Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The World War 1 Diaries of my Grandfather.

Guy Fulford Nicholson.
Born 6th May 1894.
Rank: Gunner
Service Number: 26272
Unit: 3 FAB (Field Artillery Brigade) – 19th Reinforcements.

Entered Frazer Hill Camp on February 11th 1916.
Had home leave extended from April 24th to May 8th.
Left home on my birthday. 6th May 1916. (Aged 22)
Left Artillery camp Enoggera, Brisbane, 5.30am on June 12th arriving at the Warren camp Marrickville, Sydney at 2pm on Tuesday 13th after having a bonsa time all the way.
Streamed out of Sydney harbour on board “Mashobra” at 10.15 on Thursday September 14th arriving at Devonport England at 3am on Thursday November 2nd after a very good voyage.

Wednesday September 13th 1916.
Inspected at Victoria barracks by Brigadier General Ranciotti, while going back to camp nearly everyone jumped off the trams and stayed in Sydney. I got back to camp 11.30 and was payed at midnight.

Thursday 14th September 1916.
Reveille sounded at 3am left Warren 5.30am, went by tram to No 1 wharf Woolloomooloo. At 6.30 the roll was called and we went on board at 7 and immediately the Mashobra pulled out and anchored in the harbour. Motor launches crowded with people came out and circled round us.
Started on journey 10.15, the motor launches following us to the Heads. Great send off. On duty from 2 till 5pm. Turned in 7.30, hammocks cause great fun.
14 miles.

Friday 15th September 1916.
Slept well. Hammock parade 9.30. Some men taking more blankets than issued others having to go without so hammocks had to be inspected. 11am passed troopship. Feeling OK.
289 miles

Saturday 16th September 1916.
Reveille sounds at 6.30, morning parade 7 to 7.30 and 9.30 to 11.30 afternoon parade 2.30 to 4.30. At 5.30 I could see Kangaroo Is in the distance. Passed sailing boat.
286 miles.

Sunday 17th September 1916.
Church Service from 11 till 12. Put in rest of day reading and lying about on deck. Saw a school of whales.
278 miles

Monday 18th September 1916.
First parade running round deck for exercise. Second parade with life belts. Officer inspected to see if we had them on right and then we were allotted to different life boats and rafts. I struck a raft. Four blasts of ships whistle we have to don our belts and take up position at rafts and boats. Had lecture on what had to be done in danger zone. Lovely weather, long even swell. Tucker good.
283 miles.

Tuesday 19th September 1916.
Heavy fog from 8 to 9am. Got kit out of hold and got a few things I needed. Heavy showers & thunderstorms to port. High wind sprang up 3.30 and continues, very choppy sea water coming on deck. But fairly steady cutting through.
291 miles

Wednesday 20th September 1916.
First parade on saloon deck. Heavy seas last night 4ft of water on forward deck, horse stalls and other woodwork smashed. Sighted boat on horizon at 9 o’clock. While Lieut Handley was giving lecture on hints from the front, a big wave came over bow and wet nearly everyone. I was sitting on winch so escaped. One chap slipped and fell on back and was washed across the deck. Lieut got his gum boots full of water. Sea calmer.
220 miles

Thursday 21st September 1916.
Passed C Lieuwin. Rough again last night. Parade as usual. Wind SE. Sea calm.
270 miles

Friday 22nd September 1916.
First parade, shipping and physical drill. Semaphore signalling. Relieved man on picket while he had supper. Sea Calm.
279 miles

Saturday 23rd September 1916.
On duty all morning. Washing day, forward portion of ship covered with clothes, washed mine after dinner. Had a spar and hurt my thumb.
283 miles

Sunday 24th September 1916.
Church parade 11 o’clock. Sea calm as mill pond.
297 miles

Monday 25th September 1916.
Lecture on notes from front. Learning Morse Code. Had a light spar with Liovell. Spring broke in watch, gave it to Tedd.
290 miles

Tuesday 26th September 1916.
Aired blankets. Wind N West. Played bridge after supper.
291 miles

Wednesday 27th September 1916.
Got pay book and was paid 14/-. Wind SW. Had a spar with Bom. Morgan. Sea a little rougher.
288 miles

Thursday 28th September 1916.
Physical drill. Full dress parade and kit inspection.
292 miles.

Friday 29th September 1916.
Ship’s Policeman on duty from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Strong Southerly wind sprang up at noon, sea very choppy.
297 miles

Saturday 30th September 1916.
Skipping and physical drill. Wireless message received from Mauritius last night. British capture Thieval and Fleivey after strong resistance. Sports started this afternoon. Programme: potato race, sack race, obstacle race, skipping, bun and treacle fight, pillow fight, tug-o-war, boxing. Won my heat in potato race.
286 miles













Sunday October 1st 1916.
Church parade at 11 o’clock. Wireless message British consolidate positions captured and have taken 10,000 prisoners in last fortnight. Great excitement passed a steamer first one seen for over a week.
309 miles

Monday 2nd October 1916.
Washing during morning. Practice tug-o-war pulling. First heats of boxing cam off this afternoon. Had a spar with M and split my lip on his head.
316 miles

Tuesday 3rd October 1916.
Lecture and Swedish drill during morning. Wrestling, boxing and scratch pulling came off this afternoon.
316 miles

Wednesday 4th October 1916.
On sick list, off duty.
312 miles

Thursday 5th October 1916.
In quarantine under observation for mumps. Strong S Westerly wind sprang up. Sea rough.
307 miles

Friday 6th October 1916.
Sighted land at 8am. Pulled into the small harbour at Durban and moored at wharf under Bluff 11.30. Several convalescents and myself after the others had gone. Logged up walked off the boat and went across to Durban in the ferry boat. The first thing to take my eye were the Rickshaw men with their flash dress and stylish head gear with their long polished horns fitted into a kind of cap. The Town Hall is a fine picturesque building. All Hotels were closed. Tram rides free. Went for ride out Musgrave Road, very pretty. Arrived back at boat 9.45pm.
260 miles
6354 miles up to date.

Saturday 7th October 1916.
During morning A.M.C. Sergeant took us for a walk to stretch our legs (mumpies). Saw the places where the whales are hauled up and placed on trucks on which they are conveyed to the whaling station which is just around the Bluff. Climbed up a steep narrow path on to the Bluff had a look at 9.2 inch gun then roused the lighthouse keeper out and he showed us over the lighthouse revolving lamp 625,000 candle powers. Very pretty view from the lighthouse looking across harbour of Durban. After dinner after the rest had gone we went across to the city again. Went to the zoo. Finest collection of small birds I’ve ever seen. Lovely sleek looking lions and tigers and a fine collection of other animals and birds. Did the round trip back to town passed lovely homes with beautiful gardens and lawns. Little wonder labour being so cheap. Walked round the native quarter, came across about 200 Rickshaw men having a meal in a kind of market. They were all jiggering at once, making am awful row. Had supper at Hotel Larder and then returned to boat, arriving at 8 o’clock. Had a rickshaw ride. When going down hill they lift the shafts and just balance, half the time I though I was going out the back.

Sunday 8th October 1916.
Pulled out of harbour 7am. Calm sea.

Monday 9th October 1916.
Feeling a bit off.
418 miles

Tuesday 10th October 1916.
Very sick mumps.
Fairly rough last night.
265 miles

Wednesday 11th October 1916.
Arrived Cape Town early this morning. Table mountain looked very pretty from Table Bay. Left again about 5pm. Sick Durban to Cape Town 833 miles.
150 miles.

Thursday 12th to Tuesday 17th October 1916.
In hospital. Total number of miles 1693 miles.

Wednesday 18th October 1916.
Came out of hospital. Very weak. Very hot. Shoals of flying fish hundreds of the little beggars.
299 miles.

Thursday 19th October 1916.
Crossing the line everyone being hosed and ducked. I missed all fun being convalescent. Chaplain and all officers ducked.
278 miles.

Friday 20th October 1916.
Did some washing. Heavy shower rain just after dinner. Cool breeze. Feeling stronger. R.H. Thomson came in with mumps.
300 miles.

Saturday 21st October 1916.
Still very hot. Calm seas. Warner came out hospital very thin and weak.
275 miles.


Sunday 22nd October 1916.
Sea as smooth as glass. Dozens of sharks and sea alive with fish. Most glorious sunset magnificent colouring,
284 miles.

Monday 23rd October 1916.
No lights after dark and no one allowed to smoke after dark. In danger zone.
289 miles.

Tuesday 24th October 1916.
Anchored in Dakar harbour 9.50am. Natives came round in canoes and dived for pennies. No one allowed ashore. Got 4.7 inch gun aboard and mounted astern. Light Cruiser Highflier in harbour. Steamed out 3.45 pm were glad to leave it being very hot.
230 miles.

Wednesday 25th October 1916.
Passed French Cruiser “Montcalm” lying stationary. Strong wind blowing sea getting rough. Out of convalescent back with mates. Two shots fired from 4.7 as a test.
211 miles.
Thursday 26th October 1916.
Off duty. Sea rough. High winds.
267 miles.

Friday 27th October 1916.
On duty ships picket 6.30 to 9.30 and 1.30 to 5. War news per wireless. Infantry and T. Mortars doing submarine guard and lookout. Artillery doing all other duties.
278 miles.

Saturday 28th October 1916.
Physical drill. Passed large steamer. Strong head winds.
277 miles.

Sunday 29th October 1916.
Church parade 11 o’clock. Passed wind jammer and two steamers. Wind died down. Wireless message to say attempted assassination of Billy Hughes.
285 miles.

Monday 30th October 1916.
On duty policeman. Had a look at 4.7 inch gun and talked to Tommy gunner, very interesting. Sea rough, boat rolling and pitching.
291 miles.

Tuesday 31st October 1916.
Very rough last night and today boat rolling heavily. Tin ware scattered all over the place. Did not sleep much. Just out from Bay of Biscay.
291 miles.
Wednesday November 1st 1916.
Destroyer “Ariel” No 37 came up at 11.30am. Semaphored Report to V.C. Troops to be ready to disembark at 8pm. All baggage to be on deck so as to avoid any delay of boat while in port.
Large two funnelled liner to starboard which has a destroyer for an escort as well. Sea much calmer. Passing Eddystone lighthouse 11pm very bright revolving light.
380 miles.

Thursday 2nd November 1916.
Dropped anchor inside Devonport harbour 3am could only see a lot of lights everywhere. Many destroyers in harbour also passenger and cargo boats. Troopship Clan M Gilbray arrived a few hours before us. Left Sydney five days before us with 1100 troops aboard. Very interesting morning watching the mine sweepers going out and to start their risky job. About 48 went out. Dozens of fishing smacks and now and then a destroyer would dart out. Three monitors also went out, very clumsy looking things as broad as they are long. Had lunch on board. Fitzroy tinned beef and dry biscuits. A boat about the size of Tay run by the Great Western Railway came alongside, we went on board and when moving off gave three cheers for the Captain. Got on board the train at 2 o’clock and started on the most interesting train journey I’ve ever had. The country looked lovely the grass being very green and the trees with their Autumn leaves all colours. On the fields grazed Devon cattle and small flocks of sheep all need fat. There was water everywhere. Narrow country lanes with hedge each side only wide enough for one vehicle to go along. In all the small villages one could see the old church. Passed a deer park could see about 100 head. The Mayoress of Ester gave us buns and tea. Had to draw blinds when it got dark so Robo Phipps, Warner and myself played euchre. Arrived at end of our journey (Tedworth Village) at 6 o’clock. Marched 2 miles to No1 Park House Camp.

