Beard, Frank Canning
2872 Private Frank Canning Beard - 51st Battalion AIF
Frank Canning Beard was born in Sandgate Queensland on the 31st August 1889 to Henry and Caroline Beard. The family then moved to Mildura in Victoria before settling in Western Australia in the 1900's. Upon arrival they took up residence at 53 Holdsworth Street Fremantle.
(Photo of Henry Beard with his sons, Ernest Frank, Hubert and Robert.)
On arrival in WA Frank secured employment with the Postmaster generals Department.
Frank Canning Beard married Ellen Dalton on the 10th July 1909 and a son Francis was born in April 1910.
Lived initially with his family in Holdsworth Street Fremantle before moving to Harvey Street Cottesloe Beach (Mosman Park).
On the 10th June 1916 Frank enlisted into the AIF. He was accepted as fit for service with the medical examiner recording his physical attributes as;
Height - 5 feet 5 & 1/2 inches tall;
Weight - 114lbs;
Chest Measurement - 33-35 inches;
Complexion - Dark;
Eyes - Brown;
Hair - Dark Brown.
After his successful enlistment Frank was sent to Blackboy Hill Camp where he was assigned to No.77 Training Depot. He spent a few weeks here undergoing basic infantry training. On the 1st August 1916 Frank was sent to the 8th Reinforcements to the 51st Battalion AIF. He spent a month training with this group but on the 4th September 1916 was transferred to the 7th Reinforcements to the 51st Battalion.
He spent the next two months training with this reinforcement group. On the 9th November 1916 Frank and his group entrained for Fremantle Harbour where they boarded the transport ship HMAT Argyllshire and set sail for England. Frank had a diary during his service;
Thursday 9 November 1916
On Picquet at Bellevue Hotel, Left Blackboy at 1.30 Sailed from Fremantle at 6.30pm and layed in Roads until midnight Not one man of our unit missing
Friday 10 November
Having a good trip Steering direct West In sweep on Melbourne Cup Food good.
Saturday 11
Sea still very calm Boats swing out ready Sweep drawn, drew a blank. 1st ₤ 4.10.0, 2nd ₤ 2, 3rd ₤1 Eating like a horse
Sunday 12
Mass on upper deck, Saw large school of Porpoises
Monday 13
Raining on & off all day, Had our Games given out, Came up rough after dinner. Saw another School of Porpoises.
Tuesday 14
Still rough. Inspection & several fellows sent to Hospital. Fight between W.A. fellow & N.S.W. fellow won by W.A. Much calmer this evening
Wednesday 15
Sea calm again. Sighted a steamer to the North travelling West in sight all day. Alf & I wrote letters & enclosed them in a bottle & threw it over board 1600 miles from Fremantle. Concert on board
Thursday 16
Sea like glass. Alarm drill for ship sinking. 22/16 beat 7/51st at tug-of-war. Wrote letters to Nellie, Father, Bert Jones, Ernie & Bert & E Robins
Friday 17
Sea still calm. Saw large school of Porpoises. Sports on aft end of ship. 7/51st beat 22/16 tug-of-war
Saturday 18
Sea still calm. Wagga in Cricket match won by WA, Wagga got 8 wicks Concert on our hatchway.
Sunday 19
Mass on Promenade Deck. Wrote to Nellie
Monday 20
Washing day. Raining all day. Sea choppy 7/51st beat 5/44 at tug-of-war
Tuesday 21
Sea still choppy. Saw a steamer about 10 miles North going to Australia. Alarm drill
Wednesday 22
Sea still calm. Concert on our hatch.. Payed 10/-
Thursday 23
Sea still calm, sports for our units on Promenade deck. Wagga got second in potato race, beat me in heat. I got into semi-finals of boxing on the spar. Expect to arrive at Durban during night.
Friday 24
Arrived at Durban at 6am. Went on route march in morning. Marched to town hall & given leave until 10.30pm. Wagga & I had a ride in Rickshaw. Had a meal at Savoy. Posted letter & cards to Nellie. Paper to Father. Went out & had a look over Brewery. On Picquet from 6.30pm to 11pm. Saw whales, just landed from Fleet
Sunday 26
Had a little excitmt. Left Durban at 7am. Can see coast all the way. Passed 6 steamers going North
Monday 27
Sea fairly calm. Passed 4 steamers & 2 lighthouses. Lost sight of coast for few hours. Wrote to Nellie & Father
Tuesday 28
Passed 4 lighthouses & 3 steamer & sighted a Cruiser. Changed our course 4 times. Arrived at Capetown at 9pm layed in Bay till morning
Wednesday 29
Went along side at 7am for coal. Given leave from 11.30am to 3pm. Went out into Bay at 5.30pm. H.M.S Kent coaling along side us. Marathon & Boona also laying Bay. Sent cards to Nellie
Thursday 30 November
Laying in Table Bay all day not allowed on shore. Sports on board during afternoon & concert at night. (Kent has shot holes through her funnels, received in Falkland Islands fight)
Friday 1st December
Left Capetown at 7am with Kent, Marathon & Boona & a Collier. Collier left us steering West. We are steering North West. Passed through large school of Dolphins. Payed 5/-
Saturday 2nd December
Ship has a big roll on. A long swell right abeam. Several of Mess orderlies fell coming down stairs. Stew everywhere. First submarine guard put on
Sunday 3rd December
Passed a shire boat at 9am. Kent went & had a look at her. We went up close to Marathon twice
Monday 4th December
Steamer passed on our port side. Kent went & had a look at her. Allotted our stations in case of being torpedoed. Concert on our hatch. Food not as good as it use to be ………………………
Tuesday 5
…………..& not too much of it. Kent cruising about ahead of us. Washing day for us. Sea fairly calm
Wednesday 6
Sea calm. Very close & muggy. Steamer passed on our Starboard inspected by Kent. Boxing match on our hatch, 10/2 mt Rds Won on points by (Bawsken?) W.A.
