Blog category - Exhibitions
Tobruk Diaries: The first VC
16 May 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Edmondson, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War, Tobruk, Victoria Cross
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 16th May 1941
Up often for warnings – no bombs – alarm failed…so no Mass…No communion either. Wrote to Aileen and I will post it this time. Jerrys in Syria and Irak will probably affect our air mail. Push on today by 2/12. Plenty of casualties but none serious. Two Jerry prisoners – first for long time. Eyetie prisoner who threw grenade brought in… Going to teach Fr. Borsorelli English and he can teach me Eyetie. Frank Reynolds in today. Says 12th have straightened their line. Raid tonight scattered us just as I started to write this. Reading supplies badly needed. No word from Len… read on
Tobruk Diaries: Masses, Miracles and a Godsend
09 May 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Commemoration, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 9th May 1941
Mass of BVM [Blessed Virgin Mary]. Evacuation flopped…ship failed to turn up – tonight? Gave McIven Dr. Regiss card to give to Eyetie chaplain. Two bombs very close to wards 2 and 7 – if the first had hit so would the second. The new shelter in 7 stood it with full marks – second miracle this week. Two very sick patients Lemon and Kennedy holding their own. Quiet at front and here too. Out of stockings – got…from Q. N. Store. McQuillan lent me Irish papers – ports question and De Valera – good reading. Everybody wondering what our next escape will be like. “In Te Domine Speravi” [God, refuge of the oppressed]. DG. read on
Tobruk Diaries: Questions, ‘furphies’ and rumours
02 May 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, 2/4 AGH, Exhibition, Second World War, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 2nd May 1941
Artillery could be heard all day as the battle continues. It appears as if the [G]ermans have captured 14 outer perimeter posts, but have not penetrated beyond them. Some big German planes came extremely low today bombing and machine gunning, but three and possibly four were brought down by S.A.A fire. Fred Legge of “C” Coy was killed accidentally today by an Italian hand grenade. read on
Tobruk Diaries: Falling from above
25 April 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War, Siege of Tobruk, Tobruk
Bryant’s diary: Friday 25th April 1941
We spent all day making dug-outs and erecting wire. Our area was bombed by German aircraft but without result. I was at company H.Q. at the time and the Sergeant-Major was pointing out to the Captain the new British bombers. Next we heard a whistle, then a roar and the mob just dived for shelter. A great judge he is. More canteen goods arrived tonight with some mail. read on
Four weeks, two hospitals and one hair-raising adventure!
19 April 2011 by Robyn Siers.
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Exhibitions,Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan
Question: What’s the definition of “tough”?
Answer: Australian service nurses
In early April 1941, the nurses and physiotherapists of 2/5th and 2/6th Australian General Hospitals (AGH), were transported to Greece with the men of the 6th Division. They were moved around frequently, often at short notice, as the Germans advanced down the Greek peninsula. Hospital supplies and food were in short supply, and many of the incoming wounded were suffering from frostbite. read on
Tobruk Diaries: Look out above!