Friday 3rd November 1916.
Day off. Raining one minute and fine the next. Camped in huts all sealed and have a coal stove in each. Thirty men in a hut.

Saturday 4th November 1916.
Parade at 9.30. Our reinforcements to go on duty. Myself and mates missed so decided to go to football match at Bulford. Australia V New Zealand. NZ won 18 to nil. Took a short out through the fields about half way over met Frank, on his way over to see me, lucky meeting, he went back with us. The rest returned to camp after the match. Robo and I went on with Frank to Bulford Camp, had supper and then returned, it rained heavily and blew a gale. Got ringing wet great coat and all. There’s an Aerodrome about 4 miles away a lot of aeroplanes flying about several flew over our camp.

Sunday 5th November 1916.
Rained all last night and today. Volunteer Church Parade did not go too wet.




Monday 6th November 1916.
Reveille 6.30 breakfast 7.15 parade 8 o’clock to 11.30. Afternoon 2 to 4.30. Fell out for permanent fatigue but having one man too many I pulled out. Went for route march afternoon got very leg weary too long after just coming off boat.

Tuesday 7th November 1916.
Route march. Stewed rabbit for dinner. Started on another route march but luckily it rained and we were dismissed. Took clothes to Shipton then went to pictures.

Wednesday 8th November 1916.
Route march met a girl and two boys selling fruit bananas, grapes and apples, bought them out. Afternoon another route march. All in hut on inline picket.

Thursday 9th November 1916.
Route march met fruit cart again. On parade at 1.30 and were inoculated ( Para Typhoid) then had dental inspection.

Friday 10th November 1916.
Morning off.
Pay day ₤3.10.

Saturday 11th November 1916.
Cleaned hut.
On duty coal guard.

Sunday 12th November 1916.
Frank, Robo and I walked to Tedworth. Very slow afternoon. Very foggy.

Monday 13th November 1916.
Went on 4 days overseas leave. Left Tedworth 10.30 arriving Waterloo Station 12. Were marched to Australian Head Quarters Horseferry Road and were dismissed. Stayed at The Little Theatre Y.M.C.A which is in John Street just off the Strand. Went to Piccadilly by Tube had a look round and returned per motor bus. Had supper then went to His Majesties Theatre and saw Lilly Brayton and Oscar Ascke in Chu Chin Chow. The stage effect was wonderful. When we came out (Dave and I) we could not see a yard in front of us we were to experience one of London’s dense fogs. The worst there had been for years. We were going in the wrong direction met a man and asked him, he put us on Strand we were right then. All traffic was stopped and special police put on to guide people home.

Tuesday 14th November 1916.
We went with a party through Parliament House. Was shown all over by one of the Ministers who explained everything that happened Centurys’ back. Were in the House of Lords and Commons and the Lobbies. The House of Commons is a marvellous piece of work being all hand carved oak. Went through Buckingham Palace. Saw the State harness cannot describe what it is like. About 100 head of the Kings horses including his famous charger and the eight famous blacks beautiful horses. The State coach is beyond imagination being all carved oak gilted. Back wheels are 6ft 2 inches high and the length is 24 feet. When the 8 horses are attached it measures overall 120 ft. On way back we went through Stable Yard where the aristocracy live. Saw Lord Kitchener’s town residence the place which he left to start on his last voyage on board the Hampshire. Had supper at Y.M.C then went to the Hippodrome (Vaudeville and Review) and saw Gabriel Ray and Little Titch. Had a good laugh. A lovely night no fog.

Wednesday 15th November 1916.
Went through the Tower of London. Was in the room where the Little Princes were murdered and also in the cell where Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned. The place where Queen Anne Boleyn and several others were beheaded the block also the axe. The armoury is wonderful. The Crown Jewels are magnificent, the larger of the Stars of Africa (The Cullinan Diamond) no one knows the value of it 316 ½ carats. Next to Madame Tussaud’s wax works. The figures are arranged very well and are very lifelike. Went through St Pauls Cathedral magnificent building the ceiling is wonderful. Went into the vaults saw where Lord Roberts the Duke of Wellington and many others now lie. The wagon which conveyed the Duke of Wellington’s coffin is a cumberous affair. It is made out of the cannons which he and his armies captured. It weighs 18 tons took 18 days to build and cost ₤ 18,000.

Thursday 16th November 1916.
Saw the Horse Guards changing guard. They look well the men are all over 6 feet. Went through the United Service Museum. Models of all the old sailing brigs etc. A German torpedo and Field gum captured at the beginning of the war. After dinner we went to the Zoo. A fine collection of animals. The animals are kept in different sheds. You see a board outside with “The Hippopotamus House”, The Giraffe House, etc. When the giraffe put its head up it was 15ft high. We were there all afternoon then did not see everything. Went back to Strand per motor bus, had supper at YMCA, got our few belongings walked to Waterloo St got on board train and started for camp arriving at hut at 2am Friday. The leave was far too short.

Friday 17th November 1916.
Very cold strong wind blowing. Nearly frozen while standing on parade. Had a few things issued shirt, towel, etc.

Saturday 18th November 1916.
Wind still blowing frightfully cold. Icicles hanging in washhouse taps frozen up. Started to snow 2pm.

Sunday 19th November 1916
Snowed all last night up till dinner time today. Snow 4 to 6 inches deep. It looked very pretty. After church we formed sides and had a snowball fight. Got snow down my neck in my eyes and looked like a snowball myself when we finished. On canteen picket at 4 o’clock.

Monday 20th November 1916.
September Quata arrived last night are camped in huts opposite to us. Came off duty 4pm.

Tuesday 21st November 1916.
Second inoculation (Para Typhoid). No duty.

Wednesday 22nd November 1916.
Billy Mailer in charge a fair terror. Formed into Battery. I’m in A sub section 3rd Battery. Went to pictures in Shipton.

Thursday 23rd November 1916.
Gun drill all day. Weather warmer.

Friday 24th November 1916.
Gun drill in mud and slush. Nearly everyone changed huts. I did not have to shift.

Saturday 25th November 1916.
Cleaned hut. Eight to 10 gun drill then dismissed to clean leggings, bandoliers, etc.

Sunday 26th November 1916.
Heavy frost last night nice day today. Detailed to sweep out and arrange chairs in Y.M.C.A. prior to Church Parade.

Monday 27th November 1916.
Heavy frost. Rifle drill during morning. Went on guard 4pm.

Tuesday 28th November 1916.
Guard. Came off at 4 pm.

Wednesday 29th November 1916.
Gun Drill.

Thursday 30th November 1916.
On pioneers fatigue. Very cold.











Friday December 1st 1916.
Quarter Master fatigue. After dinner went with A. L. C wagons to Tedworth to get 4 loads of straw for palliasse. Phipps sick.

Saturday 2nd December 1916.
Rifle drill and marched about parade ground. Gun parts guard at 4 o’clock. Caught off beat nothing much said. Phipps taken to Delhi hospital very sick.

Sunday 3rd December 1916.
Hut orderly. After dinner Charles, Dave and I walked Delhi hospital Tedworth to see Russ, very sick he could hardly move. Said goodbye at 4 o’clock went to Y.M.C.A had tea and cakes. Were very lucky and caught a car back to camp.

Monday 4th December 1916.
Mess orderly.

Tuesday 5th December 1916.
Left 6.30 on advance guard for Lark Hill arriving at 9 o’clock distance 7 miles. Loafed about camp for rest of day. D and I went to pictures at night. Met Stan McCullough.

Wednesday 6th December 1916.
Cleaned kitchen during morning. Main body arrived at midday. Phipps died at 2.30 this morning (meningitis). The hut I’m in is isolated.

Thursday 7th December 1916.
Isolated not allowed to go out. Regular farce the other chaps come and yarn to us outside the hut.

Friday 8th December 1916.
Isolated. Sleep in until 8 o’clock in the morning.

Saturday 9th December 1916.
Isolated.

Sunday 10th December 1916.
Isolated.

Monday 11th December 1916.
Doctor swabbed our throats. Wrote to Ilene Bobs Dad and Auntie.

Tuesday 12th December 1916.
Isolated. Wrote letters. Did some washing. Very Cold.

Wednesday 13th December 1916.
Germany offers peace terms. Mail closed for Australia. Heavy fog all day and very cols.

Thursday 14th December 1916.
Cold raw day coldest to date. All swabs proved to be negative. Pay day ₤ 1.10. Issued with jack knife, lanyard and gloves.

Friday 15th December 1916.
Out of isolation at noon. Two o’clock parade gun drill. Went to picture show.

Saturday 16th December 1916.
Helped clean hut. Played billiards with Charles.

Sunday 17th December 1916.
Voluntary Church parade. During afternoon Eccles Robo Lovell and I walked to Amesbury and on to Stone Henge.

Monday 18th December 1916.
Shifted to Bulford Camp. I was called off Pioneer fatigue and given 10 minutes to pack kit and get ready. Heavy fog all day. Very cold ice everywhere.

Tuesday 19th December 1916.
Reveille at 5.15 1st Parade 5.45 have roll call and dismissed. 2nd Parade 8.45 to 12.15. Afternoon Parade 1.45 to 4.45pm. Went on route marches. D and I went to Albany Wards picture palace.

Wednesday 20th December 1916.
Route Marches.

Thursday 21st December 1916.
Practical demonstration on ranging and sweeping. Air rifle fixed on to gun barrel: lay the gun in the usual way and a Sergeant fires the rifle knocking over small cannon about 30 yards away.
Xmas parcel from home arrives.

Friday 22nd December 1916.
Marching, physical drill and stable (grooming and watering horses). Had 15 pounder explained. Nice clear day.

Saturday 23rd December 1916.
Half an hour stables and spent rest of morning in New Zealand Y.M.C.A.. During afternoon I walked to Lark Hill to see mates, had tea then motored back.

Sunday 24th December 1916.
Walked to Dorrington then came back to Bulford and went to evening service in St Leonards Church. Very old church being built in the year 1135.



Monday (Christmas Day) 25th December 1916.
Slept in till 10.30. Eleven thirty went on parade with pint, knife, spoon and fork, were marched to Q.M stores were given a pint of beer or lemonade, then to dinner which was much better than I expected.
Menu: Roast turkey and seasoning ham green peas baked potatoes, plum pudding and custard. The Sergeants carried the tucker round. During afternoon walked to Bulford went to church and heard the Choir sing Xmas Carols. Had supper in Dorrington then marched back again.

