Virtual
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Australia

Roy Burnett Campbell 32nd Batt A.I.F 3rd Reinforcement 1915-1917 service No. 1990

Clarry and I enlisted at Streaky Bay on September 1st 1915. I passed and he was rejected on account of his teeth. R. Thompson, Frank Lamprey, P. Peterson, G. Moore enlisted with us, also Leo Artaud the latter also failed. We had to report at the Recruiting Office Adelaide within a month so left Streaky Bay Motor Mail on Sunday Oct 1st arriving on the Sunday 3rd October. Clarry and Leo also came with us to have another try. We all reported on the Monday 4th and passed, Clarry and Leo failed again so put them for the Remount Unit that was leaving Melbourne the following month for Egypt. We were given 14 days leave without pay, so went into the Exhibition Camp on Monday 18th October 1915. We had a very good time in this camp marching every day out threw North Adelaide to drill in the parks. We then marched to Morphettville camp on November 8th. We were living in the Grand Stands, so had plenty of fresh air and every morning it was common sight to see as many as fifty horses doing the gallops on the track. We would march down to Glenelg beach twice a week for a dip as it was only a couple of mile. We put in 3 weeks at this camp then were shifted to Mitcham campo on the 29thof November. This camp is the largest of the three and a terrible place for dust and very boggy in the wintertime. We had plenty of training up in the hills and a week at trench digging, also 3 days shooting on the range at Port Adelaide. G Moore, Percy Barnes, Frank Lamprey and I went back to Streaky Bay for our final leave before leaving Australia Xmas time. We were given 13 days leave and had to report back on the Monday 2nd January 1916 but didn’t get back until Friday 6th so Frank and I did in 4 days’ pay and the other two boys got off scott free. They are in the Light Horse and Frank and I in the 3rd Reinforcement of the 32nd battalion also Sid and Walter Thorpe. Clarry went over to Melbourne in Nov and then sailed from there the same month for Egypt arriving there about the middle of Dec 1915. After doing 10 weeks in Mitcham camp we received orders to embark on the troop ship Miltiades at the Outer Harbour on Monday February 7th 1916. We left the camp early Monday by train for the ship, arriving there by 10am and were all on board by 12:30. There were 600 odd South Australian Reinforcements to the 10. 27. 32nd Battalions. We cast off from the Wharf at 2pm giving cheers to the very large crowd of people. It was a bonza sight as there were hundreds of streamers (all colors) stretching from Wharf to Steamer. We steamed out about 4 miles then anchored for about 2 hours, whilst ancoured2 or three tugs full of friends came out circling around us until we got under way just after 4 O’clock. We arrived at Freemantle Friday 11th about midnight after a very good run, fairly smooth sailing through the Bight.
Saturday 12th February 1916 We were given leave from 8:30am till 11pm, so went ashore and had a look around. Freemantle then took the tram for Perth arriving there at 11 am, Perth is a fine town and the Swan River is A1.
Sunday 13th The Miltiades came alongside the wharf in the morning to pick up 600 odd West Australian Reinforcements then we left at mid-day bound for Egypt.
Monday 14th Fine day saw 3 Whales in the Distance.
Tuesday 15th Very rough. Lifeboat on the aft deck broke loose from the chocks, swinging across the deck and broke one of the sailor’s legs.
Wed 16th In a gale, very heavy sea running, at 6:30 am one of the Latrines was smashed by a heavy sea on the Well Deck. One chap was killed and 4 or 5 had their limbs broken. In the afternoon, a sea washed the boys off their legs on the Prominade deck. The poor chap that was killed was buried at 4 O’clock.
Thursday 17th Fine day. Another chap died at 9 am from wounds.
Friday 18th Buried him this morning at 8am. Still fine, had hymn singing at 8pm.
Saturday 19th Fine day, washing day today, do a few hours drill every morning if fine.
Sunday 20th Fine day, Service 11am Church of E .
Monday 21st Fine day, passed two steamers early.
Tuesday 22nd Fine day passed more steamers early.
Wednesday 23rd. Fine day, passed more steamers and one passed us on the same tack. Sighted land at 4:30pm Arrived anchorage 11pm just outside Colombo Harbor streets, arriving back on board at 4pm Then the West went ashore until 7:30. The ship started to coal and take water aboard.
Friday 25th A French Cruiser came in this morning,40 The West went ashore at 8:30 arriving back by noon, then we left at 12:30 and when we arrived at the pier, the boys broke loose and had gone into the town by the time the officers got into the pier from the fifth Barge. All the Hotels were closed as soon as this happened, then the Wests aboard were given leave as about 200 of them got ashore in one of the Coal Barges that was alongside of the ship. We had a good look around Colombo arriving on board at 11pm.
Saturday 26th Sailed 1:30 for Port of Suez. Fine Day
Sunday 27th Fine Day, Church service at 11am.
Monday 28th Fine Day, Plenty of Sport aboard.
Tuesday 29th Fine day, Played Cricket against the Officers. On Guard, Tonight.
Wednesday March 1st Fine day plenty of boxing etc.
Thursday 2nd Fine day, stuck with cleaning the Cutlery and washing up.
Friday 3rd Fine day passed through a school of whales, all sizes from 18 to 30 ft. They were within a few yards of the boat at times.
Saturday 4th Sighted land off Aden at 6:30PM
Sunday 5th Went through hells gates this morning into the Red Sea. Stiff fair wind blowing.
Monday 6th Having a good run through Red Sea not too warm on account of the breeze.
Tuesday 7th Still in Red Sea. Washing day.
Wednesday 8th Red Sea, passed hospital Ship Karoola in the afternoon. Fine and cool day, sighted land at 3:30pm. Entered the narrow gulf 9.pm to Suez.
Thursday 9th Anchored in Harbor Pt Suez at 8:30 am. An Aeroplane flying across the harbor. A troop ship passes us going to India to do Garrison. I mean the Tommies that were on board.
Friday 10th Still anchored out waiting for Orders.
