bit. Went out and spent 1 hour digging trenches.
22 Mon
In the supports stood to arms 3.30am till daylight. Breakfast, bacon and cocoa. Went out digging trenches till 10.00am. Resting till 5.00 pm. Nothing to eat since 5.00 am breakfast. Marching out to do 1 hour digging trenches. Tea when we come back ½ loaf of bread ¼ tin jam is our ration for 24 hours.
23 Tue
In the supports stood to arms 3.30am breakfast 5.00am went out for rifle and aiming practice, came in at 10.00am resting till 5.00pm. Relieved men in Rotten Row No 8 trench, told off for patrol duty No 1 post.
24 Wed
In Rotten Row No 8 trench stood to arms 3.30am breakfast 5.30am cocoa and bacon. On patrol duty. Rapid firing practice 5 rounds in 30 seconds at target. Weather fairly hot. Relieved from patrol 6.30pm.Have not had our clothes off for a week have to sleep in our boots and everything.
m[y / jun_ 1916 25 Thu
In Rotten Row trench No 8 stood to arms 3.30am breakfast at 5.00am bacon and cocoa. Assisting QMS. Rapid firing practice. Mail day no letters for me from Sydney or home.
26 Fri
In Rotten Row trench No 8 stood to arms 3.30am. Inspection by Brigadier General. We are to leave here in a few days for France. Scouts had to go over to headquarters for instructions. I am a company scout myself. Issued with fruit and lollies.
27 Sat
In Rotten Row trench No 8 stood to arms 3.30am. Usual work carried out during the day.
28 Sun
In Rotten Row trench stood to arms 3.30am. Went out for musketry practice 15 rounds rapid firing, 5 rounds independently. Weather very hot. Issue of tobacco and fruit.
29 Mon
In Rotten Row trench No 8. Stood to arms 3.30am. Waiting to be relieved by English tommies. We are not being relieved until 4.00am tomorrow. Latest orders, relieved at 7.00pm moving off at 4.00am.
30 Tue
In Rotten Row trench No 8. Stood to arms 3.00am moved off at 4.00am. Marched to road head and rested for ½ hour, had a drink of tea and continued our march Ferry post had breakfast and rested till 2.00pm. Swimming parade, first decent wash for a fortnight.
31 Wed
Ferry post kit inspection getting all our shortages and battalion colours, issued with boots, Battalion colours are black and green.
1 Thu
Ferry post. Reveille 5.00am breakfast at 6.00am. Steak and bacon miracles happen sometime here. Brigade inspection. Dinner rice, prunes & pineapple. Expect to move in a day or two.
2 Fri
In camp at Ferry post Divisional parade by Colonel Mc Kay. Issue of tobacco, mail day and no letters from home for me. Completed our issue of clothing.
3 Sat
In camp at Ferry post. Nothing unusual occurred. Parcel arrived from Sydney everything in good condition.
Jun_ 1916 4 Sun
In camp at Ferry post. Church parade as usual.
5 Mon
In camp at Ferry. Working in orderly room all day. Company went out on musketry. Half musketry, half fatigue.
6 Tue
In camp at Ferry post in orderly room, company went out on musketry. Pay day 50 piasonas 10/3
7 Wed
In camp at Ferry post, reveille 3.45am breakfast at 4.0am company went out for musketry. In orderly room all day myself.
8 Thu
In camp at Ferry post. Company out for route march.
9 Fri
In camp at Ferry post. Company practicing sports. Afternoon musketry. In orderly room all day. Issue of tobacco and cigarettes
10 Sat
In camp at Ferry post. Company went for a route march in the morning. Battalion sports in the afternoon. No signs of going to France yet.
11 Sun
In camp at Ferry post. Church parade as usual. Went for a swim in the canal also washed my clothes in salt water.
12 Mon
In camp at Ferry post, Company out on route march afternoon bayonet practice. Issued with 10 cigarettes per man.
13 Tue
In camp at Ferry post. Company out practising artillery formation. Afternoon Memorial service for Lord Kitchener, to be held in the desert. All troops must attend.
14 Wed
In camp Ferry Post. Brigade sports held at Moascar. 10 men 2 NCOs allowed to attend.
15 Thu
In camp at Ferry Post, preparing to leave for Moascar picked as advance guard. Arrived Moascar 5.30pm advance guard only. Brigade following tomorrow.
Jun_ 1916 16 Fri
In camp at Moascar. Brigade arrived at 7.15am. Breakfast and then spell till the heat of the day is over 4.00pm swimming parade.
17 Sat
In camp at Moascar. Lecture on embarkation, also lecture on knots and splices. Swimming parade in the afternoon. Very hot, hoping to get away in a day or two.
