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Tobruk Diaries: Danger below…

27 June 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, , ,

Bryant’s Diary:  Friday 27th June 1941

The section worked all night putting mortar-proof roofs over dug-outs.  We were just putting the finishing touches on our work when Reg stuck his pick in a jumping German mine.  I received four ball shrapnel wounds in the small of the back and one in the left arm.  Jim was hit twice in the groin, Reg a couple in the legs and Monty one in the ribs.  After going through nearly every medical unit in the perimeter we finally ended up in the A.G.H.  I was operated on but two pieces couldn’t be found. read on

Tobruk Diaries: Mail and other miracles

20 June 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
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Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 20th June 1941

Peaceful night at last.  Missa SS Cordis Jesus…  To beach this morning and worked all morning without finishing.  Had a John Swan’s with Eric.  John Horan as usual pessimistic about our position.  The big push was definitely a big failure.  God knows what will happen to us now but we hope for a Russo-German struggle.  Still no mail but a parcel from Mrs Garvey with a pair of socks.  Eyetie bombers over three times today dropping them from all heights.  Our postmaster gone to Alex to shake up the mail… read on

Tobruk Diaries: Rest in Peace

13 June 2011 by Carlie Walker. No comments
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Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 13th June 1941

Heard only one raid and stayed in bed for it.  Mass for Anderson R.I.P.  To beach this morning but not so many there for me.  Bombed down there on Tuesday evening and John Horan reckoned his dug-out turned a somersault.  He also reckons the pearls fly through the tents down there.  Bomb on hospital ward this evening.  Eyetie artisan working on my timepieces.  Started on Hamlet today Johnston - German, Steele - Italian, Devine – painting, me – Shakespeare.  Still no mail but fags, chocolate and tooth paste in the mess… read on

Tobruk Diaries: Movement in the moonlight

06 June 2011 by Carlie Walker. 1 Comment
1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries

Cosgriff’s Diary:  Friday 6th June 1941

Up several times for planes dropping thermos bombs and flares, one plane caught in search light but not shot down.  Missa in Tempore belli [Mass in Time of War].  Trouble getting beach communions now.  Plenty of fleas in my bed.  Wireless bung and no news now.  Rumour of mail being sunk.  Millions of flies in Tobruk.  Started to use Australian wine and a bit doubtful about it.  Reading Wren’s Driftwood Spars in which the heroes are murderers.  Sent note to C.R.E. re. Church lights… read on