8th Battalion AIF Diary Found !

[pompeyrodney]

Hi leanes-trench

Many thanks for pointing out my errors as the writing I am having to decipher is something else. The next book is written in pencil and is even harder to read so that should be fun !! I have edited the errors in my master copy so if you see any more please let me know. Meanwhile here is the next instalment, hope you enjoy reading it as it is a pleasure sharing it with someone who really appreciates it.

26th Instalment

Friday October 8th

Went to eye doctor and got prescription to give to ward doctor. Showers of rain all day, and a short but severe gale which lasted about a quarter of an hour. A few tents were blown down, but happily the ward tents were sufficiently well secured.

Saturday October 9th

Going on alright, except for a little indigestion.

Sunday October 10th

About 8 Hospital ships in the harbour today, also the “Olympic”, which has unloaded her troops but not yet returned to England.

Monday October 11th

Going strong. The “Aquitania” expected in any day now. Think my chance of getting away on her is fairly good.

Tuesday October 12th

Indigestion troublesome, probably caused by bad bread.

Wednesday October 13th

JR and GP here today with three of their mates, passed a pleasant day. The weather here is getting a little wintry. Tasted a few European apples, the first since leaving the “Benalla” at Alex 10 months ago.

Thursday October 14th

Decidedly cold today. Chances of “the trip” coming off decidedly good. “Aquitania” due in tomorrow.

Friday October 15th

Walked over a mile today. Farthest since getting up. Going on alright.

Saturday October 16th

“Aquitania” overdue, delayed due to rough weather according to wireless message. Showers of rain tonight.

Sunday October 17th

“Aquitania” arrived in this morning. Think I am alright for getting away on her, but am prepared for a setback at the last minute.

Monday October 18th

Told this morning for certain that I am to go as a “ on the “cot case” on the “Aquitania” and the patients from this ward (about 30) will go aboard early tomorrow morning. Drew my clothes in the afternoon and got ready.

Tuesday October 19th

10.30 am. Ambulances arrived for cot cases. Walked to ambulance and drove to pier where Red Cross tender was waiting to take us aboard. 12.15pm Transferred to Hospital ship “Eban” which was tied up to the ”A”, were sorted out and then after a long wait, got to our respective wards. The size and splendour of this boat, even in its present state, is indescribable. I was put in a 4 berth second class cabin with 3 K.O.S.B’s, who are also enteric cases, and we are very comfortable. Water laid on etc. The tucker, as I anticipated is very good, and the way they are catering for such a vast number of patients is marvellous. We have the run of the ship and I look forward to a pleasant voyage and good times at the other end, which I reckon I have earned, the same as the rest of us. I understand she sails tomorrow night.

Wednesday October 20th

Further explored the boat today, she is gigantic. Enjoyed a few more luxuries today, including a hot bath. A few boatloads of troops in the harbour, French and English. Had a yarn with the bosun, he expects we will sail early tomorrow.

Thursday October 21st

Anniversary of departure from Port Melbourne, and at 7amtoday we steamed out of Mudros harbour. We have been passing through numerous small islands in the Grecian Archipelago all day and they appear to be very rugged. Except for the throbbing of the engines, one would hardly know the boat was travelling. Have been going at a good speed alld ay and decidedly faster towards night. We have passed a number of other boats heading for the Peninsula. A little rain tonight.

Friday October 22nd

A decidedly cold wind blowing all day. We are maintaining a good speed, travelling faster by night. This afternoon we passed through the islands of Malta and Sicily, being within sight of the latter place. Expect to be off Gibraltyar by tomorrow evening.

Saturday October 23rd

A deal of excitement this morning. Went on deck about 6.30am and when a few feet from the side of the ship saw a man dive overboard and strike out. A cry of “Man Overboard” immediately started followed by several lifebuoys being thrown out. The engines of the ship were promptly reversed, and the ship was navigated in a complete circle back to the place where a delirious patient had managed to throw himself overboard. The ship then turned right round so as to be heading in the right direction, and then she stopped. I waited a while, but eventually went below to breakfast having given the man up for dead. I had just got below, however, when there was a rush to the portholes and, being tall, I could see a boat and 2 men in the water, one of the occupants of the small boat having jumped in to help the exhausted man in. The ship quickly started again, and we sighted land on the port side all the morning and on the starboard side all afternoon. A very calm day today and quite warm. 8pm. Gib not in sight.

Keep the feedback coming as I am very much enjoying reading the comments.

Regards

Julian

[marina]

I'm enjoying the diary as you all know ad anuseam, but also the way further info is being made available by other pals - the book extracts, the historical stuff, the tracing of the other men mentioned in John's diary.

