Guide to the papers of General Sir John Monash
Collection Number: 3DRL/2316
Publisher: Australian War Memorial
2014 © Research Centre, Australian War Memorial. All rights reserved.
Summary
Title: Papers of General Sir John Monash
Date range of collection: 1914-1931
Collection number: 3DRL/2316
Extent: 3.8 metres (20 boxes)
Repository: Australian War Memorial
Location: Private Records Collection, Research Centre, Australian War Memorial.
Abstract:
The collection consists of papers dating from 1914-1931 documenting Monash's war time military career and his related activities as Director-General, Repatriation and Demobilisation from 1918-1919 while still in the Australian Imperial Forces. The collection ranges from handwritten notes, diaries and letters to military messages and signals, training orders and Defence instructions.
The strength of the collection lies in the comprehensive overview of Monash's involvement in the Australian Imperial Force, including as commander-in-chief.
Administrative Information
Provenance:
Soon after General Sir John Monash's return to civilian life in 1920, he gave a clear indication that his war records would eventually be donated to the Memorial. It took decades for the bequest to be finalized, however, and large parts of Monash's records relating to his war service are located at the National Library of Australia.
Monash corresponded with the War Museum (as the Australian War Memorial was then known) in 1921, stating that it was his intention to bequeath to it 'certain documents' of a 'personal nature'. Monash wrote to the War Museum again in 1924, stating that he had a large quantity of documentary material relating to the 'exercise of command of the Corps, comprising my drafts of orders, my personal battle plans and fighting maps, and such inward and outward correspondence of a then confidential nature which was never placed on the official files... All of it will be bequeathed to the War Museum, or will be handed over when I have completed arranging and annotating it'.
Monash's death in 1931 came before any papers were formally handed over to the Memorial. Soon after his death, his daughter and her husband, (Dr Gershon Bennett) informed the Memorial that Monash had not formally bequeathed his papers to the Memorial, but rather had 'left a letter in which he expressed himself in favour of the records being made available'. The Bennetts stated that it was their intention to retain the Monash papers until at least 1932, as a biography was planned.
The Bennetts informed the Memorial in 1949 that they wished to 'place in the keeping of the War Memorial the collection of war relics and records left by General Sir John Monash'. It was not until 1958, however, that the physical transfer of the Monash papers took place, although smaller donations of Monash materials, including newspaper cuttings and maps, had already taken place in 1936.
In 1986, Monash's granddaughter made a further donation of his medals, orders and decorations, including the ceremonial sword used at his knighting. These are held in the Memorial's Military Heraldry collection.
Access: Open. The collection is accessible in the Research Centre Reading Room on the lower ground floor of the Memorial during the Reading Room opening hours. The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm. The Reading Room is closed on Sundays and ACT public holidays. Researches can contact the Research Centre to plan a visit. To access the collection the user will need to register as a client and agree to the Reading Room’s conditions of use. To contact the Information Services department or to make an appointment to visit the Reading Room call 02 62434315 or send an email to info@awm.gov.au
Restrictions on use and reproduction: Copyright of materials described in this guide is governed by copyright law in Australia. For further information contact the Curator of Private Records, Research Centre.
Preferred citation: 3DRL 2316 Papers of General Sir John Monash, Australian War Memorial
Related Collections:
The Australian War Memorial holds additional material on General Sir John Monash in the following collections: Photographs, Art, Official Records, Private Records, Films, Books, Serials, Maps and Military Heraldry and Technology. Information about these may be gained through the collection databases on the Memorial's website.
Related collections held at other institutions:
Material relating to Monash's military and civilian life is scattered amongst several collections.
