Hi Steve
I suppose you could say that after transcribing my grandfathers dairy I am full of admiration for him, and I guess I understand why he never talked about his experiences. Contrary to that though, I find it very hard to understand why he never even spoke of it to his only child (my father). If it was me I would want generations to come to know how terribly his generation had suffered to furnish us with the freedoms we enjoy today. Perhaps that is why he wrote a diary, he must ahve known someone would find it one day. Please let me know what you or anyone else reading this thinks about it Steve, I wouold welcome your thoughts.
Cheers
Julian

Hi Jules. Great stuff mate. I suppose from my point of view I am envious as hell because you have a day to day transcription of John's life, even for a short part of his life. I'm stuck at first base with our search because our man died with so little record of his life.John lived through the War and survived and you knew him, now perhaps a little better, and with his pics and even his writing, you have something so tangible of him that if you hold his diaries you are holding a part of him.You probably know more about him than your Dad ever did. There has to be some kind of fate about that.I am so happy for you and the fact that you dont have everything doesn't really matter.John survived so you could probably write a fair ending yourself. I always feel maybe the next forum member may hold the key so we have to carry on. Perhaps Johns propensity for writing stuff may have meant his diaries are elsewhere in the world, perhaps sent to some long lost friend in Oz. I'm sure you've thought about it enough times. Maybe they will come to light.And youve made all these new friends.......how bad can that be!!! Regards Steve

Thamks for the above Steve i appreciate your thoughts mate I really do. Meantime here is a picture that Marina has been nagging me to post so here it is.
Regards
Julian
Click to view attachment

Great pic Jules. Whats happened to the guy on the left of the first camel!!!!!
Regards Steve.

Lets put it this way....the camel third left has a big grin on its face.

BTW what a fantastic photo.

Andy

[quote=pompeyrodney,May 13 2005, 10:29 PM]
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




Don't waste too much time researching!

On his emarkation roll on the AWM he is recorded as having no prior military service. His attestation papers likewise?

Good question Steve I had not even noticed that bloke when I looked at it ! Did you spot which one was John then anybody reading this. ???
Regards
Julian

Second from the left - great pic - thanks, Jules!
Marina

Didn't notice him at first!
dropped his wallet over the wall?
throwing up after last night's binge in Cairo?
hiding his face from the camera because of all the girls he left behind?
Marina

I commend your powers of observation Marina, I am surprised you could work out which was John as I could not if I had not been told.
Regards
Julian

He's unmistakeable - the tilt of the head, the neat features. And the others are all too burly. It's a great photo - I just knew I'd like it!
Marina

Evening All
I would appreciate some help in deciphering this evenings transcription which I shall post below. It has taken me two hours to type three days worth of diary and you can see how much I cannot read, over to you Frev

63rd Instalment

Saturday December 16th
Reorganisation and indication of targets. Bombing practice and wiring. In the afternoon all ranks carried out a battalion outpost scheme. At 8 o/c Captain Kirby outlined the afternoons work which led to considerable debate and argument. The CO –ff- --- considerably night leave has been stopped and Wednesday afternoon sports are to be replaced by drill. A few of the officers are making the face a ------. We have got a piano in the mess and a good player and this livens things up a bit.

Sunday December 17th
Brek 9 o/c. Lecture by the Co in the mess on ceremonial drill. Len Erray and I went into Amiens and had lunch at the Hotel du Rhin and did some shopping and went all over the cathedral. There was a service on at the time. Had tea and caught the 6.15 back to Picquigny. We have a -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- at the chateau and got ---- from the ----.
Monday December 18th
PT. Bayonet fighting and indication and recognition of targets. Field sketching in the afternoon. Bitterly cold today. At 5 o/c an artillery Colonel lectured us on Cooperation of Artillery and infantry at which the officers and NCO’s of the 4th ---- school were present there –ous--- from the CO at mess tonight. Had an impromptu concert tonight which was quite a success.


[B]many thanks for any help in advance
Regards Julian

Click to view attachment

Tough one, Jules!

Hi PompeyRodney,

Like all the other guys I am enjoying reading youy history episodes.

In episode 6 you mentioned a Brigadier McKay.

I think that this was Temporary Brigadier General Ivan Gifford MacKay. who was wounded in August 1915 with the 4th Battalion.