I also FELT the pleasure of John's hot bath on the Aquatania!

Marina

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Marina

Yes that bath must have been absolute heaven!!!

Julian

[Guest lilydalelil]

Julian

I note that you are amending a master copy.

Perhaps other Pals could help if the master copy was posted to a separate thread.

For instance, a 'new' reader may be able to identify a mystery location in the origional thread, but be unsure as to whether it has been 'rectified' in the master.

It may be practicable for the current daily readings, and the discussion generated by them, to continue as is. Others would not only then be given the pleasure of watching the story unfold, but may share the satisfaction of helping you produce the "final draft" of the odyssey.

cheers

[frev]

Jules,

I never would have noticed your 'deliberate' mistake! But I'm sure glad you did.

I was so relieved when your grandad got on that ship to England - the suspense was killing me - I kept thinking - something's going to go wrong - they're going to change their minds - 'Murphy's Law' will see to that. Listen to me I'm getting as bad as Marina (I don't mean that in a 'bad' way M. - you know what I mean don't you?)

Anyway, what with his legs, his eyes, the enteric fever, and the indigestion (which is probably a by-product of the enteric?) - I'm sure he must have been feeling 91 rather than 21 (and that's without even mentioning the general things like bad food, lice, flies, lack of sleep, being constantly shot at & bombed etc etc etc). - I get exhausted just thinking about it.

More of my endless additions:

Aug 22nd:

Lieutenant Grainger and How---e Thomas managed between them to drop a percussion bomb ...............

Lt Wilfred Bert GRANGER died of his wounds that same day, age 24 and is buried at Beach Cemetery, Anzac.

The other soldier appears to be:

L/Cpl Thomas Hurtle THOMAS, age 20, who died of his wounds the next day 23/8/15 & is buried at East Mudros Military Cemetery, Lemnos

Sept 2nd - Sept 13th:

I was really interested in his reference to the 'Southland' - some of my soldiers were on it - so it's one of my many interests. The General that survived was J. Gordon Legge, 2nd Div - the one that drowned wasn't actually a General & he didn't actually drown. It was Col Richard Linton, Commander of the 6th Aust Inf Brigade, and he died a short time after being rescued - from exposure & shock. Some of the men were in the water for over 2 hours. Every report I've read gives a different figure of the loses - between 20 & 40. I've actually verified 27 AIF.

Oct 2nd:

Bad news of Alma May and McKean.

Alma (496) died of wounds 10/9/15, age 24 & is buried at Beach Cemetery, Anzac.

Rupert McKean (1050) died of wounds 16/9/15 (at sea) & is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial.

Cheers for now, Frev.

[frev]

Does anyone have any idea if any of this type of stuff ever made it's way back to the U.K. (or Aus ) at that time. I know it's probably a whole different topic but was all mail censored both ways?. or was there censorship in WW1.?

Steve,

The mail coming into Australia was censored - but mainly only in matters that concerned security. The men were aware that they weren't to use names of places & ships etc - anything that might help the enemy if intercepted - and if they did it was usually blotted out.

However, the majority of soldiers writing to their families chose to make light of their circumstances - to save them the worry - but a lot of detail still got through - and got published in the local papers.

Cheers, Frev.

[pompeyrodney]

Julian

I note that you are amending a master copy.

For instance, a 'new' reader may be able to identify a mystery location in the origional thread, but be unsure as to whether it has been 'rectified' in the master.

It may be practicable for the current daily readings, and the discussion generated by them, to continue as is. Others would not only then be given the pleasure of watching the story unfold, but may share the satisfaction of helping you produce the "final draft" of the odyssey.

cheers

Thanks for the offer of getting others to help in editing the master copy, but as Frev has been pointing out my mistakes I have been going back to edit the text I had typed up. Please feel free to let me know of any inaccuracies or mistakes as you find them as I should be very grateful. I shall continue as I am for now.

Cheers

Julian

[Matthew King]

Hi

Thanks for transcribing your Granddads diary, I know how time consuming it is, I'm doing my own Grandfather's letters. Was also interested by the mention of the Southland as this was the troopship my Grandfather went out to Gallipolli on. I have a newspaper clipping and photo of the ship for your information.

Keep up the good work

Matt

[marina]

Listen to me I'm getting as bad as Marina (I don't mean that in a 'bad' way M. - you know what I mean don't you?)

Obsessed, you mean! Isn' it strange how involved you can get with the story of a man you never met whose adventures all happened YEARS before you were even born! I was even worried about Messrs. Howie and Grainger - right to be too. That was sad.

