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Stinking Farm Trench Sign
06 December 2011 by Dianne Rutherford.
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Collection,From the collection, Battles, First World War, Heraldry, Western Front
My name is Romy Turner. I am a work experience student from Canberra Girls Grammar School at the Memorial for this week. As part of my work experience I had to research an item, a trench sign, from the Memorial’s collection.
RELAWM06263 Trench sign to Stinking FarmThe trench sign ‘To Stinking Farm & Currie Ave’ was collected during the First World War by Lieutenant Colonel John Basil St. Vincent Welch, whilst he was serving as part of the 13thField Ambulance in Belgium. Welch arrived in Marseilles on 13 July 1916 as a member of the Australian Field Ambulance. He was appointed the commanding officer of the 13thField Ambulance and was stationed around the village of Messines, which would be the site of the Battle of Messines 11 months later. Stationed at Kandahar Farm, Welch assisted in this battle, tending to the wounded as they came back from the front and organising the transportation of the men further back the line to the field hospitals. 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.
Tobruk Diaries: Sand Storms and Air Raids
14 March 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 14th March 1941
I had a cow of a night last night. The wind became very strong and my eyes, ears, mouth and nose became choked with sand. I spent all day making a dug out for myself. It can do anything now. As a matter of fact we had a shower of rain today, but it was only slight. Still no more air raids.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 15th March 1941
Another dive-bomber came over this morning. I let him have a full magazine from the Bren, but he kept on going. We spent all day rigging up a Breda aircraft gun for anti-aircraft. We couldn’t get to fire, but we’ll work on it tomorrow. She’s a cold desert tonight.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 15th March 1941
Mass at Casey’s. Rain during night settled dust. Took car into McCutcheon for tuning up. Tried to get cigarette issue for troops. Visited Italian hospital in afternoon. Eyetie very hospitable – 700 wounded and 102 doctors. Freezing cold this evening and feeling lousy for some reason or other. Lost 8 accas to Tom and could not get interested. To bed feeling frozen and lousy.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 16th March 1941
Two masses in Tobruk Church. Met bombastic Eyetie capellanus who wanted everything. Boys good at sacraments. Troubles in starting car – push round Tobruk square. All to move on Tuesday. McCutcheon says I will not be able to take car. Peters and Lawney here this afternoon. All liquor rationed. Everything pointing to advance to Tripoli. McNally gave me single breviary [liturgical book]. Bath this morning, first for nearly fortnight.
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 17th March 1941
About 2:45 this morning the Huns raided some place near us and the bombs woke me up. Anyway they didn’t touch us so I soon dozed off. Had a quiet day all day.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 18th March 1941
Victory! At last we got the Breda to work. With the combined efforts of Monty, Bob, Bibs and I we got it to work. If a plane comes over now it will receive a hot reception with the Bren and the Breda from us and the two guns of the Platoon over the other side of the flat. A plane did come over early in the day, but it was a bit high up.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 18th March 1941
No Mass as gear all packed yesterday. Mob all up early and left by 7am. Felt better on rising. Ran Chas into Tobruk tried to get Mac’s fly-spray. Ship of Eyetie prisoners mined in Tobruk harbour. It’s not to leave before Thursday. Hauled Flat in for Chas. Obtained fly-spray. Fanny [car] boiled – walk home. Fanny [car] pinched – - Orme Smith, Stevens and officers in mess. Got another car same as Fanny from Orme Smith. Owen still here tomorrow. To bed feeling better.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 19th March 1941
We received our full issue of Bren guns today and now each section has a machine gun. We were all praying for an aeroplane to come over, but none came. The day was pretty hot and melted a point of one of the Breda bullets. It must have been an incendiary because when I touched it some substance burned a thumb and two fingers of my right hand. It sure hurt. In the night it started to rain – not heavily though.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 19th March 1941
Still no Mass. Back to normal health now. Ran Chas to Tobruk. Tried car out and is better than Fanny. Trucks arrived and loaded our stuff. Obtained sedan from McCutcheon for Chas. Gave Mac bottle of ’sky [whisky] and bottle of gin. Steele – senior Chaplain to 9th Div here for tea. Talked with him and Daly until late. Visited canteen today and tried 70% OP Rum – pretty strong. Dejections to Smithie remark re. brothel and Cunningham.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 20th March 1941
The wind blew consistently all day and it certainly makes conditions unpleasant in the desert. About 6 o’clock, just before sundown, a plane came over. It did some machine gunning back behind our lines, when the Bophas opened up. One appeared to register a direct hit and the plane then wheeled and flew low over our position. Every gun in the area opened up. I got three magazines away at him and the second mag seemed to go fairly into the body. The plane looked very sick and my bet is that it doesn’t reach home.
