FIVE

I THINK THERE ARE ENOUGH
OF US HERE NOW …

FRANCE, AUGUST

A few days after George was withdrawn from Pozieres he again wrote to his enlisted brothers. Now free of his filthy and bloodied clothes, rested and fed, he is a little more forthcoming about his experience than in previous letters. He describes the extent of the German fortifications and warns of the role that chance plays in survival. He is obviously concerned that four brothers on the fields of France is tempting fate; he expresses his displeasure that Charlie has now signed up.

August 26^th

Dear Allan & Percy

A few lines to say that I have received a card and a letter from you and was pleased to learn that all are well I would have written before but we were in the firing line when I got the card and received the letter yesterday but have been on the move the past few days. My word it was hot and lively where we were as we are not allowed to say much about it, you wouldn’t believe what it was like a man is lucky to come out of it alive, Archie Bailey and Harry Burrows were wounded in the first stunt. Harry is only slightly wounded I believe, as I inquired at his company but Archie got some bad knocks about the head, face and arms he is in one of the hospitals over there so he is alright, both Amos and I came out of it alright. I haven’t heard anything about Charlie Cockcroft and Ray Leed but the division that they are in was not round in the Big Push. You would be surprised to see the place now where all the fighting has been going on, and to see how the germans have been prepared, the dugouts are something wonderful just like houses underground and are 40 and 50 feet deep and one room above the other well lads we are going into a different front this time and hope it is better than the last, I have seen a lot of France and Belgium since I have been here. My word you chaps are lucky getting over there instead of going to Egypt don’t be in a hurry to get into the fray. There is a rumour that our leave to England is going to start if it does I might get over there before you leave I suppose Tom and the others will not be long there. I have had some letters from home lately, they tell me Charlie has enlisted and passed I think there are enough of us here now without him coming. Your Auntie and the others must have been pleased to see you. Remember me to all the boys, drop a line every week. I will write as often as I can, hoping all are well

George

Charlie Cockroft and Ray Leed were not in the ‘big push’ that was Pozieres, but this did not mean that they were safe. Ray Leed was 21 years old when he left the family farm near Mologa and joined the 57th Battalion of Pompey Elliott’s 15th Brigade. He was killed near Armentieres in an action prior to the Battle of Fromelles on 15 July 1916.¹ Charlie Cockroft was also a farmer from the local area. He enlisted in July 1915 and served in the 58th Battalion, 15th Brigade. He was wounded three times, the first at Fromelles on 19 July when he was shot in the arm. On the third occasion in 1918, while in England and on the mend, he was listed as absent without leave on a number of occasions. The charges were eventually dismissed; perhaps it was considered that he had good cause as he was married in London on 30 November 1918.²

The day after George wrote to Allan and Percy, he also wrote home to his mother. He again expressed his disappointment that Charlie had enlisted and his frustration that other eligible men in the Mologa district appeared unwilling to risk their lives. After Pozieres, George knew that the chances of four brothers surviving the dreadful carnage were slim.

August 27^th

Dear Mother

… before you receive this letter you will be alarmed at not getting any letters well I haven’t had much time to write as we have been in this Advance and shifting about etc., well it was very lively you wouldn’t believe what it was like, some of the battles are the greatest that have been fought here every inch of the ground is ploughed up with shells, well Amos and I were lucky enough to get out of it without a scratch but Arch Bailey and Harry Burrows were both wounded in the first stunt, I didn’t see Archie but I believe he got some bad wounds, Harry is not too bad, I enquired after him, Archie is in England at present and is doing fairly well, we have shifted again and are going into a different part of the line this time, we are not allowed to say much about it. Well the boys have arrived in England I had written two letters to them and they got them just after they arrived and Al wrote to me straight away and has also written another letter he said they have had four days leave into London and that they went out to Leicester my word they are lucky to be sent over there, Tom Alford and the others are also over there but I suppose they will soon be sent here to reinforce the battalion. I met Jack Gallagher here a few days ago he is in the artillery and had been sick in the hospital. And Charlie is going into camp I think there are enough of us here now without him coming, it is time some of those around there woke up. I got a letter from Miss Lowrie saying that she has got another school …

I remain your loving son

George

As George wrote home he was en route to the Belgian border, marching through French villages until a train arrived to take the men to the Belgian village and soldier’s retreat of Poperinghe, a vital Allied centre 13 kilometres to the west of Ypres in unoccupied Belgium. Nicknamed ‘Pop’s’ by Allied soldiers, it was a place of refuge where they could visit shops and restaurants and be entertained at a theatre or dancing hall. A period of rest at Pop’s represented a brief interlude in which some sense of normality could be restored. The most popular places were Talbot House and Concert Hall, a club established by army chaplains Phillip Clayton and Neville Talbot in the mansion of a hop trader and banker who had fled Belgium. Today the building has been preserved as it was at the time of the war. George would not stay at Poperinghe but would return in 1917. Instead the Australians marched on to the shattered town of Ypres, arriving on 29 August. The battlefields to the east of the town were now a quagmire as the autumn rains fell.

MOLOGA, AUGUST 1916

On the first day of August, Charlie swore his oath of allegiance and was appointed to the 3rd Reinforcements of the 38th Battalion. He would be joining Allan and Percy as members of the 3rd Division. As he quickly organised his financial arrangements, his letters to his mother revealed nothing of his intention to propose to his girlfriend, Pearl Clee.

Bendigo

1^st August 1916

Dear Mother,

I have opened a joint account in the Bendigo State Savings Bank which I enclose a form for your name just under mine, by this you will be able to pay in or draw out just the same as I can. I open with 1 pound I have the book here which I will leave with Pearl post the form back to the bank. I am in a devil of a hurry.

From

Your loving son

C.E. Marlow

The local newspaper promptly acknowledged Charlie’s enlistment:

Mr C E Marlow, of Mologa, who has been accepted for active service, went into camp on August 1. He previously enlisted 13 months ago, but the teeth regulations at that time did not permit him to be accepted. Five sons of the family have now offered their services to their country, 4 of whom have been accepted.³

Charlie was preparing to fight his own personal battle. He and Pearl were to marry. Revealingly, he does not mention this to his mother; rather he keeps his discussion to the daily routine, making no mention of his young love. While later he explains to his mother that he expected no opposition, his silence regarding his intentions may indicate that he was not as confident as he wanted his parents to believe. He evidently expected a negative reaction from his family and he was justified.

Bendigo

Wednesday 2^nd 1916

Dear Mother,

… I am in the same tent as one of the Miles’s from Kamarooka he is a cousin to the Miles’ at Yarrawalla. We get plenty to eat any amount of tucker here including a plum pudding for dinner. I sent up a letter yesterday about the Savings Bank business which you were to sign and send back to the bank. I have met all the boys from about Mologa and Pyramid. Young Jim Baker is in this camp, it has been a miserable day down here today raining nearly all the time it is raining here now like blazes. I paid Mr Walker for the teeth on Tuesday and White Bros are fixing up that clock for Jim, I will send it up next week, I think I will be going into Bendigo on Sunday, the camp is a good way back from the old one but you can get right through the old camp and right across the racecourse it is a short cut as round the road is a good bit further. I am in “C” Company so when you write address my letters Pte C E M, “C” Company Military Camp Bendigo. There is not a great number of men here now, there was a lot went away the day I came in, I saw Hughie Martin last night he expects to go about the 16^th August. Well I think I have about ran out of news so I will draw to a close hoping all are well as I am at present.

I am

Your loving son

C.E.

With the uncertainty of departure, Charlie wasted no time and the wedding plans were rapidly prepared. At home on the farm, the family received their invitation. The suddenness of the announcement angered Charlie’s father and, in the days leading up to the wedding, debate raged within the family circle.

Mr & Mrs Clee present their compliments to Mr & Mrs Marlow and request the pleasure of your company at Heywoods Coffee Palace on the 19^th August to celebrate the Marriage of our daughter Pearl with your Son Charles

Ceremony at One PM at St Pauls Bendigo

14/8/1916 RSVP

Friday, 11^th Aug, 1916

Dear Mother

I received your letter today dinner time also one from Jim yesterday which I answered I was very sorry indeed to learn that you were all up in arms so much about us getting married I thought that was a matter that only concerned myself as I am old enough now to know what to do and besides I have always kept myself and had to work hard for what I have got. Pearl said that she did not expect me to leave her any of my money if I was killed and I think that is what they are so much out about I wrote to Pearl about it and was to see her tonight, but we have to march into Bendigo so I will not see her till Sunday and then we will see what we intend to do. I did not think that any of you would mind in the least, I spoke to the officer about leave and he got me leave and we were to be married next Saturday. Pearl has got her dress or rather is getting it and we had everything fixed, but I will see about putting it off if possible, but I reckon that the boss and them had no right to interfere, if we do get married I may get into the N.C.O. school, but if not I intend to get away the first chance I get which will be soon. I have written to George for money and have written to him before but have not got a reply up. I reckon that it is a hard knock to us and I can tell you I feel it. Otherwise I am getting on splendid I like the drill more every day it is very interesting. One of the officers says they will have conscription within a month as there are no one enlisting and there is not many in camp they have shifted us to different tents and it is rumoured that the camp is to be divided into two parts one for the volunteers and one for the conscripts well I have to go to drill now so will close hoping to have an answer from you early next week.

