News from Abroad
A card sent by Pte. William Allan Harper from Egypt to his Mother in Streaky Bay
Copied from the Diary of 1855 Trooper Roy Feltus
August 1916
Page (13)
Sund 20 - Went to church in the morning. After dinner went down to Perrington to a band service
Mon.21 - Started work again. Shoeing all day went to theatres at night "Going Strong" was the play, very good
Tues 22 - Went shoeing all day, the Boy left for France, to the pictures at night.
Wed 23 - Shoeing all day, went to the railway station at night nice night
Thurs 24 - Shoeing till dinner, had half day off for a muster parade and have our photos taken
Frid 25- Went shoeing all day, very wet and cold, rained all day stayed in camp
Sat 26 - Shoeing half day went to Bulford Derrington Lark Hill - and Amesbury went to Albern - to the pictures at night, nice and fine
Sund 27- Went to church very wet raining all day stayed in the tent and wrote letters all the afternoon
Mond 28- Went shoeing till four o'clock got paid went to the theatre at night "Keep Fit was the play
Tues 29 - Shoeing all day very wet and cold
Wed 30 - Shoeing still wet, all the tents blew down, heard Sid Thorpe was killed
Thurs 31 - Went shoeing all day very cloudy Australian Mail in got 8 letters 2 parcels one paper
September
1st - Fri - Went shoeing - the Boys left for France J.J. Dennison went with them went to the pictures at night
Sat 2 - Shoeing till dinner half a day off went to derrington rained got wet, came back past Bulford had my hair cut and then came back to camp
Sun 3 - Went to church before dinner in the afternoon went to Amesbury to the band and then went up on Beacon Hill
Page (14)
Mond 4 - Shoeing in the morning in the afternoon went down and got a foot (8) ready for a shoeing test
Tues 5 - Went up to the shop in the morning, went before the board passed the test went to the pictures at night
Wed 6 - Shoeing all day, some more went to France, War news very good, very fine day
Thur 7 - Went shoeing, got orders dinner time to pack up and go to France, shifted over to Park house camp that night
Fri 8 - Stopped at park house all day, went for a medical inspection
Sat 9 - Still at Park house went down to Shipton that night went to a picture show, met a girl and went for a walk
Sund 10 - Went to church met Lew Dyke had a good talk with Lew, we went down to Tidsworth in the afternoon
Mon 11, Tues 12, Wed 13 - Went on drill to dinner time, got orders to be ready to march out at five, left Tidworth by train arrived Waterloo at at half
past twelve, Marched to Victoria St left at ten to six by train for the boat, left there at eleven for France arrived at three, marched to camp, left by train
next morning arrived at twelve, met Charlie went for a walk around the town
Thurs 14 - In camp all day wrote three letters went to bed early
Fri 15 - Went Mess orderly for the day, me and Charlie went to a speech in the YMCA at night - on the war
Sat 16 - Went down to the Post Office for the mail, wrote letters in the afternoon
Sun 17 - Went to church parade, stayed in camp in the afternoon and talked about old times me and Charlie
Mon 18 - Rained all day - tent blew down on us me and Lance Rose went for a walk down to the town and around the market
Tues 19 - Went for a motor trip out to the forest - myself and Charlie went to the lecture in the YMCA at night
Page (15)
Wed 20 - Raining - went as an escort for some prisoners then went to a court martial - very wet cold
Thurs 21 - Went on guard - the other boys came over from England, me and Allan went down to the village
Fri 22 - Stayed in camp all day went to the market at night, myself Allan and Charlie
Sat 23 - Went ness orderly for breakfast - picked for guard , nice fine day got very chilly towards night
Sun 24 - Came off guard at nine o'clock - went down to the villgae at night. Charlies is on guard
Mon 25 - Went down to see the German prisoners, then went to the hospital
Tues 26 - Went on guard nice day, seventeen hundred men went up the line
Wed 27 Drilled in camp went in to Estaples at night
October
Mon 2 - Went over to No. 2 Div to see G Aichison
Tues 3 - Went on guard very wet
Wed 4 - Came off guard, very wet and cold laid in the tent all day
Wed 18 - Went for a route march BS Gainer took us for a real good march
Thur 19 - Went down to the Bull ring drill all day
Fri 20 - Went for a route march out to Par..... stayed in camp in the afternoon through Estaples
Thurs 26 - Wet all the morning brought down the rations in the cart with Alf Dawes
Diary courtesy: Dawn Benson
August 1916
Page (13)
Sund 20 - Went to church in the morning. After dinner went down to Perrington to a band service
Mon.21 - Started work again. Shoeing all day went to theatres at night "Going Strong" was the play, very good
Tues 22 - Went shoeing all day, the Boy left for France, to the pictures at night.
Wed 23 - Shoeing all day, went to the railway station at night nice night
Thurs 24 - Shoeing till dinner, had half day off for a muster parade and have our photos taken
Frid 25- Went shoeing all day, very wet and cold, rained all day stayed in camp
Sat 26 - Shoeing half day went to Bulford Derrington Lark Hill - and Amesbury went to Albern - to the pictures at night, nice and fine
Sund 27- Went to church very wet raining all day stayed in the tent and wrote letters all the afternoon
Mond 28- Went shoeing till four o'clock got paid went to the theatre at night "Keep Fit was the play
Tues 29 - Shoeing all day very wet and cold
Wed 30 - Shoeing still wet, all the tents blew down, heard Sid Thorpe was killed
Thurs 31 - Went shoeing all day very cloudy Australian Mail in got 8 letters 2 parcels one paper
September
1st - Fri - Went shoeing - the Boys left for France J.J. Dennison went with them went to the pictures at night
Sat 2 - Shoeing till dinner half a day off went to derrington rained got wet, came back past Bulford had my hair cut and then came back to camp
Sun 3 - Went to church before dinner in the afternoon went to Amesbury to the band and then went up on Beacon Hill
Page (14)
Mond 4 - Shoeing in the morning in the afternoon went down and got a foot (8) ready for a shoeing test
Tues 5 - Went up to the shop in the morning, went before the board passed the test went to the pictures at night
Wed 6 - Shoeing all day, some more went to France, War news very good, very fine day
Thur 7 - Went shoeing, got orders dinner time to pack up and go to France, shifted over to Park house camp that night
Fri 8 - Stopped at park house all day, went for a medical inspection
Sat 9 - Still at Park house went down to Shipton that night went to a picture show, met a girl and went for a walk
Sund 10 - Went to church met Lew Dyke had a good talk with Lew, we went down to Tidsworth in the afternoon
Mon 11, Tues 12, Wed 13 - Went on drill to dinner time, got orders to be ready to march out at five, left Tidworth by train arrived Waterloo at at half
past twelve, Marched to Victoria St left at ten to six by train for the boat, left there at eleven for France arrived at three, marched to camp, left by train
next morning arrived at twelve, met Charlie went for a walk around the town
Thurs 14 - In camp all day wrote three letters went to bed early
Fri 15 - Went Mess orderly for the day, me and Charlie went to a speech in the YMCA at night - on the war
Sat 16 - Went down to the Post Office for the mail, wrote letters in the afternoon
Sun 17 - Went to church parade, stayed in camp in the afternoon and talked about old times me and Charlie
Mon 18 - Rained all day - tent blew down on us me and Lance Rose went for a walk down to the town and around the market
Tues 19 - Went for a motor trip out to the forest - myself and Charlie went to the lecture in the YMCA at night
Page (15)
Wed 20 - Raining - went as an escort for some prisoners then went to a court martial - very wet cold
Thurs 21 - Went on guard - the other boys came over from England, me and Allan went down to the village
Fri 22 - Stayed in camp all day went to the market at night, myself Allan and Charlie
Sat 23 - Went ness orderly for breakfast - picked for guard , nice fine day got very chilly towards night
Sun 24 - Came off guard at nine o'clock - went down to the villgae at night. Charlies is on guard
Mon 25 - Went down to see the German prisoners, then went to the hospital
Tues 26 - Went on guard nice day, seventeen hundred men went up the line
Wed 27 Drilled in camp went in to Estaples at night
October
Mon 2 - Went over to No. 2 Div to see G Aichison
Tues 3 - Went on guard very wet
Wed 4 - Came off guard, very wet and cold laid in the tent all day
Wed 18 - Went for a route march BS Gainer took us for a real good march
Thur 19 - Went down to the Bull ring drill all day
Fri 20 - Went for a route march out to Par..... stayed in camp in the afternoon through Estaples
Thurs 26 - Wet all the morning brought down the rations in the cart with Alf Dawes
Diary courtesy: Dawn Benson
West Coast Sentinel 6th November 1915
Mr. D.J. Whyborn, of Denial Bay, recently received a batch of letters from his son Ben, who is at present at the front; they are as follows -
Russell Soldiers' Home Egypt, August 1st - We are learning all sorts of work now. Last week we had entrenching with small tools and picks and shovels, by day and by night, also route marches from 7 to 11 p.m, out in the sandhills, keeping direction by night.
