Blog category - 1941, Tobruk
Tobruk diaries: The siege comes to an end
28 November 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Siege, Tobruk
The last battalion to be evacuated from Tobruk was Bryant’s battalion, the 2/13th in December 1941. Finally, German General Erwin Rommel and his Afrikakorps were forced to abandon the Siege, falling back towards Tripoli.
The Australians had courageously and collectively defended the town for 8 months and established themselves in the annals of Australia’s military history.
During the campaign, 832 Australians were killed, 2,177 were wounded and 941 were taken prisoner.
For more information, go to: http://www.awm.gov.au/wartime/54/james-great-siege/
Edmund Crawford Lecky
Edmund Crawford Lecky was promoted to Captain on 24 July 1942, then to Major on 27 May 1944. He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) on 9 March 1945 for his work in communications at the landing of Finschafen in Papua New Guinea, 1943.
For more information on Finschafen go to:
http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/ajrp/ajrp2.nsf/pages/NT00007E8E?openDocument
Edmund Crawford Lecky died on 2 May 1981.
Arthur Francis Bryant
Arthur Francis Bryant returned to Australia after the war, where he married Peggy, the love of his life. Together, the couple started a family and opened and ran a sandwich shop, first in Sydney and later in Cremorne.
After retiring late in life, Arthur suffered from constant strokes and was cared for by his wife for the last 10 years of his life. His daughter describes him as ‘a very gentle man’.
Bryant, Lecky, Cosgriff and the other ‘Rats of Tobruk’ were, this year honoured in a dedicatory exhibition entitled Rats of Tobruk, 1941. The next exhibition, Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan, which tells the story of military nurses and their unique contribution in wartime, will open on 2 December 2011.
Tobruk diaries: All about Bryant
21 November 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Bryant, Crawford, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 21st November 1941
The train left Cairo in the morning for Kantara. We arrived at mid-day but the train doesn’t leave until 9 o’clock tonight, so I paid a visit to the hospital and looked up some of our friends. Our officer in charge of the leave party worked his head and convinced the R.T.O. that there was not enough room and we have to stay at the staging camp for a few days. This means a visit to Port Said.
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 22nd November 1941
The O.C. Staging Camp granted us all leave to Port Said for three days. It was easy to get a life from Kantara. I spent the day very quietly. Port Said puts Haifa in second place for the best city in the Middle East. The prices are cheaper that (sic) any other place, it is cleaner and at last there is a place where Australians are popular with the locals.
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 23rd November 1941
Visited Port Fouad and had a very lazy day.
Bryant’s diary: Monday 24th November 1941
We returned to Kantara but we are still being held up on account of a large number of troops passing through from Aussie.
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 25th November 1941
Troops still kept passing through but we got away in the night all right. We travelled first-class.
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 26th November 1941
We reached camp at about 5:30 this morning and I had the honour of being orderly corporal for the day. The Sjt-Major (“Gertie” Cortis) is an old woman and a…nuisance.
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 27th November 1941
A route march in the morning and sports in the afternoon.
Tobruk diaries: To Cairo and beyond
14 November 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, cairo, Cosgriff, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 14th November 1941
Despite a slow and tiring train trip we arrived in Cairo at 2 in the afternoon. Ted Taylor and I got into some strife with some Kiwis and were done over properly. We were badly outnumbered and I finished up with a couple of black eyes and a busted lip.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 14 November 1941
Keeping up the early morning rising. Salter sick with s-fly fever – moaning like blazes. Met Gillespie in town today – going to Pt Said. I’d just looked in at the DPO and Johnston spent 12 pound. I was going to buy the head but he turned me off her. To the pyramids in the afternoon. Nothing to rave about. Photoed on a camel with 3 others. Have the use of the AD’s camera but not so keen on the high-priced ones since I have seen so many mistakes with them. Mail today – Elsa, McPoland, Home and Bill Kirby. Pictures tonight to see Deanna Durbin – had to get permission to come home late. Home at 12:30am…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 15th November 1941
Had a look around Cairo and saw a couple of Mosques and the bazaar. It wasn’t very interesting at all.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 15 November 1941
Not so hot getting up today after late night last night… Town early for silk and Len’s bracelets – neither ready yet. Met Tim and heard of Foley’s death RIP. Mick Galvin and Tom Barry also dead. Roberts picked up my 25 acca note and said it was his. Races this arvo and hired me over taxi for 80 accas – backed three winners 6 pound up after. Tim and Connelly there also Stapleton who does not recognise us. Saw Marie with half the British army hanging to her. Got Elsa’s present but I do not like it very much. Ken Starer left for England today. Len bought a Bible today. Mousky not a cheap place – can’t get it…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 16th November 1941
We went to the races at the Heliopolis. I only backed one winner, but finished up losing only 55 piastres.