Thursday 7
Sea very calm. Wrote to Bert Jones. Shower parade. Armstrong put under shower clothes & all. Had not had a bath since leaving Fremantle
Friday 8
Sea still calm. Payed 5/-. Nearing the Equator. On scrubbing decks 6am to 7.30am loafed the rest of the day. Wrote Nellie No.4
Saturday 9
Wrote to Father No.3. Our mess No 10 won the prize for best kept mess. Our Medical Officer ill. We stopped for an hour & boat sent from the Kent with 2 drs. Boxing postponed
Sunday 10
Went to Communion. Steamer passed on Starboard, inspected by Kent; cross Line at 8pm.
11 December Monday
Very hot. Got our kits bags up. Went on Submarine Guard at 6pm
12 Tuesday
Submarine guard to 6pm. Boxing tournament in afternoon. Sea calm & very warm. J Wyatt 7/37 lost on foul after winning on points. Kent went out in the front
13 Wednesday
Sighted land at 9am. Arrived at Fleetown in Sierra Leone. Two British & two French Cruisers in Port & several Troopships. We arrived at 3.30pm
14 Thursday
Went ashore at 12 noon to 3.30pm. Very poor town only saw a few white men & 4 white women, full of blacks. A lot of them naked. Five transports & three Cruisers went out about 4pm
15 Friday
Afric & another transport arrived from Australia. 70 of us on a fatigue party with 70 of another unit to coal our boat. Collier has not come alongside yet 5pm. Wrote to Nellie 5
16 Saturday
Coaling from 6pm on 15th to midnight. Another transport came in (Port Nicholson). We got 100 men on board from Pt Lincoln.
17 Sunday
Still in Freetown Bay. No meat tonight, a P&O mail boat arrived this morning. E.V. Smith operated on for appendicitis
18 Monday
Still in the Bay. A bit of a breeze blowing all day. Len Hughes got some fresh fish somewhere. We all have some growth on our faces as we can’t get water to shave with. Some are using tea.
19 Tuesday
Still in Freetown Bay. Mail boat left. Raising & lashing boats ready for leaving. One of the N.S.W. fellows put in Boob at 1am & kicked up hells delight all night
20 Wednesday
Left Freetown at 6.30am. Left in this order. Auz Cruiser Boona, Benalla, Port Nicholson, Argyllshire & Afric. Officer buried off Afric at 9.30am. Another burial off Benalla at 2pm. Sea like glass, all pleased to be off again
21 Thursday
H.M.S. Royal Alfred passed on our port side. Boxing tournament continued. Allowed some fresh water. No tobacco or matches allowed to be sold at Canteen. Sea still very calm.
22 Friday
Sighted 3 steamers. Arrived at Dakar at 11am. Semi-finals of boxing. Went in to harbour & gate closed against submarines at night. Dakar is French.
23 Saturday
Harbour packed with steamers. Finals of Boxing. Nigger boys diving for money
24 Sunday
Ionic arrived from Sydney. I swam twice to Ionic & got a passenger to post letters 2 for Nellie, 3 for Len Hughes, 2 for Alf, 2 for Wagga
Christmas Day
25 December Monday. Passengers of Ionic gave us a Concert. We received a Billy each & a pudding between two. Received a note back from Ionic saying letters had been posted alright. Received a tin of Biscuits from Mrs Paull a passenger on Ionic. Wrote to Nellie No. 7
Boxing Day
26 Tuesday
Wrote to Nellie No.8. Belgian Mail boat arrived & left again. Swimming races & diving. Concert on our hatch
27 Wednesday
Left Dakar at 7am. Oratava, Boona, Argyllshire, Afric, Port Nicholson & Benalla & one French Cruiser. Steamer passed on starboard side. Man lost over board from Afric & picked up by Benalla, delayed about 1 1/2 hours. A French cruiser passed us going into Dakar
28 Thursday
We have to wear our lifebelts continually. French cruiser went out of sight twice during the day. No smoking allowed after dark. Steering due West
29 Friday
Picked up Kent, Marathon, Durban Castle & Lily of Spata who were waiting for us at 9am. Burial off one of the boats at 9.45am. Oratava left us to return to Dakar or Freetown at 10.30am. Boona stopped & Kent sent a boat. Travelling three abreast
30 December Saturday
Nothing seen of Frenchman today. Changed course at 6pm N.E. Much cooler & sea choppy. Wrote No.9 to Nellie, Wrote to Bert Jones & Herb
31 December Sunday
Steamer passed on our port side. Another burial at 2.15. A large passenger steamer passed on our port side
Now to 1st Jan of this book
Notes
Officers are quartered amid ships occupying all Saloons (half of the boat for 50, other half for 1600 men) Food pretty good when we first came on board but not good now, and not too much of it.
Complaints to officers does not seem to have any effect.
We have to sleep between decks which is very stuffy & you must keep a blanket over you on account of the rats as they have steeplechases etc every night.
Sierra Leone or Freetown is about the worst place I have been in. It is full of fevers & we were forbidden to drink water or anything else. Oranges are very plentiful. It is very warm & it is winter here.
The Ulysses, Ascanius two New Zealanders & another transport left at 4 pm & two French cruisers & a British Auxiliary Cruiser. The Kent & Highflyer are still in port. Afric & another transport arrived. We have to coal our boat. I am among 70 of our unit. Collier is expected at any moment. We have to work stripped to the waist.
Went ashore yesterday & another lot went today. Several of the fellows who went with us, went out to it with the heat: one of the fellows on the Boona died with the heat.