Saturday 11th Went alongside the wharf at 7:30 am. Disembarked at 2:30 pm and then went by train to Zeitoun Camp, 6 miles from Cairo, arriving there at 10:15 pm .
Sunday 12th Frank Lamprey and I went over to the Light Horse camp this morning and met G More, P Barnes, A Harper and Roy Feltus then we all went to the Remount Camp and met Clarry. We then went into Cairo and met Tom More and Harry brown. Zeitoun Camp is very large, very hot and plenty of sand. We get plenty of drill here and have ½ day on Saturday and ½ day Sundays, so spend the time in seeing Cairo etc. I met Clarry and a few more boys one Sunday and we to see the Piramids. We went inside one of them but never had time to climb them as it takes a long time to get to the top 450 ft. I also saw the Holy Well and the tree where Mary rested and the Sphinx, Cairo and Heliopolis a very nice town but Cairo is very dirty in places. They have a good type of Electric cars especially from me to town to the others. We are camped at Zeitoun for 3 Weeks then went by train to Moascar, (ismailia) a small town about 4 miles from the Suez Canal on the 1st April. On the journey, down, we passed through very good country in places, arriving at Moascar 1pm. Then we marched from there to the Canal, crossed the pontoon Bridge that was erected by the military. This place is called Ferry Post, a large camp of Australians. We had a spell for a couple of hours then got going again in an Easterly direction for a camp about 8 miles out Duntroon Platoon to join the 32nd Battalion. We arrived at our destination at 10pm after marching between 13 and 14 miles, the last ½ mile through up to the tops of our boots. We did justice to a good drink of tea on arrival, as we were carrying full packs ammunition 2 blankets Oil Sheet and Rifle. This place is barren desert, didn’t take many miles in the sand here to steady a fellow up. We had to march out about 3 miles very often to dig trenches etc. Would dig a trench, then sand-bag it and when we would arrive on the scene next day it would take you all your time to find it. There is plenty of Barb Wire entanglements all over the place in these parts to pull Mr Turk up if he came to visit. We put in two weeks in this camp, went very short of water at times, as all the rations etc. had to be delivered on camels. Had a couple of days’ target practice, and received our third inoculation whilst here. We broke camp on April 15th to go back to Ferry Post, arriving there at mid-day. We went short of water here sometimes, as it was all laid on and the Main would burst or the pumping plant go to the pack. We had plenty of swimming as the canal was only a mile away so indulged very often as it was up to 125 in the shade at times. Had to line up in single file for your Dixey of Beer or bottle, have seen the single file 200 yds. long after getting back from a stunt. These stunts were killers, as we would be called out in the middle of the night, full marching order, go out about 6 miles along the road then cut out over the sand and charge up a sand hill at the enemy that never existed. After settling that lot, set out for camp, across the sand, leaving plenty of fellows in our wake to get home sometime through the afternoon. We had more rifle shooting and plenty of rifle drill. Just about ½ the Battalion had their hands tied up, septic poison, my thumb stopped me from work for a fortnight, finished up by losing the nail. We put in 6 weeks here then on May 18th we shifted camp back to Moasca to be ready to embark for France. We had about 2 miles to go for a swim from here, so generally had that pleasure in the afternoons. Since we have been in these parts Clarry has left the Remounts and joined the Field Artillery at Serapeum then left for France about the 1st of June. We were here just on three Weeks then left on June 16th by train at 7 in the evening arriving at Alexandra at 3am June 17th after our bonza ride in the cattle trucks. We were drafted aboard the Troopship Transylvania by 5:30. She is a large boat, had over 3 thousand on board and then plenty of room for more. We pulled out from the Warf and anchored in the Harbor for the night.
Sunday June 18th. We sailed this morning 9am for Marseille, steering a zig zag coarse on account of the tin fish.
Monday 19th. Fine day, The Destroyer still going strong.
Wednesday 21st. Fine day. Destroyer still leading.
Thursday 22nd June. Fine day. Destroyer left us and another taken its place to pace us.
Friday 23rd. Arrived outside Marseille day light, steamed in under very heavy mist, so didn’t see very much scenery, arriving at the wharf at 6:30AM. Very Mountainous country as you come through the heads and plenty of shipping in port. We disembarked about noon and were transported to the train for our three days journey up through France.
Saturday 24th. We passed through the under – mentioned towns Friday evening. Arles, Avignon, Orange, Valence for tea. Vienne, very pretty place with a river running same, also passed through a good many tunnels the n on through Lyon, large town also a river running through same. Then stopped at Macon, for Breakfast having it alongside the train, as we were not allowed to go off the platform at any place that we stayed at for an hour or two. Then through Dijon, Darcey, Stopping at Les Laumes Alesia for Dinner, then on again passing through Tonnerre, Laroche, fine station and plenty of Engines. Then pulled up for tea at Montereau. It’s all very beautiful country through this part of France and in any field, were work was going on, you would only see the old man, his wife and daughters, no young fellows, doing the work. After tea, we went on through the night passing through Cuniny, Crieg, and had Breakfast at Lipliuches, Sunday 25th. Started off again leaving Clermont, St Just, Amiens, behind then pulled up at Abbeville for tea. Amiens is a very large town also Abbeville We then went through Boulogne and Calais, two large towns, also ports on the Coast. We then left the coast and branched off inland going through St Omen, arriving at our destination Morbecque at 12:30AM. Monday morning 26th. The journey took us 58 ½ hours. We then marched to a small camp between Morbecque and Hazebrouck. We put in 5 days in tents but had to shift into Billets on Saturday 1st July on account of rain. At this time of year, you could read a paper in the evenings up till 10PM. We were in billets 7 days then started to march to the firing line on Saturday 8th at 9AM. We passed through Millville and reached Estars at 4:30PM and Billeted for the night after a march of 15 miles over cobble stones which played up with the guy’s feet.
Sunday 9th. We started off again at 11AM. Doing 5 miles by 1:30 and camped the night in iron huts. I met Percy Barns as we were coming along.
Monday 10th.