NEW: For Introduction and Glossary for this blog go to: http://www.awm.gov.au/education/tobruk_diaries/index.asp
Tobruk Diaries: Planes, ships and automobiles
07 March 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Commemoration, Exhibition, Rats of Tobruk, Second World War, Tobruk
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 7th March 1941
The convoy spread out more today and there were only six trucks to the mile. As a result our truck didn’t leave until about 1 o’clock. We had a bit of a shock when a large plane flew towards the convoy. The truck pulled up and we dived out and took cover. The plane turned out to be British and I bet the pilot laughed. We passed through Barce, the ex-Italian aerodome and finally camped at Tocra. During the night we heard an air raid on Bengasi. We could hear the roar of the exploding bombs and then could see the tracers and the anti-aircraft shells in the sky. We learnt later that 18 bombs were dropped. I was sung to sleep by a million mosquitoes.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 8th March 1941
We left today at the head of the convoy and travelled through Bengasi to a point somewhere 60 miles along the main road. We had to change trucks just before our destination and 16 Platoon had to go further ahead to relieve a Platoon from the 2/5th Bn. Bengasi is one of the most beautiful towns I’ve seen. It is situated on the sea shore and there are dozens of avenues of Australian gum trees. The country around this district seems to be the best in Libya, but even this is very poor.
Lecky’s Letters: Sunday 9 March
…Well, I landed back [from Palestine], chez-moi [my home] and found I had half an hour in which to pack and come down here – to the 1 Aust Corps School of Signals for a refresher course…Equipment from Aust is very short at the school but they manage splendidly on captured Italian stuff – in fact Dame Rumour has it that big Australian advances are held up pending fresh supplies of material from Italy! I rejoin my unit next week, where Cliff’s brother (Ron) is now adjutant … Fear a drought in the near future as this is too good to last. Cliff wrote several times – last from Bathurst, poor kid, also Nan and the sweet young things of my acquaintance…I had a stroll through Gaza War cemetery with a cobber the other day, and was very impressed with the order and dignity of the place…Close by is the famous Gaza Ridge, still deeply pock marked by the 16” shells of the Queen Elizabeth in the last war… I have twice fallen into smaller ones in the dark but luckily landed on sand…
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 10th March 1941
We spent most of the day digging in and camouflaging our position. At 9:30 this morning there was an air raid and the plane flew fair over our trenches. The bombs fairly shook the ground and shrapnel could be heard whistling over our head. Nobody was hurt around our area, but I think Brigade HQ copped the bulk of the attack. This afternoon a flaming sand flea bit me fair on the penis. I caught the blighter, but he gave me a hot half hour. Just before sundown we could hear a bombing attack going on close to our position, but they didn’t come near us. It is as cold as hell tonight.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 10th March 1941
No news yet of departing. Spent day scrounging for water – bottles and haversacks. Boys got rifles to work and we exploded plenty of land mines. C.C.S. full of importance of their going. No electric light in tent tonight. To bed early with everybody disgusted with lack of hospitality. At 10:30 news that we are to go tomorrow.
