THREE
THE GUNS DO ROAR AT TIMES …
FRANCE
As the winter snow thawed on the Western Front, the Allies were now spread the length of the line with the Belgian army holding some 30 kilometres north of Ypres to Nieuport on the coast. The British army (including the dominion troops of Canada and India) held 130 kilometres from Ypres to the village of Albert in France. The French held the remaining 600 kilometres to the Swiss border.1 A zigzag line of trenches snaked its way across the countryside with networks of communication trenches linking the front to the rear supply areas. Since November 1914, following the German failure to break through in the First Battle of Ypres and again after Second Ypres which had commenced three days before the Gallipoli landing on 22 April 1915, the whole front had been deadlocked. It was in this second bitter battle for the Belgian city, a German offensive which British and Canadian forces had repelled, that German forces first used poisonous chlorine gas as a new and deadly weapon of war.
With the Russian army driven back on the Eastern Front, German forces concentrated their effort on the French fortress of Verdun, launching their attack on 21 February 1916. The battle raged until December of that year and cost over 300,000 casualties on each side, French and German.2
The embattled Allied forces were soon to be reinforced by the 40,000 Australian and 18,500 New Zealand troops of I Anzac, now en route to the Western Front. But the voyage across the Mediterranean to Marseilles on the southern coast of France was not without its hazards as enemy submarines actively searched for targets. The hapless transport Minneapolis was lost on its return voyage from Marseilles. All Australian transports were now on full alert and, in the event of a submarine sighting, were prepared for action.
Map 2: The Western Front 1916–1918
George disembarked at Marseilles on 31 March and immediately began the cramped 58-hour rail journey north, following the valley of the River Rhone. Despite their confined and often uncomfortable conditions, the troops marvelled at the beautiful spring countryside of southern France. After the hot, featureless sands of Egypt, the sight of blossoming orchards, rows of vineyards and fattened sheep grazing in the lush pastures of France was met with delight; this was a landscape at which to marvel, particularly for those troops who, like George, were farmers by occupation. During their occasional stops for tea and coffee, the troops were met by local women and their daughters whose husbands, fathers, sons and brothers were in the northern reaches of France repelling the invading army. As the trains passed through the picturesque villages and verdant fields, workers stopped to wave, clearly displaying their appreciation for the Australian contingent which had arrived to help them in their hour of need. The new arrivals bolstered French hope that the slaughter of their men would cease and the tide turned against the German invader.
Bypassing Paris and with the weather turning bleak, the Australians travelled on to Calais on the northern coast and then inland where the troops from the 1st Division disembarked and, following an exhausting 30-kilometre march, reached their billets in the villages surrounding Hazebrouck, a small railway centre in French Flanders some 27 kilometres from the front line. The division was allotted to the British Second Army under the command of General Sir Hubert Plumer. Plumer’s army was holding the front with French and Belgian troops on either side. Billeted on farms in barns and huts surrounding the village of La Créche, the soldiers enjoyed helping the country people, particularly ‘Madame’ whose husband and sons were at the front. The locals sold beer, coffee, chocolate and eggs to the appreciative Australians. The estaminets, or local cafes, maintained a lively trade in beer and wine.
George wrote letters home describing his arrival in France and also jotted in his notebook:
Left Serapeum on March 25th for Alexandria & left there on Monday 27th & arrived at Marseilles on Friday 31st and left there at 9 o’clock P.M. & arrived at La Creche on April 3rd
His letter reveals more of his journey and his transition to a chilly northern France now in the midst of the winter thaw. While relatively safe in billets well behind the front line, George could hear the roar of the guns as he prepared for his first experience of the trenches. His letter reassures his family that they need not be concerned if he writes less frequently as he doubts he will have many opportunities to write once he reaches the line. He was soon on his way forward, his ears already ringing from the roar of the guns and his body tensed in anticipation of the battles to come. Before long he would be an experienced soldier who could determine the direction of an enemy bullet simply by its sound, would understand intuitively when to take cover from artillery fire and recognise the sounds of the shells that signalled when it was time to rush for a gas mask.
France
April 4th 1916
Dear Mother, Father & Brothers
Just a few lines to let you know that I am now in France but the name of the place I don’t know but they call it French Flanders, in fact we are just about in Belgium. We left Serapeum down on the Canal on Saturday 25th of march at 8 oclock in the morning at [and] arrived at Alexandra at 5 oclock on Sunday morning and went on board the Megantic a big white star liner she was a bonzer boat, she carried 2000 of us, the 7 and 8 Batts. We remained on the boat all day Sunday and left there on Monday morning and after sailing for 5 days we arrived at Marseilles, for the first 3 days the sea was very calm and as smooth as a board, but after that it got rough and at night it blew like the devil, I was on submarine guard and there were men sick all over the boat, I was right up on top and had to hold on to the railing to keep up as the boat was rocking and the wind was blowing that much but I never felt a bit sick. Well after we got off the boat at Marseilles we got on the train there and travelled for 3 days and 3 nights. Nearly all the fields here are worked by the old men, boys and the women and most of the people are in mourning. It is much different here to Egypt. I found it fairly cold at first but am getting used to it now. They tell us that there was a foot of snow here about 3 weeks before we landed here. We are not in the trenches yet but not far from them, can hear the guns going off quite easily, I don’t know what time we are going in but have to be fixed up with every thing, we are not allowed to say much about the place or what we are doing. Don’t expect many letters as I wont be able to write very often. A few days before we left the canal we got a big bag of mail the first I had got for months, I got 20 letters altogether and they had been all over Egypt most of them had been written in Dec and Jan. but there are still a lot somewhere. I got 4 from home, 4 from Charlie, 2 from Allan, 1 from Percy and the rest from Gibson, Cheyne, Clees and Sharps. I never got the Australasian. I suppose Al and Percy are in camp by now as you say they are enlisting, I might chance to meet them some time if they get in the same brigade as me. I will give you my address again D Coy 7 Batt 2 Brigade [crossed out but legible] I have just been told we are not allowed to put our addresses in, but if you have got my other letters you will have my address. Well I don’t think there is any else I can say so will close hoping all are well as I am at present with best wishes to all
From
Geordie
The embroidered card George sent home to his father.
France
Dear Father
Just a line to let you know I am well hoping all are the same. It is fairly cold and has been raining. We are camped in the farm houses and small huts here, there are a lot of houses and small villages here and the people are mostly farmers but seem to be on a small scale. Well we are not allowed to say anything about our doings so will close
From your loving son
George
Training began immediately the men arrived in Flanders and the Australians were surprised to find the farming community going about their daily business so close to the front line. In some cases, schools remained open only two or three kilometres behind the line. With the early crops just emerging, the Australians carefully avoided walking through the fields so as not to trample the young shoots. Much of their training consisted of long marches, lectures and practical experience with gas warfare, while selected men were sent to trench mortar, sniping and bombing schools. The troops were issued with new clothing and the claustrophobic flannel gas helmets and goggles impregnated with chemicals designed to protect soldiers from this new and insidious form of warfare. Steel helmets were used in the front-line trenches and passed to incoming units as they arrived to take over the line.
