Blog category - Exhibitions
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.
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…
Medals of a Rat
31 August 2011 by David Gist.
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1941, Tobruk,Collection,Exhibitions,News,Personal Stories, Exhibition, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War
Visitors to the Memorial’s exhibition Rats of Tobruk 1941 will have noticed the unofficial Rats of Tobruk medal presented, according to its engraving, by Lord Haw Haw. Around twenty of these medals were made at Tobruk, which illustrates one of the earliest examples of the town’s defenders reclaiming the title ‘Rat’, bestowed on them by the propaganda radio program ‘Germany Calling’. Visitors may also notice the brasso caked around the small copper rat on this medal, the result of many years of cleaning. This perhaps gives an idea of the importance of this object in the life of its owner, John Joseph Murray, who commanded 20 Brigade at Tobruk. The care lavished on this object certainly accords with views expressed during Murray’s own lifetime about the pride he felt in having participated in this pivotal campaign. But this medal, while illustrating a highly significant period in Murray’s service career, does not give a full view of the breadth of his service. For a better appreciation of his distinguished career, we must turn to another set of objects, Murray’s medal group, which have recently gone on display in the Memorial’s Second World War gallery.
The medals of Major General J J Murray are impressive by anyone’s standards, and are the tangible result of a distinguished career which spanned thirty years and two wars. A native of Sydney, Murray had already served in the militia when he left Australia with the 5th Reinforcements to 1 Battalion in 1915. This unit had already participated in the first landings at ANZAC, and would remain at Gallipoli until the evacuation in December. Although his unit served at Gallipoli, his service record indicates that Murray did not. This anomaly may stem from the sectarian prejudices of his day, denying this Catholic officer the opportunity of frontline service.
With the doubling of the AIF in 1916, Murray was transferred to 53 Battalion and promoted to Temporary Captain. The battalion was subsequently sent to France, and its first major action on the Western Front was at the disastrous battle of Fromelles on 19 July. For his courage and leadership during this battle, Murray was awarded the Military Cross. In a similar vein to many award recommendations from that terrible day, Murray’s recommendation concludes, ‘[a]ll the other officers in his company were either killed or wounded.’
Murray’s unit participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917, and defended gains made during the second battle of Bullecourt. Promoted to Major, his unit saw further service when the AIF’s focus shifted to the Ypres sector in Belgium, where he was Mentioned in Despatches toward the end of 1917.
The stalled German offensive in March 1918 prompted an allied counteroffensive, which saw 53 Battalion in action in the capture of Peronne, where Murray was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. His unit was withdrawn from the line at the start of October, and saw no further action in the First World War. After the armistice Murray was again Mentioned in Despatches for his leadership, and returned to Australia in 1919.
Murray resumed his duties in the militia, and after several command appointments and promotions, and the outbreak of a new war, joined the Second AIF in April 1940. He was appointed to command 20 Brigade, which embarked for the Middle East in October. In February 1941 the brigade transferred from 7 Division to 9 Division. Despite being poorly equipped, 9 Division were then sent to relieve 6 Division in Libya. At Er Regima, 20 Brigade were one of the first Australian formations to engage Rommel’s advancing Afrika Korps. The brigade successfully staged a fighting withdrawal to Tobruk, where they played an integral part in halting and eventually repelling the German advance on 14 April.
It was at Tobruk that Murray’s experience and leadership became wholly apparent. In his account of the campaign Tobruk 1941, Chester Wilmot described Murray as ‘…a big, genial Irishman who loves a fight. He is personally easy-going but brooks no slackness among his troops and even before Tobruk his brigade was marked out as one of the best-trained in the 2nd AIF. His dogged temperament made him well suited for the defensive tasks that lay ahead. He had shown himself a strong leader in the Great War when he won the DSO and MC and rose to be second-in-command of the 53rd Battalion.’
Overall command of Tobruk lay with Major General Leslie Morshead, whose defensive strategy was one of aggressive patrolling, summed up in his statement to Wilmot ‘I determined we should make no man’s land our land’. Murray’s First World War experience of static warfare in the trenches of the Western Front was readily adapted to Morshead’s philosophy. It was these tactics that prevented the German and Italian forces from observing the allied defences and kept Tobruk’s besiegers in a constant state of tension.