18 April 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War, Siege, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday, 18th April 1941
Today was quiet and only a little artillery was active. We got plenty of food which is pretty good. There was an issue of Egyptian cigarettes – a gift from King Farouk, but the boys didn’t go much on their flavour; they were too strong. read on
Tobruk Diaries: The Easter Battle
11 April 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Easter battle, Rats of Tobruk, Siege of Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 11th March 1941
We spent all day erecting an anti-aircraft gun pit and it wasn’t too soon. Late this afternoon two German bombers dropped their eggs [bombs] on the hill feature behind us. You could see them go into a dive and then would follow the roar of the exploding bomb and the subsequent column of smoke. The Bophas opened up and both planes hedge-hopped right over our position. One plane machine-gunned an ambulance without success. We opened up with the Bren, but without success. read on
Tobruk Diaries: The Siege begins
04 April 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Commemoration, Rats of Tobruk, Siege, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 4th April 1941
About 8 o’clock this morning orders came through to retire immediately. We packed up and carried our gear to the top of the hill to wait for the truck. Nobody seemed to know what was up. We went back and were carried by truck to a place some miles away. We took up a position and waited for trucks of the RASC to take us away. Before we left, any gear behind was destroyed. The trucks travelled to Barce on the inland road. “Snowy” Wilderberg and John Gilmour of 18 pl. were killed when two trucks collided. It is bad luck to go out that way. With regard to the retirement I think that the whole affair is disgraceful. Moreso, when the men haven’t seen action. It points wholly and solely to inefficiency of higher command. The smart-alecs slipped somewhere.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 4th April 1941
No Mass today and little sleep last night. Scare of air attack with canon. Breakfast at Dolann’s C.C.S. Lunch at McEwens ambulance. Journey through dust – cramped and tired. Arrived at Tobruk at 4:30 – Hospital patients everywhere. Looked at inglit cases and anointed Eyetie. Rumours scare all the time. O’Connor at front and quite combatant. To bed early tired and disgusted with loss. Rejoined nurses today. Hospital being set up on beach. End of day of acute tension.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 5th April 1941
We learned today that we were to take up a defensive position. In the morning we learned that the 2/13th Bn went into action against the German AFV’s and 3000 infantry. The Bn had a bit of a tough time and it is reported they lost 4 officers and 150 men (i.e. D Coy and half A Coy). We took up our position for defence late in the afternoon, but during the night we were ordered to pack up and leave. When we got on the trucks we were told we would go back and have a lap at the enemy. During the night Jackie Wilson and Ted Taylor and I went on a patrol at mid-night, but we saw nothing. Last night we went to a castle on a hill and loaded ourselves up with tins of pineapple, cigarettes and tobacco. They were to be destroyed; so the boys got in before this happened and today we had a big feed.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 5th April 1941
Mass without bookstand and chart. Shots today for first time on Libya. Attack first crew of bad Catholics today – one really sick Leiut refusing sacraments. Thos [Thomas] Gard turned up after lunch. Reckons position is desperate. Daly turned up and lost all except Mass kit… Mass in statue tomorrow. No ink so write up this draw and the pencil so useful. Rumour that Tripoli has been taken.
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 6th April 1941
Once more we moved and this time onto the left flank of the 2/15 Bn and this was on the extreme flank of our front line. We could see Barce clearly and the “Eyetie” flag flew over the town. We had just got into position when off we went again. This time we travelled all night flat out across the desert.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 6th April 1941
Two Masses – here and beach – poorly attended. Gard did not turn up for breakfast. Buried 4 corpses in Tobruk cemetery and drank beer with the undertaker. Matheson has dysentery. Hospital ship due in tomorrow. Nurses went at 5:30 – never to return. Position serious and fighting expected in streets tomorrow. Patients panicky and Gunner too. We have to stay put and be P.O.W’s. 20 bed feeling pretty unsafe. News of German tank patrol few miles out.