Bois Graneur. We left the sheds at 8AM. And arrived within a couple of miles of the Trenches at 11PM. 5 or 6 miles’ march camp in huts so as to do fatigue in the Trenches.
Thursday 11th. Received a present surprise to see Clarry standing at the hut door this morning. The Battery that he is in is about 300 yds away.
Wednesday 12th. Our first night in the Trenches on Fatigue in the evening.
Friday 14th. We left this camp and marched about 2 ½ miles to billets in Fleubaix. This is a small town about 1 ½ miles from the trenches most of the buildings are damaged by shell fire, especially the Church and Cemetery. Fritz still puts over a few shells.
Saturday 15th. We went on fatigue wok at 6AM. And were delayed on the road for 9 hours on account of traffic bringing up duck -boards, hurdles, barb wire, etc. for the stunt we reached our billets by 4;30AM.

Sunday 16th & Monday 17th. I met Clarry again Saturday evening as he was going up to fix a position for the Battery. We went in the trenches in the evening at 9PM. And was 4:30Am by the time we had taken over the support line. Fritz sighted us just after dinner and started putting shrapnel over us, got too hot so we were given the order to retire through the Communication Trench back to Billets, Fritz followed us up with shrapnel as we were getting out and wounded a few of the boys. We reached the Billets at 4PM so had a good sleep until morning.
Tuesday 18th July. We went in again this morning taking over the front line. Just a light Bombardment on, first time own turn in the Bays standing too. The enemy and our line are about 100 yds. Apart at this particular part. We never had a wink of sleep all day and through the night.
Wednesday 19th. It was fairly quiet until 11 Am. Then our guns opened up on the Germans to bust up their front trench and Entanglements as we were given the Order that we had to make a charge at 6PM. Fritz soon got to work with his guns too, so they kept up one continual noise, the earth was fairly shaking with the explosions, especially when one of our 60 lb pudding Bombs landed on Fritz’s Barb Wire. We kept well into the parapet until six.
JULY 19th and 20th Charge Wed & Thursday
All the afternoon the Bombardment was terrific and the call for Stretcher Bearers was very frequent as we had more of our own men wounded by our own shells dropping short. At 5:30 a Battalion of our, came from the Support to take up a position on hour right to be ready for the hop off. They had to come overland to do this as Fritz’s fire on the communication trench was too hot, and the trench was blown in in many places, Fritz sighted then when they were ½ way and ranged his fire accordingly, killing and wounding many then he directed a heavy fire onto the front trench where they took up their positions. We were given orders then to move down alongside this battalion so we received the heavy fire also, was that severe that we couldn’t partake of the rum that was there to be issued. We then all took up a position in the bays of the trench ready for the word go. Lieutenant Halkyard was in charge of the platoon that I am in and he told us to be ready for sound of the ________ that would blow within a few minutes, had just got the word out when the _____ went we were all up and over the top like one man, threw our own barb wire and down, prone position in line. This was done in waves, a minute or two between each. As soon as the first wave got over Fritz lifted his fire onto us, the shrapnel and Bullets were just like rain falling on the ground. I was very cool, the only thought that passed through my mind as I was there waiting for the next rush and down Was, “What a dam fool a man was to be laying out there”. We then made another rush and down just outside fritz barb wire and there we had to stop for a good many minutes as we hopped over before six and had to wait until our Artillery lifted their fire off the German front trench. We are now within 40 yds. of Fritz and they are firing and throwing bombs and some of them retiring for their life. Then we receive the order “Forward” scramble through the barb wire into their trench, the first thing you see is the square heads with their hands up but they don’t receive any mercy. We then went forward through the second trench.
Friday 21st July. We went on fatigue in the in the trenches to collect spare equipment, Blankets, Overcoats etc. that we had left there when we visited Fritz. As we were going back to Billets, I went over to the Cemetery to see if I could Recognise any of my mates. They were laying in heaps ready to be buried. They Bury 10 at a time in a big hole. It was a sight that I will never forget.
Saturday 22nd. We went on fatigue then left for billets, going into Reserves. We stayed here until Tuesday evening 25th then marched back to a small town BAC.ST.MAUR which is about 41/2 miles from the line.
Wednesday 26th. Went on fatigue in the line so had o long march there and back.
Thursday 27th. Went on fatigue again. Feel very tied by the time we get back.
Friday 28thth July. We had a bath today. Very acceptable as we hadn’t had one for over a month.
Saturday 29th. We went on fatigue this morning, then went into Billets about 2 miles from the line. These billets are close to Fleurbaix. Fritz hit the town of the Church this afternoon. I saw it full of flames.
Sunday 30th. On fatigue this morning, then had Church Service at 7PM.
Monday 31st. On fatigue this morning, then took over Front Trench in the evening.
Tuesday 1st August. A quit day today. I am in charge of No24 Bay. We only get an hour or two sleep through the night so sleep from 7AM until dinner time each day as we are very short handed.
Wednesday 2nd August. Quiet day. In our bay, we are having our meals alongside the graves of three unknown Soldiers. There is a cross erected over one as under.



Thursday 3rd. Aug. Quiet day. 2 men having a duel shot for shot from one parapet to the other.
Friday 4th. Quiet day. I went out on patrol in No man’s land between 11 & 2 in night Carrying a loaded revolver and 2 Bombs.
Saturday 5th. Quiet day. The trenches are about 400 yds. apart here situated just in front of old Convent Walls.
Sunday 6th. Quiet day. One of our Aeroplanes was hit about 5 miles over German trenches. It planed down passing about 300ft above us and landed about ½ miles in rear. As it was passing over Fritz line, he set his Machine Guns & Rifles onto it and the Aeroplane replied with their gun. As soon as it landed Fritz put his Artillery onto it but didn’t do much damage, the men got clear also.
Monday 7th August. Quiet day, four shells passed over.
Tuesday 8th Quiet day having a very good time as the sun is shining and no rain.
Wednesday 8th Quiet day. Plenty of Rats in these trenches.
Thursday 10th ½ hour Bombardment otherwise quiet.
Friday 11th Steady Bombardment all day, landing a few in our trenches.