A good example is the ‘V For Victory’ campaign of psychological warfare that was adopted by Murray’s 20 Brigade in the southern sector during July and August. Murray ordered leaflets stencilled with ‘V Per Vittorio’ and ordered that they be attached ‘by the use of clips, string, nails, pins, etc., to enemy bodies, posts wire, sandbags, sangars, etc., by patrols’. With monotonous regularity, the Italian forces in this sector found Murray’s leaflets in their own defences, left by Australian patrols that they had never heard.
For his leadership during this period, Murray was awarded a Bar to his DSO. He left Tobruk in November with most of his brigade, and was Mentioned in Despatches for the performance of his duties. He returned to Australia in January 1942 and was promoted to Major General. This period of Murray’s career saw several commands at Division level, and the command of Northern Territory Force from March 1945 until the expiration of his appointment with the Second AIF in January 1946 when he was placed on the Reserve of Officers.
In peacetime, Murray worked as Australian trade commissioner to New Zealand from 1946 to 1949, and then to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from 1949, where health considerations saw him return to Australia. He died in Sydney in 1951.
The Australian War Memorial is proud to be able to display the medals of a soldier to the public whom he served with such distinction. They can be viewed as part of the Tobruk display in the Memorial’s Second World War gallery.
Further reading
For a detailed account of the entire Tobruk campaign, see Chester Wilmot’s Tobruk 1941.
For an insight into Murray’s own thoughts on this campaign, see his recently published account I Confess – A Memoir of the Siege of Tobruk.
Tobruk Diaries: Yarns and larrikins
29 August 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Bardia, Cosgriff, Lecky, Tobruk, Tyrer
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 29th August 1941
Copped two days leave to Jerusalem. Left camp at 2pm and arrived at 4.30 pm. Good going.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 29th August 1941
Flares again last night and some falling ack-ack shrap. Missa pro defunctis. Gardy still very volute with diarrhoea. Received Woman’s Weekly from Borromeo with story of the Tubb family…pope on a trip to Australia. Polish doctor – Tronson and orderlies arrived here – no fool Tronson and he speaks some English. Glorious swimming each day and never a disturbance. Bob Menzies out- Fadden P.M. and Laval wounded by a Red volunteer. Phil let loose on the yarns tonight but I kept up with him…
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 30th August 1941
In the morning had a look at a few historic sights and generally mucked about in the afternoon. It was a bad day because of the Jewish Sabbath.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 30th August 1941
Quiet night and the only plane over was shot down – the flare came off and the pilot is in our hospital. Mass pro defunctis in men’s mess for troops – Poles turned up very well… Leaving Gardy in hospital with dysentery. Back to hospital and anointed a Pole – will need a Polish chaplain here. Stuly liked the job here but he…did not like air-raids. Three new medicos to come to replace Hore, Sinclair and Devine. Got Elsa’s cutting re. the “Tobruk’ Mass. Lost my cap somewhere. Hurricane over this evening – wish there were a hundred…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 31st August 1941
Came home to camp, but passed many convoys of troops going north – something doing. The old camp is a terrible lousy place to call home.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 31st August 1941
Raider over about 11pm – after that pax. Two masses – poor crowds and without Poles 2nd would have been hopeless. Polish singing was glorious and I will have a choir every Sunday now. norman Crouch in on his own as Collins is up salvaging tanks. Norman is very sure about our next push and he says it will be to Tripoli… Sent Elsa’s cutting home for perusal. Have not heard a bomb whistle since I returned from beach yesterday. Berlin has begun to play rummy and he looks like becoming a larrikin under Tyrer. The case of grapes was a case of dog biscuits. Tom mailed one…
Bardia, Libya, 1941. Larrikin and radiologist Major T.L. Tyrer takes a well earned drink from a bottle of beer on the beach P01365.010
