8th Battalion AIF Diary Found !

[pompeyrodney]

Lieut. Pitt took charge of the wiring party - during the evening there suddenly opened a most intense bombardment of light shells on our Front.  We all thought the wiring parties would be cut to pieces but when they returned they reported no casualties.  Fritz had evidently seen the parties and got scared that we were going to attack as he sent up numbers of different flares and opened up a rapid machine gun fire, followed by his artillery and trench mortars."

Hi Frev

Any chance you could fill me in on what the role of the wiring party would be, is it as I expect that he was laying communication wires between the trenches or am I wide of the mark. I have found amongst the memorabilia some trench maps and also some inistructions for wiring parties, none of which makes much sense to me. I also now know which ship John travelled to Aussie in, back in 1912. I have even found his dog tags, which comprise of an aluminium disc and a copper boomerang inscribed with the words "return to me." When I have more time I will try to scan and post some of it. Awaiting your response Frev.

Julian

[Brian M]

Julian

You'll be able to order a copy of the Anzac series at: http://www.napoleonguide.com/dvd_anzacs.htm

http://www.learmedia.ca/product_info.php/products_id/958

It featured all the Aussie actors of the day including Paul Hogan and Mel Gibson.

Brian M

[Andrew P]

Thanks for your input and welcome to the forum. Any idea why Lt Col Braund did not reply to the sentry? Did they have a time limit set upon a challenge from a sentry?

Jules

Apparently Braund was partially deaf and so most likely never heard the sentry's challenge.

Regards

Andrew

[Guest lilydalelil]

It featured all the Aussie actors of the day including Paul Hogan and Mel Gibson.

Mel had fallen out with Actors Equity & the producers were forced to engage Noel Trevarthan to replace him as Haig. All the Aussie actors are listed, but this sample will have to do.

[Guest Brissie]

Hello Jules.

Patrick and Andrew have provided the relevant information. Let me thank you personally for sharing your family's experiences with us. Keep up the good work.

As patrick wrote, Bluey is the strong silent type and didn't complain even when stuck in the mud of Ypres. Pat has not identified the characters in his picture but the Tommy would appear to be Driver Bob. The pannican worn by the Guard is rather eye-catching at such a formal ceremony.

[frev]

Glad you had a great weekend with your folks Jules - and that your dad enjoyed reading about his. (dad)

It's wonderful that we have our next installment of John's adventures in Gallipoli - and that Marina is no longer a 'wall ornament'.

Other's with more knowledge could probably throw more light on the role of the wiring parties. But reading Joynt's previous day's entry in his diary (below), I assumed that the wiring parties were putting up barriers of (barbed) wire to stop the enemy sneaking up on their forward posts.

25th March 1918:

"Our company was ordered to provide a wiring party of three N.C.O.'s and 20 men under an officer. I decided to take this party myself and start the wiring of a post in the front line that No. 16 Platoon was down to occupy when it came to 'D' Coy's. turn to take over the front system of defence. We set off at 7.30pm and carried our wiring stores up to the job from Preston Dump, the rearward supply dump. We wired a line of about 120 yards in front of the post. We suffered no casualties and returned to our lines about 1 o'clock in the morning."

I've been at the library today - and have a little information for you on the Pitt's of Murumbeena - it seems you had / have some Aussie relatives. I've got to read through all the bits I've collected & put it together so it makes sense - so I'll get back to you later - 'cos right now, I need to be cooking!

Cheers, Frev.

[Guest lilydalelil]

Wiring Party as requested.

Well nobody's PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!

[frev]

In the front of the book I have been transcribing it is signed E.W. Pitt, EmilyStreet, Murumbeena. I need to find out who this was as my grandfather had a sister called Elsie but my family don't think she ever went to Australia. I have contacted no end of different places trying to track down who it was, but so far with no luck at all. Anybody who could help would be a friend for life !!! Who could resist that now !

Regards

Julian

Jules,

Only quick-checking indexes here - so a few assumptions made.

All places mentioned are suburbs of Melbourne, Vic, Aust.

* Percival St Clair PITT was the residing owner of No. 20 Emily St, Caulfield from 1888 to 1894 - and No. 20 Emily St, Murumbeena from 1895 to 1940.