Saturday 12th Fine day.
Sunday 13th Steady Bombardment. Fritz never fires until our Artillery starts, then he doesn’t put over many.
Monday 14thAug. Light Bombardment, raining this afternoon, making the ground very slippery as the country in these parts is all clay.
Tuesday 15th Quiet day, raining still. All the trenches on this front are built on the surface of the ground.
Wednesday 16th Steady Bombardment all day, them at 10PM it was very heavy. Fritz landed a couple right on our parapet Would of been “Good night “to some of us if we hadn’t been under the Fire Step. It lasted 30 minutes.
Thursday 17th 15 minutes heavy Bombardment. We had shifted further along the trench whilst this was on, then when we returned Fritz landed 15 H.E. Conl Boxes just over us all in line. 5 point 9.
Friday 18th Aug Heavy mist this morning, went out on listening post as there was a fellow seen walking in our Barb Wire. We found him, one of our own men looking for a Blighty. We did a lot of work on the parapet as the mist was very heavy until 11 AM.
Saturday 19th Had a Bombardment for ½ hour, Fritz replying, then another for 2 hours through the night. Fritz also answered and landed a few close to us.
Sunday 20th Light Bombardment this morning. We went out of the trenches in the evening back to Billets as we had done 20 days in the front line.
Monday 21st Went and had a bath which was very acceptable.
Tuesday 22nd Aug On fatigue in morning laying mines.
Wednesday 23rd On fatigue in trenches making dugouts etc.
Thursday 24th I was on Gass Guard, the rest on fatigue.
Friday 25th On fatigue in trenches in morning, when we arrived back to the Billets we found that Fritz had landed two shells on same causing ½ the place to fall and burn. One of the officers stopped the roof in its fall as they had to pull him out from under- neath. He received a few bruises for his bravery, soon joined us again. The two-old people and daughter stuck to the ship, were still selling beer when we arrived on the scene dinnertime.
Saturday 26th Aug On fatigue in trenches, genuinely work from 7 till 1pm.
Sunday 27th On fatigue in trenches. The rest of the Battalion came out from the front line.
Monday 28th On fatigue in trenches.
Tuesday 29th Went into third line, Reserves and I was on guard, the others on Fatigue.
Wednesday 30th On fatigue in trenches, Walter came back, was very pleased to see me as he had herd that I was missing since the stunt. Everybody he asked told a different yarn so he didn’t know the truth until 3 days before he met me.
Thursday 31st On fatigue in trenches
Friday 1st September On fatigue in trenches.
Saturday 2nd On fatigue in trenches.
Sunday 3rd On fatigue in trenches.
Monday 4th On fatigue in trenches.
Tuesday 5t On fatigue in trenches.
Wednesday 6th On fatigue in trenches. WE left here after putting in 7 days “reserves” going into Supports in afternoon, then then we went on fatigue in the evening passing trucks on light line from road to supports with cement etc. for dugouts. Bullets flying all around us into the grass.
Thursday 7th Supports on fatigue. Good dugout in this line behind wall.
Friday 8th September On fatigue, Having two Bombardments a day. When they are on we we ate put in the communication trench as he shells our position.
Saturday 9th On fatigue. There are two company’s here and the other two in the front line.
Sunday 10th On fatigue in the front line repairing dugouts.
Monday 11th On fatigue, front line. Promoted to Lance Corporal today.
Tuesday 12th On fatigue, front line.
Wednesday 13th On fatigue, front line. We took over front line in afternoon and the company that we relived came back in Supports. Supports 7 days.
Thursday 14th Sept Front line. Light bombardment. I am in charge of a bay.
Friday 15th Light Bombardment. Started raining, very unpleasant as we didn’t get any sleep at night. In the Bays from7PM till 5AM.
Saturday 16th I went out on listening post in charge. Very unpleasant, in No man’s land for 3 hours in the wet grass.
Sunday 17th Still raining a little.
Monday 18th Out on listening post. Always have to go over the top of the parapet when on patrol or Listening Post.
Tuesday 19th Went out on Patrol again. As we were getting over the parapet I think Fritz must have seen us, as it was moonlight, because he put his machine guns onto us, so we all got down lively in our own barb wire. You could hear the bullets humming.
Wednesday 20th Sept Still raining. Feet wet for 8 Days.
Thursday 21st We went out of the front trench after tea as we were given orders to take over trenches at Armentieres. We motored to Armentieres, arriving there about 10PM and were billeted in a large building for the night.
Friday 22nd We were given leave to have a look around the town. There isn’t many people living here as Fritz shells it often. ½ the town is in ruins. After dinner, we went into Reserves, ‘Subsidiary Line” Two of the Company taking over the front line.
Saturday 23rd I was in charge of the Gass Guard then Capt. Hinks had me taken off and put in charge of the Company Runners as Corporal, so we went taking a sketch of the trenches saps etc.
Sunday 24th In reserves, fine day, and very quiet here.
Monday 25th In reserves, we take dispatches every day Batt. H.Q. in Armentieres
Tuesday 26th In reserves, the company on fatigue every day.
Wednesday 27th In reserves. Fritz landed a few shells close to us today.
Thursday 28th We took over front trench this morning. I am at C.H.Q. a good dug out. These trenches are in a very bad state.
Friday 29th Raining through the night, have to take a dispatch 3AM H.Q every morning.
Saturday 30 September In front trench. Fritz sends over Minenwerfers, can see them coming, look like big rum jars. They make a terrible hole, doing a lot of damage and shake the earth when they explode.
Sunday 1st Oct In front trench. Had to duck clear of our pudding bombs as they were landing short.
Monday 2nd In front trench. When a Bombardment is going to open up, most of the company go back into supports. The Capt. and two of us Runners go into the front line. Always keep a good look-out for the Minenwerfers.
Tuesday 3rd In front line, fairly quiet. Fritz always trying to put a shell on C.H.Q gets very close at times.
Wednesday 4th Oct We came out of the front-line dinner time and Billeted in Armentieres. I was the last to leave as I had to hand over to Runners that took my place.
