1
Saying goodbye and preparing for war
New Zealand to Egypt, August–December 1914
August 6th 1914
War declared by Britain against Germany. I offered my services to NZ Defence Department for work in N[ew] Zealand or abroad.
August 8th 1914
My offer accepted and I [sic] appointed to command Wellington Infantry Regiment – being raised.
August 9th 1914
Saw Mayor of New Plymouth and tried to persuade him to get mayors of towns in the Wellington Military District to raise Regimental Funds for Wellington Regiment. I saw also Editors of Taranaki Herald and Taranaki Daily News. The Mayor and Herald Editor received my request somewhat coldly – “a prophet is not without honour except in his own country”! Returned with Mater and children to the Farlands, Stratford to prepare for my departure with my Regiment. Handed command of XI Regt (Taranaki Rifles) over to Major Bellringer,1 my 2nd in command.
Malone attached great importance to the establishment of a regimental fund which could be used to purchase food to supplement government rations, comforts for wounded soldiers and a variety of other purposes. Malone thought such a fund would be especially useful in places ‘where gold talks’. He was opposed to the establishment of small company funds and stressed that the regimental fund should have clear rules and keep proper accounts. Malone worked assiduously and effectively to convince community leaders to support the fund. Although less money was subscribed than he had hoped, the regimental fund proved a great boon to the men of the Wellington Infantry Battalion. It appears that the Wellington Battalion was the first NZEF unit to establish a welfare fund. This initiative is a good example of Malone’s practical and thoughtful approach to his duties. [‘Memorandum Re-Regimental Fund’, nd but Sep 1914, Malone to Bellringer, 30 Aug 1914, MSX-2548, ATL; Wanganui Chronicle, 5 Sep 1914, pp.4, 8, 12 Oct1915, p.6; Hawera and Normanby Star, 19 Sep 1914, p.6.]
August 13th 1914
Proceeded to Palmerston N[orth] and to Camp at Awapuni. Appointing staff. Not satisfied with Adjutant appointed by G.O.C. to my Regt [acting Maj William Robinson].2 Very pleased to find Major Hart my 2nd in command.3 Only about 150 men came in.
August 17th 1914
Returned to Awapuni Camp. Matters bar Adjutant going all right. Major Hart reports adjutant as no good. Saw O/C I. [Infantry] Brigade as to shifting him.4 He didn’t like the idea.
August 18th 1914
Organising Regt. Testing adjutant. Quite satisfied he must go. Saw O/C Brigade again and said sending in written report and request for Adjutant’s removal.
August 19th 1914
Still organising and equipping Regt. Written report to O/C Brigade requesting removal of adjutant and informing could not carry on with him.5 Adjutant removed and my Adjutant of XI Regt (T Rifles) appointed6 – to my pleasure.
August 20th to September 23rd 1914
Completing equipment and organisation of Regiment. Training same. Men improving as the O/C Brigade said astoundingly. They are of all classes. Sons of wealthy run holders, farmers, schoolmasters, scholars, M.A., B.A.s, musicians, tradesmen, mechanics, lawyers and all sorts. They will make good soldiers and the Regt I trust will lead the other Regts in the Brigade. I will do my best to make it. The weather has been glorious – no rain. We bivouacked three nights at Highden and one night at Feilding. We have established a Brass Band and it does well.
I enclose notes, etc, to help you in my affairs. I have been going 6am to 10pm here since I came down and until now ... have had no time to write you further.
I had no time to write further. I now have Harry’s letter of 21st Inst....
I am much obliged to you Harry for the £400. I am sorry that I didn’t keep a closer hold on ready money, but I didn’t anticipate the need.
Things here are going well. I have had a lot of trouble getting my staff together. The G.O.C. gave me an adjutant, no good and I had to put up with him for a week, then got him shifted and now have McDonnell who is right. My QM came in last night, Shepherd,8 also Dr Home9 so the show will soon be “going”. The XI Taranaki Rifles, is well represented. My other officers are good and fair. I am not sure that I haven’t made a mistake in giving Furby a show after all we will see.10 The rank and file after a lot of weeding out will be all right. I am busy getting their hair cut!! Weather A1. We hope to be allowed to march to Wellington instead of entraining. I hope that Stratford people will do something to give us a Regimental Fund. I could spend money now in “refreshment” of the men. A few cases of apples a day after a march would do them good and be much appreciated.
With love to you both and your respective wives.
I have a little time to spare so seize to write you a note. I have been expecting one from you but so far none. No doubt you are like me very busy. Things are going well now.
I have my staff complete. Capt McDonnell, Capt Home, Capt Shepherd (QM) came in last night and are right into the collar. Good men and true. The men are shaking down and when weeded over will do NZ credit. We keep on tramping them in and out. Yesterday I gave them a little variety, by giving them an imaginary enemy to scrap against as they marched along. They made lots of mistakes but on the whole did wonderfully well for men among whom were several, many who have only just now had a rifle put in their hands. They enjoyed it and it relieved the monotony of the march. I am getting very fit. Hart and I have started a mile run round the course every morning. The GOC inspects tomorrow....
How are the boys and Mollie? Do they miss me? I am afraid not. Tell them to be good so as to please Daddy. The boys to be little straight men and Mollie her sweet self.
...The men are in good health and spirits and will I am sure do credit to their country. I feel myself as if at last I could do something for my country. I used to have a feeling that I had done nothing. My dear wife is very brave. She in no way tried to prevent me doing my duty, and would not stop me if she could. I am in the hands of the Almighty and if He so wills it, shall be back to home and my adopted country in due course.
With my kindest regards to you and you daughter.
...I am glad that I had so prepared, that I was able to offer services which are of use.
I leave a lucrative practice, a good and very happy home, a brave wife and children, without any hesitation. I feel that I am just beginning to live. Stodging11 away money making, was no man’s game. The old country, and its dependencies have almost their existence at stake and it is no time for those qualified to act to stand by....
With kind regards.
...I shall be only too pleased to do what I can for your boy as well as all his comrades. Their mothers needn’t worry about them. I have taken the responsibility of their care and will do my duty....
...Re house. You are quite right and will not be surprised if you cannot let it suitably.
Re boots. The Headquarters people should not have asked for boots (in specie). We wanted the money, so as to get a uniform suitable soldier’s boot. The Government boot is a poor one. I made out a specification and on it Harris has supplied 250 pairs of splendid boots at 15/-[shillings] per pair. However, the bulk of the boots sent down will come in and are better than nothing. Too many good people acting. Thanks re Regimental Fund Wairarapa in one act gave us £1,000 and will without hesitation make up the other £700 which we want for both MR [Mounted Rifles] and Infantry. Don’t listen to any paltry ideas of putting us off with 10/-per man and then handing the rest of the money to Government! Already we could spend money to advantage. People talk about our going to garrison but there is not the least doubt in my mind from what I get from the “cognocente” [sic, cognoscenti] that we are going, after probably a month’s training in England or France, to the front. There seems some doubt as to the ability of the Higher Commanders in the French Army, their trouble in the 1870-1 war. The men I believe to be A1 but rotten brutes like Clemenceau13 and co (who prided themselves on having driven God out of the schools and said they would drive Him out of the country, and who blackmarked every true Catholic officer in the army) were obviously vicious and corrupt and approachable by vicious command seekers. I hope I am wrong, but it does seem that there is something wrong with the French Army. I am afraid that if little Belgium and England had not been to the fore, things would have been bad for France....
I duly received your letter card and was sorry that you could not come up last night. I have been hanging about all day and have so wished that you were here.14 It is a lovely day and all is well. I got Norah’s postcard, but I could not get down. We get away very soon now and there are lots of things to see to and time is short. I have got my new boots and though they look like glorified sandles [sic, sandals] or leather puddings, they fit me and my feet are comfortable....
Don’t forget my warm singlets and my ‘washing’. I believe, however, we will go home via Australia, Colombo, Suez and the Mediterranean.
I hope that you are quite well.... I shall be so glad to see you on Wednesday. All my love to you.
I have just got word from Norah of Denis’s illness. I do hope that neither measles or fever will affect him. I am so sorry that the poor little chap should be laid up, and hope that in any case he will soon be all right. Give him a good kiss from me and tell him how disappointed I shall be at not seeing him on the wharf. I suppose that I shall not be able to see you either. It seems ages since I saw you and I was so looking forward to having the last hours of time in NZ with you. However, I might have been away weeks ago so I mustn’t growl.
I was expecting a letter from you yesterday or today but I understand now how Denis’s illness has upset you.
I enclose “Embarkation Orders”.15 I thought you might like to keep it and show it to the kiddies in later years as my name is on it. It is private at present until we go.
We are very busy packing up and fitting up. A beautiful day, our luck has been very good. With all my love.
Your letter to hand. I am so sorry to hear about Denis. I have written to Mater. Please send the letter on to her.
I shall be in Wellington tomorrow, arriving about 1.15pm. From what the Hon Allen16 said our time in NZ is now short. We will be pleased in a way to get off. Still we have had glorious weather and have put in plenty of good work. The men are A1 and will do NZ credit I really believe.
