Diary typescript of unnamed soldier, believed to be Dakin, Clarence Herbert

Description

Bound typed transcription of a personal diary of an unnamed soldier, believed to be 1187 Lt Clarence Herbert Dakin, who was in the 20th Battalion and promoted to Sergeant in the time it covers, August 1915-March 1916. The diary mainly documents his experiences on Gallipoli from his landing on 22 August until he was evacuated on 19 December. As part of the Battalion's machine gun section, he was stationed initially on Walker's Ridge above Gaba Tepe, before being transferred to Russell's Top in early November, and later to Courtney's Post and 'Turk's Head' (possibly Turks' Hump) preparatory to evacuation. This time included attendance at a Machine Gun School in Monash Gully and a visit to the cemetery in Shrapnel Gully. From Walker's Ridge, he observed and described in detail Turkish and Australian actions at Sniper's Ridge, Pope's Hill, Chunuk Bair, Quinn's Post and Rhododendron Ridge. The diary comments on the trench line systems, the effects of shelling on them and personnel, and the provision of comforts, rations and water.