Hi All
Sorry I have been out of circulation for a few days due to the pressures of work. I should be able to do some diary tonight though so call back soon.
Regards
Julian

60th Instalment
Friday November 24th
Having handed over my duties as BO6? I censored letters for the rest of the morning and in the afternoon the battalion went for a route march al---- were taken in hand by the Adjutant and got a lively time by the battalion and got a lively time lecture by the battalion LGC ? on the mechanism and tactical use of LS?

Saturday November 25th
Raining this morning and had a kit inspection. Pay in the afternoon. Lecture by Lt Weeks on discipline and Kings Regs.

Sunday November 26th
Owing to the wet weather Church parade was cancelled. As the Australian mail closed at noon we had any amount of letters to censor. The censorship of the outgoing mail is getting more and more strict. 2 o/c Parade of all officers and NCO’s for instruction in bayonet fighting and PT by an infernal Sergeant Major.

Monday November 27th
Lt Stevenson being crock today I am BCC. Parade 2 o/c. As a result of day leave having been granted to Amiens about 20 wasters ? are AWL and Major Mitchell who is now acting CO whilst Colonel Coulter is on leave, spoke to the battalion s—things on the subject and –ght--- --. All officers practised firing of LG on the range. Each of us fired about 30 rounds in bursts. Also a little revolver practice. Lecture on discipline and Kings Regs.

Tuesday November 28th
Orders to proceed to brigade at 9 o/c. To go to school tomorrow. Holiday today for battalion sports. Passed very well. Lecture at 7 o/c in the village school room by GSO Colonel Blamey? on mode of attack.

Wednesday November 29th
At BHQ at 8.45 to go to school. Waited till lunch time. Had lunch and then at last started off for the school at Terancourt ? where we arrived about 2.30. We are camped in an old chateau and should have a comfortable time. Len Erray Fred Gaulton of the 7th and I occupy one room. Went for a stroll into the town of Picquegay on the banks of the Somme. It is quite decent and of –st recent interest. Mess 6.30 after which the Commandant Colonel Stevens DSO (MG) roused about mess etiquette.

Thursday November 30th
Parade 9 o/c. I am in No 2 syndicate of No 1 platoon which consists of 10 officers of the 2nd Brigade. Inspection and orders read. Lecture by the Commandant. Marched on and started recruits drill from the most elementary stage possible. 10 minutes smoke in every hour. Back at 12 o/clock. Lunch at 1 o/c. Parade at 2 marching order without rifles. Introduction into adjustment of equipment and squad drill. Back at 4 o/c. Afternoon tea. Lecture by captain Denby. Dinner 6.30. Co intimated that officers will be allowed leave to Amiens and Picquegay.

Friday December 1st
Usual parade for squad drill etc. GOC division (Major General Walker) came along in the car and had a look at us. Bitterly cold this morning. Parade 2 o/c. We are getting on. Rifle exercises till we are blue in the face. The three of us went into the town and made some purchases, getting back just in time for dinner, at the conclusion of which the CO gave a lecture on Company organisation. Turned in early to keep warm. A rotten fire in the lounge.

Saturday December 2nd
Usual parade and rifle drill. Elementary musketry and PT. A very good instructor for the latter. A very good lecture at 4.30 by Captain Campbell. After dinner went for a good walk along the bridle path running along side the Somme to Picquigon shopping and home.

Sunday December 3rd
Parade 9.30 for one hour. Ceremonial drill for the satisfaction of the CO. Caught 2.30 tram to Amiens with Gauton and Len Errey. Had lunch in the Hotel du Rh— did shopping and had a good look around the City which is a very fine one. The Cathedral is a most magnificent building, the oldest and best piece of stonework outside being –-y –ic—by sandbag walls. After ------- Dinner at the Hoytel du Rh—during which a French general and his upset daughter came into the room and caused us much d—un—st rat— among the French people. Caught 12.10 to Picquigny. Got to the chateau at 2 o/c in the morning.