The largest collection comprising 35 meters is located at the National Library of Australia. It is considered to be the most extensive collection of private papers in Australia. Military records are included within this collection:
National Library of Australia, Manuscript collection, Papers of Sir John Monash, 1876-1934 [manuscript], MS1884, http://nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms1884
State Library of Victoria, Australian Manuscripts Collection, Papers, 1915-1965 [manuscript], MS 8086, http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/primo_library/libweb/action/dlDisplay.do?vid=MAIN&reset_config=true&docId=SLV_VOYAGER1634171
Records relating to the Reinforced Concrete and Monier Pipe Construction Co Pty Ltd, located at the University of Melbourne Archives, contains material prior to and including the Monash and Anderson business partnership:
University of Melbourne Archives, [REINFORCED CONCRETE AND MONIER PIPE CONSTRUCTION CO. PTY. LTD.], 1964.0012
The State Electricity Commission of Victoria Archives contains the Chairman's correspondence and papers, which includes materials relating to Monash.
Monash portraits:
Two portraits were painted by James Quinn, official war artist (1918-1919). One is held by the Australian War Memorial and the other by the Bennett family.
A portrait by Isaac Cohen (1919?) is held by the National Gallery of Victoria.
A portrait by Percy White (late 1920s) is held at Monash House in Carlton, Melbourne.
Victorian memorials dedicated to General Sir John Monash:
Grave of Sir John and Lady Monash, Jewish Section of the Brighton Cemetery, Caulfield. Melbourne.
Morell Bridge Memorial Stone, Anderson Street, South Yarra, Melbourne, laid 24 February 1899. The bridge was designed by Monash utilising the then newly developed Monier system of reinforced concrete.
Sir John Monash Statue, corner of Government House Drive and Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. A bronze equestrian statue designed by William Leslie-Bowles and cast in Italy. The statue shows Monash in military uniform astride a charger on a stone pedestal. Unveiled 12 November 1950.
Sir John Monash, John Field Drive, Moe City, Newborough, Melbourne.
Bronze bust of Monash on plinth in front of a sandstone block. Erected by State Electricity Commission of Victoria as a permanent record of their 'affection and admiration'. Unveiled 27 November 1932.
Biographical Note
Early life and education
John Monash was the eldest of three children and the only son of Louis Monash and Bertha nee Manasse. Louis Monash migrated to Melbourne in 1854 from Poland, returning to Europe in 1863 to marry. The couple returned to Melbourne the following year, and John Monash was born two years later.
Monash's parents did not strictly observe their Jewish religion, however Monash celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, and throughout his life attended Jewish religious services. He included Jewish men on his military staff wherever possible and upon return to civilian life, represented Jewish interests. Monash spoke German and French. Both languages were to prove useful during his wartime career.
As a child, Monash attended St Stephen's Church of England School in Richmond, Melbourne, for three years. Due to his father's business losses the family moved to Jerilderie, New South Wales; from 1875 to 1877 Monash attended the local public school. His teacher, William Elliott, noted Monash's academic abilities. Monash's mother returned to Melbourne with the children and enrolled John in Scotch College. In his final year, Monash was dux in mathematics and modern languages and equal dux of the school.
University Education and related activities
Monash enrolled in Melbourne University where he completed the following degrees: a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 1891; Master of Civil Engineering in 1893; Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws in 1895. During his university years, Monash was an avid self-educator, delving into literature and history. Monash enjoyed politics and debating and was co-founder of the Melbourne University Union, and editor of the Melbourne University Review in 1884-1885. He enjoyed theatre, concerts, opera, dances and wide-ranging social activities. Monash was, in short, a high achiever with a large capacity and intense desire for learning. These were traits that he carried into his military career.
The degree of Doctor of Civil Laws was conferred upon Monash by Oxford University and the degree of LLD conferred by Cambridge University, both in 1919. After publication of The Australian Victories in France in 1918, which recounted his wartime experiences, Monash submitted this to the University of Melbourne as a thesis on the subject of engineering as applied to modern warfare and was awarded Doctor of Engineering in 1920. It was the first time a candidate qualified for this degree in any Australian university.
