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Revisiting the Charge at The Nek
27 September 2011 by Emma Campbell.
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A young man, fit and blond, waits nervously in a trench, clenching his bayonet-fixed rifle across his chest. A whistle sounds and he throws himself over the top of the trench into no man’s land, which is already littered with the bodies of his fellow soldiers. Machine-guns chatter, more of his companions are cut down, and the young man drops his bayonet and runs as hard as he can toward the enemy trenches. Chin up, arms outstretched, his chest is riddled with bullets.
Few who have seen Australian director Peter Weir’s film Gallipoli can forget those final poignant scenes as Archy Hamilton and his friends are ripped apart by machine-gun fire in a failed charge toward enemy lines on the Turkish peninsula. But many may not realise that they are based on one particular battle fought at ANZAC: the Charge at the Nek, on 7 August 1915.
“The Nek was such a heroic failure it almost epitomises the First World War,” says Peter Burness, senior historian at the Australian War Memorial. “People connect with it because it’s on a scale we can grasp, and all the folly and valour we can accept.”
The Nek was a strategically important land bridge that connected Russell’s Top, the northern end of the ANZAC front line, to the Turkish-held rise of Baby 700. The charge was a diversionary attack for the August Offensive, the last attempt of the allied forces at Gallipoli to break the stalemate that had persisted since the ANZACs landed on 25 April. It was to be carried out by the 3rd Light Horse Brigade.
The attack began with a bombardment of Turkish positions by artillery and a destroyer steaming offshore, but the bulk of the shells fell beyond their target and the shelling finished seven minutes early. The officers of the light horse held off the charge until the allotted time of 4.30 am, giving the Turks a chance to return to their positions after sheltering further back during the bombardment.
First over the top was the 8th Light Horse Regiment, and immediately they were shot down by Turkish rifle and machine-gun fire. Many were killed just metres out of the trench. The second line, also from the 8th, scrambled over the dead and wounded to make their attack, and suffered the same fate.
The charge had obviously failed, and cancellation of the attack was proposed. But Lieutenant Colonel Jack Antill, who had effective command of the 3rd Brigade, rejected the idea and a third line of soldiers, from the 10th Light Horse, were sent over the top – Archy’s regiment. With the body count climbing higher, cancellation was again suggested, but before a decision was made the right flank of the fourth line charged as a result of a misunderstanding, and the rest of the line followed. They too were mowed down by the Turkish fire. The 8th Light Horse suffered 234 casualties, 154 fatal; and the 10th suffered 138 casualties, 80 fatal.
Burness became fascinated with the story of the Nek via the Official History writings of Charles Bean, the painting by George Lambert and other relics in the Australian War Memorial’s collection. In 1995 his account of the battle, The Nek: the tragic charge of the Light Horse at Gallipoli, was published and – owing to demand – he is now updating it.
“The whole thrust of the book is about the men involved in the charge, who they were and what made them tick,” Burness says. “In 1985 I’d interviewed survivors of the battle, and what they told me was included in the book. But since then I have had more material given to me by families of those who witnessed or were part of the charge. Research now is also easier, and there is much more material available at your fingertips on websites. This has confirmed and corrected information that I had, and gives a fuller picture.”
Burness has delved deeper into the lives of the senior officers overseeing the charge, and made some interesting discoveries.
“The personal relationships between a couple of Australian officers were very poor – I’ve found they were poisonous,” he says. At a time when clear thinking and cooperation were essential, there was no effective communication. “One officer who later gave a clear description of the battle was very deeply affected by the failed attack. I recently found out he committed suicide after the war.”
While today most people connect the story of the Nek with Peter Weir’s film, early generations compared it with the story of the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. Even Charles Bean made the comparison. Burness says: “Behind the glorious charge of the Light Brigade there is a story of inadequacies, incompetence and bitter personal rivalries. The action at the Nek was no different. Yet still we marvel at the courage of those who took part.”
Burness will speak on “The Nek, a battle revisited” at the Narratives of War Symposium at the University of South Australia this Thursday, 29 September. The new edition of The Nek is in production.
Lockheed Hudson – F24 Camera Well
26 September 2011 by Jamie Croker.
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Conservation
While major structural work is being carried out, work progresses on some of the smaller cabin fitout items as well. Mark Aitken, one of the Large Technology conservators, is currently replicating the F24 Camera Well using a loaned original for reference, as well as original blueprints.