In 1941 this house became vacant - and in 1942 it was taken over by J.J. Roddy, and 2 houses were to be built on it (I guess we can assume that the original house was demolished)

* Percival St Clair PITT was born in Collingwood in 1859 - his parents were Walter William PITT & Catherine Louise LOVE [whom possibly emigrated from England]

[they had 2 other children registered in Vic: Andrew Albert b.1861 & Florence Louise b.1866]

* Percival St Clair PITT married Annie Sophia WILLIAMS in 1887

Their children:

1. Percival Francis b.1888 Prahran, marr. 1919, d.1960 age 71

2. Emilie Winnia b.1891 Caulfield, marr. George Silver BALFOUR in 1928, d.20/12/1964 at Malvern, age 74, (a widow), resident of Oakleigh

3. Rhesa Annie b.1897 Murumbeena, marr. W.E. WILSON 1920

4. Rayleigh Baden b.1899 M'beena, d.1900

5. Rayleigh St Clair b.1901 M'beena

* Percival St Clair PITT d.18/5/1940 at Caulfield, age 81

[in the 1912 Electoral Roll, Percival was listed as a Manufacturer (Annie - Home duties) - in the Probate index he was listed as a Gentleman]

[a Walter William PITT d.1875, age 48 at Leic. (? Leichardt), son of James William PITT & Florence Louise LOVE (? could be a confusion of both his mother's & wife's names - not uncommon of death certificates)]

So - I'd say that your E.W. PITT is most likely Percival's eldest daughter Emilie Winnia. It's incredibly likely that these people are your relatives - and John was obviously in touch with them while in Australia - possibly even living with them.

Are there any recognisable 'family names' (apart from Pitt)?

Anyway - I guess this makes us best buddies now!!

Cheers, Frev.

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Frev

Many thanks for all the digging you have been doing. I have just spoken to my father and I am now more confused than ever. He says he never met John's parents for a reason he does not know. Johns mother was a Janet Pitt who gave birth to him in Streatham London in 1894, I will see if I can find out what his fathers name was, unfortunately my own father is losing his memory so that may prove difficult. Is there any Aussie census records available as I now know John arrived in Melbourne in 1912? Thanks again for all your help, now I must do some diary !!

Regards

Julian

[pompeyrodney]

Hi All and here is the next instalment

24th Instalment

Wednesday August 11th

Official news that HMS “Bacchante” holed up 3,000 Turks last night, good business. Things going well on left. Decidedly quiet today. The new crowd here joined up with the New Zealanders. Usual hours of observation. Turkish feast starts today and lasts for 3 days, strict watch to be kept, nothing doing however.

Thursday August 12th

Sgt Matthews accidentally shot last night. Nothing doing all day. 6th and 7th battalions have suffered heavily on the right, mustering 300 and 200 men respectively. 8th battalion has had about 140 casualties since operation started. We are all completely “done up” and fit for nothing. Rumours of being relieved this month. God grant that it may be so. Issue of Rum. 9.30 and 9.50pm Demonstration 3 rounds rapid. Turks appear to have any amount of machine guns, but not many near here. Rifle fire in the north and bombardment in the south.

Friday August 13th

General Walker through the lines this morning. Things quiet all day. Water fatigue in afternoon. Turks uneasy tonight, especially after the L.H. sent up a mine at Quinns Post. Stand to about every hour.

Saturday August 14th

A big rush expected on Monday by our fellows from the north at any time. There are thousands of men down there who have never fired a shot and more landed last night. We have nearly established a line of communication across the Peninsula at Suvla bay. Heavy bombardment in the north just after midday. Turks restless all night, especially on the right, where Lone Pine ridge takes a lot of holding. Bombardment of Achi Baba going on all night. Bursts of rifle fire on left.

Sunday August 15th

9am Part of German Officers trench blown up. Bombardment continues at Achi Baba. Daily issue of rum these times. Things quiet all day for a wonder.

Monday August 16th

A spell today. Observers transferred during day time to old firing line in rear. This game is slowly killing us and it is to be hoped we shall soon be relieved. Issue of lime juice. 6pm. Took over night observation in original places. Things quiet excepting for machine gun on our immediate front, which has got our post set.

Tuesday August 17th

7am On duty for 12 hours observing in rear, 2 on and 4 off with Lemster D C’s ?? Things quiet except for bombardment at Achi Baba. Relieved at 7pm and went to new post in front firing line, 1 and a quarter hours on and 5 off. Legs pretty bad. Turks lively. Heavy firing on extreme left.

Wednesday August 18th

Sick Parade this morning. To use Iodine. Health report ordered to be sent to ADMS this morning 70% ill. Rested all day. Our artillery shelled German Officers trench this afternoon. Heavy bombardment at Achi Baba all the afternoon. 7pm In support. Rested till stand to. No sleep as legs pretty bad.

Please enlighten me when you see any ? marks when there should not be any.