I will now say goodbye

Hoping all are well as this leaves me

I am your loving son

Charlie E

The wedding proceeded despite strong Marlow family disapproval and the young couple were married. With Charlie in camp, the opportunity to share their lives as newlyweds was restricted to brief visits when leave was granted. Such visits were few as Charlie’s period of training in Australia was cut short. The need to replace casualties in the line was now urgent. Within five weeks Charlie was on his way to England while the raging debate over conscription continued to exacerbate the deepening social chasm.

Charlie and Pearl Marlow on their wedding day.

Bendigo

Sunday [27.8.16]

Dear Mother,

Just a few lines I received your letter yesterday I am getting on alright I got leave from 2pm on Saturday till 11pm on Sunday night that is not too bad we have had a very easy time since I came back, we marched into Bendigo on Friday night and got away at the Masonic Hall we were supposed to go in but I cleared, it was a play but half of the boys cleared down the street there was a terrible crowd of people in town that night I met Jim Mahoney but I did not see any of the Gibsons and I have had leave about 3 times since I came back I do not know if I will be able to get into Bendigo next Sunday as I am afraid I will have to go on guard. I was picked for guard on Thursday night along with 8 others but they only wanted three so the officer said that the men that were dressed best and the cleanest looking he would let them off so I got out of it and was not sorry either. There is one of the Roberts from Durham Ox in my company he is a nice fellow, that young Miles that was with me was robbed of his pay ₤3/15/- the night after he was paid and was fined ₤1/15/- for staying over his leave so that is a bit rough on him. I do not know when I am sailing but I do not think it will be inside a fortnight. Well I will close hoping all are well as I am at present so goodbye mum I am your affect son CE

Pearl wishes to be remembered to all

I saw Townie down the street Friday night but was not talking to her.

Unlike those of his brothers, Charlie’s farewell was a hurried affair on the siding of the Mologa railway station. The controversial issue of conscription was mentioned by Councillor Jones in his farewell speech and Charlie carefully responded that duty to his country and helping his brothers was his motivation. A public airing of personal differences was avoided.

Mologa – Farewell to CE Marlow

On Tuesday afternoon before the departure of the train the residents of Mologa assembled at Mologa railway station to bid farewell to Pte. C.E. Marlow and made a presentation of a gold medal. Mr Fyffe, president of the farewell committee made the presentation and in doing so spoke at some length, first of all congratulating the departing soldier on his recent marriage. He trusted he would have the pleasure of seeing Pte. Marlow return safely to live amongst them, and assured him of a hearty welcome back. He paid a high tribute to Pte. Marlow as a young man of the district who had worked hard and bore an excellent character … Mr R. Jones, J.P., said Pte. Marlow was an industrious young man and a credit to Mologa. In the football field he was never found wanting, and he felt sure he would be the same at the front. The speaker also touched on conscription he asked his hearers if it was fair that four sons in one family should go, while in another not even one had enlisted. Pte. Marlow in response said when he went into camp he was taught to stand still and say nothing so they would excuse him for a short stay at home. He said he thought it was his duty to go and fight for his country and help his brothers and comrades at the front. He thanked them one and all for the congratulations and kindly remarks and the nice gold medal, which he would value to his life’s end. Three cheers were then given for Pte. Marlow, followed by more cheers for the Marlow family …⁴

LARKHILL, ENGLAND, AUGUST

While the battle for Pozieres raged across the channel, the men of the 38th Battalion first sighted England’s shores on 10 August. Allan and Percy disembarked at Plymouth and travelled through the green pastures of England en route to Larkhill Camp, Salisbury Plain. Arriving at midnight, the brothers saw little of their new home until morning when the expanse of the soldier city with amenities and huts nestled in the rolling fields was unveiled. The nearby village of Amesbury provided entertainment with a YMCA hut and cinema helping to relieve any boredom in the few idle hours. Four days’ leave was granted and the Marlows followed the majority of their fellow Australians to London then immediately continued further north to Leicester to surprise their father’s family with their unannounced but very welcome arrival.

Allan wrote to George:

England Friday

11 August

Dear Georgie

Well Georgie old cockie I received 2 letters from you today and by jove I was pleased to get them. I never even dreamt of getting any so soon. Well Georgie I am pleased to hear that you are well. You must be having a pretty ruff time over there. I believe you chaps have been hit about a bit. Well Georgie it wont be long before we will be with you. We landed here last night at 2 o’clock. We disembarked at Plymouth at 2 o’clock yesterday. We had a great trip over we were 7 weeks on the water, but we had a very narrow escape. Well when I left home everyone was well. We are in a good camp here it is at Salisbury Plains. Well I will send you a letter on Sunday. We are all well. The boys wish to be remembered to you …

Percy took the time to write a long letter to his parents. He had much to tell of his first impressions of England — the countryside, the sights and meeting his relatives for the first time. The twins were already capitalising on the opportunities and seeing the sights was a priority.

Amesbury

20 Aug

Dear Mother & Dad

Just a few lines to let you know I am still alive, we are in England at last, it took us seven weeks and two days to come over, it was a lovely trip, I was not sick although the trip was a good one. The meals were rotten they were good at the start but after the first week or two they were not fit to eat. We had a bit of a guard duty to do, we were on a gun on the ship, there were twelve of us altogether on the gun, she was a big one. We landed at Plymouth but we could not see what the place was like, the camp we had to go [to] was eighty miles from Plymouth, it was four oclock in the morning before we got to bed. It was a lovely trip from Plymouth the country is pretty all layed out in little fields, and enclosed by blackberry, the lanes are very narrow hardly room for two carts to pass. The camp were [where] we are is not a very nice place, no towns near it. The village of Amesbury is not far away it is not much of a place not very many people there. We got four days leave, we went to London it is a nice place, the streets are crowded Allan & I went to Leicester it is about a hundred miles from London, it took us two hours to go there it is a nice place, we did not have much trouble finding our relations in Leicester. When we got to Paynes, Aunty and Ethel were at the pictures, the lady next door made us go in and she went to the pictures and told Aunty; they got a great surprise when they got back. There was only Auntie and Ethel there, the others were at Drayton – Ethel is about eighteen or nineteen she is a nice girl. They told us about Leicester and one or two good tales about Dad. The next day we went with Aunty to Drayton, we got there about ten it was a long walk to Aunt Charlotte[s] place on the way there we saw where Grandfather was buried and cannot think of the place where Aunty lives, it is not much of a village.⁵ While we were there we saw our Aunt Edith she walked six miles to see us, we saw Ida also, you would hear Jim talking about her, and a lot of other cousins Flo Wilson was the only one we did not see, she was away on holidays. They made a great fuss of us. We came back to London on the Wednesday and had a look round in the afternoon. The next day we went for a trip round London and by jove it did rain, we saw the Tower of London it is a very nice place and to St Pauls it is a nice place also. We had to go back to camp that night, it was about two when we got back and I was not a bit tired. We are going to go to Salisbury one week end. I just got a letter from Charlie and Albert and Aunty Etta. Well Mum we got a letter from George the other day he did not have much news. Well Mum we are going for a walk to the village blacksmith today so I think I will close.

From your loving son

Percy

As the brothers settled into weeks of training, thoughts of home were never distant. Persistent rain did little to alleviate their longing for the familiar countryside of Mologa, although Second Lieutenant O’Donnell, Commanding Officer of the Machine-Gun Section, did his best to ensure that his men were satisfied with their new environment. Regular leave on Saturday and Sunday afternoons provided opportunities to catch up with old neighbours and friends in nearby camps.

Lark Hill

Amesbury

20-8-16

Dear Albert

We were all through these buildings they are of course very ancient but very interesting when you have a guide to tell you all about them. We seen some lovely scenery in London but would not live here for anything I have posted you all a lot of letters I received yours but was not at all pleased, you would know that too.

Goodbye Albert

Brother Allan

On 23 August Allan sent a number of postcards home which his cousin had given him in Leicester, using some to write his news:

Amesbury

Lark Hill Camp

Wednesday 23.8.16

Dear Old Albert

Well Albert I hope you and all at home are well. I never felt better in all my life. The other boys are well too. I got another letter from you yesterday I was so pleased to get it. This is the only one I got from home. I also got one from Lily Sharp and one from Ida Payne and Flo Wilson. I have not got the paper yet, but I believe they are in London.