Original loaned F24 Camera well
The blueprint provides all the measurements required for an accurate replica to be produced.
Current photo of the camera well, with only several items to be manufactured before final assembly.Tobruk diaries: With eyes and ears
26 September 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Medal, Rats, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 26th September 1941
Orders for the change-over have been given and I’m placed on the rearguard. Some bombs were dropped from a high angle and they could be heard coming a mile off. A bit of an artillery duel developed in the afternoon, but soon fizzled out. At the last moment I’m to go on a patrol tonight. We left mid-night, but saw and heard absolutely nothing. The Italian is never too keen to start trouble.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 26th September 1941
Quiet once more…About 20 points of rain today – mud about and much cooler, I obtained a sweater from Q store. Powder in ear gave me Hell for half an hour today. Without glasses and feeling the loss. Five ships in the harbour – so we have expected Stukas but none yet – 6:15. Plenty of shelling today but they were nearly all duds. Advance parties here for 11th and 8th Ambulances but none for us…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday, 27th September 1941
The Leicesters had their first casualty this morning… The poor devil didn’t know what had hit him. During the day enemy shells fell consistently around the cookhouse, but hit nobody…
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 27th September 1941
Polite raid at about 4 am… Very few today – Field Bakery boys here to Mass. Len did not use the powder on my ear today… Mail – parcels and papers – one from Barretts for me. All Australians in hospital to be evacuated. Steele in today – no word of his going but the advance guard for Div HQ is already in place. Much shelling and they are all duds. Morris mended my specs again and they seem strong enough. Played poker last night and I won about a quid. Planes over tonight early before the moon goes down to have a go at the ships. English chaplain arrived with the Queen’s wearing a monocle…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 28th September 1941
Except for isolated shelling the day was very quiet. We left just after dark to rejoin our Battalion at Eagle Flat. A lot of the boys are in trouble for raiding the food dump… Heavy artillery and machine-gun fire goes without stop most of the night but no news yet has come through about it.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 28th September 1941
No raid after 9 pm… Two masses and not many there as most of my blokes have gone… Jim Peters went last night, no news of a relief for us yet… According to a cutting we are to get a rise of 2/6 a day… The troops are still sending home tons of rubbish as souvenirs… Thrillers for Len and we were just out of reading material… The supply of whisky finished today. Polish singing below standard but infinitely better than others…
Lecky’s letters: 28 September
…I went to church parade …this morning and took communion. The Padre is a very decent stick, from one of the battalions and usually gives us a service on Sunday. I took some of the lads for a swim this afternoon too…the water was beautiful…The weather has become much colder during the last few days – looks like winter in earnest…My dugout-cum-office of the moment is rather an elaborate affair. It’s about 8 feet deep and roofed with telegraph poles supporting galvanised iron and earth. My chair is…a nice curved affair…It was given to me by Ron Pair…with a reading lamp constructed out of a tobacco tin and a piece of hoop iron…The table is a light folding variety and looks quite business like…
Jerry seems a bit persistent tonight – he just lobbed a stick not far away and shook a shower of stones from the walls. Seems to stir the fleas up to renewed vigour when a stick lands…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 29th September 1941
I went for a swim this morning down at the staging camp. We moved during the night and relieved the Poles from post R47.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 29th September 1941
No raids after midnight but terrific artillery about 2-3. Missa dieu [Mass of God] for Mary J. Not reserving the blessed sacrament now as there are so few left for me… Len reading Mata Hari now – the priest who put the wafer on her tongue. Tried spirit in the ear today but I could not take it. General in this arvo but his only news was that everybody is to be relieved except 4 A.G.H. Bombers over more often today and a stick was dropped in our beach swimming pool. Still very quiet in the hospital…
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 30th September 1941
Most of the day was spent settling down in the new position and I had little time for rest. The whole of the post was on duty during the night. There was a very strong wind and…very dusty.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 30th September 1941