Where's the camel photo, Julian? be nice to see him having some fun!

Marina

[pompeyrodney]

Where's the camel photo, Julian? be nice to see him having some fun!

Marina

Hi Marina

In answer to your question it is still with me as I do not have a scanner. I do know where I can use one it is just finding the time at present. All good things come to those who wait remember

regards

Julian

[pompeyrodney]

Here it is folks the next gripping instalment

27th Instalment

Sunday October 24th

Remarkably calm today. 3.30pm Arrived off Gibraltar Rock and stayed there half an hour, during which time a motor boat brought out a despatch for us. The rock and its fortifications are tremendous. 8pm. Going at a rattling pace, another 2 days should see us very near to Southampton.

Monday October 25th

A decidedly cold strong wind blowing all day, and the sea is consequently choppy. Ship rolling slightly. Issued with warm clothing. Warned to be ready to disembark at 10am on Wednesday. Well into the Bay this morning.

Tuesday October 26th

A wild rough night last night, and decidedly cold with a strong headwind all day. Expect to be alongside when we awake in the morning.

Wednesday October 27th

6.45am. Found we were anchored outside Spithead Forts. 8.30am heaved anchor and steamed to the south of Southampton Water, anchored, but eventually did the last lap to the dock where we arrived about 11.30am. Grand to see old England once again. 3pm. Australian and New Zealand walking cases disembarked and as I stepped off the gangway on to the docks, whom should I find there, to meet me, but my brother Arthur. He managed to get me sent to Netley Hospital, only 4 miles out of Southampton, so that I would be handy to his place, especially as buy a stroke of good luck, Mother is staying with him there. I and 7 others eventually arrived at Netley by car about 4.30 after a bonza motor drive through typical English scenery. I have arranged with Arthur to come out on Friday afternoon for a couple of hours. 5pm. The 8 of us put in the isolation marquee. The others are all convalescent diphtherias, and through bad management I am in contact with diphtheria.

Thursday October 28th

We all saw the Doctor this morning and he took diphtheria swabs. Hope to get out of isolation soon, unless I am positive, which is not likely. A chance of getting transferred to Highfield Hospital which is only a stones throw from Arthur’s house.

Friday October 29th

A damp cold and foggy morning. 1.30pm. Arthur and Eric with Ma turned up, and I passed an hour and a half very pleasantly with them. Ma looking very well, first time I have seen her for 3 and a half years.

Saturday October 30th

I hope to get out of here on Tuesday next, as my diphtheria swab is negative.

Ma and Ethel with Colin and Eric were out today, and stopped a couple of hours. Another concert tonight, but did not go.

Sunday November 7th

Went for a good walk this afternoon. Church in the evening. A fine building for a hospital chapel and a good service.

Monday November 8th

Going on alright. Walked all through the grounds. Plenty of shipping on Southampton Water. Issue of 3ozs of tobacco by the Australian War Contingent Association every Monday.

Tuesday November 9th

A miserable day. A good concert at night. Splendid talent on the violin.

Wednesday November 10th

Received a good parcel of “goodies” from Minnie. Concert tonight, one of the most awful I have ever heard.

Thursday November 11th

Ted, Erica and Ma out today. Passed a very pleasant afternoon with them, tea by ourselves in the YMCA. A good concert tonight, 2 splendid sketches.

Friday November 12th

Hospital ship “Mauretania” arrived in from Lemnos Island with a fuel cargo this morning. 3 transfers from this ward to Addington Park today. Saw eye doctor again this morning and he is still of the same opinion. I hope he is correct.

Saturday November 13th

Ma and Ethel with Eric and Colin out today. A very good Pierrot? troupe here tonight. Have obtained pass to Southampton for Tuesday and should have a good time.

Sunday November 14th

A splendid Autumn day. Things pretty slow. Hope I shall not be here much longer; a real sickening of hospital. Church at night.

Monday November 15th

A painfully quiet day today

Tuesday November 16th

Caught 11.56 tram to St Denys where Arthur and Eric met me, and we set off for his house, which is a very decent one. Had the best dinner I have had for 12 months, and a nice quiet afternoon in perfect comfort. A good tea and back again after a most agreeable trip, back in my ward at 6.45. A bonza cake from Erica had arrived.

That's all for now folks, more to follow

regards

Julian

[marina]

All good things come to those who wait remember

regards

Julian

...as I have found out on this thread...

marina

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Marina

Glad to hear you are enjoying it although by the lack of feedback from others this thread has gone cold while John is at home on convalescent leave. Guess I had better get cracking to get him back to the war. Catch you later.

