The 1914 war diary of
James Dunlop Kirkness Transcribed by Carmen Coutts-Smith (nee Kirkness) For Gosford City Library Service March 2015
Content advisory: This file may potentially contain disturbing accounts of service-related injury and death, disease and family grief. Adult supervision is recommended for children using these resources. Individual files should be viewed within the context provided by wider research on service conditions in the 1 st AIF and that period of Australian history. This resource is presented by Gosford City Council for research purposes only. Š Gosford City Council, 2015
JAMES DUNLOP KIRKNESS Born: 4th February 1889 Died: 10th June 1967 Notes compiled for Gosford City Library by Carmen Coutts-Smith (Kirkness), 2015.
James Dunlop Kirkness, known as Jim, was one of the first two men in Gosford to sign up to join the Australian Naval and Military Expedition in 1914 (No. 567) TROPICAL UNIT 'G' COMPANY. At the time he was aged 25 and over 6ft tall. He came from a pioneering family of staunch Methodists who founded the Methodist Church on the Central Coast and who served the local community of Gosford for many years.
The rifle range was close to his home in Brady's Gully and Jim was an active member of the Australian Rifle Regiment from 1912-1914 receiving a gold medal for shooting in about 1913 and it is known that he entered the King's Cup rifle shooting competition before WW1. (It is probably this particular competition which was fiercely fought between him and another man going on for many heats for which they continued to score the same points, until finally Jim missed a shot. This was the decision maker which persuaded him to join up and go to war. Had he won, he would not have signed up.)
Apparently the night before he went to Sydney to enlist, he planted a lemon orchard well into the night at Brady's Gully, so that when he returned from the war it would be well established. (In 2015, this is in the vicinity of where Kirkness Avenue is now to be found.)
Jim's first diary entry is August 13 1914 when he went to Victoria Barracks, eventually leaving Sydney aboard the Berrima on Wed 19th August.
After serving for a period of time in New Britain during which time the German Governor surrendered, he was returned to Sydney aboard the H.M.A.T. Eastern and discharged. Following that he re-enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force as No. 4411 Warrant Officer (2), 3rd Australian General Hospital.
He embarked from Sydney on the H.M.A.T R.M.S. Mooltan on 15th May 1915.
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He was sent to Abbassia and worked on Lemnos together with his uncle, Thomas Shirley Kirkness, No. 4412 who eventually was sent to join the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance
Jim spent time in Cairo, Paris as well as Southampton where at a Christian Endeavour meeting he met the young woman who was to become his wife. This particular group of Christians were known as 'wowsers' and encouraged temperance in everything they did.
On 29th January 1918, he was promoted to Assistant Quarter Master Sergeant. Eventually he was discharged from the A.I.F in Sydney 3rd October 1919.
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Please note that this diary has been transcribed by Carmen Coutts-Smith (Kirkness) as it was written, however, names of ships and boats have been typed in bold for easy reference.
Diary of James Dunlop Kirkness Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force August 13, 1914 to January 15, 1915
Aug Thursday 13 – 1914 Left home 7.20 went to Victoria Barracks and was passed by doctor ok to enter the regiment, was instructed to attend next morning at 9.oc, had evening off and went to see Mabel Radford and Walter N and G'father and slept at Auburn that night. Attended Barracks and was told to report on the 17th, then went out to showground to see Nick who introduced me to Major Ralstone who said he wanted me in his company, so was equipped straight away and complete that evening sworn in to duty. Major R created favourable impression. Our temporary camp in poultry pavilion. Sat 15 Aug Mother and Father came down to see me and was granted a good deal of time to see them; left at 3pm saying goodbye for the last time. Sun 16 Church Parade in morning conducted by Chaplain Green Billy and Arthur and H Hastings came down. Tom also came in the afternoon. All went in to Sydney and spent the evening together, B and A going home at 8.30pm. Mon Aug 17 Still waiting at S.ground. Elsie came out to see me in the afternoon, gave me waist belt wished me goodbye. Went to Newtown in evening. Rang Bob up from there said goodbye. Tuesday 18 August Marched out of S. Ground at 10.00 thro city and ferried over to Cockatoo dock and boarded the SS Berrima at 1.00. Wed 19 Aug drew out of dock at 6am and anchored in Farm Cove, left cove at 11.30 passed heads at 12.15 feeling queer was sick in evening was made steward for Serg. Mess.
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Thurs 20 Aug Still very sick, ship rolling badly but weather fine, reached Morton Bay 3 in morning. Fri 21, in Morton Bay, hear that we are sunk, report due to our firing guns for trial. Still in S. Mess. Saturday 22 Aug Went in hospital with influenza. Temperature 101, in all day and night left Morton Bay Sunday 23 Aug Came out of hospital, but feel very bad .worse in evening. Sydney arrived and anchored. Monday 24 Aug Arrived off Palm Island and anchored weather very fine. Landed two comp. back to dock Tuesday 25 August Still off P.I. Encounter arrives, landed two more comp. Went myself very fine scenery and foliage very pretty, a few blacks and fisherman living on the Island and one missionary Had fun getting back to ship Wed 26, still off P.I. had light drill all day, Encounter Band came aboard in evening and gave us a treat Thursday 27 Still light training on ship, lovely weather, good concert in evening still off P.I. Aug 28 Friday Still off P.I. Drilling morn came on to rain lightly, making things miserable cleared up at noon and turned out a fine afternoon spent the evening in athletic sport, boxing. Raining heavily in the night. Saturday 29 Aug Another fine day and still in P.I.. Went ashore today and had target practice, scored 20/25, found it rather warm lying in the sand. SS Alderman alongside at 5.00, coming on to blow fairly strong. SS Alderman left during the night. Sunday 30 Aug Another very fine day, church parade at 10.30 conducted by Col Holmes, there is very much dissatisfaction caused by all N. Coms giving too many, and having to change equipment needlessly, had all the evening free, washed a few clothes and read. Sighted 4
one ship during the afternoon. S.S. Aorangi arrived 12.00 at night. Monday Aug 31 raining all day making things very miserable. Aorangi with us all day and a meat boat arrived tonight. Feeling very sick all day with billious headache. Received letters dated 17.18.19.25 from D. Making more friends great excitement amongst all who received letters. Tuesday September 1 Arrival of small cargo boat Bobby Towns in the early morning met, potatoes and fruit. Still of P.I. Turned out a hot day my section put on stacking 50 tons of spuds which gave us a good appetite for tea. Bobby Towns left at dusk, turned out a perfect evening. Wed 2 Sept a very fine day, the submarines AE 1 & 2 arrived 7 & 7.30 a.m. Respectively excitement prevailing at seeing the baby warships. Ships officers began at once to make things snug for departure and by 4.30 p.m. Everything is ready. Departure begins by the Sydney leading off with one sub, then the Encounter with the other sub, then ourselves the Berrima and the Aorangi bringing up the rear. It was quite an imposing sight to see the fleet moving off and everybody was relieved to get a move on as it had become quite monotonous lying here idle nine days. We ran into rain at 8 p.m by sea very quiet. Thursday 3 Sept Torrents of rain falling for an hour. After getting out of the Barrier reef it began to blow and the ship to roll, the coastline while passing along reef was beautiful, bluffs running down to the sea and some covered with vegetation, other beautifully coloured stone the warships still with us, the submarines seem to be having a bad time, feeling bad myself blowing very hard tonight, we had a half day off to wash our clothes without water and soap, couldn't do it so patchem 'em instead. Fri 4 Sept Blowing very hard and still feeling very sick and not improved by the heat and the roll of the ship. The convoy still with us; sighted one ship going south also passed a wreck on a reef at 5.15 great excitement caused when land was sighted at 5.30p.m. One of the destroyers came out to meet us at 6.30, we arrived and dropped anchor in Port Granville at 7.15 and it had quite a homely appearance with buildings and lights showing Saturday 5 Sept A clear, bright, and very hot morning, we have a clear view of the township there are a fairly large number of buildings, some of them very fine, one very big two storey cement building belongs to Burns Phillip & Co, round the foreshores are the native buildings, built 5