Quiet night…Picked up by Oswald Foster at 9am and Tyrer and I did our tour of the Blue line. Saw smashed Jerry tanks and the weakness in their welding, also, Smith’s Hurricane and grave. Pretty dusty, not many shells. Lunch at “B” Squadron – Orway Brown C.O. – picked up by Norman and to “B” Echelon for tea. Geddes rooted by a stick of bombs going for the whisky. Leo Sassoon making his parachute cord mat… Ear troublesome all day. A.W.L – as we were supposed to be home for tea. Cruckshank says all Aussies are going to Syria and Iran…
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 1st October 1941
…The enemy shelled one of our outposts held by A Coy, but not very heavily.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 1st October 1941
Spent night at Wadi Crouch. Up and in for Mass this am. Mass for Donahue (17th) R.I.P… Ear no better today and Len says M & B and bed tomorrow. But tonight it took spirit and that may fix it. Received breads wine and candles today – enough for the duration now. Maria G. in and they have been shelling the harbour for hours – still going at 7 pm. Corpse-truck broke down today – used ambulance again – Polish driver and hopelessly slow. Claude Morlet is packing his clothes – a trifle early. Bert Watson in today in his usual hurry. Poles have the Rosary this month – Good on ’em…
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 2nd October 1941
…I was on a deep patrol in the night. We left with three engineers and about ten men and travelled south. We crossed the enemy minefield 3300 yds out and went on a further 1300 paces to some gun pits and blew up some shells. Throughout the whole patrol we struck nobody and I don’t think we were likely to run into anybody.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 2nd October 1941
Bombing over before midnight. Still three big bombs to a plane – Jerrys. No Mass today as the Dr says I must stay in bed. Started taking M & B693 after breakfast. Hot water bag on ear which is running like a tap. Lousy day and not able to eat or sleep… Had to get out to anoint a Pole who died under the ether in a massed op. C.O. down on Colin Wren’s x-mas card, but it has been sent home for printing – 1500 ordered and I am taking 20 – addressed home. Flies very bad during the day and we have to use cream for the mosquitoes at night…
Unofficial medal belonging to Major General J J Murray manufactured in Tobruk by Australian troops. Australians took the derogatory name of Rats of Tobruk and wore it with pride. REL42329
“Operation Menace”- the story of HMAS Australia in African waters.
23 September 2011 by Rebecca Weekes.
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Collection,From the collection,News
The end of September marks the 71 year anniversary of the battle of Dakar. Also known as “Operation Menace”, this operation was endeavoured to be peaceful, with the aim of placing General Charles de Gaulle in leadership at Dakar. It was a significant attempt to set up a Free French government in Dakar (West Africa) by British, French and Australian forces. The recently digitised Royal Australian Navy Reports of Proceedings highlight HMAS Australia’s three day skirmish with the Vichy French.
HMAS Australia started her duties at Dakar on the 19th of September before the official dates of 23rd to 25th of September, 1940. The Australia landed the chore of tracking and “shadowing” French Vichy ships. Des Shinkfield, in his book HMAS AUSTRALIA: a lucky ship, describes the chase of the ship Gloire, “the climax came about midnight. Australia was steaming at full speed through a rain squall when, suddenly, on passing out of the rain squall into brilliant moonlight, there, on the starboard beam, and heading for Australia was Gloire, only a cable or two away. A collision appeared inevitable. Only the smart handling of the ship by Captain Stewart averted what would have been a major disaster.” Captain Stewart’s account of the incident features in the Reports of Proceedings with a description of the Gloire as a ‘lone bird’
What then ensued was ship to ship stalking as the Australia stuck to Gloire’s tail to guarantee she was safely ensconced in Casablanca. Captain Stewart warned the captain of Gloire that if the Australia were attacked by submarines then they would engage in battle with the Gloire. Needless to say the Gloire assured him that they would be very civil! Captain Stewart suggests in the Reports of Proceedings, that the captain of Gloire was fearful and explains “I have no doubt…he went through an anxious moment when I encountered him on opposite courses and put my searchlight on him on the night of the 19th September”. The Australia forced the Gloire on towards Casablanca; however the Gloire did finish part of the journey herself, and the Australia back-tracked to re-assemble with her team.
During the ensuing battle for Dakar, the Australia was involved in further skirmishes with Vichy French ships from Dakar. The Reports of Proceedings for the month of September describes an incident with the French destroyer L’audacieux on the 23rd of September in a very matter of fact manner.
Harold Plumber, a sailor on board the Australia, describes this situation with more energy in A Sailors Life when he says “she [the L’audacieux] immediately burst into flames from her bridge and right aft and it was a terrible sight watching the poor devils rushing right forward on the FX to get out of the way as she was one mass of flames.”