By hell skins are a big price now, couldn’t we play hell with them. I am pleased to hear you are having a good season over there. I thought Charlie would enlist, but I think he should have stopped at home, as we are well presented. There is one thing about it when he sails they are bound to send them here somewhere, and it is a good home compared with Egypt. I don’t think the war will last much longer now. You must be having a good time out at bobs.⁶ We will have a good time out there after the war. The rabbits will get hell I can tell you. We get splendid tucker here now and plenty of it. We have got a bonzer officer. He is the boy to stick to you. I like our new machine gun. With the Lewis Gun we have to go into the front line of trenches. The Vickers machine gunners go in the 2nd and the maxim gunner go in the 3rd line. We have to drill a treat here, it is not a pleasure trip we are on. We have had a good deal of rain since being here. We might go into the trenches anytime now. Has conscription come in yet. I am always wondering if you got my cable from Cape Town and also my letters from here. I posted the parcel over. The brooch is for mum, pipe for dad, cigars for Jim and cigarette case for you. I don’t know whether Percy sent anything or not. Well Albert old cockie, I don’t care how soon we go to the trenches. I do hope mum is getting my money. Tell her she can have what she likes of it and one of you can have what you like. I am sending you some postcards what Ida Payne sent to me, they are no good to me here. Oh Albert I have wrote such a lot of letters. I will also send you over some English papers. I have a few farthings in my pocket. I will send them over. Jim will be playing hell with that new plough now. I suppose he is singing better than ever now. How much crop have you put in this year; considering being a good one you will have your work cut out in the harvest time. By hell you all miss me at the bag sewing. Too true says you. Well Albert that was a good rumour about us being back at Campellfield. As I said in my other letters we had a terrible lot of sickness coming over. We buried 2 at sea and had over 200 cases of measles etc…

To his mother Allan added his thoughts on the upcoming harvest and the lunches she always prepared that he knew he would miss.

… Well Mum I believe you are having a good year over there, and I am pleased too. I wouldn’t mind being there for the lunches, as that was the place where I could shine isn’t that so A few hot scones and tea was what I liked, anyway we will still get them after the war. I put all Sunday in in writing letters so I hope you get them. Also the little present. I hope you like it mum. Well dear mum don’t worry over us as we are enjoying ourselves and I don’t think it will be long before we are home so goodbye mum till we meet again.

I remain

Your Loving Son

Allan

To his father he suggested:

… I can tell you I might get leave to go home and sew the bags … I like the climate over here it agrees with me. Everything looks lovely here. After the war dad I will take you over this way and show you around, But I told you I would not live here, Australia for me. It was the best move that ever you made to go to Australia. Well Dad I am writing such a lot of letters to you all, as you will excuse the writing. Well dad goodbye till we meet again I hope you like the pipe. I thought it was the best thing I could buy you so I hope it suits. It is supposed to be a good one but they come the bluff on us …

I don’t think the war will last much longer …

At Larkhill, the reports from the battlefields were finally bringing hope. In Europe, news that Romania had joined the Allies was met with jubilation as was the news that Australian and New Zealand forces had repelled the Turkish advance on Romani and that Egypt was, in the short term, secured. Allan wrote home of the positive news from France. Ironically this was the same day that the 4th Division was forced to retreat from Mouquet Farm. The ‘latest in the paper’ was a long way removed from reality.

Amesbury

Letter no.1

Lark Hill Camp

29^th-8-16

Dear Albert,

… You are having some bonnie rains over there you will have a great harvest no doubt. It is just the same here raining practically every day, and it makes everything so miserable. On Saturday we went around to Salisbury to see the town, it is a place a bit bigger than Bendigo but not as nice a place. There are some terrible old place[s] there. There is a beautiful cathedral there, It is the oldest one in England. We were all through it. We also went through the gardens. We got back to the camp about 1 oclock that night. Well on the Sunday Les [Townsend] Percy and I and 2 other chaps went over to see Charlie [Fyffe], Tom[Alford] and Hughie [Johnson, also referred to as Ewen and Uhun] at Perrim Downs. We motored over after church parade and came back in the trains. The boys look well. Hughie was off to France this morning [Tuesday]. He seemed to be glad to get away I only wish I was getting away too. Today they have taken 45 men out of each company to make reinforcements up. I really think there will be no 38th Battalion soon. I think it will be split up into reinforcements. Things seem to be going well over in France now. Roumania will shake the huns up. In todays paper things are good. We always get the latest in the paper here. To morrow we are going out on the rifle range, the next day we are going out on a route march, so you can guess we will be going some but it doesn’t matter a dam we know it is all in the game. Tomorrow night I am going over to see Dave Glass. I think they are moving off soon. If I only knew how long it would be before the 38th went into action and I knew it would be long, I am off into some reinforcements, buggar it all I think I am fit now to have a cut. I have no letters from Georgie but I had 2 or 3 from England. Well Albert old boy you must be having a lovely time out at bobs. Tom Alford showed me a photo of Pearl Saville to me on Sunday he had just got it. It was some stile too. She just looked tip top. Well Albert I hope you get my letters all right … Don’t forget to tell me how all at home are. Though I am a long way away I never forget you all. Well Albert old boy I will say goodbye.

I remain

Your loving brother

Allan

Frustrated with training and anxious to get to the front, Allan was willing to forgo the brotherhood of the Bendigo battalion for the chance to show his worth. Percy’s main concern however, was the monotony of the wet English autumn.

Lark Hill

29 Aug

Dear Charlie

I received your ever welcome letter yesterday and glad in a way to hear you have enlisted although, I think there is enough of us in it. We have not heard from Geordie lately, I don’t know whether he could have got our last letters. It is terrible wet here lately, it seems a buggar of a place for rain. I don’t know what it will be like in winter time. We went to Salisbury last Saturday afternoon, we could only get leave for the afternoon it is not a bad place, it is bigger than Bendigo. On Sunday we went over to Perron Downs, where Charlie Fyffe and Tom, Johnson, it is about twelve miles from us, we went in a motor, it was a wet day. Uhun is leaving for France this morning, Charlie and Tom are not going, Tom has been a bit crook. We get plenty of drill now, it is a sticky place here when it is raining much. Well Charlie I suppose you had a taste of the stew by now, its good isn’t it. We have not had any shooting out of the Lewis guns yet. We will have an idea of the trenches before we leave here, B Company had 48 hours in them, it is raining a lot of the time. We got inoculated yesterday it was a buggar for about 24 hours, it was ten times as strong as we [had] in Australia, Well Charlie I think I have told you all the news so I will remain

your loving brother Percy

Allan wrote to Jim of his discontent but also his pleasure when Albert’s mate from Mologa arrived at Larkhill:

30-8-16

Dear Jim

Well Jim old boy how the devil are you … I am getting fat as the devil and ugly with it. I am getting my photo taken so I will send them over to you … The lads don’t know when they are going but they are sending them away in hundreds now. I wish to God I could get away. We are being going some lately. This is the place where you [get] it rocked into you, but it is all in the game. They tell us all the more work we get, will help us to get back to Australia, anyway that is their b- tale. We went out to the range on Friday and went through our musketry. We all done pretty good shooting. We will be going down to the range any day to do our shooting with the machine guns. I am dying to shoot with them, According to our paper here the machine guns are doing good work at the front and I hope we hold our end up with them. The boys are doing some big route marches lately, but we have missed them up to date and I am sure we don’t want any either. We have had a terrible lot of rain here lately and it makes everything so miserable. They are having a very wet harvest here but they seem to work away just the same. I am finishing this letter on Sunday 3^rd Sept. Well Jim we all went down to a little village called Andover on Saturday. It is not much of a place, but I thought it might be a nice little place. Percy and W. Street got leave to go to London so they can come back tonight. Anyway Jim I was busy writing letters to you today when Jack Price came along we did get a hell of a shock. Anyway I put the afternoon in with Jack and I am a little bit behind with my letters now. Well Jim Jack does not look to well. He has been in the hospital for a month and has just came. He put a week in Egypt but did not think to much of it. I am going to try to get him into the 38^th Battalion and I think I can do it too. He does not think too much of the reinforcements he is in. You can tell his people about that but don’t tell them about him not looking too well. Well Jim Charlie Fyffe came over to see us on Saturday but we were down at Andover. He never sent us any word to say that he was coming or we would have stopped home. Well Jim I hope we [are] over in France by the time you get this letter. I have not got any more letters from Geordie. I hope I soon get some more letters from home. Don’t forget to tell me if you got my letters and cable from Capetown. I am anxious about them …

I remain your loving brother

Allan

Charlie Fyffe has gone to France this morning. Don’t forget to tell Mrs Price and Mrs Fyffe Alford and Johnson that we met the boys.

Hurrah Jim

Writing home to Albert, Percy remarked on the surfeit of nice girls in London. Many dominion soldiers found new friends, girlfriends and lovers during their English leave. While the intentions of many of the ladies on the streets of London were not always admirable, there were others who were genuinely concerned for the welfare of the soldiers who were so far from the comfort of their homes.

Lark Hill

31 Aug

Dear Albert

… We are still in England and will be here for a while. It has been raining like b- here lately, I don’t know what it will be like in the winter time. You have had bad luck with the rain, not been able to go and see the girl, you will be able to have a good time now, that I am not there to watch you. Well Albert I see a few girls now and then, they are easy to get in London some nice girls there …

Your loving brother

Percy

THEATRES OF WAR, SEPTEMBER

In France the Battle of the Somme continued into its second phase. On 15 September at Delville Wood, east of Pozieres, Haig’s secret weapon, the tank, was used for the first time. While initially terrifying the enemy troops, the tanks were slow and largely ineffective with only nine of the 49 ‘Willies’, as they were nicknamed, reaching the German lines before breaking down or becoming easy targets for artillery fire.