Writing to Charlie, George warns his older brother not to enlist. He is closer to the bitter reality of warfare and can feel the earth tremble from the guns; he has seen the wounded and maimed — the results of massed shellfire. While acknowledging that conscription in Australia was all but certain, he is adamant that offering three brothers was enough sacrifice for one family.
France
Dear Charlie
… I suppose by the time this letter reaches you, you will know that we are in frogland where the pigs root for sunshine. We are not allowed to say what time we arrived here or where we are so I cant tell you much. It is very cold here and is raining nearly every day so makes things a bit miserable … on our train ride we saw a lot of the country and towns, of course it is all small villages here, houses all along the line and all are made of brick and stone with tiled roofs also thatched ones. All the fields are worked by the old men, women and boys, it seems fairly good ground but so very hilly. They are big cockies here one and two horse teams but the machinery they use is very light and like what they used in the olden times the only up to date machine that I have seen yet is a McCormick binder. Back a bit from here they grow a lot of hops there must be a lot of work with them as they have a devil of a lot of poles up about 20 feet long and very close together, and on the first part of our journey they seem to go in for fruit and vegetables, on our way through we passed fairly close to Paris. Well we are not in the firing line yet, well not in the trenches but could be easily shelled the airplanes were having a great go a couple of days ago and a piece of shell dropped along side one of our huts. We are 4 miles further on than what we were at first. Some of our officers and N.C.O.’s have been out to the trenches to see how things are fixed up so I suppose it wont be long before we go in, some of the Australians are already in them. I met Sam Crossman the other night he is in the ammunition column, he looks real well. We are billeted in huts and houses and when we reached here I was surprised to see all people going about their work just behind the firing line as if there was no war on. Just before we left the canal we got a big bag of mail … as you say Percy & Allan are going to enlist I suppose they will be in camp by now. You were asking in one of your letters about you enlisting I think with Percy and Allan there will be enough of us in it, let some of those other cold footed fellows come … Archie Bailey is still hanging to it, he went into the Non Cons school while in Egypt and qualified for a corporal but hasn’t got any stripes yet but will have a chance when some of the other corporals get put out of action. There are about 6 chaps from Cohuna way in my company. My address 2748 D Coy., 7 Batt, 2nd Brigade A.I.F. Abroad. We are only allowed to put our address in the body of the letter, they have funny ideas in the military. Well it is raining again, they say it is spring here now I don’t know what it must be like in the winter, just before we arrived here there was a foot of snow on the ground, one day when we were moving out further it started to snow. The first mail that our battalion has got here has been delivered today but there were none for us that transferred from the 21, 22 and 24 Batts, and they say according to their letters that it is almost certain to be compulsory in Australia soon. That mail that we got at the Canal is the only one that we have got since Xmas, those that always belonged or came as reinforcements to the 7th Batt, get their letters regular. Well Charlie don’t expect many letters as I wont be able to write, I wrote a letter to them at home about a fortnight ago from here. The guns roar like the devil and mostly in the evening and morning some of them shake the houses right back past here. Well I think I will now close hoping all are well
I remain your affectionate Bro
Geordie
We can get a feed of eggs and coffee here. The women come round selling buns & chocolate. They are mostly refugees. I hope the case of apples turn out lucky. I didn’t get the paper.
In early April, the 2nd Division (I Anzac Corps) moved forward to take over a 16-kilometre section of the front line from east of the village of Armentieres to the Sugarloaf salient, a German position which projected into the Allied line on Aubers Ridge near occupied Fromelles.3 The 2nd Division was commanded by English-born Major General James Legge, a Sydney University law graduate. The 1st Division, including George’s 7th Battalion, marched through rain and snow on 14 April to reach ‘the Nursery’, so named as it was a relatively quiet sector, ideal for new arrivals.4 The 1st Division moved into reserve to the south of the 2nd Division. George was about to experience duty in the line for the first time.
In the front-line trenches, the troops ‘stood to’ for an hour at dawn and again at sunset. During ‘stand to’ the men stood below the parapets with their rifles loaded and their bayonets fixed, keeping watch across the barbed wire into no man’s land, ready for an enemy attack. Dawn and dusk were considered the most likely time of attack and ‘stand to’ was a practice that continued throughout the war. At night, men would venture into no man’s land on listening patrols to gather intelligence or to search for the dead and wounded. Before dawn, rations, ammunition and trench fortification materials would be brought up from the busy rear areas on divisional wagons and delivered to the battalion quartermaster. A fatigue party delivered the supplies to the front lines via the complex network of communication trenches that traversed the fields. Owing to the boggy conditions in Flanders, the trenches were sandbagged breastworks with wooden duckboards at ground level to allow drainage, but which by now were rotten and collapsed. Troops were regularly withdrawn to farms and villages for rest and British canteens, communal baths and delousing facilities were available. Working parties also laid underground telephone lines at night. By the end of June, the 1st Division had dug 24 kilometres of cable trench. Night patrols were also sent into no man’s land to reconnoitre enemy positions and repair any sections of damaged barbed-wire defences.
As George adjusted to life in the trenches, he wrote to Allan who, while hoping soon to embark, remained in camp at Bendigo. Given the usual delay in the delivery of letters from the front, Allan was unlikely to have received his brother’s letter prior to his departure. George had now experienced the trauma of trench warfare and seems to accept that death is inevitable, commenting: ‘There hasn’t been many of our troops killed yet.’ He was witnessing the stark truth of the carnage first-hand and this hardened attitude characterised his way of coping.