During the 24th and 25th the Australia continued to help battle against enemy ships on the seas outside Dakar. There were many incidents where the Australia had to engage in attacking and defensive fire. However by the 25th it was clear that this battle was not going to succeed. Australia lost her “walrus” (aircraft spotter) to the sea, and got hit twice herself by enemy fire. Other allied ships were also suffering the marks of war. This battle was over after the faintest sniff at victory. The HMAS Australia successfully carried out everything thrown at her in Operation Menace, albeit with just a few battle scars to take home.
Further reading
Des Shinkfield, HMAS AUSTRALIA, A lucky ship (Ringwood Victoria: 2001)
Peter Taylor, A Sailor’s Life, Aboard HMAS AUSTRALIA (II) (Western Australia: Peter CW Taylor, 2010)
Reports of Proceedings, HMA Ships and Establishments. AWM78 44/1 HMAS Australia: Reports of Proceedings August 1939-December 1941
Reports of Proceedings, HMA Ships and Establishments. AWM78 44/3 HMAS Australia: Reports of Proceedings August 1939-November 1944
Tobruk diaries: Back to Tobruk…
19 September 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Bryant, Cosgriff, Lecky, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 19th September 1941
Another perfect night… Good round this morning. Eyetie patient very violent…Air warfare at a stand-still due to dust I think… C.O. wanting to know why I want uniform allowance. Gillespie here today. Steele told him all about Conlon. Len had a parcel of Crown A’s today – still fresh from Australia. Boys intrigued to know when we are going out but no sign this month. John Devine going with 3rd Ambulance.
Bryant’s diary: Friday 19th September 1941
We spent the whole of the day erecting tents at the Staging Camp. We are told that there is a draft leaving for Tobruk in the morning.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 20th September 1941
Quiet night again…Mass for Mary J. Easy round today…Rumour that 43rd is not going – confirmed later by John Rice. 32nd going instead – what a blow!! Some of our gear being packed but not even a rumour about us. Buried an Eyetie today. The cemetery is looking good now. Teaching the Polish priest English… Had plenty of cork-tipped cigarettes from Phil – the boys want tobacco not cigs. Rum issue is making some heads ache. Raid today…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 20th September 1941
We got up at 4 o’clock in the morning to go to Alexandria. We got aboard the destroyer H.M.S. Kimberley but before leaving the harbour the destroyer takes on a party which is the advance guard for two British divisions. The Kimberley left about 8 o’clock and eventually reached the rest of the convoy which consisted of 3 destroyers and a mine layer. Two bombs were dropped from a big altitude, but missed the convoy. Just off Bardia we picked up an open boat containing an Australian, 2 English and 7 Greeks who had escaped from Crete. They were in excellent physical condition and had only been on the sea three days. We reached Tobruk just before 10 o’clock at night and travelled by truck to the staging camp. The night was very cold and none of us had a blanket.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 21st September 1941
Good night…Big crowd at 1st Mass… Crouch in and very cocky now with tank re-enforcements – says it is just like that — Few patients for me. 2/43rd going into the Figtree tonight instead of Alex. 32nd going away instead… I think I would like to see it out now. One Hurricane over today. Few drops of rain in…blackness. Mail in – just 14 days home to here. Sent 5 pounds for altar fund in memory of John Donovan. Asked C.O. to see to our graves. Booked every night to teach English now…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 21st September 1941
Trucks didn’t arrive until 3 o’clock in the afternoon to take us to the unit and when they did arrive we went to “B” echelon where we had to wait until dark to go up. “D” Coy was in reserve and we could walk from Bn H.Q.
Lecky’s letters: 21 September
…went to another concert the other night…not nearly as good as our own little private party…One particular poem was rather good – it expressed our sentiments regarding strikers in no uncertain terms. I only hope it reaches the right quarters but fear it won’t pass the ABC as it contained the word “bludgers” several times… Had two letters from Bill Blackall lately – he has joined up at last with a survey coy…I replied and said he would never regret enlisting – never since leaving Australia have I met anyone who has…
Edmondson’s act of heroism happened here some months ago while he was out with a patrol. He held the enemy with a machine gun while his mates escaped to safety and lost his own life in doing so. There is actually a lot more glory attached in the surrounding circumstances but that’s all I can say about it for the present. With regard to his memorial…I will be glad to put something towards it but for the… present think that every spare bean should be put to material use.