We are doing nothing but eat oranges & coconuts & bananas. Oranges are 4 a 1d, coconuts a 3d. We have some fun with the natives. We are not allowed fresh water to wash with, it is only allowed for drinking. We cannot even get salt water tonight.
Coaling from 6pm on 15th. We went on shifts. Hardest work I ever done. A lot of fellows about knocked up.
1917
1st January 1917 Monday
Wrote to C. Robins. Passed a Barque on our starboard side. Sea a bit rough
2 January Tuesday
Passed a steamer. Marathon stopped & delayed us about an hour. Altered our course slightly East.
3 January Wednesday
On Submarine Guard 9am. Passed a Barque on our port side. Sighted a steamer. Large steamer passed on our port side about 3am. 4th steamer passed on our starboard 5am
4 January Thursday
Large passenger steamer overtook us & payed no heed to Kent’s signal to leave us. Kent put 2 shots across her bows, when signals were very quickly obeyed. Another steamer passed.
5 January Friday
Sea rough & wind very cold. Burial off Durham Castle at 5pm.
6 January Saturday
Afric fell behind. Passed a steamer on our port side. Bitterly cold. Food improved the last few days
7 January Sunday
Getting rough. Afric about 5 miles astern. suppose it be in Bay of Biscay.
8 January Monday
Very rough. We are laying second in dash for port. 2 Destroyers with us. Durham Castle leading us. Sea running mountainous high. Sighted Eddystone Lighthouse at 7.30pm. Our Mess won prize again.
9 January Tuesday
Arrived at Plymouth at 3am. Moved further in sound to Davenport at 1pm. Bitterly cold. Wrote to Nellie No. 10
10 January Wednesday
Up at 5.30am. disembarked at 4.30pm. entrained at 7pm. Having a rotten time. Our first lot of Bully Beef & Biscuits. Arrived at Exeter at 9pm & got Tea & Cake.
After the long sea voyage the ship arrived at Devonport on the 10th January 1917.
On arrival in England the men were disembarked and sent to the 13th Training Battalion at Codford on the Salisbury Plains. On the 3rd February 1917 Frank was admitted to King George hospital with laryngitis, remaining there till the 5th March 1917. He then returned to the 13th Training Battalion. Frank had two more months in England.
11 January Thursday
Arrived at Codford on the Plains at 12.30am. Arrived at hut at 1.10am. snowing lightly but not cold. Up about 7.30am. went into Codford in the evening & posted letters. Received 6 letters.
12 January Friday
Kit inspection. Shifted our abode to make room for a Queensland Unit. Wrote to Nellie No. 11, Ernie, Bert & Father.
13 January Saturday
Wrote to Ernie & Bert. Ice on the water this morning. Had our first drill on big parade ground 2 Biplanes passed over us.
14 January Sunday
Went to Mass in Codford. On Picquet at Wylie
15 January Monday
Physical jerks on Mt Misery. Posted letters to Nelli, Father, Ernie & Bert.
16 January Tuesday
Water frozen in the pipes. Train of about 50 Motor Transports passed. Went for Route March towards Salisbury. All foot sore more or less. Received letter from Ernie with Photo
17 January Wednesday
Saw 3 Aeroplanes, one alighting near us on Mt Misery. Wagga & I started to sleep together as there is not enough warmth sleeping singley.
18 January Thursday
On Guard. I got Magazine Guard, which is half way up the Mt. overlooking the Camp. It is known as the Nth Pole. One man has died here this winter. The Mt has a slope of about 60 degrees.
19 January Friday
Used Nellie’s muffler for the first time & it is just the thing.
20 January 1916 Saturday
Drafted in Emergency Battallion. Went for Route March. Posted cards to Nellie & Frankie. Concert in evening given by Ladys from Bristol.
21 January Sunday
Went to Mass at Codford. Wrote No. 12 to Nellie, Father, Ernie & Frankie.
22 January Monday
Received letter from Nellie. Concert in Y.M.C.A.
23 January Tuesday
Went for Route March. Met Rudie Jahn
24 January Wednesday
Hut orderly
25 January Thursday
Fell out for Draft for France. Draft put off until after our leave. Went for Route March. Deputation about food. Wrote to Nellie No. 13
26 January Friday
On Picquet
27 January Saturday
Payed £2-10-0 to go on leave on Tuesday. Posted letter to Nellie. Concert in Institute. Saw Gusty White.
28 January Sunday
Went to Mass. Went for a walk through Stockton.
29 January Monday
Rec letter from Nellie. Going to London in morning.
30 January Tuesday
Went to London arrived at Paddington Station, went to Waterloo St via Tube Rly. About the Strand during afternoon. Stopped at Y.M.C.A. Have lost my voice.
31 January Wednesday
Went to Westminister Abbey. Went out to Edmonton. Still cannot speak. To World Fair in evening. Sam went into King George Hospital.
1st February 1916 Thursday
Went round Trafalgar Sq. & Charing Cross. Westminister Abbey. Got some Post Cards. Went to “Puss in New Boots” at Drury Lane Theatre.
2 February Friday
Went round to see Sam & was kept in myself & put in observation Ward.
3 February Saturday
Dr saw us & I am admitted to Hospital until my throat is right. Removed to Ward K5.
4 February Sunday
Still unable to talk
5 February Mon
Still unable to talk. Throat sore.
6 February Tuesday
Still unable to talk. Throat better. Wrote to Nellie No. 14
7 February Wednesday
Removed from Ward K5 to K1. still no sign of voice coming back. Saw Sam in E1. Allowed up for 2 hours.
8 February Thursday
Allowed up from Dinner time. Still unable to speak.
9 February Friday
Ernie’s Birthday. Still unable to speak. Wrote to Nellie No. 15, Father & Bert Jones.
10 February Saturday
Allowed up after breakfast. Went with party to Streatham Club.
11 February Sunday
Voice coming back.