Bye for now

Regards

Julian

[Boreenatra]

To Jules and everybody.Just a thought from all us "reservists" who are watching and reading every word. Carry on and draw strength from the exploits you are copying.What a wonderful testament to all those brave soldiers that after all this time we can still be as motivated as ever to call all these people's names and remember their fight for the generations that followed.I salute you and them. Regards Steve.

[pompeyrodney]

To Jules and everybody.Just a thought from all us "reservists" who are watching and reading every word. Carry on and draw strength from the exploits you are copying.What a wonderful testiment to all those brave soldiers that after all this time we can still be as motivated as ever to call all these people's names and remember their fight for the generations that followed.I salute you and them. Regards Steve.

Hi Steve

Many thanks for your kind words, they sure give me the motivation, not that I need it, to keep up the typing. I now know so much more about my grandfather that I never knew when he was alive. Keep reading mate there is plenty more to come. What did you mean by reservists incidentally? As in reserve forces members I would assume?

Regards

Julian

[Boreenatra]

Dear Jules. Thanks for your reply.The reference to reservists was simply we forum members who just sit and watch you doing all the hard graft !!!. If our support helps you then i'm sure we're all behind you.I think you mentioned early on that your grandfather didn't talk about these things to the family.How typical of that generation to have been through all that and keep their thoughts by and large to themselves.Do you think he ever re-read his diaries? It would seem to me that even though he didn't tell you himself,he left the record so that you could tell everybody for him.Bless you both. Regards Steve.

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Steve

I had a suspicion you were referring to reservists in that manner!! Come on now I want to see some responses so that we get some debate going, for that is how we learn from each other. I have learnt so much I wish I had known much earlier in my life, I now feel somewhat duty bound to inform and educate those who are ignorant of the suffering of our forebears. None of this forum fall into that category for sure but there are those in society who need to be informed. If my grandad did ever re-read his diaries he sure kept it to himself, as not even my father got told of his exploits in the 50 years they had together! keep the feedback coming my friend.

Regards

Julian

[marina]

He's talking about his legs being bad again - I presume it's his knees still playing up? I thought he was getting over that. I know he refused to go to hospital, but surely they would take him out of the front now?

Marina

[pompeyrodney]

You will have to wait and see for the next spellbinding episode Marina, sorry !!!

Jules

[marina]

Oh, you tease!

Marina

[frev]

I have just spoken to my father and I am now more confused than ever. He says he never met John's parents for a reason he does not know. Johns mother was a Janet Pitt who gave birth to him in Streatham London in 1894, I will see if I can find out what his fathers name was, unfortunately my own father is losing his memory so that may prove difficult. Is there any Aussie census records available as I now know John arrived in Melbourne in 1912?

Jules,

Unfortunately Australia never kept Census records - shredded the lot - all that valuable info ripped to shreds - worried they'd be used by evil people for evil purposes! [There have however been moves to alter this for the future]

And to make matters worse - I checked the Embarkation Roll, and your grandfather never gave an address of were he'd been staying at enlistment. Bummer!

His NOK was listed as Mother: Mrs Janet Pitt, 8 Stuart Rd, Thornton Heath, Surrey, England. [1914]

His occupation was listed as Farm Laborer - so he could have been staying on one particular farm, or travelling around doing odd jobs on various farms. There may be something more substantial on his Service Record - if they ever get it digitized!!!

Anyway - must go - I haven't read the latest installment yet.

Cheers, Frev.

[pompeyrodney]

Oh, you tease!

Marina

Snigger, snigger, and back to the diary!!!

Julian

[frev]

Back again,

Just to let you know the fate of Sgt Matthews who was accidently shot on the 12th August. He was admitted to hospital with a bullet in his toe (accident?) - transferred to Malta & then to Egypt after the evacuation. So he never returned to Gallipoli, or for that matter the 8th Bn - he was TOS by the Provost Police in early 1916 - and eventually RTA in Dec 1918.

Aug 18th:

Sick Parade this morning. To use Iodine. Health report ordered to be sent to ADMS this morning 70% ill.

To give you an even better idea of how bad it really was:

from "Cobbers in Khaki":

"On 18th August, 419 men reported sick with diarrhoea and 118 with Barcoo Rot [similar to trench foot], providing further proof of the run-down condition of the 8th Battalion."

and in the words of Percy Lay:

"Very hot and the flies worse than ever and to make matters worse they gave us an issue of Golden syrup. The flies were something awful. Got our first issue of bread but it was only one loaf to 8 men and soaked in sea water at that."

Can anyone really imagine how terrible it must have been?

Frev.