British, Canadian, Scottish and New Zealand forces advanced towards Bapaume, taking Courcelette, High Wood and Flers, then later Thiepval, Combles, Morval and Gueudecourt. The ultimate objective of Bapaume was not reached before the dreadful Somme winter began to descend. Incessant rain began to fall, the shattered ruins of villages and fields turned to mud and shell holes filled with putrid water. The Battle of the Somme was grinding to a halt; the stalemate had not been broken. While Allied forces had gained some 11 kilometres of ground, the cost was beyond comprehension. Over one million Allied and enemy soldiers had become casualties. Of these, 146,000 Allied soldiers were listed as killed or missing.

In the east, the mobile Russian offensive had gained much ground while the German offensive at Verdun had stalled. The optimism of the brothers that the Allies were wearing the German forces down is evident; however, as the September rains turned the battlefields to mud and the European winter set in, the enemy position strengthened. Russian forces were demoralised by an influx of German reinforcements, Romania struggled and the Italian front, like the Somme, was deadlocked.

BELGIUM, SEPTEMBER

The Australians had withdrawn to the relative quiet of the Ypres sector, the 1st Division rotated through the trench line north of the Ypres-Comines Canal, in the vicinity of the infamous Hill 60 site which was to become well known to the Australians in 1917. Here they were told to prepare for the winter and this is where the soldiers expected to remain during the approaching cold months. They began digging and fortifying trenches and raiding enemy lines while reinforcements, fresh from training in England, began to arrive to boost the division’s depleted numbers.

Writing home, George addressed his letters as ‘France’; however, he was now positioned just over the border in Belgium. George may have been attempting to inform Charlie of his location as he mentions that the trenches are ‘noted for one thing here’. Perhaps George is referring to the Ypres salient, notorious for the first use of gas by German forces on 22 April 1915.

France

Sept 6^th 1916

Dear Charlie

I received a letter from you, mother and Albert yesterday also one from cousin Ida telling me about Al and Percy going to see them and what a surprise she got when her mother sent her a telegram saying that she was coming home with two Australians. You say you have enlisted and passed, you will have fair idea of camp life by now, it is about time some of them you mentioned woke up and enlisted. You ought to try to get in some reinforcements to the second Brigade, I don’t think there is much chance of me seeing the others as they are in a different division to me I could claim them and get them in my Brigade but as they have such a lot of mates from home I wouldn’t think of it. I don’t think they will see much fighting this year as it is coming on winter, it has been raining here this last few days they say this month is generally very wet and we are into the winter by next month and last till about march. We have had some good news lately that Roumania is fighting on our side and that the Russians are taking prisoners in ten(s) of thousands and where we were fighting last month we advanced a good bit, my word it was very lively on the Somme the fighting was the fiercest since the war broke out talk about shells every bit of the ground was ploughed up you wouldn’t believe it. Archie Bailey and Harry Burrows were wounded in the first stunt that we were in there, Amos and I are alright. Tom Alford and the others are in England, lucky aren’t they. You seem to be having a lot of rain over there. I am getting the letters regular now I wrote to them at home last week, don’t send any more papers as I haven’t received one yet they don’t bother about them. I saw a letter in the Bendigo paper from a chap over here. He wrote just after we arrived here, he had in it that it was a picnic here to the Dardanelles I bet he don’t think so now the fight we just came out of was worse than any fight at the Dardanelles. We are on a different part of the firing line now the trenches are good here but it is noted for one thing here. Well Charlie I have no more news so will close hoping you are well as I am at present

I remain

Your Loving Bro

George

I hope you have better luck with the second ticket

The following day he wrote to Albert:

September 7^th 1916

Dear Albert

… I told you in my letters that I received the both parcels one took 5 months to reach me, don’t send any more papers as I haven’t got one yet they give them away to anybody they want stirring up about it, I would like to get the one with the piece about K. Lairds death in it, I didn’t know he was dead, tell me what he died from when you write. You need not send those addresses any more as I have all the lads addresses also the English addresses. I have written to Al & Percy several times and have had two letters from them. I had a letter yesterday from Cousin Ida saying that they were out to Leicester to see them. I wrote to Charlie yesterday also to Mother last week and will write to Jim in a few days time. I am doing a lot of writing this last week as I have had a good chance to write since we came out of this Advance. This is a picnic here where we are now to where we just came from but is a great place for mines and gas. I am not in the front line at present but soon go in and relieve the other part of the Battery. I am going to drop a line to Jack Price to see if he has joined the Batt. yet. Tom Alford and some of the others might have to go into the 58 Battalion as some of the reinforcements that come from the sixth have to go to the 58 Batt. Amos is alright I often have a yarn with him, I told you in other letters that Arch Bailey and Harry Burrows were wounded in the “Big Push”. Well Albert news is exhausted so will close hoping all are in the best of health as I am at present.

I remain Your Loving Bro

Geo.

While George described life in the trenches protecting Ypres as a ‘picnic’ compared to the hell of Pozieres, the regular clouds of gas and the constant shell and mortar fire continued unabated, not only in the front line but also in the rear support areas. George wrote in a letter home of his surprise at the death of Ken Laird. Ken was a 27-year-old farmer from nearby Calivil who had enlisted in July 1915 and served in the 22nd Battalion.⁷ He married just prior to leaving Australia and had survived the tough Gallipoli campaign. In the early hours of 2 July 1916 Ken was guarding an ammunition store behind British lines near the busy staging post of Bailleul, north-west of Armentieres. He was hit by a long-range shell and severely wounded. Ken died in the field ambulance as it struggled through congested roads to seek treatment for the wounded Australian.⁸

September 12^th

Dear Jim

Just a few lines to say that I received a letter from you, Charlie and Allan also my first Pyramid Paper with the piece about Ken Laird’s death and the Honour Roll, I suppose Charlie’s name will be down on it by now. Allan said in his letter that Jack Price is in England and has been in the hospital sick and does not look to well, Dave Glass is also there, he said Ewin & Charlie have left there for France so when we go out of these trenches I will have a look through the 6 Batt. for them but they might be sent to the 58 Batt as some of the reinforcements that come for the 2^nd brigade have to go the 15 brigade. Bert Gibson has got his discharge and they call him the returned “Hero” I don’t think he saw a shot fired, if he had been through the fighting here he would have room to talk. You don’t seem to have got my letters telling you that I received both parcels although one was travelling for about 5 months. Well Jim I started to write this letter two days ago but had to stop well since then I received a letter each from Charlie, Albert and Aunt Lizz. Dated 1^st August, I have received a lot of letters lately. I hope you like the new plough it will be much quieter. I often see Amos and have a yarn with him. We do a lot of Mortar work here when Fritz fires his bombs over we give him about twice as much back. Well Jim I will now close hoping all are well as I am at present.

Your aff. Bro

George

Bert Gibson enlisted in June 1915 and was allocated to the 13th Light Horse Regiment. Soon after arriving in Egypt he was kicked by a horse and the resulting injury proved so severe that he was invalided back to Australia and discharged in February 1916. He married later that year but was recalled for special duty at the AIF Depot in Cape Town, where he served from March to November 1917.⁹

George found time to pen a letter to his parents:

… You mentioned about sending money, well I have had money all the time I have been in France and being in the trenches so often don’t get the chance to spend it, it would come in handy if I got leave to England but there is no such luck so you need not send any, but take ₤15 out of my pay and buy yourself something. Charlie is lucky getting such good tucker in camp we do fairly well here … I was very sorry to hear about Ken Laird and Donaldson that used to play with Calival I used to see him in Egypt very often, he was camped along side us there, I suppose there are others that have been knocked in the same place as we were fighting. I had a letter from Al saying that [they] have no word of shifting yet but said Ewan and Charlie had left for France and that Jack Price has been sick in the hospital. I don’t think they will see much heavy fighting before the winter and doubt if they see any, we do a lot of firing bombs here, have just finished having a bit of a duel with Fritz. Do you know how Ray is getting on I think he was with Campbell that got wounded. Has Vic Winterbottom left yet. Well I have no more news so will close hoping all are well as I am at present.

I remain

Your Loving Son

George

P.S. be sure and buy yourself something out of that money

Robert Campbell (photo courtesy Pyramid Hill Historical Society).

George was yet to hear that Ray Leed had been killed near Fromelles almost two months before while Robert Campbell was recovering from a gunshot wound to the head. Robert had been Head Teacher at Mologa Central School when he enlisted at the age of 22 and, like Ray, he had been sent to the 57th Battalion. He returned to the front on 10 November 1916. Thirteen days later he was reported killed in action.¹⁰

George wrote to Allan and Percy describing the recent casualties:

… It is rumoured here that your division is being split up for reinforcements for the others that are here, but must be a furfie as you say you have no word about shifting, if you should try and get into this brigade. Did I tell you that Ken Laird has died of wounds he was in the 6^th Brigade Trench Mortar also Donaldson that used to play football with Calival has been killed and his brother had a leg blown off and Campbell the school teacher and a son of Pentreath’s has been wounded they were telling me about these chaps in their letters from home, we only here [hear] of the ones that are in our own brigade, Amos is well he is only a little way along the way from me. We do a lot of bomb firing here it gets lively at times. Well boys I don’t think you will see much fighting this year as it will soon be winter and things will be at a standstill then we are preparing for the cold now, it will be very miserable here…

While George was expecting a miserable winter, he could not have foreseen that this would be one of the worst European winters on record.

