McConnell, James (Private, b.1881 - d.1955)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 693 Private James McConnell, 57 Infantry Battalion and 5 Machine Gun Battalion, Australia, Sierra Leone, France, Belgium, United Kingdom, at sea, 1917-1919.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Consists of one diary of 191 pages containing hand-written entries recorded almost daily. The entries relate to Private McConnell's second period of service, following his being invalided home to Australia from Gallipoli in November 1915. The diary is a detailed and concise account of Private McConnell's period from his embarkation in Melbourne in June 1917 to his return in February 1919, including specifics on subjects such as rations, leave in England and Ireland, trench warfare and munitions. McConnell describes the period the 57th Infantry Battalion spent around the area of Kemmel in 1918 and the Battle of Amiens in August 1918. Included are details such as munitions used, rates of fire, gas attacks, spies from both sides, and enemy aircraft that were used to bomb his unit's areas. Also featured are details of contents from captured German soldiers and trenches. McConnell was hospitalised several times during this period and there are detailed accounts of his evacuations from the front line and his treatment in hospitals and clearing stations.

• Diary of James McConnell, 1917-1919