18 Sun
In camp at Moascar, church parade in the morning, as usual, all troops packing up to entrain for Alexandria. 3.00pm brigade marched out of lines leaving a few men to clean up the camp. &.00am entrained for Alexandria. Travelling all night, in cattle trucks.
19 Mon
4.00am arrived Alexandria bivouacked alongside troopship Royal George.8.00am marched aboard and were told off to our berths. Very good accommodation, 3 berth cabins and mess in first class saloons. Waiting to sail.
20 Tue
On board transport Royal George in Alexandria harbour, awaiting orders. Boat drill for all troops.
21 Wed
Still aboard transport Royal George in Alexandria harbour, awaiting orders. Boat drill for all troops.
22 Thu
On board transport Royal George in Alexandria harbour 10.45am hove up anchor and proceeded to sea. Fine weather so far, all troops must wear lifebelts all the time. Thank goodness we have left Egypt with its sand and deserts.
23 Fri
On board transport Royal George at sea. Weather fine slight breeze. Boat drill in the afternoon. Torpedo destroyer joined us about midday. Do not know how far she is coming with us. Still wearing lifebelts.
24 Sat
On board transport Royal George at sea. Weather fine. Inspection of rifles and boat drill in the afternoon. Still wearing lifebelts. Food fairly good.
25 Sun
On board transport Royal George at sea, weather fine. Church parade on promenade deck with lifebelts on. Escort still with us.
Jun_ / july 1916 26 Mon
On board transport Royal George at sea weather fine. Medical inspection in the morning, sports held on troop deck in the afternoon. Boxing tournament in the evening.
27 Tue
On board transport Royal George at sea. Weather a little rough, wind fresh. Getting ready to disembark. Escort still with us. 4.00pm arrived alongside wharf Marseilles, had tea and are waiting to move off in the morning.
28 Wed
Reveille 2,45am breakfast 3.00am. Fell in at 4.00am and marched ashore. First rain this morning for 3 months, weather a bit cold after Egypt. Marched to the station and embarked for our destination. Issue of tobacco & cigarettes.
29 Thu
Still in train travelling through France. It is a very interesting journey lovely scenery on both sides, but France is in mourning every other person you see is wearing black. Stopped for an hour at 9.30qam for breakfast. Issue of cigarettes. Got within 10 miles of Paris and was shunted onto another line, distance from Maroalle 800 miles.
30 Fri
Still proceeding on our journey, we have still 264 miles to travel. We have to go to the other side of Calais. 4.0pm arrived at our destination. We are being billeted at farm house. 40 to 60 men in a billet. Only 30 miles from the firing line, expect to rest here for a few days before pushing forward. Our nearest station is called Hazelbrock.
1 Sat
Morning occupied in digging trenches for our refuge. We can hear the boom of the big guns here also see the shells bursting from aircraft. Went for a route march in the afternoon. Played a game of football in the evening. Also watched a fight between aircraft. Heavy bombardment of artillery all last night.
2 Sun
Church parade as usual in battle order. Went for a long walk in the morning. Afternoon football match between B & D Companies. B Company winning by thirteen goals to nil. Evening more games, it is not dark till 10.00pm
july 1916 3 Mon
Physical drill from 6.30am till 7.0am breakfast and then went for a route march till 12 midday. Dinner 12.30pm fall in again at 2.0pm. Photo home to England. Afternoon consisted of instructions in the use of gas helmets. Mail came in but no letters for me. Could not post my letter home as they are not accepting them.
4 Tue
Physical drill from 6.30am to 7.00am. Breakfast and then a route march till 12.00 midday. Fall in again at 2.00pm raining. No parade in the afternoon too wet. Very heavy thunderstorm. No tucker.
5 Wed
Physical drill from 6.30am till 7.00am breakfast and then route march, till 12 midday. No parade in the afternoon. Gas helmet passed from 6.00pm till 9.00pm. Issue of respirators. Tucker issue, ¼ loaf bread per man for 24 hours. We have not been paid for a month. Slow starvation.
6 Thu
Physical drill from 6.30am till 7.0am. Breakfast consisted of ½ slice of bacon ½ slice of bread and tea. Still no money. Went for route march after breakfast. Had to escort prisoner back to headquarters. Posted letter home. Pay day 50 francs= 1/19/10 pounds.
7 Fri
Physical drill as usual. Breakfast. Fall in again at 9.0am with full pack to be inspected by General Plummer. No parade too wet, raining all morning. Afternoon went for a route march.