ENGLAND, SEPTEMBER

Throughout September, Allan and Percy enjoyed moments of respite from training and continued to find opportunities to familiarise themselves with their father’s homeland. But thoughts of their own birthplace were never too distant. The twins frequently wrote home, anxious for news and to send news of George and their friends and neighbours.

Amesbury

Sunday 3^rd September

My Dear Mother and Father

…Well mother just as I am getting a good start again after Jack Price has gone Dave Glass has just come to see me so I am finishing this letter off on Monday night. Well, Jack Price came down to see me on Sunday afternoon so I can tell you that I had a hell of a shock. He is camped about 2 miles away from us. I am often going down to see the poor devil, I feel sorry for Jack on account of him being away on his own. I am going to do my best to get him into the 38^th Batt and I think I can do it. He has just come out of the hospital. He had measles and numonia. He does not look too well on it. Well mum Percy and Will Street got leave to go to London on Saturday they came back Sunday night. They had a pretty decent time. The rest of us lads went down to Andover to see the town there. It is not a bad little place. I think I have seen most of the sights around about our camp now. Well Mum I am terribly pleased to night, do [you] know what happened, I got a letter from Georgie, this is the first since I wrote to him, he got my letters all right and good many from home. He said he was well. Him and Amos came out of the trenches together. He said he had not seen Ray Leed or Charlie Cockcroft, he said their division was not in the Big Push. He also said they were shifting to where the fighting was not so heavy. He said he heard they were going to be sent to London for a holiday. I only hope he is, as I would like to see him. He said in his letter that Harry Burrows and Archie Bailey had been wounded. Well mum dear it is raining here again today. All the battalion bar us have gone for a two day route march, so you can see we are lucky to be M Gun Section. Mum everything over here is good we are all happy - I expect a letter or two from you in a few days. Jack Price is getting a lot of letters he says. He has not had his 4 days leave in London yet but expects to go this week. We get a good many letters from Leicester and our other relations. There has been some big zeppelin raids in London lately. They brought a big one down on Saturday night. So things were very exciting. Well dear mum and dad I think I have told you all the news, so I trust and hope you are all well as it leaves me and the rest at present,

Goodbye I remain your loving son

Allan S

Charlie Fyffe and Hughie Johnson have gone to France. Tell their people that we met all the Mologa boys that have gone lately. They all look well.

I have been wondering if you got my cables and letters from Cape Town. I do hope so.

It is getting very cold here now

We get pretty good tucker now.

To Jim, he briefly mentioned Charlie’s wedding:

… The 2/38 have just come in so Charlie wont be long. I have not got any letters referring to the wedding … You will be busy with the crops by the time you get this letter. They say we are in for a cold winter. I will send my photo by next mail. Give my love to your girl that is if I know her …

German airships known as Zeppelins were frequently used for bombing raids across England and were responsible for killing and injuring many civilians and causing widespread damage. The raid Allan refers to occurred on the night of 2/3 September, a Saturday night. Sixteen airships crossed the English Channel under cover of darkness. A 19-year-old British pilot took to the air and shot one of the zeppelins in the early hours of Sunday morning. As further letters describe, the pilot was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. In 1917, German long-range heavy bomber aircraft, Gotha Bombers, were to cause greater loss of life and destruction as they targeted the busy port of Folkestone, various army camps and, in a daring daylight raid, were responsible for the death of children attending a London school.

Percy was in London the night the Zeppelins set their sights on the city:

… We went to London last Saturday, there was a zeppelin raid in London while we were there, it was two oclock in the morning, when they came we did not see them, we slept too sound, they were firing at them and they brought one down. Well Jim we have plenty of drill now, not near as bad a time as the infantry, they get plenty of marching, news is scarce at present I only hope to hear about your marriage any day now …

Allan’s card, ‘Daily routine of a soldier’, which he sent to Albert.

Allan scribbled a quick note to Albert on the back of a postcard and, a few days later, wrote lengthy letters to his brothers in Australia:

“Daily Routine for a Soldier”

No.3 Letter

Lark Hill Camp

Amesbury

Tuesday 5 September

Dear Albert

Well Albert old boy this is our daily routine so you can see we are kept going. The battalion has just arrived home from their route march. The poor devils look tired. We are going through our machine gun tests on Saturday. I think we ought to do well enough. Well Albert when you write don’t forget to tell me all the Mologa news etc. I am sending over some English papers to you.

I remain your loving Brother

Allan

Bye Albert old boy

No word of going to the front

I have just got Pyramid paper

Amesbury

Lark Hill Camp

8/9/16

Dear Jim

… Well Jim you are having a wet year over there alright. It must be delaying you with the plowing and I suppose it inconveniences you as regards going to see this new girl of yours. Jim you are dead mean every time you write, you never mention her name so next time you write please do mention her name. Well Jim we were inoculated the day before yesterday and by hell it gave us blazes. We went out on parade yesterday, but had to come in again. We heard that there was a route march today so some of us malingered out of it. It is the first time ever I malingered but we cant be too cunning in the army. I saw Jack Price again the other night, he is still on light duty and is going into London today. I am finishing this letter Sunday 10^th. Well Jim my arm is alright now and I am on duty again. On Saturday a few of us went to a place called Whitchurch but it [is] a very poor place and we did not stop long. On Sunday morning Percy, Les and a few more of us went over to a place called Stonehenge. I am sure you have read about it in History. This afternoon I am busy writing letters, but a few of the lads have gone to Salisbury. Well Jim yesterday we saw a big mob of German prisoners. They got out of the train at Amesbury and were marched out into our german prison in the camp. They were the biggest men I ever saw. They were as fat as pigs. We have to travel in 3^rd class carriages, but the b- germans travel in first class carriages. We have a terrible lot of them in the prison out here. About 3 weeks ago a nurse down at the prison went into prison to dress the wounds of one of them and the b- got the stuff she had in the bowl and threw it over her face and it blinded her. She called out to the chap that was on guard and he was an Australian. He came in and bashed him to pieces now he is in the clink and is to be tried. Yesterday they took the reinforcements out of our battalion and they went to Perim Downs. Things are very quiet here today. I think I will be going to London next Saturday. Only 2 a week are allowed to go. The fare to London from here is 14 /- but we go for 7/-. Les seems to be getting better now; but does not [look] to well on it yet. Well Jim I hope you and all at home are well as it leaves me at present. Remember me to your new girl whoever she might be. Jim let me know by return of post who she is …

To Albert he added:

… I had a terrible job to read Etters letter and all the news Lily Sharp had was that they had not got any letters from me yet and that she had just finished washing her hair. Well Albert old boy I don’t suppose it will be long before you will be cutting hay. It don’t seem anytime since last harvest … I am glad you like your job on the cutter, the only job I would like on it, would be the boss … I am sending those Pyramid papers onto Georgie, he will get them in 4 days from here. He had a very interesting letter in it. Jack Wales must have had a great welcome home. It is very funny the pub in Pyramid being isolated. Hu Martin wouldn’t like that would he. Auntie Etter said in her letter about a ghost chasing a girl in Bendigo. I expected something like that from her. I think she delights in these b- ghosts. I suppose Charlie knows what camp life is like by now. I supposed you cursed the rain up dale when you could not go to see the girl no doubt it must be a bit of a b-. Does it delay Jim too. He never says in his letter who his girl is. I wish I knew… I saw Jack Price again last night, he is still on light duty and is going into London today. I wish I was going too. London is a lovely place for a holiday but for nothing else. I have just read in the paper when poor old Jacka has died of wounds.¹¹ Yesterday there was 2 700 Australians put out of action. The poor Australians are in the hottest of fighting. Ted Bennitts is pretty crook with lumbago. He does not look well at all but don’t say a word. They split our battalion up the other day they took 50 out of each company for reinforcements but now they have brought them back. There were a lot more Australians come in the other day. They say they are going to shift us out of here for the winter. They tell us it is a fair brute in winter time …

Jack Price was a neighbour and classmate of Albert. He was also a keen member of the Mologa Football Club. On his 18th birthday he persuaded his parents to sign his enlistment papers and was allocated to the 46th Battalion. Allan, believing that Jack needed the support of familiar faces, would soon attempt to have him transferred to the 38th.

On 10 September Percy and Allan spent much of their day writing home to each family member. Percy wrote to his parents of his visit to ‘marvellous’ Stonehenge, also telling them that the 3rd Division was to be inspected by the Commander-in-Chief of the British Home Forces:

… We went to the Stonehenge this morning, it is marvellous how the big stones were brought there, it is very interesting to see it … General French is coming out here tomorrow, I am sure he will be struck with the 38^th Battalion …

Allan wrote a lengthy letter to his mother:

Sunday 10.9.16

My Dear Mum

… We are having a lot of rain over here and I hope it keeps like this for a while. Sometimes when you get up in the morning it is lovely, and perhaps in a couple of hours it is raining like billy o. Well mum I am glad you got my cable but then you wrote you never said when you got it and where it came from … It is very funny about all the rumours of our boat going down, well mum they said it was in this mornings paper that she was sunk in the Mediterranian. I got a very interesting letter from Georgie. I write to him every week I am sending the Pyramid papers over to him.