Tuesday (Boxing Day) 26th December 1916.
On pioneer fatigue. After noon off. Went to Lark Hill to see Warner. Eight miles there and back.

Wednesday 27th December 1916.
Pioneer fatigue, Went to Albany Wards picture palace.

Thursday 28th December 1916.
Pioneer fatigue. Paid 30/-. Picket on Bulford pub from 6 to 9 rained all the time.

Friday 29th December 1916.
Sergeants mess for a while malingered rest of day. Eighty came in from Larks Hill this morning Warner among them.

Saturday 30th December 1916.
Stables for a while then went down to Piccadilly and did some shopping. Went to the pictures.

Sunday 31st December 1916.
Church parade 11 o’clock. Several of us went to Bulford on to Dorrington had tea and cakes at a soldier home, back to Bulford and went to evening service.
















Monday January 1st 1917.
Marching and physical drill. Went on duty 6pm. Mild weather.

Tuesday 2nd January 1917.
Came off duty 6pm. Went to Albany Wards picture show.

Wednesday 3rd January 1917.
Marching physical drill and stable. Afternoon gun drill and stables. Nice weather.

Thursday 4th January 1917.
Same as yesterday. Bulford picket
















Diary 2
The name inside this diary is Gunner G.F. Nicholson.

Home address: Sarina
Mackay
Qld
Australia


Other addresses in the front of this diary:

Aunt Harding Grace and Maude
Mrs B Harding
22 Stanford Avenue
Brighton Sussex

Willie Nicholson
50 St Annes Crescent Rowlands
Lowes Sussex Lowes Sussex England

William Fulford
“Shortwood”
Trowbridge Wills

Mr A.J. Ridler
Gighfield Avenue
Aldershot

2723
Private R Ridler
6th of 49th Battalion
13th Brigade A.I.F
Codford

Mrs E.H. Waring
“Cordelia”
St Lucia Road
Toowong Brisbane

Mr C. Nielsen
Collon Street
Highgate Hill
Brisbane


Mr F.A. Huet
Bogan and Bushman St
Parkes

Miss F.B. Swayne
“Hope”
Lane Cove Rd
Turramurra Sydney

Miss R Quinlan
Kate St
Langate

Miss Eva Long
“Glendoone”
Sorecliffe
Off Gladstone Rd
S Brisbane

Miss Patch
18 Dane Rd
St Leonards- on –Sea
Sussex

Miss Robinson
“Arron”
Bayview St
Eagle Junction

Miss Evelyn Hill
“Nelson”
Drake St
Artarmon Sydney

Verdi Kennedy
36 Holt Avenue
Mosman Sydney

Miss Vera Dyason
“Enoggera”
William St
Hornsby




J.C. Newbery
“The Alexandria”
Bath Road
Bournemouth

Mr W. Edmunds
“Coombe”
Langton Matraveris
Wareham Dorset

Mrs F. Cornes
“Rivermead”
Hampton Wick

Phone Numbers
Fuller 4326
Swayne 1925
Bob’s 194 Albion

23275
Driver F.J. Waring
2nd Section
1st D.A.C. A.F.A
France

2723
Private R Ridler
No 1 Section
7th Sec Machine
Gun Company

3862
Driver T. Patch
15th Field Company
Australian Engineers
A.I.F. France

27221
Gnr H. H. McCredie
RBAA
Bulford

A.G.B.D
Co. A.P.O
S17 Br.E.F
France

Birthdays
Mothers 16th January
Dorothy 13th July
Maude 19th May
John 8th February
Chris 29th May
Auntie F 11th July
Grandma 6th December
Auntie O 11th April
Peggy 9th February

Miss Catherwood
C/o J Gray Esq
Mountford Rd
New Farm Brisbane

Bdr D.R Paterson H 304532
Aust D 3
45th Battery
9th Brigade
Canadian Con.Eary
Woodcote P.H.
Epsom






















Monday January 1st 1917
Morning and marching physical drill and stables. Went on Guard 6pm. Mild Weather.

Tuesday 2nd
Dismounted guard at 6 o’clock. Went to Albany Wards picture palace.

Wednesday 3rd
Morning Marching Physical and stables. Afternoon gun drill and stables. Nice weather

Thursday 4th
Same routine as yesterday. Bulford picket from 6 to 9.30pm

Friday 5th
Hut orderly
Received cake from Mrs Patch and family.

Saturday 6th
Morning marching and physical drill. Afternoon went down to Piccadilly and pictures at night.

Sunday 7th
Went to 11 o’clock service at Garrison Theatre. Afternoon walked to Dorrington back to Bulford to evening service at St Leonards

Monday 8th
Morning marching, physical and stables. Wind snow and sleet.

Tuesday 9th.
Morning went before Commandant and failed to pass marching, physical drill and stables.
Afternoon lecture. On canteen picket at 6pm.

Wednesday 10th.
Post office Fatigue
Took washing to Bulford

Thursday 11th
Morning marching physical and stables. Got issued with black boots (size 10). Went to Garrison Theatre and saw Beauchamp and Beecham. Very silly but funny

Friday 12th
Morning. Passed out marching before Commandant did physical drill and stables.
Afternoon. Gun drill, cleaning gun and stables



Saturday 13th
Morning. Exercising and grooming horses.
Afternoon. Went to Bulford for washing and to pictures at night.

Sunday 14th
Went to church at Garrison Theatre. On Bulford Picket. Very Cold.

Monday 15th
Morning. Canteen fatigue.
Afternoon. Took blankets to hospital to be disinfected. Went to Albany Ward picture and Vaudeville. The latter was rotten.

Tuesday 16th
Morning parade before H Quarters. Physical drill and stables.
Afternoon lecture gun drill and stables. Went to Cromwell Institute Australian Birds.

Wednesday 17th
Hut orderly.
Went to Garrison Theatre and saw the drama The Tiger Cub. Very good.

Thursday 18th
Morning physical drill, gun drill, stables
Afternoon lecture, gun drill, stables. Went down Piccadilly

Friday 19th
Morning stables.
Afternoon cleaned harness and stables.

Saturday 20th
Morning cleaned guns, stables. Snowing
Afternoon went to Bulford for washing. Saw aeroplane with undercarriage broken.

Sunday 21st
Morning went to church Garrison Theatre.
Afternoon walked over to aerodrome (4 miles). Dozens of aeroplanes flying about making great noise. Motored back to Bulford and went to evening service.

Monday 22nd
Started to go through Musketry course. Very easy day. Very cold. Icicles hanging from hut roof all day.

Tuesday 23rd
Rifle drill. Fired 15 rounds on miniature range. Very Cold.

Wednesday 24th
Rifle drill. Still cold.

Thursday 25th
Rifle drill fired 5 rounds M.R.
Paid ₤ 3.10. Bought a British warmer coat 15/-. Went to Garrison Theatre and saw, That That. Very poor show. Cold.

Friday 26th
Fired 25 rounds on rifle range.
Scores 100 yards grouping possible 25 scored 25
200 yards application possible 20 scored 16
200 yards rapid possible 20 scored 14
300 yard application possible 40 scored 30
Very cold and strong wind blowing obliquely across range. Frightfully cold hands nearly froze.

Saturday 27th
Morning cleaned guns and went to stables.
Afternoon went on duty at 4.45 bitterly cold.

Sunday 28th
Came off duty at 4.45. Received 10 letters. Got washing from Bulford. Still cold.

There are no diary entries for the next 5 days from Monday 29th January 1917 through to Friday 2nd February 1917.

















Saturday 3rd February 1917.
Morning. Were shown the way to put gas helmets on.
Afternoon. Went to funeral for comrade who died from meningitis. Bulford Cemetery.

Sunday 4th.
Had hair cut. Snow fell until it lay about 6 inches deep. Wrote letters to A.F. Gran. Peg. Mort.

Monday 5th.
Donned gas helmets and used for route march. Physical jerks, gun drill and stables. At night went to Albany Wards pictures and Vaudeville show. Very good.

Tuesday 6th.
Went on the gas it stung my eyes and made them run. Very unpleasant sensation. Have gas in small dugout with door and only 6 men go in at a time.

Wednesday 7th.
Went on sick parade and saw doctor, but on no duty and medicine. Nearly lost my voice.

Thursday 8th.
Sick parade. Light duty and medicine.
Got paid ₤1

Friday 9th.
Sick parade. No duty and medicine.

Saturday 10th.
Sick parade no duty and medicine. Went to Albany Wards again.

Sunday 11th.
Church at 11 o’clock. Wrote letters to Nell and A Harding.

Monday 12th.
Gun Drill. Took washing to Bulford.

Tuesday 13th.
Gun Drill.

Wednesday 14th.
Gun drill and Physical. Passed out inifuse setting. Went to Garrison Theatre ”Fader Fancies”

Thursday 15th.
Gun Drills


Friday 16th.
Gun drill. Passed out in gun drill did very well. On duty picket.

Saturday 17th.
On duty, came off 4.45pm. Went to Albany Wards.

Sunday 18th.
Church 11 o’clock. Walked to Figheldean and saw the spreading chestnut tree and village blacksmith shop. Went through Church. Sheppard died 19th March 1?16.

Monday 19th.
Went out with gun and did battery drill coming into action etc. Gun laying and physical drill. Went to Park House C. to see mate. Foggy.

Tuesday 20th.
Gun drill, physical drill and gun laying. Rained during morning. Major in charge of camp. Issued with waterproof cape.

Wednesday 21st.
Stables. Inspection of horses. Physical drill gun laying. Signed for new pay books.

Thursday 22nd.
Physical drill lecture and gun laying. On duty Canteen picket. Pay day 30/- at 6pm. Went to Albany Wards.

Friday 23rd.
No entry this day.

Saturday 24th.
Gun laying and stables. Parade at 1.30pm. Went to Garrison Theatre and saw “Some Girls” Very good show.

Sunday 25th.
Church 11 o’clock. Stayed in camp.

Monday 26th.
Gun drill. Physical drill and stables. Lecture. On duty at 4.45pm detention guard.

Tuesday 27th.
Guard came off at 4.45pm. Went to Garrison and saw “Find the Woman” Very good.

Wednesday 28th.
Gun drill Physical and stables. Lecture on 1 man range finder. Went to Garrison and saw “Lucky Durham” splendid show.


Thursday March 1st 1917.
Gun Drill Physical drill and stables.

Friday 2nd.
Went to Garrison T and saw “The Lion and the Mouse”.

Saturday 3rd.
Went to Salisbury by train, had a good time and returned by motor.

Sunday 4th.
Church 11 o’clock. Dave and I went into Salisbury. Went to service in the Cathedral. Magnificent building, lovely windows.

Monday 5th.
Went out on guns and did battery manoeuvres. Lecture on Director. On Bulford picket from 6 to 9pm.