Now I see by this week's syllabus that we are to have outposts, infantry, in attack and all such work, which makes one think we shall not be here for long. Troops continue to pour into Egypt, so I think there is something "doing"
Polygon Camp, Abbassia, Egypt, August 20th - we went out on our route march on Monday night and worked on our trenches until 10-30, when we had a drink of tea and ceased work for the night. We sleep out in the open with our greatcoats buttoned up around us. This coat is always carried in the pack, together with cap, comforter etc. I got a good nights rest by rolling up my equipment and making a pillow of it. We were called up again at 4-30a.m. when everyone stood to arms till 5 a.m., whilst the dawn was breaking. This practice is being observed in the trenches every morning and evening, as it is then that most attacks are made. The officer commanding the 2nd Australian Division paid us a visit, and expressed his satisfaction at the work being done. When we got back to camp next day we found the 28th battalion had left Abbassia and gone to garrison duty at the Citadel. At the Indian general hospital on Sunday we saw some 500 wounded Sikhs and Gurkas just back from the front in France the day before. They all seemed to be in the best of spirits. The doctors are all English majors or captains, whilst the orderlies are natives. The cooks' lines are rather interesting. You see the Mohammedan cooks on the one side and the Christian on the other. Last Tuesday the 1st and 2nd reinforcements to our battalion came over from Zietoun, and are camped alongside of us. They are to be apportioned to the various companies as they are needed to keep up the strength of the battalion. All the old boys are with them; Dolly will remember them from the base. We are going through our musketry courses now, so I think our stay will not be long. the 5th N.S.W. brigade has left for the front. Will Priest arrived here about three weeks ago, and left within a few days for the Dardanelles. His reinforcements got rather a hot reception when they landed, and most of them are back here in hospital.
Aerodrome Camp, Heliopolis, September 3rd - Since I wrote last from Abbassia, we have seen a good deal of change. We have been doing garrison and picket duty. We left Polygon on Monday, August 30th, marched to the city, and, after relieving the guard, took up our position in the Kasr-el-nil barrack. I like barrack life. I was made sergeant major of the pickets, and it is no small job to police a city like Cairo, with the tremendous number of troops about. The Kasr-el-nil barracks are very good indeed, though a little bit old, having been occupied by the French troops. The officers' mess is what used to be a palace, and was Napoleon's headquarters when in Egypt. The name means "castle by the Nile," and the view is very good indeed. We were only in barracks a week, being relieved by reinforcements of different battalions. We are now at Aerodrome camp for organisation purposes, and we (the officers and N.C.O's) have already been addressed by the brigadier. All our kits were packed yesterday, and I can tell you mine is just about bursting what with flannels, shirts, pants, towels, socks etc. This morning we got the order to strike tents, so the place looks rather deserted. We are sleeping tonight in true military fashion, rolled up in our greatcoats. Yesterday morning we were paraded before the doctor and medically examined, about three of the D Company being rejected. Then every man had to be inoculated and three times vaccinated, so I ought to be pretty right against disease. I don't know exactly when we will be leaving for the front, but if possible to cable my departure I will. Hugh McKechine is in my company, Barney Aberg was in B company, but he was rejected at the last as unfit for active service. All the lads are well.
Alexandria, September 4th - Our training in Egypt has come to an end. Last night at 7 o'clock we had a battalion parade, and, after giving three cheers for the King we moved off, amid loud cheering, for the railway station, where we entrained to the port. We are now on board our ship, the Cunard liner ----- (censored), 20,000 tons which is taking the 27th and 28th battalions. I sent you a cable yesterday.
H.M.T.S.-------, Aegean Sea, September 6th - Our journey by train from Cairo to Alexandria was made at night, so I do not know what the country between was like. The train was very long and very fast. We were put on board the ----- straight away, and I had to check the strength of the company with the adjutant. It turned out correct, and he was well satisfied. It was just breaking day, and I was surprised at the great number of ships in Alexandria. There was the -------- and several other fine ships ------the -------, belonging to the Atlantic Transport Coy., has the 25th and 26th battalions, the ----- ( a beautiful ship) and our own. I can say I have sailed under the Egyptian flag, for I was sent on board the ----- for mails, in a launch flying the three crescents and stars. One hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition was served out to each man, and we got under way. We have had a good run so far. Plenty of islands in this sea, for we are now in the Aegean. A cruiser has just come to meet us, and, after doing some signalling, is alongside. We are steering a very zig-zag course, as though they are taking every precaution against a submarine attack. As I want this to go back tomorrow, I must close.
Russell Soldiers' Home Egypt, August 1st - We are learning all sorts of work now. Last week we had entrenching with small tools and picks and shovels, by day and by night, also route marches from 7 to 11 p.m, out in the sandhills, keeping direction by night.
