Wivell, Walter Howard (Gunner, b.1885 - d.1947)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 28910 Gunner Walter Howard Wivell. Collection consists of a handwritten diary kept by Gnr Wivell during his service with the 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade. Wivell describes the side effects of heavy gassing, where men were required to wear gas masks for over 9 hours making it impossible to eat or sleep. He also describes what he did during his free time, such as attending movies, sports days, concert parties and lectures and presentations. He regularly comments on the harsh weather conditions. On the 1st of June 1918 Wivell was admitted to the 47th Casualty Clearing Station suffering from Trench Fever. He was later transferred to England where he remained in hospital until his return to Australia, where he was discharged medically unfit. The diary was later used to record financial notes and as a recipe book. The collection includes a typed transcript of the diary.