pompeyrodney Posted 27 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Hi Marina Not only did John have the Turks and Germans to contend with, but also his own side thought he was a spy as well !! Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 27 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Hi All Welcome to the 21st instalment in the John Pitt story Saturday July 24rd Saw quack this morning and he wanted to send me to go to hospital and so I told him I would rather see the thing through to a finish now. Big shells lobbing around here all day. 3 casualties in A company, some narrow shaves. Prevailed upon them that we go up tonight. 8.15pm. Depart for trenches, some narrow shaves going through firing line. We were reserves in sap, plenty of bombs, but not at all effective. Double issue of rum. Saturday July 25th 3.30am. Stand to. 4.30 Carry on. 6am. Left for Braunds Hill. More 8th battalion wounded returned, 3 D company including “Ling”? 9.30 Sick Parade, Light Duty. Knees going on well. A short but heavy bombardment of trenches this morning, a few casualties. 4pm. To AMC again. Occasional bursts of naval gunfire in the south. Big shells round here again today. 8pm. Left for firing line, same place as last night. Monday 26th July Usual stand to, but nothing doing. Returned 6pm. 9.30 A.M.C. Knees going on well, but old trouble breaking out on legs again, with a vengeance. A number of big shells lobbing 200 yards down the gully from here and on beach, several casualties. Prunes figs and rice for tea, what has happened? Did not go up with the lads tonight. Several more big shells (proved to be from trench mortar) in trenches and near here during the night. Captain Harltand? buried alive under parapet, and had succumbed to shock when dug out. Trench mortar reported put out of action by our artillery. Tuesday July 27th Did not stand to. Saw doctor and he asked me to try and stick it out to the finish. Healthy rumours of us all being relieved soon. Tommies gradually taking over A.S.C. on beach. A few more 8th battalion wounded returned this morning with some reinforcements. I am excused nearly all heavy duties, thanks to Sgt. Bill Colven. Any amount of big shells today. Lads moved off at usual time. Issue of Rum. Wednesday July 28th 3.45am. Demonstration on the part of the Turks, bugles blowing, bayonets brandished etc. Apparently there are plenty of them there. A German aeroplane flew overhead about 4.30 this morning. Poor Gordon Crocker was killed this morning by a shell bursting on the parapet in front of him. Lieutenant Bennett got some dust in his eyes and went to hospital. What next ! Gen Birdwoods' aide-de-camp killed in his dug out by shrapnel. Our howitzers have kept down the fire of their mortars today. Big shrapnel shell laid out 13 on pier today, killing 3. 80,000 troops said to have landed at Cape Helles, probably be something doing there the day after tomorrow. Thursday July 29th Knees etc going on well, dressed twice a day. More 4.7” guns landed, also howitzers and tommies. English mail today. Warship (with big guns) and observation balloon transport, with escort of 2 destroyers arrived about 4pm, dropped a few 14” shells on some unfortunate thing or other. The lads on beach fatigue today, I did not go. Friday July 30th Nothing doing last night.6am. A little fatigue. 9am. A.M.C. 11-1pm. An observation, nothing to do. 3.30pm. A.M.C. 5-8pm. On observation, could see our 6” howitzer shells bursting over the “Chess Board”. Speaking to Captain Dexter today and he tells me there are 113 guns here at Anzac at present, and that an enveloping movement will shortly be commenced and that this campaign will shortly finish, although he thinks we will have to see it through. 5pm, 1 round per man fired right along the line, on receipt of the news of the victory at Baghdad. 8pm. On guard over packs, 3 hours on. Big beach fatigue party called out from the 6th battalion, here about midnight. Saturday July 31st Things quiet last night with the exception of a “Monitor” which put its searchlights onto something and lobbed a few shells in at intervals. A German Taube? has been buzzing around here 2 or 3 times lately and must have a landing place not far in rear of the Turk lines. This morning she dropped 2 bombs, 1 dropping about 200 yards away from us. I was having breakfast, and it quite took my appetite away. It is rather an exciting experience to hear a bomb travelling through the air, gradually getting nearer to the ground, whilst you are debating in your own mind whether you will go this way, that way or stay where you are. Knees doing well, 1 dressing a day sufficient now. 8.15pm. Up to firing line, 3rd brigade to push forward right flank. Several bursts of fire on left. We were reserves in the sap. There has been a heavy bombardment in the south ever since early this morning. Sunday August 1st Usual stand to. 5.30am. Left for Braunds Hill. 6.30am Fatigue. 