Civilian life and citizen soldier
During his university years Monash was often short of money and gave private tuition to students; he was also employed as an engineer. He was involved in the construction of the Princes Bridge over the Yarra, and showed such ability that in 1888, at the age of 22, he was placed in charge of the construction of the Outer Circle eastern suburban railway line in Melbourne.
Monash began his career as a citizen soldier when he was 19 years of age. He joined the University company of the 4th Battalion, Victorian Rifles, and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. In 1887, he moved to the North Melbourne Battery, Metropolitan Brigade, Garrison Artillery, which he commanded from 1896 to 1903. He attained the rank of major in 1897.
From 1908 Monash was Victorian commandant of the Australian Intelligence Corps (Militia) and continued to educate himself in the military field. He attended Colonel Hubert Foster's schools in military science at the University of Sydney and showed a special interest in military history. From June 1913 Monash was appointed Colonel commanding the 13th Infantry Brigade.
Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree, Monash gained a position in 1891 as assistant engineer and chief draughtsman with the Melbourne Harbour Trust; in the same year he married Hannah Victoria Moss. They had one child, Bertha, born in 1893. Unfortunately the land boom, which made engineering prosper, failed and Monash lost this position in 1894. He then entered private practice as a consulting engineer and patents attorney and gradually was sought as an expert witness on engineering matters in the law courts.
From 1900 Monash specialised in reinforced concrete construction and introduced reinforcing methods in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. By 1915, he was widely known in the Melbourne community. He was President of the Victorian Institute of Engineers, director and chairman of a number of commercial and industrial companies, and member of Melbourne University Council.
Monash's organisational and leadership abilities, coupled with his expertise in engineering, were attributes which contributed substantially to his wartime military career. After the outbreak of the war, it was only a small step for Monash to be appointed to command the 4th Infantry Brigade, AIF, after having served as Deputy-Chief Censor for a brief four weeks.
Military career
Monash proceeded to the Front in command of the 4th Brigade and the 2nd Expeditionary Force Convoy. He served in Gallipoli from the landing on 25 April 1915 to the evacuation on 19 December 1915.
Monash then served at the Suez Canal Defence Zone in 1916, before taking the 4th Brigade to France. In July 1916 Monash was promoted to Major General and given command of the 3rd Australian Division, which fought at Messines and Passchendaele. Monash was noted for his achievements at the Albert-Amiens front after the German offensive of 1918.
He assumed command of the Australian Army Corps in France in 1918. Under Monash, the Corps contributed substantially to the Allies' counter-offensive. Monash planned and commanded the highly successful battle of Hamel on 7 July 1918 and a succession of victories followed until the Breaking of the Hindenburg Line.
After the war ended, Monash was appointed on 1 December 1918 as Director-General, Repatriation and Demobilisation. In less than nine months Monash organised the return of 160,000 Australian servicemen to Australia, many with enhanced educational qualifications as a result of the AIF Education Scheme which he was instrumental in organising.
His appointment with the AIF was terminated on 13 June 1920. Many military historians and his various biographers consider that his opportunity to high command came too late for him to fully realize his potential. He was nevertheless a military leader of considerable achievement viewing warfare as an engineering problem which could be solved. In the 1920's Monash was generally referred to as the 'greatest living Australian'.
Monash's own views of his military achievement are worth noting. In the official record completed by Monash himself for the Australian War Records Section on 21 February 1919, he considered his 'most interesting' service in the AIF to be the 'stoppage of the German advance East of Amiens in the spring of 1918' and the 'most important' to be 'our counter-offensive in the summer of 1918'.
Return to civilian life
After the war, Monash returned to his engineering practice, taking on the directorship of the Hume Pipe Company as well as other directorships. At the same time, the Victorian government was planning to harness Gippsland's brown coal for use in Victorian industry; the government in 1920 offered Monash first the position of General Manager, and then the position of Chairman of the State Electricity Commission. He occupied this position until his death, and has been credited with providing cheap electricity throughout Victoria.