on piles in the mud and sand of any flat, the water coming up to past them at high tide. The country is exceedingly dry and barren looking, the only green trees are the palms and the mangroves which are on the water's edge. Port Granville is at the entrance to the harbour, Port Moresby being 14 miles further up. At seven oc. we shifted round a bend into a fine cove where the Sydney and the Encounter were coaling from the Kaitina & Koolonea, our own object being to coal also, the two submarines were moored alongside the Encounter. The Kanowna which brought the troops from Queensland was also there and the two other large ships, could not see the name but it was quite a harbour full of ships. There were a good many natives paddling about in the canoes, some of them having bananas and coconuts for some of the ships. Later on a number came alongside and started selling their nuts and paw paws, they were cheap at first but after a while they got very fly and would only send up one for 6d. Some of the Samparans or canoes of large, up to 40 feet and accommodating a whole family, up to 9 or 10. On these family canoes they carry water in carbide drums or kerosene tins and wooden buckets & a fireplace to do their cooking in. All the females have either a loose gown or a loin duster made of fibre and tied round them. All the men have cloths, a pocket handkerchief would make about half a dozen for them. One of the officers had an old red coat and threw it down to one of the women who grabbed it at once as a great prize and put it on straight always and then she was the envy of everybody around. Another amusing case was a fellow with a sailor's old jumper on, nothing else. All these natives are a dark brown with either black or brown hair & very curly. Some of the women go to a lot trouble to dress their hair & some of them look very well, almost without exception all of them are tattooed from head to foot, back and front. One fellow created a lot of sport by diving for silver coins thrown down from the deck. He never missed one. We have the three destroyers here now, Parramatta, Yarra and Warrago, the Kanowna came alongside this evening with the Queensland troops on board amongst them I saw Joe Burchill from Gosford, it has been very hot all day & is not cooling down in the evening. (J Burchill A Coy.No 4 section) Sunday 6 Sept Still anchored in Port Granville nothing very exceptional today, plenty more natives alongside but we are prohibited from buying on account of some giving away food and clothes, some of them managed to buy a few curios, bows & arrows, it has been very hot and sultry all day – have met two fellows today, W. Cookson & W. Mais who knew a Lieutenant Kirkness on board an armoured cruiser named The Good Hope. Cookson knew him in Dartmouth and W.Mais in Cooktown.
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Monday 7 Sept Left Port Granville at 8a.m. Sharp the whole convoy leaving in line. All went well until 12.00 when a mishap befell the Kanowna (rudder broken) the Sydney went back to assist her, ourselves going full speed. It came on fairly rough in the evening, at night we proceeded with all lights out; rained during the night. I forgot to mention that there were several launches visiting us on the Sunday from Port Moresby and that we took a lot of stones on board from one of the Burns Phillip boats, any young women (and there were several) received cheer upon cheer from our chaps, they said it reminded them of the old times. Tuesday Sept 8 Still going east toward New Britain our alleged destination being the Port there. Two companies of naval reserve men preparing to land at 2.30p.m. We sighted the Australia ahead. All the warships except the Sydney have been with us all day, it has been sultry and a moderate sea. One romantic event has happened on board. Two young chaps named Roberts began inquiring about one another and found out they were brothers who had been separated for 15 years through the breaking up of their home. They were overjoyed at their reunion. They enlisted the same day, were drafted into the same company, one in the No 1 sect, one in No 3 and on the ship their mess tables were side by side. Proceeding again tonight with deadlights closed. Wed Sept 9 Still steaming east towards Rabaul, in New Britain, which we reached at noon. The Sydney came up with us early in the morning and at 10.a.m. We sighted the Australia and by 11.30 was alongside the whole fleet. Then hove to and our commanders went aboard the Australia for information. After manoeuvring around till 4 oc. We started off again leaving Rossel Island behind. We had passed several Island but pulled up at Rossel Island at 11.45 a.m. Today we have been receiving information about malaria and also received our first dose of quinine. I was very surprised to meet one of my old school mates Henry Friedman who is in C Coy. About 4 oc it commenced to blow fairly hard and turn cold. At dusk we picked up our two other boats, two, their colliers, the other the oil fuel boat. Thurs Sept 10 This morning turned out lovely and fresh, the wind dropping during the night leaving the sea very calm. At 7.a.m. We passed a small group of Islands three in number all of them being closely covered with coconut palms making the islands look intensely green. The Australia has kept with us all day but the Sydney, three destroyers & 2 submarines went on ahead to prepare for our landing which will be at Rabaul tomorrow, we were issued with more of the presents that were given by the Sydney people, the list of things received by myself are, two shirts, 1 pr dungarees, 3pr sox, two towels, one cholera belt, 2 pr 7
underpants, 1 sweater, 1 mosquito tent, 1 plate, 1 pani knife fork & spoon, hair tooth brush, comb, shaving brush and tidy for shaving gear, 1 pr bootlaces. Today I met a Mr Beston from H Coy who is a brother of R.Beston who had Parson's sawmill at Gosford where the explosion occurred, he has not been seen by his people since. Today has been fearfully hot and till late tonight it has been stifling. Friday Sept 11 Early this morning we had a heavy shower but by 7.00a.m. It cleared up. For a couple of hours we passed a number of Islands all of them covered with coconut palms and all set out in rows like an orchard looking very symmetrical from the distance, all of them being very tall. An early morning parade the Major told us that we were to land at Herbertshรถke. We had landed by four oc p.m. In Herberts Cove almost 9 miles from Rabaul. Ten minutes later we were marching towards the wireless station. The marching the whole way was thro plantations of pals and bananas. There was intermittent firing all along the route but by dark we had not reached the station so we got the order to return to Herberts Cove where we bivouaced - - during the night we were roused by firing almost in our ranks but it did not amount to anything serious. Needless to say after our march of about ten miles thru very