Julian

[pompeyrodney]

Hi All

Where have all my avid readers got to then, anyone would think the site was down for maintenance !!

I guess this is what you have been waiting for as I have been typing all day and have finished the next book. The trouble is there is a gap of nearly 4 months before the next book so I have some digging to do to make sure I do not start up with the wrong book. Will let you all know if I find the missing 4 months. Here is the next instalment, mostly with John either in hospital or on leave recuperating.

28th Instalment

Wednesday November 17th

Bitterly cold day today. A concert tonight. Not bad.

Thursday November 18th

Nothing doing all day. Getting pretty monotonous.

Friday November 19th

Saw eye specialist. He thinks my eyes are strengthening and will soon be right. A good concert tonight.

Saturday November 20th

11.30am. Left for Penrith and had a bonza time. Took ma to the pictures in Southampton, a good show. The town is not at all bad and the girl tram conductors are very “natty”. Returned to Penrith for tea and got back to hospital 7.15pm.

Sunday November 21st

Went for a good walk through the grounds this afternoon. Church inn evening. A royal pillow fight between 11 and 12 wards. Sister and MO put to flight.

Monday November 22nd

A Russian general inspected the hospital this afternoon. Madame Strathearn gave us a very pleasant hour this evening.

Tuesday November 23rd

10am. Warned to get ready to go on one of Mrs Chirnsides trips 10.30am. 20 of us left here in a 3 horse drag and had a fine drive to Mrs C’s place, the other side of Southampton. A fine house, standing in its own grounds. After ample refreshment we left there, and with Mrs C proceeded to a good restaurant in Southampton, and had a tip top drive. Then we filed off to the pictures which were very good and returned to the restaurant for an A1 tea, after which we again got into the brake and set off again for “house” arriving there about 5.45pm. A very good day.

Wednesday November 24th

Left here 11.30am for “Penrith” and arrived there, only to find that Erica and Ted were there, Ted having brought his boat down to Southampton for repairs. He had to go aboard in the afternoon and so ma and Erica and I went to the theatre and saw “Mr Wu”, a very good Anglo-Chinese drama. Arrived home nice time to have tea and catch the usual train back to hospital.

Thursday November 25th

A very quiet day today.

Friday November 26th

Eking out a miserable existence.

Saturday November 27th

11.30am. Left for St Denys and met with a good deal of opposition from the MP at the gate, as there was no one there to meet me. After a good deal of argument he agreed to let me through on my own responsibility. Passed a very pleasant afternoon. Played Ma 2 games of Bezique. Arrived back at the usual time.

Sunday November 28th

Up before Captain ham this morning as a result of the blessed MP reporting me as having “broken bounds and forced a sentry”. To go up before the Colonel, probably tomorrow.

Monday November 29th

Captain Ham came down to the ward this evening, looked me up, and told me that he was quite satisfied that I was not guilty of the charge against me and had persuaded the Colonel to take the same view. He is an Australian and a splendid chap. A brother of Captain Ham of A company of my battalion. He knows of Arthur. He is going to try and get all entrics out of here by Xmas. Good concert tonight.

Tuesday November 30th

A grand fight last night with eggs, which lasted till midnight. Eggs all over the place. Had to stop inside all day today, owing to the miserable weather. Enough to drive a man to drink.

Wednesday December 1st

Have got 3 negative tests to my credit and so have still a chance of getting out by Xmas.

Thursday December 2nd

Saw eye quack and got drops in my eyes to enlarge pupils. He will see me again tomorrow.

Friday December 3rd

Had my eyes thoroughly tested by the Doctor but he failed to find anything radically wrong with them, although they are still weak, or at least my sight is. Shall not bother him any more. 5 went out of this ward today, 3 to Addington.

Saturday December 4th

”Aquitania” arrived in this morning with a full load, including 500 entrics. Ma was out this afternoon, and Arthur hopes to be able to come out on Monday morning and take me back with him. Ma is going home on Tuesday, and I hope to be marked out soon. 5 new entrics in this ward tonight. All “Tommies”. A wild night tonight.

Sunday December 5th

News of British retirement from Baghdad, a great pity. Church in evening. A very wet day.

Monday December 6th

Arthur arrived out here about 10am and got a pass out for me and I am also to be “marked out” tomorrow to go out on Friday. Went by the usual tram to St Denys and spent a very pleasant day. Shall be glad to see the back of this confounded prison.