Over to you Frev, you can see how difficult it was to read by the number of ? and spaces there are.
Night all
Julian

Wonder what the 'infernal sergeant major' thought of our John?
Marina

and the upset daughter!! (welcome back Jules.) Regards Steve.

Wonder what she was so upset about?
welcome home, Jules!
Marina

Hi, Jules - I could send the Boys round to see your Boss and get the workload sorted...

Well Jules,

Looks like you had a ball deciphering this last lot! We're all so glad you keep plugging away at it though - even when your head must be spinning. I've done my best - still a lot of blanks though. Maybe someone else can help with those!

I guess we're into the last month - sigh!

Cheers for now, Frev

HI Frev
Thanks once again for your deciphering skills, they are much appreciated, when I get my scanner you can see for yourself how difficult it is
Regards
Julian

Evening All
Well there might not be any diary again tonight but the fact that I went out of my way to collect my new scanner will hopefully make up for it. Below you will see a picture of John that was taken a French photographer's studio in Amiens shortly after he was promoted. Judging by the very crumpled edge I would imagine it had been in a wallet for quite some time!!

Click to view attachment

Great photo Jules. Though It doesn't look like he has the brass 'A' on the battalion patch on his shoulder. This 'A' signified service on Gallipoli and I believe was brought into wear in 1917 or 18, but I guess the photo may have been taken before the wearing of the 'A' came into effect.

Cheers
Andrew

Hi jules,

Been awhile but ive catched upp again, still gripped by it all. Okay here goes one.

54th Instalment
Sunday October 22nd
. Discovered the adjutants bedroom and he being in a comfortable bed we climbed into his valise on the floor. He and his bed mate Tas Mummery were rather surprised to find us there in the morning.

A valise is not a suitecase as many suppose but is an officers sleeping bag will try to find a picture of it. They came with leather handle and strapps and looked when rolled ore faulded as a suitcase, hence valise.

As to the name place Bray sur somme. I leave that to the 8th batt buffs, all i can say that the 13th ALH were also in that place in waiting to advance.

Plonk, well this is the version ive always heard.
PLONK Wine. From French Vin blanc, white wine, although the expression may also be derived from the firm of Plonques, importers of a particularly reprehensible brand of Algerian red wine.

I love the photo of him, something old something new. He kept his old hat but a substitute storm chinstrap. And look at that Sam brown belt, brand new. Haha this picture is so great. He really looks so darned young and it must be chilly cause hese wearing a cardigan under his tunic.

keep on going mate , i will be checking

coo-ee
patrick

Jules - A scanner!!! - at last!! - you'll be busy now - so many photos etc etc - you have been promising - remember!
I agree with Andrew & Patrick - this one's a great photo - so clear - and such a baby!!

Patrick - thanks so much for the info on the 'valise' - it ruins the comical image I had of 2 men in a suitcase - but it's great to be put in the 'know' on these things. Up until this morning I hadn't even realised that they used sleeping bags (I was reading about Bean curling up in his - and thought he must have been special). Look forward to seeing a photo of what they looked like.

Cheers, Frev.

Hi Frev
Yes I have finally got my new toy to play with so you will be seeing a few photos over the coming weeks. My overriding impression of John was that he was such a baby face in the picture. I will post one tonight taken in 1913 which is even worse on that score. I also had no idea what a valise was really, it sheds new light on John's escapade that's for sure.
Regards
Julian

Hi Andrew
I believe this photo was most likely taken in October 1916 so presumably that would explain the lack of the "A" badge you mention Andrew. Thanks for the info as I did not know that.
Cheers
Julian

Glad you like the photo patrick, it sure does make John look about 16 don't you think? I have the belt and shoulder strap he is wearing at home, do you think that is worth anything mate? What did you mean about John keeping his old hat with a substitute storm chinstrap, I would be very interested to hear about it. What does the coo-ee mean by the way.
Cheers
Julian

I'm actually quite relieved it wasn't a suitcase - although I had many a laugh trying to imagine the boys that night! A photo of one would be marvellous, Andrew.

looking forward to the 1913 photo, Jules - we'll have to send the school truant board after John - they used to say that about my father when he was in the Navy - his photos show an angelic looking kiddie! (he wasn't!)

