Thomas Ralph Brain, 59th Battalion, discusses his experiences on the Western Front during the First World War in an interview with Paul Cobb

Place Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Nord, Lille, Fromelles
Accession Number S02096
Collection type Sound
Measurement 1 hr 53 min
Object type Oral history
Physical description audio cassette; TDK D120; mono
Maker Brain, Thomas Ralph
Cobb, Paul
Place made Australia: Victoria, Melbourne, Frankston
Date made 1 March 1992
Access Open
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright

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

Discusses, Side A: early life; compulsory army training; enlistment; sail to Egypt; illness; desert training; travel to Western Front; spies; preparing for Fromelles battle; Fromelles; wounded; battalion casualties; Pompey Elliot; conditions at the Somme; duties at the front; Messines; leave in Britain; trench raids; gambling; visit relatives. Side B: end of war; Spanish Influenza; Harefield; rum ration; mine explosions at Messines; opinion of British troops; convalescent camp; return to Australia; celebrates 21st birthday; shore leave at Cape Town; reunited with father; return on Battlefield Tour.
A transcript of this recording may be available. For further information please contact the Sound section.

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