12 February Monday
Voice improving. Saw the Major to be discharged on Thursday
13 February Tuesday
Voice still improving
14 February Wednesday
Went with Party to Royal Victoria Hall
15 February Thursday
Our departure postponed until tomorrow. Convoy of wounded arrived about 11pm.
16 February Friday
Another convoy arrived at 1pm. We left for Isleworth. Aux Hospital at 2pm arrived 2.40pm.
17 February Saturday
Went to Richmond. Wrote to Nellie. Concert in Hall at night.
18 February Sunday
Went to Mass in Isleworth. Went for walk along Thames to Richmond.
19 February Monday
Went Twickenham & Brentford
20 February Tuesday
Received letter from Nellie. Heard of Arthur Couchman’s death
21 February
Wednesday. On leave from 9am to 6.30pm. Went to Tower of London & Tower Bridge. Weighed 10st 1 lb today
22 February Thursday
Wrote No. 17 to Nellie. Wrote to Herb
23 February Friday
Went through Isleworth Brewery. Received a 1/- pay
24 February Saturday
Went to Picture show at Twickenham
25 February Sunday
Went to Mass at Isleworth. Went to Richmond in afternoon.
26 February Monday
Went to Kingston & saw Sam. Went to Hampton Court (Palace) too late to go through
27 February Tuesday
Went to Hampton Court & went through
28 February Wednesday
Went to London & went through St Pauls, Westminister Abbey & Picture Gallery.
1st March 1917 Thursday
Wrote to Nellie No. 18. Wrote to Father & Ernie. Went to Brentford & Kew Bridge
2 March Friday
Went to Richmond with Page & Smith
3 March Saturday
Went to Tea Party at Twickenham. Tram ran up line when we were returning to Percy House
4 March Sunday
Went out to Tea at Isleworth.
5 March Monday
Left Isleworth for King George at 9.30am. Left King George at 7.15pm, arrived at Codford at 8pm.
6 March Tuesday
Rec 8 letters, 3 from Nellie, 2 Ernie, 2 Father, 1 Bert Jones. Wrote to Nellie No. 19 & to Father & Ernie. Shifted from on 4 Camp to No.3 Camp. Our 8th (reinforcements) arrived at 8pm. Peter Jackson came home drunk.
7 March Wednesday
On light duties at Cook House
8 March Thursday
On light duties. Payday I received nothing.
9 March Friday
Heavy snow this morning
10 March Saturday
Rec a letter from Father. Went to Trowbridge
11 March Sunday
Went to Mass at Codford. Wrote to Nellie No. 20 & to Bert.
12 March Monday
Started on Musketry. Draft left at 8pm
13 March Tuesday
Rifle range, got 80%
14 March 1917 Wednesday
On Rifle Range, got 77%
15 March Thursday
Shooting for our Classification. A lovely day. Scored 89 points
16 March Friday
Finished our Classification. Scored a total of 123 points
17 March Saturday
Shot in gas-helmets & had 8 hits out of 10
18 March Sunday
Went to Mass at Codford. Went to Stockton & looked through church 1200 years old.
19 March Monday
Started Bombing course. Another Draft left
20 March Tuesday
On bombing. Wagga sick
21 March Wednesday
Wagga sent to Park house with mumps
22 March Thursday
Heavy snow this morning. Went through Gas. Payed £ 1-10-0
23 March Friday
Threw a live bomb
24 March Saturday
Threw 2 live bombs & completed our training. Went up to Trowbridge. Weighed 10st 5lbs
25 March Sunday
Wrote to Nellie No. 22. Under orders to move out at a minutes notice
26 March Monday
Still under orders, all the boys excited. Did not leave tonight
27 March Tuesday
Still here . I rec a letter from Ernie
28 March Wednesday
Emergency Platoon dismissed & we are allowed out again. The 9th arrived during the night. Jarred my wrist
29 March Thursday
Went for a Route March of 8 miles, in preparation for Review by the King at Bullford at Easter time. Wrote No. 23 to Nellie
30 March Friday
Had to go to Dr about wrist exempt from duty
31 March Saturday
Sent card to Nellie, letter No. 24. Snow during night
1st April 1917 Sunday
Went to Mass. Wrist still sore
2 April Monday
Went on Quarter Guard on magazine. Snowed heavily all night.
3 April Tuesday
Rec letter from Nellie dated 15 Jan 17. Came off Guard. Wrote to Nellie No. 25
4 April Wednesday
Payed 15/-
5 April Thursday
On gardening, we are working hard, I don’t think.
6 April GOOD FRIDAY
Les’s Birthday. Went to Mass in morning . Rec 2 letters from Nellie dated 2nd & 5th Feb. Went to Band Concert
7 April Saturday
Went for walk to Boyton. Rec letter from Nellie Jan 27th had been in water
8 April Sunday
Went to Mass. Wagga came back. Walked 7 miles on Salisbury Rd through Steeplelongford
9 April Monday
Wrote to Nellie No. 26. Draft left at 9pm.. Clock put on 1 hour
10 April Tuesday
Frankie’s Birthday (sic). Rec letter from Father dated 19-2-17. Wrote to Father & Ernie & Bert
11 April Wednesday
Snowed heavily during the night. On Escort of Prisoners. Instructed on Firing Party Ceremonies.
12 April Thursday
On Firing Party to Salisbury for Pvte Whitchurch. Visited the Cathedral at Salisbury which was built in 1220. The Spire is 400ft high. Had our Photo taken.
13 April Friday
Kit inspection for draft. On Review movements. Wrote to Nellie No. 27. wrote to Father. Photos enclosed.
14 April Saturday
On Review movements, rained all the morning. E.V. Smith returned to unit.
15 April Sunday
Confined to camp to get ready for march to Bulford to be reviewed by King.