8 Sat
Physical drill as usual. Went for a route march and were gassed to test our helmets. Same kind of gas that the Germans use. Cannot say the sensation is too pleasant. No accidents. Returned to our billet 6.15am. I think we are going to Chrmitage tomorrow, 3 miles behind firing line.
9 Sun
Moved off from billet marching all day. Billeted for the night at a place Estebean. Expect to proceed towards firing line tomorrow morning. Distance covered today 10 miles
10 Mon
Still billeted at Estebean. Muster parade in the morning. Company went out for a route march in the afternoon. On fire picquet myself. Heavy bombardment, by artillery again last night.
july 1916 11 Tue
Still billeted at Estebean. Morning occupied in cleaning ammunition and rifles, expect to move off tonight. We shall be under fire before morning. Arrived at billet behind firing line 1.30am. Had to pass through very heavy fire to get here, every one dog tired.
12 Wed
Resting through the day, all work has to be done at night on account of the enemy’s machine guns. The town we are in has been shelled to pieces, only soldiers staying here. Our artillery are still firing a few shots. Attached to headquarters, as a battalion scout.
13 Thu
Still billeted at Fleurbeaix. Where we are staying was once a brewery, but everything is going to ruinas the owners had to leave the town. The owner himself is in the firing line. One of our scouts took a party of men out to the firing line last night but was fired on by the machine guns. No causalities. The enemy sent two shells over this afternoon but no one was hurt.
14 Fri
Still billeted at Fleurbeaix. Heavy bombardment all last night expected a gas attack, but nothing happened. Received two papers, from Australia. Enemy aeroplanes flew over our billet this afternoon, but our guns drove them away. Received letter from home, answered it and wrote Australia. On gas alarm picquet last night.
15 Sat
Still billeted at Fleurbeaix. Believe we are moving on 20 miles tonight have received no orders yet. Our artillery, have just sent a few shots over to the Germans to wake them up. Order to move off sometime tonight, we do not know where. Joined platoon. The enemy sent two shells over tonight killing 2 engineers and wounding 3. Also gas attack
16 Sun
Arrived at new billet about 2.0am. Carrying ammunition all the morning, in the firing line. Very heavy bombardment all day. They have been carrying dead and wounded out of trenches casualties not known. We are to make a very big charge tonight, goodness knows how many will come out of it.
17 Mon
In front line of trenches heavy bombardment all day, several casualties. Went out in front of trenches to cut barbed wire ready for a charge. I do not know if the enemy sighted us but did not fire on us. Half company 7 & 8 platoon resting at billets. There is to be a very heavy bombardment all night.
july 1916 18 Tue
In front line of trenches. Very heavy bombardment all day from both sides. Weather very cold and dull. On observation post all day. The charge on pretty heavily ourselves. Hang on to enemy’s trenches all night under terrific shell fire. If we cannot get reinforcements we shall have to retire in the morning.
19 Wed
Terrific bombardment from both sides prior to a charge. We are to charge the enemy first line of trenches this afternoon. The charge. We jumped over our parapets in face of terrible machine gun fire from the enemy. Men are falling all around me but we capture the trench and a few prisoners losing.
20 Thu
No reinforcements arriving we shall have to retire, the enemy are bombing us out of their own trench. We charge their first line and get to our parapets but the terrible loss of life, men are going down like flies. We gain over our parapets and stand by for a counter attack. We are to be relieved tonight and go to a billet to rest and reorganise. No attack so far.
21 Fri
We feel a bit better after our nights rest but very stiff and sore. We had a roll call and the casualties are dreadful. We went into the battle 1000 strong and are now about 200. We shall probably rest now until the battalion is reorganised. Goodness knows how I came out of it alive but thank God I am here. Have made enquiries about Walter but he is missing, nearly all my mates are either killed or wounded.
22 Sat
Still in resting billet. Been out burying our dead all the morning. Orders to move off to the front line of trenches tonight. 9.0pm moved off to new trenches.
23 Sun
In third line of trenches fairly quite a few shells came over last night and this morning. Killed a few of our men. All our nerves are very bad, shall be glad when we get relieved for a few days. Feel very shaky myself after the strain of the last few days. No letters from home yet. 138 days, since we left Australia.
24 Mon
Still in the third line of trenches. Very quiet all last night, all you could hear was the machine guns. Fritz sent us a few shells over this afternoon. Expect to be relieved tonight, hope to goodness we are. Relieved and went to billets for the night, but am still under shell fire.
july / [ugust 1916 25 Tue
Repairing trenches in the supports all day. Our first lot of reinforcements joined us today. We do not know if we are going back to the firing line yet or not, but there is plenty of fatigue to be done
26 Wed
Billeted at Fleurbeix, nothing much doing a few shells flying around but nothing to speak of. Walked into Bac St. Maur and had a hot bath and clean change of clothing. It was lovely. Received a letter from Sydney dated April 28th. 12 months today since I joined the Australian Army.