The war will be, I believe, of considerable length. Kitchener17 says three years and he ought to know. I think a good bit less myself. We shall see. As the Spaniards say: Veremos lo que veremos.18 You must my dear girl be a help to Mater while I am away. You will not I am sure think of running your own gait.19 Mater has been better to all you children than any other one than your own mother could have been.20 Be careful whose acquaintance you make and be not carried away by first impressions. You can always look to Mater for good advice and every consideration. I want you to be a good housekeeper and to remember that the Pagan Japanese deem domestic work honourable. All real work is. I have I think always worked hard myself and should like my children to follow in my steps.
Do what you have in hand with all your intelligence, will and might. We cannot be too thorough. Work first, fee second as Ruskin puts it.
I hope that you will write me as often and as fully as you can. Keep up your music. Be always true. Have nothing to do with deceit, no matter how petty. Help make the small ones good lads and nice[?] and Molly true and sweet.
With much love from your loving father.
September 23rd 1914
We entrain for Wellington and embark. The embarkation staff is no good. Absolutely chaos on the ships. I wish I had gone down ahead of the troops. Very glad to see Mater and Norah again. Dined with Captain N.C. Hamilton, ASC.21 He is a good chap and spoke well of Brian22 and said [he] had recommended him for a commission. He said if he had known, that the 1st lot were going to Samoa he would have kept Brian for this force, for Europe.
September 24th 1914
Straightening up the transport No.10., Arawa.23 She is filthy. I do not understand the other men who embarked before us. All troops marched to Newtown Park for farewell ceremony. Too much speechifying and praying. Before show over rain fell. March back by the longest way to ship. Raining all the way, crowds of people lined the way. The transports moved out and anchored in the stream. My cabin A, which I have to myself, is very comfortable. Men settling down.
September 25th 1914
Blowing hard. Busy inspecting men’s quarters and straightening things out. Men keen I think to be clean – but the Govt absolutely parsimonious in such small things as deck scrapers, sand soap and tea towels!! They do not understand “housekeeping”. I am, if we get the chance, going to buy same out of R/fund [Regimental fund]. I fear greatly much sickness if we don’t clean up and keep clean. Captain Clayden,24 master of the ship, inspected. He is a clean man and all will be right I think. Lt Col Johnston, RA,25 has his wife and one child Hilda on board. He is a real good fellow. His wife seems nice and sensible. I was pleased to hear her voice Mater’s feelings as to “society” women golfing and “bridging”. She too, like Mater, prefers to be at home to receive her husband and look after him and her family. Hilda is a good and nice child. I shall not I think have to “break her in” as I volunteered to do if required. We have been expecting to sail every hour. Now at 9pm. I know that I shall be able to go and see Mater and Denis tomorrow. I am so glad. Things were so hurried that I did [not?] seem able to say goodbye properly to Mater and Norah yesterday. Mater was looking very sweet and pretty and young. She is brave, all right. I feel very proud of her. Molly is a loving child and looks very well. Edmond and Terry are on the Arawa, in A Squadron, 2nd M.R. [Wellington Mounted Rifles]. I am glad that three of my boys volunteered without hesitation to serve and fight for their country. Maurice too will come next May when he is 20 – (youngest age for service) – if the war is not then over. I don’t think it will be.
I feel very well. This life suits me, mind and body. It is a man’s life. I wonder if I shall come back or leave my bones in Europe but I am content. I am in God’s hands and no death can be better. But I do not feel anxious – I look forward to coming back to my dear wife and children. We have just heard that we do not sail for a time yet. We are all very disappointed. Still I wanted to see Denis – who Mater says is not well. We can too spend the time profitably in training. Plenty of marching – say to Trentham and target practice there. We tie up at the wharf again on Monday. The FA [Field Artillery] and MR disembark and camp at Hutt and Trentham respectively. We (WIR) [Wellington Infantry Regiment] remain on board but go ashore every day for training. Our equipment was not quite complete. I welcome the chance to buy more soap!, disinfectants!, scrapers and what not. Besides for myself I want some music.26
We are off in a very short time. It has been all so hurried that somehow we didn’t seem able to say goodbye properly. Still we know how we feel and love one another. My thoughts will, when I am not on duty, be with you and the children. You are a brave woman and will I know bear yourself as a brave woman.... You know that it is as duty calls that I am leaving you and home and that I am in God’s good hands and will be as safe abroad as at home. Teach the children the doctrine of work and duty – duty to themselves – their fellows and above all to their country!
With all my love to you and all.
26th–29th September
September 30th 1914
Regiment marched to Miramar and returned to ship by 4.30pm. I and Capt Cox27 rode back to ship for lunch and then rode out to Karori to select ground for Coy [Company] attack practice on Friday next ... We found good ground for our work. It blew great guns on the ridge. Good sheep country about 1 1/2 to the acre.... No weeds but some gorse. A most lovely view is obtained from a high knoll on the ridge of Wellington Harbour and Bays and coast, across to South Island. There can hardly be anything finer. Some day I hope to take Mater up and show her. She would enjoy it I know. Rode back to ship for dinner. Went out to Lower Hutt and stayed with Mater until next morning.
October 1st 1914
Regt trained to Trentham. Target practice etc all day. Returned to ship by 5.30pm. After dinner everybody ashore so I played or tried to play the new Schumann music Norah got for me. Mater was to have come in and gone with me to the theatre to see a good company and stay at Hotel Cecil the night. But as Denis was bad again she could not come much to my disappointment.
October 2nd 1914
Regt to Karori for attack practice. The Brigadier, Col F.E. Johnston spent most of the day with us. The work by Coy Commanders was not too good. The ground was rough and circumstance novel to them. An interesting and enjoyable day. Col J is a fine fellow, a New Zealander-born, his father the Hon Mr Johnston. Returned to ship by 4.30pm.
October 3rd 1914
Regt remained on ship washing clothes, airing bedding and blankets. I inspected Regt and did a good growl, all round. Think it will do good. Paraded all officers and went for them for not arranging facilities for men to wash their clothes and criticized work (attack) of yesterday. Sports at Newtown Park this afternoon. I stay on ship expecting Mater to come on board and see it. Now 3.20pm and she hasn’t turned up. Speaking to Col Johnston, R.A. O/C Troops and not the Col Johnston our Brigadier. He said he had dined with Hon Allen Minister for Defence last night and had reported the Wellington Inf. Regt as best of troops, in discipline, drill and generally, and had given me the credit for its progress and satisfactory position. Very kind of him.
October 4th 1914 – Sunday
Went out to Lower Hutt. Denis much better but Barney sickening. Mater, Norah and I went for a walk round in the afternoon. Many pretty gardens. Flowers grow well.
October 5th 1914
Back to ship. Regt to Trentham, target practice. NCOs put under Sgt Major Parks28 for instruction. Men’s shooting improving and they are getting keen on it and are looking forward to shooting Germans.
October 6th 1914
Regiment to Karori Hills, company in attack practice – not well done. Officers don’t rise to the occasion. Must peg away at them until they do.
October 7th 1914
Field operations at Miramar. We marched via Newtown and met the Otago Battalion, who attacked us in German fashion across the golf links. We were firing into them at 400 yards, while they were in columns of 4s. Their supports got up in masses – within 50 yards of front line. They however displayed wonderful vitality (thanks to blank cartridges) and tried to rush us. Result the umpires sounded “stand fast”, just as I was putting my reserve (1 Coy) in counter attack on Otago left flank. The show absurdly hurried. Duration 3/4 of an hour.
October 10th 1914
All troops marched to Lower Hutt and back – a vile day. Hurricane blowing 60 miles an hour. Left at 10am, got back at 6pm. The men marched well and none fell out. Col Chaytor,29 A.G. [Adjutant General] came and specially congratulated the Regt on its march discipline and said we were easily first as compared with the other Regts. I felt rewarded for all my growling and work. I am quite proud of the Regt. Col Chaytor said it would create a sensation at home. Dined at Govt House with Mater. She looked so nice. She didn’t want to come but enjoyed herself after all.... I had a good yarn with Her Excellency who referred to Mater’s gift of lilac30 last September. Stayed with Mater at Hotel Cecil.
October 13th 1914
...Went with Regt to Miramar – attack practice. Not Good Enough. I sailed31 for two of Coy [Company] Commanders. Determined to go back to most elementary work and take each company myself or get Hart and McDonnell to do so. I have given the Commanders a good show and they cannot train their Coys because they don’t know their work. I have been too considerate....