Following his return to civilian life Monash was active in a number of spheres. He was a spokesperson for those of the Jewish faith and returned soldiers, led Melbourne's ANZAC Day marches, served as President of Rotary in 1922, managed the Special Constabulary Force during the police strike of 1923 and chaired the subsequent royal commission. He also acted as part time Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University from 1923 and served as President of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science in 1924-1926.
From 1927 Monash suffered with high blood pressure, but he continued a hectic pace of engagements and work. On 8 October 1931, Monash died of coronary vascular disease. He was given a state funeral, reputed to have drawn a crowd of more than 250,000. Monash was buried with Jewish rites in Brighton cemetery. The extensive commemorative tributes to Monash upon his death testified to the fact that he was widely revered by Australians.
Ranks held/date of appointment
Colonel and T/Brigadier, 15 September 1914
T/Brigadier, 9 July 1915
Major General, 10 July 1916
Lieutenant General, 1 June 1918
Appointments held/date of appointment
4th Infantry Brigade, 15 September 1914
Commanding Officer, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1 October 1915
Commanding Officer, 3rd Australian Division, 14 July 1916
T/Commanding Officer, Australian Corps, 1 June 1918
AIF Headquarters, 30 November 1918
Director-General, Repatriation and Demobilisation, 1 December 1918
AIF appointment terminated, 13 June 1920
Honours and awards
1907, Colonial Auxiliary Forces, Officer's Decoration, (VD)
1915, Companion of the Order of Bath
1918, Knight Commander of the Bath
1918, Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown, (Belgium)
1918, Grand Officer Legion d'Honneur
1918, Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
1918, Croix de Guerre avec Palme (France)
1919, Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George
1919, Distinguished Service Medal (United States of America)
1929, Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal
1931, Kernot Memorial Medal
Mention in Dispatches
5 August 1915
28 January 1916
Mention in London Gazette
No 303022, 22 September 1917
No 30448, 28 December 1917
No 30706, 28 May 1918
No 31007, 20 December 1918
References:
Serle, Geoffrey, (1982). John Monash: A Biography. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press in association with Monash University,
Pedersen, P A (1985). Monash as Military Commander. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press
Scope and Content
Using the collection:
Using the collection: This collection consists of 18 boxes (3.8m) of papers dating from 1914-1919 covering Monash's wartime military career and his related activities as Director-General, Repatriation and Demobilisation from 1918-1919 while still in the Australian Imperial Force.
While the majority of the material relates to military operations there is a significant amount of material relating to Monash's social activities while on leave. Also of interest is the inclusion of extensive examples of sports, social and leisure programs and menus. These provide a strong record of the social life of the men during their military activities.
The diverse wartime records includes Monash's authority to conduct court martials, training instructions for protection against gas attacks, the use of the Lewis gun and tactical exercises for trench warfare and assaults, recommendations for awards, commendations for promotions, codes, convoy and transportation orders, schedules of movements by foot, train and ship, published documents, standing orders, operation orders and reviews of operations, conference agendas, handwritten and typed notes, translations of enemy documents, summaries of interviews with German prisoners of war, information from scouting expeditions, reports relating to external conditions such as the moon phases, rain, terrain, presence of water, place names, signal operations, force orders and special orders, messages and signals
When planning operations and in conference with his officers, Monash initially created draft documents in extensive note form, followed by a second draft with detailed editing and finally as a document for use. Monash's thinking processes and particular emphasis are thus revealed.
| Series number | Title of Series and Date |
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1 |
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| 10 |
Series 1: Letters, 1914-1918
Description:
Two volumes of typed transcripts of letters written by Monash during the First World War. The main correspondents include his wife and daughter, with others addressed to his business partner, John Gibson and his friend Dr Felix Meyer.
