Smith, Charles Robert Lumsden (Private, b.1896 - d.1929)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 6149 Private Charles Robert Lumsden Smith, 18 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, at sea, 1919.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of one diary of Private Charles Robert Lumsden Smith, written in June, July and August 1919. This diary was written by Private Smith during his journey from England to Australia after his service with 18 Australian Infantry Battalion in France. In his diary, Private Smith recounts his experiences of service. He writes in detail about his enlistment, initial training, embarkation, arriving in England, joining his battalion in France, fighting in the trenches of the Western Front, being under artillery fire, resting and training away from the front line, recreational activities in the camp, gong on leave, travelling between camps, living in rain and mud, being gassed, evacuating to a hospital, returning to the front line, the deaths of many friends, and the armistice. This wallet also contains reference material compiled by the family of Private Smith.