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 1st September 1941
Quiet night and what was over did not worry me… Mass for Mary J’s parturition. Easy round today – talked for a long time to Hill – Clare Crouch’s husband… Corker air raid at midday. Stukas from every direction first and then huge high level bombers – the biggest planes I have ever seen, not many casualties – one dead and a few wounded. Polish chaplain in this arvo, X. Stanisclaus. He is at the M.D.S. and he seems to like the suggestion of living at the hospital. Mines in harbour and as the mine-sweeper was sunk there are no evacuations. Gardy is still in the beach hospital – I have his mail…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 2nd September 1941
Quiet night although the moon was pretty bright. Mass for Mary J. Down to the beach with Tom after breakfast to see Gardy. He had his first good day today and it will be some time before he goes back. He found his mail lacking some desired letters. Chas L inspecting the beach hospital. Back after lunch to go round here but few of the patients were available. Jerry airman in ward now and Poles are quite friendly with him. He says Germans do not bomb hospitals. O’Rourke unconscious for a week now and becoming pretty thin… To play chess with Berlin tonight…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 3rd September 1941
We went out all day to do firing, but the ammo ran out and we had to return. We spent a lot of time practising for some review tomorrow.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 3rd September 1941
Heavy blitz about midnight. Sky kept coming. More light a-a used since they shot down the enemy at night. Mass from Mary J. Good round today and cleaned up the lot. Poles too hot at chess – Berlin gives me a rook and one of them can give Hart a knight start… Collins’s in as he is doing a course in camouflage and is living in Tobruk… Expected Stukas today as it is war anniversary but they are not here yet. No evacuations so no mail. Our postman to be evacuated and he has done a great job here…
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 4th September 1941
The review was held this morning for Brig Robinson (C.O. reinforcements). After it was all over the company had to go straight out on a march. A number were pulled out to have TAB inoculations.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 4th September 1941
Quiet night and nobody knows why. Mass for Mary J. Very few for Communion today. Polish chaplain in and he said that a priest for here was being discussed and he hopes to come in Stanislaus’s Cynar. No ships at night so still no mail or evacuations. Jerry pilot in the ward and friendly to everybody. Playing chess games for the ‘Leader’. Crouch in to take Tyrer and myself out – we used nearly all his revolver ammo. Geddes home late and we argued until 2 am about Italy and the Pope. Won 80 at poker – took [a] look at the cup sweep… No planes over Wadi…
Lecky’s letters: 4 September
…Parcel no 3 arrived in good order and condition the other day and was given a very warm welcome…Mulberry jam graces my morning toast…tinned fruit was great and sweets met with a speedy finish. The honey toffee came to a sticky end – I was chewing a mouthful when someone rang up and I could neither dislodge the toffee nor speak coherently. It turned out to be the Coy Commander but I squared him off with a few “chews” next time he came around.
We had a little concert here last night – an officer who happens to be staying with us has a violin which he plays beautifully. So I got the gang into the mess tent…the Tommies produced a few very fine voices and my own lads turned up with some latent talent – Jerry very inconsiderately dispersed the party with his night Luftwaffe but not before we had all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Had a beaut raid the other day…I was shivering and shaking through it all with 2 companions in about the most exposed place in the area…we have the somewhat doubtful honour of being one of the most bombed places on earth…Personally feel closer to 41 than 21 as I have had my share of responsibility over the last six months – still I can take it and a lot more…
If anyone knows what the term ‘Red Volunteer’ we would be interested to find out.