I just find it fascinating that John has such a baby face and yet his writings show a very mature and steady man. Amazing contrast! Are we getting the camel photo too?
CYA,
Marina

Hi All
Here is the other photo I mentioned before with John looking even younger !
Regards
Julian

Click to view attachment

This pic makes me want to take him home and burp him! How could he be so brave and cool and look like a wee boy?
Marina

Oh dear, Marina. Are you feeling OK tonight? Looks a little big to fit on one's shoulder.
Robbie

OK, you can laugh - but I bet he brings out the maternal in you too, Robbie! He's just a wean!

Jules - why is John in uniform in 1913? Was he in the regular army or the TA or what?
Marina

No, i'm well past feeling maternal. A wean? what's that?
Robbie

A much loved child!
Marina

A very good question Marina, I know not the answer as yet, will have to find some time to do the digging on it.
Julian

Been looking at the photos again - you know, you can see changes in him.
Marina

Also seems to have the Australai badge on the shoulder. I don't think that came in till they went overseas in 1914.
Kim

Looks as if there was a wee mistake when someone dated the photo. 1914 instead of 1913? His uniform looks split new. Could it be his enlistment photo?
Marina

I agree. It is also difficult to understand how whoever wrote 1913 on this photo could make such a mistake re the date.

Robbie

Hi All
I agree that the date must be wrong but I have no real idea who it was who must have got such an important date wrong. I did initially think John might be a territorial but thanks to pals I now know that not to be the case. Here is another to take a look at people.
Regards
julian
Click to view attachment

I would imagine you have all seen this photo before but in case you have not here it is. I would love to hear your comments.
Regards
Julian
Click to view attachment

The second photo makes me shudder - from John's and Fred's diaries, we know what comes next. I can practically feel the heat off that beach!
And the men probably landed full of spirit and high hopes...

John does look smart in that full length picture, bless him.
Another installment tonight, Jules?
Marina

Sorry Marina but I have been out tonight but I promise I will do another instalment tomorrow.
Julian

Forgiven! You have to have some R&R!
marina

Hi Jules,

to answer some of your questions, The hat is worn before, looks like the "stiffcap"with the iron rim cirkel to keep it in model removed. The chinstrap looks more like a small belt then the normal chinstrap, look at other pictures of officers and you'll see what i mean.
The sam Browne officer belt is still on offer on ebay mostly for 35 pounds, but having one off your famely makes them priceless i recon.

Coo-ee is the bushcall to call your mates. Mostly this call was also asociated with the light horse. In the recruitment poster for Galipolli you find it also. And in songs like this one



ITS THE “COO-EE’ CALL
(Where the Murray River Flows)

By Al. Hay

1920 ~ 1929



Where the Mur ~ ray River flows
Where the wild clem-at-is grows
And the birds are singing ~ all ~ the ~day
There’s a sweet voice calls it ~seems
Al-ways cal-ling-in my dreams
It’s my sweet-heart’s voice and al~ways seems to say

Where the wav~ving ferns are grow~ing
Where there’s fragrant breezes blow~ing
There the wis-pring stream says “Coo-ee” dear
Yes says “Coo-ee” dear for you

And in the morn~ing
When the wak-ing day is dawn~ing
I can hear the song-birds call~ing
It’s calling “Cooee” “Cooee” “Cooee” “Cooee”

Sun~shine brings me sweet dreams in the day-time
When the ev-en-tide is drawing ~ nigh
My dreams are gol~den heed

Down where the Mur~ray River flows
There’s a wel-come sound I know
It’s the “Coo-ee” call It’s the “Coo-ee” call for me

I can hear it through the trees
Float~ing on the gentle breeze
Seem’s like fate that’s callin you and I
In the even-ing hour I hear
Voi~ces Cal~ling far and near
And they tell me that for me you al-ways sigh