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 7th April 1941
We travelled until 11.30 am and took up another position. Word was received that our convoy was attacked by three AFV’s but were stopped by our artillery. We also heard that our Div HQ’s was captured at Barce. The Huns attacked and it is reported that 2 Coys of the 2/15th Bn were cut off and that the 2/13th engaged the enemy a second time. We are now at our posts waiting for the Hun. Just on dark we moved again.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 7 April 1941
Mass in room – Len penitent after paying nurses. C.C.S from Derna arrived during night with bad news. Steele arrived at 11 with dysentery and admitted to hospital. Matheson wanted to go on hospital ship but C.O. said “No”. Loading wounded to hospital all day. Position better today. Watched bombs and tanks being unloaded. Wards full of dysentery. Mass full fleeing English officers. John Horan came to our room to make space for Poms. John Devine rejoined our crowd.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday, 8th April 1941
We had a cow of a day today. D Coy was reserve Coy to protect “B” Echelon and do odd jobs. Our first job was to build a road over the escarpment and during the course of construction we had two interruptions, both being alarms. The wind blew all day and dust was everywhere, but late in the afternoon we were all told have a good night’s rest, the first in four nights. I believe the 2/13th Bn was attacked again, but it beat off the attack. It was officially confirmed about Tripoli falling.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 8 April 1941
Mass in happier circs. Hospital ship sailed today but took too few patients. Few battle casualties arriving but wounds are horrible. Dust storm all day today. 20m Gard came in and took Fanny [car] to hear confessions. Generals O’Connor and Neems captured, also 2nd armoured Div. Fr. Lynch missing, 2IC and 40 men of Hanson’s Field Ambulance. Should be big casualty list. Anti-scare models but I would like to see attack started. Indians retook Malilla. Two German prisoners in ward.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 9th April 1941
The day opened up with an air-raid on Tobruk by the Germans. Eight planes took part, but they lost three. One of our Hurricane fighters seemed to be in trouble and I believe it made a forced landing. Instead of having a day of rest I was attached to a tank hunting party. We were on utility trucks, armed with a Boys A/Tank rifle, a Bren and some grenades. Lord help us if we’d have met any, although we went out three times. Once more we moved and this time a little closer to Tobruk. I don’t know where we will end but some seem to think that the whole retirement is part of a plan. It looks as if this is the only feasible explanation of the whole affair.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 9 April 1941
Mass as usual. Met Molly Grady’s cousin in hospital, O’Loughlin. Grady did not return car. Gunner has starts, also Matheson and Ley. Englishmen drinking all our beer. Steele and I went to wharf to see tanks being unloaded. No news of attack being launched. Defences creeping in closer all the time. Negotiating for closer cemetery – War cemetery now on defence perimeter. Bish. Riley arrived and to help with Easter communion. Full of Bullo.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday, 10th April 1941
Early this morning we took a position inside the perimeter defences of Tobruk. It was the dustiest day I ever have seen and believe me it is uncomfortable. In the afternoon we relieved the 2/43rd Battalion at the front. The trenches are the old Italian ones and are like miniature Maginot Lines. They are made of concrete and are protected with a strong barbed-wire fence and a very deep anti-tank ditch.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 10th April 1941
Two Masses as Steele on the job. Thos [Thomas] Gard arrived back with car after Steele had gone after him. I had to return with Tom – dust – convoys moving – lost – machine gun opened on convoy – Gardy left me after Mutual confessions. Bath after return and handing of car to Steele. Beer and then the bomb on Ward 11. Steele lucky as direct hit on his room. J. Chambers and Zac killed. Row wounded. Forster and Hanneman killed. Terrible injuries and everyone feeling pretty sad. All scared of air-raids now. Busy in hospital till all hours.
Lecky’s letters: 10 April 1941
…I’m quite well and happy…My closest shave so far has been dodging our own AA shrapnel which showers down now and again, otherwise all is well…This letter has had a compulsory interruption for an hour during which time I have witnessed a magnificent display of fireworks from the depths of a slit trench… I have lived in a continual sandstorm for the last week but it is surprising how little you mind it after a while…
Tobruk Diaries: Evacuating Benghazi
28 March 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Benghazi, Exhibition, Rats of Tobruk, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 28th March 1941
We took up our position and we caught a couple of donkeys to carry most of our heavy gear up. It is definitely impossible to dig in so we just cut out the middle of bushes to sleep in. We do our own cooking and there are plenty of rations. Away to the left are Bengasi and Benina and can only just be seen. Our only problem is the carriage of water. The Senoussi here seems friendly and offer us eggs and milk.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 29th March 1941
Two Masses. Washed altar linen Tom shot the pet pig. Had orders to do. Howell’s AOL this weekend. Howell – herpes. Confessions through hospital this arvo. Then to Barce for confessions. Benediction – Beautiful with magnificent singing. Tour of hospital at night. Had radio working for news. Have to rise at 6 without clock tomorrow. Plane… of wounded leaving tomorrow. Wish we were staying at Barce.