Tuesday 6th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 7th.
Aus Mail P&O.
Out on guns doing battery manoeuvres. Working on 1 man range finder. Very cold biting and wind.

Thursday 8th.
Working on 1 man range finder and director. Paid 30/-. On duty 4.45 Canteen picket.
Cold wind Sunny day.

Friday 9th.
Warned for draft. Heavy snow storm accompanied by high wind. Medical examination. Went to Bulford and got washing. Heavy fog.

Saturday 10th.
Went for route march to Bulford. On Canteen picket. Went to concert given by Razzle Dazzle. Very good.

Sunday 11th.
Mail orderly. Gave in spare kit. Wrote letters. Went to Garrison theatre. Very good.

Monday 12th.
Went for route march. On duty detention guard. Gave in kit and got blanket.

Tuesday 13th.
Came off duty 4.45.

Wednesday 14th.
Went for route march to Bulford. Were told at 3.30 that we had to leave at 12.15am. We gave our blanket and pillows in, then got our 24 hr rations (small tin of bully beef and 6 dry biscuits) and our pay books.

Thursday 15th.
Left Bulford Camp 12.30am, walked 2 miles to Amesbury, leaving at 3am, arriving at Folkestone about 9am. Are billeted in large houses which have been commandeered by the government. Beautiful day bright sunshine.
Left Folkestone on board the Princess Victoria at 4.30pm. Boulogne at 6.30 walked two miles to camp.

Friday 16th.
Left camp at Boulogne 10am entrained at 12. Left at 1pm for Etaples 2.30, 18 miles. 12 men in bell tent. Big camp said to hold about a million.

Saturday 17th.
Parade at 9. Kit inspection at 10. Issued with steel helmet and gas helmet.

Sunday 18th.
Church parade 10 o’clock. Looking around camp. Great British success.

Monday 19th.
Mail. P&O. Lecture on gas helmet and went through gas with helmet on and weeping gas with out. Lunch out there. S Wind and rain

Tuesday 20th.
Went to bull ring and did gun drill for about 3 miles. Arrived back at camp 1.45. Bath parade 3 pm. Nice weather.

Wednesday 21st.
Gun drill at Bull ring.

Thursday 22nd.
Gun drill at bull ring. Changeable day sunshine and intermittent snow storms.

Friday 23rd.
To gun drill. Lecture and laying. Heavy snow during night and cold winds.

Saturday 24th.
Passed the laying test again at Bull ring. Went into Etaples. Very dirty in places all rubbish thrown into streets.

Sunday 25th.
Church parade 9 o’clock. Parade 1.45 draft called out. Dave, Warner, Ryan and I called out. Cold Wind.

Monday 26th.
Mail via Vancouver. Medical inspection. Signed name on QM sheet for final issue. Raining and windy. Tent leaking.

Tuesday 27th.
Got final issue, exchanged some clothes. Got paid 40 franc’s. 50 rounds ball cartridge issued.

Wednesday 28th.
Breakfast at 5am. Marched out camp 7. Entrained Etaples 9.30 left at 10.25 passing through Nayelles, Abbeville, St Roch, Amiens, Corbie, (Vericourt). First saw tanks here. Heard the guns booming 4.20pm. Very lite rain. “ Le Mimo”

Thursday 29th.
Were issued with box respirators at 9 am then went into tear gas to test them. Left rest camp at 11 with full pack and walked 5 miles through mud and rain to 1st division HQ Fricourt. Cleaned harness. Karneny.

Friday 30th.
Grooming mules and washing harness.

Saturday 31st.
In the sick horse lines grooming watering and feeding.

















Sunday April 1st 1917.
Stables. Mounted on gun park guard at 6pm. Had a yarn with Frank. Taube flew over and dropped 10 bombs on Albert.

Monday 2nd.
Cold night. Dismounted guard at 6pm. Strong cold wind all day. Heavy fall of snow started at 4pm lasting 2 hours.

Tuesday 3rd.
Limber gunner. Sorted wagon straps. Four of us. Loaded three loads of firewood in Fricourt Wood. Taube flew over while we were cutting wood. Anti aircraft guns shooting at it. Had a yarn to Frank at HQ.

Wednesday 4th.
Loading tins into pill box. Snowing.

Thursday 5th.
Unloading ammunition off G.S.wagons and opening boxes and loading shells into 1st line wagons.

Friday 6th.
Shifted camp from Fricourt to ½ a mile other side from Bapaume. Unloading ammunition from motor lorries. On guard.

Saturday 7th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 8th.
No entry this day.

Monday 9th.
Sent to D.A.C. as galloper for 101st H Battery.

Tuesday 10th.
Nothing to do except water and groom my donks. Beastly weather.

Wednesday 11th.
One gun direct hit badly knocked about. Beastly day. Snowing all the day.

Thursday 12th.
Nothing to do. Strong wind and snowing nearly all day. Received parcel from Peg.

Friday 13th.
Got paid 40 franc’s. Intermittent snow storms. Heavy bombardment on constant rumble of guns. Observation balloon came down in flames.

Saturday 14th.
Nice fine weather. Six causalities today 3 killed and 3 wounded. German’s sent 4 shells over into Bapume today. Taubes overhead.

Sunday 15th.
Stand to kits packed and strapped on waggon’s ready to leave at moment notice. Huns advance and capture some guns. Huns driven back 18 Batt capture 400. Drizzling all day.

Monday 16th.
Huns get direct hit on Faub gun 4 casuals.

Tuesday 17th.
Waggon bogged. Eng Div M. Harry took 8 horse team.

Wednesday 18th.
Shifted 2 miles nearer firing line. Raining.

Thursday 19th.
Waggon bogged.

Friday 20th.
Battery pulled out for a few days spell.

Saturday 21st.
Paid 40 francs.

Sunday 22nd.
Taubes overhead. Aerial combat. Observation balloon destroyed. Nice fine weather.

Monday 23rd.
Nothing doing. Taubes about. Lovely day.

Tuesday 24th.
Fritz sent some timed H.E which burst over horse lines, luckily we had horses away watering.

Wednesday 25th.
Fritz sent a few more H.E. over.

Thursday 26th.
Went to D.A.C.

Friday 27th.
Took donk back. Nice weather


Saturday 28th.
Fritz sent 5 shells over, 1 near H trough and another near H lines.

Sunday 29th.
No entry this day.

Monday 30th.
Nothing doing. Nice weather continues.





























Tuesday May 1st 1917.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 2nd.
No entry this day.

Thursday 3rd.
No entry this day.

Friday 4th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 5th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 6th.
Birthday. (Granddad would have been 23 this day and left home 1 year ago)

Monday 7th.
Fritz bombarded us all day. Had to shift wagon line. Took message to D.A.C.

Tuesday 8th.
Rained last night and this morning.

Wednesday 9th.
Moved tents and other gear over to new wagon line. Fine day.

Thursday 10th.
Fritz sent a few shells in the village to our right. Guns pulled out and taken to new position about 4 miles to right.

Friday 11th.
Shift.

Saturday 12th.
Shifted camp to new position. Camped in a wood to the right of Velu. Charles, Robo and P Ryan came up to se me, very glad to see them. Their with 7th Battery.

Sunday 13th.
Cleaned up new camp. Other Battery left it very dirty. Went down to 7th Battery and yarned with pals.

Monday 14th.
Perk, Steel and I put up mess tent rigged up a table and seats with a tarpaulin over top, some tent.

Tuesday 15th.
Raining nothing much doing. Made some pan cakes.

Wednesday 16th.
Cleaned saddle. Rained during afternoon. Donk kicked me on finger.

Thursday 17th.
Went to D.A.C. Very cloudy. Had a sing song in the evening.

Saturday 19th.
Battery pulled out for spell. Left our happy home and returned to D.A.C. handed over donk, saddle and bridle. Parcel from Bobs.

Sunday 20th.
Haplincourt. Reveille 5.30am moved off at 7.30am en route passed Villers, Beaulencourt, Flers, Bazentin reached Mametz. Where camped at 2.30pm after 15 mile walk. Put under arrest for taking shortcut, put on QM fatigue, cleaning harness.

Monday 21st.
QM fatigue harness washing.

Tuesday 22nd.
Reveille 3.30am Left Mametz camp 6.30am en route passed through Meaulte, Dernancourt, Ville-lous-Conbie, Treux, Mericourt, camped just through Behencourt pretty pale (17 miles). Mounted guard at 5.30pm feeling very tired. Drizzling.

Wednesday 23rd.
Fine day. Dismounted guard 6 pm. Still very tired.

Thursday 24th.
Walked into St Gratien.

Friday 25th.
Went to football match Selotch Officers verses Gunners (Gunners win)

Saturday 26th.
Exercise donks. Cleaning harness. Hot Day. Had a swim. Received 12 letters (4 from D)

Sunday 27th.
Loaded manure during morning. Afternoon off. Mounted guard at 6pm.

Monday 28th.
On guard. Dismounted at 6pm. Fine day a bit hot. Slept outside last night to many ehuliari. Groom.


Tuesday 29th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 30th.
Half day off for sports but they were postponed as batteries were having practice fire and sports ground were in line of fire.

Thursday 31st.
Sports were held came off very well.




























Friday June 1st 1917
Sports continued at 3pm. I went with Sergeant and Lieut as horse holder.

Saturday 2nd.
Helped paint pill box.

Sunday 3rd.
No entry this day.

Monday 4th.
Put finishing touches on pill box, painted rising sun.

Tuesday 5th.
Went on leave to Amiens, had a bonsa time. Hot Day. View Cathedral. 12 kilos. Bought pair light boots 45 francs.

Wednesday 6th.
Gun Drill. QM fatigue.

Thursday 7th.
QM fatigue.

Friday 8th.
Stables. Exercising donks.

Saturday 9th.
Stables. Divisional sports start today.

Sunday 10th.
No entry this day.

Monday 11th.
No entry this day.

Tuesday 12th.
Went per G.S. wagon to Div sports. Passed through Brizioup. Nice weather.

Wednesday 13th.
Holiday. Watered and fed mules. Div sports.

Thursday 14th.
Frank and I went into Amiens. Met Reg Thompson.

Friday 15th.
Carted load wood to cash house then went with QM and drew rations for section.

Saturday 16th.
Gun drill. Mounted guard 6.30pm.Very hot still day.

Sunday 17th.
Hot day. Dismounted guard 6.30pm.

Monday 18th.
Gun drill at 6th battery. 4pm watered and fed donks.

Tuesday 19th.
Full marching order parade inspected by Lieut Cunningham. Thunderstorm this morning.

Wednesday 20th.
Tom and Jack. Reveille 3.30am. Moved off 7am en route passed through Beaucourt, Baizieuri, Warlay, Lenlis, Bougingcourt, Albert, and camped at Ovillers. Overcoat parade 20 minutes. Rained heavily. Had a look at Mini Crater.

Thursday 21st.
Reveille 5.30am en route passed Pozieres, Le Lars, Bapaume, and Fremicourt. Camped between Fremicourt and Beugny. Camped under sheet curved iron 8 feet long 2 feet wide. Showery.