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 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.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 11th March 1941
Last Mass at Bardia. Everybody packed early and ready to go. Clark and Polson of Petrol Park arrived with bottles of ’sky which disappeared quickly. Loaded on trucks – in back with men. Meal on road – hard ration. Arrived at Tobruk at 4:30 and driven to C.C.S. Dormitory to sleep in. Meet Chas Daly in his dugout with car sword and revolver. Party in Casey and comfortable quarters. John left gastroscope with me.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 12th March 1941
I tested the Bren gun this morning and the bloody thing wouldn’t fire. It took nearly two hours to fix it up. It was quiet nearly all day until just before dusk when three German bombers came across. Two followed the road fairly high up and the Bophas kept them busy, but the third came low over our right and machine-gunned our position. I got a good bead on his with the Bren, but the gun didn’t fire. However, I fixed up the stoppage and let him have a full magazine as he was going away. Nobody was hit.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 13th March 1941
Mass in Casey’s room. Terrible air-raid at 2:40 am and every hour after. Took car in and had it registered in my name. Runs very well but plugs and battery faulty. O’Callaghan took Chas back and gave him his car. Dust started in earnest this evening. Row most interesting bloke in this show – genuine at anything. No raids tonight in this dust. Last night’s raid on El Adam ’drome – ruined two bombers. Crowd starting to hitch-hike to Barce.
Tobruk Diaries: They’re off: Moving on
21 February 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Commemoration, Exhibition, Second World War
Bryant’s Diary: Friday 21st February 1941
Retired back to Wadi Chariar and took up positions in old Turkish trenches.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 21st February 1941
Pino Defunctis [For the Dead]. Slept in to 7:15. Used private fruit knife at breakfast. Found Byrne Nolee a Catholic. Photos turned out…O.K. Sent parcel to Elsa. Letters to her and Jas Carragher. Tom Steele back from Nile Boat. John and Len on getting “stinkin” on peace night. Bought lime-juice for water-bottle. No news of active warfare and nothing to do. Dr. Steele here today. Mail day but no letter for John or I. Len threatening to write Mary a stinker.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 22nd February 1941
Marched back to camp and arrived a little after one o’clock. Copped road guard to cap everything. Coy off to range tomorrow to fire the Bren.
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 23rd February 1941
Left by transport for Jaffa range to fire the Bren. Palestine improves as you move north along the coast and Richon and surroundings are very beautiful. Richon is very close to the range and the majority of the population are Jewish. The orchards there are first-class and where we camped oranges, lemons and grapefruit can be had for nothing. The range itself is very extensive and facilities are available for Small Arms, grenades, Anti-Aircraft practices. Gum trees are plentiful and improves the place immensely. The Bren guns fired all right through day, but the shooting was very mediocre. I got 62 out of 115. Went to Richon on the Sunday night and saw “Wuthering Heights”, but it is a lousy show.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 24th February 1941
Alex with Len. Mass at S. Catherina. Kids singing at Exporition of SS. Bath at Tim’s room – then tour to Moustapha barracks, Pompey’s pillar, catacombs lunch with Tim then car tour of seafront etc. Home early by Len. Zac’s scene with Dick over waiting for Mass – horrible dipler of Jew’s childish temper – went in to dinner alone. Fr. Phillips on leave to Alex. No letter today.
Lecky’s Letters: 25 February 1941: Red Shield Huts – Hostels for Australian troops, to Mum and Dad,
As you can see by the above address I have moved in and have begun a refresher course, so far I have only done 2 days but the methods and ideas are all the latest and seem to be very good. I came down with a cobber and a batman between us so we lost no time in making ourselves as comfortable as possible – especially since we have a huge Indian Pattern tent with all mod cons. H & C showers, pictures and canteen handy, an excellent mess and best of all we are within 100 yds of some very nice nurses whom we met on the way over…Routine starts at 6:30 am (when its quite dark) and finishes at 4 with a game of football or basketball, with lectures in between so I hope to be very fit in mind and body when I return.