Bryant’s diary: Monday 17th November 1941
I spent a quiet day looking over the city.
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 18th November 1941
Ted and I met a couple of Queenslanders and visited the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Temple and the zoo.
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 19th November 1941
A full day was spent on a visit to the Delta Barrage, olne of the many units of the mighty irrigation system of the Nile. It was a very good day indeed and for the price it was definitely worthwhile.
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 20th November 1941
Our last day of leave was spent quietly having a last look at Cairo. An air raid alert was sounded in the night, but nothing happened.
Owen Thomas Cosgriff’s diary finished on 16 November 1941. He was discharged from the army on 13 July 1944 and he soon returned to Australia. Once home, Cosgriff shared his experiences at Tobruk as a Catholic Chaplain in public lectures. In a newspaper article entitled Fr. Cosgriff recalls: Epic of Tobruk, a reporter wrote:
Father Cosgriff spoke feelingly of the burials of Australians. Chaplains of all denominations aided each other. There were no coffins and the bodies were lowered to the graves as the enemy planes dived overhead…[he] told of how the Germans found out the time of Mass on a Sunday and accordingly sent over planes to bomb the church. Not a soldier moved from the church and there was not a single casualty. The following Sunday, the time of Mass was changed and the Stukas came and razed the church for 30 minutes before the arrival of the priest and troops…
If anyone has any more information about Owen Thomas Cosgriff’s later life, please let us know.
Tobruk diaries: “I hope we will not hear another shot fired”
07 November 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk, VADs
Bryant’s diary: Friday 7th November 1941
The shooting with the Bren was rotten and on the whole I had a cow of a day as an instructor. I heard that the rifle shooting was pretty good.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 7 November 1941
Up at 6:30 for early breakfast. Major Ralph and I to Cairo together. Train crammed mostly with English and Aus. troops. Filthy hot journey and not into Cairo until 2 pm. Met Len and Cravocour at Houseboat. To pay office – met Gregory now a Lieut. Measured for gabardine* uniform. Bought watches at Kramer’s and handled 750 pounds worth of diamonds. Coffee at Groppi’s – great place, met Lendon and Morton. I paid 50 accas for set of uniform buttons. Otis has a movie camera, price 9 pounds. Walked to presbytery after dinner and met Fr. Zarime – cheery bloke and talkative. Sharing cabin with Roberts…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 8th November 1941
Duty Company today and I was on drain digging all day. Of course we didn’t work so very hard.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 8th November 1941
Up early and Mass at 7:30 in beautiful church – Len serving. Morning in bazaar – bought book-stand – silks, table cloths and Elsa’s stones. Great place and I must go back again. To races at Gezira this arvo and I backed a placed horse in every race except one. Plenty of fancy English officers in flash uniforms. Met Tim but a funny bloke – quite cold but he gave me a job at the detention barracks in Jerusalem. Len’s aim pretty crook. Ross Thomas on the ship here. Cravocour is all right and he shunted Braithwaite for breaking the 12 o’clock rule. John Overall here too and all told a good crowd. We start in Jerusalem on Wednesday and 40 orderlies have to make way for VADs…
Five Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses in Australia, c1941. The VAD groups had close links with the Red Cross and they provided additional staff for the army and civilian hospitals and convalescent homes during the Second World War P04490.001
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 9th November 1941
The 7th Bn of the Green Howards gave an exhibition at Hill 95 of falling on barbed wire. Until one saw it done it was hard to believe possible. They actually dived in to the wire with their bodies to make a gap enough for the platoon to run through.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 9th November 1941
Mass on high altar after the Public Mass. Rudd, Morton and Lendon returning today. Kilo arrived and nobody wants him – probably a bowler-hat. Into town this morning – just for a look round and a drink at Groppi’s – the usual crowd but one beautiful Gyppo woman – dressed in white – and the French infants waving to their dog. Marvellous dinner today. Races at Heliopolis but too far for me. Wrote home and then to the club for tea. Big crowd but too cold for swimming today. Party on the “Sudan” tonight. Len went but early bed for me. Allison brought me a couple of letters from Kantara - Jas McGlynn and home…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 10th November 1941