Selected and edited versions of these letters were published in War letters of General Monash, F M Cutlack, 1934.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
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Letters volume 1, 24 December 1914-4 March 1917 |
Box 1 -Wallet 1 |
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Letters volume 2, 4 March 1917-28 December 1918 |
Box 1 -Wallet 2 |
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Letters, 1918 |
Box 1 -Wallet 3 |
Series 2: Diaries and notebooks, 1916-1918
Description:
This series comprises typed Division diary and notebooks kept by Monash and Maj Pyke, formerly DAQMG of the 3 Australian Division in France. The diary entries record casualties, field messages and orders of movements.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
2/1 |
Diary, 21 November 1916-5 October 1918. The diary provides a chronological listing the chief incidents of the day. Includes strength, casualties and location of Headquarters. |
Box 2 - Wallet 1 |
|
2/2 |
18 pages of handwritten notes including topics such as the use of infantry in battle and defence. Also includes notes from Infantry training for 1914. |
Box 2 - Wallet 2 |
|
2/3 |
Field message book with handwritten note by Monash on the first page stating 'Following field messages and notes withdrawn from this book and placed in order of date on War Pilot Files (27 December 1926). The dates of the removed messages were indicated as May, June and July 1915. |
Box 2 -Wallet 3 |
|
2/4 |
Notebook kept by Major Pyke. He presented the notebook to Monash on 23 February 1929. Includes notes dictated by Monash to Pyke on the order of movements into the lines Reilly-Sailly-le-sec of the 3 Division on 27 March 1918. |
Box 2 - Wallet 4 |
|
2/5 |
Field Service correspondence book kept by Staff Captain Locke, 1914. |
Box 2 - Wallet 5 |
Series 3: First World War papers, 1914 - 1918
Description:
Personal files organised by Monash and other family members. The files are arranged chronologically and include official war records, published material, correspondence, messages and signals, war diary fragments and military orders.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3/1 |
Index to personal files 13 August 1914 - 3 December 1919 This file contains an index compiled by Monash to record the items that make up his personal papers and to group these items into volumes. Several sections of the index are missing and a number of pages show fire damage. The index covers the entirety of Monash's wartime experience, beginning in 1914 and extending to 1919. |
Box 2 - Folder 1 |
| 3/2 |
Personal Files Book 1, 14 August - 3 November 1914 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 2 |
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Personal Files Book 1, 5 November - 15 December 1914 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 3 |
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Personal Files Book 1, 15 December 1914 - 5 January 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 4 |
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Personal Files Book 1, 6 January - 31 January 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 5 |
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Personal Files Book 2, 1 February - 23 February 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 6 |
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Personal Files Book 2, 23 February - 31 March 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 7 |
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Personal Files Book 2, 1 April - 11 April 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 8 |
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Personal Files Book 3, 11 April - 26 April 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 9 |
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Personal Files Book 3, 27 April - 29 April 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 10 |
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Personal Files Book 3, 29 April - 30 April 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 11 |
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Personal Files Book 4, 1 May - 3 May 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 12 |
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Personal Files Book 4, 2 May - 4 May 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 13 |
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Personal Files Book 4, 4 May - 5 May 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 14 |
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Personal Files Book 5, 6 May - 16 May 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 15 |
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Personal Files Book 5, 16 May - 25 May 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 16 |
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Personal Files Book 5, 25 May - 10 June 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 17 |
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Personal Files Book 6, 10 June - 12 July 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 18 |
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Personal Files Book 6, 12 July - 3 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 19 |
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Personal Files Book 6, 3 August - 7 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 20 |
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Personal Files Book 7, 8 August - 15 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 21 |
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Personal Files Book 7, 15 August - 22 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 22 |
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Personal Files Book 7, 22 August - 24 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 23 |
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Personal Files Book 8, 25 August - 27 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 24 |
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Personal Files Book 8, 27 August - 29 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 25 |
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Personal Files Book 8, 29 August-30 August 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 26 |
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Personal Files Book 9, 29 August - 1 September 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 27 |
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Personal Files Book 9, 2 September - 9 September 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 28 |
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Personal Files Book 9, 10 September - 30 October 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 29 |
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Personal Files Book 10, 1 November - 12 November 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 30 |
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Personal Files Book 10, 12 November - 18 November 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 31 |
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Personal Files Book 10, 18 November - 25 November 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 32 |
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Personal Files Book 10, 25 November - 30 November 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 33 |
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Personal Files Book 11, 1 December - 25 December 1915 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 34 |