Now I see by this week's syllabus that we are to have outposts, infantry, in attack and all such work, which makes one think we shall not be here for long. Troops continue to pour into Egypt, so I think there is something "doing"
Polygon Camp, Abbassia, Egypt, August 20th - we went out on our route march on Monday night and worked on our trenches until 10-30, when we had a drink of tea and ceased work for the night. We sleep out in the open with our greatcoats buttoned up around us. This coat is always carried in the pack, together with cap, comforter etc. I got a good nights rest by rolling up my equipment and making a pillow of it. We were called up again at 4-30a.m. when everyone stood to arms till 5 a.m., whilst the dawn was breaking. This practice is being observed in the trenches every morning and evening, as it is then that most attacks are made. The officer commanding the 2nd Australian Division paid us a visit, and expressed his satisfaction at the work being done. When we got back to camp next day we found the 28th battalion had left Abbassia and gone to garrison duty at the Citadel. At the Indian general hospital on Sunday we saw some 500 wounded Sikhs and Gurkas just back from the front in France the day before. They all seemed to be in the best of spirits. The doctors are all English majors or captains, whilst the orderlies are natives. The cooks' lines are rather interesting. You see the Mohammedan cooks on the one side and the Christian on the other. Last Tuesday the 1st and 2nd reinforcements to our battalion came over from Zietoun, and are camped alongside of us. They are to be apportioned to the various companies as they are needed to keep up the strength of the battalion. All the old boys are with them; Dolly will remember them from the base. We are going through our musketry courses now, so I think our stay will not be long. the 5th N.S.W. brigade has left for the front. Will Priest arrived here about three weeks ago, and left within a few days for the Dardanelles. His reinforcements got rather a hot reception when they landed, and most of them are back here in hospital.
Aerodrome Camp, Heliopolis, September 3rd - Since I wrote last from Abbassia, we have seen a good deal of change. We have been doing garrison and picket duty. We left Polygon on Monday, August 30th, marched to the city, and, after relieving the guard, took up our position in the Kasr-el-nil barrack. I like barrack life. I was made sergeant major of the pickets, and it is no small job to police a city like Cairo, with the tremendous number of troops about. The Kasr-el-nil barracks are very good indeed, though a little bit old, having been occupied by the French troops. The officers' mess is what used to be a palace, and was Napoleon's headquarters when in Egypt. The name means "castle by the Nile," and the view is very good indeed. We were only in barracks a week, being relieved by reinforcements of different battalions. We are now at Aerodrome camp for organisation purposes, and we (the officers and N.C.O's) have already been addressed by the brigadier. All our kits were packed yesterday, and I can tell you mine is just about bursting what with flannels, shirts, pants, towels, socks etc. This morning we got the order to strike tents, so the place looks rather deserted. We are sleeping tonight in true military fashion, rolled up in our greatcoats. Yesterday morning we were paraded before the doctor and medically examined, about three of the D Company being rejected. Then every man had to be inoculated and three times vaccinated, so I ought to be pretty right against disease. I don't know exactly when we will be leaving for the front, but if possible to cable my departure I will. Hugh McKechine is in my company, Barney Aberg was in B company, but he was rejected at the last as unfit for active service. All the lads are well.
Alexandria, September 4th - Our training in Egypt has come to an end. Last night at 7 o'clock we had a battalion parade, and, after giving three cheers for the King we moved off, amid loud cheering, for the railway station, where we entrained to the port. We are now on board our ship, the Cunard liner ----- (censored), 20,000 tons which is taking the 27th and 28th battalions. I sent you a cable yesterday.
H.M.T.S.-------, Aegean Sea, September 6th - Our journey by train from Cairo to Alexandria was made at night, so I do not know what the country between was like. The train was very long and very fast. We were put on board the ----- straight away, and I had to check the strength of the company with the adjutant. It turned out correct, and he was well satisfied. It was just breaking day, and I was surprised at the great number of ships in Alexandria. There was the -------- and several other fine ships ------the -------, belonging to the Atlantic Transport Coy., has the 25th and 26th battalions, the ----- ( a beautiful ship) and our own. I can say I have sailed under the Egyptian flag, for I was sent on board the ----- for mails, in a launch flying the three crescents and stars. One hundred and fifty rounds of ammunition was served out to each man, and we got under way. We have had a good run so far. Plenty of islands in this sea, for we are now in the Aegean. A cruiser has just come to meet us, and, after doing some signalling, is alongside. We are steering a very zig-zag course, as though they are taking every precaution against a submarine attack. As I want this to go back tomorrow, I must close.
West Coast Sentinel 15th January 1916
Pte. Clarence C. Hunt, writing to his mother, Mrs T. Hunt, of Murat Bay, from St Patrick's hospital, Malta, on November 10th states -
"I am feeling myself again, and am getting on fine. This is a fine looking place, everything is nice and green, and is a real treat after being at Gallipoli with 'Turkish delight' bursting over you all the time. The nurses here are really good, and hardworking, too. They are all English hospitals here, that is, British Red Cross and St John Ambulance societies; the Australian Red Cross branch is all in Egypt. The Sister brought me a little parcel like they give to all new patients; it contained six sheets of writing paper and envelopes, a little tin of tobacco, a packet of cigarettes, a box of matches and a handkerchief. it is so good of them I think I am getting on famously, though I haven't been out to have a look around yet, but intend to do so soon as possible. There are some lovely scenes to see, so I am told. There is a church in Valetta that must have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, as the ceiling is of paintings of famous old painters, while it has a marble floor. we are having lovely weather, but rather foggy the last few mornings; it seems to hang on the sea a lot. You would be surprised at the little progress that is made ____. The Turks, and our trenches were about 150 yards apart where I was, but further along to the left they were only 50 yards. Our lads went a long way the day they landed, but as is usual with old England, there were not enough men to keep pushing ahead; they had to retire to the present position and it will be almost impossible to advance now, as the Turks have it like a fortress. They have line after line of trenches and guns right back to Achi-Baba. I might add that it is just as impossible for them to shift us; more so in fact. We are well off for guns and howitzers, and have the aid of cruisers and monitors. It thrills you to see the dark outline of a cruiser in the bay at night. She will put her search light on the Turks, who are probably fetching up ammunition or provisions, then she will look about till she gets them, and then, to fool old Jacko, they put the light somewhere else, then she will suddenly put it back, and the same second let go a shot, and then rattle in a good few. I bet she gets a good tally every night, as she is always there. You would hardly believe what the flash from a 6in gun is like; you can see it plainly 20 miles off; it lights the sky just like a flash of lightning. The Turks use a good lot of French "75" guns. They are deadly devils. The Germans, I believe, captured a lot of them from the French early in the war, also a lot of ammunition, such as shells. If you pick a nose-cap of one up it has the French make on it. You never hear them coming, there is just a 'zipp-bang', as it explodes.