The Company had to march to an Arab village as a demonstration to the local Mukstar, who was entertained. His village was inspected by our…officer and after a march through the village we returned to camp.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 10th November 1941
Mass at Church. Afterwards to Convent to see if sisters will sew our parcels. They have no Mass so I will go there now – 300 pupils – mostly non-catholic – school and convent combined – buses to collect kids cost 70 pound a month. Irish Franciscan sisters. Golf today and we were both in rotten form but I improved later. Gyppo caddies no good as they will not look for balls. Beautiful course – well set out – springy turf and plenty of flower beds. Slept after lunch then to tailor for uniform – despite my instructions he made the epaulettes wrongly. Had to wait an hour for new ones – quite a glamour suit. To pictures tonight and Len asked the pretty French girl for a seat where he could sleep well. Start at 9:15 – poor show – had to leave to beat midnight…
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 11th November 1941
We were duty Coy and I was on guard at the Mobile Ambulance Corps. I go on two days leave to Haifa in the morning.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 11th November 1941
Up at 6 – hope to convert lads with parcels. After Mass a good breakfast – grape – fruit – 3 eggs and plenty of bacon. Long week home. Golf shocking today and language worse. Len lost a pill on the fairway and suspected the caddy. Letter from Joshua re Honell RIP and I can supply information. To town this arvo with Otiss films – Groppi’s – home. Len dining at Shepherd’s tonight. War news encouraging and I hope we will not hear another shot fired. Roberts my cabin-mate – a lead-swinger at Tobruk had his leave here extended… Salter blew in this evening. Bought Cecil’s book on Egypt. Cravocour expected a bloke who arrived at 12.12am…
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 12th November 1941
A man was substituted for me for the Haifa leave and I didn’t hear about it until the last minute. I thought this action was a bit tough.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 12 November 1941
Up before six and walked to the convent – 15 mins. Parcels all ready and were seven. No golf today as Len had a heavy night. Into town looking about – India – silks etc. To Bazaar for silks and were lost looking for Hessians. Found jeweller and he directed us… Saw the famous rugs – sultans 1800 pound Gold 500 pound and Blood 420 pound – all very beautiful. Parcels very easy to send at…PO. After lunch in to the pictures to see Marx Bros. Home for tea and writing to Franz – forget to tell her many things. Bed early and Len too…
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 13th November 1941
They made up for it – I’m to go on seven days leave to Cairo tonight instead.
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 13 November 1941
Enjoying early morning crack. School holiday today so I yarned with sisters for a long time. Their convent at Fayoum bombed last night but sisters all safe… Into town – saw some great chinaware… To races at Heliopolis – met Tim and O’Carroll. Won 5 pound on first race – divided to 2 pound 40 at finish – good course. With Kilo and Thomas and they are horrible bars both. I had a headache from listening to them and I went early to bed. Len and McKenna went to the Continental after seeing Mary’s – transferred from Alex. Tim and I argued today re Jack Higgins and Harold Jones case – too Irish to argue. Letter from Otis and we have not opened Jerusalem yet…
*Tough, tightly woven fabric used to make suits
Tobruk diaries: No easy job
31 October 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, bren, Bryant, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 31st October 1941
The Colonel inspected us and was anything but complimentary and didn’t even mention our job in Tobruk. A big draft of reinforcements and enlist men arrived in the afternoon and amongst them was Ted Taylor. That makes 3 corporals for the section.
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 1st November 1941
Just a usual day of organised mucking around.
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 2nd November 1941
We had a church parade in F.S. and nearly died of prickly heat. I went to Hill 95 and saw my brother Geoff, the first time in 18 months. It was easy to pick up lifts from our camp and back.
Bryant’s diary: Monday 3rd November 1941
Organised sports were on in the afternoon and our Company lost the cricket, soccer and league to H.Q. Coy. I am Bn Orderly Corporal for tomorrow. It should be an easy job.
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 4th November 1941
Who ever said BOC was an easy job[?] I ran around all day and was glad to be relieved.
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 5th November 1941
We had more sports today and I lost a bit of sweat as a result. I have a chance to go on leave to Cairo.
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 6th November 1941
We went to the range in the afternoon at Mughasi. Bren and rifle practices will be held for only a few tomorrow.
For Cosgriff’s diary see last week’s entry.
