Nott, Lewis Windermere (Captain, b.1886 - d.1951)

Place Europe: France, Picardie, Somme
Accession Number PR00685
Collection type Private Record
Record type Collection
Measurement Extent: 12 cm; Wallet/s: 8
Object type Diary, Letter
Maker Nott, Lewis Windermere
Place made France: Picardie, Somme
Date made 1916
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM371 94/0867
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Copying Provisions Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required.
Description

Collection relating to the First World War service of Lewis Windermere Nott.

Lewis Windermere Nott was a third generation Australian and the fifth son of one of Queensland's sugar pioneers, Frederick Lewis Nott. Lewis Windermere Nott began a degree in Medicine at Sydney University, but following his marriage to Doris Ashbury in July 1913 the newlyweds travelled to Edinburgh, where Nott intended to complete his degree at the University Medical School and the Royal Infirmary. At the outbreak of the Great War, Nott was in his final year with about six months to complete before graduation. Finding that there was no way he could return to Australia, he enlisted as a private in the Lovat Scouts. By May 1915 he was commissioned into the Royal Horse Artillery, but later transferred to the 15th Battalion, the Royal Scots. Nott spent most of 1915 training in and around Warminster on Salisbury Plains and the battalion arrived in France in January 1916. He was made adjutant soon after joining, and acting Commanding Officer for a period in 1916.

The collection consists of 132 letters to Nott's wife Doris and young son Frederick. The first is written on the day the battalion arrived in France and the last letter shortly before Christmas. The letters mention air raids and battles, billets, meeting other Australians, artillery, shelling, trench conditions, bravery of the troops, and the inaccuracy of anti-aircraft fire. There are many poignant comments about his wife and young son, and the tedium and weariness of war. The letters include an account of the Somme Offensive of July 1916. Fighting in the Albert area and around Sausage Valley, Nott explains the horror of the battle, describing terrible injuries, confusion and exhaustion, incessant bombardments, and success at gaining objectives. The letters also mention fighting at Saint-Omer, Erquinghem, Bois-Grenier, and Fleurbaix. The letters continue until Nott's resignation of his commission in December 1916 in order to continue with his medical studies. The collection includes a diary of period February-March 1916, and part of a publication describing geography and defences of enemy held territory, including maps. There is also a typed transcript of Nott's letters made by his son David Nott. These records form the basis of the publication of Lewis Windermere Nott's letters titled 'Somewhere in France'. This book was compiled by David Nott, published in 1996, and held in the Memorial's collection at 940.48194N915s.