27 Thu
Billeted at Fleurbeix very quiet all day some fighting going on last night but not in our sector. Walked into Bac St Maur on duty. Pay day yesterday 40 francs. The shells have just started to fly around again.
28 Fri
Still billeted at Fleurbeix. Had to go to the trenches, this afternoon on account of shell fire. Fritz started bombarding us, plenty of aeroplanes flying about. I wish our relief would come. Sent postcard home and one to Norah.
29 Sat
Still billeted at Fleurbeix. Had to go to the shelter trenches again, on account of Fritz bombarding the village. He has set the church on fire so far. Received letter from home, also photo.
30 Sun
We had to go to another billet on account of Fritz setting fire to the church and village with his shells. The place we were in has been blown to pieces. He has kept pretty quiet today.
31 Mon
At new billet I do not know the name of the place but we are moving again tonight. We are constantly on the move now.
1 Tue
We shifted again last night to another farm house, very comfortable quarters but I do not think we shall be here very long. Things fairly quiet. Sent postcard to the landlady. Some of our company went to the trenches to reinforce the 56th batt.
2 Wed
Still in billet. Fritz’s very quiet, our artillery are sending a few shells over but he has not returned any so far. Received letter from home also wrote home expect to go back to the trenches in the next day or two
[ugust 1916 3 Thu
Still in billets, things fairly quiet no sign of relief coming for us so far. I think we are back in the trenches tonight.
4 Fri
Still in billets. Anniversary of the second year of the war. Things very quiet so far. A good few aeroplanes flying about. It’s getting very chilly today more like winter. No news of what we are going to do yet. Received paper today from home. Posted July 17th.
5 Sat
Still in billets. Fritz sent two shells over into the billet next door. One went right through the roof wounding five of our men. The women were very much upset luckily none of them were hurt. We are to go to the front line of trenches tonight.
6 Sun
In front line of trenches, stood to arms 3.0am, fairly quiet all day. Very little artillery firing from Fritz. Our artillery are sending a few over at present. It is now about 8.0pm, Shall have to stand at arms in about an hour’s time. Have not received parcel from home yet.
7 Mon
Still in front line of trenches. Fritz bombarded us last night heavily for about ½ hour, but it has been pretty quiet today, only our own artillery firing much. Walked into Bac-St-Maur on duty. Received letter, from home. Have to stand to at 9.0pm at night and 3.30 am in the morning.
8 Tue
Still in front line of trenches fairly quiet all day. Artillery bombardment by both sides lasting nearly all night. Usual aeroplanes flying overhead. Stood to arms as usual.
9 Wed
Still in front line of trenches. Fairly quiet all day. Today is the hottest we have had since we arrived in France. Had to stand to arms at 1.30pm, thought Fritz was going to attack us, but nothing unusual occurred.
10 Thu
Still in front line of trenches, cold and raining. Very sudden change from yesterday. Moved to the support trenches on account of a bombardment by artillery. Returned to front line again, things quiet again so far. Thick fog sprang up during the night, had to stand to arms most of the time.
11 Fri
Still in front line of trenches, the fog cleared at daylight and we have a fine day. Things fairly quiet bit of bombardment by artillery on both sides. Usual sniping, going on all day.
[ugust 1916 12 Sat
In front line of trenches, heavy fog all night, fine today things fairly quiet, received parcel from home. Quite a treat to taste home cooking again. Sent PC to Sydney. Bombardment by artillery during the night.
13 Sun
Still in front line of trenches, slight bombardment going on all day by artillery. Wrote home. Artillery continued bombarding all night.
14 Mon
Still in front line of trenches. Slight bombardment by artillery all day. Raining, the trenches are in a nice state you cannot walk, have to slide. Received a handkerchief, and letter from home. Bombardment carried on all night.
15 Tue
Still in front line of trenches. Raining on and off all day. Trenches very muddy and slippery. Heavy bombardment by our artillery all day. Wrote PC home. Heavy bombardment continued on our right flank all night.
16 Wed
Still in front line of trenches weather is fine bombardment by artillery all day, but Fritz did not do much damage. We expect to be relieved in a few days. Heavy bombardment at stand down lasted about half an hour.
17 Thu
Still in front line of trenches. Raining on and off all day. Trenches are a quagmire. Fairly quiet all morning. Heavy bombardment in the afternoon, no casualties. Heavy bombardment during the night on our right flank.