Dear Allan
Just a few lines to let you know how I am getting on, I don’t know whether it will reach you before you sail as you said you were going into camp on the 1st March. I picked up a Bendigo paper over here and noticed that Percy had enlisted and passed so I suppose the both of you will be going in together so if you should be lucky enough to get in the second brigade I will stand a good chance of meeting you both over here, the four battalions in my brigade are the 5,6,7 and 8 Batts. I don’t think you will see Egypt, you will be dam lucky if you don’t, I think you will either go to England or straight to France. Well when we first landed here it was very cold and rained nearly every day but now it is getting warmer. There hasn’t been many of our troops killed yet, the guns do roar at times, last night our guns were letting a few go and my word they did make a row. Well Allan the censor is very strict here so I cant tell you anything. Just before we left Serapeum down on the Canal we received a lot of mail, the only I have received since Xmas I got two from you one dated 26 Dec the other 2nd Jan, it is only us that were transferred from the 21 Batt that are not receiving the letters but soon I ought to get some with my new address. I haven’t seen Amos since we have been here but used to see him often at the Canal he says Charlie Cockcroft isn’t in the 5 Batt so I don’t know where he can be, he came over as reinforcements to the fifth. Dave Fyffe and Vic Winterbottom are stopping a long while in camp. I hope you receive this letter. I hope they send the addresses of my relatives in England as I stand a chance of getting a trip over there after being in the firing line a certain time. Well Al I will close now hoping all are well, so good luck and goodbye
George
On 20 April George volunteered to transfer to the 2nd Brigade’s 2nd Light Trench Mortar Battery. The light trench mortar was a recently developed rapid-fire gun labelled the Stokes mortar after its inventor, and was used by the infantry in the front line; four mortars were allocated to each battalion, one for each company. The Stokes was a carefully guarded secret, its use strictly rationed so as to retain the element of surprise and increase its effectiveness in forthcoming Allied offensives. As the last days of April drew to a close, the arrival of Commander-in-Chief Sir Douglas Haig to inspect the 2nd Brigade signalled the move to the front-line trenches at Fleurbaix, just a few kilometres from a town named Fromelles.
MOLOGA, APRIL
In Mologa, the family was preparing to farewell both Allan and Percy. In nearby Pyramid Hill, where Allan had worked at the store and volunteered in the fire brigade, he was given a rousing send-off as reported in the Pyramid Hill Advertiser. During his speech, the local fire brigade captain strongly advised Allan to choose an Australian bride. At the time, Allan was courting a young lady from Pyramid Hill and the advice, delivered in a very public forum, may have caused some discomfort to the young man. As the war dragged on, his later letters reveal a cooling of his courtship. The impact of war infiltrated all facets of life in countless ways and young love was not immune.
Farewell to Soldiers
A large number of the district soldiers being on the final leave from Bendigo and other camps last week-end, there were a good many farewell gatherings on Saturday and Monday evenings.
At Pyramid Hill
The populace assembled in the Victoria Hall to bid adieu to Privates J.R. McDonald, W.S. McKinnon, Alan Marlow and Frank Dee … Mr E. Lyndon Smith gave an address. We of this fair, sunny land, he remarked so far away from the scene of conflict, could not fully realise the mighty struggle that was shaking Europe to its foundations; but there were continual reminders of the terrible war being waged in the coming and going of their soldiers and the other daily preparations for participation in the fight; and more especially, as was fitting in the departure of their fellow-citizens who had joined the Australian forces. If Britain failed in the struggle the consequences would be more serious to Australia than many realised. The record of enlistments in the Gordon Shire, as revealed by the Chairman was very good … They all heartily wished success to the men at present leaving, a safe and prosperous expedition and a safe return. He congratulated them in the part they were playing…
FIRE BRIGADE VALEDICTORY
Later in the evening Private A Marlow, who was a member of the Pyramid Fire Brigade when he enlisted, was entertained by that body at Mrs Finemore’s dining rooms, and a very fine spread was prepared by the proprietress. Capt. Cardillini was in the chair, and the comestibles having been enjoyed, he addressed the company in regard to Private Marlow’s work as a fireman. He had proved there that whatever he took in hand he did well and was always keen on making it a success. In his travels and while engaged in duties he was now undertaking, he had no doubt he would prove to be what he had been with them – a man. They had heard of marriages being contracted in England by Australian soldiers, but he hoped that if Private Marlow ever thought of looking for a wife he would choose an Australian as a bride. An Australian; his mother had reared him; and he could not do better than follow his father’s example by choosing one here. He was assured that Private Marlow would acquit himself well. The President, Mr Seales, spoke of the courage shown by Private Marlow, who was the second of the family to volunteer; and hoped he would be spared to be amongst them again. He also complimented guest on his fire brigade work. Fireman T. Kelly said he had been to demonstrations with Fireman Marlow and found him keen in his work, always doing his utmost in assisting his team in the hope of winning a trophy. He wished him a safe return.
Mr M.D. Grant, one of the Brigade auditors, said he was pleased at the stand taken by their friend, Alan Marlow. His work as a fireman evidenced that if occasion required he would be quick at machine gun operations. The Australians who had already been in the fighting showed they were made of the real stuff, and that had a good effect on those following. The experiences abroad had a beneficial effect on men who got through safely. He heartily wished Private Marlow a safe return … Private Marlow expresses his high appreciation of their sentiments and the memento. He assured them that when he went abroad he would never forget his connection with the Brigade, which was one of his most pleasant associations. He thanked them most sincerely5 …
So went the stirring farewells, the public accolades, the rousing applause and the wishes for a safe return. For those who had yet to enlist, the pressure was mounting.
Decades on, I wonder whether Sarah knew just what Albert was planning on that April day when he caught the train with his neighbour Will Jones to spend a few days in Bendigo. Albert’s bold move, lying about his age in order to enlist, was often discussed in our family. His enlistment details provide some explanation. At 18 Albert was officially too young to enlist, as parental approval was required from the age of 19 until the young man turned 21.6 If not for a surviving section of a letter, the story of Albert’s enlistment would have remained a mystery. It would seem that sometime in April Albert attempted to enlist without parental approval, telling the recruiters that he was 21. It was not the first time, and Albert and his friend Will were once again ‘thrown out’, a perceived injustice in the minds of the colluding pair who had heard of boys as young as 14 who had enlisted and died for king and country. No doubt it was a relief to Sarah that Albert’s application had been rejected; with Allan and Percy’s final leave just around the corner, three boys in France was enough, and her family could never be accused of not doing its duty.
Allan wrote home to Charlie of the incident, the first page of his letter missing:
… I believe Will Jones and Albert got thrown out I knew they would. I met Jim Gibson in Bendigo last night. I believe things are only middling at the shop. I intend to go through to Pyramid on Saturday. Our bugle has just gone for night parade so I will finish it when we come in. Well Charlie we have just come in off night parade it is now about 9-30 and the buggers are rousing about the candle being alight. We are going to Port Melbourne on the 24th of this month for certain. I will tell you all the news on Sunday.
I remain Your loving Brother
Allan
We are well hoping all are the same.
While Albert’s family may have been pleased that he had been refused enlistment, this young country boy, for whom a trip to Melbourne was a highlight, must have been bitterly disappointed. His brothers were off on their grand adventure and many of his mates had now enlisted. He felt compelled to join them and he was determined somehow to achieve this. Perhaps if Albert had read Allan’s following letter his resolve may have weakened. Having been transferred to the camp at Port Melbourne and arriving in the dark, Allan woke to discover what he later scathingly christened ‘Port Hell’.