I think I am going to London next Saturday. I was very sorry when I heard about Ken Laird. I had only just finished reading his letter in the pyramid paper when I got your letter. Well mum we are having a good time here. We get plenty of work and we get pretty good tucker. I knew that young Falconer of Mincha. Les has had a bad back. The doctor said it was lumbago. He seems to be pretty right now. Ted Bennitts has had a very bad back. When I go to London I am getting flannels as they say it is terrible cold here in the winter. I have not had a cold since I left Australia. Mum I have never felt better in my life. I am getting my photo taken so I will send them over …

I remain

Your Loving Son

Allan S

I don’t think we are going to France for a long time

All the boys are well.

MOLOGA, SEPTEMBER

As the Australian winter ended with the arrival of spring and the Somme casualty lists revealed the tragic results of the battle, the Australian people were consumed by the raging debate over conscription. A significant drop in recruitment following Fromelles and Pozieres now meant that Australia could not supply the 80,000 men required over four months to replace Australian losses and to strengthen its battalions.¹² England had demanded the compulsory service of its sons in January 1916, while in New Zealand conscription had been introduced in August. Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes had recently returned from England and France. Despite widespread opposition within the Labor Party he announced a referendum on 28 October to settle the question of conscription once and for all.¹³ Hughes was so confident that the referendum would support the introduction of conscription that he ordered a call-up of all unmarried men between the ages of 21 and 35 for home service prior to the vote, ensuring that these men would be ready for overseas service once conscription was introduced.¹⁴

In Mologa, Albert had arrived home requesting that his parents sign the form that would provide their consent to his enlistment. While he would not turn 19 until November, he would be accepted by the Bendigo recruiting office at 18 years 10 months (the minimum age of 18 was not introduced until May 1918). Parental consent duly provided, Albert was certified fit at Royal Park in Melbourne on 18 October 1916, one month before his 19th birthday. I suspect it was with great reluctance that Sarah had agreed to provide her consent. Sarah and Charles probably expected the Conscription Bill to pass and that their youngest son would soon be conscripted regardless of their wishes. The burden of that day was to last Sarah a lifetime.

Bendigo

Tuesday

Dear Mum,

I got your letter today, and was glad you signed the papers. I couldn’t possibly get home tonight, as I’m going to Melb tomorrow, and will be back on Thursday or Friday. I will be home on Friday or Saturday. Charlie is in town today, in Fatigue duty, pulling down a building. I was out at the camp last night and he came with me, He is coming in again tonight. I am going up to Ettas now. Fancy Martin Kelly dying. I heard about an hour after he died.

I remain your loving son

Albert

On the same day, Charlie wrote to his mother:

5^th Sept 1916

Dear Mother

Just a few lines in a hurry this morning I was in Bendigo last night and did not write I am getting on alright and we do not know when we are going, Albert passed yesterday he was out at the camp last night there are a lot of men coming into camp now. I think they must be frightened of conscription which I think will be in about November and they are going to give the soldiers a vote. I have not seen the Gibsons since I came back but Pearl saw Florrie on Parade yesterday. I got leave last week from 2pm Saturday till 11 oclock Sunday night. I put in for week end leave but they would not grant leave to anyone. They are holding the Railway Picnic on the 16^th September I think I will be here for that because they have got posters up everywhere about the sports which are only for the soldiers. Well Mother I will say goodbye from me and Pearl hope all are well as I at present.

I am your affect. son.

Charlie

… We quite forgot to send up those photos with Albert, Pearl thought of them and went up to the station to give them to Albert but the train was just going out as she got there, however we will send them up or wait till some of you are down they are fairly heavy so would cost a bit to post up … I believe they are starting another class for the N.C.O. I do not know whether the 3^rd 38^th will be given a chance in it if so Horris Whinfield and I are going to have a try, which will last for a month. Harry Street did not pass in the old class and may be having a try in the next one. Bert Whinfield passed. I have got leave from two oclock today till 11 oclock tomorrow night, I saw Wilson Townsend last night he said he had a good mind to go home today but I do not know whether he went or not …

At Mologa, Charles Senior had received word that his young nephew, Harry Marlow of the British 1st Essex Regiment had been wounded, possibly at Beaumont-Hamel in the opening days of the Somme battles. Little is known of the extent of his wound and the circumstances in which he was wounded, although Harry certainly survived his wounds. He was discharged in October 1917.

Cousin Harry Marlow of Leicestershire who served on the Somme.

A few days later, on 14 September, General Birdwood was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the AIF. The news was welcomed across the nation as ‘Birdie’ was a popular commander and had a reputation for fairness and a keen interest in the welfare of his troops.

3^rd 38^th Batt

Bendigo

Sep Wed 14^th 1916

Dear Mother

Just a few lines I got your letter yesterday also one from Arthur, well I am getting on alright, and I believe we are sailing on the 25^th Sept. We will be here for the Bendigo Picnic and will take part in the sports which is only for the soldiers, nearly all the men in the camp will be sailing together so I will have a chance of seeing the other local boys going over. Pat O’Brien is in the 4^th 38^th also Harry Street and Bert Winfield. I was sorry to hear about Harry Marlow being wounded, and you spoke about another Marlow in camp, there is not another Marlow in camp as far as I know it was a fellow from Maldon that asked me if I was related to the Marlow at Bagshot so there must be plenty of them about. I am afraid I will not be able to get up again before I go if I can get leave I will. The heads are getting down on leave now they will not allow us out at night as often as they used to, I was into Bendigo last night and intend to go in tomorrow night and I think we will get off early on Saturday. There is Church Parade here tonight and it was also on last Tuesday I went it was very good Captain Canon Percival is the preacher. Wilsie Townsend was fined 10/- for being away and Jack Sinclair was fined 3-/- for 3 days Harris Wingfield was away half a day and was fined 5/- …

… we marched through the street on Friday night and in our blue and white hats we were very dry when we got back I managed to get a drink on the road and an old lady brought out a bucket of water for us which was soon emptied. I gave those photos to Dad to bring up I gave one to Auntie Ettie we were up there last night and heard the news of course, Bert was not up for the picnic. Florries boy is in the Machine Guns in Seymour Camp. I did not see any of The Cheynes yesterday. Auntie Ettie said they were coming in. Herbert Street is still very bad in the Bendigo hospital. Jack Sinclair was up to see him this morning. Joe Stone went up with him and also to see the doctor he has been a bit off this last few days. I think we are going on the 25^th of September so I don’t think there will be any chance of getting up again …Well mum I will draw to a close hoping all are well as I am so goodbye I am your affect. son.

Charlie

My number is 2133

LARKHILL, ENGLAND, SEPTEMBER

As Charlie’s departure drew near, Allan and Percy continued to find time to write from their camp at Larkhill to their family and friends at home. While this meant that their news was often repeated, it confirmed that their thoughts were never far from home. Their older brother Jim was causing them some degree of frustration as he continued to hint at the identity of his latest girlfriend while never providing quite enough information for his younger brothers, in particular Percy.

Lark Hill

11 Sept

Dear Jim

Just a few lines to let you know I am still ticking, we are still in the same place. You did not say who she was, I am very interested to hear who she may be. Well Jim there was a big air raid in London, about two weeks ago, we were there at the time, but did not see it, it was too early in the morning, about two, they were firing at it from the guns, one was brought down by an aeroplane, the airman got a VC for it … General French was here today. I did not get near him, he had a big guard. We had to fall in a bit of a speech, from a salvation bloke, today, I did not hear much of it I went to sleep. We are going to have a football match here Saturday with the 37^th Machine Gunners it will be a great game. Well Jim I think I have told you all the news so I will close.

From Your Loving Brother

Percy

Allan wrote to Charlie not only of his disgust at seeing the German prisoners transported in first class carriages, but also of his growing frustration that he had not yet reached the front:

Amesbury

Lark Hill

Monday 11^th-9-16

Dear Charlie

Well Charlie I hope you and all at home are well as it leaves me at present I received your most welcome letter, well Charlie you know what camp life is like now. I was saying to [the] boys that I reckon you will be sailed by the time you get this letter. Well Charlie we are having a good time, we are getting plenty of work, the tucker is pretty good but by god it is getting pretty cold at nights I don’t know what it must be like in the winter time. Well Charlie you all are bound to be sent here somewhere it is nothing but camps all around here. I have not got any more letters from Georgie, but may get one any day. I believe they are taking all the boys out of the trenches in France. The poor devils [have] been getting hell lately. They are taking them out so they can reorganize. Well Charlie we went to a little place called Whitchurch on Saturday. It was not much of a place, anyway we were not sorry to get back. Next Saturday if we get leave we are going to London. When we got to Amesbury to go to Whitchurch a train load of german prisoners came in. They are big fat buggars. They travel in first class carriages but the poor Australian has to travel 3^rd. They brought them down to a prison camp here we have a lot of them here. Well Charlie I hope you have a good trip over, you have my address so write at once and I will come and see you, if we are not gone, but I wish to god we were in it somewhere. I am getting tired of training. Well Charlie old boy I am bustling like hell with this letter to catch this mail. I will write you a longer one next mail, but there is absolutely nothing to write about.