Tobruk diaries: Drawing to a close
24 October 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, HMS Griffin, nurse, Tobruk
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 24th October 1941 – 6 November
…Sr. Finlayson was a fuss-pot and got on one’s nerves a bit. She left to take a C.C.S. team of nurses to Syria. Peterson replaced her and once used to like joining with the patients in riots and thus her stay was quite brief. When O’Keefe – a friend of Johnston and Horan replaced her we were soon made to feel like school-kids – especially after her report which resulted in our being CB’d to the ward for four days. Meals in the patients mess were dull affairs…Went to the Lido and I took Joshua there once where we had some excellent eggs cutlets and tomatoes. The trip was too much for his injured leg. One hospital ship left for home while I was at Kantara among those who went were Jordon, Hornby, Ure – Jim Best is to go on the next boat to finish his medical course. At a farewell concert to the homegoers. Thomas was compere and they sang the R.S.L. very well also the Chocco’s theme-song. I received the cutting from Mrs. Tooze which libelled me by saying that I had slunk underground because of bombing. It came from Steele but he denies having written it – worse in the Qld papers. The last thing that happened at Kantara was the visit of our fellows en passant. They all looked terrible but I was very glad to see them. A few days later they began to drift back on their way to Cairo on leave.
Bryant’s diary: Friday 24rd October 1941
I visited the cemetery this morning and it is pleasing to see that the graves are so well kept. We left by truck about 7:30 at night and travelled to the other side of Tobruk. There was a little delay because the destroyer ran into the jetty, but as soon as we got moving we were on board in no time. The destroyer was the H.M.S. Griffin and she took off some 300 men. We moved off at about midnight.
Members of 8 Battery, 2/3rd Light Anti Aircraft Regiment sitting on the deck of the British Destroyer HMS Griffin bound for Alexandria after being relieved from the Siege of Tobruk, September 1941. (Lent by Mr R K Bryant). P01260.017
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 25th October 1941
We travelled very easily on the destroyer. The sea hardly had a ripple. Ours and another destroyer did a submarine sweep, but without success. We hit Alexandria about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. We passed a naval convoy of seven destroyers and three cruisers, which were going out for some mischief. We disembarked and were taken by truck to Amariya where we were fed and received a bottle of beer free along with other comforts. We then entrained for Palestine.
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 26th October 1941
We reached Kantara in time for breakfast, after which we entrained for our destination. Just on dark we reached Beit Jurja where we stayed the night. Here we received a gift of 200 mils (5/-) from the canteen services.
Bryant’s diary: Monday 27th October 1941
This morning we were taken by truck to Hill 69 and spent most of the day settling in.
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 28th October 1941
An easy day we had, with an occasional tent to put up.
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 29th October 1941
We get a bit into our routine today. The food here is excellent and the camp itself is first-class. We have organised sports in the afternoon so we are having a very easy time. Mail is arriving by the ton.
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 30th October 1941
The day again was easy. The Battalion had a rehearsal for a Brigade inspection which comes off tomorrow.
Tobruk diaries: Cheers sister!
17 October 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, 4AGH, nurse, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 17th October 1941
The day was reasonably quiet, but our patrol duties are still very heavy.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 17th October 1941
They wake us early here for a wash but I go to the shower. Capt. Joshua and J. Overall in this room with me. Joshua was in K’burra for six years and knows everybody there. Capt. Perrett my M.O. and he is just observing at present. I have to stay in bed. One bottle of beer a day – but it does not always arrive. Sr. Derna and Pitt from 4th nursing us and both pretty good too but a bit fussy. Some boys here from Syria and that was a bad show – plenty of bomber hats for officers… Ear on the job again but hot water bottle and aspros made it feel better. Tough break as I thought it was OK…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 18th October 1941
The day passed as usual with a very annoying machine gunner to worry us all day.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 18th October 1941
Not much of a night and I was pretty sick all the time. No priest has come near me yet. I asked for Fr. O’Sullivan today. Ear giving me rats but the M.O. does not come until this arvo – not like Tobruk and Len examining it every four hours. Wireless in next ward but they have it on BBC, talks all day and night – pretty tiresome. Capt. Perrett said it looks like a mastoid op but he will try M&B first – shock tactics six tabs at a time – blimey!!! Had six at 6 pm and then they had to dope me every hour to midnight before I could sleep. Nurse very good – hardly left me and she must have been glad when I went off…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 19th October 1941
