My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well. Since writing to you I have received 6 letters - one for Siss (April 4th) one from Kath (March 29th) one from Aunt Bessie (April 8th) one from Nell (March 31st) and two from Annie (9th and 21st of April). I was very pleased to get these letters and to hear that you are all doing well. I also got my Records and see that there had been a lot of socials etc. around there lately.
I was surprised to hear of the rumour that John Best was married, but I hope that it is true, and if it is I wish him the best of luck. I was sorry to hear that Ralph Thomas had lost his leg. I did not know he had been wounded as badly as that.
I got a letter from Mat Griffen. He is in hospital in England, wounded in the elbow, very near the same place as before. He does not expect to be laid up very long with it this time.
I went and saw Buzz Simmons about a fortnight ago. He looks well and hardly knew me. He was mending boots and says the job will do him - better than carting ammunition.
Kathleen says Mrs. Siegert wanted to know if I had heard anything of her boy George, but I have not been near his Battalion so I have not had a chance to make any enquiries. "Missing" is a very unsatisfactory return in a casualty list. I feel sorry for anyone who has their soldier laddies reported that way. If they are not reported Prisoners of War within 2 or 3 months, there is very little chance of them being heard of again. So I am very much afraid that little Georgie was killed. I see by the Record that Augie Pohler was given a great reception home. Hilda is evidently doing well too with her reciting etc. By the way I hear that she has got herself a returned soldier boy - is that so?
I am very glad I did not order a French tart for John Best if that is his game. Frank Richards and Harry Tralaggan are quite alright. Wally Arnolds is having a spell out of the line this trip, he well deserves it as he has done a lot of line work.
We got some Christmas parcels yesterday and some shirts and socks from the Australian Comfort Fund. It was rather late for Christmas parcels, but they are just as welcome. We often get tobacco, cocoa and milk etc. from the Fund.
I will close now hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
Showing posts with label wounded. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wounded. Show all posts
France; June 9th, 1918
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well. We are camped in little bivouacs now & the days are lovely & warm with nice chilly nights.
Since last writing I have seen Mat and Mick Griffen - they are both well. Mat is attached to the A.S.C. for the time. They tell me Bert, Frank, Aleck & Lorrie Bell are still going. Buzz Simmons is camped about ten miles away & I believe is quite well. He is a cobble in an ammunition Column. Bob Honan is in the same section. Mick said he saw Jack Soccins some time ago - he was quite alright. Bob Crewes has been wounded again.
We had a Church Parade this morning, the first time we had a chance since I have been in France.
One of our lads had the bad luck to be drowned yesterday. We were in swimming & he went down quite near the bank & only came up once. He never struggled or sang out at all, so I think his heart must have failed. He was in about 15 ft of water & they had a terrible job to get him out. The man who got down & tied a rope on him was very nearly done when he came up. They are having a funeral parade this afternoon. I am going to it. I suppose they will have the Brigade Band there, but I don't think they will have a firing party.
I see by the Record that the Burra Ladies Band has been doing quite a lot of playing in Adelaide & elsewhere. I also see where "yours truly" was having a tremendously good time in hospital at Portsmouth. I do know what my little Janie will think if she hears of such things & I am keeping as true as could be to her.
Well I will close now, hoping you are all well,
I remain
Your loving Son & Brother
Tom
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well. We are camped in little bivouacs now & the days are lovely & warm with nice chilly nights.
Since last writing I have seen Mat and Mick Griffen - they are both well. Mat is attached to the A.S.C. for the time. They tell me Bert, Frank, Aleck & Lorrie Bell are still going. Buzz Simmons is camped about ten miles away & I believe is quite well. He is a cobble in an ammunition Column. Bob Honan is in the same section. Mick said he saw Jack Soccins some time ago - he was quite alright. Bob Crewes has been wounded again.
We had a Church Parade this morning, the first time we had a chance since I have been in France.
One of our lads had the bad luck to be drowned yesterday. We were in swimming & he went down quite near the bank & only came up once. He never struggled or sang out at all, so I think his heart must have failed. He was in about 15 ft of water & they had a terrible job to get him out. The man who got down & tied a rope on him was very nearly done when he came up. They are having a funeral parade this afternoon. I am going to it. I suppose they will have the Brigade Band there, but I don't think they will have a firing party.
I see by the Record that the Burra Ladies Band has been doing quite a lot of playing in Adelaide & elsewhere. I also see where "yours truly" was having a tremendously good time in hospital at Portsmouth. I do know what my little Janie will think if she hears of such things & I am keeping as true as could be to her.