He was awarded the DSO & Bar, C.M.G. CdeG, and was M.I.D. 5 Times.

Keep up the good work

KAYJAY

Evening All
Latest instalment for all my avid readers

64th Instalment
Tuesday December 19th
Coy drill and route march in the morning. Bitterly cold, open order drill and demonstration of Mills rifle grenades. Lecture at 4 o/c by Major Butler from Army corps HQ on intelligence which was interesting. Played bridge after mess.

Wednesday December 20th
Baths PT and bayonet fighting in the morning. Platoon drill and football in the afternoon. The Colonel spoke about intelligence after mess.

Thursday December 21st
Company drill in the rain for an hour and then open order drill. Lecture in the afternoon and one at 7 o/c on protection by the CO. A miserable day today and not fit for outdoor work.

Friday December 22nd
PT and bayonet fighting and then lecture on advance guard and put same into practice. Practiced rear guards in the afternoon and at 3 o/c formed up for ceremonial and at 3.30 the GOC 4th Army General Rawlinson inspected us and the school and at mess the Colonel told us he was very pleased with the show we put up. Lecture by Captain Campbell on Fire Control at 5 o/c. Mess at 6 o/c, a good concert at 7 o/c. All officers waited in the ante room after the concert. We thought we were going to get strafed but the Colonel told us amidst shouts of applause that the GOC Division had granted Paris leave to all officers who wished to go at the school over Xmas.

Lets be hearing your thoughts then you pals out there !
Regards
Julian

Paris! he deserves a break! Shall look forward to that!
Marina

The prostrate digger belongs to the AIF Bricking team.
As soon as this group of tourists dismount the camels will be watered from the cistern on which sits the Arab in the left foreground.
The female camel is grinning because she is aware of the fate awaiting her male companions once the bricks are retreived from behind the retaining wall.

Hi Orivetto
That is very interesting my friend, how do you know this by the way. It would be nice to compare this photo with how the sphinx looks now as I understand it has changed quite a lot since then.
Regards
Julian

John still in Paris?
Marina

Hi All
I owe everyone an apology for not finishing off the diary these last few days. I am off on holiday to France tomorrow and I promise I shall finish it off on my return on the 5th of June. Forgive me people
Regards
Julian

Tearing up the town with John then?

Marina

Julian

Strange that you should enquire how anyone would know about the Camel husbandry associated with the picture of your Grandfather.

As it happens my mother's grandfather, Horace Dargey, was also a member of the RAN Bricking team. The story goes that but for his clumsiness, my mother and I would never have seen the light of day. He was repatriated, with severely bruised thumbs, in 1916. Others from his unit were sent to Europe and never returned home to start their families.

Horrie & his four brothers had started a lucrative portrait concession in the AIF training camps, and continued the business when transferred to Mena Camp.
They organised a detailed procedure which is illustrated in your grandfathers picture. Have you noticed that almost all pictures of camel-mounted Anzacs are taken from exactly the same spot near the sphynx?

The identification numerals in the foreground of your picture show it was taken by the Dargeys. Mother had told us how meticulous Horrie had been. His studio did not have the use of digital, instamatic, polaroid or such gizmo's. His routine was for the customer to"take a ticket", take a half hour tour on the camel, pose in front of the pyramid, wait another half hour and collect the picture. His greatest regret, besides the bruised thumbs was apparently that someone stole the detailed records that he had kept of all the clients.

Hi Jules

It looks like it'll be a while before you read this - your holiday sounds far more exotic than the one I just returned from!!
Are you (or should I say - have you been) following John's trail - or as Marina said - just checking out the sights of Paris?!

I too picked John out easily in the 'camel' photo - I can't believe that such a 'recorder of detail' didn't write the names of the soldiers on the back - pity.


Sun Dec 17th
We have a ---------------------------------------------- at the chateau and got ---- from the ----.

My attempt: We have a gramaphone with (or) in the -------------- at the chateau --------- a gift from the A.C.F. [ie. Aust. Comforts Fund]

Not much help, sorry - all I can come up with.
Cheers for now, Frev

Hi, Meltry,
Truly amazing that Julina should enpcunter a descendant of John's photographer. I had a similar experience here on the Forum - one of the Pals is the grandson of my great grandfather's commanding officer.
Marina

[quote=orivetto,May 19 2005, 01:03 AM]
[quote=pompeyrodney,May 13 2005, 10:29 PM]
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

Don't waste too much time researching!

