Southwell, Samuel John (Jack) (Private, b.1891 - d.1965)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 9208 Private Samuel John (Jack) Southwell, a stretcher bearer and ambulance driver with the 3rd Field Ambulance, Egypt, United Kingdom, France and Belgium. Collection consists of a typescript (split into 3 parts) of the five diaries kept by Pte Southwell from the time of his enlistment in 1915 to his return to Australia in 1919. The diaries give a good account of nearly four years of the war, almost always under shelling, fighting and gas attacks, whilst carrying the wounded to dressing stations. He frequently mentions his fellow soldiers and friends who were killed. He writes of the brave horses and mentions that even in conflict both sides showed respect for one another when there was a lull in the fighting. He also speaks of air attacks and gives credit to 'Fritz' for their valiant efforts. Southwell was awarded the Military Medal for action the attack on Froissy Heights (Somme) on 23 August 1918.