Tobruk, Libya. 1941 A group of officers of the 20th Infantry Brigade. Lieutenant E.C. Lecky is in the back row, on the far right 020771
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 22nd September 1941
Another good night…Very few patients today. Change round of cooks due to rum issue. Given to troops every day now as there is too much in Tobruk. Steele in today for confession. Furphies galore today – i) Italy has pulled out of war; ii) we are going on Thursday; iii) shortage of enemy raids is due to petrol shortage. Ward II closed today and we have never had fewer patients. Instruments being packed and Len was unable to obtain some this morning. Had right ear examined and Len says it is not so good – old injury. Cold early in the evening now and jackets are appearing. Many reinforcements have been arriving, new English units…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 22nd September 1941
I was lucky enough to get the old section back but I could hardly recognise the old company. There were many new faces while many of the old familiar ones are missing.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 23rd September 1941
Planes over at 4:30 am but could not hear the bombs drop… Excellent round today and ran out of hosts. Abe Freeberg’s relief arrived but no word for us… Joe Doyle here – blithered and talked about priests and religion. Obtained crate to send Angel home. Hope to get it to Kartoona and thence by hospital ship. J.R. on planes coming down from petrol shortage – 5 of them. Two planes over today but I think no bombs. Bardia Bill reported to have worked last night but I did not hear them. Rum issue still on and changes among the cooks because some had got blithered. “”
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 23rd September 1941
There is only a little digging to do and the day was easy. The Luftwaffe visited us in the night and dropped a couple of eggs, but they only hit the ground.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 24th September 1941
Planes over for the hour 4-5. Dropped mines mostly… Ear discharged all night and pretty sore today. Len…goes at it with powder – and again tonight…shelling of harbour today – to stop sweeping for mines. Many of them were duds. Mail in… Colin Wren completed design for x-mas card. Thought C.O. and Littlejohn too critical of it. C.O. of new tank regiment in this arvo – says only 12 new tanks…
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 24th September 1941
…The advance party of the Leicestershire Regiment arrived. This battalion is to take over our area. Rumours are strong that we are coming out, but I cannot see us going from Tobruk inside a month. The moon is on the rise and this will limit shipping movement to begin with.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 25rd September 1941
Quiet night again…Saw every patient here today – not much work among them. Ear still bad and it is especially so after the powder. Burst of casualties – a-a – changing over – parading and a direct hit. 10 killed – 20 injured. Most of the new men were North of Ireland. Funeral today… Press reporters here re. Gard and myself… Reporter – broke my glasses shaking hands with me – blind as well as deaf now. Paper mail in – Bulletin and press from someone in Goulburn…
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 25th September 1941
Except for an occasional shell all was quiet. The weather is becoming increasingly cold. A little rain fell today and laid the dust.
Tilly Devine: a war bride of ill repute
13 September 2011 by Emma Campbell.
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News
Where there is war, there is love. Almost 13,000 Australian soldiers who fought in the First World War married during their years of service, mostly to English women they met while on leave or during training stints in country.
The Aussie soldiers were an attractive prospect: comparatively well-paid, lively and free-spirited, they offered an escape from bleak surroundings for many young women. Official war historian Charles Bean noted in his diary on 31 January 1916, during a break in London, that girls “are simply throwing themselves at our mens’ heads” – but not all matches, or all girls, were suitable.
He recounted the following:
Jack tells me that quite a few of our men have been marrying English girls. These marriages are rather lightly undertaken in some cases, I fancy. One of Jack’s men in the 3rd Battalion – a most stolid, dry old bone of a chap … came back to the office the other day and after much scratching of his head, he blurted out that he too had been married in the interval. “Quite a nice girl too,” he said, half to himself, reflectively, fingering the back of his head. The next week he turned up on sick parade and was seen by Sgt Wolseley, Jack’s little right-hand man. He confessed in the same dry style that he was suffering from a dose of gonorrhoea. “Why, who gave it to you?” asked little Wolseley. “Not your wife, surely?” “Well – no – as a matter of fact, it was the chief bridesmaid,” said the bashful A — – mournfully. These Australians!
Tilly Devine was a war bride with a less than reputable past, and an even more notorious future ahead of her. Born Matilda Twiss in London in 1900, she was working as a prostitute on the city’s streets when she married Sapper James Devine, a former Queensland shearer, in 1917.
