John Murray's Diary 1914-1918

RANDWICK DIARY

RANDWICK DIARYPrivate J. Murray

C Company

4th Battalion

Mon. 17 Aug.

After a sorrowful farewell with Mother and Lizzie, Father drove us to the Barracks. We collected the Berwick boys on the way and waited as they too said goodbyes. At the Barracks we saw hordes of men milling about - some in uniform as we were, but most dressed as if for church or work. Once Father left we spent the better part of the morning waiting about. We had to fill in more forms, do another physical examination and be interviewed again. We were finally formed up and marched to Randwick. This is to be our camp for the next while. Those we passed on the streets gave us a hooray and the effect was evident in the stature of each man with us.

At Randwick Major Thompson, a healthy looking older Welsh gentleman, selected men for his Company. We four are with C.Coy. 4th Batt., 1st Brigade and our acting Platoon C.O. is Gordon’s old pal Lieut. Hendy. The inner area of the racecourse was laid-out with row after row of canvass sacks and poles and our site sits opposite the stables. Pete, Charlie, Walter and I are sharing with two lads from Mittagong, Gray West and Gilly Joy, and an Englishman from Melbourne, Alf Butcher. When the tent was up the wagon with straw for the palliasses moved down the rows. You only have two blankets, the straw mattresses and groundsheet to ward off the bitter cold. A number of men without tents are spending their first night at camp in the Grandstand. It is evident by the camp’s layout that many more are expected.

In the late afternoon we ventured to the mess to find tables set out with buckets of potatoes boiled in their skins, bully beef and bread. There was little cutlery and the din of 300 or more men was disconcerting. We were all hellish hungry so we took the offering and retired to our tent. All men are expected to be wrapped in their blankets and heads down by nine o’clock. You can hear the banter in the tents. There is a definite air of excitement and camaraderie.

Tue. 18 Aug.Woke to reveille at 5.30am - cold, stiff and without enough sleep. At roll call we found our tent is a man short. It seems he just walked off yesterday. Physical training warmed us all and we breakfasted on jam and bread and hot tea. Through the day more tents and men to fill them arrived. We share the facility with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Batt.. Sections formed - our tent being part of the same, with Corp. Currie, from Walter’s C.F. Coy. as our N.C.O.. We started training with basic foot drills as less than half in the 4th have militia or regular service. Alf was with the British Forces in Africa and Gilly and Gray have no service behind them, both being farm workers. It is basic training but good for those new to service. Dinner was again disappointing. Walter studies at every opportunity and has somehow fitted a library into his kit. Our vacant palliasse remains so, despite men still in the Grandstand. We are grateful for the extra room - the round bell is designed for six and we seven sleep like the spokes of a wheel. Albert sails tomorrow.

Wed. 19 Aug.Lieut. Hendy gave Walter and me leave to go to the docks after exercise. We hurried breakfast and wasted no time getting into town. All of Sydney was out to see the boys off and people were cheering and marching alongside their sons and husbands. I caught sight of the family and Mary on the other side of the street and as Albert passed Mary ran out to him. We hollered and dashed forward to shake his hand and walk with him also, and soon he had Lizzie and Mother on his right arm. Father walked to the side and he and Albert spoke over the din of cheers. He looked chuffed and we parted at the gates as he headed for the ferry to Cockatoo Island. Even at good steam it will be weeks before Berrima reaches New Guinea. Father offered us a ride back to camp. Word has it navy is sending a fair portion of the fleet with the troops.

Thur. 20 Aug.I have been offered a job at the Herald. Father left the letter at the gate this morning. I feel uneasy about quitting after watching Alfred march off and Mr. Manning made it clear the job will wait my return. I will think on it. We were issued new breeches, hats and jackets but still want for overcoats, new boots, puttees, webbing etc. but the uniforms have neatened the camp no end. More men and tents arrived and the camp now seems filled. Our Batt. is now about 500 strong. Despite our presence the horseracing went ahead and was quite a distraction.