A Vickers machine-gun officer came to our post to see what he could do about putting in a gun to keep the enemy quiet. The enemy must have sensed trouble and tossed a lot of lead at us, but we located him and gave him the works on the Bren. In the night I was on a deep fighting patrol to locate and destroy an enemy machine-gun nest. The patrol started late because our runner, who set out to bring the rest of the men to us was wounded in the foot. He was Jack Macnamara and a good man, too. Our patrol travelled out 2000 yds and got well behind the enemy lines. We could hear a couple digging well behind us but we couldn’t locate them. A new Signal wire was found and it was cut, but nothing else could be found as we had a limited time in which to operate. We had just got inside our own wire when the searchlight came on and lit up our patrol area. During our absence the advance party of the Essex Regiment arrived and it looks as if we will be relieved on Tuesday night.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 19th October 1941
No Mass and no priest to see me yet… Another six tabs at 6 am and feeling nearly dead – just had enough sense to ask Sims to get my mail if somebody is going to the station to see our crowd go through. She asked Mary Bateman. No shave today. Cannot eat and very weak. Harry Jordan, Pop, Hornby and Jim Best in to see me. Harry and Pop going home on next ship. Jim having his jaw massaged by Miss Colin. Bateman came back saw Len but did not get my mail. Caulfield Cup result to hand. Thomas did his act of riding Velocity. Matheson here on leave…
Lecky’s letters: 19 Oct ‘41
…The “Tobruch Spirit” still exists although sorely tired at times by news of our striking kinsmen profiters etc…Rum was suddenly turned on about a week ago and we have been getting an issue every day… it tastes like a mixture of varnish and mentholated so very few touch it. Result is one or two drink the lot so I was faced with a shickered cook the other day. He was very amusing…The Russians seem to be putting up a valiant stand but fear they can’t last much longer…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 20th October 1941
Today is the anniversary of our leaving Australia and plenty of water has passed under the bridge since. The Northumberland Fusiliers came this morning and kept the machine-gunners quiet all day. Some Stukas came over our area today and after circling for some time dropped three heavy bombs close to 18 platoon.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 20th October 1941
Good night last night and I did not need dope. Able to get my mail as Leo Happy saw Len and brought it up. Up for a shower but groggy and still taking a dose of three tabs. Ear not troubling me now. Ross Thomas here – hit everywhere in Syria – half a liver left and two more ops necessary to save his gait. Fr. Frissell O.C.C. turned up – Scotsman from Queensland. He has just changed places with Sullivan. I cannot go to Communion as I start the tabs at 6 am. 43rd Batt went through with Len yesterday and all were very weary after long march at Amira. Pretty noisy ward at night but Sr. Pitt does not mind…
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 21st October 1941
Just as usual enemy machine guns were kept quiet by the Vickers. This morning we woke up to see that a big tower has been built about 3000 yards to the front. I don’t know [if] it is to draw our artillery fire or to be used as an O.P. The Luftwaffe again dropped some eggs on the same place as yesterday. We were relieved in the night by the Essex Regiment and we went back to the corner of the El Adem-Bardia Roads. The change over went off without a hitch though we expected to cop something.
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 21st October 1941
Sleeping all night but tabs making me sick now and I vomit them as soon as I take them. Capt. Perrett thus reduces the dose to 1 tab… I feel better and less dyspeptic. Felt too drowsy to read or even shave today. Read the letters again though. Frissell called again and I gave him the low-down on hospital work. Bill Elphich reckons Syria was a shocking show and the officers were hopeless. Joshua blames the Masonic influence for getting them commissions where there was no ability. Sr. Sims sure we are to go to Jerusalem to take over the 62nd – that would be too nice altogether…
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 22nd October 1941
Early in the day bombs were dropped from a great height, but weren’t aimed at anything in particular. They must have been Italian airmen. Bn H.Q. and A & C Coys left tonight to go to Palestine. We are due to go on Friday night. Into our area came men of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment and they are to take over our weapons.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 22nd October 1941
From here to the next entry covers the time in which this diary together with the rest of my kit was lost. The 2 A.G.H. people were not helpful, the corporals invariable reply being that Capt “So-and So” has been waiting 5 months for his kit. The kit store at Tel-el-Kabir was hopeless, inefficient and provocative. They just ignored signals, continued to send them until I received an empathetic denial from them that my case had ever been there. Ten minutes later the case arrived – from Tel-el-Kabir. This happened two days before I was scheduled to leave hospital and thus my destination was changed from R.S.U. to the Cairo houseboat.