Thursday 5th In Billets. The company go on Fatigue in trenches every morning.
Friday 6th In Billets. The company are in an old Brewery and the Officers,3 Batman and us Runners are in a private house. One of the batman is doing the cooking so we are having good meals.
Saturday 7th In Billets, Fritz dropped a lot of shells just over us through the night. Some of the buildings caught fire so I had to through the night to report same to H.Q as the fire was very close to the company Billets.
Sunday 8th Oct In billets went to church this morning.
Monday 9th In Billets, Fritz still making a target of the town, as a lot of our guns are implaced in the town.
Tuesday 10th We left this morning, 3 Company’s taking over the front line and our company going into supports.
Wednesday 11th In Supports “Goodwood” Very good trenches.
Thursday 12th In supports. Had Bombardment for ½ hour not much landed close to us mostly on front line.
Friday 13th In supports. Very quiet, getting issued with boots etc.
Saturday 14th Oct We came out at dinner time, marched about 3 miles, then caught Motors and rode 16 miles to Strazeele arriving at 9PM.
Sunday 15th Very pretty country. The Company’s drilling etc.
Monday 16th Still on drilling and the Runners attending a lecture by one of the Officers.
Tuesday 17th Marched off at 12 noon doing 6 miles to Bailleul, then intrained at 4PM. We were 10 hours in the train, got out at 2AM. Wednesday then marched 9 miles to Ergnies.
Wednesday 18th We camped close to Ergnies for the day.
Thursday 19th Oct We marched about 6 miles to motor lorries, then rode about 30 miles passing through Amiens. A very large town full of hundreds of lorries, we had a string of 80 to transport us lot., Arrived at Bunone? and camped in tents for night.
Friday 20th We marched off again this morning and pulled up on the side of a hill for the night. This place is on the Battlefield of the Somme where the Germans were pushed back, as we passed the town of Albert on our left, about 4 miles back from here. We marched about 8 miles.
Saturday 21st Still Bivouacked, had a sleepless night, very cold sleeping under Tarpaulins. AS far as you can see is camps and traffic, old trenches etc. Plenty of mud up to your knees in places.
Sunday 22nd Oct We marched about 1½ miles around the hill and Bivouacked again, nothing but mud and water.


Monday 23rd Went over this morning to have a look at one of the tanks. They have Machine Guns and a 6lb Gun on each side like a Battleship and manned by a crew of 12 men.
Tuesday 24th The Battalion go on fatigue up towards the firing line and us Runners take their midday meal to them.
Wednesday 25th I was promoted Corporal today which came out in the Orders on the20th. There are guns everywhere here, barking all the time, some of them 9 and 12 inch.
Thursday 26th Battalion still on fatigue, Raining every day.
Friday 27th Oct. Still on fatigue. Met Ted Rowbottom where the boys were working.
Saturday 28th On fatigue in morning then an Officer and I went into the support trench in the afternoon to inspect before dark, as the company came along and took over after dark.
Sunday 29th In Supports, Flers, Fritz very active here with his Artillery and our guns are giving him hell day and night, one continual Bombardment which has been going on for weeks. I helped to carry in one of the 29th boys as three got hit, one killed, and the rest of the party cleared out, only one fellow plucked enough to stay and look for help.
Monday 30th Guns still going a treat, Fritz giving us a lively time. We go along a road about 400 yds with dispatches to H.Q an old Ruined building, which he is always shelling and have shells falling within 20 or 30 yds of us as we are on the road. The Capt. sent me out at about 10PM to get the Disc off one of our boys that was killed few minutes before. The poor fellow had been in the trench with two other fellows, all stretcher bearers, when he was hit and the other two wounded, the rest of the company were on fatigue at the time.
Tuesday 31st In supports then in the afternoon, Lieut. McCoy and one of the runners and I went back looking for Gird trench, Reserves, so as to direct the Battalion when they came out after sundown. We picked up a guide at B.H.Q to show us to the trench but he got lost so we were tramping all over the place, falling into shell holes etc. until 10PM, when we found the trench, which was in a very bad state with plenty of mud and water. Whilst we were lost I asked a fellow if he knew where the trench was and he informed me that he was lost also. He said that he called out to some fellows that were in a shell hole asking them to put him on his way but they never answered so he walked over and found that they were all dead Germans. We were meeting the Company’s at Fish Ally and guiding them across shell holes until 1 Pm then a lot of the fellows didn’t reach the trench till morning, camped on the side of shell holes in the Mud and cold till morning.
Wednesday 1st Nov In Reserves, Gird trench’ Sick men coming out all the time on Stretchers on Sledges drawn by one or two horses. Some of the fellows not lasting 24 hours in the front line.
Thursday 2nd In Reserves, Fritz puts a good many shells here as there are men passing backwards and forwards from the front line overland day and night.
Friday 3rd In Reserves. The Captain sent one of the Runners and I, up to the supports in afternoon to report on the conditions and take note of the way to it as we would have to take the Batt there after dark to be supports to the 29th as they were to hop over the top through the night. This plan didn’t come off as it rained heavily by sundown. As the chap and I were returning we were dodging shells and shrapnel.
Saturday 4thNov In Reserves. The men look awful coming out of the line after doing only 24 hours. They just flop down on the side of a shellhole in the mud for a rest.
Sunday 5th Saturday evening a few of the Runners and I went back and brought in the 24th Batt to relive us. By the time we arrived with the 24th our boys had gone back to a camp about 3 miles’ distance and we followed on later. The boys went on Fatigue Sunday.
Monday 6th A Lieutenant, 3 N.C.O and myself went back 10 miles to fix up Billets at Burone. We started at midday arriving in the small town at 4 PM. The Battalion left later and arrived at 7 PM. Finished of our first trip to the Somme of 18 days.
Tuesday 7th Nov We marched out of Burone after dinner and caught Motors about 2 miles out at 4:30, then rode about 35 miles passing through Amiens then through a small Village and pulled up about 21/2 miles past the village. We lined up on the road and I’m damed if they didn’t march us back to the same village to camp, arriving there at 10:30PM.