10am. A.M.C. Discovered capt D holding a service in rear of our line. A good address, text; “Stand fast in the faith”. Bombardment in the south continued till noon. Enemy's artillery active all the morning, especially on beach. Down to beach after dinner, things quiet. Left for trenches at usual time. Reserves in sap. Issue of rum. Monday August 2nd Midnight till 2 am, observing on No 1 post, nothing doing, things quiet. 4am. Stand to. 5Am Carry on. 6Am Left for camp. Elaborate rumours of an early departure from here, may they be true !. Heavy bombardment in the south all day. Issue of lime juice. Left for trenches at usual time tonight. Reserves in sap again. 11pm. New Zealanders blow up Turkish sap, which, as usual, was followed by heavy rifle fire from the Turks. Tuesday August 3rd Usual stand to. Arived back in camp about 6am. There will certainly be something doing here shortly. 3rd brigade took 2 lines of trenches the other night. General advance expected this week, troops to be landed before then. To return to battalion tonight. 6pm. Took rifle and kit up. 7Pm Helped the cooks with their stuff. 8Pm Digging communication trench in 2 relief's. I am 2nd relief.10pm heavy rifle fire, rockets, flares, shrapnel etc for about 15 minutes. Demonstrations whilst new troops are landing. Issue of lime juice and rum. Just so as you are all aware I have nearly finished the first bookk of the diary and currently I do not have the next one that follows chronologically in the series. The only other book of the diary I have starts from 28/5/1916 and runs to 18/9/1916. Do you want me start transcribing this period or shall I wait until next week when i should have the correct book in the series?? Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 27 February , 2005 Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Better have a vote on that one - much to be said on both sides. It would be a shame to break the chronological order since we're all involved with what's going on here. On the other hand, I at any rate have been looking forward to his arrival in France. And I've also got used to my daily installment and don't really want to stop now. Who can resist a man who thinks being bombed is 'rather an exciting experience?' How about going to France in a new thread since you have the diary to hand, and those who wish to keep to the chronological order can give it the go-by until the rest of this campaign is up and read it later? Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 27 February , 2005 Share Posted 27 February , 2005 YOu could call a new thread 8th BATTALION AIF DIARY cont. - John Pitt goes to F&F Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 27 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Hi Marina Well now you have really set me thinking, I will get the next book in the diary, next Friday when my parents come to stay. So I could carry it on when I get the book but I can be swayed either way depending on what Blackblue, Frev, Brian M, Petrick and any others who read this, in the meantime here is the bit up to the end of the first book. 22nd Instalment Wednesday August 4th Usual stand to. Large number of Kitchener's army landed last nigh. More to come, Gloucester's, Warwick's and Stafford's here. Camped on ledge half way up hill, very hot here. I ---- got quite right, going on well. Things very quiet all day. To be prepared to move at 9am in morning. Our platoon off duty tonight. Turned in early. More troops landed while we made demonstrations. Thursday August 5th Usual stand to. 10.30am Moved off inn full marching order to Courting's Post?.The second brigade are apparently to thinly man the firing line, or a large part of it, for observation purposes. The New Zealanders we relieved going out on left. It is more plainly seen from here that we have some very difficult country over which to advance.10-12am On post, 1pm Put in charge of fumigator?. Do not think 2nd Brigade will be in the advance. Issued with 3 pieces of white flannelette to put on back of sleeves of tunic, probably to guide artillery. Heavy bombardment in the south during the afternoon. 5pm Short of men, taken off fumigator and put on post. 8pm On post. 10pm. Turks howled , shouted “Allah Mohammed” etc and laughed etc, by way of demonstration, but drew no fire. Trenches all close to one another around here, plenty of bombs. Poor Jim Coulter gets his hand blown off and knee shattered, through poor judgement in throwing. 2 others wounded. Issue of rum. Friday August 6th 12-2am. On post, nothing doing. 4am stand to. Heavy fire on right just before daylight. Turks counter attacked on position they lost a week or so ago, regained it and lost it again. Firing lasted till about 8am. An artillery duel all the morning enemy's artillery active. A lot of troops here now. The big move expected to start tonight. 6th reinforcements arrived this morning. 8th battalion nearly up to strength now.5pm. The whole of our land artillery opened fire on the Turks trenches and gun positions on the entire front here, 4 cruisers giving valuable assistance. 