18 Fri
Still in the front line of trenches. Raining again nearly all day. Up to our necks in mud. Fairly quiet all day. Fritz has started to send rifle grenades over 8.0pm, fairly quiet during the night.
19 Sat
Still in front line of trenches. Raining all day. Walked into Bac-St-Maur on duty. Artillery bombardment during the afternoon. Fine evening, our aeroplanes very active tonight. Heavy bombardment on right flank during the night.
20 Sun
Still in front line of trenches. Fine day , bombardment by our artillery after breakfast. Fritz replies very weakly. Orders to move out to reserve trenches tonight after stand down. Raining again pretty heavy. Wrote home sent birthday card and handkerchief.
21 Mon
In reserve trenches Cromershein. Very quiet all day Fritz sent us two shells over this morning but missed us by about 100 yards. Our artillery have opened up this evening. Stand to 9.00pm.
[ugust 1916 22 Tue
Still in reserve trenches. Weather fine things quiet, received letter from home dated August 15th. Heavy bombardment during the night.
23 Wed
In reserve trenches, very quiet all da. Our artillery opened up about 6.0pm heavy bombardment followed lasting about two hours. Pay day 40 francs. Wrote to Sydney. Raining again all night. A few casualties.
24 Thu
Still in reserve trenches. Everything very quiet weather fine. Aeroplanes very active. Squadron of 15 flew to enemy’s lines, two hit and had to descend.
25 Fri
Still in reserve trenches. Weather fine, Fritz bombarded us all the morning trying to find our batteries, our chaps will reply later. Received letter from Billie and PC from home. Walked into Bac-St-Maur on duty. Read in today’s paper that St. Leger was killed in action.
26 Sat
Still in reserve trenches. Quiet all morning. Walked into Bac-St-Maur on duty. Fritz started to shell us about 5.0pm, hit our ammunition dump and set it on fire. Killed a Corporal, a fragment of shell pierced his brain death almost instantaneous. Our artillery are replying. Weather wet.
27 Sun
Still in reserve trenches. Our artillery are still shelling Fritz’s trenches paying him back for yesterday. He is replying very weakly bur may open up later. Buried the chap that was killed yesterday. He only got married just before we left Sydney. Weather fine.
28 Mon
Still in reserve trenches. Heavy bombardment by our artillery. Fritz has not returned any fire yet. Big raid on at 4.0pm this afternoon, our Division is not in it this time, but will have to stand the shell fire. Sent parcel home. Very heavy bombardment by our artillery during the night.
29 Tue
Still in support trenches. Things fairly quiet Raining very heavy all day and night. Wrote PC to Billie and home. Up to our necks in mud.
30 Wed
Still in support trenches. Things fairly quiet. Rotten weather raining and blowing all day. We are starting to feel the cold, what winter will be like goodness only knows.
31 Thu
Still in reserve trenches. Weather a little finer still muddy. Things fairly quiet from Fritz. Our own artillery are still hammering away at him. I do not think they ever stop. Fritz sent some shrapnel and high explosive over but no one was hurt.
s_pt_m\_r 1916 1 Fri
Still in reserve trenches. Weather fine but cloudy. Things fairly quiet. Fritz sent some shrapnel over this morning, but no one was hurt. Our artillery are sending a few shells over every now and then. Wrote home.
2 Sat
Still in reserve trenches. Fine fairly quiet during the morning. Artillery have opened up and are giving Fritz a pretty hot time, he is replying by sending shrapnel over our supports
3 Sun
Still in reserve trenches. Weather fine. Fritz has been pretty quiet, he sent a few shells over, but did no damage. Our artillery have been shelling him all day in return. Wrote to Billie Moore
4 Mon
Still in reserve trenches. Cold and windy. Bombardment by artillery on both sides during the day. Wrote PC to Mary.
5 Tue
Still in reserve trenches. Very wet and cold. Things fairly quiet during the morning. Heavy bombardment by our artillery about 6.0pm. Still raining.
6 Wed
Still in support trenches. Weather fine and fairly quiet. Our artillery are giving him a little bombardment. He is replying by shelling our supports
7 Thu
Reveille 4.00am company moved off from reserve trenches at 6.00am. We are going back a few miles to learn wood fighting and street fighting. I am staying behind to be confirmed. The Bishop is coming earlier than expected. Confirmation finished at 7.00pm. We are to join company at 6.0am in the morning.
8 Fri
Left Fleubeix at 7.00am marched through Bac-St-Maur, Talle, Estebeam, Estaires, arriving at Meville about 4.00pm. Weather fine, we were paid as soon as we arrived in camp. Are living in tents again, puts one in mind of Egypt again. Can just hear the sound of the guns. They are going to give us plenty of drill while we are here.