dusty roads and with our full pack and 220 rounds of ammunition we were fit for a sepll and sleep but got very little. The naval companies were engaged with the enemy till dark. Some of our companies reached the base to assist the naval men. Saturday Sept 12 We were up by 3.30 a.m. When we received a pot of coffee straight and a navy biscuit and at 4.30 a.m. We were ready to march off but we received notice to wait for further orders. At 5 oc word was brought back that the Germans had surrendered to the naval men with a loss to our own side two officers and ten men. One of the officers was Pockley of the A.M.Corps. The German loss is not known but several were dead in the trenches and ten Germans and 60 native soldiers were captured. The escaping Germans retreated to Rabaul where we are to march immediately. If they had not given in this morning, the Australia had stood off and was going to bombard at daylight but their surrendering rendered that unnecessary. We remained on our camping ground till 10.0c when the coy's E.F.G.H. Returned to the Berrima and A.B.C.D. Landed to take our place, the object of the latter coy's being to march on to Rabaul by road, 15 miles while we steamed on, by water 10 miles, where all the coy's but us G. landed, we are to land early in the morning. As we entered the harbour we had a very fine view of the town, it being a fairly large place due to its large export of copra, nuts and bananas. All of the buildings are made to last, all the base work being concrete. The whole of the 8
Australian fleet is moored in the harbour this evening and it must be having a very galling effect on the inhabitants of Rabaul. By dusk the coy's had completed landing. As nightfall came on all the fleet illuminated their boats and it reminded one of Farm Cove during celebrations. At 8 p.m. things were serious. One of our officers was brought on board shot through the head and a good many wounded were brought in, all sixty prisoners mostly natives who were serving the Germans. There is one wounded German on board who has his hand off, chopped off by a navy man with a cutlass and who has since died. Sunday Sept 13 During the morning I was out on fatigue until dinner time, there was no church parade today although we did not have much chance for resting being kept prepared and standing over our kit. At 2 p.m. All comps were mustered and taken ashore when the formal ceremony of taking over and hoisting the union jack over Rabaul. The ceremony was very impressive being something new for most of us. The flag was hoisted and unfurled at 3 p.m. And by 3.40 we were on board the Berrima when most of us were glad to change into our loose clothes which was a bad move, at 4.30 our colour Serg was racing for us to fall in at once with haversack, water and 200 rounds, as we had to be off at once. There was a good deal of excitement, anyway we were off very soon and landed on the Encounter, G. coy only as we had left without tea, the Encounter men treated to good tea and biscuits. At 8 p.m. We had landed in Herbertshรถke again and were preparing to march out on to Germans who were supposed to be advancing in the town but they must have given up their project as nothing happened during the night. We managed to get a little rest although we had to sleep in our clothes, we were on the ready the whole time. Monday Sept 14 At 3.30a.m. Everybody was stirred up and we had a cup of coffee and at 4.30 we had everything ready but did not move off till 5.45 our object being to advance on Tomah where the Germans are entrenched with several hundred armed natives. The distance out is a little over 12 miles ands as it was a blistering day till 2 p.m. We suffered from heat and dust but at 2.oc it came to rain and it was rain, simply fell down and drenched us thru with the result that our own web kits tightened and chaffed us all over. Just after we started in the morning the Encounter started shelling the position, firing about 30 shells. When we arrived there our own 12 pounder field gun got ready at once and put two shells into the trenches but everyone had deserted except a few natives so we returned. We had only gone a mile when the Germans came up with a white flag to speak with our Colonel; he wanted conditions but our conditions were complete surrender by 11.a.m. Tomorrow. Our march home was galling and by 8.30 when we reached 9
Herbertshรถke most of us were glad to fall down in our wet clothes and sleep. Tuesday Sept 15 Another blazing day and windy being very bad with so much dust. We are having it easy till 11.oc that bring the time for the governor's reply. At 11 the military officer and the governor arrived under truce and was in conference with Colonel Holmes till 2.30. At 4.oc we were all paraded and told the result that the governor had signed the neutrality papers and that now New Britain is a British possession, the Flag hoisted and saluted. Wed Sept 16 We are still garrisoned at Herbertshรถke waiting till tomorrow when the enemy are to deliver their arms. It has been a lazy day for us enjoying ourselves with swimming and rounders. At 4.30 several wounded prisoners were brought and the German inhabitants are beginning to return. Thur 17 This morning all coys were aroused at 3.30 and were off at 4.oc to take up positions completely surrounding Herbertshรถke to collect the arms as the enemy came in. We all put in a good day but it was very hot but during the night it dropped to freezing point and we were sleeping in trenches. Today I met a German Dr who told me he knew A.R. well and told me where to find her but I couldn't get leave so he kindly took a letter for me. Fri Sept 18 Another blazing day, doing nothing today. Sat 19 All up at 4.30 a.m. To be ready top leave Herbertshรถke which we did in a German boat that was captured. Arriving on the Berrima at 11.30 a.m. An easy evening fo us. At 4.30 p.m. The Australia arrived from a cruise around the Islands. The Krolongo has been coaling the Berrima all day. Sunday Sept 20 Berrima still coaling and beginning a very hot day. This morning we had a church parade ashore conducted by a Church of E minister and was grand, it was taken from 1 Cor. 2 ch. After dinner small parties were allowed ashore for two hours so most of our coy. availed themselves of the opportunity. A mail arrived on board this evening brought by the Grantala. Monday Sept 21 The Berrima still coaling and things very dry in the harbour. About 100 natives were marched here in the morning and several Germans and at night there were 100 natives 10
brought by the Sumatra from Herbertshรถke and a little later the Governor came aboard. During the afternoon I got leave for 3 hours and went to the Methodist mission station and saw A.R. and also the head of the mission Mr Smith, Mr Pearson and two of the sisters, it was quite interesting to meet a relation while away on such an expedition. Tuesday Sept 22 The ship preparing to leave Rabaul this morning consequently a lot of hustle, the whole fleet of ship are also busy, the French boat Montcalm is still in here. She arrived 4 days ago and we entertained 50 of her officers on the Berrima. The numbers of boats here now is fifteen not including those captured by us. At 9.30 the Berrima drew out from the wharf and headed by the warships, steamed out of the harbour. Wed Sept 23 Still heading to at full speed convoyed by the Australia, the Montcalm and Encounter. All the way has been very mild and calm, towards dusk we sighted land and some companies are getting ready to land. Thur 24 Land sighted this morning at daylight and 7.45 a.m. We all hove to off Wilhelm's Haven where boats were lowered and sent ashore. The coastline is planted with palms for many miles but inland the country is exceedingly broken and seems almost impassable. The town itself cannot be seen from the water but is only a mile in the bay. At 10.a.m. the Encounter led the way into the haven and we followed and anchored. Col. Holmes and his staff went ashore to the German base and we noticed that at once the German was hauled down and ours went up in its place. E & F companies were then taken ashore & all their equipment and provisions where they will garrison the place. The town itself is not very big, all the places are scattered, there being no town formation, to speak of. The Haven itself presents a most beautiful picture, the foreshores are very broken but very picturesque and the whole bay is studded with small islands, all intensely green. It would prove a very fine shelter from storms, altho the entrance only 130 yds wide it is a great depth right to the edge, it is the same in the bay, no beaches at all. The Australia & the Montcalm guarding the entrance. At 5.30 anchor was weighed and we left the Haven commenced our return to Rabaul. Friday 25 Still going ahead for Rabaul the sea is very calm & are having a pleasant trip at night all deadlights are closed. Sat 26 Still going ahead for Rabaul we have been passing land most of the day& 2.30pm we 11