Well I will close now, hoping you are all well,
I remain
Your loving Son & Brother
Tom
France; May 6, 1918
My Dear People,
Just a short note to let you know how I am getting along.
Since last writing to you I have received 9 letters - one from Sis, 2 from Uncle Dan & Aunty Ada & a photo, one from Pat Griffen, one from Hilda Taylor, 2 from Annie (Feb 26th, March 6th), one from Mum (Feb 27) & one from Dad (Feb 17th). I was glad to hear you were all doing well & very pleased to know your wheat & wool turned out so well.
We are still on our good job & doing quite well.
May 8th
I am still doing quite alright but, we have shifted out of our comfortable house & are in little bivouacs now, still things are very nice & we are all quite happy. We had some rain yesterday, but it is fine & a bit cloudy to-day.
Poor Ada Onley had bad luck losing her husband so soon. How is Mrs. Cahill getting along?
Uncle Dan tells me he had a lovely crop, the family look quite well in the photo they sent me.
By the way the Block must have had a lot of wheat on it if you got 3,400 bags, as I think someone mentioned that you had 700 bags at Ilfradale. I am not quite sure of this. That would leave 2,700 for the Block or a few bags more than I got off it & I suppose they were heavier bags than mine (some crop). I suppose Poor Will was grease & dust all over when he was reaping it. Who is his girl, now? & who does John use his bike after?
Well I must close now as I have to get the rations directly, hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
I heard Frank Richards was wounded (W. Arnold told me) but I do not think he got to Blighty (England).
Just a short note to let you know how I am getting along.
Since last writing to you I have received 9 letters - one from Sis, 2 from Uncle Dan & Aunty Ada & a photo, one from Pat Griffen, one from Hilda Taylor, 2 from Annie (Feb 26th, March 6th), one from Mum (Feb 27) & one from Dad (Feb 17th). I was glad to hear you were all doing well & very pleased to know your wheat & wool turned out so well.
We are still on our good job & doing quite well.
May 8th
I am still doing quite alright but, we have shifted out of our comfortable house & are in little bivouacs now, still things are very nice & we are all quite happy. We had some rain yesterday, but it is fine & a bit cloudy to-day.
Poor Ada Onley had bad luck losing her husband so soon. How is Mrs. Cahill getting along?
Uncle Dan tells me he had a lovely crop, the family look quite well in the photo they sent me.
By the way the Block must have had a lot of wheat on it if you got 3,400 bags, as I think someone mentioned that you had 700 bags at Ilfradale. I am not quite sure of this. That would leave 2,700 for the Block or a few bags more than I got off it & I suppose they were heavier bags than mine (some crop). I suppose Poor Will was grease & dust all over when he was reaping it. Who is his girl, now? & who does John use his bike after?
Well I must close now as I have to get the rations directly, hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom.
I heard Frank Richards was wounded (W. Arnold told me) but I do not think he got to Blighty (England).
Warminster, UK; March 3, 1918
No 3 Battalion
Overseas Training Brigade
Sandhill Camp
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
I received 7 letters last week, one from Mum (Dec 16th) two from Siss (Dec 18th and 30th) one from Aunt Bessie, one from Elsie Bryce and two from Annie (Dec 28th and 1st Jan). I was very glad to hear you were all doing alright but sorry that you were worrying about me as I was having a splendid time.
There are a good many of my letters missing. I suppose they are chasing me round the hospitals I have been in. Noel Tiver is in this camp. He had an ingrowing toenail & was lucky enough to be sent to England with it.
From Mum's letter I see that some of your ideas of a wounded man's treatment are wrong. For instance, when you heard I had been sent to England you thought I was badly hit. This is not always so as men are sent to England with very slight affairs sometimes. It depends on the hospitals in France. If a big "stunt" is coming off all the hospitals in France are cleared out to make room for the wounded who are sure to come. That was how Noel got over with such a trifle. He was in hospital in France & nearly right, when a special clear-out was made for the Cambrai business.
Overseas Training Brigade
Sandhill Camp
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
I received 7 letters last week, one from Mum (Dec 16th) two from Siss (Dec 18th and 30th) one from Aunt Bessie, one from Elsie Bryce and two from Annie (Dec 28th and 1st Jan). I was very glad to hear you were all doing alright but sorry that you were worrying about me as I was having a splendid time.
There are a good many of my letters missing. I suppose they are chasing me round the hospitals I have been in. Noel Tiver is in this camp. He had an ingrowing toenail & was lucky enough to be sent to England with it.
