Parker, Gilbert Alexander (Sapper, b.1897 - d.?)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 16027 Sapper Gilbert Alexander Parker, 1st Wireless Squadron, AIF, Australia and Middle East, 1916-1918.

Collection consists of a maroon-coloured, faux-leather diary with 'DIARY' embossed in gold on the cover. The diary spans the period 25 May 1916 to 25 June 1918. The front pages contain Parker's contact details and inscriptions from some of his relatives. The diary commences with Parker's enlistment, followed by several blank pages then recommences on 19 August with consistent entries, following his last day at work and embarkation on 22 August. The diary describes his voyage overseas on HMAT Karoola via Adelaide. After describing the journey, Parker arrives at Colombo, en route to Bombay (Mumbai) and Madras (Chennai). In each of these places, Parker spends several days exploring nearby towns and sites, including several mentions of Elephanta Island, just off the coast of Bombay. Throughout are descriptions of the locals, local sites, and haggling to buy souvenirs. The diary continues to describe Parker's time spent in the Middle East, largely in Iraq. During this period mentions of several engagement with Turkish and German soldiers are mentioned, along with several mentions of large numbers of prisoners of war. Of particular interest are several references to Armenian refugees fleeing from Ottoman forces as part of the Armenian Genocide. The diary concludes with Parker's voyage to Bombay, and ends with him in Poona (Pune). In the back of the diary are lists of common Arabic and Hindi phrases.

Also included are a coaster from the Australian Women's National League, Melbourne, featuring an image of Australia and wattle; a Australian Military Forces certificate stating that Parker was a member of the Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force, dated 7 June 1916; and a leave pass dated 18 June 1919.