Where the wav~ing ferns are grow~ing
Where there’s fragrant breezes blow~ing
There the wis-pring stream says “Coo-ee” dear
Yes says “Coo-ee” dear for you

And in the morn~ing
When the wak-ing day is dawn~ing
I can hear the song-birds call~ing
It’s calling “Cooee” “Cooee” “Cooee” “Cooee”
Sun~shine brings me sweet dreams in the day-time
When the ev-en-tide is drawing ~ nigh
My dreams are gol~den heed

Down where the Mur~ray River flows
There’s a wel-come sound I know
Its the “Coo-ee” call It’s the “Coo-ee” call for me


untill next time
coo-ee
patrick

Hi All
A small portion of diary as promised complete with the pages it was taken from so you can all provide me with some diciphering help

61st Instalment
Monday December 4th
Parade 9 o/c Squad drill. Commenced --- drill. Parade 2o/c and march to the baths at Picquigny. Lecture 5 o/c by the CO on Courts Martial. Turned in early. Not much sleep last night.

Tuesday December 5th
Parade 1230. Musketry squad drill and PT. Parade 2 o/c till 4. Squad drill ------- drill. Lecture at 5 o/c by Lt Wright on March Discipline.

Wednesday December 6th
Parade 9-12.30. Musketry squad drill and PT. Sports in the afternoon. Went into Picquigny with Gaulton in the afternoon and explored the old castle and church, both very old and interesting. Met some 7th battalion officers and went to see the Dudo a Pierot troupe formed by an Imperial Lec---al unit? Very good indeed Lady and orchestra all complete. Dinner in the town by arrangement. Back to chateau at 9 o/c.

Thursday December 7th
Squad drill musketry and PT. Parade 1.45 to 3.45. Communication and squad drill. Lecture 6 o/c on map reading. Turned in 8.30.

Friday December 8th
Confined to billets owing to wet weather. Squad drill musketry and PT. Received word that the GOC 4thArmy (General Rawlinson) would inspect us in the afternoon and made great ceremonial preparation. He did not turn up and so according to the syllabus we did platoon and communication drill. Lecture by the CO. Electric light in the barn Blackboard etc. Getting into going order now in the school? In to Picquigny with D officers Graham and Booth of the 7th battalion.

Click to view attachment

Tuesday - could that be 'drill company drill' - a mistaken repetition?

Jules - I take my hat off to you - that writing in pencil across the squared paper is MURDER to read. I['ve always appreciated this yhread, but even more so now.

Good on you!
Marina

You have done extremely well with your translation of the diary!!!!
No wonder your eyes get tired!!
Cheers
Kim

Hey Jules

Have you had your eyes checked lately? They're certainly taking some punishment!

All I can think of with Dec 5th is - Squad drill & Comms drill. ?? [abbrev. for Communications]

Dec 6th
The Pierrot troupe is 'The Duds' - and it kind off looks like - Imperial Technical unit - if there's such a thing. ?? Perhaps Kate will have more idea on this one.
[The Duds are mentioned in an old thread - "Divisional Concert Parties, photos and names" - they belonged to the 19th Kings Liverpool Regt]

You're doing a great job deciphering - I'm sure there's loads of work out there - if you want a new career - rather you than me!!

Cheers, Frev

A troupe called the The Duds were also the 17th Division's Concert Party, though names were often duplicated. I agree with Frev that Lt Pitt appears to have written 'Imperial Technical Unit', which would seem to be something smaller.

The mention of a lady orchestra is interesting, as it implies some kind of arrangement with the locals.

Just to add to the other Pals, my admiration for the work you have put in over the months, now. A labour of love it can only be. If you believe in it, I hope your hero of a grandfather is watching and pleased that his long-kept painful memories are being conveyed to those who can only read in awe. A true recording of history.

Evening All
Here is the next instalment for your education, well mine anyway !

62nd Instalment
Saturday December 9th
Platoon drill. Playfair code, Physical jerks and bayonet fighting. In the afternoon squad drill musketry and platoon drill.

