Poynting, Arthur Henry (SQMS, b.1890 - d.1947)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 509 Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant Arthur Henry Poynting, 5th Light Horse Regiment, Gallipoli and Palestine. Poynting enlisted on 31 October 1914 aged 24. A grocer from Lismore, Poynting kept diaries intermittently throughout his First World War service.

The collection consists of three diaries. There are two diaries which cover the year 1915; the first is a small black leather 'Australasian Pocket Diary' 100mm x 65mm. The first entry records the departure of Poynting on the SS Persic from Sydney and is dated 20 December 1914. Poynting describes the voyage; arrival in Egypt; exercising horses; and sham fights. He lands on Gallipoli on 20 May and is quickly promoted to Lance Corporal. Poynting records going into the firing line and taking Quinn's Post; entries describe the rotation through firing line, reserve trenches and periods of rest. By August Poynting is made a full Corporal, and takes part in actions around Chatham's Post. From September the diary entries cease, but there is a list of names and addresses of fellow soldiers, nurses and his fiance Elsie Attwood.

The second diary is a small exercise book without a cover measuring 175mm x 115mm. This diary covers in greater detail the time Poynting spent on the Gallipoli peninsular. The diary begins with his ship arriving off Gallipoli, immediately experiencing shell fire and landing via a pontoon. Poynting witnesses the sinking of the British battleship HMS Triumph, and records days of 'sapping' and resting; a visit from Generals Birdwood and Hamilton; reinforcements arriving, and fighting alongside Gurkhas. The diary ends with plans for the evacuation being carried out, and Poynting, now a Sergeant, leaving Gallipoli on 20 December 1915 and arriving in Alexandria on Christmas Day.

The third diary, a small red leather bound pocketbook 120mm x 75mm sporadically covers the year 1918. After the Gallipoli campaign Poynting takes leave in Egypt and completes an NCO's course.

In June Poynting entrains for Jerusalem, rejoining his unit nearby. There are brief entries recording patrols and raids; an inspection by General Harry Chauvel; decoy manoeuvres and dummy horses; the taking of Turkish prisoners, and being the first regiment to enter Amman. After cessation of hostilities in the desert campaign, Poynting returns to Cairo and boards a troopship for Australia on 15 November 1918.