From Mum's letter I see that some of your ideas of a wounded man's treatment are wrong. For instance, when you heard I had been sent to England you thought I was badly hit. This is not always so as men are sent to England with very slight affairs sometimes. It depends on the hospitals in France. If a big "stunt" is coming off all the hospitals in France are cleared out to make room for the wounded who are sure to come. That was how Noel got over with such a trifle. He was in hospital in France & nearly right, when a special clear-out was made for the Cambrai business.
So if I get wounded again & sent to England, do not think it is serious until the Military tell you so. You can rely on the casualty reports being pretty correct, as I have seen men wounded & then seen the reports on them & they are pretty accurate. Do not worry the Red Cross or cable, as if a man is dangerously ill the authorities always let his people know. If an English soldier is very ill in a French hospital the doctor sends for his people & the Government pay their expenses & send them over to France to see their son. Of course that would be impossible for an Australian. I do not know if you are aware of it but that is what most soldiers pray for - a nice little wound to get them into hospital for a spell. A man who is so seriously damaged as to be discharged is considered the luckiest man alive.
The weather here is lovely now (real spring) & yesterday was the nicest day I have seen in England. At Church this morning the priest gave us a great sermon on our boys marrying English girls. (There were 800 Australians married English girls last month). He was pointing out the difficulties & dangers of doing this especially to Catholics who, of course, generally marry Protestant girls. Besides this he did not think it fair to forget about the girls that most of our chaps have waiting for them in Australia. I do not think it is fair either. It is a standing joke in this country that the "Aussies" English wife does not have to knit him any socks as he gets plenty of parcels from the girl he left in Australia. Of course some of the English girls are alright, but, the class that most of our chaps marry are, well "not much".
I expect to go to France on Thursday to have another go at the horrible Hun. If I don't have any harder time than I did last trip I will be alright. The weather from now on should not be so bad. Aunty tells me Kath has got six months leave (what's the matter Kathy tired of the game?) & that Annie is going to T.T.C.
I suppose Will put in some good work while Megs was staying with you (go for it while you're young Will). By the way, who is Phil O'Rielly marrying, Miss Nugent? I am enclosing a little sprig of shamrock. Noel Tiver tells me that there were big bush fires in the North East. The feed must have been pretty good & the wheat crops must have been pretty good too. It is a pity you cannot sell it straight out for full price.
I was glad to hear Ralph Thomas had only been taken prisoner. I expect he will have a pretty rough time for a while, but he will be fairly sure of getting home alright. I suppose his mother is worrying about him.
Well I will close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
The weather here is lovely now (real spring) & yesterday was the nicest day I have seen in England. At Church this morning the priest gave us a great sermon on our boys marrying English girls. (There were 800 Australians married English girls last month). He was pointing out the difficulties & dangers of doing this especially to Catholics who, of course, generally marry Protestant girls. Besides this he did not think it fair to forget about the girls that most of our chaps have waiting for them in Australia. I do not think it is fair either. It is a standing joke in this country that the "Aussies" English wife does not have to knit him any socks as he gets plenty of parcels from the girl he left in Australia. Of course some of the English girls are alright, but, the class that most of our chaps marry are, well "not much".
I expect to go to France on Thursday to have another go at the horrible Hun. If I don't have any harder time than I did last trip I will be alright. The weather from now on should not be so bad. Aunty tells me Kath has got six months leave (what's the matter Kathy tired of the game?) & that Annie is going to T.T.C.
I suppose Will put in some good work while Megs was staying with you (go for it while you're young Will). By the way, who is Phil O'Rielly marrying, Miss Nugent? I am enclosing a little sprig of shamrock. Noel Tiver tells me that there were big bush fires in the North East. The feed must have been pretty good & the wheat crops must have been pretty good too. It is a pity you cannot sell it straight out for full price.
I was glad to hear Ralph Thomas had only been taken prisoner. I expect he will have a pretty rough time for a while, but he will be fairly sure of getting home alright. I suppose his mother is worrying about him.
Well I will close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
Warminster, UK; March 3rd, 1918
No 3 Battalion
Overseas Training Brigade,
Sandhill Camp. Warminster
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let You know I am quite well. I came down here Thursday & have been fitted out with a full set of fighting equipment, rifle, steel helmets, & gas mask etc. & things are beginning to look very like France again. I am supposed to stop here for 3 weeks training, but if they will let me go I will get put on the first draft for France.