9 Sat
First day in new camp at La Motte. Reveille at 6.00 Still in camp at LaMotte. Morning occupied in scrubbing equipment and route march. Inspection by Major in the afternoon. Weather fine am. Morning occupied in wood fighting. Swimming parade in the afternoon. Weather fine, general leave till 9.0pm lights out 9.30pm In camp at La Motte. Morning occupied in wood fighting. General leave till 9.0pm. Spent the afternoon in the village. La Motte nothing much to see. Lovely weather.
10 Sun
s_pt_m\_r 1916 11 Mon
Still in camp at LaMotte. Morning occupied in wood fighting. Went to Hazebrouck on leave, very pretty place had a good feed, steak and eggs. Had a very enjoyable time returned to camp at 9.00pm, very tired.
12 Tue
Still in camp at LaMotte. Morning occupied in scrubbing equipment and route march. Inspection by Major in the afternoon. Weather fine
13 Wed
Still in camp at La Motte. Wood fighting all the morning. Afternoon muster parade. Walked into Hazebrouck on duty. Weather fine.
14 Thu
Still in camp at LaMotte. Morning occupied in wood fighting. Bayonet and rifle exercises in the afternoon. Weather cold and showery. Still no, letter from home. Still in camp at LaMotte. Morning occupied in physical exercises and route march. Walked into Hazebrouck on duty. Pay day in the afternoon 20 francs. It is rumoured the leave will start on Monday. Five days in blighty and 2 days travelling.
15 Fri
16 Sat
Still in camp at La Motte, expect to go back to the trenches on Monday. Weather fine, morning occupied in infantry drill. Afternoon fitting on packs, They are to be carried Gallipoli fashion.
17 Sun
Still in camp at La Motte. Church parade in the morning. General leave till 9.0pm, moving off in the morning. Weather fine.
18 Mon
Still at La Motte. Moved off at 8.0am pouring with rain all day. Arrived at Fleurbeix 4.0pm. Everyone soaked to the skin and no change of clothes. We have been shelled out of these billets twice now. But expect to move to the front line in a day or two.
19 Tue
In Billets at Fleurbeix, once more surrounded by artillery. Weather cloudy. I believe furlough is starting today. Aeroplanes very active. Shifted over to the old school tonight. In Billets at Fleurbeix. Weather very cold and raining all day. Received letter and photo from Sydney. Walked into Bac-St-Maur on duty. Things fairly quiet. In Billets at Fleurbeix. Weather fine but cold. Walked into Armitiers on duty. Proceeded to front line of trenches at 6.30pm.
20 Wed
21 Thu
s_pt_m\_r / O]to\_r 1916 22 Fri
In front line of trenches. Weather fine but up to our necks in mud. Aeroplanes are very active bombardment on our right and left. Our sector fairly quiet so far. Things remained fairly quiet all night. Usual machine fire.
23 Sat
In front lines of trenches. Very fine day, best we have had for a long time. Things fairly quiet so far, aeroplanes fairly active. Very quiet all night.
24 Sun
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine things fairly quiet. Received paper from Sydney. Usual sniping going on all day.
25 Mon
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine. Slight bombardment by both sides. Received paper from Sydney.
26 Tue
Still in front line of trenches. Things fairly quiet so far. Expecting a visit from General Birdwood and staff. Aeroplanes very active. Squadron of fifteen just past over our trenches. One was hit and had to volplane down. Wrote home sent PC Sydney.
27 Wed
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine but a bit cold. High bombardment by both sides Wrote to Sydney. One of our planes bought down, Fritz’s balloon in flames. Still in front line of trenches. Weather fairly warm. Walked in to Bac-StMaur on duty. Fritz wounded five of the 56 Batt. this morning with shrapnel. Still in front line of trenches. Weather showery. Bombardment by both sides. Inspection of gas helmets. Sniping going on all the time.
28 Thu
29 Fri
30 Sat
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine but cold. Aeroplanes very active all the morning. Things quiet so far. Heavy bombardment last night. Raid by 55th Battalion. Very few casualties. We had two casualties in our company.
1 Sun
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine. So far after last night, put time back by 1hour today. Walked to Bac-St-Maur on duty. Heavy bombardment during the night. Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine. Bombardment going on all day. Cabled to Sydney for 10 pound. Up to our necks in mud again. Captain Thompson went on leave for 10 days.
2 Mon
O]to\_r 1916 3 Tue
Still in front line of trenches. Weather very wet. Artillery very active on both sides. No letter from home yet.
4 Wed
Still in front line of trenches. Weather very wet one continual mud bath all the time. Artillery very active on both sides .Expect to be relieved tomorrow. Received letter from home dated Sept 14.
