Blog

Tobruk Diaries: Getting hotter…

30 May 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, , , , ,

Bryant’s Diary:  Friday 30th May 1941

More digging today and it was through solid rock.  The weather is getting hotter.  We came home by another route – past Fort Palestrino – and it was the roughest ride I’ve ever had.  We were pulled out of the water in a hurry and were made to stand to in expectation of an attack which did not eventuate. read on

Tobruk Diaries: Swimming, digging and a spot of baking

23 May 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries

Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 23rd May 1941

Another raid by night DG.  Mass of B.V.M [Blessed Virgin Mary].  Down for swim with Gardy and John Rue – pretty good too.  Disappointing morning among patients – 2 dogs and 2 first confessions.  Dust started early arvo.  Len flat out on German things at front very quiet.  Evacuation tonight in the dust – Gunner going back for supplies but hating his luggage.  Steele wrote a loving stinker to Tim – 1st class Chaplain now.  Dick brought in more breads.  Some confessions tonight for Morrow’s feast.  John still in hospital and I will have to do the church on Sunday…  read on

Tobruk Diaries: The first VC

16 May 2011 by Carlie Walker. 2 Comments
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, , , , ,

Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 16th May 1941

Up often for warnings – no bombs – alarm failed…so no Mass…No communion either.  Wrote to Aileen and I will post it this time.  Jerrys in Syria and Irak will probably affect our air mail.  Push on today by 2/12.  Plenty of casualties but none serious.  Two Jerry prisoners – first for long time.  Eyetie prisoner who threw grenade brought in…  Going to teach Fr. Borsorelli English and he can teach me Eyetie.  Frank Reynolds in today.  Says 12th have straightened their line.  Raid tonight scattered us just as I started to write this.  Reading supplies badly needed.  No word from Len…   read on

Talmadge Johnson and USS Mugford

15 May 2011 by Dianne Rutherford. 4 Comments
From the collection,News,Personal Stories, , ,

 

Talmadge Johnson in 1940 (Photograph courtesy of L Johnson)Talmadge Johnson in 1940 (Photograph courtesy of L Johnson)

The Australian War Memorial recently received a significant donation associated with an American sailor, Gunner’s Mate Talmadge Johnson, who served aboard USS Mugford, when she rescued the survivors from the sinking of AHS Centaur on 15 May 1943. read on

Tobruk Diaries: Masses, Miracles and a Godsend

09 May 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, , ,

Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 9th May 1941

Mass of BVM [Blessed Virgin Mary].  Evacuation flopped…ship failed to turn up – tonight?  Gave McIven Dr. Regiss card to give to Eyetie chaplain.  Two bombs very close to wards 2 and 7 – if the first had hit so would the second.  The new shelter in 7 stood it with full marks – second miracle this week.  Two very sick patients Lemon and Kennedy holding their own.  Quiet at front and here too.  Out of stockings – got…from Q. N. Store.  McQuillan lent me Irish papers – ports question and De Valera – good reading.  Everybody wondering what our next escape will be like.  “In Te Domine Speravi” [God, refuge of the oppressed]. DG. read on

Some fun moments – Simpson Prize 2011

04 May 2011 by Stuart Baines. No comments
Battlefield Tours,

Arrrgggghhhh too much food, carry me to the busArrrgggghhhh too much food, carry me to the bus

Gene joining in the traditional Turkish dancingGene joining in the traditional Turkish dancing

As promised just a few moments that I thought were fun. Stay tuned for more.

The Last Days and Hours – Simpson Prize 2011

03 May 2011 by Stuart Baines. No comments
Battlefield Tours,

Well like most great things, they do have to come to an end. As quickly as it seemed to begin the Simpson Prize trip for 2011 has wound up. The last few days were a blur of buses, shopping and food. It seemed that everyone wanted to get their last empty spaces in their cases filled so we hit the Bazaar for the last time.

There was no stopping this gaggle of shoppers as they set their sites on last souvenirs and gifts. For some of us it was a necessity as we had slightly underestimated the underwear and sock count back home in Australia, for others part of the purchasing was buying bigger bags to carry home their loot. The Bazaar is an amazing place. Like markets everywhere there is a lot of the same and you can move along and buy the same things somewhere else and hopefully get it cheaper. Occasionally around the twisting alleys and brightly decorated lanes you find that little gem souvenir that you know will mean something special. We had all had bargaining experience now and enjoyed the game. Walking away mid negotiation was a favourite with the guys and the girls it was the sweet and innocent, braver men than I may say, “act”. In the end we came back with bags and armfuls and everyone had their fill of gifts, even Gene who has, like all good Italian boys, have many siblings and cousins that he just had to buy for. Our Turkish guide, Ozgur, had let me know about one of the hidden gems of the Bazzar so that was the last stop for me. It was a little area just outside of the main undercover area with second hand bookshops everywhere. Tucked away hidden in tis tucked away corner of the Bazaar was a great little antique shop. It was dusty and smelled funny and was full of all sorts of wonderful little items all with a rich history just waiting to be discovered. It will definitely be on my list of places to visit.

So the trip is over but the blog is not. I will sort through my photos and re-read the scribbled notes that I took down and hopefully I will post some of those great memories and highlights over the next few weeks. But just one last note of seriousness from me. Sometimes people do things in their job that is just something they do, just part of the gig and sometimes you get to do some pretty fabulous things as well. I think I have been lucky to do what I have and visit those battlefields. To experience some part of what it was like for those men who served there so long ago and be able to try and pass on that experience to young people is a privilege. Beyond that, I have to say that our goodbyes at the airport were difficult because of the wonderful kids that shared this experience with us. Each and every one of them were amazing people and each of them surprised me every day. It is comforting in many ways to know what good young people are around today. It was a fantastic experience that was highlighted by the people I was with and I hope that I can consider each and every one of the Simpson Prize winners this year a friend. I will miss you all.

Please go back and read about the trip if you have missed the previous posts.

Tobruk Diaries: Questions, ‘furphies’ and rumours

02 May 2011 by Carlie Walker. 1 Comment
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, , , ,

Bryant’s Diary:  Friday 2nd May 1941

Artillery could be heard all day as the battle continues.  It appears as if the [G]ermans have captured 14 outer perimeter posts, but have not penetrated beyond them.  Some big German planes came extremely low today bombing and machine gunning, but three and possibly four were brought down by S.A.A fire.  Fred Legge of “C” Coy was killed accidentally today by an Italian hand grenade. read on