View Larger Map
We have had very cold winds here the last day or two. I went to Warminster yesterday. It is a nice little town, but crowded with Australians as there are a lot of camps about here. We are about 20 miles from Salisbury. One of the Earles boys is in the same hut as I am here. He was in the 32nd Transport. It was his brother you had working for you last year.
I sent you 2 parcels from Hurdcott. One books of views & the other a little box of souvenirs. I hope you get them alright as I sent something for each one of you - all little trinkets of Ireland. I have got four parcels, one with the leather waistcoat from M.B.C., one from home with a tin of pudding which I like very much, one from Siss & George with some very nice preserved fruit & a parcel of woollens from Mt. B. Red cross circle. I was very pleased to get all these parcels and of course am writing to thank the societies for theirs, but the mail route is a bit risky now.
I am enclosing a photo of myself taken at Hurdcott just before I went on leave. You will notice that I am wearing two stripes. I was a Lance Cpl in the Battalion for a good while and about a fortnight before I was hit was promoted Temporary Cpl and of course was being paid for it, but as soon as I was hit my pay stopped, though I still wore my stripes. When I go back to the Battalion I may be paid again but if I am not then I will hand in my stripes altogether as I do not believe in having charge of a section and get no pay for it. I do not care very much about my position in the photo and prefer my stand on the donkey cart at Killarney. They are cutting down the rations a bit for home service men here, but men under training for France still get plenty & I am in pretty good condition. I do not think my leg will give me any trouble.
I see by the papers that they are sending soldiers to the part of Ireland I was floating about in, to enforce law and order a bit. I thought that would happen.
Well, I will close now, hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
Overseas Training Brigade,
Sandhill Camp. Warminster
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let You know I am quite well. I came down here Thursday & have been fitted out with a full set of fighting equipment, rifle, steel helmets, & gas mask etc. & things are beginning to look very like France again. I am supposed to stop here for 3 weeks training, but if they will let me go I will get put on the first draft for France.
View Larger Map
We have had very cold winds here the last day or two. I went to Warminster yesterday. It is a nice little town, but crowded with Australians as there are a lot of camps about here. We are about 20 miles from Salisbury. One of the Earles boys is in the same hut as I am here. He was in the 32nd Transport. It was his brother you had working for you last year.
I sent you 2 parcels from Hurdcott. One books of views & the other a little box of souvenirs. I hope you get them alright as I sent something for each one of you - all little trinkets of Ireland. I have got four parcels, one with the leather waistcoat from M.B.C., one from home with a tin of pudding which I like very much, one from Siss & George with some very nice preserved fruit & a parcel of woollens from Mt. B. Red cross circle. I was very pleased to get all these parcels and of course am writing to thank the societies for theirs, but the mail route is a bit risky now.
I am enclosing a photo of myself taken at Hurdcott just before I went on leave. You will notice that I am wearing two stripes. I was a Lance Cpl in the Battalion for a good while and about a fortnight before I was hit was promoted Temporary Cpl and of course was being paid for it, but as soon as I was hit my pay stopped, though I still wore my stripes. When I go back to the Battalion I may be paid again but if I am not then I will hand in my stripes altogether as I do not believe in having charge of a section and get no pay for it. I do not care very much about my position in the photo and prefer my stand on the donkey cart at Killarney. They are cutting down the rations a bit for home service men here, but men under training for France still get plenty & I am in pretty good condition. I do not think my leg will give me any trouble.
I see by the papers that they are sending soldiers to the part of Ireland I was floating about in, to enforce law and order a bit. I thought that would happen.
Well, I will close now, hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
Dartford; January 6, 1918
No. 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know how I am getting along.
I am leaving here to-morrow & going to the Convalescent Camp at Hurdcott. I am not quite fit for Furlough yet as my wound is not healed up & I do not want to go on leave till that is quite right. I have got rid of my bandages now. I just have the dressing stuck on with big strips of sticking plaster.
I went to London with a theatre party on New Year's Day. We went and saw "Any Old Thing" at the Pavilion Theatre, in Piccadilly.
After the Matinee we were taken to the Y.M.C.A. at "Ciros" & given a very nice tea. "Ciros" was one of the most fashionable clubs in the West End before the war, where you paid a "fiver" for what was worth a "sprat". But there was so much gambling & "high" life there that the authorities seized it and handed it over to the Y.M.C.A. people & a very nice little place it is.
After tea I went out & strolled up and down the "Strand" till I was tired & then caught a train & came home, after spending a most enjoyable day. All this was free we only had to pay our train fare 1/6.
Last-night I went to a "Twelfth Night Party" at Slade Green. This was given by the Munition girls. They give two dances a week to our chaps from this hospital. About 70 of us went down & had a splendid time. I had a couple of quiet dances.