Wednesday 8th The name of this village is St-vaast-en-chaussee situated about 7 miles from Amiens. The boys on rifle drill etc.
Thursday 9th The boys drilling, very cold. Walter not well and the Doc left him out all day in the cold waiting for the Ambulance that arrived about 7 PM to take him to hospital.
Friday 10th In billets and still drilling, this is only a small village.
Saturday 11th Nov In Billets, Frost on the ground and plenty of ice on water in buckets.
Sunday 12th In Billets, still doing drill.
Monday 13th In Billets. This is supposed to be a rest away from the Somme.
Tuesday 14th In Billets, some of the lads that were wounded in in July joined up again.
Wednesday 15th In Billets, I have been off my tucker this last 4 days.
Thursday 16th In Billets. Went for a walk this afternoon to another village about 3 miles away. Then started to give leave to Amiens by letting 10 men go at a time. This lasted one day then stopped.
Friday 17th Nov In Billets. Getting ready to move off in the morning after 11 days’ rest.
Saturday 18th We marched off very early doing 3 miles by 7AM. The ground was white with frost. We then rode in Motors to Vermont which is 2 miles from Burone and camped for the night.
Sunday 19th We moved off again this morning marching about 12 miles, and camped in huts on the Somme Battlefield. The last 500 Yds. we finished in the dark going through mud up to our knees.
Monday 20th Marched 3 miles and Bivouacked on the side of hill for the night. My right hand is poisoned. Went on sick Parade yesterday and the Doc Lanced it for me.
Tuesday 21st Nov The Doc lanced my hand again, giving me hell as the knife wasn’t sharp, he then told me not to go into the line. The Battalion moved off in the afternoon, C Company going into the front line with one of the others, and the other two into supports and Reserves. Myself and the others that were left behind marched back to the huts.
Wednesday 22nd The boys in the trenches. Having my hand attended to 3 times a day.
Thursday 23rd The boys in the trenches.
Friday 24th The boys came out of the front line after doing 72 hours. Some of them reached camp at 7PM. I was in charge of 15 Guides that had to direct them in from the road. The remainder of the Batt were arriving up to 4AM, so I never had any sleep, then at sunrise I went out along the road and met about 60 of C company in charge of 2 Officers. They were all just about settled, camped along the road for the night. It is a good 6 miles from here to the firing line and as they had had 3 days without sleep in very muddy trenches they couldn’t do the 6 miles.
Saturday 25th The boys having a good sleep today as they only get 3 days’ rest.
Sunday 26th Still having a rest. This afternoon we were all cleaning and oiling our rifles when one of the rifles went off in the hut. The lad had the barrel on his foot busy cleaning same when away she went through his foot. Raining a treat, so more joy for the boys.
Monday 27th The boys marched off this afternoon to go into Reserves. I am staying out again as my hand isn’t in working order yet.
Tuesday 28th Nov The boys left Reserves and went into front line again, this being twice for C Company. This front line is in the right of Flers. Les in troy?
Wednesday 29th The boys in the front line.
Thursday 30th The boys in the front line, having a bad time. We received 100 reinforcements so have sent them up.
Friday 1st Dec The boys came out of front line and went into Reserves for 24 hours to break the journey from the line to camp.
Saturday 2nd The boys lest Reserves and arrived here after dark, plenty of them in a bad state trench foot etc. Some of them can’t get a boot on. When we took over this this time on Somme we relieved the Irish Guards.
Sunday 3rd Dec The boys resting. This camp is called Adelaide.
Monday 4th Still resting. Sending a few to hospital. The Battalion is under 400 fighting strength counting the 100 Reinforcements in.
Tuesday 5th We moved off at midday going into reserves. Needle Dump is within 300 yds.
Wednesday 6th In Reserves doing fatigue Were cleaning the trench out and dug up a dead German.
Thursday 7th In Reserves. We moved off at dusk to the front line, arriving there at 9PM. It is all overland to the front trench a distance of 2 1/2 miles, duck boards for about ¾ mile then pick you way between the shell holes if you are lucky.
Friday 8th Dec In front line, having a bad time as it is raining, just have to sit in the cuttings of the trench for the 3 days. This is the place for Runners “I don’t think “ Do all Running at night C on Right and left and back to Supports. You do all the Running along the top of the trench and the track from front line to supports a distance of 300 yds. is strewn with dead, Germans N.Z. Tommies and Australians.
Saturday 9th In front trench. Fritz very active, gave us beans for ½ hour last night but didn’t hit any of the Company.
Sunday 10th In front trench Fritz gave us 2 Bombardments last night, shells bursting on the parapet and in the trench at times. We were very lucky as we only had one killed whilst on ration fatigue.
Sunday 10 Dec A Company Carried out a raid last night, lost one or two killed, a few wounded and missing. We saw 7 or 8 men in front of us just after the raid but the Lieutenant wouldn’t let one of the Corporals see who they were. Lieut Drummond and Born? Were in charge of us, they are a pair of cowards and ½ drunk most of the time. We were relieved at 7P.M and I was guide for C company back to Reserves. As we were coming out I started going to the pack before we had gone 200 yds, but kept going, falling into shell holes and could just manage to get to my feet again. I finished up in front of the Company feeling very weak in the legs.
Monday 11th In Reserves, “Mail Trench” I left at about 4PM. To go back to huts with some of the cripples and the Battalion came on three hours later. I left early as I was feeling very weak.
Tuesday 12th Dec We moved off at 9AM. Marching about 4 miles to camp in huts to do fatigue. As we were marching along the road I fell down and two mates had to help me onto my feet, then I finished the ½ miles to the huts.
Wednesday 13th The boys on fatigue. Only 27 of C company out on fatigue the other 40 odd in Sick parade.
Thursday 14th The boys on fatigue. Allan Harper came over to see me this evening. I went on sick parade as I could only just walk and my back had gone bung. The Doc only laughed when I saw him.
Friday 15th Bays on fatigue. Jim Irvine inquiring about me. I am getting weaker every hour. There are very deep dugouts all over this part of the country built by the Germans.