Still no mail from you – last was dated 23 Jan 41… please write as often as you possibly can as you have no idea how much mail from home means… I must tell you about my leave to Jerusalem…We stayed at the Hotel Fast which was originally owned by a German, but he had to leave hurridly (sic) on a certain September morn in 1939 so the pub was taken over by the Comforts Fund…I was given 2 nights lodging, meals, bus fare there and back and a free sightseeing tour…so three cheers for the Comforts Fund…After an excellent meal I retired feeling very lonely and to the lounge where I found myself invited to join a party consisting of two New Zealand Nurses, an M.O. from the same place and an Aussie officer (whose language was shocking) who was just up from the scene of actions where he had spent some months and been mentioned in despatches. We did the rounds of the city night clubs…and they invited me to accompany them on a trip next day which I very gladly accepted… [I] boarded a 7 seater Plymouth sedan with the others. The trip meant missing the principal sights of Jerusalem but was well worth it as we saw nearly all of Palestine…
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 26th February 1941
Rumours and indications are pretty strong today that our Brigade will move very soon, possibly to Egypt. It has come. We are moving all right. We have received our orders to pack up and tonight we have to sleep without blankets and stand by.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 27th February 1941
We got our gear ready to move and should leave sometime tonight. I received a big batch of letters today, the first Air Mail lot in a fortnight. It must have been held up for some reason. Received advice of Geoff’s marriage. Good luck to him. We left Gaza Ridge about 9:30 in the night by train for Egypt.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 27th February 1941
Pino defunctis. Len waiting hour and half for pay conveyance. While we were at Alex returning pay, C.O. made his famous announcement “there off armoured boys”. That it all the news we got of departure. Chas Littlejohn apologises for Zoe and resigns chair. Marsh and Morton home for departure…
Tobruk Diaries: Preparing to move – Reprimands, Promotions and Confessions
14 February 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Exhibition, Research material, Second World War
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 14th February 1941
Pro pace [For peace]. Only Horan and Carroll at Mass. Lecture on Arabic – too hard for me. Tim and Owen here for lunch. Visited McCormack and Ronald. Hours too long at evening meets. Arthur Amies the only one working. Horan filling his torch.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 15th February 1941
Finished the instruction at the 2/15th Bn.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 15th February 1941
Pino Defunctis [For the dead]. Walked 24 miles arranging Mass for Hampshires, Cheshires, and regs – hot and rag bath after. Lost my identity discs. Tried shorts today but pretty cold. No mail for a week…Alex tonight…
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 16th February 1941
Received a reprimand from Capt Balfe through Bob Proud. He can go to hell. So can the Sgt-Major.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Sunday 16th February 1941
Mass at staging and A.G.H. Had to wait for transport. Good crowd at Communion there and plenty of Hampshires here. After Mass to Alex with Tim and Owen Steele. Meet two English priests. Tour in afternoon of water front – 10 miles and environs. Sports Club – Sir P. Sarcoon’s home. – Greek hospital. Tim without a penny in his pay-book. Confession today.
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 17th February 1941
Mick Hill was promoted to Cpl. He deserves it. We did a 19 mile route march today and it was hard going because of the pace. I received a chafed crutch. I put some metho on it and nearly jumped through the roof of the tent.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 18th February 1941
Spent most of the day preparing for the four-day bivouac which commences tomorrow.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 18th February 1941
Pro pace [For peace]. Experimenting with Tim’s camera today – photos in bed. Moving to Berd when gear arrives. Rang Jack McCormack – cold still bad gave him invitation from Rowlands. Hampshires went today. Our transport arrived truck and utility. Another mess call this week – 2 pounds pretty hot. Sleep until all hours these mornings.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 19th February 1941
Bn marched to Wadi Chariar Gaza and Beersheeba. The weather was pretty hot and our water went just after mid-day meal. When we got there we had to dig in and we were beggared.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 19th February 1941
Dr Williams. Completed two spools of film – Horan wasting half of it. Harry Furnell here for lunch – interesting on news of battle-front. He – won officer’s Cup… Looks like no more fighting past Benghazi. 8th Div landed in Malaya – probably 7 A.G.H too. Bish. Riley here today.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 20th February 1941
Went farther on to Wadi Karkur and dug in. Didn’t feel the march so much this time. Just forward of our position is the commencement of some sort if excavation of what appears to be an old hidden city.