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 23rd October 1941
About the same time and place more bombs were dropped, but we could see no planes…
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 23rd October 1941
The ear recovered slowly and never completely. The usual cycle of discharge – stop – pain – discharge went on again until the M&B did its work. Then when dryness set in the rift in the drum had still to heal and I could get no guarantee that it would do so. Up to now it is still defective but time may do its work – Capt. Perrett was very satisfactory and the nurses too. Of these Sims (4AGH) was easily the best. She was efficient gentle, painstaking and humourous. It is hard to say whether her principal ambition was to be a crack pistol shot or to rejoin our unit. She had the early oil about Jerusalem and eagerly anticipated the change from tents etc to the betterments of civilization.
Tobruk diaries: Keep your ear to the ground
10 October 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, 2 AGH, Nurses, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 10th October 1941
The day again was quiet, but artillery dispersed a small number of enemy on our front. I was detailed to take a party of seven men to Bir el Aziz to help make it into [a] strong post. We were just about to get on with the job when the Hun threw everything at us. Besides a variety of field guns he used a heavy gun of between 8in. or 9 in. calibre. The barrage was terrific and beggared description. To be there was…hell. During the first period the blast from the big shell rolled me over several times. During the second period of shelling we were ordered to retire during the next lull. This we did and eventually reached our lines. All my party returned safely, but a couple were so badly shaken that they won’t be much good for a while. We lost two rifles and one man received a slight wound on the wrist. The Hun shelled our positions all that night without break.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 10 October 1941
Usual blitzing – flares all over the place and making it look like fairyland. No Mass today. Very sick from painful night and ear a thousand times worse. Back to M&B and the hot water bag. Painful all day and it looks like a mastoid now. Len has me down for evacuation lying. Kyle to lead the advance party. Two bombs on beach hospital last night but one failed to explode. Not interested in much today. Pain eased off towards evening. Barbitone to make me sleep…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 11th October 1941
Intensive shelling continued until almost 10 o’clock this morning. With the exception of occasional machine-gun fire from Bir el Aziz, which the enemy occupied in the night, the day was reasonably quiet. During the night 14 Infantry tanks and two platoons of “C” Coy are to attack Bir el Aziz, but enemy shelling was such at the vital moment that zero hour was made two hours later. The position however, was taken without any casualties, but our men immediately withdrew. During the night one of my men became suddenly ill and I did his patrol in front of the wire during the height of battle. Methinks this fellow was a cunning hombre, as artillery and mortar fire was very heavy. Our post received the heaviest drubbing, but we suffered no casualties. All became quiet at 3:30 in the morning.
Cosgriff’s diary: Saturday 11th October 1941
Bombs close during night and one in our paddock… Another bomb at beach – just outside officer’s mess… Tanks in show last night – knocked 3 off Jerry’s but I think 17th best in op. ’Sky and beer for the patient. All out kit bags went off today. Small mail in – Gardy, Tim, Elsa and Toozes. Ear much better today but still running freely – take alkaline after the M&B and it is not so bad… Heywood says he will be coming away with us. Letters from Marsh and he is not having much fun – Douglas Thomas will be returning to 4th. Eyetie officer taken prisoner last night…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 12th October 1941
Just on dawn the enemy just drove up in trucks and occupied Bir el Aziz again. Cheeky as you like. Our ration truck can’t even get up to our post in the dead of night. Occasional bursts of machine gun fire were sent over our post without result, but on the whole a fair day. Late at night or early in the morning our post again received a hammering this time by hundreds of mortar bombs with casualties again. Our tanks went out once more last night, but any fighting they did could not be heard at our post.
Cosgriff’s diary: Sunday 12th October 1941
Blitz again – severe but did not last long… Could not say 2nd Mass as I had to go back to bed. Evacuating 320 of us tonight – me on a stretcher. Farewell to Crouch today. Eyeties attacked last night. Poles cleaned them up. Ear much better today. Send off with Red Cross beer etc at 4 pm. To No 6 wharf at 5:30 by ambulance – crowded with stretchers and very hot. I felt dizzy and perspired all the time. Slept at 10 pm. Carried out at 11:30 and left under the stars. Plane over dropping flares. Rush to get us aboard. I was nearly last on. Destroyer crammed full and I slept as soon as I was put down. Vale Tobruk. Our advance party on board…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 13th October 1941
The day was like the former ones with a machine-gun on our post most of the day.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 13th October 1941
No trouble about sleeping here – no war on at all. First thing was to enquire about my case but it just did not come – stranded now and feeling miserable. Read nearly all day and walk about the joint. Mary’s is just at the back of us… Major Voad keeping his eye on my ear. Discharge less and I am hoping it is OK. Met Gay Hill today and she is coming for a yarn tonight. Lent Ken Smith 2 pounds – he had a day’s leave – bought a shoddy dressing gown and a bottle of beer for me, most of which he spilt on the floor. Most of the officers are subalterns and pretty dry…
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 14th October 1941
I had to take out a recce patrol in the night. We walked fair into fixed line machine- gun fire and the bullets whistled around us, but nobody was hit. We run [sic] into nothing for the rest of the patrol but expected to strike something any tick of the clock.