Jim Devine was quite possibly the AIF’s worst soldier: his service record lists dozens of unauthorised absences, periods in detention, and numerous stints in hospital with “VD”– venereal disease. He served briefly in France with the 4th Tunnelling Company, but spent most of the war in English training camps, or AWOL. When the war ended, he faced court martial for his illegal absences, and served a lengthy sentence in England before returning to Australia in October 1919.
Tilly arrived in Sydney in January 1920 aboard the “bride” ship, Waimana. The couple quickly established themselves as part of the city’s seedy underbelly; Tilly once again began working as a prostitute, and Jim as her protector and chauffeur. She was arrested often: before she had turned 25 she had almost 80 convictions for prostitution, offensive behaviour and indecent language. In 1925, she was imprisoned for two years after slashing a man with a razor. She gained a reputation as the “Worst Woman in Sydney” and “The Queen of the Night”.
By the late 1920s Jim Devine had further enmeshed himself in the criminal underworld, with dealings in drugs, “sly grog” and attacks on rival gangs. Tilly moved on from being a prostitute to becoming a madam, and more charges followed for her illegal activities. Despite this, she was a very successful businesswoman, employing bodyguards and acquiring properties. By the time the Second World War broke out, Tilly had attained a more affectionate reputation among Sydneysiders and was known for her collection of diamond rings, her opulent dress style and her lavish parties.
Tilly’s relationship with Jim had become increasingly violent and, no longer needing his protection, she divorced him in August 1943 on the grounds of cruelty. It was a boom time for her, as vast numbers of local and Allied servicemen passing through Sydney fed a demand for brothel services. Tilly contributed generously to the war effort and in 1945 she married again, to a seaman named Eric Parsons.
When the war ended the best of Tilly’s years were behind her, but she remained a prominent and criminally active figure and was brought before the court numerous times. She travelled to London in 1953 to see the Coronation procession, and operated her brothel until 1968.
Tilly Devine died in a Sydney hospital on 24 November 1970. She was survived by a son whom she had adopted during her second marriage. Her two children to Jim Devine had predeceased her.
Tilly would undoubtedly be delighted to know that her story lives on, with the current Nine Network television series Underbelly razor based on her and Jim’s notorious activities. The contribution made to Australian society by so many other First World War brides was, of course, of far greater moral and social value, and today there are tens of thousands of their descendants among us.
Sources and further reading
Allen, Judith, ‘Devine, Matilda Mary (Tilly) (1900–1970)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/devine-matilda-mary-tilly-5970/text10185
Fifty Australians exhibition, Australian War Memorial, http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/fiftyaustralians/15.asp
C.E.W. Bean, AWM38 Official History, 1914–18 War: Records of C.E.W. Bean, Official Historian.
Tobruk diaries: What a night! Planes and bombs
12 September 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, AIF staging camp, Rats of Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 12th September 1941
The review went off very well and the General seemed very pleased. I left Mughazi at about 8 o’clock on the draft. We were mucked about a good deal at Gaza station but got away at about 12.30.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 12th September 1941
Bad night again with many raids. Mass for Mary J. Had a few this morning but most were OK already. Polish priest arrived and hopped straight into work. Mail in – parcels and papers only – none for me. Pole did the Eucharist today. Len has a terrible cold and it’s only embryonic yet. Tamon reported Gardy in officer’s ward now and not so good – maybe for Alex. Intelligence reported today big air raid coming and everyone to take shelter – it did not come at all. Wren completed good water-colour of the harbour. Berlin tried to teach Tyrer chess but he lacks patience…
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 13th September 1941
We arrived at Kantara in time for breakfast and crossed over the Canal. We reached the station at El Amriya and after a feed of stew went to the A.I.F. Staging Camp. During the night there was an air raid at Alexandria.