Port Melbourne
Thursday
Dear Mum and Dad and Brothers
Well Mum we arrived here at last. We left Bendigo by the 3.15 train in the afternoon. We could not get away sooner as we could not get our kit sooner. We got to North Port at 9 oclock as we waited there for our kits. Then we had to march out to the camp about 1 mile and a half it was terribly dark and no one seemed to know the track. The road was terribly wet we got out here about 10 and had bread and jam for tea and then slept in a bit of a hut. This morning when I woke up I could have shot myself. I was that disgusted you never saw such a camp in all your life. It is rotten cold stinking smokey wet camp, no canteen only a bit of a thing run by two tramps no post office no writing room and no paper in the camp to write. I had to walk about a mile to night to buy a pad and now I have no stamps. The dam place seems to be surrounded by sea what I can see about it and talk about cold it is a bugger. And the ground is sopping wet. The tucker is something awful I will give you [an] idea of what we get ½ loaf of bread and 1 tin of jam between the 8 of us isn’t that awful. Well mum when Charlie comes down send that black and white jersey of mine with him I will not want it before. I heard to night that we sail on the 14th and we go to Aldershot so that won’t be too bad. The camp is in complete darkness at night time. Well mum I never want another final leave one is enough for me. Well mum I think I have told you all the news. We are going into Melbourne on Saturday for a good feed. Well mum I will now close hoping you are all well as it leaves us at present. I will write to morrow again
I remain your loving Son
Allan
Tell Charlie I will wire him when we will sail
Don’t send any tucker down as we might not get it
Excuse writing as it is that dam cold
Address Pte AS Marlow
Machine Gun Section
38th Battalion
Port Melbourne
I suspect Allan’s desire to ‘never have another final leave’ refers to being the centre of attention at two public farewells as reported in the local newspaper:
MOLOGA
On Monday evening in the Mologa Hall a large crowd assembled in spite of the weather, to bid farewell to three departing soldiers, namely, Ptes W. Street, L. Townsend, and A. Marlow. The three soldiers returned home on final leave on Thursday last, all looking well after their passing … The following soldiers have gone from this district and have received presentations – Prs. J. Ryan, T. Gray, G. Marlow, A. Haw. J. Leed, P. Fyffe, C. Fyffe, T. Alford, E. Johnson, W. Street, F. Townsend, A. Marlow, P. Marlow, J. Price, P. Ryan.7
In a portrait taken in Bendigo, Allan and Percy stand in front, while the man on the right is Les Townsend. The other men are possibly Bill Street and Ewen Johnson.
MELBOURNE, MAY
Despite hopes of sailing promptly, Allan and Percy remained in the bleak camps of Port Melbourne for the month of May. Their departure was delayed while illness ravaged the troops and meningitis remained a constant threat.
Port Melbourne
Monday night
Dear Mum & Dad
Well Mum I am dead tired I have a job to write I am that tired. We left the camp this morning at 9 oclock and went into Melbourne to march. We met the Bendigo Seymour Ballarat Broadmeadows battalions there. Then we marched all over Melbourne with full kits up it was a fair terror. There was about 5000 of us all to gether, it was a very nice sight for those who were looking on but not nice for us. I never saw such a crowd in my life before. We got a slice of bread and jam at 3 oclock for dinner and then we came out to the camp and had tea. Well Mum I will be glad when we get out of this camp because it is a fair terror. You have no idea what it is like. I went up to buy 12 stamps tonight and all I could get was one … I like the machine-gun work there is no bally marching with it but I do not like this camp. Les has been crook ever since his final he has a terrible bad cold but is nearly better now. On Sunday we went out to Geelong on the boat. We left at 11 and got back at 7. It was a bonzer trip. We did not get sick at all. Next Sunday we are going out to Sharp’s. We are sailing about the 14 allright our Lieut told us it would be one day next week anyhow I will wire you for certain. Well Mum this is all the news to night. We had our photos taken on Saturday at Kalma.8 They cost 20/- a dozen with an enlargement. We also had our photos taken on Saturday in one of those joints where they take them in 5 minutes I will put it in but tear it up. I weighed with my full equipment on today I was about 12 stone. This is all the news hoping you are all well as it leaves us at present.
I remain your loving son
Allan
Percy in centre, Allan on right at the rear, standing is possibly Les Townsend.
Percy also wrote to express his displeasure at the conditions in the camp at Port Melbourne:
Port Melbourne
2nd Tuesday
Dear Mum Dad & Jim
I suppose you have been expecting a letter from me, but I did not seem to get time, the look of this dam place takes some getting over. Well Mum we are getting on nicely, I do not like the camp it is an inconvenient place quite different to Bendigo, the cook house is about a mile away. We are not far from Port Melbourne pier the ground has been tip with the rubbish of Melbourne and the sand out of the Yarra. We were on a march through Melbourne yesterday, four battalions were marching, we were going nearly three hours, the streets were packed. We went to Geelong Sunday it was a calm day and we had a good trip, there was a large crowd aboard the boat. I do not care much about Melbourne. There is a guard on here at night some of them started coming in late so they had to put on a guard. There are several transports in now. I wish we were going on them but I don’t think we will be going till next week anyhow. We have a good tent that is the only dam thing good about this place, it was very windy to day and the sand would blind you. Well Mum I hope you are not worrying about us … Well Mum news is scarce so I will draw to a close.
From your loving son
Percy
Port Hell
Tuesday night
Dear Jim
Just a few lines to let you know that we are first rate but it is dam cold here at nights. We paraded for another blanket last night but could not get it. We only have 2 so you will know what its like at Port Melbourne with 2 blankets … Have you had any rain up there are you finished cropping yet. I like the machine gun work I think it very interesting and it will be more interesting when we put 500 rounds a minute into the B- germans. By hell the bullets do go some it makes you laugh to see them lobbing into the bank. Well Jim they have no system of running a camp down here talk about a mess up it is awful at times. Bendigo is worth a 100 of this one in all ways. Well Jim I think we will be going next week all right. They [say] we are sailing on the Loonich [Runic] and she is at Sydney now 2 transports sailed out today and there are four left there now we can see them quite easily from here as we are only ¼ of a mile away. We are going over to them on Saturday. On Sunday we are going to Sharps. Send their address again will you. Well Jim the measles are broke out in the camp also 130 cases of meningitis at Broadmeadows …
Port Melbourne
Wednesday Night
Dear Mother
Just a few lines to let you know that we are all well. We are in guard here to night. It is showery here to night but I don’t think there will be much rain. It has been very cold here all day. Have you had any rain up there yet. I suppose every one is looking out for it. There is a transport leaving here tomorrow morning. It consists of machine gunners and artillery men. We are getting on first rate with guns. It is most interesting work. Well mum I have not heard any more about going next week. I heard in camp to day that you and dad were coming down to see the boat out. The Townsends are coming down I believe. Well Mum news is very scarce but will always drop a line to let you know that we are well …
St Kilda Beach
Sunday 6th
Dear Mum
Well Mum you can see by the top address that we are on St Kilda Beach this morning. We came down here for a hot bath and we struck a YMCA tent for soldiers. So we are here having a cup of coffee and letter writing. The ladies here are very good to us you could not wish to meet nicer people. There is a reading and writing room here too. We came into Melbourne yesterday afternoon and stayed in all night. We went to a picture and show play at the Tivoli it was very poor. Well mum things are still the same at the camp very cold at night the tucker seems to be a little better but still plenty of room for improvement. On Saturday afternoon we had to go through our tests for the machine gun. We are passed. We have to mount the tripod, fix the gun on, load her get the range and fire in 57 seconds to. I can tell you we have to go some. We have to dismount her in about 25 seconds. I like the gun work. After we had all gone through our tests there was a go between all the squads for the championship. A chap from Kerang named Jack Hewitt and I were picked for it and we got 2nd place for mounting her and dismounting her.