Tobruk Diaries: Isolation and no news
22 August 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Australians, Siege, Tobruk
Background:
The action in Tobruk was beginning to wind down for the Australians, with the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division evacuated quietly one night during August. However, for the other units the Siege continued for another two months. The last Australian brigade the 2/13th brigade was not evacuated until December…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 22nd August 1941
Quiet night in the wadi but only four hours sleep. Bar delayed trip – in here at 70 mph – Crouch driving and mass began at 8 am… To beach after lunch to see Steele – after the official photographer had taken our photo. Gardy and I to go to the beach for a spell next week – much better than the last camp. To the Eagle to say “Vale” [farewell] to Reynolds and the 9th and “Vale” to a Polish Chaplain. For last two evenings beaut dive bomber raids but they do not come too low now. Ray played Berlin three games of which he won one. Notice put on Church door re. Sunday masses here…
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday, 23rd August 1941
We had organised sport in the afternoon and I acted as judge. Copped Bn orderly Corporal.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 23rd August 1941
Heavy air attack at 5:30 am. Two bombs very close and flares were beautiful after ships but none there. Missa pro defunctis [Mass for the dead]… Letter from Murph. First Polish patients here and we need a polish doctor. 5th Amb. gone except Ron Rome whose chaperoning a P. Ambulance. Cut many small breads from large ones with a shaving stick tin and a scalpel… Water rationed to a minimum. C.O. read security regulations in Mess and made a public rebuke – poor show. Trying to get copies of yesterday’s group printed but photographer has gone. Braised steak today…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 24th August 1941
Only shells last night. Few at Masses today. Geddes was in at Mass today. They enjoy the tea here. Paddy Brannigan a Corporal now. Stewart leaving the mess for general duties. C.O. going to Alex tonight to see Ginger. Len to go to the beach tomorrow. Just about out of altar wine now. Hope it will turn up from somewhere. Berlin beat Ray three times at chess last night. Ship in the harbour today and the circus arrived at 5 pm to have a crack- hit nothing and John says we got 4 planes. Hope he is right. No evac. last night so no mail today…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 25th August 1941
Training as usual. Had a chance of getting on a S.A.S. staff as a Staff Sergeant but turned it down. Too dry a job.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 25th August 1941
Few bombs during night. Missa T. B. Easy round this morning. Len’s beach duty car – fuelled by Chas L who is O.C. now. Good mail today. Elsa, Tooze, Marie. To the beach camp after lunch and not so keen on going either. Read in tent all the afternoon. In evening went to 11th ambulance to pick up Gardy but he had not arrived. Talked to Charlie Anderson, Steele and Ian Wood until pretty late. Ian thinks Gard was “lucky” to be sent to Tobruk. Plane over during night but it sounded well away and the a-a was not under my bed…
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 26th August 1941
Weapon training all day. We go on a two-day bivouac tonight. I don’t think I’ll like it.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 26th August 1941
…Medical staff here changes as turns are taken with ward Z. No news still here – no wireless so we are isolated. Poles employed putting up tents and they are very numerous about here now. Happy (dentist) and Manly evacuated with kidney trouble…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 27th August 1941
Spent the birthday doing a 24 hour stint. Section work, digging and wiring.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 27th August 1941
…Jerry over tonight and dropping flares on hospital. No moon and he is trying to find Tobruk – lovely flares…
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 28th August 1941
We marched into camp and had to have a needle right away. I must be like a pin cushion by now.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 28th August 1941
Quiet night and good rest. I said the mass today – feast of St Augustine… Letter from Xavier to tell me that the Bishop is sending me a special missal. Not keen on the tucker here and I have not much stomach for it. This evening we had a grandstand view of a stuka raid. All the planes came out low over the hospital and we counted forty-three… Crowd of medicos down today for clinic…
Tobruk Diaries: Going to the Chapel…
15 August 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Bryant, Cosgriff, Tobruk
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 15th August 1941
Raids lasted 90 mins and bombs near ward 12. Missa assumpta [Mass of the Assumption] – big crowd here. Eyetie chaplain gone but only one turned up for Mass today out of seventeen. Steele in today and offered me leave for a fortnight. Went and retrieved altar-stores from the Church. Good radio description of Tobruk by reporter for “Times”… Peter Gleeson’s holiday consisting of looking after 40 patients. Creed out from H.Q. explaining our Communistic and Free French alliances… Britain’s 8 points had a bad reception in Germany…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 16th August 1941
Raiders over twice during night and not much trouble. Missa T. B. Dive bombing last evening on town but parachute bombs seen to discourage them now… Going to use ward 11 for late Mass tomorrow. Fewer day attacks now but they still come. Back to glasses again as it was a losing battle… Some of our planes over this morning. No mail – and ships in every night… Rumour of decorations – names out of the hat…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 17th August 1941
Like a good boy I went to church today.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 17th August 1941
Two raids during the night. Two Masses only and not many at either – not like the early days of the Church. Crouch and Collins stayed for tea – denounced document on Russia and Free French. Mail in – fags from peg and a sea-letter from Jas O’Rourke. Dive bombers over at 12 after the parachute gun. Gardy in today – 43rd now in safer position. Another diving attack this evening. Seems that Jerry still has plenty of planes to spare. Horan and Ley to 7A.G.H., Renou to 9. Cooper to 2 – all jittery…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 18th August 1941
I left the Convalescent Depot to join the I.T.B.[Infantry Training Battalion] at Mughazi and what a lousy joint it is. It is situated a few miles south of Gaza and is just on the edge of the Sinai Desert. Facilities are not so good.