Saturday 16th Dec Boys on fatigue. Still going to the Doc, and he is giving me light duty. Can just get about the hut, can’t hold a blanket up to fold it, and get my mates to make my bed and take off my boots.
Sunday 17th Boys on fatigue. One of the lads reckons he saw Clarry when they were on fatigue. I had to be carried up to the Doc this morning as I couldn’t walk on my own. He told me that he would send me to hospital as soon as he could get the Ambulance. “I love that Doc,” LIAR!
Monday 18th My last day with the boys, all good fellows, especially C ?urgenuon H Fitzgerald and J Dempsey who looked after me well, this last few days. The Ambulance arrived about 10AM. And I was carried on a stretcher to it as I could hardly move, then taken to the C.R. Station.
Tuesday 19th Dec In O.R.S, getting weaker. The Doc here never examined me today just asked me how I was getting on.
Wednesday 20th The Doc came and examined me then went and brought two more Docs so they twisted me about, ‘giving me beans’ then decided to kick me out, so was taken in the Ambulance to the C.C.S, a distance of about 10 miles. We passed through Albert as we were going to the C.C.S, so I saw the church were the Germans hit the crucifix and it is now laying over at right angles on top of the town.
Thursday 21st In C.C.S still getting weaker and can’t roll on me side or sit up. The Sister and Orderly a pair of rotters.
Friday 22nd In C.C.S waiting to be shifted in Hospital train.
Saturday 23rd Dec In C.C.S. One of my mates a Corporal Lean, came in this morning so he is doing anything I ask him to do for me.
Sunday 24th The Corporal had to feed me as I didn’t have strength to lift the spoon to my mouth. I spent my Birthday most of the day in the train as we were put aboard at 9AM. And arrived at Rouen at 10PM, a distance of 80 or 90 miles I never saw any of the country as we passed through as I was laying on my back all the way. The Orderlies on the train were A1. Nothing a trouble to them.
Monday 25th In hospital in a good bed after 8 days on an ordinary stretcher. We had a good Xmas dinner and a glass of ale. I received one Banana for a Xmas present, would have had a good time with the Batt if I had lasted a week or two longer with them as they came out from the Somme on the 20th.
Tuesday 26th Dec. I left Rouen Hospital this morning in the Ambulance and put in the Hospital train, we then were taken to Le Havre and put in the hospital on the Wharf to be sent across to Blighty. We arrived here 6PM, never saw any country as I was on a stretcher.
Wednesday 27th In hospital all day then were taken aboard the Hospital ship Glenart Castle (6762 tons) at 6PM and left the Wharf at 9PM to cross the channel.
Thursday 28th Had a bonza run across arriving in Southampton at 10AM then about 12 of us Australians intrained for Cardiff Hospital, ‘ Tommy Hospital’ arriving there at 6PM. The young lady’s at the station gave us a cup of tea and Cigs, which we appreciated very much. We passed under the River Severn. The tunnel is seven miles long.
Friday 29th Dec This is the 3rd Western General hospital, Ninian park, Cardiff. Before the War it was a big school, a bonza building situated about 1 mile out of the town. I can’t do a thing for myself not even put my arms up in the air.
Saturday 30th The Sisters are very obliging also the rest of the staff. Only about twenty Australians here.
Sunday 31st This is visiting day, plenty of cake etc. given to the patients. Very nice people, some have a talk to us. One lady is going to visit me; her husband is a Lieutenant in Egypt. The wards are done up as for Xmas and New Year. I am in B6 Ward of 13 beds. The Sister is a fussy sort, have nicknamed her ‘Darky the Savage’.
Monday 1st January We had a good dinner today supplied by the visitors of the town. They waited upon us themselves, they gave a concert in the evening. Sent a Cable home today. Gradually getting a little stronger. I still went on improving day by day and was getting a small bottle of Stout a day. Very cold here at present which doesn’t agree with me. On the 20th of January the Colonel informed me that he was going to send me home for a few months. We have plenty of concerts, had one Thursday 25th in the afternoon, then one in the evening.
Friday 26th I am still in Bed, improving every day. Had a concert this evening and I was taken down on a stretcher to it.
Saturday 27th Had another concert this evening which are very good.
Sunday 28th Jan I can stand up today but can’t walk. Have been 6 weeks in bed up to date, without being up at all.
Monday 29th Was in a chair today for 4 hours by the fire. Haven’t seen outside the hospital yet. There is a big fire raging in Cardiff this evening.
Tuesday 30th I received 5 letters this morning, the first for nearly two months.
Wednesday 31st Received 9 letters again this morning, mostly old ones that had gone to the Battalion first. Am up for a few hours daily in a chair.
Thursday 1st Feb Can walk a few yards now. I also had a touch of Trench foot as they gave me, old havery?, for over a month, day and night. Had them dressed every day until a couple of days ago.
Friday 2nd Feb We were taken in Motors this afternoon to a play at the theatre, so saw the Streets of Cardiff for the first time.
Saturday 3rd Am getting on A1. As I can walk about the Ward a little now.
Sunday 4th The country looks lovely this morning as it is snowing. The snowflakes make a very pretty sight falling. There is an average of 6 inches of snow so there is plenty of snowballing going on.
Monday 5th It is a grand sight looking out of the window to see the Sun shining on the snow-clad country this morning.
Tuesday 6th I was taken out in an Invalids pram today up to Cardiff, pushed by a Scottie and a Welshman. Wasn’t out very long as it was very cold, caught me in the feet. I had a shave whilst there taking off my moustache that I had growing for a year. Sister didn’t recognize me when I returned.
Wednesday 7th I am still improving was up out of bed all the afternoon.
Thursday 8th We had plenty of visitors today and they gave us a bonza Tea then had singing and games in the large room down stairs. I never had to appear before the board as it was all finished up whilst I was in bed.
Friday 9th I left Cardiff this morning at 10AM. By train for Harefield. We had a good run and pulled up at Paddington Station. Were there for over an hour then caught the train for Harefield arriving there at 3:30. I felt the cold very much and wasn’t too well whilst waiting at Paddington Station.
