Gillison, Andrew (Chaplain, b.1868 - d.1915)

Collection relating to the First World War service of Chaplain Andrew Gillison, 14th Battalion, Australian Chaplains Department, Australia, at sea, Egypt, Gallipoli, 1914-1915.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Collection consists of a Photostat and carbon copy of an original diary kept by Chaplain Gillison from 1 November 1914 at Broadmedows Camp until the time of his death on 22 August 1915 at Gallipoli. See also PR86/028.

Chaplain Gillison describes preparations for embarkation at Broadmedows Camp, the journey to Egypt aboard Troopship HMAT Ulyssis including friendships formed, Christmas at Albany, Colombo, Aden, the Red Sea, Suez and arrival at Egypt. In Egypt Gillison describes British Egypt, the city of Cairo, meeting old friends and other chaplains, visiting Coptic Churches and schools, the University and Museum, visiting the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and other sites of antiquity. He also talks about the behaviour of Australian troops.

After arriving at Lemnos Chaplain Gillison describes the ships leaving the Harbour 25 April, the landing and conditions aboard the ship HMAT Seang Choon [hospital ship], sea burials, going ashore at Anzac Cove, the Casualty Clearing Station near the beach, Indian soldiers and their mules, dressing and care for wounded and burials at Beach Cemetery. He also describes a visit to Courtney’s Post 1 May including an attack by Turkish forces, snipers, and further burials. Gillison mentions Simpson [John Kirkpatrick Simpson] and his donkey detailing his work and death. He also describes the arrangements for a cease fire for the burial of the dead.

Chaplain Andrew Gillison died of wounds at 16th Casualty Clearing Station, Hill 60, Gallipoli, on 22 August 1915, aged 47. Grave: Embarkation Pier cemetery.

• Wallet 1 of 1 - Diary relating to the service of Chaplain Andrew Gillison, 1914 - 1915