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Personal Files Book 11, 25 December 1915 - 8 January 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 35 |
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Personal Files Book 11, 8 January - 31 January 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 36 |
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Personal Files Book 11, 31 January - 29 February 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 37 |
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Personal Files Book 12, 1 March - 29 April 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 38 |
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Personal Files Book 12, 3 April - 30 April 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 39 |
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Personal Files Book 12, 2 May - 31 May 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 40 |
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Personal Files Book 13, 1 June - 1 July 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 41 |
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Personal Files Book 13, 1 July - 16 August 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 42 |
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| 3/43 |
Personal Files Book 13, 16 August - 30 September 1916 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 43 |
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Personal Files Book 14, 6 October - 30 November 1916 This file contains:
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Series 3 - Folder 44 |
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Personal Files Book 14, 1 December 1916 - 10 February 1917 This file contains:
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Series 3 - Folder 45 |
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Personal Files Book 14, 10 February - 30 March 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 46 |
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Personal Files Book 15, 1 April - 10 May 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 47 |
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Personal Files Book 15, 10 May - 9 June 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 48 |
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Personal Files Book 15, 10 June - 31 July 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 49 |
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Personal Files Book 16, 1 August - 3 September 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 50 |
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Personal Files Book 16, 3 September - 9 October 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 51 |
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Personal Files Book 16, 9 October - 31 October 1917 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 52 |
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Personal Files Book 17, 1 November 1917 - 13 January 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 53 |
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Personal Files Book 17, 14 January - 11 February 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 54 |
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Personal Files Book 17, 11 February - 18 March 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 55 |
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Personal Files Book 18, 28 March - 20 April 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 56 |
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Personal Files Book 18, 21 April - 8 May 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 57 |
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Personal Files Book 18, 8 May - 25 May 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 58 |
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Personal Files Book 18, 25 May - 3 June 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 59 |
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Personal Files Book 19, 4 June - 24 June 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 60 |
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Personal Files Book 19, 23 June - 7 July 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 61 |
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Personal Files Book 19, 7 July - 30 July 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 62 |
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Personal Files Book 20, 31 July - 15 August 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 63 |
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Personal Files Book 20, 15 August - 8 September 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 64 |
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Personal Files Book 21, 10 September - 3 October 1918 Summary of Air Intelligence, 10 September 1918; |
Series 3 - Folder 65 |
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Personal Files Book 21, 3 October - 24 November 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 66 |
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Personal Files Book 21, 25 November - 31 December 1918 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 67 |
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Personal Files Book 22, 2 January - 1 February 1919 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 68 |
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Personal Files Book 22, 1 February - 10 April 1919 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 69 |
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Personal Files Book 22, 10 April - 1 June 1919 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 70 |
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Personal Files Book 23, 1 June - 23 September 1919 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 71 |
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Personal Files Book 23, 24 September - 26 December 1919 This file contains: |
Series 3 - Folder 72 |
Series 4: Military telegrams, 1918
Description:
Typed sheets detailing incoming and outgoing telegrams. Tabulated details include date, sender, sender's number, time read, office number and subject.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
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4/1 |
Battle Telegram Book, (26 August - 2 October 1918). Part 1 |
Series 4 - Folder 1 |
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4/2 |
Battle Telegram Book, (26 August - 2 October 1918). Part 2 |
Series 4 - Folder 3 |
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4/3 |
Battle Telegram Book, (26 August - 2 October 1918). Part 3 |
Series 4 - Folder 4 |
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4/4 |
Battle Telegrams Book, (8 August - 21 August 1918). - Part 1 Various sections include: A to E - Corps Campaign Reports F to L - Second copy M - 4th Army Artillery (Hindenberg Line) Mc - 4th Division Artillery P - 4th Army Artillery (Battle of Amiens) These items are all dated, labeled and divided into sections as above. Includes very extensive maps. |
Series 4 - Folder 5 |
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4/5 |
Battle Telegrams Book, (8 August - 21 August 1918). - Part 2 |
Series 4 - Folder 6 |
Series 5: Military correspondence and writings, 1917 – 1919
Description:
Created by Monash under the heading 'Classified papers' including correspondence, writings by Monash on the history of the Australian Army Corp, and lists and tabulations of awards.