Tuesday December 7th

Gould and I paraded to get “marked out” and when in the middle of getting fixed up, an order came down from the laboratory that the marking out of all entrics must be suspended until a few days later. Rough luck, but it cannot be helped. A miserable day today. Concert tonight, pretty rotten.

Wednesday December 8th

A brighter day today. News that Boy arrived home from France last Tuesday. Rough luck again but hope he will be able to come down here to see me before he returns next Tuesday. A good concert given by school children this afternoon. The whole ward went mad tonight.

Thursday December 9th

Raining all day. Lantern lecture tonight. Poor chances of getting marked out tomorrow.

Friday December 10th

Not marked out today but have been assured by the MO that we will be on Tuesday next, to be discharged on Friday. A very good concert tonight.

Saturday December 11th

My blood test is through, the result that I have had typhoid fever. The doctor tells me I shall be marked out on Tuesday. Boy did not turn up this afternoon, he may come on Monday. Rainey and Mildham were out today and looked very smart in their uniform. They are having a great time. The ward again went mad tonight.

Sunday December 12th

George Day declared unfit for active service ( II.D.H) as a result of yesterdays frolics. A ward full of visitors this afternoon. Rainey and Mildham out again today. Church in the evening.

Monday December 13th

To be marked out tomorrow for a certainty. Hooray! Doubt if I shall see Boy before he returns to France. Rev Vickery transferred to Netley.

Tuesday December 14th

Marked out, three cheers. 10.15am Arthur and Eric appeared on the scene with a pass to take me to Pewut? Got recommendation for a weeks furlough signed by the Colonel and other things done we caught the 11.56 to St Denys. Spent a very pleasant day, returning by the usual train.

Wednesday December 15th

Drew pack from store and requisitions for new kit. The last 2 days have been very miserable, a misty rain falling continuously. A rotten concert tonight.

Thursday December 16th

8.15am. Lined up to draw new kit. A big crowd going out tomorrow, got kit about 10.15am. At 2.50 got furlough pass and signed for £1. Vickery look a snap and fine on the pier. Concert at YMCA tonight.

Friday December 17th

8.30am. Got £1. 9.30 Went to hospital station, got movement and about 10.30, after the men had all been sorted out, started off in a slow train, by a roundabout route, on a foggy day, for Waterloo, arriving there about 1.45pm. Took taxi to Offices, got everything fixed up, and arrived home about 5pm. Ma, Elsie and Peter there, and after the latter 2 had gone, Maggie, Leonard, and Aunt Millie arrived, also Fred, all looking pretty well and the old home just the same. Glorious to be home again. My furlough pass is till Jan 31st.

Saturday January 15th 1916

Arose 10am. Bus Streatham Hill station and caught 11.25 train to Watford via Willesden Junction. Arrived there about 10 o’clock, the kiddies being at the station to meet me. Went for a walk in afternoon. Turned in 10.15pm.

Sunday January 16th

Arose 8am. A 1 mile walk in the morning with Sidney, through some glorious country. Friends to tea in the afternoon. Church in evening. Smoked and yarned and turned in about 10.30pm.

Monday January 17th

Arose 7 o’clock. A short walk and some reading in morning. At 2.30pm, I and 5 ladies were taken over the factory at the Watford Manufacturing Company, which was extremely interesting. Spent a quiet evening yarning by the fireside. Turned in about 10.15.

Tuesday January 18th

Arose 7am. Miserably drizzly weather for the last 3 days. 4.25 train to Euston and there found out about train tomorrow. Met Ma at Victoria, waited till 7.15 for Uncle Tom, but he did not turn up. Restaurants closed, theatres full up, and so went back to Thornton Heath, arriving there about 9.15pm. A bad day. Bezique and then bed at 11.15.

Wednesday January 19th

Arose 8.15 and caught 8.43 to Victoria. Tube to Euston and got 10 o’clock train to Edinburgh. Arrived at Rugby 11.45. Lunch on the train at noon. Crewe at 1.15pm. A good train. Carlisle 4.45 Tea 5pm. Arrived Edinburgh 7.15 Just an hour late. Put up at Victoria Legion. A walk round the town in the event. A very interesting and fine city. Turned in 11.15.

Thursday January 20th

Arose 7.15am, and had a good breakfast. 10 o’clock walked round the town, and went over Edinburgh castle. An excellent view from the top of the rock on which castle is built. Most interesting and historical. Lunch 12.30. Drizzling with rain, sleet and snow nearly all day. Stopped in at the club in the afternoon. Invitation for some of us to take with Dr Nasimyth who lives close by. 4pm. Arrived at Palmerston Place. Had a splendid tea and were well entertained for a couple of hours. Several ladies there for the occasion, a beautiful house. 7pm. Pictures, and then further explored the town until about 11.30, when I turned in.