entered the bay & drew up to the wharf. A N.Z. boat was moored there named the Aorangi. The town shows a little more life than a week ago. Sunday Sept 27 This morning church parade at 9. conducted by Rev. Hudson R.A.N. Taken from John 9-12 No leave today, leave cancelled at the last moment but we are all ready to land for duty tomorrow. Very hot all day. Mon 28 We are all having a very busy day, F.G & half of H coys. are landing for garrison duties & our quarters are in a big ironmongery shed close to the water. The rule now will be swim 5.45 a.m. & 5.30 p.m. Tues 29 Another busy day getting stores off the Berrima for our garrison quarters. The weather is still very hot. The Korlonga left today for Sydney. Two more prisoners brought in today & one native shot for trying to escape. Wed Sept 30 Important event: arrival of mails for the battalion, beginning another hot & windy day, delivery of mails & papers to men, some getting 25 & any amount of papers.. I received 3 from home, all's well, still continuing to unload the ship of all stores, & getting the German prisoners on board for conveyance from here. October 1 Another very hot day here, we are still getting stores from the ship & storing them in sheds. Berrima and other ships are still here. A party was detailed off to destroy ammunition so all evening there has been continuous sounds of blasting. Tonight we have a beautiful blue moon: fact. Friday Oct 2 Hot today again. Today was quite a holiday for a few & also a little exciting. A guard of 6 was told to go with 3 boats, two to each I was in one. The Germans had to clear ?? of their stores & was shifting them down to Matapi, 10 miles from here, we had a very pleasant sail down, a fine breeze blowing, two first arriving at dinner time, the last ran aground on a sand point & kept them an hour later. We were treated well down there & at 3 oc. All left together for a race. The two first were almost a tie, but the unlucky had a mishap again coming round the same point again she gibed and capsized. One native was nearly drowned thro the boom hitting him on the head & one of our own men lost his equipment; natives put out from the shore to assist them & they managed to right the boat & come in to the jetty hardly the worse 12
The natives held a war dance in their village tonight & all of the fantastic dancing & unearthly noises you ever heard were the funniest. It was kept up till midnight & they all seemingly enjoyed themselves. There is also a little wonder what has become of one of the F coy men who went out on his own with rifle & ammo two days ago & has not yet returned.. The nights are very bright and pleasant so far. Sat Oct 3 Hot & windy again. The Berrima is still here. Our right half coy. Has marched out several miles to entrench & guard a tunnel. This evening was devoted to sports, football, riding poddies, racing & jumping, right & left half playing football which resulted in a draw. The natives showed a very great deal of interest in our games & I think we showed as much in theirs. Another big collier came in today & is ready for unloading. Nick H was placed back to orderly room Serg again, has been acting S.M. Sunday Oct 4 It has been a very easy day for all of us. Altho rather warm, church parade at 9am conducted by Rev Hudson R.A.N. He dealt with Christ's brotherly love for us, for everybody, but the point he wanted to impress on us all was that Christ loved every sinner but no sin & I am sure he created an impression most of them. After dinner I went over to the mission headquarters, in charge of Mr Smith & spent a very enjoyable afternoon. At 3.30 they commenced service in their native church, the meeting was conducted by their native preacher & his discourse was on the patience of Job, and it took a bit of ours to hang out. The natives were very attentive & orderly & sang fairly well, the males on one side & females on the other, there were 44 men & 24 women. At 4 oc. the whole fleet were ready to move out of the harbour & we believe are all going to Sydney. Also that the German warships are somewhere handy as wireless messages have been received. Monday Oct 5 G comps. duty day & hard work for all of us. We have been fixing sheds for sleeping & another for our meals. Very hot & dusty. Tues Oct 6 All G Coy have shifted into new quarters set apart for sleeping only & orders are to sleep on the floor, one blanket only, hammocks not allowed. Hot & dusty all day. Wed 7 Oct Still fixing our quarters for sleeping, still keeping very hot & dusty, at 3pm a party of twenty with Bruce leading us went to look for supposed money that is buried near one of the craters but did not find it, the crater was very interesting. After a climb of about an hour, 13
we suddenly came on the very brink before you were aware of it, you almost had to balance yourself to keep from going over. It is about 300 feet deep and 1000 ft across the top. It is very hard to get down safely, the sides are almost perpendicular & when you get down the sulphur fumes almost overcome & the heat is very uncomfortable, at several spots the steam & the sulphur vapour was issuing up through fissures in the side, in the centre is a circular ring thrown up clearly indicating the blowhole, the vegetation is fairly young showing that is is not a very old crater. We arrived back at 7 very dirty, dusty & dog tired. During the evening an accident befell two of A coy. Men; it seems they had stumbled over a ship's rocket that had been dropped & it exploded tearing away half of one man's chest & part of the casing hitting the other in the face, the first is in a critical condition. Thursday Oct 8 Our section on guard over the magazine, we put in a bad day, very dusty. We are hearing reports of big guns firing at sea but do not the reason yet. Several sections of native soldiers are being taken back to their own islands tonight. Friday 9 A party of us took provisions to the right half coy. Stationed at the pass, they are having a good time & plenty of fruit. This evening two Germans were arrested for knocking down & kicking two natives, our lot rushed the Germans & very nearly killed them before they could be rescued & put in the guard tent. The two men that were injured with the rocket are recovering. Saturday 10 Awoke to find it raining heavily which will do a lot of good as it has not rained for six months, we all have had a very easy day on account of the wet ground. Sunday 11 Our section on guard so could not get away, exceedingly hot & steamy but no dust. Installed in our mess rooms today. Mond. Oct 12 The morning very dull & raining lightly. Today commences our new order of routine. Parade cease at 9 am, breakfast 9.30, then free day till 4pm, parade till 5 pm, swim, then tea at 5.30. Mon 10p.m. After our parade today a party decided to have a look round the hills so Mr Bruce, our Lieut. came with us & we made for the highest mountain we could see & started away, Watson led the way at a great pace & by 1 0c we were at the base & had 20 minutes for lunch & then commenced our climb which was bad enough to start with but decidedly worse to finish with.