October 14th 1914
HMS Minotaur, armoured cruiser and the Jap armoured cruiser Ibuku [sic Ibuki] arrived to convoy us or help convoy. HMS Psyche and [HMS] Torch are also here. We go soon. Went ashore to buy a razor and pay a bill. Got some money. Saw three Jap officers in Whitcombe & Tombs. Maps! were their quest, always out for intelligence. I suppose we shall be at war with them within 10 years. I like the look of the officers and have always admired the Jap people. They appear to me to be patriotic – abstemious, industrious, brave and clean. They worship their ancestors and their children. They would make I believe A1 Christians. They are I believe honest except as to their traders who form the ignoble class. Domestic labour is noble. Mater came to lunch and met Hon Mr Allen, the Minister for Defence and his daughter, a Mrs Montgomerie. Allen was quite nice to me which I thought remarkable after all my growling about the rotten embarkation arrangements. Not his fault tho’!, those arrangements.32 At 4pm we went out and anchored in stream as did all the other transports. It won’t be long now! Poor Mater – broke down but is a brave woman and will soon be all right. Mot [Maurice Malone] was bringing the car down from Stratford and should have been here yesterday, but broke down at Sandon.33 We shall soon be sailing now. The weather since we went into camp at Awapuni has been wonderful, not a real wet day. May our good luck continue. My influenza is nearly right. I want no more of it. I took photos of the men of war and transports.
October 15th 1914, Thursday
Still at anchor in Wellington Harbour – 13 transports, two a/[armoured] cruisers. A cold windy day. We expect to sail tomorrow morning at 6am. So may it be. We go I believe via Australia and Suez Canal. Everybody in a good humour and stowing away. Miss Lawrence came off to see Lowe34 and had quite a stay on board. A.W. Reid of Stratford turned up too to see his son.35 I discovered that a Captain Vet Surgeon Walker is as fond of classical music as I am. I lent him my music and he enjoyed himself trying some of it. He doesn’t play badly, about my equal.
October 16th 1914, Friday
The day. We sailed at about 6am this morning. Everything almost was affective. It was a quiet calm grey and misty morning. Nature was mysterious – as befitted the quiet unannounced departure of our Force. No noise, anchor got up quietly and each ship seemed to slip away and take up its place in the line. HMS Minotaur led the way then followed in order, the Jap armoured cruiser Ibuki, the Maunganui (General Godley’s ship), Star of India, Hawkes Bay, Limerick, Tahiti, (this ship) Arawa, Athenic, Orari, Waimana, HMS Philomel and HMS Psyche.36 A most impressive sight, grim but harmonious. All was grey bar men. We were cheery and pleased to be moving at last. After we had got some 40 miles to sea, a convoy fleet was made up....
The day turned out warm and sunny, the sea smooth. Our speed is about 11 knots an hour.37 Our course apparently straight for Hobart. In the morning I was greatly put out by McDonnell – at 6.30am Brunt and Saunders came and asked that men be excused physical drill that “they might see the Heads”. I promptly refused. Then [all] of a sudden the band struck up! Too cheap for anything. Most inharmonious. In enquiry I found that McDonnell had taken on himself to order the band to play. I stopped it at once. I went for McDonnell. He won’t try and run my Regiment again. It was about time he was put into his place. After officers’ P/drill [Physical drill] I called all mine together and told them that the spirit of the Regiment was to be a doing of its work grimly and quietly without any beating of its chest or banging of drums! That to any right thinking soldier the striking up of our band with tune, I think, “everybody’s doing it” or some such blatant air was shocking. I am afraid that they didn’t all agree with me but they will learn. I again had to go for McDonnell. I had told my officers to wear belts on duty. He calmly said “It was against ships orders” (he prepared them as Ship’s adjutant). I denied this and went off to see Col [G.N.] Johnston, O/C troops. I overheard McDonnell saying he (meaning me) can’t go against King’s Regulations. I promptly looked up King’s Regulations and found that there was nothing in them against wearing of belts. They say officers will wear belts on duty. I promptly went for McDonnell and straightened him up. He is not loyal. He is spoilt. Partly my fault too – you can’t make a silk purse out of [a] sows ear, and you can’t make an “officer” in the best sense out of [a] sergeant major. McDonnell is still a sergeant major in character and is I am afraid too old to learn otherwise. If he does not alter his ways, I will leave him at the base. He asked to be relieved of the Regt adjutancy while he is ship’s adjutant and I agreed, this before he kicked over the traces.38 I am glad I agreed. I appointed Cox Acting and he and I can run things better without McDonnell.
At night we started on course of lectures. Col Johnston presided and I read extracts from Ruskin’s Lecture on War ( Crown of Wild Olive39). It was all right and will help a lot of our young officers I hope ... They can’t quite make me out as young Richmond40 (Lt in Artillery) said. They thought I was too much a man of blood and iron to read Ruskin! And yet Ruskin says “Better to slay a man than cheat him”! At night all lights nearly were put out or covered.
October 17th 1914
Wet, cold and rough. P[physical]/drill made difficulties and many sick. We kept work going and I kept well. Enjoyed my meals. The other ships are making prodigious bows and dipping into the sea. We seem to be the best of them. At last I got some wind sails rigged, a great improvement. They take the fresh air to the bottom of the holds. Tonight Home [medical officer] lectures on sanitation. I told him not to forget “the corners”! Lecture off as Home not up to it and very few officers fit to listen.
October 19th 1914
A grey day, the sea smoothing down wonderfully. Everybody shorter faced, none snap. My order for officers to wear belts etc on duty is having an excellent effect. I cannot understand any one trying to argue that it is contrary to King’s Reg. Captain McDonnell has a very limited view. I understand the objection to promotion of NCOs to commissions. Lack of education is a great misfortune. Had a yarn with Captain Greene, SA [Salvation Army].41 He said he was greatly impressed with the idea of reading Ruskin’s Lecture on War to our officers. He had never read Ruskin. I am prompting him to do so. Quotations would be of great help to all preachers. Ruskin knew his Bible better than most of them. Col Johnston is properly very irate at finding many of his artillery officers reading novels instead of their drill books, etc. We are putting up an extract from Ruskin’s Lecture on War – beginning “never waste a moment”, etc. Have just arranged class of instruction for NCOs. 20 might come and will announce holding of an exam at the end.
To my horror Col Johnston tells me that McDonnell holds the opinion that as men get dirty on active service, the sooner they begin to so get the better. He probably is not altogether serious but following on Captain Home’s lecture on sanitation, I don’t like it. Neither does Johnston....
October 20th 1914
A bright breezy day. I have obtained most readily Col Johnston’s permission to put day by day short quotations suitable to circumstances and helping to mould characters of our officers. I have prepared one for each day up to November 15th. Tomorrow’s refers to its being anniversary of Battle of Trafalgar and quotes Nelson’s famous signal. I then quote Wellington on ‘Loyalty’. I hope and think the series will do good. Prepared and got typed synopsis of my lecture for tonight, “appreciation of the situation”. Run 263 miles.
We reach Hobart at about noon tomorrow. All troops land and go for two hour route march. Men washed clothes today as water supply extra. Aired bedding too. Took a cruise round to see what scrapers,42 12 men, do. Nothing. I shall sack Sgt Southam43 and get another man. 12 men @ 5/-per day to do nothing is wicked. I could do the work myself in eight hours easily. QM Sgt Dallinger44 will have to go too I think. He stalks and swells45 about, but he has left the caustic soda in Wellington after all. I feel wild. Find that we join the Australian Division. They have 28 transports. What a fleet it will be, 38 transports and all the men of war.
Here I am in the best of health with all things reasonably well with me. I wish you were here too but it is no use wishing. I look forward to meeting you in England. I do hope that all is going well with you too. I carry with me a lovely picture of you, or rather a series of lovely pictures, going to Government House, being there, returning and staying. You looked so bonny I was quite proud of you and so pleased when Colonel Johnston said he had had the two nice girls, one on each side of him at dinner. He is a fine chap and I like him very much.
I am very comfortable. Have had an extra clean of my cabin, on my own. I get up at 6am and lumber into my bath, which is ready for me, dress, go out and supervise the men’s physical drill 6.30 to 7am then do such drill with the other officers 7am to 7.30am, shave, walk until breakfast at 8.30, attend non-commissioned officer and officer class at 9am to 9.15am then supervise work of men 9.15am to 12 noon, walk, lunch at 1.15pm, 2pm to 4.45 prepare work or lecture etc, supervise men at work or go round quarters and growl at the dirt, walk and talk, issue orders for next day, see all and sundry, dinner 6.30pm. Good digestion waits on good appetite. 8pm lecture to 9pm, walk, to bed at 9.30pm, read until 10pm.
I send you copy of my diary which I hope will interest you.
The only fly in my ointment is McDonnell. I think, however, he is chastened and sorry. I keep him aloof. He is too big for his boots and I helped to make him so.
I hope that Maurice and Norah got down all right and that they are playing the game. I hope that Maurice will get something to do and do it. Molly I presume is quite herself again, the dear little soul. Denis and Barney I suppose are back at school making up for lost time.
We get some war news every day and don’t like to hear of the naval losses.
Just heard that we have a case of measles on board, an Auckland man, one of 20 put on to us at the last day. I didn’t like the notion at the time, of “strays” being dumped on to us. Let us hope that the case can be kept to itself and landed at Hobart tomorrow. I wonder whether you have written and the authorities have sent on your letter to meet me at Hobart or Albany or Freemantle [sic, Fremantle]. I shall look forward to your letters.
I think of you all, you especially, every night before I go to sleep and pray that all may be well with all of us.