Friday 22nd.
Watered donks. Heavy showers. Chilly wind blowing. 14 gunners went to dump.

Saturday 23rd.
Packed swag and saddled donk to go as galloper for Infantry but was stopped at last minute. Hard luck. Mounted guard 6pm.

Sunday 24th.
Cold wind blowing last night. Dismounted guard 6pm. Sent as galloper for 101st H.B. again.

Monday 25th.
Went to D.A.C. order for ammunition to D.A then to Royal Engineers store for nails. Camped in the same place Pelu wood. Cool breeze blowing.

Tuesday 26th.
Took message. Cleaned stirrup iron. Taubes about. Nice day.

Wednesday 27th .
Went to 1st Section D.A.C. and H.Q. Had a yarn to Frank. Received Birthday parcel. Lost lead pencil. (The diary is all written in faded lead pencil with today and tomorrow the only days, so far, written in ink)


Thursday 28th.
Took 2 broken buffer springs to D.A.C and exchanged them for good ones. Letter from Willie Nicholson. Heavy rain last night.

Friday 29th.
Message to D.A.C. 336 rounds. Thunderstorm last night heavy rain and strong wind. Fine day. Cleaned up stirrup irons.

Saturday 30th.
Drizzling all day, very miserable. Went to D.A. Heavy bombardment (on right) last night for short period. Did some washing.



























Sunday July 1st 1917.
Whilst going to D.A.C my Irish Lion turned a somersault with me.

Monday 2nd.
Cleaned saddle. Fine day.

Tuesday 3rd.
Gas alarm sounded last night, hooters sounding everywhere. No gas came. Fine day. Linesman for football 101st Battery played 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Battery’s, latter won.

Wednesday 4th.
Gas alarm again. No gas. Rained nearly all night. Took message to D.A.C. donk fell down again.

Friday 6th.
Got donk shod. Cleaned saddle. Went to concert given by Tommies, very good. Returned to D.A.C. arriving back midnight.

Saturday 7th.
Reveille 2.30 moved 5.30. I rode donk and led one. Camped just outside Albert. Stableman.

Sunday 8th.
Rained last night. Got pair of horses and set harness centre driver. Watering horses at village of Becordel. Cleaned harness and oiled steelwork.

Monday 9th.
Had a hot shower bath.

Tuesday 10th.
With advance party. Moved off 3.30am en route passing through Albert, Bousingcourt, Hedauville, Forceville, Acheux, Leouvencourt, Pauchelles, Sarton and camped at Theures. Got bullets from 1st section Bom. Muddy. Nice soft bed slept well.

Wednesday 11th.
Showed O.C. wagon park and left again 1.30pm en route passing through Sarton, Orville, Halloy, Lucheux, Beaudricourt, and camped at Ruebrevrette. Heard 1 Charlie was killed. Nice day.

Thursday 12th.
Left Ruebrevrette 2pm passing through en route, Etroe, Wamin, Houvin, Moncheaux, Buneville, Ramecourt, Saint Pol camped at St Michel. Fine day.

Friday 13th.
Joined Section again off advance party.

Saturday 14th.
Days spell. Cleaned rifles and helped wash wagons. On guard 6pm.

Sunday 15th.
Reveille 2 am moved at 5am (driving centre) passing en route Ostreville, Brais, camped at Nedon arriving 10am. Moved out in pouring rain.

Monday 16th.
Reveille 2 am moved out 5am passing en route Aughy, Nairent, Mazungham, Lumbres, Lamuiteur, Aire, Pecquiere camped at Thilnnes. Fine Day.

Tuesday 17th.
Reveille 2.30am moved at 5.15am en route passing through Borsegham, Stanbesque, Hondegham, arrived at Bavinchove 9am. Cleaned harness etc. Walked to Cassel. Lovely view.

Wednesday 18th.
Reneille 3am en route pasing through Eocke and camped for night. Raining off and on camped under waterproof sheet.

Thursday 19th.
Reveille 3am en route passing through Godeumersvelde, Boeschepe, Reninghelst and camped near Ouderdom. Fritz sent few shell over. Nice weather drizzling when left.

Friday 20th.
Cleaned harness. Gas helmet inspection 9am parade. Tin hat inspection 2pm. Washed. Helped wash wagon. Counted 50 aeroplanes flying about. 1 man wounded. Beautiful day.

Saturday 21st.
Grazed donks, cleaned harness and got pair donks shod. Mounted guard 6pm second shift. Counted 29 balloons up. Also can see 11 of Fritz. Fritz past few shells in village behind us. Also few to our right. 6 horses gassed and 3 donks wounded.

Sunday 22nd.
Received parcel from Dorothy. On guard, dismounted 6pm. Took ammunition to 1st Battery wagon line, (6 wagons) and loaded up again at dump. Clear day.

Monday 23rd.
Grazing donks and cleaning harness. Nice day but very hazy. Fairly quiet on the front.

Tuesday 24th.
Grazing mules and cleaning harness. Harness inspection at 3.30pm. Fairly hot day. Smithy went to hospital. Anniversary Pozieres hop over.



Wednesday 25th.
Cleaning harness. Ammunition to 2nd Battery wagon line. Heavy bombardment started at 5 o’clock lasting about ½ hour.

Thursday 26th.
Grooming mules and cleaning harness. Fairly hot day.

Friday 27th.
Grooming and cleaning harness. Ammunition to 101st H.B. wagon lines. On guard. Hot day.

Saturday 28th.
Same routine.

Sunday 29th.
Grooming etc. Paid 80 francs. Ammunition to 2nd battery. Rained nearly all day.

Monday 30th.
Oiled steelwork groomed and watered mules. Started up to the 101st with gas shells at 7.30pm got lost arrived back at camp 5am going nearly all the time. Drizzling on and off.

Tuesday 31st.
Slept in until dinner time. Handed mules and harness back to owner. Offensive started at 3.45am.

















Wednesday August 1st 1917.
Raining all day very bad for the offensive. Water coming in bottom of dugout. Made another home on top of ground.

Thursday 2nd.
Watered and fed donks. Raining all day. Mounted guard 6pm.

Friday 3rd.
Still raining. Dismounted guard at 6pm.

Saturday 4th.
Same routine. Anniversary of war (3 years) still wet.

Sunday 5th.
Cleaned harness etc etc.

Monday 6th.
Same routine.

Tuesday 7th.
Cleaned harness etc. Fine weather.

Wednesday 8th.
Packed ammunition to 101st H.B leaving at 2am arriving back 8.30. Quiet trip. Dead horses G.S and broken ammunition wagons and shells lying all over the place. Made a driver.

Thursday 9th.
Not feeling to well. Light duty. Mess orderly. Rained last night. Clear day. Fritz dropped 5 bombs. 1 balloon Fritz and 1 balloon ours.

Friday 10th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 11th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 12th.
Two trips with teams to wagon lines and packed to 1st battery going all day.

Monday 13th.
Packed Ammunition to 1st battery fairly quiet.

Tuesday 14th.
Packed ammunition back from old 4 battery position to here did 2 trips. Fritz putting barrages all round. Section very lucky.

Wednesday 15th.
Rained last night. Packed ammunition to 1st battery. 7 Taubes dropped bombs on roads near Dickebuish and on wagon lines killing about 30. Relieving stableman.

Thursday 16th.
Packed to 1st battery.

Friday 17th.
Went to wagon lines, were not wanted.

Saturday 18th.
Packed to 101st battery 4 trips. Fine weather.

Sunday 19th.
Taken ill during morning, hospital at 8pm. Nice weather. Fritz drop bomb and broke window of ward.

Monday 20th.
Taken to No 17 C.G.S.. Touch of fever.

Tuesday 21st.
Down to base all afternoon in train.

Wednesday 22nd.
Feeling bit better. Beautiful weather.

Thursday 23rd.
Hospital. Very hot.

Friday 24th.
Marked for Brightly. Thunderstorm last night cooler today.

Saturday 25th.
Over to Brighty fairly rough trip.











Sunday 26th through to Saturday September 1st 1917.
Esperance vous vrai fruis.
Hope you are very well

Sunday 2nd.
No entry this day.

Monday 3rd.
Washed hair.

Tuesday 4th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 5th.
No entry this day.

Thursday 6th.
No entry this day.

Friday 7th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 8th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 9th.
No entry this day.

Monday 10th.
No entry this day.

Tuesday 11th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 12th.
Shifted from Birmingham Hospital to Dartford Con Hospital.

Thursday 13th.
No entry this day.

Friday 14th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 15th.
Walked to Dartford. Received R.L from W. Edw Nicholson.

Sunday 16th.
Marked for leave on Tuesday.

Monday 17th.
Walked to Dartford.

Tuesday 18th.
Dartford to Horseferry Road drew ₤12.10 Etc Etc. Then proceeded to Lewes arriving 5.15pm.

Wednesday 19th.
Did a bit of shopping. Overcast.

Thursday 20th.
Strong wind and drizzling rain.

Friday 21st.
No entry this day.

Saturday 22nd.
Glorious weather. Willie and I went to Briton and called on Aunt Harding.

Sunday 23rd.
No entry this day.

Monday 24th.
No entry this day.

Tuesday 25th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 26th.
Lewes to Birmingham. Drizzling rain.

Thursday 27th.
Fine weather went to theatre with Mrs Wills D and I had tea at Pats then to pictures.

Friday 28th.
Bought watch and pendant. Beautiful weather.

Saturday 29th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 30th.
No entry this day.

Monday October 1st 1917.
Went to Theatre Royal “Under Cover” (Mathewson Lang) Topping.

Tuesday 2nd.
Return to camp. Left Brum 8.40am arrived Euston 11. Air raid warning 1 o’clock, people scurrying in all directions. I left Waterloo station 3.23 pm arriving at Hurdeath camp 7.30. Four mile walk from station.

Wednesday 3rd.
Classified B1 A3.

Thursday 4th.
No entry this day.

Friday 5th.
Went to Albany wards then to Concert. Latter very good.

Saturday 6th.
On picket.

Sunday 7th.
Picket. Very wet and cold.

Monday 8th.
Classified B1. A4. shifted to No 4 camp. Drew blanket.

Tuesday 9th.
Went for route march.

Wednesday 10th.
Physical drill etc.

Thursday 11th.
Fatigue duty. Went to Wilton per car. Fine day.

Friday 12th.
Route march and physical. Met Frank Walters at YMCA, drizzling rain. Went to concert party, Bristols.

Saturday 13th.
Route march and physical drill. Walked to Fovant. Went to Albany Wards, rotten show. Cold. Noel was killed at Fommebeke.

Sunday 14th.
Church Parade. Went to Wilton.

Monday 15th.
Paid 30/- Went to Albany Wards, Fairly good. Heavy front last night.

Tuesday 16th.
Physical jerks. Strong wind last night and today.

Wednesday 17th.
No entry this day.