16 April Monday
Left for Bulford at 8am. Got 5 miles on road, about 2 hours march, when messenger arrived with dispatch, for draft to be sent back, arrived in camp just before 12 o’clock, expect to go tomorrow night.
17 April Tuesday
Received 2 letters for Nellie dated 12th & 24th Feb. Doing nothing.
18 April Wed
Boys returned from the Review at 3.30pm. Draft left camp at 3.45pm. Alf was sent as one was pulled out with bad teeth. I went to station as standby but was not needed. Wagga went on draft.
19 April Thursday
On Escort to Isle of Wight. Arrived at Portsmouth at 11am, left for Isle at 1.40pm, arrived 2.10pm. Returned via Cowes at 5pm. Passed close to the Aquatarnia. Returned to Portsmouth at 6pm. Slept in Portsmouth. Saw the Victory.
20 April Friday
Left Portsmouth at 10am, arrived Salisbury at 12.10pm, left Salisbury 4.30pm. On next draft
21 April Saturday
Examined by Dr for France. Rec letter dated 5th March from Nellie. Went to Trowbridge on Brewery Lorry. Returned at 2 am in Motor Cars.
22 April Sunday
Wrote to Nellie No. 29
23 April Monday
Post Wagga & Alf things home. Rec letter from Nellie dated Feb 22nd. A lovely day.
24 April Tuesday
Rec letter from Father dated 11-3-17, one from Bert Jones & one from Herb 11-3-17. Wrote to Father & Bert Jones.
25 April Wednesday
Father’s Birthday. Anzac Day. Sports on Hill. Wrote to Herb Bailey & Ernie & Bert.
26 April Thursday
Doing nothing all day. Still having good weather. Wrote to Nellie No. 30.
27 April Friday
Received a letter from Wagga wrote to Wagga.
28 April Saturday
Doing nothing particular
29 April Sunday
Went to Mass. Went to Hindon in afternoon.
30 April Monday
Nothing to enter
1st May 1917. Tuesday
Voting for Aus Elections
2 May Wednesday
A new draft picked out. Rec letter from Ernie, & Wagga. Wrote No. 31 to Nellie. Wrote to Ernie & Bert. On Night operations.
3 May Thursday
C.O. Kit inspection. Received a cable from Nellie. Wrote to Nellie No. 32. wrote to Father.
4 May Friday
On Night operations infantry in attack
5 May Saturday
Done nothing all day
6 May Sunday
Went to Mass. Went to Wylye in afternoon.
7 May Monday
Kit inspections by O.C. Kit inspections by G.O.C.
8 May 1917 Tuesday
Inspection by Col Collett. Wrote No. 33 to Nellie & enclosed some snaps. Left camp at 7.45pm. Entrained at 9.15, left at 9.30pm, arrived at Reading at 12midn
On the 9th May 1917 Frank departed for France, and after a few days at the base depot camp at Etaples, he was taken on strength of the 51st Battalion on the 15th May 1917.
13 May Sunday
Left Base at 9 am. Entrained about 10am. Amiens 2pm. Joined Batt at 9pm.
14 May Monday
Got in same Platoon as Wagga & Alf. Mounted Guard at 5pm. Guard room & boob & old barn & alive with rats. Can hear shelling & see the reflection. We are about 15 miles behind the line.
Two weeks after he joined them the 51st Battalion were in Belgium and took part in the Battle of Messines. They were in this sector from June to August 1917.
7 June Thursday
Bombardment opened at 3am. We went in to supports at 9.30am. moved up to front line at 10pm. I got hit on arm going up. Got right up on Fritz line & had to leave our water.
8 June Friday
Dug in with 52 Batt & remained all day. Fritz counter attacked but our Artillery kept him off. Several of our fellows killed. Piece of shell just missed my face & broke wrist of fellow next to me.
9 June Saturday
We moved down to right & dug in on new line. Fritz shelling us all day. Sniper got Lt Fisher & missed me twice. We wounded 7 snipers. I lost one puttie
10 June Sunday
50th connected up with us. We were relieved by Wiltshires & returned to supports.
11 June Monday
Remained in supports until 10pm & moved up to second line trenches. Had our first sleep last night. Got hot time going up & had 8 wounded.
12 June Tuesday
Relieved from second line about 2pm & came right out. Met Jack Fitzgerald on road. Alf reported missing. Saw Fritz plane bought down this morning.
13 June Wednesday
Went for bath & change of Clothes. Heard that Alf is in Hospital somewhere. Payed 20 Francs.
On the 26th August 1917 Frank was wounded by shrapnel in the leg and shoulder. He was evacuated back to the 4th Field Ambulance and then the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station. He was then put on an ambulance train and taken to the French town of Camiers where he was admitted to the 18th General Hospital.
25 August Saturday
On fatigue in supports
26 August Sunday
Jim Ferguson, Sgt McGregor, Ernie Tye, F. Ralph, Morgy, Ted Willmott & myself wounded. Two shells landed in our position killing Joe Pratt, Geo Barnes, Alex Cooper, Gordon Thomas killed, Roley & Charlie Sutton, Snowy Harris, Les Essex & Geo Leadbitter died of wounds
27 August Monday
Geo Leadbitter & Snowy Harris died. Macgregor, F. Ralph, Jim Ferguson, E. Tye, Morgy Wilmott & myself sent away in Red Cross train at 8am arrived at Comiers about 8pm, Went to No.18 General
28 August Tuesday
Saw only Morgy & Willmott after this. Splinters taken out of Leg, Shoulder & Arm.
29 August Wednesday
Wounds healing up fast.