"I am feeling myself again, and am getting on fine. This is a fine looking place, everything is nice and green, and is a real treat after being at Gallipoli with 'Turkish delight' bursting over you all the time. The nurses here are really good, and hardworking, too. They are all English hospitals here, that is, British Red Cross and St John Ambulance societies; the Australian Red Cross branch is all in Egypt. The Sister brought me a little parcel like they give to all new patients; it contained six sheets of writing paper and envelopes, a little tin of tobacco, a packet of cigarettes, a box of matches and a handkerchief. it is so good of them I think I am getting on famously, though I haven't been out to have a look around yet, but intend to do so soon as possible. There are some lovely scenes to see, so I am told. There is a church in Valetta that must have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, as the ceiling is of paintings of famous old painters, while it has a marble floor. we are having lovely weather, but rather foggy the last few mornings; it seems to hang on the sea a lot. You would be surprised at the little progress that is made ____. The Turks, and our trenches were about 150 yards apart where I was, but further along to the left they were only 50 yards. Our lads went a long way the day they landed, but as is usual with old England, there were not enough men to keep pushing ahead; they had to retire to the present position and it will be almost impossible to advance now, as the Turks have it like a fortress. They have line after line of trenches and guns right back to Achi-Baba. I might add that it is just as impossible for them to shift us; more so in fact. We are well off for guns and howitzers, and have the aid of cruisers and monitors. It thrills you to see the dark outline of a cruiser in the bay at night. She will put her search light on the Turks, who are probably fetching up ammunition or provisions, then she will look about till she gets them, and then, to fool old Jacko, they put the light somewhere else, then she will suddenly put it back, and the same second let go a shot, and then rattle in a good few. I bet she gets a good tally every night, as she is always there. You would hardly believe what the flash from a 6in gun is like; you can see it plainly 20 miles off; it lights the sky just like a flash of lightning. The Turks use a good lot of French "75" guns. They are deadly devils. The Germans, I believe, captured a lot of them from the French early in the war, also a lot of ammunition, such as shells. If you pick a nose-cap of one up it has the French make on it. You never hear them coming, there is just a 'zipp-bang', as it explodes.
West Coast Sentinel 19th February 1916
By courtesy of Mr. D.J. Whyborn, of Denial Bay, we have recently been privileged to peruse a letter from his brother, Chief Petty Officer William Whyborn, serving on a British man-of-war in the Persian Gulf, where he has been since before the war began. C.P.O. Whyborn, who has been in the navy for 24 yeras, was at Shatt-al-Arab, at the mouth of the Euphrates River, at the time of writing, Christmas Day last year. Extracts from the letter state - It is close upon two years now since I left England, and by all accounts we shall be here until the operations up here are finished. We have had a lot of Australians joined up with us, since we had had a large air force up here to which they almost all belong, and some splendid work they have done too. They are in great favour with General Sir John Nixon, our Commander-in-Chief. We have not been able to get right up to the firing line at present, om account of shallow water and a falling river, but the floods will soon start, and then the bigger ships will be making a move up again. The smaller launches, etc., though, are manned by us from the ships, so we are still in the thick of it. The job at the Dardanelles is very tough, and it is sad to know it has cost so many brave hearts from Australia. When we were at Colombo in October last, the hospital ship Kanowna came in there bound for Australia with wounded, some, of course, absolutely maimed for life, but the most fine thing about it was how very cheery they all were, and some of them, during chats I had, were very decided on the splendid way in which the Navy fought in the Dardanelles, especially the ships they mentioned. They were a young lot of fellows. It was a sad sight, but to be expected in this world's struggle. You see I have seen thousands of killed and wounded up in this affair, but they have been mostly Turks and Arabs. It thrills me to hear you speak so well of your adopted country, and the Australians have proved over and over again their willingness to give every man and shilling. It must be a grand country, as, with the disaster of failing crops etc., they are still pouring men and money in to the common cause. They are certainly showing our own country-men the way to stick up for and do their bit for the Empire, and all glory to the boys of Australia and New Zealand.
West Coast Sentinel 26th February 1916
The following is extracted from a letter from Pte. W. Symonds, in hospital in London, to his mother, Mrs. L.B. Symonds, of Murat Bay.
--- "Yesterday was Xmas Day; what a distance from Old Australia and dear ones there. It was a splendid day for the invalids here. We attended morning service in the hospital, then to bed again for a few hours' rest before our Xmas dinner, and a right time was enjoyed; doctors and nurses were at the head of the tables, and, to finish we all, we crossed hands and sang 'Hands across the sea'. Cards and presents were sent us from all parts of England, and I am sending you a few of them, but it would take a little boat to send them all. It is just wonderful how the people of England are treating us. We don't feel like strangers in a strange land, and it seems rather funny that I, only a farmer on the West Coast, should be shaking hands with Royalty and aristocracy of this wonderful country, but we are treated so heartily we do not feel out of place. However, in spite of all the beauty here, if I am spared Australia is good enough for me. I hope to soon be out of hospital, then we will get our back pay, a new outfit and a free pass for England, Ireland or Scotland. I will take the trip to Ireland. I have met some good true Irish comrades, so would like to see the Emerald Isle. We are out of bed three hours each day, and we are taken in cars all over London, and have all places of interest pointed out to us; sometimes we go to very grand concerts. Well, I long to be back in the fighting line; not for the pleasure of it; we had enough hardships and sights and sounds in the trenches, some of which I will be glad to forget, yet, as much as I would love to see you all again, if I have to die in this war it should not be with regret at joining the army. England is in want of men, and every man should be willing to offer his life for home and liberty. What price the mailed fist of Kaiser Bill, would we like to swallow that bitter pill.
--- "Yesterday was Xmas Day; what a distance from Old Australia and dear ones there. It was a splendid day for the invalids here. We attended morning service in the hospital, then to bed again for a few hours' rest before our Xmas dinner, and a right time was enjoyed; doctors and nurses were at the head of the tables, and, to finish we all, we crossed hands and sang 'Hands across the sea'. Cards and presents were sent us from all parts of England, and I am sending you a few of them, but it would take a little boat to send them all. It is just wonderful how the people of England are treating us. We don't feel like strangers in a strange land, and it seems rather funny that I, only a farmer on the West Coast, should be shaking hands with Royalty and aristocracy of this wonderful country, but we are treated so heartily we do not feel out of place. However, in spite of all the beauty here, if I am spared Australia is good enough for me. I hope to soon be out of hospital, then we will get our back pay, a new outfit and a free pass for England, Ireland or Scotland. I will take the trip to Ireland. I have met some good true Irish comrades, so would like to see the Emerald Isle. We are out of bed three hours each day, and we are taken in cars all over London, and have all places of interest pointed out to us; sometimes we go to very grand concerts. Well, I long to be back in the fighting line; not for the pleasure of it; we had enough hardships and sights and sounds in the trenches, some of which I will be glad to forget, yet, as much as I would love to see you all again, if I have to die in this war it should not be with regret at joining the army. England is in want of men, and every man should be willing to offer his life for home and liberty. What price the mailed fist of Kaiser Bill, would we like to swallow that bitter pill.