[pompeyrodney]

Hi Frev, Marina, Brissie, Andrew, Steve et al

Many thanks for your post Frev, it gives a good insight into the horrendous conditions they had to endure. How on earth does a 0.303 bullet get lodged in your toe, I would have thought it would nigh on take your foot off! It sounds like Sgt Matthews earnt himself a ticket out of the hell of Gallipoli. I can sympathise with the Barcoo rot as I have been in the field for a few days and unable to take my boots off! Meanwhile here is the next instalment.

25th Instalment

Thursday August 19th

Bombardment in the south continued all night and all day today, otherwise things markedly quiet. 7am Into red firing line till 7pm with Lemsters. Men going away sick every day. Pure and simple weakness, hope my turn is not far off. Nothing doing all day. Returned to night observation post, 1 and a half on, 2 off.

Friday August 20th

Rested all day. 4 men from my platoon went to hospital this morning. 3pm Heavy bombardment started on left, probably prior to attack on 971. This was followed by very heavy rifle fire which travelled right down the Turkish line, past our front and out to the right. We got a lot of shrapnel, and had a few men slightly wounded. The firing continued on the left all through the night. 7pm In support, had a fair nights sleep.

Sunday August 22nd

7am. Into rear firing line. 9.45 A.M.C as usual. Legs getting anything but better. Lieutenant Grainger and How---e Thomas managed between them to drop a percussion bomb last night and both sustained bad wounds in the legs, amputation may be necessary. The lads on left evidently made good progress last night, taking 3 lines of trenches, and are now well on the way towards 971. 7pm In support. 9pm. Heavy firing on right by our fellows. Probably demonstration. Issue of lime juice.

Monday August 23rd

Practically no sleep last night. 7am-9am. In rear line, sniping. 10am. Sick Parade, a lot of our fellows have been going away lately, nearly all the “old originals”. When I saw the doctor he immediately said he would send me away. 10.45 parade with other sick , with everything I possess, excepting ammunition. 11.30am. Started for beach with party and found out how weak I really was. 12.30 Arrived at 2nd Brigade field ambulance and saw another doctor,, “You are looking very wretched Pitt are you not” he queried. “I am feeling very wretched , sir” I replied, “How old are you”, “21 sir”, “And how long have you been like this”, “About a fortnight sir”! The result was that my ticket was marked, “Impetigo and Debility Base”, which was followed by a good lot of brandy. Most of the other cases to Mindros. Missed boat by half an hour, and had to wait till 5 o’clock, no dinner. Got into barge towed by pinnace, with private possessions only, heavy rifle and equipment behind. 5.30 All put aboard hospital ship “Denauba”, labelled, and kipped for the night, on soft mattresses, with pillows. Fresh bread and butter and tea.

Tuesday August 24th

Very little sleep last night. 9am Tug alongside, everybody to go aboard. Taken aboard cross tender, which left for Lemnos Island about 10am arriving there about 3.30. Landed at 4.30, walked 2 miles to convalescent camp and put in hell tents, with 1 blanket per man and nothing ( or next to it) to eat.

Wednesday August 25th

9.30am. Medical inspection. 2.30. Got dressed. Managed to get some grapes and apples which went well. Tucker rotten. 7pm. Get ready to go to No1 Canada Stationary Hospital. Arrived there with 10 others in Motor Ambulance and was soon in a comfortable bed, at peace with the world. This hospital has only been here for 4 or 5 days and came straight from France. There are any amount of doctors and nurses and it is absolutely the thing for me at present.

Thursday August 26th

Tucker pretty fair. Think this is about as far as I will get towards Alexandria, as it is almost as much a base as the other place. An X-Ray specialist and skin specialist (French Canadian Doctor) is in charge of my case, and I like his treatment. There was a storm here last night but not a great deal of rain fell.

Friday August 27th

Slept well last night. Issued with new suit of Indian khaki other clothes taken away. Have been “soldiering” 12 months too long today.

Saturday August 28th

No sleep last night. Had breakfast this morning, felt tired, and so turned in 12 noon. Woke up in a different bed with new comforts and feeling pretty rotten. I have had an attack of some kind.

Sunday August 29th to Thursday September 2nd

Have been pretty bad, but brightening up a little now, although am still helplessly weak.

Thursday September 2nd to Monday September 13th

Transport “Southland” with 21st battalion and some of the 23rd, also 2 generals aboard, one of whom was drowned, has been torpedoed, but the Captain managed to beach her. Only about 20 lives were lost. Several of the lads in here with cut and scratched hands pneumonia etc. General Sir Ian Hamilton was through this ward about a week ago and spoke a few words to every man. He told officers at tea that he didn’t think the Dardanelles campaign would last through the winter. The 1st 2nd and 4th brigades and artillery A.M.C A.S.C etc, have just arrived here for a months spell. I was shifted down to the medical section about a week ago. Have been feeling absolutely rotten, and decidedly feverish all the time. Expect to be shifted to No 3 Australian General Hospital shortly.