5.30pm. Heavy rifle fire broke out tonight and we gave the 1st and 3rd brigades who were advancing there, supporting fire. 6.15pm. Some battalions of the 1st and 3rd brigades have taken Lone Pine Ridge. Artillery going steadily all night. 9pm. Supporting fire for the Light Horse who are to attempt to take a position on the left. At midnight , there were 4 underground explosions which were followed by heavy rifle fire from the Turks. The 6th battalion unusually failed in an attempt to take the German Officers trench. Issue of rum. Here endeth the first book. Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackblue Posted 27 February , 2005 Share Posted 27 February , 2005 I agree that chronologically is the best bet Jules. Rgds Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 27 February , 2005 Share Posted 27 February , 2005 And what a point to break off at! Don't much like the sound of the white flannel to guide the artillery - that would make me very nervous indeed! Here endeth - well, it's been a magnificent effort from you, Jules - but a labour of love. Am looking forward to the rest, whichever comes first! Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 27 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Hi Blackblue and Marina Ok Tim I am swayed to your way of thinking, I will wait for the correct following on book before I post more and in the meantime I will start typing up the book I have yet to do. Perhaps some discussion on the contents posted to date would be appropriate. Goodnight all, or good morning to you Aussies reading this !! Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krithia Posted 27 February , 2005 Share Posted 27 February , 2005 Thursday August 5th Usual stand to. 10.30am Moved off inn full marching order to Courting's Post?. I'm still here and reading ... do you think "Courting's Post" is Courtney's Post. Excellent read, can't wait until the next bit ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPCLI Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Hi Jules, Thanks for all your efforts so far. I agree that posting the diary in chronological order is the better way to proceed. We'll all just have to be patient. Till next weekend. Bye for now. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidd1986 Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 I noticed this thread the other day, but have just read it all tonight. Cant wait for the other entries. This stuff is great, your grandfather must of been a great man. Keep up the good work! Regards Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Thanks for all your wonderful work! Phhh, now I can take a couple of days off- finally =until your next batch arrives Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frev Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Don't much like the sound of the white flannel to guide the artillery - that would make me very nervous indeed! Marina, The white patches were actually worn so that the artillery could distinguish between our guys & the enemy - and hopefully therefore not shoot ours. Jules, I hope you enjoy your break - you probably need it more than you realise! You still have a long haul ahead of you after all - that is if you intend on sharing your grandad's entire diary with us. July 26th: Captain Harltand? - This was Lieut (Hon. Cpt) Leslie Richard HARTLAND, age 24. Buried Shrapnel Valley Cemetery. [his 19 yr old brother William of the 14th Bn, was KIA a month later on the 20/8/15, and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial] July 28th: Poor Gordon Crocker was killed this morning ....... - Sgt Crocker (age 28) was very popular amongst his men, and his burial at the Beach Cemetery was well attended. Aug 5th: Poor Jim Coulter gets his hand blown off ....... - This was actually Sgt Jason Leslie Boyd COULTER, age 37. He died of his wounds 5 days later (10/8/15) and is buried at the Chatby War Cemetery, Egypt. He had been wounded at the start of June & had only just returned to Gallipoli on the 27th July. Looking forward to the next Gallipoli diary - but no hurry Jules - after all you might want to spend some time with your parents!! Cheers, Frev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 28 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Morning All Many thanks for all the nice comments, both about the diary itself, and also about my grandfather. I have really enjoyed seeing all the comments about the diary. I just wish as many people had commented on it as have apparently read it. I will start typing up the latter book I have, so as I do not waste any time, but I shall try to do it at work so that I can have some spare time to myself!! It will be very interesting, the next book that is, as it is written in pencil and is much more difficult to read than the first book which had been written out from the original by my grandmother. This one is in John's hand and I take it was written on the battlefield. Keep the comments coming I would welcome soem discussions on the content of the diary so far. TTFN. Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Marina, The white patches were actually worn so that the artillery could distinguish between our guys & the enemy - and hopefully therefore not shoot ours. SO relieved to hear that! Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaypet01 Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Julian, thanks for the reply.I have read and re-read the diary,totally absorbing.Thanks goodness for people like your grandfather who had the foresight to commit to words, in this case for posterity what life was like in those times.Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 28 February , 2005 Author Share Posted 28 February , 2005 Hi All I'm still here and reading ... do you think "Courting's Post" is Courtney's Post. Hi Krithia It could well be Courtney's Post, I am just trying to decipher the writing without having any knowledge myself of the places involved. I hope you enjoy your break - you probably need it more than you realise! You still have a long haul ahead of you after all - that is if you intend on sharing your grandad's entire diary with us Frev I will most certainly enjoy the rest although I will miss the finding out of new facts about my grandfathers incredible wartime experiences, can't wait to get the new book. I certainly intend sharing the book with all of you, after all you really appreciate it as much as I do. I have loads of memoribilia which I am hoping to scan in the next few days with a view to letting you all see it, so keep checking this thread !! Julian, thanks for the reply.I have read and re-read the diary,totally absorbing.Thanks goodness for people like your grandfather who had the foresight to commit to words, in this case for posterity what life was like in those times.Keep up the good work. Thanks for the kind words Jaypet01, I too am very relieved he did. Bye for now all Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 28 February , 2005 Share Posted 28 February , 2005 What kind of memorabilia, Julian? I'm curious... Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian M Posted 1 March , 2005 Share Posted 1 March , 2005 Julian So sorry to have missed out on the vote bur I concur with the others that it would be a shame to break the chronology. While we're waiting, this page might be of interest as it is a hamoge to one of the heroes of Gallipoli who, like everyone else, felt he was just doing his bit. http://www.anzacs.net/Simpson.htm Cheers Brian M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian M Posted 1 March , 2005 Share Posted 1 March , 2005 Sorry, I meant to type homage. B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frev Posted 1 March , 2005 Share Posted 1 March , 2005 I'm still here and reading ... do you think "Courting's Post" is Courtney's Post. Hi Krithia It could well be Courtney's Post, I am just trying to decipher the writing without having any knowledge myself of the places involved. Hi Jules & Krithia, It was indeed Courtney's Post. From 'Cobbers in Khaki': "In preperation for the attack, the 8th Battalion extended its perimeter from Courtney's Post up to Brown's Dip. In order to find sufficient men to hold the 'thin red line' the battalion cooks were brought into the line as riflemen." I guess the men had to make do with biscuits (& rum) for their meals that day!! Jules, I've just realised that the photo you recently posted, is in the above book - but your grandad hadn't been named [i've added his name in pencil]. Out of the four seated - the one front right is Percy Lay - the most decorated soldier in the 8th Bn. Cheers, Frev. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 1 March , 2005 Author Share Posted 1 March , 2005 Hi Frev Brian and Marina Thanks for filling us in on the historical facts Frev, much appreciated. I must admit I was a bit miffed to find my grandads name missing from the picture in"Cobbers In Khaki", I'm sure others must have noticed it and wondered who it might be. As regards the memorabilia Marina, I have some signed cards from a reunion dinner that took place in 1919, together with some info on the visit of HRH Edward Prince Of Wales, who visited Australia in May 1920. Will be able to tell you more when I get it all from my parents this weekend. Take care one and all. Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpike Posted 2 March , 2005 Share Posted 2 March , 2005 Jules, Fascinating stuff. Enjoyed every minute of it. Can't wait for the rest, well done! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pompeyrodney Posted 2 March , 2005 Author Share Posted 2 March , 2005 Hi Bob Thanks for your kind words. I should get the rest of the books of the diary this weekend so I will start typing it up next Monday all being well. Look out for the next instalment after that, looking forward to it myself apart from the typing !! Regards Julian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marina Posted 2 March , 2005 Share Posted 2 March , 2005 I'm suffering from diary withdrawal symptoms. Marina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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