Well there is no use you sending anything down to us as they say we will be going next Friday or Sunday of course we are not sure but will let you know for certain at a latter date. I would not live in Melbourne for ₤10 a week I think it is a terror of a place. I have not struck anyone I know yet. We all knock around together. This afternoon Percy and I are going out to Sharps but we will [not] stay long. How are things up at Mologa. Things must be very dry up there. I suppose you are looking for rain. Well Mum this is all the news today but will write to morrow. So I will now close hoping you are all well as it leaves us at present.
I remain your loving Son
Allan
Percy and Allan’s dislike of the city and their displeasure at being stuck in camp was clearly growing. For country boys used to farm life and the pleasure of their mother’s cooking, life at Port Melbourne was utterly miserable. Time spent learning to use the machine-gun provided their only relief. Percy wrote:
Port Melbourne
Monday
Dear Jim
I received your welcome [letter] today and was extra pleased to hear from you; you forgot to tell me how the girl was, which I suppose you have. In reference to that question you asked whether I see any nice girls such as sometimes you see in Mologa, I do not know who you mean. You were complaining about the dry weather, well I suppose you could do with some rain, as so down here, we got a few showers, the only time we got too much was one night, we were on guard. It is a b_ of a game on guard Jim, two hours walking about. Well Jim we got another blanket tonight, it was through our Officer we got it, I tell you it was a b_ cold some nights, could hardly sleep. I suppose you got a wrinkle or two on Sunday. Albert would be in his element, tell us how things went.
I like the guns all right, we were shooting today, it is interesting by jove she does rattle. We fired ten rounds the first time, and twenty the second time, it does shift them.
We were in Melbourne on Sunday, it was a quiet time, I am about sick of Melbourne. Les and All were in Melbourne today getting teeth out, I think I will try and get off, I have one or two bad teeth. You seem anxious to know whether they send anyone from Mitiamo to Mologa. I would not mind if they sent the Ganger daughter, down here. Well Jim I am writing this in the tent it is a cow of a place laying on the floor …
Port Melbourne
Friday
Dear Mum Dad & Jim
… It has been a cold day down here. I dam near got frozen last night they do not give us enough blankets. Allan Les and Bill have gone into Melbourne, I did not feel to anxious to go I had a few letters to write; there used not to be any guard down here, but some of them started coming in next morning so they put on a guard. There were some troopships go from here the other day. Some of the troops came from Broadmeadows I do not know whether Jack Price was with them or not. We will probably be going to Sharpes Sunday, it will probably be our last Sunday in Melbourne. There is a kid come round every day selling fruit pies, they are very good, the canteen here is run by outsiders it is not near as good as Bendigo. We had to pull our tents up today and take the boards out to let them dry underneath. I suppose you could do with some rain now. They are not near so strict about the tents here as in Bendigo some of them here have bags. Well Mum I think I have told you all the news so I will close
From your loving son
Percy
FRANCE, MAY
While the men of the 38th Battalion looked forward to their departure from Port Melbourne, the troops of the 1st Division remained in trenches in the Fromelles-Fleurbaix area south-west of Armentieres. They were rotated out of the line for a few days’ rest and then returned to the front. On their left was the 2nd Division and further on were the New Zealanders. In the Somme valley, 100 kilometres to the south where the French and English lines met, the Allies were preparing for a major offensive. To distract enemy attention from the Somme, the Allies began shelling the enemy lines around Armentieres.
On 5 May the Australians were south of the Bridoux salient, an area of the front that had been the target of heavy German shelling since the end of April when a devastating enemy artillery bombardment had opened. As soon as the barrage ceased, German soldiers wielding bombs, daggers and revolvers stormed the Australian line in the first trench raid the 2nd Brigade had experienced. Raids were a tactic used by both the German and Allied armies to infiltrate enemy defences. Specially trained raiding parties were withdrawn, drilled and rehearsed for their role in planned small-scale attacks in which gathering intelligence, demolishing defences, killing enemy soldiers and taking prisoners were the prime objectives. The raids were sent in under cover of artillery fire or alternatively, and more often as the war progressed, in covert actions, often at night, when stealth was the key to the raiders’ success. Australian soldiers built an enviable reputation as proficient and tenacious raiders.9
As the German artillery strafed the Bridoux salient, the Australian troops stoically endured the heaviest bombardment they had experienced at the front. The 20th Battalion was holding the salient at the time and lost four officers and 91 men killed or wounded while 11 were taken prisoner. Two of the precious Stokes mortars fell into the hands of the German raiders, an embarrassing and alarming loss to the battalion.10 For the Australian soldiers it marked the beginning of their deadly experience of war on the Western Front.
Of this day George would simply record in his diary:
Fleurbaix Bombardment Friday May 5th
A fortnight later he wrote home from the trenches. He revealed nothing of his experiences and appeared indifferent to the shelling, writing from his dugout with the air of a seasoned veteran. In his card to his mother he did not mention the German shells, describing instead the Allied bombardment of German lines and how lovely the countryside now appeared as summer approached. Regardless of the reality, his instinct was to protect his mother from the grim reality of war. Sarah’s sons would continue to write reassuring words as the war raged.