The Commanding Officer of the 23rd Australian Infantry Training Battalion with the Commanding Officer of the 26th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, Major Henry McKean Tasker at the British Mandate of Palestine, Mughazi, Gaza, Palestine, 1941. 020182
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 18th August 1941
Only planes over were before midnight. Mass for Karitoff R.I.P… Denis Ryan brought in dead from bombing – then his brother arrived and had to show him the corpse – not a nice spectacle… Crazy ride to cemetery. Truck broke down, transferred corpses to utes – no burial party and the dustiest day ever. Cake and letter from Peg today – also one from Mona Caspyrs enquiring if I have met her German cousin. Little bombing today – too much dust. Horan and Eric up for dinner celebration of jittery exodus. Harry Furnell dive-bombed for 2 and a half hours on way down…
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 19th August 1941
Shorty Dunbar and I were soon put into harness and had to do instruction on grenades.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 19th August 1941
Quiet night… Mass for Denis Ryan R.I.P. Easy…today and offered 5 accas by a grateful penitent. Brown, Wood, Moss and Kyle arrived to relieve Horan, Renou, Cooper and Ley. The newcomers are glad to be here and the others are glad that they will not be here after tonight… Papers probably from Garveys. Russian business going badly now. At farewell dinner C.O. announced decorations… Colin sketched Marsh without the flattery touch and the subject was a bit sad to see how others see him. Rumour that two barges and a tug were sunk here this morning. Some shells this morning…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 20th August 1941
Spent all day wiring and digging. This place is getting me down.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 20th August 1941
One awakening only… Mass for Rev. R. Denny R.I.P. Very easy morning as so many have been evacuated. Jack and Hayward just caught the Alex boat after recovery from a rum celebration… Len very sad today over departures. McQuillan to go tonight and his unit will be replaced by Poles. More papers…in the mail today. Gin arrived in the mess again. Few casualties today and I have one pretty sick. Tyrer is acting registrar now and it appears Matheson will stay at the beach…
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 21st August 1941
We went for an 18 mile route march over sand. I was just about done when we got back to camp.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 21st August 1941
Fairly quiet night… Mass pro pace [Mass for Peace]. Big round but many had gone to the beach. Played three games of chess with Berlin last night best I could get was a stalemate. He is separated from his wife. Message from Steele to see him at the beach tomorrow. Crouch and Geddes picked up for dinner…fair feed then poker. Geddes and Len swapped yarns until 1:30. Slept in open again. They have a car now and it is much better than the p.u. Still no air mail papers arriving but NSW air mail must be late…
Tobruk Diaries: ‘we are targets day and night’
08 August 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, crete, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 8th August 1941
The camp isn’t so bad. The surf and beach are good and it is a lazy life. We parade for an hour in the morning and once in the afternoon for a swim. The canteen service is good and a fair picture theatre operates. The place improves with time.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 8th August 1941
Retired at 2 pm – up at 6:30 to drive in for Mass with two pretty dry comrades. Mass for Dan Murphy. All my patients are convalescent and I could find only two in bed. Tom Gard in and we had a great swim at Anzac Cove… When Tom left, Reynolds came and talked and talked about Ellen – killed last night… No more evacuation until the mess disappears…C.O. buying beer for patients with regimental funds…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 9th August 1941
Excellent night and only disturbed by shelling. Missa – D. Murphy. Fair round today and reclaimed a couple. Big conference of Padres and C.O. I told him my duties and declined advice as to what I should do. Mail to be put in mess for censoring. Mail today – only one letter – from Bart. Steele in this arvo with breads. Base of meningitis in ward 9 – hope it does not spread. Have to go and say Pearce’s prayers with him now – I hope he recovers…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 10th August 1941
Plenty of planes over during the night. Two masses only today and I had to send the overflow to the Eyetie Mass – not nearly so good as when we had the Church. Mail in – Elsa only and a Manly death. Crouch and Collins stayed here for morning tea and argued re. Irish ports with McQuillan…Severe blitz this evening dive-bombers but they did not dive as they did when Jerry was in them. Not much damage and rumour that three shot down but I disbelieve it…John Received Truths story re. Tommy Griffin and Lurlene…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 11th August 1941
Plenty of planes again but Len and I slept through most of it – they were over by accounts continually from 1 to 4 am – we heard the first and last. Mass for Jas Darley. Too big a mob today for me to do in one day. Beach and ward Z wanting me to visit them but too many here at present. Mail – tribute from Jas McGlynn funeral today – victim of yesterday’s bombing – my first visit to the cemetery in weeks. Eric Cooper – a son – they are all calling their kids Peter. Wheeler to leave us for a Con. camp. Shelling this evening but no bombs – yet. Mail for censoring in mess again – but not many doing it…
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 12th August 1941
Clive Armstrong of the 2/3rd Bn arrived at the depot in a very bad state of shell-shock. He used to belong to our platoon. He struck it bad in both Crete and Greece.