Lecky’s letters: Sunday 30th March 1941
Well here I am still in the same place as I was last letter but this time I can tell you its somewhere in Libya near the sea which is as much as I know myself…Libya consists of very little else other than desert, which is inhabited chiefly by fleas, flies, mosquitoes and dust storms. The site of the camp is very pretty indeed but the desert gives the impression of a hard cruel type of beauty emphathised by the numerous animal skeletons and I suspect a few human bones here and there. After leaving the school where… I got 90% and was issued with a pretty little blue certificate marked “Distinguished”, I travelled for Palestine – Egyptian State Railways to Alexandria…At Alexandria I was fortunate enough to have a nice spot of leave. Here began what I consider to be an epic journey, which would certainly have made headlines in peacetime but is all in the days work now. We travelled entirely at the expense if Benito Musso for about four days and nights to our present location, in huge diesel fiat and lancia trucks run on captured road, only we lived on extremely Australian “Bully” and biscuits. I rode in absolute comfort in the roomy lab of a fiat truck. Finally the darn thing broke down and had to be towed but unfortunately we hit an almighty bump…I suddenly discovered that the tow rope had broken and the foster truck (towing us) was disappearing over the horizon with half a broken tow rope dangling merrily behind, leaving us stranded in the middle of the Libyan desert. Were we downhearted? No not us…Finally we reached port and found the unit, but sheer accident and settled down again…My section was waiting for me with open arms…News is scarce here but I just heard of the 72 hr raid on Berlin by the RAF – Winston’s reply to Germany…also of Yugoslavia’s rejection of the tri-perte pact all at once. Don’t know yet if its all true but if so – three loud cheers…
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 31st March 1941
Two masses. C.C.S. all arrived today and take over tomorrow. Letters from Bert and Jas McGlynn. Daly said impossible to retain my car. Buried unknown soldier in evening. Lost at solo… Jas Peters a DMS to Harry Furnell. Sent tapestry to Patricia. Put all letters on file. Soldiers shot by Germans arrived in hospital – armoured car victims.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 1st April 1941
The steak was a bit tough and i think we ate it too fresh. Snakes are plentiful here and every day somebody sees at least one. Lieut. Trebeck looked over our area this morning and it was decided that we should shift right to Wadi Anoinat itself. This is better place all round and it did not take much to shift as a truck was made available. It is closer to water and at last we should have a little time to ourselves.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 2nd April 1941
We spent a quiet day, but late in the afternoon orders came out that German mechanised units were advancing on Bengasi and that we were to prepare our positions. Extra ammunition was to be made available.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 3rd April 1941
The evacuation of Bengasi began today and the explosions of ammunition and food dump demolition could be heard all day. Some big fires could be seen even from our position. Early in the night an artillery barrage could be heard. Just on dark Lt Trebeck came up with information that Bengasi was evacuated and Germans were expected to occupy the town tonight. It was also expected that the escarpment may be attacked at dawn. The section had to supply two patrols; one at midnight and one at 6am. Jack Wilson and Wimmo went with me on the first patrol, but we saw nothing. Monty took the second but he saw nothing. We all thought we were certainties for action.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 3rd April 1941
Two Masses. Owen has flu. Wrote to Mrs. Tooze. Went to Engineers to have car fired and found broken spring. Watched engineers blowing up country. Got car all OK for trip tomorrow. Packed after tea. Started solo. First score 10pm, second 11pm, third midnight – Be ready to flit with kitbags only. C.C.S. evacuating patients. Benghasi evacuated and Germans through flank. Packed Mass-kit in Len’s kit bag and mine. Left suit case full and mass case and crammed into utility. Departed 2 am. Crowd of refugees on Barce escarpment. Fear of air attack. Lack of comfort. Remorse at leaving Steele but gave him my car. Horrible night trip – with more losses. Barce deserted except for combatant units.