France
May 22
Dear Albert, It is fairly quiet along our trenches, the Germans are putting a few shells over just at present I am writing this in the dugout, two of us sleep in it. I am in the trench mortar battery it is a small gun for firing bombs we be in the trenches along with the infantry. I will give you my address again. 2748 Light Trench Mortar Battery 2nd Brigade Headquarters 1st Aust Division. Any letters that have been addressed to the 7 Batt I will receive alright but with this address I will get them quicker. Hoping to get a letter from some of you soon. I remain your loving Bro
George
Has Al & Percy sailed yet
France
Dear Mother
Just a card to let you know I am well hoping all are the same. It is nice weather here now and all the trees are sprouting out, everything looks lovely. Our guns were bombarding the germans heavily last night. I have written to Jim and hope you get my letters. So goodbye with love from
George
Two days later in his letter to Charlie, George’s indifference to shellfire appears as an acceptance of fate; life had now become a game of chance:
France
May 24th
Dear Charlie
… We are having nice weather here now everything looks splendid, it is a great country for grass, everything grows so thick and high of course there is no stock on it to keep it down, it seems a great pity that such a fine country should be blown about as it is. It is not too bad in the trenches, where we are there are a few bombs and shells flying now and again, of course you never know when one is going to lob on top of us just got to take our chance. I am in the trench mortar battery now it is a small gun for firing bombs, we [will] be along with the infantry just the same, we have been giving them a few bombs and nearly always get some back. There seems to be a big battle on our right as we can hear the guns going day and night. I haven’t seen Amos for a fair while and don’t know where Charlie Cockcroft is. I think Ray Leed must be in Egypt yet he is in the 58 Batt. You remember I told you in other letters that I met young Miller from Pyramid in the Yeitoun camp well I noticed in a paper that he is seriously ill, we very seldom get any papers to read and would be glad if you would send the Pyramid paper, wrap about 6 up together and send them, I never got that paper you sent at Xmas time …
MELBOURNE, JUNE
As Allan and Percy waited impatiently for their departure they could not imagine what George was now experiencing in his position at the front. His letters home revealed little; they were censored and were weeks, often months reaching their destination, sometimes never arriving as ships were sunk by German submarines in the North Atlantic. Newspaper reports were censored, details were manipulated and Australian actions were generally reported as British. Only the casualty lists provided some measure of the truth.
As the meningitis epidemic continued to plague the formation of the 3rd Division, the men of the 38th Battalion underwent a stringent medical examination. All those considered to be in good health shifted camp to Campbellfield on 5 June in final preparation for departure. Allan’s assessment of his latest accommodation differed little from his view of the camp at Port Melbourne.
Cambellfield
Wednesday
Dear Mum
Well Mum you will see by the top address that we are in a new camp. We got orders Monday night that we had to shift camp to Broadmeadows. We got up at 4.45 Tuesday morning and packed up. It was raining and I can tell you things were pretty sloppy, anyway we were examined before we left. Anyone with a sore throat and cold were left behind. Only young Kerr and the lads that were in the hospital were left behind. We boarded the second troop train about nine and got out to a station here about 4 o’clock. Then we marched about 1 ½ miles to the camp and it was very late when we got fixed up or I would have wrote last night. Anyway Mum the camp was very very dirty and we [were] all day in, the whole battalion, cleaning it up and it is not finished yet. The tent floors were something disgraceful you would think pigs slept in the tents. We were only issued with 3 single blankets but I got to work and got 3 more. We are not under isolation here but the camp is very poor. Anyway we will be going soon, I believe we are getting another final [leave] anyway I will be up. We can see the Broadmeadows camp from here it is only ½ a mile away. I got 5 letters today. The ones you addressed to Bendigo came in today. I believe Les has had one or two bad turns again. I don’t think he will get with us and I am sorry too. Billy Street’s feet are very cold he says straight out he does not want to go. He says everyday, he wished to God that he did not enlist: and poor old Les is just the opposite. Well mum we have a firm Lieutenant he is proper white man, he says he will look after us at the front. He treats us well here. Mum I want you to write to Kirby the jeweller in Bendigo and get those compasses Charlie give us we left them there to be inscribed and of course we have been under isolation and could not get them. Well Mum we will go to Sharps on Sunday. I will write again to morrow night so goodbye for the present.
I remain your loving Son
Allan
… We got our cakes down with us. They are a bonzer lot of cakes. I could fancy I could see Mrs Gamble. Tell Jim to put a nice letter in the Pyramid paper from me and on behalf of the rest of the lads thanking the Mologa people for their kindness. Tell him to stretch it out well…
After returning from his final leave, Percy wrote home:
Thursday [15 June]
Campbellfield
Dear Mum & Dad
Just a few lines to let you know, I arrived here all right, I got down about quarter past five, it was a long tiresome trip, I slept well that night. Well Mum we are going Tuesday we might be going aboard Monday, but as far as we hear it will be Tuesday morning. Peter Owens is not back yet, he sent a wire, I did not hear what was in it. I suppose you saw Les he is supposed to come back to night. Albert Brookes is transferred to our section, it was not its full strength. The Governor General was out yesterday, he presented the colours they are very pretty, there was a fair crowd out from Melbourne. We were supposed to go on a night march tonight but the doctor advised it not thank God he was right for once. We have to go for a bath to morrow, it will be all right. We have to come back Saturday night, I don’t know why they want it. Well Mum news is scarce so I think I will close
From your loving son
Percy
Percy reveals little of the way he must have felt now that his departure was imminent. By contrast, the prospect of travelling to England was clearly an adventure for Allan as he wrote to his mother to reassure her once again that he would be safe.
Friday night [16 June]
On Town
Dear Mum,
… we are well and happy. We go on board Monday thank God. I believe we are going to England, Wont we have a fine time. We are going out to Sharps to morrow but wont stop long. I am not to keen on going but anyway I will fulfil my promise. Yes Mum we got another hamper today Les brought it down. We are not working to hard now. Just getting ready for embarking. I don’t [think] the war will last long now the Russians are smashing them up some. I am going to the train to morrow night to meet Charlie. Well mum don’t worry of us I can assure you will be always safe and will be good boys. Well mum I have told Albert all the news but I will drop you a line on Sunday so goodnight Mum
I remain
Your Loving Son
Allan
Charlie travelled to Melbourne to say his final farewell to his brothers and to pass on small gifts which Sarah and Charles hoped would bring some comfort to their sons as they embarked on their long journey. Allan and Percy made the most of their final days in Australia before they wrote their farewells to their family.
Commonwealth Hotel Melbourne, Sunday
Dear Mum & Dad
… Charlie gave me that parcel I thank you Mum for it and dad and Mum, for the money. Well we are off on Tuesday it’s a good job isn’t it. We met Charlie and Joe at the camp yesterday we were just coming in and they were going round the camp we weren’t expecting to see them till night. It was a bad day yesterday, we went to Sharps we got a great welcome she had a nice tea for us, I enjoyed myself. When we came back we intended to go to the theatre but it was too late. Well Mum I think I have told you all the news so I will close from your loving son
Percy
Commonwealth Hotel
Melbourne Sunday
Dear Mum and Dad
Well mum you will see by the top address where we are staying. Joe Dee and Charlie Les and Frank are here with [us]. Joe and Charlie came out to the camp yesterday morning and we all came in together. Charlie Percy and I went to Sharps yesterday morning and had a good time she had a bonnie tea for us and we left about 7 oclock. I promised to go back today to take Lily for a walk but I don’t know whether I will go or not. Mum thank you for the money. I am sure we will have a good time when we get to our destination. Lily gave me another pair of socks and two pair of socks. Tell Jim I think she will be his sister all right. The old dame looks very young. They have a very nice place there. Lily is a very flash little thing now. Well Mum I think I have told you all the news but will write first chance so goodbye mum till I get back again. No need to worry we will always be safe and will return back very soon.