Tobruk. Libya, June 1941. Troops arriving in Alexandria after evacuation following the Crete campaign. 007904
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 12th August 1941
Two sticks of bombs very close to us last night. Missa T. Belli… Plenty of casualties from last night’s bombs – 2/43rd hit by 4-positons from petrol dump. Barge sunk by mine. Injuries all severe but none for me… Censoring done in mess now. Tearing up old letters and there were plenty of them. B.B.C. commemoration last night mentioned Tobruk troops on leave in Cairo. Also Jerry’s air-raids are laughed at – oh yeah! That probably accounts for last night’s blitz. Two Hurricanes over today – the Air Force has doubled itself in a week. No shelling of any account today. Johnston said reading this was like trying to milk the bull…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 13th August 1941
Left early today for two day’s leave to Tel Aviv. This place is very modern in appearance and every convenience is available, we had a celebration to honour our birthdays.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 13th August 1941
Blitz as usual between two and four. Mass for Davis R.I.P. Hospital bombed this morning – 5 hit when I was in 9. One killed, several injured including Hore (ear and leg) and Hayward. Lucky they were not killed. All feel now that we are targets day and night. Buried victim of bombing and another…raid killed one and wounded a couple. Only reply to the Hurricane but we have to get out after a dive under the bed. Queen’s cousin exhumed at cemetery and found to lie on Eyetie dead. I think Fr. Borsorelli returned to Alex tonight…Mail in – home, letter dated 27/7/41 – not bad…
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 14th August 1941
Spent a very quiet day swimming, eating, etc. We returned to the depot in good time to go to the pictures. We heard rumours of America entering the war.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday14th August 1941
About five raids and each plane dropped 12 bombs each. Mass for fellows and Leo Lechy. Easy round today. News from Russia no good. Only small mail and none for me. Went to Leo’s burial today and Len erected his cross over Lewin. Listened to Atlee’s statement re. Churchill’s and Roosevelt’s meeting – hoping they are peace fellers. Four of our officers to be relieved soon and slight prospects for all of us – except me I suppose. Plenty of troops bomb-happy after yesterday’s raid. Steele says it is a reprisal for bombing of Derna hospital…Letter from Alec and he is still sick – but enjoying peace. Eyetie chaplain leaving tonight for Alex. New medico – O’Connor a R.C…
Tobruk Diaries: Treating the wounded
01 August 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, AGH, Tobruk, wounded
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 1st August 1941
There was an air raid last night and there was a hell of a racket, too.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 1st August 1941
Good night… Fair round today… Read Don Juan – “world’s greatest lover”. Steele in and decided against using Church – only Communions there on next Sunday. Angel and crucifix from the church are in my room now and everybody thinks it is a woman in the room. Alec Sinclair going to Alex with P.M.O. – pretty sick…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 2nd August 1941
One plane over before we retired last night…Good round today. Mail in – 9 letters…took an hour to read them. Severe blitz at lunch time – parachute bombs. Gardy in today – push on tonight by 43rd and after that we hope he will be finished with the war… Len arranging a cross for Lewin’s grave. Still persevering without glasses but the eyes are a bit weary and concentration hard. Roast beef frequently now…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 3rd August 1941
Another convoy came in and I had to sleep on a stretcher outside. The hospital is full…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 3rd August 1941
Only bombers were over before we went to sleep…Only one Mass – here. Had breakfast – and casualties began to come from 43rd and 28th. Confessions and Communion at Church – driven home by Crouch. Then to casualties – 93 before lunch but not too many Catholics and only one serious. Surgeons going all day. Disastrous show – 28 of 43rd returned out of 140 – McCarter and Quinn wounded and finished up in Jerry port. Gardy in and verified story all 43rd upset over heavy losses and no success. 28th took their post. Had a busy day among the wounded – none died…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 4th August 1941