Fortunately the wounds were not too severe and Frank was back with his unit on the 14th September 1917. He rejoined them just in time to take part on the Third Battle of Ypres. On the 26th September 1917 Frank took part in his battalions action at Polygon Wood. Frank was again wounded by shrapnel in the leg and arm. He was again sent to the 18th General Hospital at Camiers. He was treated there for over a week and was the transferred to England on the 4th October 1917.
26 Sept Wednesday
Moved at 12.30am on to tape in front of ridge in position about 5am. Barrage opened at 5.5oam & we were over. I was hit about 7am near Polygon Wood. Algy Knapp & Horrie Thompson killed by same shell
27 Sept Thursday
Arrived at 18th General at Camiers 2am
28 Sept Friday
Nothing doing. Laying in bed. Leg wound most painful
29 Sept Saturday
Both wounds painful
30 Sept Sunday
Wounds more easy
1st October 1917 Monday
Piece removed from leg
2 October Tuesday
Marked for Blighty
3 Oct Wednesday
To leave for Blighty tonight
4 Oct Thursday
Left at 2am arrived at Calais about 8am. Left 11am arrived at Dover about 3.30pm very rough in Channel & was very sick
5 Oct Friday
Arrived at Aldershot at 2am. Wounds dressed & much easier.
On arrival in England Frank was sent to Cambridge War Hospital and he remained there till the 19th October 1917 when he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford. On the 31st October 1917 Frank was then transferred to No.2 Command Depot Camp at Weymouth. On the 19th November 1917 he was then transferred to No.4 Command Depot Camp at Hurdcott.
Frank was then transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade Camp at Longbridge Deverell on the 14th December 1917. On the 21st December 1917 he was then sent to the 13th Training Battalion for a Signallers course. He would spent the next five months in England on this signallers course. He passed the course with good marks.
Frank returned to France on the 14th May 1918 and was taken back on strength by the 51st Battalion on the 20th May 1918.
Frank served with the 51st Battalion for the remainder of the war, they were in the Villers-Bretonneux sector when he rejoined them.
1st June 1918 Saturday
Moved part of the way to the line. Rested in reserve trenches until night, then move up, Very little shell fire on the way. We went into reserve line, with C in support, and B & D in front line. We got in without a casualty. Took over from the 32nd.
2 June Sunday
We are in a decent dugout. But have to keep very quiet of a day as we are under observation
3 June Monday
Fritz is shelling on & off
4 June Tuesday
Things are livening up a bit
5 June Wednesday
Two Fritz Planes brought down. One, by one of our Planes & one by a machine gun.
6 June Thursday
Bakey went on leave
7 June Friday
Things are quiet today
8 June Saturday
We moved up to relieve B Coy. He is shelling us heavily. It is a miracle how we got in without casualitys. Gas is pretty thick & we have to use our masks. I not feeling too good
9 June Sunday
Am feeling very crook & cannot do my work. Have eaten nothing today
10 June Monday
Came out to see the Dr as I cannot (hold?) out any longer, Temp 102.4 Dr sent me back to rest Camp. Just got round cr in Corbie about 15. sec before 4 shells landed in the street, the concussion shaking the car.
11 June Tuesday
In the rest camp feeling very bad. Have Trench Fever on me again.
12 June Wednesday
Feeling better today. Had my first wash for six days
13 June Thursday
Harold Walker came down ill. The boys are coming down in dozens. Have lost all my gear
14 June Friday
Still in the rest camp
15 June Saturday
Turned out in the bush today. Pretty quiet today. Had no blanket & it was bitterly cold during the night. Five or six of us have to go without, while the O.M. & his cobbers have 4 or 5 each.
16 June Sunday
Done nothing today
17 June Monday
Batt came out of the line. Rejoined the coy about 7pm. Met Les Kuhl, Fred Thorn & Bob Gooch of 44th. Camped in the side of a bank along canal
18 June Tuesday
We are just on the right of Daours. Had a bath there
27 June Thursday
Relieved 15th Batt in support. C & D Coy in front line, B in reserve. Two Fritz planes brought down out on our lines, had to lie on our stomachs while repairing O.V. line. Fritz shelling our position at intervals
28 June Friday
Out on our lines, all in good order. Shelling us at intervals
29 June Saturday
Our lines in good order. Shelling on & off all night
30 June Sunday
Harold Walker & I went to check quarry with a party to unload Ammunition. Fritz threw 5 or 6 pineapple bombs into quarry while we were there, but no casualitys
1st July 1918 Monday
Lines in good order. Shelling at intervals, one killing Lamond & wounding Dick Addison, Smith & Stone.
2 July Tuesday
Had a break this morning in No. 2 line
3 July Wednesday
Relieved this morning by 43rd mixed with Yanks. Got out without a casuality. Came back to bank we were in before. Several Fritzs over. Two brought down. Yanks are very anxious
4 July Thursday
Had a bit of clean up etc. First wash since we left this bank. The boys went over the top this morning.
5 July Friday
Orders to stand to ready to go up the line again. Fritz dropped 4 bombs about 11pm 150 yds from us, killing 8 & wounding 4 of Tank Corps. 5 Officers killed.
6 July Saturday
Went for a bath.
Moved up into line, in part of Fritzs old line. Had to clear the trench of dead Fritzs & other rubbish.
7 July Sunday
Digging a possy as there are no decent ones here. Our wire laid today. Fritz is shelling the gullies on both sides of us. One of our plains (planes) down.
8 July Monday
Finished our possy today. I went to 49th H.Q for the night, saw Goldie. Rec three letters from Nellie & one from Father. Have had no sleep since coming in
9 July Tuesday
Quiet today. Fritz shelled pretty heavy during night & sent gas over. Very thundery & rained a little. Met Tom Morrell.
10 July Wednesday
Wrote No. 23 to Nellie. Raining today.
11 July Thursday
Quiet today. Relieved tonight. Had four wounded while in
12 July Friday
Returned to bank about 2am. Rested for the day. Moved to another possy near Geisy. Fritz over bombing.