I remain
Your Loving Son
Allan
Melbourne
Sunday
Dear Albert
Just a few lines to let you know that we are well. Joe and Charlie came out to the camp yesterday morning and we came in with them. Well Albert we are going on board to morrow. So I suppose it wont be too long before we are sick. Well Albert don’t forget to write you will get a letter from me. I wish you had come down and we could have a good time here. Well Albert I will say goodbye to I see you again. Remember me to all.
I remain your loving Brother
Allan
Goodbye Albert old cockie
As the time for departure drew near, I doubt the youthful optimism of the twins and their efforts to reassure their mother, while noble in intent, could diminish the growing anxiety that Sarah must have experienced. The divided emotions of pride and fear as mothers waved goodbye to their sons surely brought fear of their potential loss. They must have wondered whether this would truly be their final farewell.
On Tuesday 20 June, HMAT Runic slid slowly away from Port Melbourne pier. As the ship moved out into the bay, the streams of coloured paper ribbon thrown on board by friends, family and sweethearts who bid the men of the 38th Battalion farewell were gradually severed.
AT SEA, JUNE
While many of the troops suffered from seasickness on the journey across the Indian Ocean to South Africa, Percy and Allan were more fortunate, feeling quite at ease with the rocking motion of the ship. While boredom could easily have dampened their spirits, daily drill, church services, boxing and wrestling matches kept the men entertained. Allan’s enthusiasm for his adventure had yet to wane.
Dear Mum and Dad
Well Mum we are well out on the ocean at last. Percy and I are having a bonnie time we have not been sick yet but there are hundreds sick. The sea is very ruff and it is showery now and again and very windy. Last night was a wild night but it is not a bit cold. Oh Mum there are a terrible crowd of the boys sick, one does feel sorry for them. It is a bonnie sailing boat we are in.
When it gets ruff she side rocks and pitches a treat. Dad would know what that is like. I reckon that is the best joke of the lot. We get splendid tucker on board and we sleep in hammocks above the tables. I always stop on the top deck all day they say that is the best too. I got a letter from Albert this morning Percy got a letter from someone too. Well Mum I have no news to tell as we see nothing but water. Now that I have hung out so long without getting sick I think I will last the rest of the journey. We do not know where we are going. I am putting in for leave next Saturday I think I will get it. Well Mum this is all the news for the present.
I remain
Your Loving Son
Allan S
Did you fix up about the photos.
My teeth fit lovely. Thanks for the money.
Percy also wrote of settling into the routine aboard the Runic, albeit displaying rather less enthusiasm than his brother:
At Sea
Dear Mum and Dad
Just a few lines to let you know I am still alive, we are well out at sea now, there is water everywhere you look. It is very hot today just like Summer it has been mostly cold days since we started. We have had nearly all calm weather since we left, except a few days after we started it was rough then, I was not sick, there were a good few sick. Well mum I would like to see a paper now, it seems a long time since we seen one. We get fairly good meals on board butter and cheese twice a day and porridge for breakfast, soup for dinner. I was terrible hungry for a while after we came on, the sea seems to make you hungry. We have to do some work; drill from nine till twelve, and two till four, not very hard. We had washing parade the other day. I had a big wash, it is a great job, I think if I was to make my living at it, I would starve. We have not passed many ships, only one was close. There is boxing contests and other amusements on board. There is not much room for anything on board, such a lot of men on. I saw a whale the other day he was a big one and he looked very pretty; I don’t think there is no news to tell it is very scarce on here. We have to go to church tomorrow, we will have to be in uniforms, we mostly drill in blues …
In a note to Jim, Percy added:
… the tea is not as good as in camp, it has a funny taste. We had church parade yesterday, we had to come out in uniform, we are in blues in the week. There has been a lot of wet days since we left, it is miserable on deck when it is raining. It was very hot a few days ago, but it is cool again. It is very hot down below when it is hot. We sleep in hammocks, I do not care very much about them I would sooner have the boards. We have not passed many ships, one we passed was very close, we could see the passengers on board. There is not much room for drill on board, we have some every day, it is mostly an easy time. There is a boxing contest on today. I might go and have a look at it. I suppose you are having a good time with the school teachers; has it come on to rain any time you have been there. You will be well into the ploughing now. Has Charlie any intentions of going by what he was saying to me he has. Well Jim news is scarce on here, it is a terror without any papers. Well I think I have told you all the news so I will close.
From your loving brother
Percy
FRANCE, JUNE
In an attempt to relieve pressure on the embattled French forces at Verdun, and with an eye to breaking the stalemate on the Western Front, the Allies refined their plans for an offensive in the area of the Somme River. In late June, Australian and New Zealand battalions launched trench raids on German lines at Armentieres, hoping to exhaust the enemy in preparation for the Somme Offensive. These raids were designed not only to inflict casualties, but also to gather information, take prisoners and scout the German defences to assist in the preparation for the ‘big push’. German forces answered with ferocity. George wrote to his mother as the German artillery pounded the Allied trenches:
The Somme Valley
France June 2nd
Dear Mother
… I don’t know whether this letter will catch this mail but I have written other letters and posted them before I got your letters. It is nice for Allan and Percy and the others to get in the Machine Gun section together I suppose they will have sailed by now, I haven’t had any letters from Al since Xmas. Tom Alford and the others didn’t stay long in camp I suppose they will have to finish their training over here. I suppose you know that Hughie Wales and Clift are sick in the hospital. I was very sorry to hear that young Miller died I noticed in a paper that he was ill. The last I saw of him was I think on the 22nd Feb he was quite well then I used to have a yarn with him every night, I haven’t received any letter from his mother yet, Jack Jamison was looking very wretched then, there were a terrible lot of men getting sick while in Egypt of course it was a rough shop, don’t worry about me I haven’t had an hour’s sickness since I left and I am quite happy here. I haven’t met Amos since we left the desert. Arch Bailey is well. I was pleased to know that you got those silks, I sent them on the 25th Nov and I thought that you hadnt got them. I was surprised to hear that Bert Gibson is back home. Well there is some heavy bombardment going on. I will write again soon, hoping all are well.
