Hill, Harold David (Lance Sergeant, MM, b.1896 - d.?)

Collection relating to the First World War service of Lance Sergeant Harold David Hill, 23rd Battalion and 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery. The collection consists of an extensive series of letters exchanged between Corporal Hill and his family, and diaries describing his service in Malta, France and England.

Hill's letters to his parents are personal, cheerful and affectionate, he thanks them for comforts, records which letters and parcels have been received, give general news, mention of his friend Harold Flett, and record disappointment with the results of the conscription referendum of 1917. Letters from home describe the celebrations in Melbourne after the announcement of Armistice in November 1918.

His diaries written between 1915 and 1917, cover enlistment and training at Broadmeadows, the voyage to Egypt in the 'Euripides' with 23 Battalion, arrival at Alexandria, training at Heliopolis, movement to Lemnos and service on Gallipoli. Comments from his time at Lone Pine on Gallipoli, include the stench of unburied bodies, illness and hospitalisation, and his admiration of the nursing and Red Cross staff. Also mentioned is the visit of the Prince of Wales and General Birdwood at Ismalia, fighting in Fleurbaix, transfer to 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery and its actions during the months of July to December 1916, and detailed descriptions of life at the front and behind the lines in places such as Pozieres, Poperinghe, Ypres, Albert, Ribemont and Amiens. His lasting impression is that of having a pretty good time as a whole.

Also included is the original handwritten letter of recommendation from Brigadier General J C Robertson for the award of the Military Medal, plus other congratulatory letters.