13 July Saturday
Nuclus returned today. Received letter from Ernie with Photo of 10th L.H. Football team, enclosed
14 July Sunday
Went to Mass in Glisy. Had a bath this morning. Raining today. 2 of our balloons brought down. Wrote No. 10 to Ernie. Wrote to Herb & Bert Jones Froggies had a sports meeting.
15 July Monday
Wrote No. 24 to Nellie. Saw Fred Chapman at 28th Nuclus
16 July Tuesday
Out reading the lamp. Harold Walker hurt his knee. Our Planes brought some of Fritz’s balloons down
17 July Wednesday
Heavy thunderstorms today. Harold sent to hospital
18 July Thursday
Heavy thunderstorms today. Fritz pushed against the French & Yanks but met with little success
19 July Friday
French & Yanks made a counter blow near Soissons with success. Fritz dropped heavy bombs within 90 yds of us. Div of Yanks moving up today
20 July Saturday
Fritz balloon brought down in flames this morning. Heavy thunderstorms. Wrote to Sam Thompson
21 July Sunday
Went over to 44th & saw Fred Thorn, Bob Gooch & Rutherford
22 July Monday
At 4th Division Horse Races Col’s horse won first race. Met Bill Ward & a lot of others. Fritz got one of our balloons & we got 2 of his shortly after.
23 July Tuesday
Raining nearly all day. Cloudy tonight
24 July Wednesday
Col Christie had Batt parade & gave Medal Certificates won at Villers-Bretonneux. Hoping for some letters
25 July Thursday
Went for a swim in pool off the Somme. Listened to 2nd Div Artillery band. Gave our packs in
26 July Friday
To move up tonight. Move cancelled & our packs returned. Lt Charlton & Cpt Owen returned.
27 July Saturday
Received a letter from Ernie. Thunderstorms this afternoon. Fritz very busy bombing.
28 July Sunday
Went to Mass in Glisy
29 July Monday
Reading Lamp at Batt school
30 July Tuesday
On duty on phone etc. Went for swim in pool over railway heat Bowls. Had a walk round country. Watched Yanks play Baseball. Going to school in morning.
31 July Wednesday
Left Coy at 9am for School. Walked from B.H.Q. in Glisy to Bde H.Q. Rivery. Rode in Motor Van from Rivery to Bertoaucourt, passing through LaMarre, Sla Justice, St Sauveau, La Chausse, Fleauicourt, Ville La Hast, St Ouen & St Leger.
1st August 1918 Thursday
Started in the School. Passed reading in test. Went to St Leger in evening
2 August Friday
Raining today. 12th Div of Tommys moved from round here, going into line near Albert. We moved into other billets.
3 August Saturday
Another Tommy Div moved in. Raining today. Have not received our pay yet
4 August Sunday
Went to Mass in Berteaucourt. Payed 40 francs. 58th Division moved up
5 August Monday
Met Lewis & Dedrick on their way back to the Batt
6 August Tuesday
Heard Fritz raided our company wounding Cpt Aurousseau, Jack Fryer & Woods & 15 of the boys & killed 2. 8 taken prisoners. Met Reid & Tom Hill on their way back to the Batt. Sam actioned one of them.
7 August Wednesday
Playing cricket near the canal
8 August Thursday
Boys hopped over this morning. First news we have got is they are doing well with light casualties. Met Harold Walker on his way back
9 August Friday
Reported that the boys are making good progress. Wrote to Bill Ward
10 August Saturday
Had a reading test this morning. Played the 2nd Div Reinfts Wing cricket, they won. Lovely day today. Wrote No. 11 to Ernie. Boys are still making good progress
11 August Sunday
Walked to Halloy. Train load of Fritz prisoners’ went through St Leger, over 2,000.
12 August Monday
Still having good weather. The boys are still making good progress
13 August Tuesday
Met S.M. Mc Cormack on his way from the Batt to England & Aussie. He told us Sam Acton & 7 others had been taken prisoners. Played the Artillery cricket & won by an innings & 3 runs.
14 August Wednesday
Brawl in Rue between two froggy women
15 August Thursday
Great day in the village today.
16 August Friday
Lovely day. Went to Pictures at Pernois. No letters yet
17 August Saturday
Played Artillery cricket & they won by 23 runs. Wrote No. 26 to Nellie
18 August Sunday
Went to Mass. Met Keith McKenzie. Rec four letters from Nellie dated 13,16, 22 & 29th May & 2 from Father dated 16th & 30th May.
19 August Monday
Spent the night with Keith Mc Kenzie
20 August Tuesday
Met Gillbride on his way to the Batt. Wrote No. 27 to Nellie, wrote to Frankie (Frankie was his only son aged 8)
21 August Wednesday
Very hot. 4th Wing shifted up to Corbie
22 August Thursday
News is still encouraging. Went for swim behind Co-op. Very hot
23 August Friday
Had a lecture on Wireless
24 August Saturday
Went down a well to get a cat which fell down yesterday afternoon at Madame Cretel’s.