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 15th October 1941
Slept like a log. Bath each morning here. Received an issue of boots, shorts and a shirt. No convoy in so no hope of my case coming. I am to go to 2 A.G.H tomorrow. Long yarn with Geoff Morris and they expect to move too. Idea seems to be no Aus. Hospitals in Egypt. Our advance party has gone up to Beitjinga but no news of final destination. One nurse here is tough as a wharf-labourer. No priest here and I live like a heathen now. Gay Hill and I talked for hours tonight. She wants to be married and become a VAD. I think I convinced her. Nurses here do well in the romance business…
Sister Edith Annie Foster, No. 2 Australian General Hospital (2 AGH) at the head of a patient's bed, February 1917. J06858
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 15th October 1941
We spent most of the night guiding infantry tanks to our post from which position they go outside the perimeter. We had to make a gap in the mine field and wire and close it up when the tanks finished their works. The tanks arrived all right but didn’t go out and we did all the work for nothing. This is an extra duty for the platoon.
Lecky’s letters: 15 Oct ’41
…I met [Chester Wilmott] …the other day. Haven’t heard any of his broadcast but in reality heard those you heard and how! I was about a mile away at the time and saw the bomb fall – it was a very lucky shot…A huge flash of orange flame shot skywards followed by a pelt of thick grey smoke and debris which ultimately feathered up for several thousand feet. I ducked behind a mound to dodge the blast but even then it nearly knocked me flat. It went on “going off” for many hours with numerous minor bangs for hours afterwards…
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 16th October 1941
All good nights here…Fletcher told Johnston off today for saying it is a young man’s war. Allison Fletcher and I left for Kantara at 11 am. Busy stations and long crowded train. Lunch – scrambled over troops and luggage to dine… Met English officer – Somersets and talked to him to Ben-ha where we changed trains. The other two wanted to go on to Cairo but took my advice. Fletcher had a doz and a bottle of ’sky – beautiful country – streams and feluccas at night ships with head-lamps in the canal… no one to meet us. Scrambled to 2 A.G.H met Arthur Amils and admitted…
Tobruk diaries: By the light of the Moon
03 October 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, night raid, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk
Cosgriff’s diary: Wednesday 3rd October 1941
Severe blitzing before midnight…the church was hit again but is still standing. Not much sleep last night and pretty sick from the 693. Good night for sleeping too – after midnight Moon extremely bright and not a cloud in sight. Len obtained beer for the patients – just the bare dozen bottles – but it gave me dyspepsia and put me off my tucker. Had to knock off the 693 as it made me too sick. Tank blokes in for dinner and cards and they had a good blitz to go home in…
Bryant’s diary: Saturday 4th October 1941
Air raids have been lasting all night. Single planes come over at about every 10 to 20 minutes, drop their eggs anywhere and then fly off. Consequently there is practically no damage.
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 4th October 1941
Long and severe bombing last night. Incendiaries all over the place – including the hospital. Jerrys diving – with their lights on. Mass this morning – St. Francis – then back to bed. Feeling better today and ear seems better… Had a beer party here prior to lunch today – Morlet, Tyrer, Heywood, Johnston, Braithwaite, Russell and myself. The alkaline powders have fixed the dyspepsia. Able to sleep today – first time since taking to the bed. This will not be our last full moon in Tobruk – unfortunately it seems we will be last to go now – No advance party yet and C.O. not hopeful. The boys all be pretty upset…
Bryant’s diary: Sunday 5th October 1941
The day was quiet, but during the night a small patrol from 18 pl ran into a large party of Italians and inflicted casualties without loss to itself. The boss was a bit cranky and woke me up at some unearthly hour to go crook, but he will get over it.