5 Thu
Still in front line of trenches. Heavy bombardment started at stand to, by our light artillery. Fritz replied very weakly. Weather wet. Had everything packed up to go out, but no relief came. Had post card from base.
6 Fri
Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine but cold. Artillery active on both sides. Received letter from Sydney. Walked into Fleurbeix on duty. Expected to go to billets but no relief yet. Still in front line of trenches. Heavy bombardment early this morning. Weather fine but cold. Our artillery are to start a heavy bombardment this afternoon. Expect to move out tonight. Still in front line of trenches. Weather fine. Bombardment by trench mortar. Fritz replying very weakly. Shifting off to billets tonight.
7 Sat
8 Sun
9 Mon
In billets in Fleurbeix. Weather fine, things fairly quiet. Orders have come to shift to another billet tonight. No time to write home
10 Tue
In billet at School house. Fleurbeix. Weather fine. Walked into Bac-StMaur for hot bath. Fritz sent us a few shells over this morning. But did not do much damage. In billets at school house Fleurbeix. Weather fine. Estaminets and eating houses closed to all British troops. Things fairly quiet so far. Posted letter home. In billets at school house Fleurbeix. Weather fine but cloudy. Orders to pack up, we are all shifting somewhere but do not know where. I think we will be in action again in a few days. Thing fairly quiet here. Our artillery firing a few rounds. Sent PC home and parcel to Sydney, card to Norma. Moved off from Fleurbiex at 10.0am. Marched to Bac-St-Maurand went by motor to Estaires.
11 Wed
12 Thu
13 Fri
March again to Merritt and stayed there for the night. Very nice billet. Everything very quiet.
O]to\_r 1916 14 Sat
In billets at Merritt. Very nice French family where we are staying, all the girls can speak English fairly well. It is quite a treat to be able to converse with a girl again and be understood. Very quiet no guns to be heard at all.
15 Sun
Still billeted at Merritt. Family went to church. Everything very quiet one could hardly know a war was on. We are very sorry to leave this place but expect to move off on Tuesday. Still in billets at Merritt. Lovely weather. Moving off today with my officer to a school. Left at 4.30 in motors. Arrived at Hazebrouck 7.0pm. Staying here for the night at reinforcements billets
16 Mon
17 Tue
Left Hazebrouck by train9.0am Lovely weather. Started to rain at Boulonge. We are to go on to Abbeyville. Have been in the train all day. Arrived Abbeyville 7.0pm Staying for the night at YMCA. Still raining heavy, continuing our journey in the morning.
18 Wed
The train was to have left Abbeyville at 9.30am but did not arrive until 12.15pm. Entrained and arrived at Longpre 1.0pm. Motor left at 2.0pm for Friesetcourt. We have lovely billets here. Electric lights and everything provided. Sleeping between white sheets tonight. Tra bon for soldier,
19 Thu
At school in Flixecourt. Weather wet all day. Plenty of good food and having a good rest.
20 Fri
At school in Flixecourt. Weather fine, things very quiet. Battalion passed through on their way to the Somme front. Pay day 15 francs
21 Sat
Still at Flixecourt> Weather fine but cold, ice on the water this morning. Things very quiet you would hardly know there was a war on.
22 Sun
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Church parade, attended my first Holy Communion. Weather fine everything very quiet.
23 Mon
Still at Flixecourt. Inspection by school commandant. Weather fine. Concert at night in lecture hall.
24 Tue
Still at Flixecourt. Weather showery everything very quiet.
25 Wed
Still at Flixecourt. Weather very wet. Things very quiet.
o]to\_r / nov_m\_r 1916 26 Thu
Still Flixecourt. Weather still wet. Things very quiet. Sent PC Sydney.
27 Fri
Still at school Flixecourt. Weather showery. Heavy bombardment on the Somme. We can just hear the roll of the guns.
28 Sat
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine things quiet.
29 Sun
30 Mon
Still at Flixecourt. Weather wet. Things very quiet. Football match between Australian and British Officers, after church parade. British Officers winning by 3 points. Still at Flixecourt. Weather wet, things very quiet.
31 Tue
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine things quiet.
1 Wed
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Things very quiet.
2 Thu
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Image my surprise when someone rushes up and shakes me by the hand. Who should it be but Alf Chapman. Now a Sargent in the machine gun section. He has won a Military Medal at Pozieres.
3 Fri
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Pay day 15 francs. Expect Alf up this afternoon.
4 Sat
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Things very quiet.
5 Sun
Still at Flixecourt. Church parade as usual. Weather fine but cold. Things quiet.
