APPLETON , John

Accession Number MSS1113
Collection type Manuscript
Measurement 1 volume
Object type Diary
Date made 1915-1919
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM315 420/002/018
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copying Provisions Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction.
Description

"Dobie - a First World War diary of an Australian Gunner". This is an original transcript of the diary kept by Colonel Percy Walter Dobson MC with commentary and family history notes made by John Appleton. Dobson was commander of the garrison at Fort Queenscliff (Victoria) and in 1939-1945 war he commanded the artillery at Fort Scratchley, Newcastle (NSW). The diary covers 1915 to 1919 and chapters include "The embarkation and voyage", "France", "Front Line" (Pozieres), Fricourt, "Brief Leave" (Abbeville), "Arras", "Guns condemned", "Tin Hats", "Messines", "Hill 60 to Le Touquet", "Voormezeele", "Leave then Cambrai", "the Freeze Up", "More tank trouble", "The third offensive of 1918". Also includes stories about "Dobie" written by his fellow officers, a list of fellow officers from his war time service and copies of documentation relating to his service.

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