Cosgriff’s diary: Friday 5th October 1941
As bad a night as we have ever had – planes over all night but no close bombs… Two usual Masses but not many at either… Ear not discharging much but very sore today. Troops being issued with new uniforms and they think we are to go, but now it seems as if we will have another month here – C.O. seems to think so anyhow. Moon full tonight and it looks as big as Flemington race course. Whiskey ran out tonight and it may be some time before we have another issue. No cigarettes either. Saw letter from Tom Elliott (Pucka) and he expects to be coming over soon…
Bryant’s diary: Monday 6th October 1941
A very quiet day. I have to take out a recce patrol tonight but not far and should not strike any trouble.
Cosgriff’s diary: Monday 6th October 1941
Raid on hospital at 7:30 last night. Wards 6, 10 and 12 hit but nobody hurt – deliberate effort… Very few to see today – not many patients here. Ear still bad and decided to evacuate me on account of mastoid danger – no ship before Sunday and the discharge may stop before then. Drew sweep on Cup. In my ten horses only one is any good – Historias. With one ticket Russell drew Lucrative. A-A blokes on Crete. Jerry made fellows dig a trench, lie in it and then turned Tommy guns on them. No whisky in the mess. Men have a rumour that we will be out within a fortnight but I fear it is false. Not a plane over in daylight…
Bryant’s diary: Tuesday 7th October 1941
Last night’s patrol was interesting. Enemy A.F.V’s did patrol work along our front and though we could hear them we couldn’t see them. Our patrol actually covered part of the area in which the tanks came, but luckily we didn’t make contact. It was established that there were five heavy and four light tanks…
Cosgriff’s diary: Tuesday 7th October 1941
Raids as usual but it was all over by 9 pm… C.O. looked into the room to see if I was wearing my gas mask – new one too. Ear still going – no better and no worse – booked for next evacuation but it may not be before Sunday. Gillespie in today… Unit definitely to go – Claude in change of advance party on Sunday – all away within a week. Nobody knows where we are to go. 62nd coming here and the 6th have jumped in there ahead of us. C.W.B. peeved with C.O. for spilling the beans re departure… Not a bomber over today…
Bryant’s diary: Wednesday 8th October 1941
The morning started well with a stand-to at dawn when four heavy enemy tanks approached our post. A low mist helped to screen the tanks and anti-tank guns could not effectively engage them though the artillery shot pretty well under the circumstances. Enemy artillery replied by firing on our posts without effect. The tanks then attacked our outpost at Bir el Aziz 1500 yards out from our wire, but our men had withdrawn before dawn. Later in the morning Dick Gautby was wounded in the head with shrapnel from a shell but the injury was only slight. Shortly afterwards over 100 Stukas in two separate waves dive-bombed and machine-gunned jut to our rear. Then an amazing thing happened. The same planes bombed and machine-gunned over towards the enemy. In the afternoon the enemy shelled Bir el Aziz with a very heavy gun and the shells threw shrapnel for hundreds of yards. During the night A.F.V.’s came again and fired towards our lines. Some of our artillery lobbed on our wire and in the anti-tank ditch and nearly collected two of our men.
Lecky’s letters: 8 Oct ‘41
…just over six months now since we arrived here in some slight disorder…The moon has been very bright over the last few days – a fact Jerry has used to his advantage to send over a few planes laden with “eggs”. Otherwise these moonlit nights would be really beautiful…
I am back again in the old spot after a few minor moves – am writing this in a cave…Had lunch (bully beef rissole) with Ron Pain today. He …lives in a similar cave to mine – the same place that I lived in when first here. Remember an amusing incident about that cave – during a dive bombing attack my batman was running literally for his life and dived over a low parapet thinking it was a shallow trench [but it was one] which one normally enters by climbing a 10 ft ladder. Poor old Stacey…snade the desert in one go…Stacey’s surprise was shared by the inmates of the cave who were fully convinced that he was a bomb coming right in…
Bryant’s diary: Thursday 9th October 1941
The day itself was quiet, but at night a tank battle took place nearly in front of our position. Sixteen of our Infantry tanks and two cruiser tanks engaged about 34 German tanks and appeared to do fairly well. I believe history was made in that this was the first time that British tanks have gone into battle in the night. A major and a sergeant were wounded but it is possible that two Hun tanks were knocked out.
Cosgriff’s diary: Thursday 9th October 1941
Raid was at 4 am – 5 this morning but the bombs were well away from here… Gas masks on for 30 mins today and we had to get about in them. All our clocks bung now as Len’s alarm gave out last night and we slept until 7:30 today… Ear bad today – swelled this arvo and terrific tonight. I may still be on the evacuation but not I think before Sunday…
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