This is a great change in our lives but it was to be and we are doing our duty. Edmond is looking well and getting hard, thank goodness. Terry is all right. He was hard. I have got rid of all fat too. Goodbye now, my dearest. Love to you and the children.
October 21st 1914
Trafalgar Day. “England expects that every man will do his duty”.
Calm morning. We sighted land about 4am. At about 9am as channel narrowed we formed single line. The Japanese cruiser Ibuki impresses me as the most businesslike of our escort. She growls if any straggling or lights too bright. This is in keeping with my idea of the Jap. I understand him, I think in such matters. I took a snap of HMS Philomel as she came up from rear to head of lines. My lecture last night went off all right. Started a class for privates who wish to sit for promotion. S/M [Sergeant-Major] Parks conducts it. Edmond and Terry both well, neither been sick so the family was consistent. We had an interesting run to Hobart with land on both sides. Arrived there about 12 noon, anchored in stream, while 6 of the transports went alongside. I took several photos of shore points. In afternoon boat race, cutters, artillery, mounted rifles, one boat each. Wellington Inf two boats (one of these the Machine Gun section), 16 men to pull each boat. I stroked our boat and suggested that Meldrum should stroke his and Johnston the artillery but they could not see it, so they coxed instead. A hard race. We pulled down to the Waimana about two miles. Started there and finished at Arawa – wind and some tide against us, artillery 1st, MR 2nd, Wellington Inf 3rd but not a 1/2 boat’s length between us. Our cox, young Harston,46 steered on an erratic course and we should have beaten the MR but the artillery were too good for us. Our crew was very scratch, and about three of them didn’t pull near their weight. Hard work but good fun....
October 22nd 1914
Reveille 5am. Route march, starting 8am to Newton and back round over the hill and through town. Most enjoyable tramp but hot and close. Got back at 11am. The Hobart people I believe put us a long way before their own troops, bigger and steadier and better every way. My Regt led coming home. We had no horses so I walked all the way – about 10 miles. Had a good bath on return and enjoyed my lunch! Hobart is a nice town. Houses built of stone and brick mostly. Beautiful flowers, roses especially. At one halt I was just opposite a house covered with roses. An old lady came out and told me to help myself. I did. She said her name was Brent (Miss) and asked me whence I came. She wound up by saying “Give it to those Germans”!! We had no leave so I did not see the shops. A small boy on the wharf sold us 5 picture post cards, all he had. I just managed to address them to the children and then went over to where the crowd of spectators were and asked a girl to post them. The crowd gave us an enthusiastic send off at about 12.30pm.... At about 4pm we sailed for Albany. Lecture by Col Johnston on military etiquette, all right. During night the transport had to sound sirens owing to fog.
October 25th 1914, Sunday
A beautiful day after a calm night. Our good luck sticks to us. Our physical drill is doing us heaps of good. Greene the SA [Salvation Army] Chap [Chaplain] is reducing or being reduced visibly! There are others who can stand reduction including myself. Church parade. Made my men parade in proper uniform with side arms. The others in their denims suffered badly by the comparison. I make my officers wear boots now when on duty and thus be completely properly dressed. I am satisfied that deck shoes, no belts, etc, leads to slackness and demoralisation. I am making the NCOs shave at least every other day and will thus get down to the men. I wonder what Mater and the family are doing. I hope that they are all well and happy.
A Lance Corporal47 on Ruapehu died today and was buried. All transports stopped steaming and all hands were paraded and stood to attention for a 1/4 hour during the burial. The Ruapehu steamed into centre between the two divisions of transports. We started classification of the men into classes (1) preliminarily qualified, (2) unqualified and can thus work up the latter at their own expense. We have started competitions between sections, platoons and companies of the Regt, complete units, not the pick of the men. It is the worst we want improved. We (Infantry Regt) have challenged the other Regts in this brigade to competition at 1st landing. Subjects: 1. Physical drill. 2. Squad drill. 3. Rifle exercises. 4. Firing exercises. 5. Semaphore signalling. My officers are not seeing with me too readily. They each want their own way and have some of them a supercilious air when I am telling them what I want and mean to have done. I call a conference and lay any new proposals before them and consult them so as to interest them and give them a say. But I am beginning to think the only way is to have a council of one, myself and simply issue orders. I have always been convinced that “Councils of War” are mistakes and am now almost convinced that councils of training, etc, when junior officers of ones own unit are present, are all mistakes too. You ask their opinion and 9 times out of 10 can’t accept it. It is a big job the breaking in of a new Regiment. Over 1100 men to handle.
I am not at all pleased with Brunt48 and Saunders49, the only two Company Commanders on this transport. Cook50 the 2nd in command of Hawkes Bay Coy is with us but has only 1/2 the Coy. He is all right. I am convinced that an officer must be a gentlemen bred. The lack of real education is a great misfortune. Brunt I think is a Boer with Negro blood. Saunders is too small in the head. Neither of them are gentlemen. Cook is. Cunningham51 and Young52 are all right, tho’ the latter is too “easy osy and plump[”]. Cook his 2nd is the better man. I am cultivating the younger officers and shall not hesitate to supersede incompetents. I hope I shan’t be too much disliked but I cannot pretend to like people if I don’t. I find myself keeping aloof from most of my officers. I am glad I am with Col [G.N.] Johnston. I like him and I think he likes me so I spend what little spare time I have with him. At 5.30pm he turns on the gramophone for my benefit. He is quite an education to me. His wife is very nice, shrewd, full of tact and common sense. The child is a good little soul – not at all spoilt and she and I are becoming quite friends. I would that Mater and Molly not to mention the others were here. Lecture by Col Johnston “Effect [of] artillery fire on Infantry”. All right.
October 27th 1914
A wet day, grey, warm and misty. I had to go for QM Sgt Dallinger, ship’s QM Sgt. I was very tired of the casual way in which decks were swept, food everywhere ... so at 6.30am I sent for Dallinger and dressed him down. He told me that the decks had been swept. I promptly and most emphatically told him not to lie. I was justly angry. Later he saw Col Johnston and wanted to resign. I had told him that if he didn’t do his work I would get him sacked. Johnston saw me and I gave him the facts and he will back me in my efforts to clean up and keep clean. He gives me a free hand, and is pleased. General Godley53 told him when he was at Wellington that he heard that the Arawa was the cleanest of the transports.... Bar the dirt, everything going well. My officers are knuckling down. Perhaps I have been thinking too hardly of them. I set a high standard I believe but no other is of any use. Worked all day appreciating situation, in tactical problems....
October 28th 1914
Grey morning, ship rolling heavily but sea smooth and little wind. Land not in sight – now 7am. We get up now at 5.45am. Land in sight....
We anchored in King George Sound, Albany at about 10.30am this day – we found some if not all (28) of Australian transports anchored. They look a piebald lot. The Australian Government hasn’t troubled to paint them man of war grey – as the New Zealand Government did the New Zealand transports. They (the Australians) therefore are all sorts of colours and do not look as businesslike as we do. Then they are lettered thus “A” with a number say A.3. We put up “H.M.N.Z.T.” with a number. I understand however that the Australians have plenty of room for men and horses, even sand rolls for the horses. We are dotted all over the sound. The men of war are anchored at entrance and the others in the inner harbour....
29-31st October 1914
November 1st 1914
Combined convoy sails (26 Australian and 10 New Zealand troopships) HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne replace HMS Philomel and HMS Psyche as escorts.
....It is 7am and I have a quarter of an hour to myself. I send you my diary which will give you such news as I have. The days pass better now but I do miss you so much. I often picture to myself the voyage if you were with me. It would be lovely. Some day ere54 long we will journey together and I will be able to look back on this voyage with equanimity. I think of you every night and morning and hope that all is well with you and that you are having a good time. I am so hoping that there will be a letter from you for me at Albany....
I am very fit and am looked upon as a wonder when I say I am 55. I certainly feel very active and light-footed. All the better for there will be endurance wanted later on in Europe. I am working hard, learning all I can of my job.
...We saw some whales one day spouting away. Wouldn’t Denis have been delighted. One night we passed a shoal of phosphorescent jellyfish, great blobs of light.
It is warm. We got quite hot during our physical drill this morning.
I sent you a copy of the Arrower, our newspaper.55 Home is Chief Editor. The reference to my hands is consequent upon the boat race. They were not blistered but I rubbed a bit of skin off another part of my anatomy. The thwart on which I sat was very rough! I have kept this fact to myself or it might have been “Arrowered”. Do you have plenty of visitors? You must tell me all your doings. Why not keep a small diary as I am doing and send me a copy. These carbon books are good for the purpose....
Do you get any news of us? I suppose not but remember the Honourable Mr Allen said “no news was good news”. Did Mot get a job and how goes the car?...
I hope that Gordon sends you the rents promptly, and that you will be able to manage on the total amount. I have spent 18/- on one dozen films and 1/- on Lifebuoy soap so I shall save money. My washing is all right. Young Okey,56 my batman does it. I gave him a lesson. He is a son of the Fred Okey57 that was on the Papamoa with you.
Breakfast bugle has just gone. I am quite ready for the meal.