Thursday 18th.
On Draft.

Friday 19th.
Left Hurdcott 10.30am arriving Sandy Hill Camp 3 o’clock. Fine day.

Saturday 20th.
During afternoon walked to Warminister via Sutton. Very.

Sunday 21st.
Cooks fatigue. Went into Warminister again. Drizzling rain.

Monday 22nd.
Squad drill and fatigue. Shifted from No 15 camp to No 11.

Tuesday23rd.
On fatigue all day. Showery.

Wednesday 24th.
On guard taking another’s place who is on draft. Atmospherically conditions infernal.

Thursday 25th.
Gale blowing last night and this morning. Officers mess fatigue today. Wrote to Eccles.

Friday 26th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 27th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 28th.
No entry this day.

Monday 29th.
No entry this day.

Tuesday 30th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 31st.
No entry this day.
































Thursday November 1st 1917.
No entry this day.

Friday 2nd.
No entry this day.

Saturday 3rd.
Shifted from Sandy Hill camp to Artillery Details Heytesbury. Walked to Codford and had a great old yarn to Dave and George.

Sunday 4th.
Issued with gas helmet and rest of overseas equipment.

Monday 5th.
Went through gas again. Walked to Codford to see Dave and George.

Tuesday 6th.
Left Heytesbury 2pm arrived Southhampton 3.15. Embarked ay 6pm fairly rough trip across channel.

Wednesday 7th.
Anchored outside Le Havre 3am disembarked 7am and marched 7 miles to Base. Raining and muddy. Issued with tin hat and waterproof cape. Very little sleep last night.

Thursday 8th.
Went through gas again on all day stunt.

Friday 9th.
Went for route march.

Saturday 10th.
Marched back to Le Havre. Left station at 2pm. Eighteen of us in cattle truck.

Sunday 11th.
Arrived at Poperinghe 4pm. Marched to D.A.C. HQ at Dickebuish 9.30 and camped for night..

Monday 12th.
Fritz dropped bombs fairly close at hand. Left HQ 2pm arrived 1st Section at 4. (Café Belgie). Got back in same old sub. Very few of old chaps left nearly all sent to Battery or have either been killed or wounded.

Tuesday 13th.
Fritz greeted my return by bursting a few shraps overhead. Everywhere is nothing but slime halfway up to ones knees.

Wednesday 14th.
Cleaning harness.

Thursday 15th.
Went to Abocke for remounts. Left camp 7.30 arrived back at 5pm.

Friday 16th.
Issued with mules and made lead driver of No 5 team. Cleaned harness.

Saturday 17th.
On picket last night. Cleaned harness.

Sunday 18th.
Fritz set fire to balloon. Exercised mules. Sky very foggy.

Monday 19th.
Camp and horselines very muddy expect pull out tomorrow. Weather dull and cloudy.

Tuesday 20th.
Packed up and moved out at 10 o’clock unloaded ammunition at Howa dump. Passed through Dickebuish and camped at Nouve Eglise 3.30pm Excellent stabling, troops general camp and happy.

Wednesday 21st.
Stayed here all day. Groomed some muck off mules. Went to village Meuve Eglicse. At night, had supper 6 eggs, b&b and coffee.

Thursday 22nd.
Packed up and left at 10.30 went about 7 kilometres and camped in farm yard about 1 mile from Steenwerck. British make good progress at Cambrai 9000 prisoners.

Friday 23rd.
Nothing fresh to relate, grooming mules in morning and cleaning harness afternoon.

Saturday 24th.
Very windy. Work as usual. Reinforcements arrive nearly every day from England. Full strength again now.

Sunday 25th.
Exercised donks etc. Still windy.

Monday 26th.
Work as per usual. Wind dying down.



Tuesday 27th.
Charlie and self got half day leave and went into Estavis. (8 kilometres) not much of a place. Rained last night and this morning.

Wednesday 28th.
Exercised mules and cleaned harness.

Thursday 29th.
Work as usual Nice weather.

Friday 30th.
Exercised, groomed and fed donks. Washed waggon.


























Saturday December 1st 1917.
Daily routine. 1st Section played 4th football this afternoon.

Sunday 2nd.
Mess orderly.

Monday 3rd.
Exercised mules etc. Cold wind blowing.

Tuesday 4th.
Exercised donks etc. Very cold ice on all the pools. Slight fall of snow 1st of the season.

Wednesday 5th.
Exercised Mules etc. Half holiday. The freeze continues.

Thursday 6th.
Same routine as yesterday. Still cold.

Friday 7th.
On picket last night. Inoculated (T.A.B.?)

Saturday 8th.
No entry this day.

Sunday 9th.
Went to church. Played football in drizzling rain fairly cold.

Monday 10th.
Same routine. During evening walked to Steenwerck. Recorded my vote for conscription.

Tuesday 11th.
Exercised donks etc. Kit inspection of a sort this afternoon. Very cold.

Wednesday 12th.
No entry this day.

Thursday 13th.
Went on leave to Baillieub, while there had photo taken. Ten Taubes over ????????ing

Friday 14th.
Nothing much doing.

Saturday 15th.
Work as usual. Holiday in afternoon. Nice fine day.


Sunday 16th.
Church parade 9 o’clock, holiday in afternoon. 1st Section played 1st Brigade football. Snowing lightly.

Monday 17th.
Work as usual. Two men went on 8 days leave to Paris. Fairly lively along the front. Fritz retaken back ¾ of ground we gained near Cambrai.. First heavy snow fall for the winter.

Tuesday 18th.
No snowground frozen high wind blowing. Waggons packed ready to move out in morning. Fritz dropped bombs not for distance. Jerusalem captured by British Dec 9th General Sir E. Allenby entered on foot the 11th inst.

Wednesday 19th.
Reveille 6.30am Left camp 10am ground frozen road very slippery, travel through Steenwerck and Neuve Eglise and camped in nice poise at Dranutre..

Thursday 20th.
Frost and Snow. Work as usual. Paid 5 francs at noon. Bath in afternoon. Went to Dranutre in evening. Icy cold.

Friday 21st.
Nothing fresh, Still snowing and freezing.

Saturday 22nd.
Went to two dumps for ammunition then returned with empty wagon only A section and bit of B Section wagons were filled. Beautiful day.

Sunday 23rd.
Usual grooming mules etc, during morning, holiday in afternoon, aircraft lively.

Monday 24th.
Nothing fresh. Hail storm par bon. Went to La Polka dump again and loaded wagon with ammunition.

Tuesday 25th. (Christmas Day)
Work as usual in morning. Dinner at 1pm excellent meal, Roast Pork and Beef, baked potatoes, cabbage, turnips, apple sauce, plum pudding and custard. Picture at night.

Wednesday 26th.
Heavy fall of snow. General Anderson paid us a visit at 3.30pm. Exercised mules (walking). British progress Palestine. Photos from Bailleul. Front very quiet.
Thursday 27th.
Nothing fresh. Very cold.


Friday 28th.
Usual work, snow everywhere. Mounted guard 5.30pm.

Saturday 29th.
Fritz dropped three bombs near our camp. Dismounted guard 5.30. Still snowing.

Sunday 30th.
Usual work. RC church parade 9am. Paid 55 francs at noon. Holiday in afternoon.

Monday 31st.
Usual mucking about stables till 12 o’clock. Harness inspection by C.O. (Captain Hogan) 2.30pm. Icy cold. Aircraft busy.

This diary contains entries for Tuesday January 1st 1918 through to Wednesday 23rd January 1918 which are duplicated in the next diary.

Also in this diary are the following French translations:

Il fait beau temps It makes good weather.
Vous parley le Francia’s bieu You speak the French well
Non Melle seulment un petit peu No Melle only a few very little
Je voudrais bien apprendre le Francias I would like very much to learn French
Il faut avoir beaucoup de courage et beauc de patience et beaucoup de confiance.
It is necessary to have plenty of courage and plenty of patience and plenty of cheek.

Je suis (jher suice) I am
Tu ves (too ay) thou art
Il est ( eel ay) he is or his
Elle est (el ay) she is
Nous somme (nou somm) we are
Vous etes ( vos ate) you are
Ils sont (eel zonk) they are
Elles sont

Place Sq Miles Population
Qld 670,500 600,000
NSW 318,400 1,600.000
Vic 88,000 1,300,000
S. Aust 300,000 400,000
Nth Ter 525,000 4,000
W Aust 976,000 300,000
2,877,900 4,204,000
Tas 26,000 200,000
NZ 105,000 1,000,000

If faut It is necessary
Avoir To have
Pour for In order to
Esperance vous vrai


Mrs Davies
19 Kingsbury Road
Erdington

Musgrave Street
The Range
Rocky

Bertie Nicholson
27 Ditton Road
Surbiton
Cousin Amy

Miss Rene Dodwell
“Hardcew”
Yeronga
Brisbane
Qld

26280 Enr D Robertson
40 Rosthwate Road
West Derby
Liverpool

Mrs Witts
104 Grovelly Hill
Erdington
Birmingham

Box 783 G.P.O.
Sydney

26315 Geo H Eceles
Hut 22
No 4 Com Dept
Codford




There is then a section in the diary that contains Peoples names and dates, whether they are dates when letters were received or sent, nobody knows. I believe received by granddad but the dates are the dates the letters were sent.

Dorothy 18/1/18; 29/1/18.
Home 6-3-17; 15-3-17; 23-5-17; 13-6-17; 26-6-17; 22-7-17; 7-10-17; X.C 31/10/17; 16/11/17; 30/11/17 W.B. 27/12/17; 13/1/18 20/1/18; 8/2/18.
Grannie. 6-3-17; 15-5-17; 22-7-17 W.B; 11-10-17 XC 14/12/17; 12/1/18
Auntie F. 5-3-17; 17-5-17; 4-6-17; 22-7-17; 9-10-17; 7-12-17
Peggy 11-3-17; 17-5-17; 23-7-17; 6-10-17; XC 31-10-17; 5-12-17; 17-12-17; 15-1-18.
Bobs 20-2-17; 7-5-17; XC 16-10-17
Fls 5-3-17; 17-5-17; 27-7-17; 10-10-17.
Nell 11-2-17; 14-3-17; XC
Ruth 25-2-17 XC
Verdi 20-2-17; 18-3-17; 24-7-17 WB; 6-9-17; XC 28-10-17; 12-12-17.
Miss Hill 11-12-17
Vera D. 11-3-17; 7-6-17; 22-7-17 WB; 8-10-17; 4-1-18.
Arthur. 20-11-16.
Eva 7-6-17; XC 25-10-17.
Ailsa 26-2-17












Diary 3.

Tuesday January 1st 1918.
Dismissed for diner 11.30am. Had excellent feed similar to that on Xmas. Aircraft busy. Holiday during afternoon. Snow still lying about.

Wednesday 2nd.
Inspection of box respirators 9.30. Rained lightly during afternoon. Received two letters from home 26th and 28th Oct.