Cosgriff’s diary:Saturday 13th September 1941
What a night! Planes and bombs… Good round today for a change. Pole slept in, said Mass in his room instead of in the officer’s ward. I think it is Alex for him and me for the 43rd Batt. Colonel Evans (23rd) down there and he seems OK and efficient. Wrote to Con today re. his father’s death. Poles becoming bearers of new rumours – our planes bombing Jerry’s line and Sollum going again. It is rumoured that cruisers shelled 209 last night and that may account for the planes. Len in bed today – looks lousy…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 14th September 1941
As there were no parades today I went off to Alex AWL. Visited the 11th A.G.H. and saw Ted Taylor, who was wounded in the knee by a Polish officer when patrols from 17 and 18 platoons accidentally attacked one another. Ted has been doing very good work in Tobruk and has been made a Cpl.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 14th September 1941
Terrific night – six bombs across hospital and ward one hit…no casualties. After Mass casualties from 32nd and 28th – successful show at last. Eyeties carved up and 5 prisoners. All the boys satisfied… Late Mass, good crowd and great singing. Norman here for m. tea but I was pretty busy – a-a- post hit and 5 killed. After lunch Owen called and we went to the beach to see Gardy – still sick and will be there for a week. Conroy, Pulver, Furnell there and many others for afternoon tea. Eyetie prisoners foretell attacks for next five nights to strengthen position taken last night. They used our tanks last night against us. Barnet and Matheson head to the beach today… The Johnston cold is better now. Beat the curate at chess last night…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 15th September 1941
Left this morning on two day leave to Alex. We had a good time and went to bed so tired that I didn’t hear the air raid.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 15th September 1941
The usual blitz again from 3 am on, bombs close but no hits… Good round today. Deterred from visiting Gard by having to anoint a Pole… Len’s cold better but he has a stiff neck now. Bert Watson in today for supplies. Lyd Wilson – Walleroobie in today and he stayed for quite a while 2/13th Batt. Bombs close this evening – first in daylight for some time. Fr. Abbott here for tea – very handsome and pleasant. Had to anoint another Pole this arvo. Artillery going hard this evening and rumoured that there is to be plenty tonight. Evacuation tonight…
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 16th September 1941
Spent most of the day walking around Alex. I visited Ted Taylor again and he is coming along finely.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 16th September 1941
Good night at last…Awake before alarm… Met Phil and he is very breezy now. Daylight saving finished…Funeral of 2/12th blokes today – direct hit on a truck – 10 killed. Met John Totton – still a nice lad and doing a great job. Jerry at Sidi Berrani now. Cairo bombed at last. Article in Herald – all lies. Pop read it too. News at 8 pm now and pretty dead afterwards…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 17th September 1941
We did very little in camp today and only paraded to organise the duties. There was a big raid on Alex during the night, but I didn’t hear a thing. We are to move to new tents tomorrow. Convoys have been moving up towards Mersa Matruh all day and night and it looks as if there is something doing in the desert very soon.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 17th September 1941
Another good night…Mass for Mary J. Good round today. Waiting for Phil with Gardy’s mail but he did not arrive. Ration truck let me down in ride to the beach. Let Polish chaplain do a funeral solo today. Stewart also went to the beach without me. Confessed to Barnett. Got ride with Polish driver. Read a book now en route to preserve my temper. Gardy going tonight. He had an hour’s notice – Missed his mail – left his Mass kit and I have his pay-book. Appears another brigade is to go out. Sidi Berrani – back to where it started – trap for Jerry but he woke up – Miss Gardy…
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 18th September 1941
Quiet night at beach. Mass in Mess – tent. All the Poles there but not many Australians… Back here at 10:30 with Gardy’s mass-kit – note from Honner 2 dog wire gone astray – rang Movement Control – no word of it. Honner and Steele in this arvo. Honner about 2 stone heavier – Payne’s urgent signal for fishing tackle. Sent Tom’s Mass-kit with John Hoddetts who knew nothing of their movement. Pioneers 43rd, 28th, 3rd Amb. and 12th Fd. Regt? Two English Colonels we have hopes. Dirtiest day ever. Parcel of stationery from Peg and letter from John Buttagieg. Got Mick Picker to chase the wine…
Tobruk Diaries: Air raids and accidents
05 September 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, McPhail, Rats of Tobruk, respirator drill, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 5th September 1941
I left in the afternoon on a tour of Palestine. We reached Haifa and stayed the night. Haifa is by far the best town or city in the Middle East. We slept in a school.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 5th September 1941