Goodbye my dear one. Don’t forget all about me and write as often and as much as you can, but don’t spend too much time over writing. I hope you are well. You will be able to get fat now.... My love to Norah who I hope is helpful to you and obedient. Tell Denis and Barney that I expect letters from them. I hope they got the postcard from Hobart. Give them all my love, and an extra lot to Molly. My greatest love to you who are dearest to me of all.
November 2nd 1914
The concert last night given by men of Hotel Cecil and was very good. Carbines58 of Taranaki Coy (my Regt) at the piano was facile princeps.59 His accompaniments improvised are really wonderful. There was a tenor (one Harrison), baritone respectively AI. There was a comical side to their singing too. Harrison a small podgy, no figure man in dirty deck shoes, Chinaman’s denim trousers and a no cut denim tunic singing “Come into the garden Maud” like an angel and was as to dress too absurd for anything. Smith the baritone had a grand voice and almost a perfect enunciation.... Fine day but we are not steaming as fast as before we joined the Australians. Only 228 miles in this 24 hours. Heard today that we go via the Cape and not Colombo. Everybody very disappointed. Still it is all in the days march. We may it is surmized call at the Cape or somewhere [?] there and then at Durban or Port Ely [Port Elizabeth] both for water, etc.60 ... Though we little thought it would be under such circumstances. About 18 days voyage, weather warmer but plenty of bracing wind.
I had trouble with McDonnell again. Young Lepper61 complained to me that McDonnell had called him a b_____ ass in front of the men and refused to apologise. I spoke to McDonnell and said he was to apologise. He tried to excuse himself on plea that [on the] occasion [he] was not “on duty”. I ruled the plea out. Today I found that he had done nothing so I saw him again and expressed my astonishment at his attitude and asked him if he was going to apologise or not. He said no. I at once reported the matter to Col Johnston as O/C Troops and said the matter must be settled. He quite agreed with me and told McDonnell to apologise or we would report him to the General. McDonnell caved in. He is a fool. He thinks I am hard on him and doesn’t seem to understand that I command my Regt and not he! If I have any more nonsense from him, I shall get rid of him. He is an ungrateful beast anyway. Lack of education is his misfortune. The Australians were a blaze of light last night. They don’t seem to understand. The New Zealand ships were in absolute darkness to the outside world except for side lights (red and green) which cannot be seen many miles away. We carry no mast head lights at most times. On certain occasion (weather) the Maunganui carries head and stern lights (white). Sea somewhat rough.
November 4th 1914
Calmer. Last night we rolled famously. Kept most people including myself awake until about 2am. The skipper seems inclined to think that we go Colombo after all. He says we are not steaming a course to fit in with crossing to the Cape. Wrestling match this afternoon between J. Robertson62 of 2 MR and Hine63 of Wellington Inf Regt, 10 stone 10 and 11.5 respectively. Robertson is a light weight champion of Scotland and elsewhere a tall lithe piece of steel. Hine the typical wrestler, short broad and round. Urquhart was referee. Prize £10, 25% going to Regtl Fund. 1st bout, 18 minutes, a splendid go. Robertson won it. 2nd bout, 6 minutes. Robertson ruled too much for Hine and won. He is a sport. He at once divided the purse with Hine. Col Johnston not well, stomach trouble. I don’t care about telling him but he goes through the menu too freely. I told him to diet. Suggested no meat or soup and such things. He and his wife are most interesting people....
November 5th 1914
A calm, warm morning. It is now 6.45am so I write up remainder of yesterday’s events and await physical drill at 7.15am. I think Colombo is our next port of call right enough. I had to give a man field punishment yesterday for insubordination. He was up before me two days ago for same offence – after repeated appearances before his Coy Commander. I had given him 24 hours detention – which he, it was reported, said he enjoyed. I did my best to get him to promise to mend his ways and would then have not given him field punishment. He said “I promise nothing”. So I had to inflict it. 24 hours in handcuffs, two of which to be passed attached to a fixed object. Before I turned in I sent Cox to tell the Sergeant of the Guard to give the man bedding and free him of handcuffs until daylight if he behaved.
November 6th 1914
A grey calm warm morning.... The Commander of whole fleet (HMS Minotaur) complimented the New Zealand transports on their obedience to convoy orders and especially to their darkening all lights. He gave the Australians a good dressing down. Time too – nearly every ship is full of lights. They are endangering the fleet or rather some part or parts of it. Why will not people take their job seriously? Even on this transport I go round every evening and find a carelessness and want of thought. Ports and doorways unscreened! A concert last night on boat deck in the dark and consequently not a perfect success. A glee party appeared and sang beautifully “Farewell”.... I spent a couple of hours developing. I have only one film now to do. I hope the printing will be a success. I started to read Strategy by ... [sic]. Spent two hours and propose to set that time apart every day 4pm to 6pm for it. No lecture last night being an off night. Awnings put up, a great boon to the men drilling all day. A most lovely sunset last evening. A wonderful study in greys and pink.... I look forward to them but how I wish that Mater was here to enjoy them too. Nelson was the last place where we saw them together.
November 8th 1914
...It was very hot last night in bunk. Even a sheet was too much covering. Our trouble is that the salt water bath water is quite hot. It has something to do with the condenser. I must try and get some water drawn from the sea. Its temperature is possibly about 70°[21° C] but the bath water is over 100°[38° C]. I am in splendid condition though. I gave my officers a strong hint yesterday as to their diet. They were wanting my permission to go about in shirt sleeves and Lord[?] knows what. The MR and artillery officers are allowed to do so. But I have been insisting on my officers being properly uniformed and until the doctor tells me that health demands less clothing which I shall not readily believe they will have to be. I told them to eat less! That three full meat meals a day in the tropics was absurd. It is appalling the way most of them eat. They know no better I suppose. The inspection by Col Johnston went off all right. Some of the Company Commanders came asking as it was so hot would I put off the parade! No!! We have just received word of the naval disaster at Valparaiso.64 Very bad management. We understand that we have 70 ships in the Pacific, the Germans only five and yet we cannot concentrate in superior numbers. The first principle of war neglected. I remember the Germans in their official account of the S.A. War were saying the British Generals dearly love dispersal and detachment of their forces. The navy has come badly out of the war so far. Everybody was saying the navy is the one up-to-date show of the British Forces, yet it is the army that leads. It is splendid, more power to it. The knowledge that the German ships are at Valparaiso make our minds easier here. The Minotaur left us this morning. I finished my developing on Friday. On the whole the photography is a success. I am going to do a print of each and send them to Mater from Colombo. Our run yesterday 249 miles. Today ought[?] to be a lot better. Col Johnston gave us a most interesting lecture last night. Comparison of British, German and French artillery. He is a good lecturer and knows his job. He was very complimentary about the Regt yesterday. But I told my officers that we would have to begin again, not thorough enough. They had to agree but they have been thinking that we were going too slow. The competitions opened their eyes. Still the men are keen and all will be well. I am writing this under most comfortable circumstances on the ship’s deck in my deck chair – a lovely breeze is blowing. The temperature however is 93°[34° C] in the shade. How Mater would revel in it. Would that she were here....
November 9th 1914, Monday
...It is now cool on the weather side of our shade deck but as soon as we walk about and go into meals we perspire! I am reviewing the training and am going to begin again! More work for the NCOs and officers and less for the men until the officers and NCOs are better able to teach, Festina lente.65 Concert last night. I didn’t go. I don’t think the average soldiers comic song should be encouraged on Sunday. It is generally a bit risqué. Sunday with its three or four divine services to wind up in the evening with double entendre canticles is wrong. I don’t mean that those songs are right at any time but the world has them and the authorities cannot very well interdict them on weekdays but it could on Sundays. Every day I know should be holy but Sunday is the Lord’s day and there is a special command regarding it. I proposed to the O/C Troops to censor the programme but he didn’t think it feasible. I will have a go at the concert directors....
November 10th 1914
Fine hot. Sea smooth, rolly morning. Yesterday was an interesting day. The Emden (German a/cruiser, which has done deeds in this ocean for months passed) was smashed at Cocos Island by HMS [sic, HMAS] Sydney, one of our escort. The circumstances are somewhat extraordinary. At about 6.30am the acting wireless operator (one Private Falconer of my regt) was on duty and got the call SOS (distress signal) from Cocos Island which we were then passing at a distance of about 50 miles. The call was repeated about 50 times – some other operator (the Emden) breaking in and trying to jumble the signal. Then the words “a strange man of war entering the harbour” were made out. Our operator was the only man who got the signal message, the reason being that one of the assistants to the wireless officer on the transport had brought with him a privately constructed detector of a very sensitive nature and had attached it to the ship’s instruments. It was owing to this that the signal message was got and made out.66 This assistant is a signaller in the army Signal Coy with us. We tried to get our flag ship by wireless. She is only a mile away but...
Nov 10th 1914 [cont]
but as she was busy signalling on these matters – we didn’t succeed. We tried to get HMS [sic, HMAS] Melbourne – but same result.