The girls round these parts are very fond of our chaps & if anyone feels inclined for flirtations or "dinkum" courting, there is plenty of opportunity. Unless you want a girl looking after you, you have to be very careful who you give "glad eyes" to. Of course I am too old & steady for anything like that now. I suppose things will be a bit quieter at Hurdcott.
To-day is a special day of prayer for Victory. I have just been to Mass. I mentioned in my last letter that I had received your cable, but that letter might go astray. There has been no Australian mail in for a good while now. Well, I will close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know how I am getting along.
I am leaving here to-morrow & going to the Convalescent Camp at Hurdcott. I am not quite fit for Furlough yet as my wound is not healed up & I do not want to go on leave till that is quite right. I have got rid of my bandages now. I just have the dressing stuck on with big strips of sticking plaster.
I went to London with a theatre party on New Year's Day. We went and saw "Any Old Thing" at the Pavilion Theatre, in Piccadilly.
Piccadilly Circus
After the Matinee we were taken to the Y.M.C.A. at "Ciros" & given a very nice tea. "Ciros" was one of the most fashionable clubs in the West End before the war, where you paid a "fiver" for what was worth a "sprat". But there was so much gambling & "high" life there that the authorities seized it and handed it over to the Y.M.C.A. people & a very nice little place it is.
After tea I went out & strolled up and down the "Strand" till I was tired & then caught a train & came home, after spending a most enjoyable day. All this was free we only had to pay our train fare 1/6.
Last-night I went to a "Twelfth Night Party" at Slade Green. This was given by the Munition girls. They give two dances a week to our chaps from this hospital. About 70 of us went down & had a splendid time. I had a couple of quiet dances.
A sing-song in the YMCA- a female pianist plays for Australian soldiers. London, 1918.
The girls round these parts are very fond of our chaps & if anyone feels inclined for flirtations or "dinkum" courting, there is plenty of opportunity. Unless you want a girl looking after you, you have to be very careful who you give "glad eyes" to. Of course I am too old & steady for anything like that now. I suppose things will be a bit quieter at Hurdcott.
To-day is a special day of prayer for Victory. I have just been to Mass. I mentioned in my last letter that I had received your cable, but that letter might go astray. There has been no Australian mail in for a good while now. Well, I will close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
Dartford; December 30, 1917
No. 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting on alright.
I received your cable of 21st, the day before yesterday and I expect you would get some of my letters from hospital shortly after you sent it. There is no need to send me anything as I have everything I want.
I went to the entertainment yesterday at Crayford given by some of the Vickers workers. I was a first class affair. They gave us what they called "Tea" but was more like dinner and some very good singing. I enjoy these affairs immensely.
View Larger Map
It has been raining a little here today and is fairly cold.
We have Mass here 3 or 4 times a week, but the priest was away at Hurdcott for a few weeks and only came back here a day or so before Christmas.
Hurdcott is the convelescent home and they do massage work there now. I think the 8th training Battalion is shifted to Codford now. I will not go through the 8th Battalion, but will most probably go to the Command Depot at Sutton Veney and from there to France.
My wound is not healed up yet but is getting along very nicely. I go for a good long walk every afternoon trying to get back into a bit of form again. I am a bit afraid my leg will not stand the route marches like it used to. One of the big nerves was cut by the piece of shell and I have a strip of "dead" flesh in my leg which will affect me for a long time and I don't suppose I will ever be quite the same again.
Hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting on alright.
I received your cable of 21st, the day before yesterday and I expect you would get some of my letters from hospital shortly after you sent it. There is no need to send me anything as I have everything I want.
I went to the entertainment yesterday at Crayford given by some of the Vickers workers. I was a first class affair. They gave us what they called "Tea" but was more like dinner and some very good singing. I enjoy these affairs immensely.
View Larger Map
It has been raining a little here today and is fairly cold.
We have Mass here 3 or 4 times a week, but the priest was away at Hurdcott for a few weeks and only came back here a day or so before Christmas.
Hurdcott is the convelescent home and they do massage work there now. I think the 8th training Battalion is shifted to Codford now. I will not go through the 8th Battalion, but will most probably go to the Command Depot at Sutton Veney and from there to France.
My wound is not healed up yet but is getting along very nicely. I go for a good long walk every afternoon trying to get back into a bit of form again. I am a bit afraid my leg will not stand the route marches like it used to. One of the big nerves was cut by the piece of shell and I have a strip of "dead" flesh in my leg which will affect me for a long time and I don't suppose I will ever be quite the same again.