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About a third of the way we called a halt for 5 minutes & our friend Watson thought he had enough said he could not go any further so 8 out of the 14 stopped. We pushed on & gradually worked our way upwards the way being almost perpendicular in place & covered with vines & wild ginger it being a great resort for wild pigs. At last we reached the top & , what a sight, we were more than repaid for our climb, it was a perfect picture, the small Islands dotted everywhere appearing like jewels set on a beautiful dark blue velvet carpet, the sea. The estimated height of the mountain is about three thousand feet. From the top we could see down into two large craters & see steam issuing from them. On our own return we struck some of the boiling springs, some on the shore & some you could see boiling up through the sea. We crawled back to camp at dark very tired but pleased with our trip. Tuesday 13 Nothing out of the ordinary today, still continuing very hot weather. Wed 14 October This morning the small yacht Nusa captured the German gunboat Komet that had been hidden behind a small, it was very much of a surprise for the Komet for a boat not much bigger than an ordinary pleasure launch to catch her, she has been taken out by the naval men to act as a decoy, if possible for the other German warships (Payday for us today so we can settle up our debts.) didn't eventuate Thursday Oct 15 This morning all available men paraded in marching orders to attend the funeral of one of our comrades, Arthur Wates, C. Coy. It was a very unfortunate case & a great deal of sympathy is felt for his people. He was taking down a rifle from a nail on the wall & it went off, the bullet entering his thigh & coming out at the knee shattering the joint. The Drs had to amputate the leg & it was from shock & loss of blood that he died. An unpleasant incident happened at the grave that rather jarred everyone there. The body was conveyed to the cemetery on the gun carriage drawn by the Naval gun crew. The cemetery is in a very quiet and sheltered spot under the Mother Mountain about one mile from the town. We hear that one of the men injured by the explosion of the rocket is in a serious condition again. Frid 16 Our daily routine only Very hot again Sat 17 On guard at the magazine had a quiet day & plenty of paw paws.
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Sunday 18 Church parade at 9.30 conducted by Col. Watson. After C. parade Smith, Vanderlee and I procured a pass & went to Matupi for the day. After putting in an hour or so on the beach we went into one of the villages & learnt that the chief had (died) two days before & was to be buried then so we waited to see the ceremony. They had wrapped him in very fine matting tied with red ribbons, all the women were around the corpse waiting and looking very melancholy. Hi grave was dug in the centre of his house or hut about 3½ ft deep & lined with plaited leaves. The burial service was read by the native teacher & preacher belonging to the Methodist Mission. His hut will never be used again except for the women to go & wail over his grave. After that we had our own dinner & made off for the native church. At 3.30 they commenced, the service being taken by a native preacher which lasted about an hour, about 100 attended the meeting & they were very pleased to see us & shake hands all round. Monday 19 Usual routine. In our time off we have been practising for our days sport which comes off on Wed. very hot & dusty & no fresh water to wash in; trouble about short rations. Tues 20 Oct A very quiet day & not too hot, a very pleasant breeze blowing. G.Coy on guard I am spend some of my time writing home. Wed 21 Oct Our weekly holiday & also battalion sports day, everybody is keenly interested in the various events & in the evening all the men went to bed satisfied with the day. G. Coy annexed one event only, the obstacle race. All day has been very hot. Thur 22 Usual routine & parade today I am unable to go on pack parade owing to spraining my ankle jumping I a sports event yesterday. Friday 23 Still unable to parade but foot getting better This morning the Nusa has brought in three German trading boats & they are being unloaded at the wharf today. I was down at the A.M.C's office this morning & they want me to go into the corp so I decided I would leave my company & go in for red cross work. I hear today that Lieut Goadby is here in charge of the works department but could not see him as he is a way at HerbertshÜke.
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Sat 24 Oct Sergt Mobbs was up first thing this morning to take me to the A.M.C. So I started duties right away. There is plenty to do but I like the work & things are comfortable. Sun 25 plenty more work today, not much chance for a spell, Nick & I went for a walk to the printing works after tea. Monday 26 A.M.C. Work again today, getting stores for corp from wharf. At 3.30 the whole battalion parade in the square to hear the verdict of a court martial held on Pte. A.J for robbing the priest dwelling & threatening to shoot, sentenced to three years penal servitude, to be sent back to Sydney forthwith. A few remarks made by Col. Paton were to the effect that he hoped it would be an example the the rest of the men. I think. Tues 27 Oct received mails Daily routine is hospital plenty of work to do & no time for a spell. Wed 28 Working hard all day getting stores on the Messina & Meklong which are going to Kavereng & Narau Thirty men are going to each place to garrison them for the given term, has been very hot all day & I am dog tired now. Thurs 29 Nothing exceptional today, same daily jobs over again & any amount of bogus wireless messages. Friday Oct 30 Hard work in hot weather, plenty fever patients coming into hospital, the fever is not very severe but for the 4 or 5 days it lasts it is very painful in the back. Sat Oct 30 Big sick parade this morning. Today we all had to turn out at 8.30 to hear the result of another court martial on two more men that were concerned in the robbery of the Priest, MacDonald three years, Pitt, fourteen months. Another man received 12 months for forging Capt Norman's name so as to get a bottle of spirits – costly spirits. W.Nagle 30 days for stealing a bottle honey, Cpl Watson for refusing orders & seditious talk, better keep quiet & go straight. Sunday Nov 1 Am having a fairly easy day, the weather is lovely & a beautiful fresh breeze blowing. This 17
morning Warrant Offr. H.Hazlett left for Herbertshöke where he is to take charge, news has come this morning that a commandeered cutter was wrecked on Point Island. Monday Nov 2 Hot & windy, the usual hospital work, not so many fever patients today. Carting stores down to the wharf to go to Herbertshöke. Am feeling seedy myself and the food is bad. Tues Nov 3 Plenty of work today, feeling seedy. This morning I had a good look around the Botanical Gardens, they are laid out very well but are suffering from he drought. This evening I went & had a bathe in the warm sulphur spring from which you get a great beneficial effect, average temperature about 118°. Wed 4 Nov Had to go into hospital with dengue fever, feeling very bad & you get pains all over & a fearful headache & can't sleep. Thurs Nov 5 Still down with fever, no better, too bad to move. Fri 6 Fit to get up but too weak to walk or do anything, bad head, weather very hot. Saturday Nov 7 Managed to work thro morning sick parade but felt too bad to carry on so I was taken up to Namanula Hopt. Where I was treated very well. Also sent all my mails away today. Sunday Nov 8 Still at top hospital & feeling a little better, in afternoon was able to go & see the wireless station at Government house; felt very weak & tired when I came back. Monday 9 Putting in another day at Namanula, getting pretty right now but weak. After tea walked down to Rabaul. The party started to New Ireland in the steamer Madang got out four hours & sprung a leak & had to put back with all speed & keep all pumps going at top speed, also the boat, she landed back with the water just awash of the furnace & with a very bad list on her Tuesday 10 Have started work again but feel very weak & have the influenza but the A.M.C. Are shorthanded so have to keep going. The Mutinga is leaving today for Sydney & is taking 18