So goodbye Charlie till we meet

I remain

Your loving Brother

Allan

Percy had made his own assessment of the German soldiers:

… There was about two hundred Germans brought here, they are about a mile from us, they are enclosed in a barb wire enclosure, they look as if they have not been starved. They are big men, not a very nice body to run against …

Allan composed a lengthy letter to Albert after receiving very welcome correspondence from his younger brother and, it would seem, a rather surprising letter from an old girlfriend in an earlier delivery:

… Well Albert I received your most welcome letter, it was the only letter I got. I was rather disappointed but I suppose I will get a lot next time. Well Albert we are having a good time here, but it is getting terrible cold. This morning was the coldest morning ever I felt. There is a brigade sports on today but I am not going. I have just finished my washing and now I am busy writing letters to catch the next mail. Well Albert you seem to be having a good time on the cutter, but I suppose you will have a much better time when you get out to Listers, but I suppose you wont be there long before you have to go home. I am finishing this letter Sunday 17^th-9-16. Well Albert we had a good time since last Thursday. On Friday we went out to the range and on the Saturday we had a foot and kit inspection and a washing parade and in the afternoon the 38^th MG Section played 37^th MGS football and we beat them. Well Albert on Wednesday night I went down to see Jack Price but he had come up to our hut and so I went down again on Friday night. He is camped about 2 miles away. I thought I could [get] Jack into our battalion I could have too but he is on a draught that is going away before Saturday week, therefore they wont let him out of it. So he says he will be contented where he is. I expect him down today. Well Albert I got a bonnie mail yesterday. I will tell you who I got letters from, one from each Mabel McNeilly, Annie Clee, Mum, Eileen Braddish and Charlie. Mabel McNeilly wrote me a nice letter and is sending me some socks and by hell Albert I got a surprise when I got Eileen’s letter. It is a long time since I heard from her. She got my address from Pearl Saville. It was a bonnie letter and wants me to write every mail so I am doing so. Well Albert you are having a good year over there, you will have to work some in the harvest time. I suppose it wont be long before you will be having a good time at the Pyramid Show. Between suicides and accidents things are not going to well about the surrounding districts. A good many of the boys around the districts are getting wounded or killed. I believe Alf Ferris and Will Guinnane are in this camp now and I believe there are any amount of the boys in the camps about. Albert Bowman from Leitchville came over to see us last Sunday. He said he has been over here 6 months and has only got 6 letters since being over here. I have got no more letters from Georgie, but he sent us a letter the other day, that Jim had wrote to us, and posted it to Georgie so Jim must be very much in love. Well Albert I have a devil of a lot of letters to write this mail. I am writing to the Pyramid advertiser explaining my trip up to the present. Well Albert I hope all at home are well as it leaves us at present.

Goodbye Albert

I remain

Your Loving Brother

Allan

Eileen asked me for a photo of me so will you send her one of mine in civilian clothes I think Jim or Charlie have two you will fix that up for me. You write and say that I asked you to send it on to her. I am sending her one of me in uniform

Address – get Pearl Saville to address it¹⁵

Allan put pen to paper championing the benefits of being a Lewis gunner:

Sunday

17-9-16

Dear Charlie

… We are very lucky to be in the Machine Gun, we don’t get half the work that the infantry get. I like the Lewis Gun they are very easy to learn. We are going out to the ranges next week to do some shooting with the gun. There are a terrible lot of the boys I know about the camps. I was trying to get Jack Price into the battalion but it was too late on account of him being in a draught that is going away next week. He looks well on it now. I never felt better in my life before. There is one thing this country suits us alright at present, but by hell they say it is terrible cold in the winter… This is where you will be sent for a cut. All the boys are well, but for W.S. [Will Street] I cannot make him out at all. We played the 37^th M Gunner football on Saturday and we defeated them. They started to make it a bit willing at the last, but we were equal to them. It is starting to rain here now. The war is looking much better according to the paper this morning

In Allan’s letter the same day he implored Jim not to marry before he returned to Australia:

… I never felt better in my life. We are having a good time here, we have not been working too hard this day or two. In fact we are having a picnic to the boys in the companies. They are the poor devils that have to work … We had a great game of football on Saturday We played the 37^th M.G. and we beat them. It was getting a bit willing toward the last, but still all the same we could have mixed it with them. Well Jim you must be having a roaring time. Not too much work to do. Look at the time you must have had out at Bobs. It is a holiday resort at any time. Jim you never tell me who this new girl is. Jim do tell me. I often wondered if it was Winnie Price. If it is not her it is Mollie Gamble, but Jim whatever you do don’t get married before I get back. Percy got a letter from Charlie he seems to like the camp life alright. Percy got a letter from Auntie Florrie and she says that mum is worrying over us. If she only knew how comfortable we were it would be alright and we all as happy as if we are going to a picnic. For God’s sake Jim what ever you do don’t you go. I write to Georgie every week but I never got any letter this week from him. I am sending all the papers on to him. I can tell you what a fine thing if we could all get together, but I don’t suppose there is any luck. Everything is going well with the war in this morning paper. Things are not so good as your paper say so.

Will Guinane and Alf Ferris are over here I believe they are coming up to see us tonight. We have any amount of friends. I have had a lot of the Cohuna district boys over to see me. I wish to God we were going to France. Not another word have we heard about going. Georgie sent me over a letter that you had wrote to us and posted it to him. Will Street is very quiet I can’t make him out at all. Well Jim you could never guess where I am writing this letter. It is too roudy in the hut. So Les and I rigged up a table in a little dugout about 100 yds from the hut. So here we are writing in peace and quietness. Well Jim I think I have told you all the news so I will ring off hoping all are well.

Goodbye Jim

I remain

Your Loving Brother

Allan

Kind regards to your young lady.

Concerned that his mother was worrying too much, Allan advised his eldest brother not to enlist; another son going to war would cause his mother even greater anxiety. Allan was unaware that Albert was in camp at Bendigo waiting to be accepted. His hope that the brothers could serve together in the same battalion had not included his little brother. The same day he wrote to his mother in conversational and reassuring language, attempting to make light of his situation and persuade her that civilian life could be just as risky as that of a soldier. The casualty lists told Sarah a very different story.

Sunday 17-9-16

My Dear Mum

Well Mum I hope you and all at home are well as it leaves me at present. I received your most welcome letter. I also got others which you will read about in the other letter. Well Mum we are having a good time here. We have been having sports and football kit inspection and feet inspection and washing parades. But oh I did do a big washing. I have not a dirty thing now. We get hot water to wash with but still it is no joke. Mum when I come back you wont have to do my washing I am too good at it now. In fact I’ve a bit of a mind to take washing in, but when you come to think of it, I have come to be a soldier and not a washer man so I think I will leave it alone. Well Mum I have met such a lot of boys I know Alf Ferris and Will Guinane are here now they are coming down to night. Jack Price has just come down and he has just gone over to see Will Stevens. He is going away next week so I cannot get him in the battalion. He is well again. Well mum dear things have not been going to well about the districts lately between men getting killed and suicides a man is far better here. Well Mum Les and I rigged up a table in a dugout about 100 yds from the hut and it is here where we are writing. It is too noisy in the huts and I have such a lot of letters to write. I got a letter from Miss Mc Neilly it was very acceptable. She is sending me a couple of pair of socks. It is very good of her. I am writing to her to night. Well Mum you will have a lot of work to do now that the cows are in and it wont be long before you will be in harvest too. Well Mum after this is all over you ought to go for a good holiday to the seaside. Here at night it is that cold. I am getting some woollen flannels. Mum who is the new girl of Jims, he never says who she is. You will soon have the Pyramid Show to go to. That was a day that I was always looking forward too. Do you remember the time that I bought those fancy flowers for my coat. I think they are still home. I will never forget it. I don’t think you will either. Ha wasn’t it fun. I didn’t think so then but I do now. Charlie seems to like the camp life alright. And his girl came to our place. I will never forget the last time she came. Mum I got such a nice letter from that little girl of mine that used to live at Mologa. She said that her uncle had met Amos Haw over there. I write to Georgie every week and I send those Pyramid papers on to him. Well Mother dear I always [write] every week to you all and I hope you get all my letters. Never worry over us mum we are well and happy and according to this mornings paper the war will not last much longer. Well Mum goodbye for the present. I do hope you get my parcel alright.