I left with a convoy this morning to go to the convalescent depot… We eventually reached the staging camp, Kantara, at about 7.30 in the night. There were a number of air raids in the Canal area during the night and bombs and A/A fire could be heard very plainly.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 4th August 1941
Blitz began at bed time also shelling – are close but missed…28th lost their post. 32nd tried to take it – failed and we had their casualties, altogether a bad weekend. No success and heavy casualties. Issue of beer and cigarettes…Casualties dribbling in and today was a depressing day. One British plane over today – the first seen in four months. Manning in again with dysentery and I hope to get him to Alex. John Horan on atrophy. 1918 in our methods of attack. Today probably hottest day we have had yet…
Tobruk, Libya, September 1941. Wounded soldiers being carried through barbed wire entanglements near the HQ of 2/23rd Infantry Battalion. 020669
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 5th August 1941
I spent all day at Kantara looking up patients at the hospital. The heat was terrific and was hardly bearable. We left at sometime after mid-night for the con depot.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 5th August 1941
Blitz began at 12 am and lasted about an hour – five deaths from bombing and many injuries… Big lot of confessions and they took all day… Met Lone Tough Bushman – out wounded all day, yesterday crawled on his back 1000 yards. Yelled “Aussies”, realized the mistake, let out a tirade of abuse and was rescued. Gillespie and Reynolds in today – 9th relieving the 43rd Batt. Issue of beer and sweets… Weather hot every day and swims hard to get with shelling and bombs…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 6th August 1941
We reached Hadera at about mid-day after a very tiresome journey. From here we travelled by bus to Kfar Vitkin where is situated the con depot. My first impressions are not very favourable. The Sjt-Major started by laying down the law too much, but a fellow will soon settle down. Weather is still hot.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 6th August 1941
Blitz around midnight and bombs appear to be about the mast. No casualties and evacuation went all night despite shells. Mass for 43rd and 28th dead. Very dusty today. Mail in 21/7/41 but there is some missing. Met Cramsie – nephew of Sr. Joseph, Wagga. Eames Carragher wrote re. reports of me – missing and wounded…There is going to be trouble about censoring mail – some of our officers think it is not their concern. Roast beef lasting well. John Horan getting Manning back to Base – not persona grata with G.O.C.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 7th August 1941
We could hear some bombing either at Haifa or Tel Aviv and the planes passed right over our camp.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 7th August 1941
Slept soundly after first blitz. Missa T. B. Not so many Communions today…Danny Murphy died R.I.P. Macauly – …back in hospital – wounded and not so aggressive. Cyril Parker from private to S/Sgt in 8th Fd Ambulance… Geddes a son of Ackland and his brother-in-law is an officer in the German army. It is quite pleasant out in a wadi safe from bombs…
Tobruk Diaries: At work and play…
25 July 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Barassi, Bryant, Cosgriff, hospital, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 25th July 1941
A patient arrived from the 64th General Hospital (English) to share my room… Another convoy arrived from Tobruk in the afternoon. There were a lot of walking cases.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 25th July 1941
Arose at 6:30 and Crouch drove me in for Mass. He thought this was like a hotel. Missa pro Defunctis [Mass for the Dead]. Casualties from 32nd who failed to get prisoners… But the Brigadier wanted prisoners for identification. No mail… Gardy brought in some breads. Shelling bad today and coming too close to the hospital in front and behind. C.C.S. left last night but Clarke was left here. Gordon Watson is R.S.M. now Jordon has gone back with bad eyes. Plenty of cigarettes and chocolate in mess now…
Bryant’s Diary Saturday 26th July 1941