6 Mon
Still at Flixecourt. Weather wet and cold. Very quiet. Motor trip into Abbeyville.
nov_m\_r 1916 7 Tue
Still at Flixecourt. Weather wet.
8 Wed
Still at Flixecourt. Weather wet. Things very quiet. Grand concert in lecture room at 8.0pm.
9 Thu
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine but showery. Received two letters from home, one from Norah and 4 from the landlady. Posted PC home and one to Sydney. Wrote to England. Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Went for a trip tp Abbeyville. Left at 2.30pm returned at 9.30pm. Visited the Cathedral and walked around the town. Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Wrote Norah. Things quiet. .
10 Fri
11 Sat
12 Sun
Still at Flixecourt. Church parade as usual. Very quiet.
13 Mon
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Things very quiet.
14 Tue
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Things very quiet.
15 Wed
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Heavy bombardment all day, we can just hear it.
16 Thu
Still at Flixecourt. Weather very cold. Things quiet.
17 Fri
Still at Flixecourt. Weather very cold. Things quiet. Pay day 30 francs.
18 Sat
Still at Flixecourt. Weather very cold, first fall of snow this morning. Things very quiet.
19 Sun
Still at Flixecourt. Weather warmer. Church parade as usual. Things very quiet.
Nov_m\_r / ^_]_m\_r 1916 20 Mon
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine. Things very quiet. Rumoured that Monastir has fallen.
21 Tue
Still at Flixecourt. Weather fine.
22 Wed
Still at Flixecourt. Getting ready to return to our unit. 7.0pm left by motor transport. Arrived Fricourt Circus 2.0 am. Slept in the road all night no blankets very cold. Joined Battalion at 12.noon. At Meetz Woods. A foot of mud everywhere you go. Heavy bombardment all day still continuing. Weather dry but cold. Still billeted at Mametz huts. Weather very cold. Heavy bombardment all day still continuing. Wrote Percy.
23 Thu
24 Fri
25 Sat
Shifted from Mametz huts to Montreil. Raining up to our knees in mud, all the time. Heavy bombardment.
26 Sun
Still at Montreil. Showery mud everywhere Slight bombardment. Heavy bombardment all night.
27 Mon
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold but dry. Aeroplanes active, one of ours bought down in flames. Received letter from home. Heavy bombardment all night. Still at Montreil. Weather very cold but dry. Still plenty of mud. Wrote PC to Eleise, Norah and Mrs. McClear. Received a letter from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, notifying me that my money had arrived.
28 Tue
29 Wed
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold. Turned in early, feeling pretty sick, have got a touch of malaria. Heavy bombardment all night.
30 Thu
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold. Heavy bombardment.
1 Fri
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold. Heavy bombardment all the morning. Had to stand to last night ready to go to the front line at a moment’s notice. But nothing happened except a very heavy bombardment all night. Received letter from Mrs. Mac
^_]_m\_r 1916 2 Sat
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold. Heavy bombardment all day.
3 Sun
Still at Montreil. Weather cold. No church parade or service. Heavy bombardment.
4 Mon
Still at Montreil. First fine day we have had for some time. Sun out all day. Aeroplanes very active one of Fritz’s bought down. Heavy bombardment all day and night.
5 Tue
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold and raining. Heavy usual bombardment.
6 Wed
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold.
7 Thu
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold.
8 Fri
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold.
9 Sat
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold.
10 Sun
Still at Montreil. Weather very cold.
11 Mon
Still at Montreil.
12 Tue
Still at Montreil.
13 Wed
Still at Montreil.
^_]_m\_r 1916 14 Thu
Still at Montreil.
15 Fri
In the front line.
16 Sat
In the front line
17 Sun
In the front line
18 Mon
In the front line
19 Tue
In the front line
20 Wed
In the front line
21 Thu
In the front line
22 Fri
In the front line
23 Sat
In the front line
24 Sun
In rest billets
25 Mon
Christmas Day In rest billets wrote Australia, Norah, and wrote home
26 Tue
Boxing Day In rest billets. Posted letter to Flixecourt containing 10 francs
^_]_m\_r 1916 27 Wed
In rest billets
28 Thu
In rest billets
29 Fri
In rest billets
30 Sat
In rest billets. Wrote to Maud
31 Sun
In rest Billets. Went to Holy communion 9.00 am. Walked into Revermont.
En^ of _ntri_s for 1916
Th_ Di[ri_s for 1917 [r_ missing. B_li_v_^ to h[v_ \__n lost [long with oth_r p_rson[l _ff_]ts [ft_r h_ w[s g[ss_s [n^ _v[]u[t_^ from th_ from th_ W_st_rn Fronton th_ 18 @pril 1918