I remain

Your Loving Son

Allan S

Allan mentions more soldiers from the local area arriving on the training grounds of Salisbury Plain. Alf Ferris was 31 years old when he left the farm at Terrick Terrick to enlist in the 60th Battalion in March 1916. After the 1917 battles at Ypres he was seconded for duty with the 5th Division Horse Clipping Depot. He returned to Australia in July 1919.¹⁶ Will Guinane of nearby Mincha enlisted at the same time as Alf and they served together in the 60th Battalion. A 34-year-old farmer, Will was wounded at Bapaume on 12 May 1917. His wound was severe and, as he was no longer fit for duty, he was discharged the following March.¹⁷ Will Stevens was also a farmer and lived at Sylvaterre, where he enlisted at the age of 22. He was shot in the chest on 19 July 1917 but recovered to return to C Company of the 38th Battalion on 12 October 1917, a day of disaster for the 38th. Will eventually returned to Australia in September 1919.¹⁸

Tom Alford, who was about to leave England to reinforce the 59th Battalion of Pompey Elliott’s 15th Brigade, dashed off a hurried note to Jim to acknowledge that he had received a letter from Mologa and to tell him that his time on the Western Front was about to begin.

Perham

Sept 21^st

Dear Jimmy,

I received your welcome letter yesterday. I was glad as I am off to France on Saturday. Well I’ve had a pretty good time in England taking it alround so Hurrah

From T Alford

While continuing to reassure his mother that he is well, Allan’s letters are now laced with nostalgia and a tone of intimacy. His sentences frequently begin with ‘Mum’, as if he longed to be sitting opposite her at the kitchen table enjoying a cup of tea and chatting over the latest news. He does his best to provide reassurance to his mother, yet reveals a longing for family and the comforts of home.

My Dear Mum

… we have been on march. We had a march past our divisional officer [General Monash] the other day, and since then we had a march past the King, it looked very nice. There was 40 thousand of us altogether but the only fault it was a wet [day]. Well Mum I got a terrible shock when I heard that Charlie was married. I never thought he would be doing it before he left. He ought to be over here soon now if he sailed when you said he was. I have only got one letter this mail so far that was from Albert. Percy only got one too and that was from Hilda. The other boys have not got any yet, so they must be in camp somewhere. I hope I get them so I can see about the wedding … We are going into the trenches next week for 5 days, that will be nice too. I don’t think they are going to shift us from here before winter and I don’t think the war will last much longer. They are taking a lot of prisoners lately. I was in London last Saturday and we could hear the shells dropping when the Zeppelin raid was on. They made a terrible row and I would have liked to have seen it, but it was about 1 or 2 oclock in the morning. They tell us we are going to get another 4 days leave if so we are going to see our other relation. We have had letters from them all and I can tell you we are kept writing. I have not had a letter from Geordie lately but ought to get one any time now. We are getting splendid tucker now. I had my photo [taken] in London on Sunday so I will send them over soon, I expect them today … I hope you have a good time at the show I shall write another letter this mail and tell you if I got your letters. I hope you get my parcel alright.

… I feel lovely I never felt better in my life. This climate agrees with me. I have not had a cold or an hour sickness of any sort since being here. About the flannels mum well I was going to get some but I have worked a good scheme and are getting two good ones from our Quarter master. We are having a lot of rain here again. You will see by Albert letter what a time we had at the trenches. It was raining all the time but I enjoyed it it just reminded me of when I was [young] and use to paddle in water. Mum I have just finished my Sunday dinner and this is what we had Roast beef, and a plum duff. I always have a cut of toast every meal. Yesterday when I was in the cook house toasting some the cook roused on to me and told me I was not going to make a b- rest home of this place. So I only told him I only came 3 times a day and that made him worse, but anyway I was back again today. It don’t trouble me. Well mum they tell us they are going to give us another 4 days leave if so that will be great. I am on the look out for Charlie he ought to be here soon. We have just finished a bombing course but you cant beat the machine guns. We don’t get half the work the other boys do. Mum I was sorry to hear about the boys getting wounded. I have got 2 letters from Georgie since last Saturday and he is getting mine too. So that is first rate. Mum I am sending you my photo it is not much but you will be pleased to get it just the same. Mum when you go to Bendigo again I want you to get your photo taken and send me one. Mum I would like one. Send me one of dad too then I will have the lot. Mum I am glad you are having a prosperous year. Auntie Ette could not have got my Cape Town letters but all the same I wrote. I have wrote thanking Miss McNeilly for the socks. Mum you can thank her personally to for me. Mum they are lovely there is no kid about it. Lily Sharp has sent a pair too but I have not got them … Mum I am going to write to different others. But Mum you cant rely on getting 4 letters at home every mail as I write 4 letters to home every week. Mum I hope you have got my parcel. Mum I hope you like the brooch and I hope the others like the present. I did not know what Jim would like. Mum I have found a few little relics here and I will send them home. I found a great coin in the ground the other day. I tried to get a bit of stone henge but I could not break it off. There are some bonnie flowers here. I wish I could send you a cutting. Our battalion colours are red and purple. One of the boys got a table centre made of them and they are very pretty. If I can get one I will send you one. Well dear mother I think I have told you all the news so I will close with love.

From your loving son

Allan S

Mum what ever you do don’t worry over me I am well and happy as well.

As Allan and Percy received the news of their brother and his bride, the young couple was preparing to be parted. With the likely assurances of return, Charlie farewelled his wife of just five weeks and embarked on the Shropshire on 25 September. Thousands of kilometres away at Shropshire’s destination, further news of the unexpected union and of Charlie’s departure was eagerly anticipated as Allan wrote to Albert:

Sept 27 1916

Amesbury

England

Dear Albert

Well Albert I received your most welcome letter but it is the only one I have received this mail, but expect more tomorrow. Well Albert I nearly dropped dead when I read that Charlie was married. I never dreamt of him getting married before he went to the war. In your next letter tell me all about it. We have been going very solid this last week or two. We have been out route marches and shooting a terrible lot. We had a 15 mile route march and field operations the other day. Last Thursday we had a march past General Monash our division officer and today we had a march past the King. There were about 40 thousand of us altogether, and it was raining pretty well all the time. We were all out there yesterday practising the day before … Last Saturday 3 of us got leave to go to London and we had a fair time. Percy could not go as he had been before. Percy and Les have gone down to a place called Andover today, they have to be back tonight.

Well Albert we went through our machine gun tests the other day and I passed easy. Yesterday we went through our machine gun tests at the range. There is only 7 or 8 of us that get our 1^st class machine gun certificates as on the whole the shooting was not too good. The possible was 75 and I got 70. Percy done very crook. He only got 15. When they give us the certificates I will send it home. I have not had a letter from Georgie for a long time. I have only got one letter this mail so far. I am anxious to get mums letter to see about the wedding. No doubt it was a shock to Percy and me. If he sailed when you said he was to sail he will soon be over here. All the boys seem to be up on final leave together. Ralph Alford is a dam fool to try again. Well Albert we are working very solid lately. Next Tuesday we are going into the trenches for 5 days, so that will be nice wont it. We are getting splendid tucker now. They say we are going to be billeted out for the winter. That is that we are going to stop at peoples places, but I would sooner be here because here a man is sure of getting plenty and good tucker. In your next letter tell me about Charlies wedding in case I don’t get anymore. Well Albert old boy I think I have told you all the news. I am sending you some papers and postcards.

Well Albert goodbye

I remain

Your Loving Brother

Allan S

AT SEA, SEPTEMBER

As Allan was writing home to Albert, Charlie was aboard the Shropshire, en route for England and the training grounds of Salisbury. Like Allan he was anxious to reunite all the brothers on the Western Front in the belief that they should fight together.

27^th Sept

At Sea

Dear Mother, Father & Brothers,

Just a few lines to you today. I am writing this in case we pass a mail boat or have a chance of posting this, well I am getting on alright now, but the first two days I felt a bit off in the stomach I lost part of me tea one night but put it down to my cold I started to cough and up it came, but now I am very pleased to say that I feel splendid and am enjoying the trip first rate, the sea is very calm especially this last few days, we get splendid food on board and plenty of it. W. Crossman J. Sinclair Wilsin Townsend G. Humbert, L. Cant Tom Roberts and G. Collison are on board with me they were all a bit sick but are quite well again in fact I think a bit of a heave do not do us any harm. We were paid the day we came on and can get almost anything at the canteen on board, there is all sorts of amusements on board and we have a little drill now and again to give us exercise. We are not allowed to say anything about where we are going or the nature of the ship. I wrote to Pearl and told her to tell you that she heard from me if she got the letter, so in case she did not get it and you get this one you could let her know that you heard from me. If at any time you want to find out any thing about any of us write to the Secretary Department Defence Melbourne, we were told to tell our people about this. My address is No 2123 Private C. E Marlow 3^rd Refs 38 Batt 10 Inf Brigade A.I.F. England. There is a splendid band on board and also other kind of music, including a piano. I have heard for certain that I being the oldest brother can claim Geordie and get him into my battalion, so when I get abroad I will write to him and see if he is willing to join us. I believe I will see Uncle Arthur on the way over and will let you know later how he is getting on. Just a few lines today as I believe we can post this today I am feeling splendid and enjoying the sea air, the sea is not rough yet, it surprises me to see how calm it is to what I thought it would be. Well I have no more news so will say goodbye hoping all are well as I am,

So goodbye I am your affect son

Charlie