Hoping you are all well.
I remain
Your loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
England; November 13, 1917
My Dear People,
As I told you I would give you a full account of my experience when I was hit. I will do so now.
I was not with the the Battalion at the time, but was doing some fatigue work (carrying duckboards and making roads behind the line) for the Engineers.
We were camped around the edge of a big mine crater in little sandbag dugouts. The dug-out I was in was not satisfactory to me so I was building another. I had it nearly finished and it was just getting dark on the 16th October (Dad's and George's Birthday) when Fritz put over a few 5.9s. I did not take much notice but went on working, when one landed in the crater and I felt an awful blow on the leg.
When I came round they were working on my leg and someone called for a stretcher. It was not the artery that was cut but a big vein and the bleeding had stopped. I now began to demand my pack, which was in the dugout not far away because I wanted my razor. To pacify me they sent a fellow to get it, but they carried me away so quick that he never caught us up. So I never got my razor or anything else.
Just before they started away with me they gave me a big nobbler of rum which I drank like water. Now the rum that is issued to troops is Dinkum stuff - 40 over proof - and as I have never drank my issue yet, this took considerable effect on me and I was very talkative indeed.
Well four of the lads carried me about half a mile to a dressing station but as there was no doctor there I was put in a motor and taken into one of the big dressing stations at Ypres. Here I was undressed and my wound washed and dressed. I had a hole about 1 1/2 inches long in my leg and 3-4 inches deep with a small piece of shell in the bottom. The orderlies got everything out of my pockets and put them in a little bag for me. I had about 60 francs on me so I have enough money for my requirements in hospital.
I was then put in a motor and sent down to a Casualty Clearing Station. The two stretcher-bearers who were there were arguing the point about all the work they had to do. I promptly roused on them and shut them up - you see the effects of the rum had not worn off.
I was then inoculated against Tetanus. A priest came round looking at my cards and enquired about confessions etc., but I assured him that I was quite a good boy. They then took me into the operating room and at 11.30 that night I was put under chloroform and ether. Now I think going under chloroform is lovely. I like it alright. An American doctor got to work on me, sliced my leg open, took out the piece of shell, tied up the cut veins and stuffed the wound with packing so I could travel. It was still dangerous as the big artery ran on the side of the wound.
I came to, a couple of hours later and was terrible sick. An Orderly came to me and cleaned things up a bit. I missed my teeth and he assured me that they were in the little bag I had. But I wasn't satisfied so he got the bag and showed them to me, all wrapped up in cotton wool. I then fished around in the bag and found the bit of shell wrapped up in the same way.
The next day I was very thirsty, making up the blood that I had lost, but the sister gave me plenty of lemon and water to drink. That night I was put in a Red Cross train and taken to No. 16 General Hospital Le-Treport arriving there about 3 pm next day. Those Red Cross trains are done up splendid, have comfortable beds in them and are alright.
I was looked after pretty well in the hospital. My leg did not trouble me much, although it would insist on lying a certain way for a start. The doctor gradually removed the packing from the wound and the hole is filled up now, so it ought to be all healed up in another month or so. I was in that hospital over three weeks and I was sent in a train to Havre and put on an Ambulance ship.
The Captain thought the Channel too rough to cross that night so we waited in the harbour till the next and then crossed. We had a lovely smooth trip. Those ships are very comfortable and the food we got on ours was splendid.
We pulled into Southampton yesterday morning, was put on a train and arrived at this hospital yesterday afternoon. This is Milton hospital close to Portsmouth. I am able to walk a bit now but I am still regarded as a bed patient.
I see by the news from Australia that there are a considerable number of strikes going on there. I saw in a Casualty list that Bob Crewes was wounded, young Dew from the Burra was wounded on the same job that I was - he got hit in the arm. I was not with him at the time but I do not think it was very serious.
The description I have written of my experiences on being hit are about the usual ones of a man hit behind the line. If a man is seriously hit in the line you have got to add a carry of about 3 miles on a stretcher. It takes about 4 men and is dreadful heavy work over shell holes, through mud and all sorts of tangles and probably be shelled on you on the way out.
Sometimes if you are not too bad to travel you are sent to England straight away. I would have liked to go to some hospital in Ireland but I could not get there. It is usual to get 10 days leave on leaving hospital and as I have about £25 on my Pay book I could have a slithering time on it if I liked.
Well I must close now. Hoping you are all well and assuring you that I am getting along quite well.