Tobruk Diaries: Just ‘ordinary’ days
21 March 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Commemoration, Exhibition, Northern Africa, Rats of Tobruk, Research material, Siege, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 21st March 1941
Today was one of the lousiest days I’ve put in anywhere. The weather was terrible. The old Sahara Desert can be very nasty when it likes. Sand is everywhere. A warning order has arrived ready to move by night. It might be tomorrow night. Information has been received that some Wogs* are signalling to aircraft by placing their camels near objectives. We’ll have to watch them.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 22nd March 1941
I was told last night to go on the advance party to our new destination. We left about 6:30 in the morning back towards Bengasi. The convoy stopped at El Magrum when three bombers came over. We thought they were certain to drop bombs on the convoy, but three bombs were dropped at El Magrum. We arrived at our destination about 15 miles inland from Bengasi. The country here is a great improvement on the desert. Except for the lack of trees the place looks very fertile. The soil is very red and a thin layer of grass covers most of the ground. We can get plenty of eggs and they are some of the best eggs I’ve ever eaten.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 22nd March 1941
Mass in our perfect chapel under ship’s crucifix. Fr. O. Steele arrived here today – Senior to 9th Div. Went with Steele and Tom to Momma’s to buy eggs and arrange for washing. Steele not bad on Italian. To Barce Presbytery in afternoon. Met two Friars who speak Latin well. Church beautiful. Harry Furnell here A.L.M.S. to 9th Div. Word to start packing – too bad as we all like Barce. Steele missed transport and had to stay the night.
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 23rd March 1941
This place is called Regima and is a few miles from Benina where there is an R.A.A.F. station. Some Wogs* came around this morning with some eggs and Jack Deering fired a shot over their heads and they went for their lives, leaving their eggs behind. We now found out that this place is only a bivouac area and that the battalion was due in the morning. As far as food is concerned, we have been living like lords. The 2/13th Battalion arrived today 8 hours late, having been lost.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 24th March 1941
Two Masses today. Steele and Tyrer and Zac to Benghazi yesterday in my car – used my petrol and punctured a tyre. Worried about ability to retain flat. Chas and Eric left for Tobruk. Buried Eyetie – in a blanket. Wrote to Marie. Met Cliff Howell – live wire and hard worker. Trying to get car for Owen. Great friends with Eyetie family now. Nurses – 8 coming to Tobruk on hospital ship. Decided to change from A.G.H. with Daly but met too much opposition. Steele fell into solo school and lost. Still reading letters.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 25th March 1941
We spent all day straightening up our gear and cleaning our precious bodies. Someone hit on the brilliant idea of making a bath out of a groundsheet and everybody had a first-class bath. The meals today were fit to serve in Hotel Australia. There are rumours that we may go to Greece, but who knows? I bought a ton of supplies at the canteen and we should never starve now.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 26th March 1941
Two Masses. Poor J. McCusher R.I.P. Tim Hartnett R.I.P. Advance party loaded and left. Spring saved me and I do not want to leave here. Worked new spring through Eyetie. Maurice Hudson and Frank McDermott here in hospital. Mail again and all up to date now. One from A.J. no telling of approaching marriage – too bad. Meet Fr. Lynch and had good dinner – 4 priests. Equi gale started today and plenty of dust. Reading letters to all hours. Elsa’s and Sheila’s. Sheila finished with Month and signing for Val.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 27th March 1941
We marched farther today and the section leaders made a reconnaissance of our new position. My section is to occupy a position between Wadi el-Avoinat and Wadi Dabaa…The sections are scattered and now each one is responsible for cooking. It appears that we are just being kept out of the way. I don’t think anyone could find us and we certainly won’t be bothered.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 27th March 1941
Two Masses as Steele waits here for H.Q. of Div. Dusty day. Had Hudson returned to Base for knee operation. Wrote home Elsa and Bert Tooze. Plenty of censoring to do now. Trying to get some way to learn Italian. Momma returned washing, setting some remedy for their few. Small mess left but a good one… Marsh and nurses at Tobruk. Hospital on new site so there will be plenty of tent pitching. Won 17 accas at solo, Steele lost 47.
* A slang term used during the Second World War to describe any person of European descent.