Tobruk Diaries: Doing our jobs…
07 February 2011 by Carlie Walker.
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1941, Tobruk,Tobruk diaries, Battles, Second World War
Cosgriff’s Diary: Friday 7th February 1941
Fallen soldiers. Letters from Aileen, Elsa, home (2), Dr Pascal. Tom missed out on mail – sent cable. Pay day 13 pounds short. Alex this arvo with Len. Bath in Errington’s bath-room. Met Sam Johnston at Windsor Hotel. Found whereabouts of Owen Steele. Coffee with Campbell and Honils. Home at 12:30.
Bryant’s Diary: Saturday 8th February 1941
Appointed a Bren instructor for a fortnight to 2/15th Bn. The squad members are keen and should do all right.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Saturday 8th February 1941
Alarm hopeless. Mass at 7:30. Steele here and with him all adj at 2/9th. Churchill,… O’Connor and Surn back from Derna. Our future uncertain but not operating here. Arranged Masses here and staging – hope I get some. No more office. Plenty to do – but no conveyance. Wrote to Aileen and expect never to hear from her again.
Bryant’s Diary: Sunday 9th February 1941
Went up to the A.G.H. today and saw Wal Legge, the first Mudgee casualty in this war. Wal is in the 2/4th Bn and received shell shock at Tobruk but only his ears were affected. He is O.K. now and expects to be out of hospital in a day or so. Also saw Ted Taylor. Nothing else happened.
Bryant’s Diary: Monday 10th February 1941
Kept instructing Bren all day at the 2/15th Bn. It was as cold as hell.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Monday 10th February 1941
Mass at S. Catharina. Breakfast – steak and eggs. New watch protection. Lunch at Union Club with Len. Bath in matron’s room. Ackland and Horan had breakfast on train to Alex – jam sands and cake. Mary held Tom’s hand in sympathy of no letters. Benediction at S. Catherina. People reciting prayers and singing Pangi in latin. Handsome youth at book-shop – nun speaking French – two bots of altar wine. – Rudd loaned us his car – home 11:30 slept most of way – letter from J. McGlynn. Horan saw… French navy. – Saw Adam Johnston again. Best day so far – Mass at St. Saluna altar.
Bryant’s Diary: Tuesday 11th February 1941
Tom Dinnen sent to hospital yesterday. Nothing else happened.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Tuesday 11th February 1941
Missa in Tempore Belli [Mass in Time of War]. Jack Chambers has mumbs. Rothstadt – probably malaria. John Devine to go with C.C.S. Doctors visiting hospitals in Alex.
Bryant’s Diary: Wednesday 12th February 1941
Nothing happened today.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Wednesday 12th February 1941
Pino Defunctis [For the dead]. All thrill alarms failing no function now and we always sleep in. Nurse went to see Kantara today. Put up tent for batmen. Shifted into new mess. John Devine – pretty homesick left at 10 pm. Rudd under orders to go too. Marsh’s lid’s pinched by Gyppos making box.
Bryant’s Diary: Thursday 13th February 1941
Jack Wilson returned from 28 days in Jerusalem jail. He had a pretty rough time. Reg Tait went to hospital again. That makes 3 out of the section in hospital now.
Cosgriff’s Diary: Thursday 13th February 1941
Pro pace [For Peace]. No mail for days. Tim McCarthy in Alex. To Alex after paying Men. Wally Condar and Rouelands of H.M.S “Perth”. Meet Tim and Steele. Driver’s name – Gerrard from Canberra. Home early with Horan. Boys stayed late and visited Mary’s home at 3:45 am. Wrote to Dave, Elsa, Tooze and Doyle kids.