West Coast Sentinel 8th April 1916
THE WEST COAST AMBULANCE
At Work in Egypt
A letter on Thursday acquaints us of the arrival in Egypt of Driver H. Brown, in charge of the West Coast Motor Ambulance. He writes from Gamrah, near Cairo, under date of February 24th, and states:- We were landed at Alexandria after five weeks on the water, having called at Fremantle, Colombo, Port Suez and Port Said. These are 'some' ports all right; tremendous amount of shipping, especially the two latter. We are established at Gamrah Australian Garage with several hundred other ambulances, lorries and touring cars, all gifts. We are doing district work now, attending to the surrounding hospitals, which are very numerous. Things are very quiet, and the boys are expecting orders to go to other parts of the war zone, and I need not say how anxious we are looking forward to orders to proceed to where there is something doing. Have seen lots of the Coast boys already.
West Coast Sentinel 2nd September 1916
Pte. Les Dunnet writes as follows to his mother, Mrs J. Dunnet, of Charra, from "In the desert," under date of June 22nd, 1916 :- The parcel you sent to me arrived safely, and I got it yesterday. My word it was a fine collection of good things, just what I wanted. Thanks you so much for them. That's a bonza pipe you put in, and some good old tobacco. I will be set up for a while now. The cigarettes and chocolates were all right. It's a treat to get a bit of good chocolate out here. We get plenty of Egyptian made at the canteen, but I don't care much for that, and the Greeks charge such prices. We can buy lemons here now a piastre each. Fancy 2½d for a lemon, and not big ones at that. The curry comes in handy for the stew. Our menu at present is boiled fresh meat and bacon and marmalade for breakfast, bully and bread and marmalade for dinner and stew for tea. The last three days our fresh meat ration and bread were short, so we had the good old fare of bully and biscuit and marmalade. We were out on a five day's trip into the desert a week ago. I left the camp here, as camel escort, with the camel corps, about 9 o'clock Friday night, and we travelled all that night and till 10 o'clock next day, when we
halted for a couple of hours. I was on horseback, and in the saddle most of the time, as the camels travel very slowly when loaded, about two miles an hour. We travelled on till sundown, when we halted at a large pool of water, had tea and went on again until 1a.m. I was that sleepy I could hardly sit in the saddle. We left camp at six, and arrived at our destination about 11 o'clock that morning. A large number of our fellows were there busy pumping the water out of the rock cisterns in the vicinity. The rock cisterns are supposed to have been cut out of the solid rock hundreds of years ago by the Romans, to provide water on the route through to the Holy Land. They are the shape of a large underground tank, perfectly square. There is just a small round hole at the top, about two feet in diameter, a shaft about six feet deep, and the cistern hollowed out underneath. Level with the surface of the ground a hole is bored through for a water inlet, with a sand filter let in so that no rubbish gets into the cistern. These cisterns are in the side of a "wade" or water- course amongst the hills, which are rough and rocky. Occasionally rains fill them up, and as there is no evaporation they last for a long time. There were quite a number of them, of varying sizes and with a holding capacity of several hundred thousand gallons of water. They must have been filled by the rains in April, when, although we only had a few light showers here, there was a heavy rain out-back, which enabled the Turks to make the attacks they did on the line of defence. Our job was to pump them dry, but not to destroy them in any way, as they are historic. We captured a few Bedouins, or Arabs, with flocks of mountain sheep, and one with a mob of camels, but we let them go when we came away. Our object was to exhaust the water supply out there, to hinder any advance down this way on the part of the enemy. We saw no signs of any Turks, only the tracks where their patrols had been a few days before. A couple of large pools of water on the way back we drained. I and two other lads had our photo taken in the middle of the largest pool. Most of us went for a swim, and it was a novelty swimming in the middle of the desert. I will send you some photos if they turn out any good. It was quite a change to get out of camp for awhile, and we had plenty of water and food for ourselves and hoses all the time.
halted for a couple of hours. I was on horseback, and in the saddle most of the time, as the camels travel very slowly when loaded, about two miles an hour. We travelled on till sundown, when we halted at a large pool of water, had tea and went on again until 1a.m. I was that sleepy I could hardly sit in the saddle. We left camp at six, and arrived at our destination about 11 o'clock that morning. A large number of our fellows were there busy pumping the water out of the rock cisterns in the vicinity. The rock cisterns are supposed to have been cut out of the solid rock hundreds of years ago by the Romans, to provide water on the route through to the Holy Land. They are the shape of a large underground tank, perfectly square. There is just a small round hole at the top, about two feet in diameter, a shaft about six feet deep, and the cistern hollowed out underneath. Level with the surface of the ground a hole is bored through for a water inlet, with a sand filter let in so that no rubbish gets into the cistern. These cisterns are in the side of a "wade" or water- course amongst the hills, which are rough and rocky. Occasionally rains fill them up, and as there is no evaporation they last for a long time. There were quite a number of them, of varying sizes and with a holding capacity of several hundred thousand gallons of water. They must have been filled by the rains in April, when, although we only had a few light showers here, there was a heavy rain out-back, which enabled the Turks to make the attacks they did on the line of defence. Our job was to pump them dry, but not to destroy them in any way, as they are historic. We captured a few Bedouins, or Arabs, with flocks of mountain sheep, and one with a mob of camels, but we let them go when we came away. Our object was to exhaust the water supply out there, to hinder any advance down this way on the part of the enemy. We saw no signs of any Turks, only the tracks where their patrols had been a few days before. A couple of large pools of water on the way back we drained. I and two other lads had our photo taken in the middle of the largest pool. Most of us went for a swim, and it was a novelty swimming in the middle of the desert. I will send you some photos if they turn out any good. It was quite a change to get out of camp for awhile, and we had plenty of water and food for ourselves and hoses all the time.
West Coast Sentinel 4th November 1916
Mr and Mrs Place, of Murat Bay, have received the following interesting letter from their son, Bert, who has been awarded the D.C.M. :- "We have had a go in the trenches here at Albert and no doubt you have seen the charts in the papers. I was up having an extra day's work, after our Company had finished 18 hours, and a nice little job it was too. I posted six parties of infantry, digging a communication trench, at 3 hour intervals. The shelling was pretty warm for the first two parties, who were supposed to stop on the job until I brought the next lot down, but every time I arrived there the place was clear of men. I continued all right until the fifth time, when, whilst telling a private where to dig, I received a small piece of shell case in my back. I knew I had got it right
enough. Well, the men were all settled down on the job then, so I asked a stretcher bearer to dig the piece of casing out, but he replied that he could not do that. I saw a doctor and told him I had another lot of men to post, and his instructions to me were to post the men and then consult a medical officer. I finished at 11-30p.m., and slept in the field ambulance that night, and in the morning I went up to my unit and got my haversack and the reported to the medical officer, who took the piece of shell out, which was about the size of a small green pea. I consider myself very lucky as I might easily have been blown to pieces. While I was at the rest camp a letter came from headquarters in regard to what we had been doing that day from the --- Battalion. This was forwarded by the O.C. of our camp. Just after dinner the C.S.M. told me to take a squad of eight men and fall in in front of the billit. We had the same number from each section. The C.S.M. then came to me and said I could send another N.C.O. with the men if I wished, but I told him I would go myself. One of our company officers took us about half a mile, where the --- Brigade were formed up. We saw about thirty men out in the centre, so we also formed up and sat down waiting. The Brigade Major came over and asked our officer if I was among the group, and on being informed I was, I was then
ordered to step out, as he had a military medal for me. So I lost no time in hopping out, and made one more to the string. The General then came to light and shared out ribbons for D.S.O.'s, Military Cross, D.C.M. and Military Medals. I am enclosing a piece of the ribbon I received for a keep sake. The medal may come to light later on, all being well. After I joined the camp again I was promoted to Sgt. and we were ordered into action right away, but are out now. Do not destroy my letters, for if I return home safe and sound, we may knock up some old tales from some of them".