At 6.15am today we got word per Ibuki that the Emden had her foremast and 3 funnels down and surrendered. Sydney intact – she is remaining to take off guns of Emden and the wounded and prisoners. She will rejoin us after 24 hours bringing the prisoners. Smart and good work. The Emden on night of 8th Inst must have been within 10 or 12 miles of us. But apparently didn’t know of us. She is well out of the way. It was an extraordinary bit of bad luck for her our passing so close to Cocos Island and to our picking up the message from that island....
It was amusing to see the Australian Transports last night. Hitherto they were a blaze of light. Last night hardly a light showing anywhere – the NZ Transport[s] have always been in dark – muchly to our discomfort. Still we were playing the game. How the Emden would have enjoyed a fling amongst us. I had been hoping that she would strike us. We are waiting to get full details of the “scrap”.
Yesterday was very hot 90°[32° C] in the shade in our cabins – the worst is that we cannot get a cool bath in the morning or at any time. We mean to make the captain do something. Our physical drill takes the sweat out of us and then we have to cool down the best way we can.... I wonder how our horses will get on. They are just shedding the last of their NZ coats! Things are going smoothly – our beginning again will bear good fruit. I got all the NCOs together yesterday and bucked them up to redoubled efforts. More thoroughness. The effect was good I feel sure. Things have to be tightened up – not slacked – even if the weather is hot.
We served out our hammocks today but that wooden headed chump Dallinger, could only produce 130 instead of the 200 which I bought and the Wairarapa people paid for – and which Dallinger had to see on board. That is the last straw – when he takes up his Regimental duties again I sack him from QM Sgtcy. He is now Ship’s QM Sgt and should be sacked from that job. Another of McDonnell’s bad picks. The latter, by the way, is very sweet to me now but I don’t mean to trust him very far all the same. I can very easily run the Reg’t without him and really would prefer to do so. Capt Cox makes a very gentlemanly Adjutant and is attentive to his job and keeps his place.
Capt Hume lectured68 last night ‘Ammunition Supply’ – It was a good lecture. I lecture tonight on The Attack so have been busy preparing and drawing on the blackboard – diagrams etc, etc.
Another lovely sunset last night. Greys and golds and yellow pinks. If only I could paint.
November 11th 1914
...My lecture tonight went off all right but it is a great strain for the listeners to sit in the saloon at temps 88°[31C] and pay attention for 3/4 of an hour. Instead of formal following of textbook I gave them the Battle of Driefontein69 – with maps – on the Blackboard and from it made all the points relating to the attack, from a Division down to a section of Infantry. Plenty of diagrams I hope made the matter clear. The Australians were alight again last night. They seem a slack lot. Perhaps it is my prejudice against Australians. I have it I know but cannot say why. I must be juster – and only judge on 1st hand evidence. Yet there is evidence of slackness on their part and a comparison unfavourable to them can be made every day. Our run yesterday was 250 miles. Good!
November 12th 1914
...We pass the Equator tomorrow and Neptune is coming aboard in state.70 Heard yesterday that all correspondence is to be censored. We can write nothing about the Convoy or Expedition. That means that I cannot send Mater the duplicate of these notes or any papers that I have been saving up for her. It is a dashed nuisance but still I suppose it is necessary. Mater will be content, so long as she knows that we are all right. When we get to England I presume we will be able (allowed) to send the news of this voyage....
My Regt competitions (finals) are held today. It is now 6.15 and I can hear the various competing sections drilling all over the ship – practising. I am glad the men are so keen. And there are no prizes, except certificates. We will go on holding competitions. Every week. We will divide the sections into 3 classes and have competitions in each – so as to give all hands a chance to do something.
I am sorry to find that the Sports people have put on an event called a “Bun and Treacle” race. One of those more or less degrading things that the world still thinks good fun. I hate “scrambles” etc. They sort of teach the competitors to act like brute animals. I shall try and get my men not to enter for the race...
Electric fans are being erected in the men’s holds. The good Wairarapa people put a dozen of such fans on board. I shall never forget them and Morrison their chairman.71
November 13th 1914
...Our competitions yesterday were a success. Some 100 men completed in sections and were quite good. We got the machine gun men to compete between themselves. They gave a good exhibition. In the Rifle Exercise a Ruahine Section was first, Taranaki filled 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The winners had decidedly more snap and vigour and so won. [Major John W.] Brunt the Taranaki Commander is a somewhat heavy thick slow man and conceived this notion that a stately action was the proper thing. I gave him the tip after the show was over to wake his men up then they could win. The Ruahine commander [Major Edward H. Saunders] is a somewhat puny man with little go, but he let his Sgt-Major run his men and they coming from a drier, harder country beat the mud plodders from moist, soft Taranaki. Australia can play cricket and New Zealand cannot for the same reasons.
This afternoon Neptune’s advance party of Bath assistants – the proper ceremony owing to the rain being postponed to tomorrow, took charge and ducked all in sundry. They were a merry good-natured crowd – and all hands except Col Johnston and myself and one or two Majors took part. Personally I don’t think any officer above rank of Subaltern should allow the men to collar and pitch them into the bath – a big canvas sail – still it is difficult I suppose to draw the line. A most unfortunate accident happened. Lt Surgeon [Ernest] Webb72 lost his head and of his own accord took a header dive from the top of the horse boxes into the bath about 3ft deep and “broke his neck”. He is not expected to live for more than 2 or 3 days. He is paralysed from the shoulders down. A really good able fellow. I like him and we often took a walk together. We are all very sad. The Maunganui sent 2 of their doctors over, but nothing could be done. Webb was unmarried, had no-one dependent on him. He is a Dunedin man. Had he been shot in action it would have been so different. Still is, was to be. We have another chap73 in a dangerous condition. He had appendicitis and was operated on last night, a complicated case Home says.
November 14th 1914
The rain is over. We have a calm sea and grey morning. We left the main fleet yesterday, and are going ahead as fast as we (the New Zealanders) can. This to save time and we are more in want of water etc than the Australians owing to our longer journey. We are pleased and we expect to arrive at Colombo tomorrow morning. It has been announced that correspondence to New Zealand can be closed but closed letters will be delayed. They may be opened and censored but it is unlikely. I will therefore write Mater a formal open letter with practically no news and send another closed.... I am very fit – have reduced my waist by 2 1/2 inches. A 1/2 hour physical drill in a temperature of 84° to 88°[29°–31°C] gets rid of fat. A large number of the officers have dropped out. They however are not proud of themselves. Yet they seem to somewhat resent the action of those who are sticking it out!! I am 10 years older than the oldest of them [except Brunt, who was 52] and am glad of the chance of getting really fit. The campaign in front of me is bound to be one of hardship. The fit man is going to do the best work. Our run yesterday 259 miles we crossed the Equator – about 11am.
November 15th–16th 1914
This is a formal letter, which can only contain matters not concerning our business. It is to be censored. We are allowed to write what is called a closed letter, which will be delayed here, so that any information deemed prejudicial will be practically out of date. I am writing you also a closed letter and sending you sundry papers, our newspaper and you will thus understand the brevity of this.
I am hoping that a letter from you may have got to Colombo and will be received by me. Needless to say it would be a great joy. We are all well. I am as fit as the proverbial fiddle. My waistline is 2 1/2 inches less, and it was nothing very huge before. We have had a good passage, smooth seas, beautiful sunsets, a distant electrical display behind masses of clouds with a wonderful effect, one day’s rain, which was helpful to the washing. Tell the youngsters that there are lots of flying fish. They fly 100 yards or more. We are working as hard as is possible with a temperature up to 88° Fahrenheit[31°C]. Practically no sickness, thank God, but a dreadful accident. Webb, one of our medicos at the Crossing the Line ceremony of Friday last, dived into the bath and so injured his spine that he cannot recover. He may linger on for a time. A grand young fellow, one of my right hand men in all sanitary matters. I liked him before most of the others. He said to me the other day, “When I first joined you, I thought there was rather much rousting74 but I am convinced that it is now not so, to break in raw men and above all officers is a difficult job and one must roust and roust until they are broken in.” It is very sad to see him lying paralysed from the shoulders down. But it was to be and God’s will is to be done. The next world after all to the good living man is the best after all.
And how are you all getting on? I think of you every day and hope that all is well with you and that all the children and not excepting Norah and Mot are all that they should be. Don’t forget to get that photo of your sweet self taken and sent to me. With all my love to you all.
November 17th 1914
We sailed from Colombo about 10am. Some 28 of us. We go to Aden reach there in about 7 days. We will be Home in about 4 weeks. We have 30 German stokers on board, prisoners from the Emden – 2 Warrant Officers and a Lieutenant Engineer “Hass”. We are not pleased. We had a crowded ship before and now we will have to keep a guard over these prisoners night and day. Poor devils they have had an awful experience. The Sydney smashed the Emden killing 130 and wounding seriously some 50 out of about 230. The killing too was horrible. The ship was a shambles men literally blown to pieces.... I haven’t had a talk with Hass yet. We put him on parole and he lives and messes with us. He seems a very decent fellow. The men look a clean harmless lot. They are herded up in part of our boat deck under our awning with 3 armed sentries over them. Their presence brings home the reality of the war. Several of them are slightly wounded and Home is quite busy dressing the wounds.... I took a photo with their permission of the Germans on board here and of Lt Hass. He asked me not to put him in the newspapers. I told him I had no thought of doing so.