Friday January 21st

Rotten weather. Arose 9.30. 12.15 Caught bus from Waverley Station to Queensferry. Saw the famous Forth bridge and I and three Canadians with whom I travelled in the bus were standing on the jetty when a naval man off one of the pinnaces gave us the tip that if we wished to go aboard the HMS New Zealand, we had only to ask the chap in charge of the pinnace coming over from the warship, and he would probably take us over to her. When we asked him he said “Yes” right away and so we were onboard inside of an hour, and it was a most interesting experience to witness the working of the ship and guns. A Petty Officer was told off to show us round, also two New Zealanders who had arrived before us. They gave us a good tea when we had seen everything, and we got back to the jetty just in time to catch the bus back to Edinburgh where we arrived about 5.40pm. Had tea and a smoke, and then further reconnoitred the town, getting back about 11.15.

Saturday January 22nd

More miserable weather 11am. Walked to Holyrood Palace and went all over it, which was most interesting. The largest portion of it, a part of which is the Chapel Royal was built in the year 1124, and the rest in 1671 for Charles II who died before it was completed. A part of the newer portions is occupied by the present king and queen, when they are in Edinburgh. Arrived back about 12.45. Still raining. Raining all the afternoon and so I went to Theatre Royal. Saw “Little Boy Blue”, which was quite good. I then further explored the town. Home 11.30.

Sunday January 23rd

Arose 8.30. Lightning dress, wash, and breakfast, and caught the 9 o’clock train to Glasgow, arriving there about 10.30. Put up at the Ivanhoe Hotel. Evidently purely a commercial town, and apparently there is not a great deal to see. Lunch at 12 o’clock; 3pm caught a train to Dalmuir, which travels alongside the Clyde for some distance and then another from there to Balloch about 20 miles from Glasgow. A very interesting journey, as one can get a glimpse of the foundries and ship building yards on the banks of the river, and form an idea of the amount of work which is going on there. It was dusk when I got back to Balloch and so I just had some tea and came back, although I was only 7 miles from Loch Lomond. I crossed the L. Arrived back at 8.30, and turned in about 11 o’clock.

Monday January 24th

Arose 9 o’clock. Went for a walk around Glasgow, and saw cathedral, art gallery etc. got back to hotel about 12.45 and caught 2 o’clock train to Carlisle, arriving there 4.30. There was a heavy fall of snow in Glasgow, last night, and between there and Carlisle the hills were white – tipped. Carlisle is a smaller place than I expected. Shall leave by 12.18 tomorrow. Stayed at Red Lion Hotel. Early music hall pictures after tea. Turned in about 11pm.

Tuesday January 25th

Arose 9.15am. Went right around the town and saw castle and cathedral, the former dating from 1090. Caught the 12.18 train. Lunch and tea on the train. Arrived at Euston 6.45pm and home at 8 o’clock. Maggie was there. Jim Roberts is back from Zanzibar. Went round and saw him. Appointment for 10 o’clock tomorrow. Turned in at 11.30pm.

Wednesday January 26th

Jim and I caught the 10.25 to Victoria, then to hospital where Jim’s girl is a nurse. Was introduced to her and we all went for a walk, and lunch at Slaters. She had to be back at 1pm Horseferry Road. Tea at Anzac buffet. Terry’s pictures in the Strand. 6pm. Dinner at the “Popular”, then to the Criterion Theatre where we saw “A little bit of fluff”, which was very funny, and well produced. Home at midnight.

Thursday January 27th

Arose 10.30am. Cut the privet hedges this morning. Caught the 2.39 to Wallington and walked to Gerties’. Car and bus to 37 Beatrice Avenue. Arrived 6.15 and spent a very pleasant evening. Home 11.30.

Friday January 28th

Arose 10.30, and called for Jim Roberts. 11.22 to London Bridge. There is a great transformation around the monument since I was there last. To Jims’ tailor and his banker, to Yabsley’s, where we parted. Met Leonard at 12.30 at Cornhill. Was to have had lunch with him, but he could not spare the time owing to pressure of business. Left him and had not got 300 yards when I ran into Lionel quite by accident. He had a cup of coffee whilst I had lunch at the “Cottage”, which is a very quaint little restaurant. Yabsleys-----Horseferry Road-----Melbourne Place. Walked around and met Fred at Victoria. Went to the “Pop”, had a jolly good feed and walk. Home 11.30.