Correspondents include Sir Keith Murdoch, General Birdwood, Senator Pearce and Brigadier McNicholl.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5/1 |
Classified Papers Book 26 Part 1, 1918 - 1919 File includes correspondence between Monash, Murdoch, Birdwood and Pearce relating to the 'Keith Murdoch intrigue'. Writings by Monash intended for historical record including History and contribution of the Australian Army Corps, The Australian Army Corps in the great counter-offensive, Notes on divisional commanders; also notes written by Monash reflecting his personal views on doctrine and policy. |
Series 5 - Folder 1 |
| 5/2 |
Classified Papers Book 26 Part 2, (July - September 1918). Includes further correspondence relating to the 'Keith Murdoch' intrigue' [as in item 1]; printed material relating to the repatriation education scheme. |
Series 5 - Folder 2 |
| 5/3 | Classified Papers Book 26 Part 3, (July - September 1918). Includes correspondence between Monash, McNicoll, Birdwood, Chaplain Hayden and Wray regarding combining church services. | Series 5 - Folder 3 |
| 5/4 | Classified Papers Book 26 Part 4, (1919). Details for honours and awards for demobilisation works. Includes recommendations and citations. | Series 5 - Folder 4 |
| 5/5 | Classified Papers Book 26 Part 5, (August 1917 - September 1918). Includes honours and awards recipients and related correspondence. | Series 5 - Folder 5 |
Series 6: Demobilisation, 1918 - 1919
Description:
This series comprises cables, instructions, administrative details and printed material relating to the demobilisation process. Other material includes Monash's typed notes of various interviews with Prime Minister Hughes.
The main correspondents include Hughes, Whitham, Borwick and Pearce, covering topics such as expenditure, movement of ships and education.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
6/1 |
Demobilisation 1: A D C Reference, 1918 - 1919. Part 1 Includes copies of incoming and outgoing cables, notices of general instructions and newspaper items. Includes typed notes of meetings between Monash and Prime Minister Hughes. |
Series 6 - Folder 1 |
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6/2 |
Demobilisation 1: A D C Reference, 1918 - 1919. Part 2 |
Series 6 - Folder 2 |
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6/3 |
Demobilisation 1: A D C Reference, 1918 - 1919. Part 3 |
Series 6 - Folder 3 |
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6/4 |
Demobilisation 2: General instructions, 1918 - 1919. Part 1 Include forms and instructions, copies of addresses by Monash and printed material on demobilisation. Includes listing of file contents. |
Series 6 - Folder 4 |
|
6/5 |
Demobilisation 2: General instructions, 1918 - 1919. Part 2 |
Series 6 - Folder 5 |
|
6/6 |
Demobilisation 2: General instructions, 1918 - 1919. Part 3 |
Series 6 - Folder 6 |
|
6/7 |
Demobilisation 3: Inward ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 1 Includes incoming correspondence to Monash from Pearce, Whitham, Smith, Ryan, Borwick and Prime Minister Hughes. Includes listing of file contents. |
Series 6 - Folder 7 |
|
6/8 |
Demobilisation 3: Inward ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 2 |
Series 6 - Folder 8 |
|
6/9 |
Demobilisation 3: Inward ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 3 |
Series 6 - Folder 9 |
|
6/10 |
Demobilisation 3: Inward ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 4 |
Series 6 - Folder 10 |
|
6/11 |
Demobilisation 4: Outgoing ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 1 Includes correspondence from Monash to Pearce and Hughes; listing of file contents. |
Series 6 - Folder 11 |
|
6/12 |
Demobilisation 4: Outgoing ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 2 |
Series 6 - Folder 12 |
|
6/13 |
Demobilisation 4: Outgoing ministerials, 1918 - 1919. Part 3 |