November 20th 1914
Another day fine and smooth sea. Warm, but a nice breeze from the N.E. I am all right as to inoculation result except for some tenderness in the flank. Some 20 privates of the Ruahine Coy are objecting to being inoculated. Also S/S/Ms Dallinger and Foster.75 I had the two taken up before Col Johnston. I had the men up and did my best to get them to agree. Inoculation is not compulsory and the authorities forgot to make it a condition of enrolment. Only one man in Taranaki Company objected. He is a grandson of EM Smith76 of NP and a son of Tom Smith.77 I believe – a queer sort of a man. Major Brunt anyway thinks he can get the lad to submit. Any men who persist will be made the scavengers of the Regt and will not be taken to the front. I am inclined to take their rifles from them and treat them as non-combatants. I gave them until 4pm tonight to make up their mind.
Have just heard that this transport, the Maunganui, Star of India and Tahiti with 10 of the Australians are going ahead of the rest, to Aden, to coal. We are glad the extra speed of 2 1/2 knots per hour, seems to push us along, and we will thus see Aden – sun baked hole as it is called.... Our German prisoners now peel potatoes etc, and so save our own men.
I tried staying in bunk this morning. All parades have been cancelled for 3 days on account of the innoculations. I read a French book La Piste Millicinanto78 a sort of Doctor detective story. I hope that by reading French I will soon be able to speak it again. I try and think of it during the day, from time to time.
Sick nursing rhymes
...It is 6.15am and I am sitting on deck dressed or rather undressed for physical drill at 7.15am. It is a lovely grey morning, cool (81° Fahrenheit, in shade!!)[27°C], the sea quite smooth, a lovely sunrise. Greys, oranges, yellows and sepias, all shades like a sunset in reverse. We left Colombo on Tuesday last, a week ago today. Our voyage has been uneventful, smooth, fine, breezy and not oppressively hot, down to 80° Fahrenheit some mornings. We have all been inoculated for Typhoid. An hypodermic syringe is used on the left side of the abdomen. There is tenderness and malaise for some two to three days after injection of the serum or whatever the stuff is properly called. Some of the men (rotters) objected and our stupid medical authorities in New Zealand although providing for vaccination when a man enlisted, either didn’t know of or forgot to provide for inoculation. I am not sure but that they thought that “vaccination” covered everything. One learned officer tried to argue that vaccination covered inoculation against typhoid (my spelling is getting weak!). He doesn’t understand the value of words.
I am very much put out to think that any of my men are so exotic. There is only one man in the Taranaki Company and two in the Hawkes Bay Company, but 21 in the Ruahine Company. As to the Wellington West Coast Company on the Maunganui I cannot at present speak. We have tried them every way. As a last effort I had the objectors up before me and Home and asked them to state their objections. Childish! I got Home to explain the matter and then made them understand that if they persisted, I should have to treat them as a class by themselves, make “shoeshines” of them, not soldiers and would try and get them sent back to New Zealand at once, as useless. I must say some of them were men who never ought to have been accepted. The bulk of them, 66%, are not New Zealanders and have not long been in New Zealand. I am afraid that our immigration agents at home do not do their duty. Government ought to insist on only picked men and women be allowed to come to New Zealand. I had of course noticed odd men, unfit on our New Zealand standard and when we gathered them together, they were a queer sorry lot, undersized, weak jawed, ill formed, yet the fathers of future New Zealanders! I wonder whether our sometimes called statesmen ever think of their duty in nation building. I know that the immigrants are supposed to be selected, but it has been obvious for years past as you and I have ere now seen that the selectors don’t do their duty. Dereliction of duty is I am afraid a common sin – lack of discipline everywhere. Statesmen, so called, afraid of “voters” and taking the line of ease and least resistance. The education of our part of the world is all wrong. I am afraid this is not interesting, but I write as I think. I cannot write about our business specially. I wonder when I shall get a letter from you. On arrival at our destination I hope.
Poor Webb died last Tuesday. The GOC at Colombo sent us a wireless message. The officers on this ship left £16 with the military authorities at Colombo to fix up Webb’s grave and put up a cross over it....
We are a healthy ship I am glad to say. We seem to be beating the measles too. We are starting to increase the work. My Lieutenants have two hours a day Tactical Classes now under Hart. I propose to hold an examination when we get to England. This will make them work, even supposing that their sense of responsibility is not sufficient to make them do so.
I wonder whether you have been having warm weather. I think every day how you would revel in what we call heat. I hope that you are keeping well and are not being worried in any way. I hope also that you are making nice friends and enjoying life. You are not to worry about me. I am in the best of hard and rude health and will keep so I have no fear. No hump on my back, now straight up and down always and feeling 10 years younger if not more. You I suppose are getting fat, and so satisfying your ambition. I hope that you will write me a good long letter every week and give me all your news.
Some day we will come this route together. Don’t forget that you are to come to England when the war is over. Remember me to everybody who asks after me. I am sending some cards to the children. Have the boys gone back to Seatoun?
Edmond and Terry are well, the latter is acting Deck Sergeant still and is a good chap. Edmond hasn’t any particular responsibilities.... Goodbye my dearest with all my love to you and the children....
November 25th 1914
Arrived at Aden at about 6am.... We heard today that 100,000 troops had already passed thro Aden. Tomorrow 40 Transports are due from Bombay with more troops. Lloyd George79 seems to have made a fine speech in asking for authority to have another [£]225 millions. The resources of the British Empire are wonderful and all men have risen to the proper sense of their responsibilities to the Empire. As Lloyd George said we must finish things now and not leave our children to the German menace. Those who cannot give their lives can give their possessions. This war is the redemption of England and will leave the Empire better and greater in every sense....
November 27th 1914
In the Red Sea a hot muggy morning....
We had a lovely strong following wind last night. It was quite cool on deck. The wind has died away and we perspire. Still we all feel vigorous. At the moment they are doing their physical drill and there is plenty of vigour and snap in the vollies [sic] of commands by the NCOs and the men respond with vim. We the officers do our p. [physical] drill in 20 minutes. The men’s washing bothers me. They have not been allowed to wash clothes for 14 days and altho we were to get water for them y’day the Ship Captain said we would have to wait another week. Fancy with the limited outfit of under clothing of the men and all the hot weather and hard work they have had, not being able to wash for 3 weeks. I complained to Col Johnston and if we don’t get water at once I shall complain to the General. There is plenty of water but it costs money to replenish – they say! as tho’ cleanliness and consequent health is to be measured by money cost. I made a calculation that even at Aden price of water 7/-per ton, we could wash for £4.15.0 and allow every man 3 gallons of fresh water. Truly the European race is a dirty one, with little exception. I look at the Ibuki and week after week see well regulated lines of washed clothes drying literally covering the ship. And their own arrangements are so bad that our men, white men, some of whom call the Jap a brown monkey, cannot wash clothes for 3 weeks! The authorities cannot be expected to think about and provide for such paltry things! Reason, we are a dirty people. If we individually had to do our own work the white world would be like the white man, pigsty. I have some 24 officers on this boat and I doubt if more than 4 of them are really naturally clean. They don’t understand what it means. If it were not for the stewards and their batmen, their quarters would be disgraceful. But enough!
November 28th 1914
6.10am, temp. inside 86°F[30° C]. Last night on going to bunk it was 88°F[31° C].... I spent my day today, apart from routine work, in solving tactical problems. Lt Hass our German officer prisoner, had to sign a written parole, and McDonnell drew up one, making him sign not to take up arms against Gt. Britain and her allies until the end of the war. But said nothing about not escaping. Col Johnston made him alter this limiting period to end of voyage. Fresh one prepared and signed. I happened to be about after its signature. I asked to see it and then had to point out that it missed the whole object of parole – which from an honourable foe-officer, is simply that he will not try to escape or escape – as to bearing arms, etc that is nonsense. If a prisoner is not on parole he is under guard and may escape if he can. An officer on parole is free of guard, on condition of his giving his word that he will not take advantage of his freedom and try to or escape. Obviously what is wanted is his word accordingly. So McDonnell who tried to argue as usual when he is wrong, that the document meant what it didn’t say. That was the meaning of his argument. Col Johnston however made him go and rectify the error. McDonnell has a big lot of limitations. He is still a 1st Class Sgt Major, but is not and never will make a commissioned officer altho’ he holds the rank. I am very disappointed in him. But am not trembling. I have got his measure.... There are now in the Red Sea, steaming N., our 38 Transports and 40 more from Bombay: 78 big ships full of soldiers, guns and horses. We estimate 75,000 men! and 100,000 horses we are told already gone N. Germany with all her thoroughness and wisdom, never calculated on such movement. Thank God, the few troops we had were able to hold up, with the French, the German host, and is still holding them, if not more. Time is all against the Germans and there can now be no doubt as to the result of the war. They have done their best and worst, and have not really succeeded. Our weight is coming. The wonder of it all, the gathering of men in all parts of the Empire, their equipment and training and then the flood of them towards and to the Front. The command of the World’s seas! Well done those British Statesmen who have, in spite of active opposition of little Englanders, and the doubts of many of their friends, persisted in maintaining British supremacy at sea. The enormous cost is more than justified. It was but an insurance premium. If the same Statesmen could but have established universal military training in the British Isles there would have been no war. Lord Roberts was right and lived to see the proof.80
It is one of my regrets, that I cannot now see him. I had been looking forward to doing so. I had a message from old Captain Baillie81 in Wellington to him. Captain Baillie’s wife is some relation or connection of Lord Roberts.