I remain,
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
As I told you I would give you a full account of my experience when I was hit. I will do so now.
I was not with the the Battalion at the time, but was doing some fatigue work (carrying duckboards and making roads behind the line) for the Engineers.
Australian soldiers walking on Duckboards
We were camped around the edge of a big mine crater in little sandbag dugouts. The dug-out I was in was not satisfactory to me so I was building another. I had it nearly finished and it was just getting dark on the 16th October (Dad's and George's Birthday) when Fritz put over a few 5.9s. I did not take much notice but went on working, when one landed in the crater and I felt an awful blow on the leg.
A 5.9 gun
I waited a bit till the pain went, as I thought it might have only been a piece of dirt. But when I looked down at my leg I saw the blood pouring away. I then called out that I was hit. To stop the blood, as I thought a main artery was cut, I took a few steps towards the dug-out where a Red Cross man lived, but feeling a bit weak, I laid down and went out for a bit.When I came round they were working on my leg and someone called for a stretcher. It was not the artery that was cut but a big vein and the bleeding had stopped. I now began to demand my pack, which was in the dugout not far away because I wanted my razor. To pacify me they sent a fellow to get it, but they carried me away so quick that he never caught us up. So I never got my razor or anything else.
Just before they started away with me they gave me a big nobbler of rum which I drank like water. Now the rum that is issued to troops is Dinkum stuff - 40 over proof - and as I have never drank my issue yet, this took considerable effect on me and I was very talkative indeed.
Well four of the lads carried me about half a mile to a dressing station but as there was no doctor there I was put in a motor and taken into one of the big dressing stations at Ypres. Here I was undressed and my wound washed and dressed. I had a hole about 1 1/2 inches long in my leg and 3-4 inches deep with a small piece of shell in the bottom. The orderlies got everything out of my pockets and put them in a little bag for me. I had about 60 francs on me so I have enough money for my requirements in hospital.
I was then put in a motor and sent down to a Casualty Clearing Station. The two stretcher-bearers who were there were arguing the point about all the work they had to do. I promptly roused on them and shut them up - you see the effects of the rum had not worn off.
I was then inoculated against Tetanus. A priest came round looking at my cards and enquired about confessions etc., but I assured him that I was quite a good boy. They then took me into the operating room and at 11.30 that night I was put under chloroform and ether. Now I think going under chloroform is lovely. I like it alright. An American doctor got to work on me, sliced my leg open, took out the piece of shell, tied up the cut veins and stuffed the wound with packing so I could travel. It was still dangerous as the big artery ran on the side of the wound.
I came to, a couple of hours later and was terrible sick. An Orderly came to me and cleaned things up a bit. I missed my teeth and he assured me that they were in the little bag I had. But I wasn't satisfied so he got the bag and showed them to me, all wrapped up in cotton wool. I then fished around in the bag and found the bit of shell wrapped up in the same way.
The next day I was very thirsty, making up the blood that I had lost, but the sister gave me plenty of lemon and water to drink. That night I was put in a Red Cross train and taken to No. 16 General Hospital Le-Treport arriving there about 3 pm next day. Those Red Cross trains are done up splendid, have comfortable beds in them and are alright.
I was looked after pretty well in the hospital. My leg did not trouble me much, although it would insist on lying a certain way for a start. The doctor gradually removed the packing from the wound and the hole is filled up now, so it ought to be all healed up in another month or so. I was in that hospital over three weeks and I was sent in a train to Havre and put on an Ambulance ship.
The Captain thought the Channel too rough to cross that night so we waited in the harbour till the next and then crossed. We had a lovely smooth trip. Those ships are very comfortable and the food we got on ours was splendid.
We pulled into Southampton yesterday morning, was put on a train and arrived at this hospital yesterday afternoon. This is Milton hospital close to Portsmouth. I am able to walk a bit now but I am still regarded as a bed patient.
I see by the news from Australia that there are a considerable number of strikes going on there. I saw in a Casualty list that Bob Crewes was wounded, young Dew from the Burra was wounded on the same job that I was - he got hit in the arm. I was not with him at the time but I do not think it was very serious.
The description I have written of my experiences on being hit are about the usual ones of a man hit behind the line. If a man is seriously hit in the line you have got to add a carry of about 3 miles on a stretcher. It takes about 4 men and is dreadful heavy work over shell holes, through mud and all sorts of tangles and probably be shelled on you on the way out.
Sometimes if you are not too bad to travel you are sent to England straight away. I would have liked to go to some hospital in Ireland but I could not get there. It is usual to get 10 days leave on leaving hospital and as I have about £25 on my Pay book I could have a slithering time on it if I liked.