enough. Well, the men were all settled down on the job then, so I asked a stretcher bearer to dig the piece of casing out, but he replied that he could not do that. I saw a doctor and told him I had another lot of men to post, and his instructions to me were to post the men and then consult a medical officer. I finished at 11-30p.m., and slept in the field ambulance that night, and in the morning I went up to my unit and got my haversack and the reported to the medical officer, who took the piece of shell out, which was about the size of a small green pea. I consider myself very lucky as I might easily have been blown to pieces. While I was at the rest camp a letter came from headquarters in regard to what we had been doing that day from the --- Battalion. This was forwarded by the O.C. of our camp. Just after dinner the C.S.M. told me to take a squad of eight men and fall in in front of the billit. We had the same number from each section. The C.S.M. then came to me and said I could send another N.C.O. with the men if I wished, but I told him I would go myself. One of our company officers took us about half a mile, where the --- Brigade were formed up. We saw about thirty men out in the centre, so we also formed up and sat down waiting. The Brigade Major came over and asked our officer if I was among the group, and on being informed I was, I was then
ordered to step out, as he had a military medal for me. So I lost no time in hopping out, and made one more to the string. The General then came to light and shared out ribbons for D.S.O.'s, Military Cross, D.C.M. and Military Medals. I am enclosing a piece of the ribbon I received for a keep sake. The medal may come to light later on, all being well. After I joined the camp again I was promoted to Sgt. and we were ordered into action right away, but are out now. Do not destroy my letters, for if I return home safe and sound, we may knock up some old tales from some of them".
West Coast Sentinel 11th November 1916
Mrs J. Dunnet, of Charra, has received another interesting letter from her son Les, who is still with the forces in Egypt. In the course of the letter he says:- "We have been in action again, and driving the Turks back across the desert. I have been lucky so far. On one occasion we had to line a ridge, and were under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Our casualties were few. One man was shot dead a few yards from me, so it was fairly hot. Several of our horses were shot while being led away. I saw Walter Shipway yesterday, and he is all right so far. We are not likely to be fighting again just at present, as the Turks have retired across the desert. This is the same old desert, with drifting sand hills, but there are lots of oasis of date trees in the hollows between the sand hills; 'hods' they call them here. They are a group of palm trees in a gully, where the water varies from brackish to fresh. We have struck some splendid wells as we have been travelling about. I have got a Turkish tucker-bag and haversack; I had a good collection of souvenirs, but had them all stolen. We are travelling as light as possible. I have only the clothes I stand up in, a blanket and an oil sheet. I have also a good water bag which has been very handy. We had one bad day, holding a ridge all day in the blazing sun, in the little dugouts we scratched out in the sand with our hands. The Turkish snipers were very busy. Every time we bobbed up, 'ping' would come a bullet. This went on from dawn till about 12 o'clock, when the Turks retired. We were then able get out and stretch our legs. I never felt so sandy and uncomfortable in all my life before. One thing here there is plenty of water. They can sink a few feet anywhere in the hods and get a good supply. I always thought this desert was dry and waterless, but is far better waters than many parts of Australia. You need not be surprised if you do not hear from me often now, as we have few chances to get letters sent back to post . . . . We have had two issues of tobacco since we came out here, which were very acceptable.
West Coast Sentinel 23rd June 1917
Dvr. A.H. Miller writes as follows to his mother, Mrs J. Miller, senr., of Bookabie, from Southern Palestine under date of April 1st: - We have been busy on real active service work. Perhaps you have heard or read of the British advance into this country. We have left Egypt behind, and are now clear of the sand and on land that is cultivated in many ways. The plains just now are lovely and green, and, being springtime, one sees miles and miles of lovely green country, with wild flowers of all descriptions - wild poppies, different blue bells and everlastings, and as thick as possible are the wild daisies, just the same as the small daisies you grow at home. In the different villages are gardens and orchards, but oranges are the only fruit available at present. We have had some rough and exciting times in all -- real light horse work, in co-operation with the infantry. We are being relieved for a day or two, and have just had a decent sleep. We stand to at 4 a.m. every morn. The battle is still going on, and things are busy. You will hear he news that a certain town in this country has fallen. We have taken possession of several smaller ones, or villages. There is plenty of traffic behind the lines to keep the supplies up -- all kinds of traffic. We have to do on bully and biscuits, and it goes very hard on real work, but one musn't grumble. Water is fairly plentiful in wells and oases and can
be used for drinking purposes. At present we are living under the shade of fig trees. There are thousands of these just showing their buds and leaves. Up till yesterday (since a week ago) we were here, there and everywhere - never more than a few hours in one place; under shell fire, near Turks and out on flanks, keeping reinforcements back from coming to assist the Turks in their position protecting the town. Crops and vegetables are about of the growth of a good season in early September where you are. The climate now is much the same as Australia, but when one is going hard in the day and the thousands of troops and horses and traffic soon cut up the feed, and it is a clay dust, it makes it seem and feel like October weather in Australia. i think it gets fairly warm here in the summer, but it will be much better than the desert and sand. No one ever could realise or picture the desert that is behind us, and it is hard to credit that we have passed through it.
be used for drinking purposes. At present we are living under the shade of fig trees. There are thousands of these just showing their buds and leaves. Up till yesterday (since a week ago) we were here, there and everywhere - never more than a few hours in one place; under shell fire, near Turks and out on flanks, keeping reinforcements back from coming to assist the Turks in their position protecting the town. Crops and vegetables are about of the growth of a good season in early September where you are. The climate now is much the same as Australia, but when one is going hard in the day and the thousands of troops and horses and traffic soon cut up the feed, and it is a clay dust, it makes it seem and feel like October weather in Australia. i think it gets fairly warm here in the summer, but it will be much better than the desert and sand. No one ever could realise or picture the desert that is behind us, and it is hard to credit that we have passed through it.
West Coast Sentinel 30th June 1917
Mr. W.H. Sedgley, of Waranda Well, is in receipt of a letter from his son Will, who states he has met a number of West Coast lads in France. Just previous to writing he had met Charlie Tolhurst and Phil Symonds, and shortly afterwards the latter was in a hot engagement and the battalion went too far and he was captured; wounded, and had his left leg taken off. Mr Sedgley's eldest son, Walter enlisted in Queensland and sailed from Sydney about a fortnight ago. He is Regimental Q.M. Sergt. His wife and baby boy are coming to the West Coast, to reside at Waranda until his return.