back prisoners & some of our sick & undesirables. Wed 11 Nov Same routine work in hospital, feeling very sick with influenza but managed to get about, Sgt M & Major Mc paid a visit to HerbertshÜke to inspect the hospital there. Very hot but a cool wind in the evening. Thursday 12 Still feeling very sick but have to carry out my work, same work in the hospital. Another court martial decision read out today the result was that Pte Wilson of A. Coy received three years penal servitude for breaking into a Chow's place in China-town, three years – serve him right. A very hot wind blowing today. Friday 13 Nov Feeling a little better today but not OK yet, very hot today but no signs of rain. Nothing unusual, same old routine, plenty of work. Saturday 14 Slept at Namanula hospital over night & was ready to see the four operations that Dr Mc Guire performed , he was all ready to start at 6 oc. And was assisted by Dr Wiksc a German who administered anaesthetic. The first one, rupture took him 100 minutes, the second varicocele one hour. The 3rd varicose veins one hour & the fourth a bredbo in the groin 10 minutes. It was all very interesting & instructive to me & things were carefully explained by the Dr. I had not recovered from my sickness & during the operations felt very sick & especially from want of a feed as nobody had any food till 10 oc. At 1 oc came back to Rabaul hospital. Sunday 15 Still feeling crook, very severe headache & backache. Cool breeze today, very unusual. At 7.30 Mr Cox, the missionary conducted a church service at Brigade Headquarters, about 100 attended & he was very much appreciated. Monday 16 Nov Still very sick with influenza & fearful headache. Very hot & windy still. Saw Walter who is at the pass & has come in for stores, paid his IOU. Everything very monotonous. One of our own staff, Pat Ayers, went down with the fever, Sergt Mobbs has a touch of it also. Thursday 17 Feeling very much better today & fit for my work. Still very hot & dry. Nothing of any moment today. Samoa getting ready to leave for Wilhelmshafen tonight. 19
Wed 18 Nov Today I was granted leave to attend the annual celebrations held by the natives to commemorate the coming of the missionary, Mr Cox who has charge of the Duke of York group situated about 30 miles from Rabaul. Invitations had been given to all who attended the church service on Sunday night. At 7am. Mr Cox had his boat ready at the wharf, the Litia ready to start. 58 all told including officer took the opportunity. We reached his headquarters at 11 oc, took his wife & mission sisters & at 12 oc arrived at the place of celebration, an Island 9 miles from his home. After watching the different dances for an hour we were taken inside a big building & given a capital feast all prepared by the natives: roast pig, fowls, chickens, ducks, several kinds of yams, sweet potatoes, eggs & paw paw. I can tell you it was worth having. The dancing was continued until four oc. When the annual money collection was taken up each chief brought his tribe past & handed in the contribution. In all, ÂŁ57.10.0 was collected from the natives from this one celebration & there are a good many quarters to give in their contribution. The colouring & the head dress of the natives was very curious & also very beautiful & gorgeous. At 5 oc we left in the boat, landed his people an hour later & then after 3 hours more with a good breeze landed back at Rabaul after a very pleasant day. Everybody agreed they had a very good time. Thursday 19 Nov Things very quiet today, not near so hot as usual. Today my friend Walter Smith came into the A.M.C. To give assistance on account of a number of our men leaving with the various expeditions, also N. Jowers for the same purpose. At 7pm a very distinctive earthquake shock was felt which shook our building very considerably. Friday Nov 20 Very much cooler today it being a very pleasant change from the hot weather. Early in the morning the Siar left with a small detachment of men for one of the islands. J Lonsdale as A.M.C. Everything very quiet today. Sat Nov 21 Nothings exceptional today, a cool pleasant day, things much quieter. Sunday Nov 22 Commencing a very hot day usual routine. After dinner Len, M Walter & I went for a walk out to the volcano, it took four hours; on our way we saw the Meklong coming on her return from Namatim on New Ireland. The expedition was successful in its object: to capture the Germans who half killed Mr Cox the missionary. Credit is due to Major Ralstone who was in charge of the expedition. He surprised them one morning at 3 am & got five, one escaped but he is going back tonight to get him if at all possible. An accident befell one member, he was cleaning a revolver when it exploded, the bullet going in his 20
thigh, he is in a serious condition now in the top hospital. Also a native while throwing gelignite in the water to kill fish was unfortunate to have it exp-lode prematurely & blow his hand off & shatter his face fearfully. He is now in the native hospital. Mr Hazlett who went as medical man returned also today. Mr Cox held another church service here in Rabaul tonight & was very much appreciated by the men. Miss M Woolnough & Alice R attended & helped in the singing. Monday 23 Nov Pleasant weather again with signs of rain. Mr Cox has been giving evidence against the Germans who ill treated him. The sentence is pretty severe & they are to be deported. Alice & Miss W spent all the morning at the hospital & left at noon for Rabiana & Watnabara in their schooner Litia. Tues 24 Nov Same routine, things a little easier in the hospital now. A light shower today but only enough to lay the dust, very hot & sultry after. Wed 25 Another light shower today. All the garrison were asked today if they were willing to sign on again for 6 months at 6/- or 4/6 per day. Every A.M.C. Man said no & most of the garrison also. G. Harvey back at our hospital Thurs 26 Nov A very fine forenoon but afternoon very overcast & intensely black for 3 hours & has just come on to rain heavily. The W. Haven stamps were available for purchase this evening & managed to get one set myself. Friday 27 Very hot all day a great day for the troops the “Morinda� has arrived with our long looked for mails & everybody was happy; received 14 myself and set straight away to answer. Sat 28 Very hot & sultry in the morning but in the afternoon a very severe thunderstorm & very vivid lightning and heavy thunder has continued raining all night. The A.M.C had a strike this morning all refusing to lump our stores from the wharf in addition to our other duties. It all passed off OK. Admitted one of the German prisoners from the cells suffering from appendicitis, very bad. Sunday 29 the weather very fine today and we are having a busy day, 11 patients getting ready to leave tomorrow. This night the service was conducted by Mr Margetts from Raluana & he 21
created a very good impression on the men. Monday I was in a hurry thru our work this morning so as to fall into parade at 9am & march to the battalion square to see the Germans flogged. We formed a square & the prisoners were lined up & Governor Holmes gave them a very sarcastic lecture which was very sharp. Then they were marched out one by one & tied over a case a lariped. With a heavy cane, the ringleader Dr Hormon got 30 strokes, two more 25, the next 10, one is in hospital too sick to belt & one is at large yet. The Morinda left at 4pm this day, 12 men were invalided home to Sydney & they were all pleased to get away. Tues Dec 1st 14 Intense excitement among all troops today on account of hearing news of further fighting for us either in New Guinea or Java. Word has come thro that a German gunboat has landed 4.7 guns in New G and a number of men to erect a wireless plant. Our boat, the Yarra & an oil boat came into harbour this morning. Every man has been notified to leave at very short notice. At 5 oc p.m. The Yarra & the oil boat left for Wilhelmshafen taking stores & mails fro the troops garrisoned there. Wed Dec 2 A very sultry & heavy morning, received word early this morning that L.Owens G. Harvey L. Henderson & Sergt W. Wray were to be ready with all their gear to go aboard the Yarra at 8 a.m. Sharp. The destroyer is to escort the Siar & Nusa with all the Naval men from Herbertshรถke (about 300) first to Wilhelmshafen & then to pick up more men, then their destination is unknown as far as we are concerned. On account of L. Owens leaving I have been appointed quarter master for the hospital stores & provisions. Thurs 3 Dec Very hot & sultry all the morning but afternoon came on to rain heavily & lasted till dark, nothing exceptional today, same old routine. 4 Friday Fine & very hot in the morning. Have niggers working hard getting stores from the wharf expecting H.M.A.S. Una in port any moment today. All mails to be censored by O.C. Of companies Saturday 5 Dec Very hot again today. Nothing out of the ordinary same old routine. In the afternoon Walter & I took a walk past Ratabul pass to the beach on the other side of the island, five miles there received............