Monday September 13th – 21st

French and English generals visited hospital. Shifted to No 3 Australian General Hospital on Sunday. Very comfortable, and good treatment, although strict diet.

Tuesday September 21st – Sunday 26th

Going on well. Getting stronger every day. Gradually getting more solid food, which is acceptable, after nearly 5 weeks milk diet. Allowed to sit up today (Sunday) and am to get up tomorrow, my eyesight has still to be fixed up. Royal Marines Band plays near here 3 times a week. The Dean of Sydney comes round and has a chat with some of us occasionally.

Monday September 27th

Got up today, but very weak on my pins. Did not venture outside today.

Tuesday September 28th

Caroused around a bit today. There has been a great transformation in this island since we were lying in the harbour in April. It is now, I understand, the Intermediate Base and a big condensing plant has been got going. A large amount of black labour is being used in road making, also that of the Turkish prisoners.

Wednesday September 29th

Cannot walk far before I am utterly beaten. 5pm Transferred to G3 ward. To go to Base. Hooray!!

Thursday September 30th

This is a decent ward, only a few serious cases, mostly convalescents. Went to Eye Wash this morning, but scores waiting, will try tomorrow.

Friday October 1st

Saw eye doctor this morning. Verdict:- Eyes very weak, should have worn spectacles all my life. Must go to base when fit to travel. Met some of D company lads in afternoon.

Saturday October 2nd

Jack Ross and George Peatey down to see me this afternoon. Bad news of Alma May and McKean.

Sunday October 3rd

Fresh troops landed here today, including 1600 New Zealand reinforcements, by the troopship “Mauretania”, which has made several trips out here now.

Monday October 4th

Going on alright. No news.

Tuesday October 5th

In bed today with a nasty dose of indigestion.

Wednesday October 6th

JR and GP arrived about 10am, they had dinner here and stopped till 4pm. They brought me 6 letters and a parcel containing 1 pound of tobacco sent from Cornish’s of Streatham by some unknown person. The first mail I have had for about 2 months.

Thursday October 7th

Met our ward doctor out this morning (Captain McClure) and he was very nice and told me he hoped to get me away to England for a trip in a few days. The best news I have had in a long while. Some of the 8th battalion pioneers down here on a job this morning. Had a long yarn with them.

Hope you all enjoyed that, lets here your thoughts, including the "reservists"

Regards

Julian

[marina]

Imagine having to walk two miles in his condition! Poor John.

'I have had some kind of attack' - wonder what that was? Must have been bad if he didn't remember being put in a different bed. Wonder if they will get him his specs?

Marina

[Boreenatra]

Dear Jules et all.Such understatement." Only about 20 lives were lost" Even by the standards of modern day tragedies, his comment makes you wonder about his own feelings at that time.Do you have any knowledge about how he felt or do we have to wait for the final chapter!! 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.? Anyway keep on keepin' on.Regards Steve.

[pompeyrodney]

Before anyone notices my "deliberate" mistake, here is how these dates should have read.

Friday August 20th

Rested all day, things strangely quiet. Water fatigue in morning. Shifted at 7pm to old post, 2 on and 4 off. Things quiet.

Saturday August 21st

Rested all day. 4 men from my platoon went to hospital this morning. 3pm Heavy bombardment started on left, probably prior to attack on 971. This was followed by very heavy rifle fire which travelled right down the Turkish line, past our front and out to the right. We got a lot of shrapnel, and had a few men slightly wounded. The firing continued on the left all through the night. 7pm In support, had a fair nights sleep.

Regards

Julian

[leanes-trench]

Julian,

As a Gallipoli historian, I just can't thank you enough for all of the effort you put into transcribing this diary. You really are a pal and I would just like you to know that I am very grateful to you for sharing.

Three points I noticed in the last entries you posted (I haven't had a chance to read through the whole transcription). "Lemsters" should be "Leinsters (August 19)." This was the 6th (Service) Battalion The Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians). And under August 23, "Mindros" should be Mudros, which is located about 50-miles distant from Anzac, on the Greek island of Lemnos. The ship "Denauba," under the same date, should be "Devanha."

How you kept from going mad trying to decipher the handwriting is beyond me. I can barely read my own. You are to be worshipped!

Regards,

leanes-trench