On his emarkation roll on the AWM he is recorded as having no prior military service. His attestation papers likewise?

[/quote]


Just picked up on this (bit slow after my holiday!!)

Jules - if you haven't already picked up on it - something for you to come home to - John's Service record on line at last!!!! All 80 pages of it (though mostly repitition).
Cheers, Frev

Thanks, Frev - read it tonoght in lieu of diary. (I'm starving for news!)

Had no idea he was so tall - over six foot
...and auburn hair and brown eyes!

His medal problem - what was that man Harper up to? And John's handwriting - I'd know that scrawl anywhere now!

He didn't mention losinjg some kit in the diaries!
Marina

[quote=marina,Jun 3 2005, 11:22 PM]
Thanks, Frev - read it tonoght in lieu of diary. (I'm starving for news!)

Had no idea he was so tall - over six foot
...and auburn hair and brown eyes!

His medal problem - what was that man Harper up to? And John's handwriting - I'd know that scrawl anywhere now!

He didn't mention losinjg some kit in the diaries!
Marina



Seems Frev picked up on the cryptic clue.

Didn't John mention that the seventh ratted their kit?

Sue

Ah, so that's what ratted means!
Marina

Many thanks Frev it took me ages to read it all and I was fascinated by the letters about John's medals. At least I now know he got the 14-15 Star but I have no idea where it is!! When I have more time tomorrow I will post a bit more diary and tell you about my holiday looking at AIF burial sites and visiting Vimy Ridge and the Aussie memorial at Villers Brettonaux, until then good night all.
Regards
Julian

Welcome home, Jules.
Marina

Hi Jules,
Back from a trip OS including Gallipoli. Great to see this thread is still continuing. Fantastic photographs.

I agree with the correspondence on the 1913 photograph. It should be 1915. The colour patches were not issued until after Divisional Order 562 of 8 March 1915.

http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/uniform...hes_history.htm

Orders for the wearing of the Anzac A Badge were not issued until November 1917.

http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/anzac/badge.htm

Rgds

Tim

Hi Jules

I've only just come across this absolutely fascinating story. I've been reading it for hours.

Thanks for all your hard work in the translation. I think it's wonderful that you've found such a piece of history. Something money can't buy.

Jan

Hi Jan
Welcome to this long running thread. The more that read it the happier I shall feel. Unfortunately it will come to an end shortly as I do not have the remainder of the diary to the end of the war. Keep reading more to follow.
Regards
Julian

Hi All
Evening to all my avid readers, here is the penultimate instalment as I only have Xmas day and Boxing day 1916 left. I did look in my parents loft again this weekend but so far have not found any more but still have one place to look for any I have not yet found. When I get my holiday photos back I shall post a picture of the only 8th battalion grave I found in visiting 5 different cemetaries whilst on holiday. Does anyone have any underground pictues taken at Vimy Ridge as we could not go down on the day we visited. Many thanks.
Julian

65th Instalment

Saturday December 23rd
We did grouping practices on the 30 yards range in the morning. In the afternoon we did a road ------ and at 3.30 were given our passes for Paris and straight away put all our best togs on. Had some tea and then got paid which crowned our joy. The train was due to leave Picquigny at 5.38 but we had to do a freeze on the station for two hours before it eventually turned up. We settled down in a 1st class compartment with 3 French officers who were excellent chaps and spoke English very well.

XmasEve
We steamed into the Gare Du Nord at Paris after a long journey at 3 am and as ever were just about ravenous a MS Corpl showed us a Red and –uff- underground where we got a good feed. Then we had to start looking for a hotel and it was a good while before 4 of us succeeded in getting rooms at the Grand Hotel. I got room number 949 on the fifth floor. Some Hotel. Turned in at about 4 o’clock. Hot bath and up at 9.30 to breakfast which according to the Parisian style consisted of steaming hot coffee and rusks. This is a beautiful place and there are some big bugs of here of all nationalities. We started off to have a look round after reporting to the RSM. A guide eventually collared Lenbury Dillon and myself and we allowed him to show us around. We went round slowly in a taxi,, he explaining the various places of interest as we went and stopping when necessary. It is certainly a very beautiful city and well named Gay Paris. We had lunch at the Brasserie Universille and then went out exploring again in the afternoon and back to the hotel. We saw the Notre Dame Eiffel Tower, Napoleons tomb and Place De La Concorde, which is a beautiful spot and all the other well known places. We bought tickets for the Opera tonight and after having had tea at the American tea rooms and dinner at Prunier? we made for the Opera Pomique and saw Carmen, which although all in French, we appreciated to the full there being some marvellous singing and acting.