There was an air raid early this morning… Went for a bit of a fling and decided to go A.W.L. from the hospital. Five of us ended up in a cabaret and being in our pyjamas we received plenty of attention, especially from the girls. I didn’t put Satan exactly behind – just a little to the side.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 26th July 1941
Good night… Missa T. Belli [Mass in Time of War]. Good rounds today. Met one Jeffrey… who remembered Fr. Mullins and Upoko Ariki. Jim Ryan – Randwick trainer – refused Confession and left in tears on a stretcher. Frank McGrath here in 17th Battalion and satisfied. Started chess ladder and I look like holding bottom place. Hospital bombed after tea – ward 10 hit – more killed – 6 shocked and all had ruptured spleens. Bombs landed so close that I found J. trying to climb up a wall. Mail in and letter from Goulburn, answered it on the spot…
Bryant’s Diary Sunday 27th July 1941
Spend plenty of time helping at the hospital and I find plenty to do. It is a pleasure to help them.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 27th July 1941
Shells during night and bombs at 6:30. Usual 3 Masses. Found Church bombed when I went over. Terrible mess but I cleaned it up and had two Masses with plenty of fresh air. Mail in but none for me. Always tired on Sundays now. No air raids during Masses today… John Devine left for 10th Batt – probably for good as he will go into an Ambulance as Major. Len McEwen (3rd Ambulance) gone back – without D.S.C. Have four sick patients in ward 1 but expect all to recover. Dodge ’em and Duck ’em… Hope no bombing tonight…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 28th July 1941
Raid at bed time last night and it lasted a long time. New gun cuts out whistle of bomber. Idea was to put mines in the harbour. Missa T. B. Big round today but missed a few. No more chess with C.M.R. Took his queen three times and each time he changed the move. Mail today – letter from Pop which was due yesterday. Heard news in Sergeants mess – with hat on smoking uninvited and sitting on the table – fined – 9 gals beer. No shelling today and very little bombing. 43rd Batt got a Jerry prisoner last night – lost many casualties. Forestalled idea of moving Eyetie chaplain. Rumour that we dropped leaflets for Eyetie surrender…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 29th July 1941
Raidless night but very hot. Missa T. B. Another long list today. Met Frank McBride who was at Springwood with us. Mail in. 9 letters – mostly overdue – Elsa, Bongie, Carrolls, Garveys, J. Griffin, Borromeo and Bubbles. Best mail for weeks. Steele in with new English chaplain – Gillespie – Scotch Franciscan – seems to be all right. Chas L back last night. Out of soft stuff in mess. Town being shelled tonight and church is in danger. Tale of million gallons of petrol unearthed. Ted, Dick, Ley on treasure hunt. He found the sewer. Saw direct hit (dint) on Cawthorne’s tin hat…
Bryant’s Diary Wednesday 30th July 1941
Four patients, including me, were taken for a drive and to tea by a resident of Alex. The drive and the time were not very long, but the break was very welcome.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 30th July 1941
Good night but still hot. Missa T. B. Shell hit. A.A.W. concert last night – 11 casualties – only one for me and he is still in the wood. Mail in but I missed out – all my July stuff delayed. Jack Clark leaving tonight to join his C.C.S. which left him behind last week. C.C.S’s becoming mobile 2—bed hospitals without nurses. Received a new issue of fags from Merrigan today. C.W.B. Littlejohn very caustic in his learned discussions on the Holy Places – 5 min expert. After last night’s shelling the use of the Church is a bit risky but I will keep going while it is there. Eyeties being evacuated each night and their end is near. J.B.D. in with a tale of 200 surrenders…
Bryant’s Diary Thursday 31st July 1941
Went out again to Casino Bella Vista and had some very fine experiences. Tut, tut, Pete.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 31st July 1941
Blitz about midnight. Mines dropped – 2 killed and one was Ron Barassi. Mass for Ross Lewin. Doing without glasses today because having put them on the bed in the black out I laid on them and one piece became five – Leigh Norris trying to stick them together again. Good round today. Washed the altar linen but the water was not so good and the linen is not so white. Two air raids during the afternoon – Radio bloke says we have had 937 raids on Tobruk. B.D. in from 10th but he has not returned Horan’s razor yet. No mail today as the blitz and mines kept the destroyers out. A letter a day now…