Fri. 21 - Sun 23 Aug.At Coy. parade on Friday our new Coy. C.O., Lt. Simpson, who looks younger than me, said the British Army was en route to give the Germans the hiding they deserve. With the Brits, French and Russians tackling the Germans on all fronts we fear the fight will be over before we see England. We are now simply known as A.I.F.. After parade we took issue of new rifles, the standard Short Magazine Lee Enfield from the arms factory at Lithgow. It was hours effort to clear the packing grease but they are gleaming new and have a fresh oil smell about them. Saturday was blanket and kit inspection with Major Thompson at the head. He noticed Walter’s book pile and barely looked at our kit, instead he talked with Walter about Walter’s study and offered his knowledge if it would help. He is a likeable fellow.

Sunday Church Parades are followed by washing and tidying-up around camp and then half the Brigade gets leave till midnight, while the remainder just rest in camp. Our leave is next week. Walter and I spent a few hours playing cards with lads from 3rd Batt.. Walter won £3 and then returned to his studies. I wrote and posted my letter to Mr. Manning. I will start with the newspaper when the war ends.

Mon. 24 - Sun 30 Aug.The training remains basic and most of us with militia or army service are getting terribly bored. The camp is taking shape though, and some of the lectures are quite interesting. The Transport, Signals, Medical and Machine Gun Sections are being formed-up.

There were medical and dental tests for all ranks in the week and a few men were discharged, mainly for bad teeth, More men arrived to take their place and to our good fortune none in our tent.

On Wednesday a woman in frock and apron strode around the camp with a staff officer and two camp police looking for her son. It was Wil Colby who came in on day one. It seems he is only 16. Poor Wil was marched off camp, head lowered and tears on his cheeks. He was a good lad and not a man quipped as he passed.

Our pay books arrived on Monday with a stern warning that if we lose the book we will not be paid. Pay is 6/- per day with 1/- held back for payment on discharge.

The Berwick boys, Walter and I rode the tram home today (Sunday), while Alf and the lads headed to town. It was a treat to see the family. After dinner we sat at the fire and talked much about not much at all. No news of Albert or Gordon but Walter got news his examination will be held from 22 September and covers five days. WE got back to camp at just on 9 o’clock.

Father has put plans for the store on hold and Mother is still intent on joining the Red Cross, although it seems Lizzie is too young to be of service.

The horse races took place again on Thursday and I heard rumour Labor politician Billy Hughes was here. I had almost forgotten there was an election looming.

We did bayonet instruction and I confess to hoping I never have to do this on any man. We are all longing for the chance to fire our rifles.

Mon. 31 Aug. - 2 Wed Sept.After breakfast on Monday we were told to collect our kit and form up. More than few took it to mean we were embarking but we in fact only marched 600 yards across the way to the Kensington pony course and a new camp. All were happy to find the camp was set up and we needed only fresh straw for our palliasses. There is a vast area of open scrub and sandy dunes to the east and the new Mess is a better concern, there being cutlery enough for most and abundant food. The training regime however is the same;- reveille; physical training; breakfast; foot drill; lunch; basic rifle training. I am not alone in feeling we are ready for more. A few fists have flown in the ranks and Walter and a Scotsman had words that ended with the Scott on his backside. Alf took Walter away quickly and no officers saw the incident. The Capt. has organised a boxing match for Wednesday evening. Each Platoon is putting men forward. I am not certain if it is just the mood of the camp or our keenness to get to the war that has men on edge. We heard tell Australian warships and New Zealand troops have taken German Samoa. We are all keen to be part of it.

Thur.3 - Sun. 6 Sept.The boxing match certainly lifted spirits and even the whining about basic drill has died down. It was a good clear night and they put up a decent makeshift ring on the parade ground - lit by electric lights on poles. Walter accepted a bout with the Scott from a few days back. The Scott had about 5 inches on Walter and was a flour sack heavier but our Walter was quick and landed good blows. When the Scott staggered onto the ropes after a swift uppercut we thought him done for but he stayed up and Walter did not capitalise on the man’s disorientation. However, about 30 seconds into the second round Walter landed one almighty right into his chin and the bout was over. Walter pulled him to his feet and to the ropes. Every man cheered and since afford Walter a fair courtesy. Alf made £2.10s on Walter’s fight and promises a shout when we go to town.