Saturday January 29th

Arose 11.30am. saw Jim Roberts off to hospital. Caught 3.36 to Victoria. Tea and then out 1st house Palladium. Met friends, and had a yarn with them and got home about 11 o’clock.

Sunday January 30th

Arose 9.30am. left for church 10.30. Went to Mrs palmers house after the service. Home about 1.30pm. About 3 o’clock left for Aunt Millie’s. The 2 Arnold boys were there. Have not seen them for about 15 years. Very nice chaps. One in the London Scottish, and the other has an armlet. Spent a very pleasant evening. Home about 11.45.

Monday January 31st

Arose 8am, and packed my kit bag. Caught 9.11 train to Victoria, arriving at the offices just before 10 o’clock. After waiting a long time, saw the eye specialist (Major Baker) and he thoroughly examined my eyes, and sent me to Gt Peter Street for the night, telling me to call back again in the morning. Good temporary quarters at Gt Peter St. It was originally a Salvation Army shelter. There was considerable excitement about 9 o’clock at night, due no doubt to Zepps being over some part of the country. All the trains in and around London were stopped for a while. The biggest air raid for some time.

Tuesday February 1st

Arose 7.30am. Breakfast 8am, which was quite passable considering. 9.45 left for Offices and saw Major Baker again about 11 o’clock. He said I must have rest and quietness and must do no strenuous work. Talked of sending me to Gt Peter Street until there was room in Abbeywood, but I told him my home was only 10 miles away so I went there. Casually walked in at the Post Office to see if there was any chance of some letters for me and lo and behold I got 29 letters and a parcel. Arrived home about 2.45. No One at home, and so I made for Beatrice Avenue, and met Maggie at the bottom of it. She was making for Stuart Road, and so we both went there hoping there might be someone in, but no luck. Maggie and I went to Beatrice Avenue, and I read some of my letters. Got home about 7.30, and found ma at home. Bezique and then turned in.

Wednesday February 2nd

Arose 11.15am. A rather cold day, so stopped in all day. Read and wrote letters. Bezique and turned in 11.30.

Thursday February 3rd

Ma’s birthday. Arose 9.30, packed three parcels for Win and sent them away. In the afternoon Gertie and Kathleen, Maggie, Peter and Aunt Millie, Fred and Elsie here. Lionel and Leonard in the evening. A very pleasant time.

Friday February 4th

Arose 12 noon. Breakfast and dinner together. Caught 2.25 to Streatham Common and went to see Mr Cubison and had a good yarn with him. He is a decent old sort. Arrived back 4pm. Elsie and Peter and Mrs West and Winnie W there to tea. They went at 6.30, and Aunt Millie turned up at 7.30. Had some good cards. Aunt M left about midnight.

I hope you all enjoyed that, incidentally I know there is a gap of a month missing but that is how the book goes so that is how you get it !!

Regards

Julian

[marina]

Bumper installment tonight! Good on ya, Julian. Good to see him getting about - but typhoid! No wonder he was feeling so bad. He could have died of that!

'George Day unfit for active service after frolics in the wards' and egg fights and such - they were just boys, weren't they?

I did enjoy this lot, Julian!

Marina

[pompeyrodney]

It would seem they weere just boys as you state, but boy did they have to mature very quickly. I shall dig through all the papers as I don't think I have the next chronological book to carry on with. IF my wrists weren't killing me I would carry on this evening but I think I shall give it a rest and let someone else do all the typing.

Regards Julian

[Boreenatra]

Dear Jules.Well done mate for another marathon effort.He got around a bit in spite of everything! Bad eyes or not he seemed to see most things O.K.!

Take a well earned rest and check out the War time poetry in the Other forum.Apart from some wonderful stuff there it just shows you that some other people do some typing now and again!!! Regards Steve.

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Steve

Thanks for your kind words my friend, will try to do some more tomorrow. I might even talk my partner into doing the typing.

Regards

Jules

[Brian M]

Julian

Just a short note to let you know that you have not been abandoned. I expect it only natural to step in and comment during times of high drama and become rather sedentary during a wee lull in the action. It, of course, in no way diminishes our great interest in John's progress or admiration for your transcription.

Brian M

[Blackblue]

Great work Jules. Keep it coming. Very envious you have gone from having little but a name a few months back to knowing exectly what he did every day!!

Tim

[pompeyrodney]

Just so as you all know I cannot find any diary at all after the December 26th 1916. I had hoped with the number of books I had that it would go right to the end of the war but it would appear not to be the case, I know not why. Meanwhile here is the first snippet of the next book, enjoy !