Well I must close now. Hoping you are all well and assuring you that I am getting along quite well.
I remain,
Your Loving Son and Brother,
Tom.
France; November 1, 1917
My Dear People,
Just a short note to let you know I am getting along very well.
I have just had my pulse & temperature taken & as soon as have had supper I will be off to bye-bye. My wound is getting along nicely & I will be going to England within a few days now. I think my leg is strong enough to move about on but the doctor advises me to keep quiet for a while yet.
You had better still keep the same address for your letters. They will then send them back to the Base P.O. & I will get them re-addressed from there. Of course there will be a lot of delay about it, but that cannot be helped.
It is quite possible that I will not get back in the 32nd when I come back to France again but I will let you know about that later & you can alter my address then. When I get to England I will send you a full account of my experiences when I was wounded. I will also send the piece of shell the doctors took out of my leg. It is only a little piece about the size of a bullet, but I it was though a ton weight had struck me when I got hit. I would have sent you a cable had I been moved to England straight away as there is not much chance here. It will be stale news to you by the time I get to England.
I only hope you do not think it is serious because it not.
I must close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
P.S. Tell Annie I am sorry Maud & her glasses have beat her for Jack, but better luck next time.
Just a short note to let you know I am getting along very well.
I have just had my pulse & temperature taken & as soon as have had supper I will be off to bye-bye. My wound is getting along nicely & I will be going to England within a few days now. I think my leg is strong enough to move about on but the doctor advises me to keep quiet for a while yet.
You had better still keep the same address for your letters. They will then send them back to the Base P.O. & I will get them re-addressed from there. Of course there will be a lot of delay about it, but that cannot be helped.
It is quite possible that I will not get back in the 32nd when I come back to France again but I will let you know about that later & you can alter my address then. When I get to England I will send you a full account of my experiences when I was wounded. I will also send the piece of shell the doctors took out of my leg. It is only a little piece about the size of a bullet, but I it was though a ton weight had struck me when I got hit. I would have sent you a cable had I been moved to England straight away as there is not much chance here. It will be stale news to you by the time I get to England.
I only hope you do not think it is serious because it not.
I must close now hoping you are all quite well.
I remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
P.S. Tell Annie I am sorry Maud & her glasses have beat her for Jack, but better luck next time.
Belgium; October 6, 1917
My Dear People,
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
Since last writing I have received a lot of letters, one each from Siss & George, 2 from Kathleen, & 2 or 3 from Mum & Annie the latest being August 9th. As I expected, there was evidently some of my letters on the "Mongolia". In one of these I acknowledged the parcel of flannels & told you not to send me any eatables as I can buy plenty here if I want it, but any warm clothing arriving here between October & March are always very welcome. I have only received that one parcel so I suppose the others were lost at sea.
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It is raining here now & it is getting very cold, the first snap of winter. I sent a lot of Christmas cards away yesterday. I hope they reach their destinations safely.
October 19th.
Since writing the first part of this letter I have been wounded as I expect you will know before you receive this. I was hit on the inside of the left leg, about a foot above the knee, by a piece of shell. I expect it will be about two months before I will be fit for duty again. It is a fairly big cut but did not touch the bone, but it cut some big veins & I lost a fair drop of blood. I am in an American hospital on the coast of France but may be sent to England at any time.
Nurses in American hospital in France
Now do not worry about me because I will be alright soon & Remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well.
Since last writing I have received a lot of letters, one each from Siss & George, 2 from Kathleen, & 2 or 3 from Mum & Annie the latest being August 9th. As I expected, there was evidently some of my letters on the "Mongolia". In one of these I acknowledged the parcel of flannels & told you not to send me any eatables as I can buy plenty here if I want it, but any warm clothing arriving here between October & March are always very welcome. I have only received that one parcel so I suppose the others were lost at sea.
It is raining here now & it is getting very cold, the first snap of winter. I sent a lot of Christmas cards away yesterday. I hope they reach their destinations safely.
October 19th.
Since writing the first part of this letter I have been wounded as I expect you will know before you receive this. I was hit on the inside of the left leg, about a foot above the knee, by a piece of shell. I expect it will be about two months before I will be fit for duty again. It is a fairly big cut but did not touch the bone, but it cut some big veins & I lost a fair drop of blood. I am in an American hospital on the coast of France but may be sent to England at any time.
Nurses in American hospital in France
Now do not worry about me because I will be alright soon & Remain
Your Loving Son & Brother
Tom
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