Sunday December 10th
Ceremonial drill. Preparation for army commanders inspection tomorrow. Further explored Picquigny in the morning. Walked to Brielly ? in the rain in the afternoon. P------ in the evening after mess. Back 9.30. A rotten day.

Monday December 11th
Platoon drill musketry and PT and formed as a ceremonial parade at 12.15 and waited in the cold nearly an hour when his lordship turned up and spoke well of us. Marched to bath in the afternoon. Lecture at 7.30.

Tuesday December 12th
It snowed a bit during the night and things were very wet and slushy in the morning. Lecture on Coy drill and wiring with in the morning followed by PT and bayonet fighting. 5 mile route march in the afternoon. Picquigny in the evening.

Wednesday December 13th
Company drill. Musketry on the 30 yards range. 15 rounds each. PT. Sports supposed to be held in the afternoon but the weather did not permit. 3 of us took a walk to Bellor 2 miles from here. One of the biggest chateaux I have seen occupied by the Countess Rouchefoqual. Back to mess then to P------.

Thursday December 14th
Company drill. Lecture on the sighting of trenches. Bayonet fighting and PT. In the afternoon platoon drill and trench se-----. Lecture 5 o/c by an RFC officer on contact aeroplane work. Very interesting and useful. A miserable evening and so wrote letters.

Friday December 15th
PT bayonet fighting and bombing. Exam in elementary musketry during which General Birdwood arrived in his car and had a look around and a yarn with us informing us in a very commonplace manner that we had 3 months ahead of hard going owing to weather conditions in the trenches when we leave the school followed by an spring offensive one where we would take a part in conjunction with the French.
Enjoy
Night all
Best regards
Julian
Click to view attachment

Hi GY402
Yes it has indeed become a labour of love my friend and very many thanks for your kind words re my grandfather, I do hope he is watching from on high and thinking that his efforts to write down his thoughts have not been in vain and were certainly not wasted. Only trouble is there are only 6 pages of the diary left to transcribe !!

Regards
Julian

Hi Jules. Now we can see how difficult it was for you. Have you drawn any conclusions for yourself about John's exploits? It would be great to hear YOUR point of view. Regards Steve.

What was the 'Playfair Code'?

Only 6 pages? GROAN....
Marina

Am reading 'A War In Words' just now - and George Mitchell reports similar high jinks in the hospital convalescence wards - pillow fights and slipper fights and splashing with water!
Marina

Make that six pages and a CAMEL photo!
Marina

It is impressive to read about the frequency/types of training and lectures. And the notion of General Birdwood dropping in and having a 'yarn'.

Robert

Hi Patrick
Can you please explain your paragraph in the quote above. What is the stiffcap and iron rim cirkel you refer to please. Also can you tell me how the Sam Browne belt got its name. Many thanks Patrick.
Cheers
Julian

Hi Jules: Brilliant piece of work on the diaries. Thanks for sharing them - 'though they've kept me from 'honest' labour for several hours!

The Sam Browne is named after Sir Samuel James Browne, the British general who invented it. He died in 1901. Some police forces also employ it.

adrian

Welcome to the forum Adrian and thanks for answering one of my questions. Apart from the obvious what was the purpose of the belt. What did it do that previous belts did not is I guess what I mean really.
Cheers
Julian

Hello again Julian: Don't blame me if this sends you off on another topic! - General Sir Samuel J Browne, 1824 -1901, served with the British Army in India, with the 36th Bengal Native Infantry. He must have done pretty well as he finished up with a VC. The belt he designed was a combination of garrison (or pistol) belt and shoulder strap, intended to take the weight of a heavy pistol or sword. The 'Journal of the the Late General Sir Sam Browne VC, GCB, KCSI 1849 -1898' was published posthumously , on the initiative of his daughter, by William Blackwood, Edinburgh, in 1937.
If you want me to find anything else, don't hesitate to ask. I'd be delighted.

Cheers. adrian