Series 6 - Folder 13 |
Series 7: Brigade orders and instructions, 1914 – 1918
Description:
Four volumes of orders produced for the 4th Australian Brigade, the Messines Brigades, 3rd Australian Division and the Australian Army Corps. Included are war telegrams, training orders, news sheets, diversion circulars, operational circulars and battle instructions.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7/1 | 4th Australian Brigade Orders, Bound volume 1, 1914 – 1916. Included in this volume are Brigade Orders No 1 - 145, dating from September 1914 to April 1915. Also includes training orders for 1914 - 1916. | Oversize |
| 7/2 | Brigade Orders (Battle of Messines), Bound Volume 2, 1916 - 1918. Includes copies of Peninsula Press as well as war telegrams and orders (some with handwritten corrections) for 9, 10 and 11 Brigades at the Battle of Messines. | Oversize |
| 7/3 | 3rd Australian Division Orders, Bound Volume 3, 1916 - 1918. 3 Australian Division orders 1 - 92; staff circulars and administrative instructions for the Battle of Messines. | Oversize |
| 7/4 | AIF Orders, Bound Volume 4, 1918. Volume includes battle operational instructions for the AIF for August - September 1918; general staff circulars and administrative, artillery and engineer orders. | Oversize |
Series 8: Manuscripts and printed material, 1918 – 1931
Description:
Manuscripts written by or given to Monash after the First World War.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8/1 |
The Australian victories in France in 1918 -1919. Part 1 Bound, handwritten manuscript. Also includes a copy of the publisher's contract, correspondence, list of photographs, Monash's publicity description for the book, maps, photographs and newspaper clippings. |
Series 8 - Folder 1 |
| 8/2 | The Australian victories in France in 1918 -1919. Part 2 | Series 8 - Folder 2 |
| 8/3 | The Australian victories in France in 1918 -1919. Part 3 | Series 8 - Folder 3 |
| 8/4 | The Australian victories in France in 1918 -1919. Part 4 | Series 8 - Folder 4 |
| 8/5 |
Monographic du Chateau D'Heilly. Bound manuscript written in French and noted as received from Chas Gallop in November 1926. Includes two sepia photographs, presumably of the Chateau. No author or date of creation is discernible. |
Box 3 Wallet 1 |
| 8/6 |
AIF Education Services: Results and Examination papers. Australian Corps Central School, Rue France. Presented to Monash by Professor Wallace, 1931. The booklet also contains a student roll, teacher's name and syllabus. |
Box 3 Wallet 2 |
Series 9: Tributes and public documents, 1931 – 1934
Description:
This series comprises a number of public documents compiled on Monash including his birth certificates and biographical entry for the War Records Section. Also included is a draft handwritten tribute by former Prime Minister Hughes after Monash's death in 1931.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9/1 | Undated, handwritten tribute with editing written by former Prime Minister W M Hughes on the occasion of Monash's death, 1931. | Box 3, Wallet 1 |
| 9/2 | Copy of Monash's birth certificate. | Box 3, Wallet 1 |
| 9/3 |
Photocopy of the official War Records Section biographical details document, completed by Monash. Includes details of education and occupation, AIF appointments and operations, honours and awards. |
Box 3, Wallet 1 |
Description:
Coloured/plain annotated maps including tourist maps and maps of trench placements; panoramic views based on topographic maps; maps of training camps; extra-large campaign maps; maps depicting schemes of attack; general maps of the Western Front with combined forces shown and a small number of bilingual (English and Arabic) maps for Egypt and surrounding areas. Also includes maps used for planning the battle of Hamel.
| File | Title/Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10/1 | Maps | Oversize |