A Message from the Sea.
West Coast Sentinel 9th March, 1918
A Message from the Sea - Last week a Coorabie correspondent forwarded to us a message taken from a bottle found in Scott's Bay, three miles north of Fowler's Bay, by Mr William Scott. The message is signed by Pte. R.D. Rees, and read: "At sea, 12/2/16 - Just two days on the boat. Grand trip to date; slightly rough to-night. Nearly all hands down to it; self feeling very well. Finder please forward to Mrs D. Rees, Marrabel, S.A." - We have forwarded the message on to this address.
A Message from the Sea - Last week a Coorabie correspondent forwarded to us a message taken from a bottle found in Scott's Bay, three miles north of Fowler's Bay, by Mr William Scott. The message is signed by Pte. R.D. Rees, and read: "At sea, 12/2/16 - Just two days on the boat. Grand trip to date; slightly rough to-night. Nearly all hands down to it; self feeling very well. Finder please forward to Mrs D. Rees, Marrabel, S.A." - We have forwarded the message on to this address.
West Coast Sentinel 14th July 1917
Intelligence from the defence authorities some time ago was to the effect that Pte. P.W. Symonds, of Merghiny was missing, but more recent news corrects this to "prisoner of war and wounded"
Pte. C.C. Cabot, of Yalata, has been wounded.
Mrs Spry, of Murat Bay, has just received a letter from her son Dave, who at the time of writing (April 21st) was attending an instruction school in France, but he expected to re-join his battalion in about a week's time. He was in the best of health, and stated they were then experiencing beautiful weather - "when you do get sunshine, it is bonza weather. The trees are all coming out in bud, so it won't be long before what look like dry trees will be all out in leaf again and the fruit appearing on the trees.... We are having sports here on the 25th, Anzac Day, and a dinner got up for the occasion, also a concert at night, so we ought to have a good time."
Pte. C.C. Cabot, of Yalata, has been wounded.
Mrs Spry, of Murat Bay, has just received a letter from her son Dave, who at the time of writing (April 21st) was attending an instruction school in France, but he expected to re-join his battalion in about a week's time. He was in the best of health, and stated they were then experiencing beautiful weather - "when you do get sunshine, it is bonza weather. The trees are all coming out in bud, so it won't be long before what look like dry trees will be all out in leaf again and the fruit appearing on the trees.... We are having sports here on the 25th, Anzac Day, and a dinner got up for the occasion, also a concert at night, so we ought to have a good time."
West Coast Sentinel 22nd June 1918
Our Charra correspondent informs us that Private V.W. Verral was killed in action on March 10. The deceased soldier came out to Australia some years ago under the immigration system, and worked near Charra, from where he enlisted
Mr. R.P. Symonds, of Sunshine Farm, Merghiny, has received word that his son, Private Richard Roy (King) Symonds was killed in action on July 31, 1917. The news was conveyed to Mrs Symonds by the Rev. M. Wilkinson, who had previously received word from Major Pendelbury, stating that the young soldier was killed in the battle of Warneton. Mr. Symonds has also had news of a second son, Private Philip W. Symonds, who was previously reported wounded, and a prisoner in Germany. He was repatriated to England from Germany about 4th January 1918. Having lost his left leg, he was waiting to get an artificial leg fitted, and in the last week's letter he says he had just got it and was walking fairly well. He states he was in a German hospital, Verdun Aller for about 11 weeks, then turned out into a barbed wire prison yard at Solton, thence to another camp. However he is now free from the Germans and enjoying himself after 9 months starvation and cruelty; Pte. Symonds has been to Scotland and to Windsor Castle with ladies from the Red Cross, who used to attend to him; he had tea handed to him by Princess Mary, who chatted to him freely about his prison life in Germany, and sympathised with him in his loss.
Mr. R.P. Symonds, of Sunshine Farm, Merghiny, has received word that his son, Private Richard Roy (King) Symonds was killed in action on July 31, 1917. The news was conveyed to Mrs Symonds by the Rev. M. Wilkinson, who had previously received word from Major Pendelbury, stating that the young soldier was killed in the battle of Warneton. Mr. Symonds has also had news of a second son, Private Philip W. Symonds, who was previously reported wounded, and a prisoner in Germany. He was repatriated to England from Germany about 4th January 1918. Having lost his left leg, he was waiting to get an artificial leg fitted, and in the last week's letter he says he had just got it and was walking fairly well. He states he was in a German hospital, Verdun Aller for about 11 weeks, then turned out into a barbed wire prison yard at Solton, thence to another camp. However he is now free from the Germans and enjoying himself after 9 months starvation and cruelty; Pte. Symonds has been to Scotland and to Windsor Castle with ladies from the Red Cross, who used to attend to him; he had tea handed to him by Princess Mary, who chatted to him freely about his prison life in Germany, and sympathised with him in his loss.
West Coast Sentinel 6th July 1918
Mrs Dunnet 0f Charra, recently received a long letter from her son, Corporal Leslie Dunnet, dated 8th February. In it, he says he is "fed up" of being away so long. His disposition was always one of a roving nature, but he thought he was about satisfied now, and was prepared to settle down quietly after his return to Aussy. He says he has applied for an air pilot's ticket, but was turned down because he was too old. Corporal Dunnet is only 29, but thinks he "must be getting on." He says he has not met a single Australian that he knew personally since he had been in France, and attributed that fact to always being in isolated parts well behind the lines. The two days previous to writing were bright and sunny, and quite a contrast to what he had experienced for some weeks past. Corporal Dunnet had had a letter from Driver H. Brown just previous to writing, stating that he was then off to Paris on leave, and expecting a good time. Corporal Dunnet enclosed a programme of a concert that has taken place at the 42nd C.C.S. He took part, and recited "The Dandy Fifth", and although it was a long while since he had been before the footlights, from the applause he received, he considered he had not "gone back any"! The programme is a most interesting souvenir, and the concert party designated themselves "The Kookaburras," and boasted of a stage manager, special costumes, scenery, and lighting arrangements. Needless to say, the programme was characteristically Australian. Corporal Dunnet concludes his letter by stating that he had just returned with a break-down party from a tour through French villages and small towns.
West Coast Sentinel 20th July 1918
Mr. Geo. Nieass, of Charra, has received a letter from his brother, Trooper R.L. Nieass, of the 9th Light Horse dated May 5th, 1918. At time of writing he had been in hospital for several weeks, due to being kicked on the knee by a horse. Trooper Nieass left Australia, nearly 12 months ago, the greater part of the time being spent in India. He says - "I expect to be leaving here with the next draft to go to Egypt, in about three weeks. I have had a splendid time here, having been over and seen the greatest part of India, including Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. There are some very fine sites to be seen, and India would be an eye opener to anyone who has not been here. The temples are a mass of fine structures well worth seeing, but in some no one was allowed to enter. I could go on writing for a few hours on India itself, and all I have actually seen, but time will not permit at present. I have received an abundance of news from Australia this week, 65 letters, besides parcels and papers. Kindly remember me to all enquiring friends."