On Saturday those of age voted in the camp polling place. There has been little discourse on politics. We are more interested in news of the war. We heard that the Germans are pushing toward Paris at speed and in huge numbers. Our Allies are being pushed back by sheer weight of numbers but it is reported as an orderly retirement, not a retreat. The Germans hit Amiens only a few days back, so they were already about 100 or so miles into France. The French are said to be readying for the siege of Paris. The papers say fighting is fierce and casualties are considerable on all sides. Sunday has been a relaxing day in camp - Walter studies while the rest of us play cards. Our new boots and puttees finally arrived along with the rest of our kit but still no coats.

Mon. 7 - Sat. 12 Sept.This week we started musketry and field training. We march to Long Bay for musketry, with shoots over 200, 300 and 400 yards. The thunderous crack of the SMLEs echo across all of Sydney. None in our Section have any problem meeting the requirements (a number of men, including members of the C.F., are failing and will have to prove themselves or go home). Gilly is easily the best marksman ever seen in these parts. He shoots with the Mittagong Rifle Club. He can empty his magazine in seconds and each shot is spot-on target. He and Alf had words after the Snap Shoot. Gilly was putting his round into the wooden silhouette even before its head was fully above ground and Alf suggested he would make an excellent sniper. Gilly responded that he would shoot a man charging, or on a gun any day; but he couldn’t take a shot just because some bloke happened his head into view while taking a pee. Alf retorted quite angrily; “when he’s finished taking his pee he could very well be shooting your mate’s head off you silly bugger!” The two didn’t talk till after dinner that night when Gilly sat beside Alf and said, “Don’t worry mate, I’ll make sure no bugger shoots you when you’re peeing.” We all burst into laughter. I do like the men I am with.

Field training is in the dunes near camp. The Officers sit on their mounts and watch while the rest of us crawl about in the wet cold sand getting yelled at by the training staff. We have had some foul weather this week. The training is hard but in truth good fun and it is obvious, even at the Section, we need to be better able to move and fight together. We are learning more in these few days than years in the C.F.. Each man must be able to conceal themselves, spot and report on enemy positions, know where to be and what to do in a skirmish, know how to move forward and how to move backward - in small and big groups - and how to shoot from concealed positions.

At the end of the each day - after marches, running about in the dunes, exercises and drills we are all fairly spent long before lights out.

Labor under Andrew Fisher won victory in the Federal Elections and Walter turned 20 this day (Saturday).

Sun. 13 Sept.Walter and I took the tram home. It was a relief to be with the family and we celebrated Walter’s birthday with cake and cream. Mother asked after the men we serve with and I could only respond that the men closest to us are a fine bunch but for the most we are together by circumstance and if the situation were different many of us would probably pass the other in the street without a nod. Gordon cabled Father from Queensland on Friday to say he would be home in two weeks. It is good to know he is safe.

We returned to camp at 9 o’clock to find what looks to be the aftermath of a riot - two tents collapsed and straw strewn everywhere. It transpires a couple of lads began tossing palliasses at each other earlier in the evening and before long most men in C Coy. had armed themselves thus and ‘the Battle of the Mattress’ engulfed rows of tents. One chap was clean laid out before the camp guards had it under control. There will be hell to pay tomorrow.

Mon. 14 - Sun. 20 Sept.The pace of training is no doubt increasing and speculation as to our departure ranges from tomorrow through to mid October. Alf started a betting book and is accepting bets at 4-1. I hope it is soon but I would not wager on it. The A.N.& M.E.F landed at the German territory of Rabaul on the 11th and took Bita Paka. A medical officer and three Navy lads were killed. I pray to God Albert is safe. Reports from Europe say battlefields are covered with our fallen. The storms of this week reflected the rage we feel. The Germans will answer for every man slain. At the range we gave the snapshoot dummies German names and cheered each Hanz, Fritz and Kaiser holed. The musketry assessment is done and future days at the range will be for practice only. We started trench digging in the field exercises but Alf says we are way to shallow. Our requirement is 4’ deep and about 2’ across - the Brits are at 6’. Alf lost pals at Spion Kop in South Africa because of shallow trenches.