Night all
Regards
Julian

Only one more installment left
Hope it's a good one!
Marina

Howdy Jules

Looks like John has really been living it up in Gay Paree!

See here for the Prunier Restaurant: http://www.lui.ru/digest/33/21


I know it's sad his diary's coming to an end - but I'm kinda glad we'll be closing with him having a great time in Paris - rather than wallowing in mud on the Somme!!

Cheers, Frev.

Hi again Jules

Can I ask a couple of questions please:

Firstly, do you mind if I download this to read again later and
Secondly, I notice Frev said that your grandfather's service records are on line.

How can I access on-line service records please.

Apologies for interrupting your story - hope you don't mind.

regards
Jan

Great link, Frev - I can SEE John sitting in all that splendour!
Marina

Hi Frev
I echo your sentiments about the diary coming to an end with John able to enjoy himself at last. It must have been heaven after the utter misery of the Somme battlefields, I bet they had a hell of a time. I haven't given up all hope of finding the rest of the diary, I still think John must have written it right to the end of the war, after doing it religiously for two years. What do you think Frev. Thanks for the link to the restaurant, it looks well posh !!
Regards
Julian

Hi Jan
I have no objections to you downloading the diary as long as you have no intention to publish it anywhere else. As regards John's service records, they are available at
Service Records
When the page opens select record search and search for John Gibson Pitt. If you get any snags please let me or one of the other pals know, we will be pleased to help.
Regards
Julian

Hi Jules

Thanks for this - no I definitely don't intend to publish anywhere that's a promise - it's for me to read as a whole document.

Also, thanks for the link. I'll log on there as well.

Regards
Jan


UPDATE 02:19 11 June 05

Have read the service record. I live in hope that the UK records are as good.

Did he finally get those medals Jules?

Jan

66th and final instalment
Xmas Day 1916
Up at 9 o’clock. Breakfast. Further exploration of the city returning to the hotel for our Xmas dinner at 1 o/c., 15 Australian Officers being present. Dobbin and I then strolled some more and had dinner at the cafe –ois— and then went to the Nouveau Cirque a variety show. Just caught the 11.4 train by the skin of our teeth. Paris is absolutely full but there are very few British soldiers there at all. We had a very pleasant and educational trip.

Boxing Day 1916
Slept very little on the train and after a very tiresome journey arrived at Picquigny at 6 am. Slept for an hour had breakfast and turned out on parade at 9 o/c. The CO roaring because some of us were unshaven. PT was not too acceptable this morning. Judging distances. Live bomb throwing in the afternoon. Lecture at 5 o/c on German grenades.


Well folks it saddens me to say it but that is all for now. Until I find any more, there is no more to tell you all. I hope you will all help me keep this thread going as I still have quite a bit more to talk about concerning John so keep checking the thread for updates and questions from me. Until the next time then.
Kind regards
Julian

Well done Jules. Keep looking in all those old suitcases. Regards Steve.

I suppose this day had to come. I'd like to thank you, Jules, for all the work you've put into sharing this diary with us. It's been great. Will look forward to any updates.
Marina

Hi All
In an effort to keep this thread going would any pals like to see the X Ray photos of John's gunshot wound. Bearing in mind the age I think you will find it incredible what they managed to do.
Regards
Julian

post immediately!
marina

Hi Marina
Here is the first one with a thoughfully included explanation, hope you are not squeamish !!
Julian

Click to view attachment

Hi Jules,

It is the Opera Comique, which staged the premiere of Bizet's opera Carmen, the story of a femme fatale and her admirers. Cartloads of great tunes, and although tragic (the reason why the audience at the Opera Comique booed at its premiere) it does make for a great night out.

87th anniversary of the day he received that wound! You wouldn't think they'd be able to regraft that, would you? I suppose the war was responsible for all sorts of medical advances because of the number and avriety of wounds received.
Marina

Here's the next picture post operation.
Click to view attachment