I remain Your Loving Son
George
The letters I got were written in Feb, March and some on the 3rd April.
Never got the parcel Charlie sent.
Like many Australians with relatives in England, George was keen to secure leave to visit his father’s family whom he had yet to meet. His cousin, Clem Payne, had enlisted in the British Royal Navy. The Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet had engaged the German High Seas Fleet in the Battle of Jutland which lasted from 31 May until 1 June 1916. Over 200 warships pounded one other with heavy losses on both sides. The German fleet finally disengaged and escaped, signalling the end of the largest naval battle of the war. German policy then focused on avoiding further engagements with the Royal Navy, pursuing instead the devastating submarine campaign which was creating havoc in the English Channel with hundreds of merchant ships destroyed. Similarly, the English blockade of German ports was having a crippling effect on the German economy.
France June 8th
Dear Father
… I received about a dozen letters about the first of the month they are the first I have received while being in France and only the second mail since Xmas. Jim sent the addresses of Lee’s and Wilson and I have written to them and ought to get an answer from them soon.11 I have been looking forward to getting leave to England but now it is cut down only one out of the Battery to go each fortnight for 7 days before it was one each week for 9 days leave so my turn is that far off that it isn’t worth bothering about, had it not been cut down I would have got away in Sept. Five out of the Battery have been and they say they have had glorious times over there. Some of the chaps that have been wounded here are over in some of the hospitals in England. You will have had the news about the great naval fight I wonder if Clem Payne would be in it, there has been great losses on both sides but I think our fleet came out on top it ought to help to bring the war to an end sooner. The first news was in the Germans favor and there was great rejoicing in Berlin, they put up a notice in front of their trench about it and at the bottom they had “Poor England” I believe now they are keeping it quiet in Berlin about all their losses, there are great battles going on here and on the Russian front. It is alright for Al and all the others to be in the Machine Guns together. I told you before that I am in the Trench Mortar Battery now this is my address 2748 2 A/2 Light Trench Mortar Battery 2nd Inf Brigade Headquarters 1st Australian Division France. I haven’t heard anything of Charlie Cockcroft for months I think he must have been transferred to the 7 Batt. I haven’t met Amos since we have been here, I think I saw Gordon McKay one day going along in the Transport Column. Well dad there is not any news as we are not allowed to say where we are etc. So I will now close hoping all are in the best of health.
I remain
Your loving Son
George
Have you seen the Anzac books yet they are dead funny.12
Excuse the writing
In early June the troops received news of the death of Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War. Kitchener had been aboard the warship Hampshire, on his way to discussions in Russia, when the ship struck a German mine near the Orkney Islands. The report of Kitchener’s death was met with disbelief across the Commonwealth while the men at the front were dismayed at the passing of a man regarded as a fine old soldier.
France
Sunday June 11th 1916
Dear Mother
… We are back from the firing line now having a bit of a spell I don’t know how long we will be having, it is not a bad little place where we are, I was at a small picture show last night, there are two here one is run by the soldiers club and the other is run by the Y.M.C.A., they charge ½ a franc to go in, that is 5d and are very good, fancy going to pictures behind the firing line. I told you in last letter that I received some letters but haven’t got the parcels yet perhaps they will turn up soon. Fancy Lord Kitchener going down it was sudden wasn’t it, we didn’t believe it when we first heard about it. The Germans must have known he was going to Russia, we often hear a lot of rumours here like we heard a few days back that they had captured the Crown Prince and all his staff at Verdun, there is still heavy fighting going on there, the germans have gained a little but paid very heavily in losses for it, the Russians have taken a lot of Austrian prisoners and are still pushing them back, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the war over by Xmas now that the fleets have had a great fight and ours came out on top, it ought to make a great difference …
France
June 17th 1916
Dear Charlie
Just a few lines to say I received one of the parcels a couple of days ago, it isn’t the one that was sent on the first of March as it would have been addressed to the 21 Batt, this had the right address D Coy 7 Batt the other one I suppose has gone astray. The tin was in good order. I was wondering whether you sent it or Jim as the address was his writing it contained cake, pudding, tin sardines, socks, handkerchief, lollies and smokes they are always pretty safe when sent in a tin and wrapped in cloth, funny getting the tin and no letters, the letters that I got which I told you in my last letters came by the boat that left on the 4 April that is the latest letters that I have got but I believe there is some letters in now at the Battalion post office so perhaps I will get some more soon. I wrote to my cousin in England Flo Wilson but have had no reply yet …
There were no further letters from George during the remaining weeks of June. On 19 June the 1st Division marched to Neuve Eglise (now Nieuwkerke) on the Belgian border and then on to Ploegsteert in Belgium, to the north of Armentieres. The 2nd Brigade moved into the line on the night of 23/24 June. This was a well-worn sector which was regularly subjected to gas attack, artillery and mortar fire and plagued by the presence of enemy aerial surveillance. From his notebook we know that George had been on the move with the brigade and in the final days of the month he was positioned to the north at Messines, on the southern end of the embattled Ypres salient. He noted briefly:
Messines front
June 27, 28, 29, 30th
Possibly in the trenches at Messines, George wrote the words of a popular and sentimental song, Little Grey Home in the West, scribing them carefully in pencil as if to commit the words to memory. Written in 1911 by D. Eardley-Wilmot and Hermann Lohr, it was one of many songs that boosted morale and patriotism throughout the war years:
When the golden sun sinks in the hills, and the toil of the long day is over, though the road may be long in the midst of the song I forget I was weary before. Far ahead where the blue shadows fall I shall come to contentment and rest and the toils of the day will be all charmed away in my little grey home in the west. There are hands that will welcome me in, there are lips I am burning to kiss. There are two eyes that shine just because they are mine, and a thousand things other men miss. It’s a corner of heaven itself though its only a tumble down nest. But with love brooding there, why, no place can compare with my little grey home in the west.
The Ypres Salient
On long route marches and in the trenches, numerous adaptations of these songs would entertain the soldiers and lighten the gravity of their darkest moments. George obviously enjoyed the following version, for he also took the time to record it in his notebook. Little Wet Home in the Trench is blackly humorous and clearly amused this young Australian soldier who was now hardened to the reality of trench warfare:
I have a little wet home in the trench which the rain storms continually drench. There’s a dead german close by with his feet to the sky, and he gives off a terrible stench, underneath in a place of a floor there’s a mass of wet mud and some straw, and Jack Johnsons tear through the rain sodden air over my wet home in the trench. There are snipers who keep on the go so you must keep your nappers down low, and the star shells at night make a dance of a light which causes bad language to flow, for then bully beef and biscuits we’ll chew, for its days since we tasted a stew, but with hails dropping here, there is no place to compare with my little wet home in the trench.