Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), Sunday 13 February 1916, page 3

PRIVATE W. GOLDBY.

Miss Eileen Dowd, "Wandilla," Blende-street, sent a billy can which
fell into the hands of Private Willuam Goldby, No. 3550. 11/7 Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade, A.I.F., Albania Camp, Egypt. Private Goldby, in acknowl- edgment, writes on December 25, 1915: "I was greatly gratified at receiving the billy presented by you for our benefit.

Too much cannot be said of the good work and comforts provided for us by our splendid Australian women.

I am sure that every man or Soldier today could not help but feel proud of our women for the comforts provided us at Christmas time. Shortly after 10 a.m. today, we were lined up around the Stadium to receive our gifts which were handed to us by a number of Englishwomen. As each man lined up he saluted, was handed a billy or gifts, and was wished a merry Xmas and marched back to his line. You should have seen us a little later. Instead of being men we were small boys again. We each opened our billy and displayed its contents just as a kiddie would do with a Christmas Stocking. What contents did not suit individually were exchanged.

I am not a smoker, but I found a ready exchange in a pudding. The proceedings lasted until 12.30 p.m. I can safely say that everyone was for once in a while 'comforted.' I suppose you would like to know about our Christmas dinner. I can assure you that we did not have turkey or goose. There are 16 of us eat together in a mess hut but 12 had puddings, others had condensed milk and tinned cream, lollies of various descriptions, nuts, cheese, and three tins of preserved pineapple. A tarpaaulin muster of one piastre (2½d.) bought a bottle of lemonade or ginger-beer each. I might say that out of a tent of 12 there are 10 of us non-drinkers ; but we are not all churchgoers or innocents, though all Australians are not so bad as some people try to make out. You will see by the menu that we did not fare too badly.

There was also boiled beef and potatoes, but very few of us tackled them. Most, or all, of the billies were addressed to our boys at Gallipoli; but I think the bulk remained in Egypt, although everybody in Gallipoli received one.

I have been here two months, but I expect to be out of it before Easter.

We cannot get out of Egypt quickly enough. I have not met any soldiers who like it. Probably you have heard all about it, so I will not try to explain.

A soldier's life is a merry one,but there is no place like home. We are happy, amongst ourselves, but there is always the serious side - we think of the folks at home. I am sorry I am not a New South Wales lad, but a Victorian is much the same. My home is at Ballarat East. Naturally you would have liked a New South Wales lad to have received your gift, same as we would like a Victorian billy; but they are just the same, and it does not matter a rap.

All I have to say is that I am very grateful to you for your billy and contents. They will be very handy and are welcome. lt gives one great cheer when he thinks of how the people are helping us to do our bit. I sincerely hope that our next Christmas will be spent in our own homes, or it may be as the Major said this morning 'either home, Berlin, or Vienna.' All I want is a share in the fighting, and then to be in the first boat home. Let's hope for the best.

A tent mate of mine, a Dave Gleeson, received bis billy from a Miss Hilda Brooks, of the same Street as you. Sports were held today, and our company carried off the biggest percentage of prizes; we can beat them all at drill or anything.

I sincerely trust you enjoyed a merry and a happy Christmas. Best wishes for the New Year. P.S.: It is fun to hear the boys talk of what they are going to do for you girls when they get back, in payment for your kindness."

Son of Edward Goldby and Eliza Jane Murray
Home address - 22 Chamberlain Street, Ballarat Vic

Borm August 1895 in Ballarat Victoria (Bdm ref 27195Vic)

Occupation - 1910 -Railway Clerk at Glenhuntly Railway Station

Siblings - Ada Maude Goldby (Burns) 1889 - 3.7.1959
Edward Frederick Goldby 1891 - 14.3.1954
John Goldby - 1894 - May 1895

Relationship to contributor - Christine Joan Stewart nee Hanson - 3rd cousin once removed