Private A.L. Nieass, another brother who has been on active service abroad for over two years, recently returned to Australia, having been seriously wounded on Oct. 4th, 1917, at Ypres. He has been granted six months leave, and hopes to return shortly to visit his West Coast friends.
Private A.L. Nieass, another brother who has been on active service abroad for over two years, recently returned to Australia, having been seriously wounded on Oct. 4th, 1917, at Ypres. He has been granted six months leave, and hopes to return shortly to visit his West Coast friends.
West Coast Sentinel 3rd August 1918
Mr and Mrs W.R. Irvine, of Athenna, have received word from the military headquarters, informing them that only son, Private william H. Irvine, 10th battalion, is returning from duty, after serving two years. He is suffering from shrapnel and gunshot wounds in head, face, ankle and arm.
West Coast Sentinel 31st August 1918
Sgt. G. Spry writes from "Somewhere in France" - "I am still going strong, and in the best of health. Just fancy, it is just 3 years since I left sunny Australia, and I am going strong, I don't think there is a German alive that can kill me. I hope not, anyway, as I want to get back to see you all again and I hope it is not long either. Remember me to all, and tell them I am still thinking of the time we will have together when I get back from the war. I am sitting up tonight in a tent "Somewhere in France" writing this, and I am thinking of you all in Murat, and wondering what you are doing, and whether it is the same old place I left over 3 years ago. Tell any of Frank Robinson's brothers that poor Frank was buried just behind our lines, and if ever we manage to get up that way again I will go and have a look at his grave. Poor Dudlee is missed by everyone, and they all mourn for one they loved dearly. The force has lost a good brave soldier, and his place will be hard to fill. There are two Zippels here in the same platoon together with myself. We often have a talk of Murat. The soldiers address is: No. 2449, Sgt. D. Spry, C Company, 10th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces.
Word has been received from Pte. H. Brown, late of Denial and Fowler's Bay, stating that he was quite well, and had been promoted to the rank of Lce-Cpl. His address is: No. 7962, Lce-Cpl H. Brown, C/o S.M.T.O.'s office, Australian Corps, France
Word has been received from Pte. H. Brown, late of Denial and Fowler's Bay, stating that he was quite well, and had been promoted to the rank of Lce-Cpl. His address is: No. 7962, Lce-Cpl H. Brown, C/o S.M.T.O.'s office, Australian Corps, France
West Coast Sentinel 28th September 1918
Mr and Mrs T. Clark, of Clare, late of Fowler's Bay, have had word from their son Tom, who is in hospital in Davenport, stating that he was now convalescant. He explained how he was wounded. At 10-30 on a Wednesday night that had 25 shots to fire, but the 25th one was a faulty shell and it back fired and Tom got the full contents. It penetrated his chest, through his right side, broke two ribs and burnt him as well.
West Coast Sentinel 16th November 1918
Mr and Mrs A.E. Becker, of Murat Bay, have received word that their son, Sig. A.R. Becker, who was wounded in France, was doing well. At time of writing he was in the 1st Southern Hospital, Birmingham, England. Word has also been received from Sergeant H. Becker, who at the time was on furlough in England. Sergeant Becker has had over three years of active service. He is still keeping well. In his letter he says it has been a wonderful experience, and he would not have missed the battles for anything.
West Coast Sentinel 14th December 1918
The following has been received by Mrs Spry from her son, Stretcher bearer J.B. Spry, some weeks back:
Just a few lines to let you know I am enjoying the best of health. It will also interest you know that I have received the military medal. The recommendation reads: - During the attack on the 9th august, 1918, south of Framerville, near Amiens, this man's company met with heavy casualties. He was acting as stretcher bearer. Time after time he went out bandaging and carrying wounded men under heavy enemy barrage of shell and machine gun fire. It was mainly through his efforts that the whole of the wounded on his sector were cleared before nightfall" So now I have the privilege and honor of putting M.M. after my name. It is a fine souvenir of the war. With best wishes and kindest regards to all. - Pte J.B. Spry, M.M.
Just a few lines to let you know I am enjoying the best of health. It will also interest you know that I have received the military medal. The recommendation reads: - During the attack on the 9th august, 1918, south of Framerville, near Amiens, this man's company met with heavy casualties. He was acting as stretcher bearer. Time after time he went out bandaging and carrying wounded men under heavy enemy barrage of shell and machine gun fire. It was mainly through his efforts that the whole of the wounded on his sector were cleared before nightfall" So now I have the privilege and honor of putting M.M. after my name. It is a fine souvenir of the war. With best wishes and kindest regards to all. - Pte J.B. Spry, M.M.
West Coast Sentinel 21st December 1918
Mr and Mrs C.A. Zippell, of Waranda Well, received the following letter from their son, Private Charlie Zippell, some few weeks ago. It is dated August 1st, and he writes:
"Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well and getting along all right. I suppose you will know long before this letter reaches you that Albert has been wounded, but not seriously. As far as I can learn from the boys that were with him he got a piece of 'Fritz stick-bomb' in the arm, so he will be all right, but will be away for a month or two. They also tell me he has been recommended for the good work he did while in the line, and that he would not leave even after he was wounded. He was in charge of one of the machine guns and kept on firing with only one arm. He did not leave the line until the fight was over. I got a couple of copies of 'The Sentinel' yesterday, and saw where the people of Waranda had given Pat Flaherty a welcome home. He is lucky to be able to get home, and I won't mind how soon I get back either. All might stand a chance of getting a trip home soon. I hope we do. It would be quite all right if one of us could get back for a while." Private Zippell's brother, Albert, has been promoted to the rank of lance corporal.
"Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well and getting along all right. I suppose you will know long before this letter reaches you that Albert has been wounded, but not seriously. As far as I can learn from the boys that were with him he got a piece of 'Fritz stick-bomb' in the arm, so he will be all right, but will be away for a month or two. They also tell me he has been recommended for the good work he did while in the line, and that he would not leave even after he was wounded. He was in charge of one of the machine guns and kept on firing with only one arm. He did not leave the line until the fight was over. I got a couple of copies of 'The Sentinel' yesterday, and saw where the people of Waranda had given Pat Flaherty a welcome home. He is lucky to be able to get home, and I won't mind how soon I get back either. All might stand a chance of getting a trip home soon. I hope we do. It would be quite all right if one of us could get back for a while." Private Zippell's brother, Albert, has been promoted to the rank of lance corporal.
West Coast Sentinel 25th January 1919
Mr and Mrs R.P. Symonds, of Merghiny, have received word from their son, No. 1995, Pte. P.W. Symonds, 48th battalion, who lost his leg and was a prisoner of war in Germany, is due to arrive per s.s. Karoola, in Melbourne on January 26th.