29th instalment

1916 Sunday May 28th

From the wharf at 103/c and with an escort of a TBD and 2 dirigibles, set off without anything happening. Arrived at Boulogne about 12 o’clock, or as the French clocks said 11 o’clock. Disembarked formed up and marched through the town which is a typical French seaport town, to a rest camp about 2 miles away. Only here temporarily . Not a bad camp at all. My impressions of France so far are fair. Rumours of going on first train and in the morning. A murderous hill leading up to the camp especially with full marching order. Muster parade at 3.30. All correct. Canteens etc plentiful in the camp.

Monday May 29th

Decidedly cold up here. At 4.30 this morning I was rather surprised to find Frenchmen coming around with hot café. 1 d a cup, turned out at 5 o’clock and packed up. Parade in full marching order at 9.30 and marched off at 10 o’clock after a glance by the M.O. Went straight down to the station and entrained. The train left Boulogne at 11 o’clock and after a very slow journey we arrived at Etaples at about 1 o’clock. Got out of the train and went to the base where we were graciously presented with a rifle, bayonet and pull through. Formed up and marched to the 1st Australian Divisional Base Depot. Finally got settled down in our tents. Nearly all reinforcements in the camp. About 15 trains an hour pass here day and night loaded up with guns etc. Expect to be here a month. Parade 6.30 in full marching order in the morning.

Tuesday May 30th

Raining this morning. Parade for new cores cancelled. Breakfast 7 o’clock. Nothing to do in the morning. There is a band here which plays every day. Dinner 2 o’clock. Parade 3.15 for inspection by the Australian Commandant. Officers by the dozen here. Dismissed at 4.15. Things pretty quiet in the camp. Turned in early.

Wednesday May 31st

Reveille 6 o’clock breakfast 6.45. Did nothing in the morning. Parade 2.30. Introduction to the Bull ring. A splendid training ground and the best instructors. Loading and unloading. Skirmishing. Charging trenches. Company drill. Dismissed 5.30. Met some of the old boys again tonight.

Sorry it is short but I have been out most of today working

Regards

Julian

[petrick]

Hi Julian,

Keep it upp mate, I silently stay on the back always waiting for another instalment off you. I am gripped by this diary as any other who replies so don't stop and get rattling on to the next installment.

i am as impatient as a horse geting out on the meadow for the first time after winter.

Coo-ee

patrick

[marina]

Just so as you all know I cannot find any diary at all after the December 26th 1916. I had hoped with the number of books I had that it would go right to the end of the war but it would appear not to be the case, I know not why. Meanwhile here is the first snippet of the next book, enjoy !

29th instalment

1916 Sunday May 28th

From the wharf at 103/c and with an escort of a TBD and 2 dirigibles....

Great, Jules - you're allowed a little time off - double shift today

Marina

[pompeyrodney]

Hi All

Just a very small update as I am having great difficulty reading John's writing. I might have to scan some pages in order to enlist your help to decipher it please. Here is what I can read up to now.

Thursday June 1st

Reveille 5.30 Parade 8.30am. Lecture in Hippodrome on the use of hand grenades. Practiced mode of attack bayonet fighting and then a bench tom. Very interesting and decidedly useful. The soil here is of a light sandy nature and this training reminds me very forcibly of old men days. In camp at 2 o’clock, very dirty and tired. Slept in the afternoon. Night attack tonight. Just managed to miss it.

Friday June 2nd

Parade 8.30. Ranks march past the BR through the village of Cammins? and down to the beach where stands the ruins of a modern hotel and sanatorium built right on the shore and which has been washed away by an abnormally heavy sea. Marched back along the shore. Pretty solid and the reinforcements are cruel at marching. Reckon about 18 miles in all. In camp 12.15. 2 o’clock washing parade. Marched down to the laundry where there are large troughs full of very hot water in which is dissolved disinfectant and soap. A very good idea. In camp 3.15. Rested till night.

Saturday June 3rd

Tent commanders paraded at 6 o’clock and told that in future reveille would be at 5.30. Roll call 5.35 and parade 8.30 for BR. Lecture on the care of arms, loading and unloading smoks. Bayonet fighting and company drill by an absolute ass of an officer. In camp 2 o’clock. 2.45. Parade for the purpose identifying men marked as missing. 6 o’clock. Parade to end with specially prepared trenches

Sorry for so little this time, will try to do some more tomorrow.

Reagrds

Julian

[marina]

There was a bit on TV tonight about the asses who took drill - the bayonet officer was 'eloquently homicidal' according to one man!

Wonder what John meant buy 'old men' days?

Marina