Full marching order parade of my men today. They are busy cleaning up for it.
After appealing to the General we have got water to wash clothes with today. I am glad. But fancy having to fight to wash! I must now go to physical drill and get rid of what little adipose82 tissue remains to me. It would be awful to be fat, in this heat. I feel really energetic and alert, mentally and physically, but one perspires sitting down in the open shade writing....
| Sick report y’day | |
| Taranaki Coy | 2 men |
| Hawkes Bay 1/2 Coy | 1 man |
| Ruahine Coy | 3 men |
I am delighted – 3 out of the six were “sick” from bruises (accidental). What I call “soldier’s sickness”.
November 29th Sunday
...We got important news yesterday afternoon. We shall probably land at Suez to fight the Turks. It is a surprise to us. We had quite made up our minds that we should disembark in England. However it is all in our job, and Suez will be a much better place to winter in. Especially for our horses. If it is decided to disembark there we shall begin to land next Tuesday. The General on the Maunganui has gone ahead. We are making all arrangements to land and are not really sorry to be about to get off the ship. We have no doubt that in due time we will go to France and then on thro’ Germany. We want to see and be in the big fighting.
My marching order parade yesterday morning was a success. It was an act of fortitude. 88°F[31°C] in the shade. The men have improved! Their steadiness, general turn out and arms etc were up to a good standard. They stood like rocks the perspiration running down their faces in streams. It took me an hour and a quarter and wasn’t I wet when I finished. I am proud of my men. Full marching order, in the hottest part of the Red Sea, Home, as medico, was inclined to doubt the wisdom of it. I persisted however and no one was really the worse physically and all were the better morally....
Church parade this morning, some 6 of the German prisoners off the Emden are Catholics and paraded with us. The 2nd inoculation starts today. I got my identity disc today, a piece of white thin metal round and about the size of a halfcrown, stamped.
10/3983 is my number. R.C. means Roman Catholic. W.I. Regt Wellington Infantry Regiment. There is a small hole at the top, thro which is threaded a string by which the disc is suspended round ones neck. It is to be worn at all times, for, in case of need, identification purposes. I wonder whether Mater has got the former parts of the diary and whether it interests her much. It is not very exciting, but that cannot be helped. Let us hope there will be things more interesting and exciting to record. Later on I [will] find it somewhat of a resource, but it is getting I am afraid somewhat long winded. The short days are at hand. It is dark when we get up now. The men are just singing “God save the King” I stand up and think.
I wrote you at Aden a “censored” letter which is naturally a cool sort of public production. I had hoped to have been able to send you a little love letter, but it could not be. I must write you one now.
I miss you so much every day. While I am at work it is right enough but when I have finished and there is the long evening to go and it is too hot and too dark to work, I sit and think of you and all our best past, of the time when you met me at Lyttelton, our journey to Christchurch, my stay at Burkes at Papanui,84 the day of our marriage, and ever since then the returning home to your bonny sweet self and later to the dear children, our little holidays together, our walks, our journeys and the delight when you put your arm in mine and leant on me as your true support in life. When I was away, the receipt of your longed for letters, the joy of arriving home and the disappointment if you were not about immediately on my arrival or if you appeared to casually receive me. You sometimes didn’t like my apparent retirement to myself, but I loved you always. A man is often filled with business troubles and difficulties and must be affected, [?] some times he is tired and his nerves all of a jangle. I was often so I am sorry to think, but I was never content until I got home to you, and if I then remained in a cover of seeming selfishness, it was only a cover. You should know my dearest that you have been my only love. I have always loved you more than you did me. I loved you before and above everything and everybody, including the dear children. Whereas you know since the coming of our children that your love is divided and I think the children have the bigger half, that I believe on reflection to be only right and natural. I have I know at times seemed to resent it, but I know in my heart of hearts that the fact is one which endears you to me all the more. The maternal woman is the only true woman. God so made her. My resentment such as it was, was jealousy, an evil thing, a very evil thing out of it arose what little storms there have been in our wedded life. It was a great joy to me when you in time overcame it. You had no cause you know. On my part there never was any question, but as regarded our children, I am afraid that this appears somewhat like “the woman’s always in the wrong”. If so, forgive me. I am not acquitting myself of error. I might have been much nicer and better to you often and often and in many ways but I am as God made me, hard and unforgiving or rather resentful. Believe me when I was hardest I really loved the most and was miserable at heart. I won’t write any more of this or think of it, only all the many many joys of our married life.
I had to leave off writing here. This is the longest parting of our lives, hard to both of us but especially so for you. Yet you have the children with you and I hope the novelty and pleasure of plenty of new friends in a new scene. Still I think when you have put the children to bed, you will sit and think about your husband, so far away on his new mission. When I wake in the morning I think of how it is evening with you and I try to picture you to myself, hearing Molly and the boys pray for their Daddy and his safe return. I pray too that God may keep you strong, well and happy and safe to welcome me on my return or to join me at this end of the world when the war is over. I look forward so much to that joyful day. We are probably going to land in Egypt and be there for some months. I think of your desire to see Egypt and do so wish that you could come and be near me. But I should not be able to see much of you and we expect to be fighting the Turks.85 We are on the whole pleased at the idea of wintering in a good climate. It seems quite luxurious, but yet no doubt and I hope that there will be hardship.
...I hope that you have got my letters from Hobart, Albany and Colombo and that you are getting that photo of your dear self taken. I like the one I have very much, but I had had to paste a slip of paper over myself so as to have you by yourself. When I can get a moment I am going to cut you out and so fix up. I am sending you my diary leaves up to date which will give you my news and what not.... I wonder sometimes whether you feel tempted to take ship and come to me. How I envy Colonel Johnston having his wife with him. Not envy him his wife for she is nothing like my own dear girl. But it would be so lovely to sit on deck together, after dinner, in the dusk and cool and to have you about through the day. He doesn’t seem to appreciate the position. They are very prosaic and matter of fact. She might be his sister. I was going to say mother, for she is very old in her ways. We all like her for she minds absolutely her own business and is in no way in the way. Holly is not a dear loving little soul like Molly and is allowed to eat ham and omelettes by the plateful. She sits opposite to me at breakfast and gets a bit on my nerves over her food. Dear Molly. If only we could swap Mrs Johnston and Holly for you and Molly it would be lovely. Give her a good hug and kissing for me and let her give you the same for me. I am afraid I should crush you up. I feel so strong with my physical drill and no business all day sittings. I only hope that you feel as well as I do. I am one of the fittest men on the ship. No fat now. My separation from you is my only trouble. I do so hope that you are managing all right without me. I feel that you are, but a woman by herself is without the support she needs. Still I know you love me and will on that account get along with independence and honour to yourself. Keep yourself well and strong for my sake and look forward always as I do night and morning to our reunion, never more let us hope in this world to part. The dear children too I have notwithstanding all my love for you, their father’s love for them. Don’t spoil them dear. I know you won’t let them forget me. I hope they got or will get the elephants I sent them from Colombo.... With all my love and the memory of the kiss that was the sweetest to you of all those I have given you.
Give each of the children a good kiss from me. Give my love to Norah and Mot....
November 30th 1914
...We are all feeling very much refreshed. No work today. Everybody tender after the 2nd inoculation. Some of the men who refused inoculation are now asking to be done. I am not inclined to allow them to be done. They are obviously either “wicked” or mentally deficient in some way and would probably almost certainly be a trouble by and by. Better I think get rid of them now, if I can. We went to a great deal of trouble to get them to consent, but they refused. Their surrender now is I think too late. They look in the main a bad erratic lot and we would be well quit of them. I spent of couple of hours last night playing Schumann. The salon was nice and cool. I quite enjoyed myself. His “Arabesque” which Granny used to play so often, from memory, was particularly attractive to me and awakened many memories of long, long ago. Granny used to play it perfectly. I am wondering about our letters from NZ. I do so want to hear from Mater.... The sooner the better. 45 days since we left Wellington.
...We hear now that we are to hand over our German prisoners to HMS Hampshire and that we are to go thro’ the Canal and not disembark at Suez. Still obviously we are not going to England at present or we would not transfer our Germans. We shall know in a few days now.
We are. I did up my mail home, this afternoon, hoping to get it away by the censor Capt Shawe86 without delay.
December 2nd 1914
...We transferred our German prisoners to HMS Hampshire. They were an inoffensive lot. Still we are not sorry to get rid of them....