Thursday 3rd.
Work as usual. General Willie Birdwood paid us a visit at midday. Harness cleaning during afternoon. Received two letters.

Friday 4th.
Bogged team. (had a few words with Sergeant). Paid visit to dentist at Dranoutre got nothing done. Received three letters from home.

Saturday 5th.
Went to dentist again at Dranoutre had one tooth stopped. Half holiday. Watched football 1st Section ver 102 How Battery and had a win. On picket last night.

Sunday 6th.
Usual work during morning. Charlie Lee and self went to Baillioul in the afternoon. Roads very slippery.

Monday 7th.
Usual work. Any amount of peace talk.

Tuesday 8th.
No entry this day.

Wednesday 9th.
No entry this day.

Thursday 10th.
Painting ammunition wagons during morning. Went out with team after dinner and carted gear to make dugout from R.E. dump to Kemmell. Thaw set in very muddy.

Friday 11th.
Wagon cleaning and painting also groomed donks.

Saturday 12th.
Waggon painting during morning. Afternoon off. First Section played 9th H. Battery footy and got a great licking. I acted as goal umpire. Snow still thawing very muddy.

Sunday 13th.
Still painting. Afternoon off, wrote letters.

Monday 14th.
Reveille 4.30. Started out with teams in heavy snow storm. Sergeant lost us went right past dump. My team and two others pulled into dump but Bombardier came back and ordered us to follow on. Only two horse teams allowed on road account of thaw so lead and centre had to unhook and return home leaving the pair of wheelers to do the job.

Tuesday 15th.
Painting during morning. Cleaning harness afternoon. Rained nearly all day. Weather warm.

Wednesday 16th.
To wet to paint so carried on as usual. Ran across Peter Connolly. Heavy rain last night.

Thursday 17th.
Still wet. Work as usual. Showery all day. Warm.

Friday 18th.
Carried on with painting again. Went and heard the Kookaburras during evening.

Saturday 19th.
Painting wagons during morning. Spectator football 1st Section played 102 battery and had another win. On picket last night. Weather still warm. Received parcel from home dated October 1st.

Monday 20th.
Painting continued. During afternoon 1st Section footballed G.A.A. and beat them 7 goals 3 to 1 goal 4. Nice weather.

Tuesday 21st.
Painting all day. Rained a little.

Tuesday 22nd.
Painting finished this afternoon. Showery. Received parcel from Grace and Maude.

Wednesday 23rd.
Exercising and grooming during morning. After dinner Alf Kay and I drove footballers to Neuve Eglise to play the 3rd B.A.C. 1st Section won scores were.

Thursday 24th.
Went for joy ride with team leaving camp 6.30 drove round country returning through Neuve Eglise lobbed back 10.30. Nice weather.

Friday 25th.
Washed harness.

Saturday 26th.
Relieving stableman. Played football during afternoon. Right half ver left.

Sunday 27th.
Stableman. Foggy all day. Front very quiet.

Monday 28th.
Finished washing harness during morning. Watered donks and groomed afternoon. Mounted guard at 5.30 got 1st shift.

Tuesday 29th.
Lovely day. Dismounted guard 5.30pm. Wrote to Dorothy H.

Wednesday 30th.
Rained a little last night. Lovely sunny day. Cleaned harness all day looks tres bien. Tea of three eggs next door.

Thursday 31st.
Teams went up the line 5am returned 2pm.
























Friday February 1st 1918.
Usual work in lines grooming mules and cleaning harness. Tea of eggs.

Saturday 2nd.
Usual routine during morning. Afternoon off. Played footy against 1 H.L.C. were defeated by 5.11 to 2.2 ground very slippery. Cold bleak day.

Sunday 3rd.
Cleaning neck chains during morning (great joke). Section played 1st Division Tunnellers during afternoon and won easily.

Monday 4th.
Washed wagons cleaned neck chains during morning. Packed wagons ready to move on the morrow during afternoon. All gunners returned from various dumps. Lt Pope left yesterday Lt Wade in charge now.

Tuesday 5th.
Reveille 6.30am fed mules then ourselves, cleaned billets and horselines. Dinner noon. Boots and saddle 12.15 harnessed and hooked in wagons 1 o’clock. Pulled out 1.30 travelled on route through Bailleul and camped in poor quarters near Outtersteen 5 o’clock. Weather fairly fine.

Wednesday 6th.
Everybody very busy fixing up wagon park, billets and stables. Very poor billets. Stables filthy condition. Strike ended in Germany. La. La.

Thursday 7th.
Reveille 7 o’clock. Usual parades and work cleaning harness, mules and stables. Weather cloudy and showery. Walked to Meteren (1mile distance) with Driver Charlie Lee, saw Kookaburras playing there. Bought loaf of bread 1 franc. Returned to camp 9.30.

Friday 8th.
Just carrying on. Paid 55 francs.

Saturday 9th.
Work as usual. Nice mild weather. Had two cups of coffee in farm house. All the bossy dicks very merry, making no end of a row till midnight.

Sunday 10th.
Reveille 6.30. Usual work cleaning harness and mules. C.O Paid us a visit. Played games and had coffee in farmhouse.

Monday 11th.
Usual work during morning holiday in afternoon. Played L.A.A Section , Rugby football, played a drawn game. Umpire very poor.

Tuesday 12th.
Bath parade 9.30, walked about 1 mile to bath got change of clothes was OK returned 11.30 watered and fed mules. Cleaning harness from 2 to 3.30 watered and fed donks, dismissed 4.30. Nice mild weather.

Wednesday 13th.
Work as usual. Rained lightly all day. Plenty mud about.

Thursday 14th.
Usual routine during morning. Holiday afternoon. Played football against 1st C.C.S. were defeated by two goals.

Friday 15th.
Same old thing still raining and mud galore.

Saturday 16th.
Up at 6am left camp 7.30 went about 10 kilometres and carted metal for 3 Battery stables, arriving back at 4.30pm. Awfully cold trip every where frozen. Charlie Lee went on Blighty leave.

Sunday 17th.
Cleaned harness watered and groomed donks during morning. Afternoon half holiday. Still cold. Received parcel from “Sarina Xmas Cheer Fund”. Played cards, French game “Karise”, lost. Cold raw day.

Monday 18th.
Watered exercised groomed donks and cleaned harness. Walked to Meteren to go to pictures, but found engine had broken down.

Tuesday 19th.
Usual work during morning. General Walker paid us a visit. Afternoon off. Our Aust rules football played 4th Section and had a win. Splendid game all though drizzling off and on through afternoon. Walked to Meteren again with Andy, Bob and John, but engine still bung.

Wednesday 20th.
Usual work in stables during morning. Played scratch match (Rugby) afterdinner the side I was on won by 1 try. Beautiful day.

Thursday 21st.
Exercised and groomed donks during morning. Half day off.

Friday 22nd.
Rifle inspection 9.30am parade. Same work during morning. Half holiday afternoon, our rugby team played C. Eng 3rd Battery and got beaten 17 points to 3. Very good game. I played forward. Windy day.

Saturday 23rd.
Same routine dismissed 12. Section sports during afternoon. Splendid event. I had a go at nearly everything but did not get a win, came 2nd in hurdle race, sack race and long jump. Fourth Battery Band came across and played on the ground, then at concert again at night. The whole thing went off splendidly.

Sunday 24th.
Washing wagons during morning. Two football matches during afternoon. Rugby and Aussie rules. Aussie team lost and Rigby had a win beating the L.A.A. 6 points to nil. I played ¾. Nice day.

Monday 25th.
Bob Cass went on Blighly leave, went with him to Bailleul to bring his donk back. Hardy and I went with QM Wagon.

Tuesday 26th.
Escort duty during morning. Section went to have photo taken but camera did not turn up. Very cold wind blowing.

Wednesday 27th.
Took donks to Outtersleine to be dipped, arrived back 1pm. Section photographed also Rugby football team. Nice sunny day.

Thursday 28th.
Stableman. Twelve gunners went to dump. Light storm otherwise a nice day. Received parcel from Grace.


















Friday March 1st 1918.
On guard last night. Very cold. Only 12 hours guard. Usual work during morning played the L.A.A. Rugby during afternoon. Drawn game. Snow fell during the game making things slightly cold.

Saturday 2nd.
Usual work during morning. Went to Bailleul for a bath, single mount snowing and strong wind blowing right in our faces, frightfully cold.

Sunday 3rd.
Went to la Criche via Bailleul and carted wood to Meteren to 4th Divisional Infantry HQ, very cold wind blowing. Left camp 9am arriving back 3pm.

Monday 4th.
Ordered to take blankets and 48 hours rations for ourselves and donks (5 Teams). Left camp 9 o’clock passed through Meerris and Strazeele and billet at Strazeele Station at end. We are here for a month or more on a new stunt carting hay from the steamers to the station. Cold day.

Tuesday 5th.
Wills and I went to farm about 4 kilometres away to get load of straw. Beastly day very cold wind blowing.

Wednesday 6th.
Day in so cleaned my harness. Bonsa day. After tea Wilson and I went for walk round the country, then back into. I had supper of chips and eggs.

Thursday 7th.
Long trip today went from farm to right of Bailleul did not get back until 8.30pm. Beautiful day.

Friday 8th.
Went to Doubou for load. Cleaned steelwork during afternoon. Weather top hobe.

Saturday 9th.
Cleaned harness all day. Beautiful day.

Sunday 10th.
Got dismissed from the railhead fodder supply company and returned to section. Bonza weather.

Monday 11th.
Voted in State Elections. Cleaned harness and groomed donks during morning. Stripped harness inspection by OC “ Captain Snow” at 3pm. Weather just it.


Tuesday 12th.
Usual work during morning. During afternoon took mangy donk to 4th Mobile Veterinary Corp. Fritz shelled Bailleul this morning.

Wednesday 13th.
Rained last night and this morning, but cleared up this afternoon.

Thursday 14th.
On picket last night. Usual routine. Nice clear day. Fritz put a few more shells into Bailleul.

Friday 15th.
Exercised, watered and groomed mules. Played Rugby football against B Company of the 45th Batt and got a good beating. Inf played a very rough game. Played 2nd rank forward. Bonza day.

Saturday 16th.
Played Vic game against Motor Transport and got beaten 9 goals 10 to 6 goals 12. Bonza day. Went with QM wagon to La Cleate for goods got back 12. Lt Pope went to 101 Battery.

Sunday 17th.
Same work. Played AR football in afternoon against Motor Transport 1st Division, fast game were defeated by 2 goals, good ground and fine day.

Monday 18th.
Usual monotonous work, grooming donks, etc.

Tuesday 19th.
R.S.
Rained nearly all day. Played Euchre and Cribb during the evening. Fritz shelled Bailleul.

Wednesday 20th.
Rained during morning but cleared up afternoon. Cleaned harness all day. Played Euchre during evening. Maria says I cannot play. “You can’t play Nick”.

Thursday 21st.
Usual work. Wet and cold all day.