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Sunday 6 Dec Another very hot day. Got word in the morning to get stores ready to be shipped on the Meklong. Working very hard all day. At night Mr Margetts took the service & it was well attended, he spoke about the good there is in everybody. Monday Dec 7 Very hot all day again. Overhauling stores & having a general clean up. Monday evening all stir & bustle, 250 men are getting away on the Meklong to go to Buka, (presumably) in the Solomons. Six A.M.C. men went to work with the expedition, three are to stay, R. Poole, R. Riches, & F. Robinson. - N. Jowers, Guard & J. Craig are to come back. Tuesday 8 Very hot in the forenoon. Getting weekly rations for hospital & sending 10 cases of aerated waters to Herbertshöke. L. Mobbs has been down there all day paying the natives engaged in the hospital. At 3 oc it came on to rain steadily & has continued after dark. Wed 9 Fine weather today nothing out of the usual same old routine. Thur 10 Another fine day helping Len in my spare time. In the afternoon went round to Malekuna to see Mr Schmidt, he was away at Synod at Kabakada where all the missionaries are gathered together. Frid 11 Exceedingly hot again in the afternoon. I was getting stones ready & packed for Herbertshöke. F. Davies was transferred to Herbertshöke & C. King came here & immediately went down with the fever. Walter S also is down, he is suffering badly from aches & swellings caused with the dengue. Saturday 2 dec Up early this morning L.M & I getting stuff trucked down to the wharf to go to Madang. After that N. Gale & I left at 6.30 to attend the native sick parade & overhauling of the native hospital. The natives are very proficient at dressing & cleaning sores & wounds, at 9.30 we left. After obtaining a pass I started & walked out to Mr Pearson's station, Kabakada, 10 ½ miles from Rabaul, a 104° in the shade – I reached there in time for a picnic & we all had a good time. Sunday Church service at 9.30 to which a 150 natives attended. After that had a tour round. At 3 pm Mr Pearson, Misses Woolnough, Kendrick, Alice R & I left in the pinace for Ratabul & 23
on our was back it became black & stormy & looked bad, in a few minutes we could see a waterspout forming, it gradually grew bigger & descended until it reached the water & then burst; immediately the water came down in sheets & we had to run for shelter to save being swamped & just managed to reach safety in time. It passed over in about an hour & we continued our way. We visited Malakuna & then came over in the launch “Bien” in time for our usual Sunday night service which was conducted by Mr Margetts. At 10pm more very heavy rain. Monday 14 Raining till noon today. At 11am another very plain earthquake shock was felt, it shook crockery on the tables & made one think he was on the Berrima again. Afternoon helping Len in the office. Tues 15 Working in the store all day taking inventory of all stores on hand so as to hand everything over to the new P.M.O. Who is to come on the “Una” - very hot all day. Very well. Mr Pearson's little child has been very sick for a week & several times she has nearly gone but hoped she had pulled thro but today at 12 she died & everybody sincerely sympathises with them in their trouble. A great piece of news came thro tonight, it is that the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, & Liepzig have been sunk by the British & Australian fleet off the Faulkland Islands & that they are pursuing two more German ships, great cheering & jubilation over the news. More intense excitement at 10.30 when the sentry roared out that the auxiliary schooner Samoa was on fire.. Every naval man was turned out & taken over to help work the pumps & in 30 minutes they had it under. It originated in the engine room by the petrol catching, it destroyed engine & all fittings in the room & also the whole suit of sails, this is roughly estimated at £1,500. A German that was on board has been arrested on suspicion & all two natives that helped it off. Wed 16 Dec Hot again today. Mr Pearson's daughter was buried today at Kabakada. The “Komet” or “Una” is in sight in St Georges Channel but will not come till the daylight on account of the mines in the vicinity of our harbour. Thur 17 Great excitement this morning, the long looked for “Una” & Eastern steamed into harbour at 8am bringing troops & mails, 72 bags altold & everybody had enough reading to keep him going for a while. Friday 18 Nothing much to do, was not able to get the stores from the wharf. A number of the new 24
men came ashore & straightway thought a lot of the place, it is looking very well after the rain. Today I was attached to the orderly room & am to be 2 M till the end of the term. Sat 19 Working hard all day getting stores from the wharf & managed to get everything up by dark. About £300 worth of supplies came & they will be a great boon to our successors. It has been very hot & no wind. Sunday 20 The “Mutunga” arrived this morning at 7am & by 10am we had our mails, but there was very great indignation at our letters being censored so much so that there was a nondescript parade to protest against it. Mr Margetts held another sermon tonight & there was a good roll up. Monday 21 Dull & drizzly all day long. From 5 am have been working hard getting away stores for Naurun Manus & Namatam. The “Eastern” left at 3pm to pick up some of our men & putting new men down. Dec 22 Tues Dull again today, working hard to get more stores ready for Wilhelmshafen. Dysentery getting bad, also malaria. 1 patient very low tonight. Great joy among the men who received Xmas cheer boxes, also a few DRUNK Wed 23 Dec Getting stores on the Muntunga for Wilhelmshafen, also getting more stuff from the wharf for hospital. Very hot all day. Buried Gardner who died at Namanula hosp. Thur 24 Another death at Herbertshöke this morning from malaria & black water. Working hard getting stores ready to go out, also very hot in the morning & havy rain in the evening. Almost everybody drunk or playing up generally. It being Xmas eve. Every place was decorated with palms & greenery which made things look very nice. Xmas day 25 Dec I got an order for a horse & rode out to Kabakada (Mr Pearson's) to spend the day. Arrived there at 8.30. In the afternoon a Xmas tree was rigged up in the church & hung with presents & decorations & candles & at night when it was lit up it looked very well & pleased the natives, also the presents pleased them. We all put in a very pleasant day altho it rained intermittently. I got home at 10 pm very tired but happy.