Quiet night again with plenty of moon. Up at 6:45 for drive in – rain on road… Mass for Mary J… Only 5 blokes to see. Gardy, who is looking much better – wanting mail. Polish chauffeur – and he is a hopeless driver – 8 mph. Weather changing and today was much cooler. Not one casualty in the last 24 hours – things very quiet… Only one plane over yesterday and once today – strange after Monday’s hundred…some of the troops have hay fever from the dust. Furphy re. Garrison troops in Aus…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 6th September 1941
Another quiet night… Had the Field Bakery blokes at Mass today. Only three Catholics admitted yesterday. Shells today and they landed far too close to our hospital. To the beach to see Gardy this am – he looks much better but will be a few days yet… Tobruk news “brought out its week-end supplement and it was not bad”… Polish chaplain to come on Monday – not Cynar. Air raids very infrequent…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 7th September 1941
We left early in the morning and went along an inland road. Palestine is very fertile in the north, being many trees and plenty of water. We had breakfast at Affula. We arrived home at Mughazi at about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, feeling pretty tired.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 7th September 1941
Nine raids from 11- 4 am. One searchlight team wiped out and party of engineers hit. They had finished the dummy hangars and were working on the genuine. Jerry bombed the gens… Meet Metcalfe – father of 11 – friend of Harvey Brown and Mick Quade… Buried three this arvo. Norman brought in a new tank bloke today – Oswald Foster – not a bad kind of bloke. Wine ran out today but half bottle of Mess sherry is saving the situation. Some pretty sick R.C’s in hospital. Kyle thinks there are Jerry spies among the Poles. Still no sign of ship and so no mail…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 8th September 1941
Spent a pleasant day on a 20 mile route march. The old tongue hung out a bit, but I got home all right. First time without money for months.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 8th September 1941
Rotten night with raids and close bombs. Mass of day for Mary J. Had few to see again today. Polish senior chaplain in and he will take up his residence within a few days… Unexpected mail today…Toozes still miss. and Frank Carroll’s son named after me. Gerald Brennan in for lunch – Major now… C.O. expected home tonight. Quiet today but plenty of artillery in action on front. Played Polish Private chess last night and he just beat me…
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 9th September 1941
We left on a two-day bivouac. The going was very hard.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 9th September 1941
Worst night for months – planes over all night. Mass for Mary J. Few for me these days with so many Poles about. C.O. returned with news of the death of Matron and Sr. McPhail – car accident in black out and Leith was in it too – not expected to live. No news of any movement for 4 A.G.H from Cairo – rumour that Doug Thomas may rejoin this unit. Heard today Tom Doyle is in Tobruk… Poles did not arrive to take burial – I buried three Poles… To bed early – sleep scarce and blitz due at 11pm…
Sister Lilian Elaine McPhail, seen here on the far left with nursing colleagues in November 1940 practicing respirator drill. Sister McPhail died of injuries in a car crash at El Kantara on 1 September 1941. 004107
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 10th September 1941
After doing stunts all day we marched back in the night. We were lost for a while coming home and arrived late at night. I’m told I’m on the next draft of reinforcements for Tobruk.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 10th September 1941
Just as bad as the previous night…Chemist’s dept. in a bit of trouble with sickness… Unexploded bomb outside – been there all day… John Donovan dead R.I.P. Kev Ellies and Elliott on their way over here, hope they do not strike Tobruk… Sight-seeing at air raids is banned. Claude Brien is here with the 2/17th Batt. Russians pushing a bit now…
Lecky’s letters: 10 September
…No further parcels as yet but I’m hoping. Mail, believe it or not, is directly affected by the moon here. When there’s one there’s none of the other. I am in less comfortable quarters at the moment – had a short move from the old spot the other day. My HQ is in a tent pending digging in – however hope to finish the hole…in a few days…I have a 2 I/C at last…
Although all of us here have healthy balances we one and all have the future to consider, and are doing so by entrusting our savings to our wives and mothers for investments…Thank Mrs Wentworth very much for share of parcels and papers. I…stll use and appreciate the writing case which is one of my few remaining original items of gear…
No more now – all here are in excellent health and spirits and quite happy to assist with the nether end of Churchill’s “cresent”…
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 11th September 1941
We got up early this morning to practice for a review for Gen. Blamey.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 11th September 1941
Only one raid – at 5:15 am. Mass for Mary J. and John Donovan R.I.P. Did not have one for Confession today – record… Big conference here – began and ended with prayer. All Poles, English and us present except Conlon who is to be relieved by Honner. Cynar disappointed in not coming here – senior coming and he roars like Barney’s Bull. Abbott – new English chaplain is a magnificent type of bloke. Gardy not so well yet…