Saturday 10 Fed Harefield Hospital is a very well set out but is too cold for me. There is a large mess room, hold about 400, and a Billiard Room with 3 large tables and 4 ½ size tables for the use of the patients. I met one of the Batt boys young Murcott.
Sunday 11th There were about 200 boys left this morning to embark for Australia. am in No.14 Ward and have a dinkum Sister in charge.
Monday 12th This Hospital is about 12 to 15 miles from London. If I was well enough I could get leave to see London, wouldn’t be able to stand much walking.
Tuesday 13th The Sister made me have my meals in the Ward as she reckons I want feeding up.
Wednesday 14th Feb I received 4 letter from home this morning, November letters.
Thursday 15th I received a letter from Clarry and answered same, he informed me that the snow is a foot deep up at the Somme.
Friday 16th Had a light fall of snow. Plenty of skating on the ponds and all small rivers frozen, stopping the small boats that trade on them.
Saturday 17th Went for a walk today to a small-town Uxbridge, and had a look over the Cemetery. Some of the graves are dated 1745, the name of the person on the stones start Mr so and so. The first V.C. winner is also buried here and 12 Australians.
Sunday 18th Met Stan Shannon this morning.
Monday 19th Feb We drew our Kits today, to get ready to move off in the morning for Australia. Tuesday 20th We left 1st Aus Aux Hospital at 8AM. In motors and caught the train at Denham Station, leaving there at 10AM. And passed through Taplow and through Swindon at 12 noon, arriving at Avinmouth Docks at 1:30. The Hospital ship hadn’t arrived so we were taken out of the town at 5:30 and put aboard H.M.S.Ruea for the night. I was at Harefield 10 days, am sorry that I didn’t see London after being so close to it.
Wednesday 21st On board the troop ship Ruea. The first Aust Hospital Ship Karoola came in this morning and tied up alongside the Ruea.
Thursday 22nd Feb We went aboard the Karoola at 9:30 AM. Then she shifted along the Wharf twice through the day to pick up stores and take in water. There is a big rise and fall of the tide here, saw small steamers high and dry, then go on their way on the rise of the tide. We cast off at 7PM. Bound for Australia.
Friday 23rd A fine day. I am helping washing up in the Mess Room, on for 5 days and then ten off.
Saturday 24th Fine day, steering just about South, can notice the atmosphere getting warmer already. Saw one Steamer today.
Sunday 25th Fine day, steamed 338 knots in 24 hours up till 12 noon.
Monday26th. Fine day. Steamed 329.
Tuesday 27th Feb Fair wind.336 today We passed within 8 miles off Canary Island at 3PM.
Wednesday 28th Strong fair wind. Getting very warm. 345 today.
Thursday 1st March Fine and warm. Good run last 24 hours 344.
Friday 2nd Find day 344 again.
Saturday 3rd We sighted land 11AM. And anchored in the Sierra Leon at 1PM. Lovely sight as we approached the harbor, which has floating mines laid across the entrance.
Sunday 4th Freetown is fairly large, nearly all niggers living in it. We are taking in Coal and Water. The Officers and Sisters are the only ones allowed ashore.
Monday 5th There are three War Boats Cruiser type, lying here, had the Band off one of them here playing to us until 2 PM. We sailed at 3PM. And passed within 3 miles of a full rig ship just outside the Harbor. We went for about 200 miles then went on our way south.
Tuesday 6th Fine day and very warm Did 281till noon today.
Wednesday 7th We had a concert last night. Still fine and warm, 330 today.
Thursday 8th Having a bonza trip 334 today.
Friday 9th Steamed 323. One of the boys died last night and was buried today.
Saturday 10th March I have been crook in the back for 4 days. Fine day 317.
Sunday 11th Still fine, but getting cooler every day. 324 today.
Monday 12th Fine day, did 323 Second death today.
Tuesday 13th Still fine 324 again. Buried the chap today.

1915 Exhibition Camp 3 Weeks Oct 18th till Nov 8th
1915 Morphettville Camp 3 Weeks Nov 8th till Nov 29th
1915-16 Mitcham Camp 10 Weeks Nov 29th till Feb 6th
1916 Steamer Miltiades 4 ½ weeks Fed 7th till March 11th
1916 Zeitoun Camp 3 Weeks March 11th till April 1st
1916 Duntroon Plateau 2 Weeks April 1st till April 15th
1916 Ferry Post camp 6 Weeks April 15th till May 28th
1916 Mouska Camp 2 5/7 Weeks May 28th till June 16
1916 Steamer Transylvania 5/7 Week June 16 till June 23
1916 On train in France 3/7 Week June 23 till June 26
1916 Morteau Camp Billets 1 5/7 Weeks June 26 till July 8th
1916 On March to firing Line 3/7 Weeks July 8th till July 11th
1916 Billets Fatigue trenches 4/7 Weeks July 11 till July 15th
1916 Feubaix Trenches 8 5/7 Weeks July 15 till Sept 21st
1916 Armentières Trenches 2 3/7 Weeks Sept21st till Oct 14th
1916 On the road to Somme 6/7 Weeks Oct 14th till Oct 20th
1916 Somme trenches & Fatigue 2 3/7 Weeks Oct 20 till Nov 6th
1916 In Billets St Vast-En-Chavssee 1 5/7 Weeks Nov 6th till Nov 19th
1916 Somme Trenches 4 2/7 Weeks Nov 19th till Dec 18th
1916 Traveling from France to England 1 3/7 Weeks Dec 18th till Dec 28th
1916-17 In England and Wales 8 Weeks Dec 28th till Feb 22nd
1917 hospital Ship Karoola Feb 22nd till April


In Camp Australia 4 Months Oct 18th 1915 Feb 7th 1916
In Camps Egypt 3 ¼ Months March 11th 1916 June 18th
In France 6 ¼ Months June 23rd Dec 27th
In England and Wales 8 weeks Dec 28th Feb 22nd 1917