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Sat 26 Work again, getting stuff ready & away for Herbertshรถke. Raining all making it miserable to work in it. At night now the rain is extra heavy. Sun 27 A fine day but is beginning to be very hot, but at 9am came on to rain heavily. At 10am went to Herbertshรถke with supplies & spent a pleasant time although it rained most of the time. We had a little excitement for while when starting to come back, the chain of a buoy got twisted round the rudder & propeller & we had niggers diving for an hour before getting it free. We got home alright. Monday 28 Dec Getting stores packed & taking an inventory of all stock left, very hot all day. Tuesday 29 Very hot again, still stock taking & working hard. Wed 30 Dec Another hot day, not doing very much, having a spell. Thurs 31 doing very little today not very hot Frid 1 Jan 1915 Spent the day down at Herbertshรถke and walked along to Raluana & saw Mr Margetts & Miss Lawson & said goodbye & came out in the boat & was picked up by the Madang, it was blowing very hard. Sat 2 Jan Very hot again, nothing much doing, getting a little ready for the boat. Sunday 3 Very hot today. The Mutunga entered the bay this morning at 8am bringing in the remainder of our men from the out stations. Monday 4 another hot day, the Eastern & Matunga unloading, nothing else very exceptional. Tues 5 Jan Dull in the morning & very heavy rain in the afternoon, working hard all day, Matunga went out for Herbertshรถke to load copra. The T.B. Case that was found in Namanula hospital 26
anticipated his certain end by cutting his throat, was buried in Botanic Gardens cemetery. Wednesday 6 Everybody in a state of uncertainty as to who is going back on the Eastern. Nothing of importance until tonight. At 9.30 there was a terrific explosion & alongside our sleeping quarters, at once the crowd was there and it was found that Cpl. Thomas was acting the goat with gelignite with the result that his right hand was shattered & was amputated at once. The “Matunga” left for Sydney at 9am. Taking prisoners & a guard of 22 men. Thursday 7 – 1915 Getting some of the worst patients up to Namanula, also getting things ready for the boat. Good weather. Friday 8 Working hard getting all our hospital stores on board the Eastern. Kept me going hard all day, very hot. At 9am a guard was formed on the wharf to receive the Governor Col. Holmes. Also one on shore to receive the new Gov. Pethlebridge. Saturday 9 – Jan A day of bustle & excitement fo all those leaving for Sydney. Hard going for the A.M.C. To get their gear on board. Everybody who were going were thought very lucky while those left bewailed the fact. At 3 pm sharp the “Eastern” cast off & commenced her homeward journey, her departure had been delayed on account of the “Morinda” not being in with mails for the troops. At 8pm the “Morinda” was sighted so both ships hove to and a detail of our men were sent over to sort letters only. That was completed at 11 pm & we commenced our trip again. Sunday 10 A dull day & raining a good deal. Plenty of work for us for men are going down with malaria all day long. So far the trip is good, the sea is calm, everything is fresh after Rabaul. Monday 11 A very fine day. Nothing exceptional. Tues 12 Another fine day, nothing sighted. Wed 13 Very fine till noon. A small island sighted at 7am. Came on to blow in the afternoon & was very wild thro the night.
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Thurs 14 The sea still very rough; the same all day. Sighted land off Morton Bay at 5.30. Friday Fine day & sea gone down. Land in sight all day. Passed one steamer during the day
This is the last entry of the diary. However, at the back of the diary there is a list of men who were in No 3 Sect G. Company; a few pages of pidgin English; a table of conversion Centigrade to Fahrenheit; some bible verses; several book titles including medical books; some basic instructions for medical treatments; a list of ships in the German Pacific Fleet and their tonnage; semaphore diagrams; three song titles; and an address of a friend in Bondi.
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Postscript James (Jim) Dunlop Kirkness was a prolific letter writer during World War One. The following is an example of one of his many letters home to his parents at Gosford, NSW. This letter was published in the Gosford Times newspaper in September 1915, prior to Jims’ transfer to Mudros as part of the Gallipoli campaign...
Dear Mum and Dad, Since my last letter I have had the wish of my life. It was to see mighty London, the great city that is to us, the throbbing heart of the Empire, where some of the greatest and best men in history have thought and controlled issues of world importance, where all the glory and glamour that surrounds the throne exists in our imagination – the home of those traditions which have inspired men to dare and do great things. You can appreciate my feeling when I tell you that my heart beat faster, and I was very full of hope and expectation of seeing at least some of the marvellous sights of my boyhood dreams. When the train steamed into London, and I got out, I was out, really miles out of my beautiful dreams. I was simply tipped into a hive of human bees, all busy, some after honey, some to sting, but some seeming to care not a 'continental' for any other B in the mob. I believe that London is all that is claimed for it, but my first impressions were that of absolute disappointment.
Most of the streets are narrow, and your chances of stopping to look at anything are equal to seeing a Sydney Show on a Good Friday. For beauty, comfort or cleanliness, it cannot be compared with either Sydney or Melbourne. Then, their Botanical Gardens are not a patch on ours. But knowing I could only stay a few days, I didn't stay looking for the aspects that were not pleasing. I got a military guide and went to see all the places of historic interest that I had read about. And to go through them was very interesting for both the grandeur and the horror of their association. I am very glad I saw all I did. There will be much to tell you bye and bye if the submarines don't get us.
Now look here, this is a real joke. I had to do a bit of buying stuff for the Sergeant's Mess (crockery, cutlery etc) while in London, and though this stuff is carried to Australia and duties stacked on, and charges for everybody that looks at it, still I could have bought equally as cheap as at Hordern's in Sydney.
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We have left Oxford for Southampton and our whole plans are changed, for instead of going to Boulougne, we are to be hurried away to Lemnos and island 45 miles distant from the Dardanelles. We are all disappointed at the change, but we are here to serve not to dictate, so we will put our best into the job, one reason being that a large army is leaving here for Saros Gulf.
You would like Southampton, it is a pretty place, and the people are doing their best to make us like it. They come to the hospital where our headquarters are, and leave invitations for any Australians on leave to visit them. We are having a rattling time here, but our orders are to be off and our unit is entraining for Plymouth, and thence to their destination. Five men and I stay behind to look after the stores, of which we have collected 987 tons to be loaded on a tramp steamer, and follow on. Tom and I had a few hours off, so we went to the Tudor House, and had a good look over the old place and stood in the guard room of King John. We are off to Portsmouth now.
Best love to you all, yours Jim
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James Dunlop Kirkness and Rosina Nicholas married in Southampton January 1st 1918 Courtesy of Carmen Coutts-Smith 31