Friday 22nd.
Exercised mules in morning, harness cleaning during afternoon. Pay parade 5.30pm. Fritz shelled Bailleul.




Saturday 23rd.
Same old work in morning, got notice noon to pack up and be ready to move out, which we did at 9 at night. Three more big shells put into camp as a send off, one nearly hit guard tent, no one injured, some fun believe me. Nice moonlight night. Travelled through Meteren and Locre, camped at Kilometre arriving 2 am, retired 3am.

Sunday 24th.
Excellent camp, nice and dry. First parade 6.30 usual time. Went with 6 mule team back to old camp for spare stuff which was left behind. Left 9am arriving at old camp about noon. Bob Cass, Andy Horan (Wh and Centredrivers) and self had dinner of 4 eggs, 2 slices Bread and Butter and 2 glass beer each at farmhouse, 4 francs the lot. Loaded wagon and left 3pm arriving back 6 feeling very weary.

Monday 25th.
First parade 6.30 and fed mules. Breakfast 7.30 saddled mules and moved out camp 8.30 went to Steeneverch and dipped mules dirty job arrived back at camp 2.30, cold and hungry. Cold windy weather. Many rumours afloat about stunt on the Somme. Took one blanket each from us all.

Tuesday 26th.
Usual work groomed and fed donks.
Fritz made large advance on the Somme. Weather cold.

Wednesday 27th.
Exercised mules and cleaned harness. Find it hard to pass the time away. Fritz doing well galloping along. Weather bitterly cold. Football in afternoon were defeated by Cycling Corp.

Thursday 28th.
Usual work. Fritz still going on the Somme. Cold and windy weather. Bob Cass and self took 4 mule teams up line for small arms to Vermoorigule dump. Whilst waiting there Fritz put nice little barrage on road about 300 yards away wounding 6 men.

Friday 29th.
Kit inspection by Captain Snow allowed two blankets and underclothes but no other spare kit. Usual work in stables, rained lightly all day. Fritz checked slightly on the Somme, heavy fighting everywhere. All troops on leave warned to return to units.

Saturday 30th.
Usual Monotonous work during morning. Harness inspection by Captain Hogan (CO) at 3.30pm, rained and made things very unpleasant. Heavy fighting on Somme, Fritz entered Albert last night driving for Amiens but will never reach there, eh what?




Sunday 31st.
Usual work during morning. Holiday during afternoon. Went out with team 12.15 arriving back 5 o’clock. Walked to Locre with Private Karl Lee, in evening had supper eggs and green peas. Rained lightly. Fritz practically stopped suffered heavy losses.










































Monday April 1st 1918.
Same thing, cleaning harness etc. Nice weather. Still heavy fighting on the Somme.

Tuesday 2nd.
Reveille 6.30, first parade 7 breakfast 8. Kit parade 9 exercised mules 9.30 to 10.30, grooming till 12, watered and fed dismissed 12.30. Defaulters parade 1pm general parade 2 harness cleaning etc till 4, watered and fed and dismissed at 4.45. Guard and picket 6. Walked to top of Kemmel Hill and had excellent view of our batteries firing on Messines Ridge

Wednesday 3rd.
Captain Snow transferred to 101st H Battery. Three sergeants and 1 Bdr went to 2nd Brigade. Captain Tegraves took charge of 1st Section as OC Major Telms temporarily in charge of 1st D.A.C. Walked to Leocre had supper of eggs and peas. Showery.

Thursday 4th.
Harness cleaning and grooming all day. After tea we walked to Leocre had supper two eggs and potatoes each just before leaving had another supper- eggs, bread and butter and coffee. Very lite rain, misty. Quiet on Somme, Fritz reported massing troops at Bray preparatory for another drive for Amiens.

Friday 5th.
Rained steadily all day. Many Tommy Divisions arriving here from the Somme very dirty and with little equipment. We are ready to move out at any time. Had gas helmet inspected by gas A.C.U.
PC. to sis D and Myra Catherwood.

Saturday 6th.
Same old work cleaning stables harness and donks. Wrote to sis Doree (G Envelope). Drizzling at present. Half holiday this afternoon.

Sunday 7th.
Usual work during Morning.

Monday 8th.
No 1, 2, 3 and 4 teams went to Battery to entrain for Somme. Went as escort to prisoner to Teabie hospital near Bailleul, long walk. Nice Weather.
En route for Somme.

Tuesday 9th.
Reveille 1am left camp 3.30 travelled en route through Locre. And entrained at Hopoutre. Bit of a job putting donks on board. Train left 11 o’clock arrived at Amiens 7 o’clock where we disentrained hooked in and moved on again at 10 o’clock, pitch dark.



Wednesday 10th.
After travelling all night arrived Saint Ouen 7 o’clock this morning, very tired and weary, could hardly sit in saddle. Had a bit of sleep and watered up at 11 o’clock. Shifted camp about 1 kilometre into wood other side of St Ouen

Thursday 11th.
On picket last night. Usual work grooming mules and cleaning harness etc. Got paid 55 francs.

Friday 12th.
Reveille 4am. Left camp 7 travelling en route via Amiens arriving Allonville wood 4pm (36 Kilometres). Train ran into team at Saint Ouen killing Randsley (wheel driver). Taubes over galore, last night machine guns shooting at them making terrible rattle. Bob Cass and self camped under two saddle blankets for shelter.
En route for Belgium again.

Saturday 13th.
Reveille 6.30 supposed to move out 11 but trains are about 4 hours late so did not move till 2.30pm, travelled along main Amiens Road passed through Amiens and entrained at St Roche Station leaving at 7pm o’clock, very slow journey up, travelling all night. Very strong cold wind blowing.

Sunday 14th.
Travelled all last night and nearly all today arriving at Waydie station past Hazebrouck at 4pm, got lost for a while but eventually found where we had to camp at 7.30. Camping in bivouacs.

Monday 15th.
Made hut more comfortable and fixed up horse lines etc. Cloudy weather. Called at 6am to take ammo to 1st Battery wagon lines arrived back feeling fairly hungry.

Tuesday 16th.
Rose at 11.30 to take ammo to 2nd Battery wagon lines arrived back at 4pm.

Wednesday 17th.
Slept till 10.30 called out and left camp 11.30 did two trips to wagon lines returned in time for tea. Then out again and did 2 more trips arriving back at 11.30.

Thursday 18th.
No entry this day.

Friday 19th.
No entry this day.

Saturday 20th.
Pulled out of bed 2am to take load of ammunition to 1st Battery wagon line arrived back 6am, slept in until 10.30. On fatigue during morning loading 18 pdr wagons.

There are no more entries in the diaries until,
Friday 31st May 1918.
Cleaned harness etc. Bonza day.

Again no more entries until,
Friday 13th September 1918.
Dobo got kicked by mule and went to hospital.

Again no more entries until,
Wednesday 18th September 1918.
Dobo went across to Blighly last night, lucky beggar.

The next entry is on the historic day of,
Monday November 11th 1918. and is a single word, “Armistice”.





In the back of this diary is the following:

Mary Burder
Warrenwood
Lewes
Sussex

Ramond Burder
C/o Mrs Abbott
“Derreun”
Frenchay Rd
Oxford.

Madame Benu Behague
Meteren
Nord
France.

Mrs Harding
22 Stanford Avenue
Brighton
Sussex.

Willie Nicholson
50 St Annes Cresent
Lewes
Sussex

William Fulford
“Shortwood”
Trowbridge
Wills.

Mr A.J. Ridler
Highfield Avenue
Aldershot.

Mrs E.H.Waring
“Cordelia”
St Lucia Rd
Toowoong
Brisbane.

Mr C. Nielsen
Colton St
Highate Hill
Brisbane.

Mrs F.A. Hart
Bogan and Bushman St
Parkes.

Miss F.B. Swayne
“Hope”
Lane Cove Rd
Turramurra
Sydney.

Miss R Quinlan
Kate St
Sangate

Miss Eva Lang
“Glendoone”
Rosecliff off Gladstone Road
S. Brisbane.



Miss Robinson
“Arron”
Bayview St
Eagle Junction.

Miss Evelyn Hills
“Nelson”
Drake St
Artarmon
Sydney.

Verdi Kennedy
36 Holt Avenue
Mosman
Sydney.

Miss Vera Dyason
“Enoggera”
William St
Hornsby

Miss Patch
18 Dane Rd
St Leonards-on-Lea
Sussex.

J.C. Newbery
“The Alexandra”
Bath Road
Bournemouth.

Mr W. Edmunds
“Coombe”
Langton Matiaveri
Wareham
Dorset.

Mrs F Cornes
“Rivermead”
Hampton Wick

Fuller 4376
Swayne 1925
Bobs 194 Albion


23275
Driver F.J. Waring

3862
Driver T Patch.
15th Field Company Australian Engineers
A.I.F. France

Bdr D.R.Paterson
E Company
2nd C.C.D.
Bramshott Camp
Hants

Mrs Davies
19 Kingsbury Rd
Erdungton

Bertie Nicholson (Cous Amy)
27 Dilton Rd
Surbiton

Mrs R Dodwell
“Hardew”
Yeronga
Brisbane
Qld

26280
Gunner D Robertson
40 Rosthwate
West Derby Rd
Liverpool

Miss Witts
104 Gravelly Hill
Erdington
Birmingham

Verdi
Box 783
G.P.O.
Sydney

26315
G.H.Eccles

Mr C.J.Saull
2 Ashfield
Friginhell
Bradford
Yorkshire
Eng

Leon Rolands
Institutuet
Gilly Prelareque

Miss Lilly Smith
30 Loyells St
Loyells
Brum

Monsieur Alexandre Diyeu
Fromice-Gerpinnes
Haincuit – Belgique

There is then a section in the diary that contains Peoples names and dates, whether they are dates when letters were received or sent, nobody knows. I believe received by granddad but the dates are the dates the letters were sent.

Dorothy 28/4, 10/6, 5/7, 24/7, 25/8, 14/9, 12/10, 16/11, 4/12, 4/1, 13/1, 3/2, 7/3, 7/5.
Peggy 11/6, 6/7, 30/8, 18/12, 18/1, 8/2, 19/2.
Verdi 4/5, 31/5, 14/7, 7/12.
Bob’s 28/4, 26/8, 24/2.
Fls 23/5, 30/8, 20/10, 21/12, 23/1, 4/3.
Nell 5/5.
Dorothy H. 27/4, 25/5, 20/7, 20/8, 25/9, 23/10, 3/12, 31/12, 30/1, 13/3.
Grannie 16/6 21/12.
Auntie F 16/6, 16/9, 16/12.
Ruth
Vera 5/6, 14/7, 24/7, 30/11, 19/1.
Eva 20/9, 21/10, 4/1, 13/3.
Cousin W. 10/7, 24/9, 3/12, 20/12, 16/1, 23/1, 14/2.
R Ridler 22/5.
Myra 28/7, 10/1.
Maude H 8/1.
Lily 9/1.