Maj. Thompson is now Lt. Col. and has taken command of the Batt.. He was outraged about the palliasse fight last week and stood the whole of C Coy. in the rain and thunder for two hours. I am glad we were on leave that night for there can be no question that Walter was not involved. Lt. Col Thompson has afforded Walter leave from duties to study for the examination next week.

Mon. 21 - Sun. 27 Sept.Walter left camp on Tuesday to sit the first of his examinations for the military college and had leave to stay at home for the five days it took to complete the course. He came back with me on Sunday after dinner at home. The best surprise was Gordon was at home when I got there. He looks as fit as a man can be and has skin darkened by the tropical sun. It was a joy and relief to see him again. He described New Guinea as a mountainous place and quite inhospitable but says the German areas, when he last saw them, were not heavily garrisoned. Albert will be enjoying it no doubt, now that German New Guinea has surrendered (last week on Thursday) and his fight is over for now.

Our Section, even without Walter, proved ready in field training. Even at Coy. Level, each man knows his place and role, whether firing and moving or manning lookouts - we are ready. The speculation around embarkation continues and most in Alf’s book favour 3 October for no reason or science that I can see. It almost happened mid week but at the last - after we were packed and ready - it was postponed. No matter when we embark, Alf will do so with heavier pockets.

The greatcoats arrived in one size (Large) and many men look like boys dressed in their fathers’ overcoats but it is a warm coat and a fine third blanket.

I heard also this week that the submarine AE1 is missing. She was supporting the fight at Rabaul but the report suggests the loss is a misadventure. I would have talked to these same men at Farm Cove just weeks back. We can only pray they are recovered.

Yesterday (Saturday) our route march took us through the city. The whole Battalion marched through the streets to the cheers of those there for shopping and those who should have been serving. It was a wonderful feeling and a moment of great pride.

Mon. 28 Sept - Sun. 4 Oct.Every morning we wake ready for our embarkation orders and each day passes with drill, musketry or field training. Every man in our tent and Section has his kit at the ready. Gordon is considering where and how he will serve. We would sorely love him with us but even if enlists tomorrow it would be too late for the 4th as we must surely embark soon.

Our Section spent a day in the butts at the rifle range pulling frame and snap targets up and down. I had not worked the butts at any range, so had no experience of the sounds or sensations of rounds flying overhead. I imagined myself for a time in a trench across from the Germans and felt both exhilarated and nervous at once. I will dig down with Alf!

Mon. 5 - Sun 11 Oct.Each day in camp seems an echo of the one before. We have trodden Kensington’s dunes flat with endless charges and retreats. There is no place that has not been used for concealment and the ground predictable. At least the weather has eased and some days have been slightly warmer. Our real respite is our time at the range. We are shooting for practice and enjoying the competition and camaraderie as if we were at rifle club. Gray West turned 20 on Monday.

I am pleased we spent Sunday with the family as embarkation must be soon. We have been checking, repairing and marking battalion stores and equipment and the evening lectures have all been on embarking and disembarking transports. Our route march again took us through the city and people lined the streets to cheer us on.

On Saturday the Brigade Commander, Col. MacLaurin, inspected the troops. The full Brigade on parade was an impressive sight and the Col. seemed pleased indeed.

Mon. 12 - Sat 18 Oct.We at last have embarkation orders. Tomorrow (Sunday 19 October) we leave for the docks and our ship. I wish I had time to say goodbye to the family but there is no leave. Walter will not make the journey; instead he will await his examination results in a temporary staff position at Victoria Barracks. Lt. Col. Thompson arranged the posting. Walter and I had considered this eventuality, but to be parted just days before we sail is hard on both. He left the camp on Wednesday. I will see him soon enough God willing and hope he is taken into the college.

Our pays have come through and each man sails with money in his pockets (Alf with quite a bit!).

None of us are under any illusion that this great adventure we will soon embark on may ask a cost of us or our mates but we are to a man ready to stand and fight.

John Murray’s Diary Part 4