25 August Sunday
Went to Mass in Berteaucourt. Walked to St Ouen
20 August Monday
Had a sham stunt of signallers going over the top. I was on switch board of Bde Forward Party
28 August Wednesday
Had another signalling stunt. Visual signalling only being used. I was clerk at Bde H.Q. Was very showery which spoilt the day somewhat
29 August Thursday
On another visual stunt. Payed 30 francs
30 August Friday
Went to Domart. School has been extended another week. Madame Cretel made me herb tea
31 August Saturday
Had sports on flat & a good crowd of civilians attended. Ran 3rd in heat of 100yds & 4th in the final, ran 3rd in 220 & 3rd in the mile. My birthday today, am 29
1st September 1918 Sunday
Went to Mass in Berteaucourt. Wrote No.28 to Nellie. Went to St Ouen
2 Sept Monday
Boys are still doing well
3 Sept Tuesday
Had a smoke night & Euchre Party in St Leger hall. Had a pretty good night. A lot of the boys in fancy costume and people enjoyed themselves. Lovely weather
5 Sept Thursday
Weather still fine
6 Sept Friday
Boys are still progressing. Playing football this afternoon as we have nothing else to do
7 Sept Saturday
Still fine. Expect to leave for the Batt at anytime
8 Sept Sunday
Moving to Bray or Peronne tomorrow. Had some coffee & wine & pastry at Madame Cretel’s on account of us leaving
9 Sept Monday
Very wet today. Left Berteaucourt at 4pm marched through Pernois, Halloy to Canaples (at 5.30pm). Entrained at Canaples at 10.30pm. Salvaged a drum of Paraffin oil & sold it for 5 francs as we were all broke. Made a fire in an old house while waiting for train.
10 Sept Tuesday
Arrived at Rohans Camp near Amiens about 4.20am. Raining all the morning. Remained at Rohans Camp nearly all day. Entrained about 5 pm. Heard that Les Bower had been killed.
11 Sept Wednesday
Arrived at siding near Maricourt just after day break & detrained. Entrained about 8am & arrived at Bray, sur-Somme about 9.30am. Remaining at Bray until tomorrow. Went into La hauvelle. Several hundreds of prisoners went through.
12 Sept Thursday
Left Bray to march to Peronne (18kms) at 10am, raining heavily. Passed through Cappy & stopped at Herbecourt for lunch. Signs of the fighting in places. Arrived at Nucleus Camp near Peronne about 5pm stayed the night.
13 Sept Friday
Moved on to R.Q.M’s about 8 kms stopped for lunch. Very tired & rations very scarce. Mud very bad. Arrived at cookers & had a bit of stew. Attached to Batt H.Q.’s temporally. Heard that Bill Ward had been killed. (on 8th August 1918 at Mourcourt).
14 Sept Saturday
Rec 2 letters from Nellie, 1 from Father & 1 from Ernie. Took up line from B.H.Q. to Fd B.H.Q. Shifted our position to Rly (railway) bank. Layed a line to B Coy & salved (salvaged) some lines
15 Sept Sunday
Jack Prendergast had his right arm shot off. Boys went over the top this afternoon. The stunt has been a success, they have advanced 2,000 yds with fairly light casualties. R.S.M. badly hit with a bomb. Prisoners are mostly young.
16 Sept Monday
Our lines have held up very well, we have only had one run each since the stunt began yesterday. Out on a bad break this afternoon. Rec 2 letters from Nellie 21st & 24th June & one from Bert Jones 10th June. Relieved by the 48th BN
17 Sept Tuesday
Had to dig in when we got out. rained heavily during the night. Lot of movement towards the line. Have not had my boots off for 5 days. Still with Bn H.Q.’S. R.S.M. Cole died of his wounds
18 Sept Wednesday
Rec letter from Nellie dated 10th July, one from Father dated 26th June & one from Sam dated 10th July. Fritz over bombing heavily. One of his planes brought down last night. Big stunt on this morning. Good No. of prisoners coming in
19 Sept Thursday
Moved forward again & just got possies made & had to move forward again. Got soaking wet laying a line to Bde finishing about 2am. Had to sleep rest of night in wet clothes. Fritz bombing a lot. Raining all night
20 Sept Friday
Night fairly quiet with exception of Artillery. Salsing wire. Fritz over bombing, one brought down in flames just near us. Not far from Vermand. St Quentin church with our view
21 Sept Saturday
Moving back today. Left Rly bank about 12.15pm & marched to camp just outside Tincourt. Camped here for the night. Have a march of 14 kilometers tomorrow. Went over & saw Norman Goldsworthy & Tiny Ludlow
22 Sept Sunday
Marched from camp at Tincourt past Bussa & through Peronne & past Mt St Quentain, to west of Peronne & dug in, in side of hill near Canal. Got our packs back here. Raining this afternoon, Nuclus joined us again
23 Sept Monday
Remained here all today. Wrote No. 29 to Nellie. Capt Owen & several Sgts gone to Yanks. Bill Bakey, Curly Eldridge & myself returned to the Coy
24 Sept Tuesday
Revellie at 4 am, Lovely day. Left our camp near Peronne & motored to Quignemicourt near Amiens. Passing Mairu Lamote, Villiers-Bretenneux, Glisy & Amiens, arrived about 3 pm. This is a rotten village
25 Sept Wednesday
Changed our Billet this morning. Received a letter from Ernie. Sibly went on leave. Got new pair of boots
26 Sept Thursday
Fine day today. Not allowed out of village. Received parcel from Aunt May. Wrote to Aunt May. Went to Bovelles & Ferries. Bill Gillmour broke his ankle
27 Sept Friday
Wrote No. 12 to Ernie. Wrote to Sam, wrote to Bert Jones. We are very tied up, as we are not allowed out of our own village, & are only allowed a 5 mile radius on pass.
28 Sept Saturday
Amiens is about six miles away but is strictly out-of-bounds. Rec news of Bulgaria surrender. Met Wagga’s nephew. Got new breeches. Went and got some timber with Baden Julian to make crosses for Wagga & Monty Davis. They are buried at Crouy about 14 klms from here. News is good by today’s paper
29 Sept Sunday
Len Morgan & Jack Stutchbury went to Divy school. Bill Lewis went to Bde School. Bitterly cold today. Two birds got out of the clink
30 Sept Monday
Wrote to Father & Herb. Very cold. Armistice signed with Bulgaria. Bill Bakey & I looking after phone from 8am to 10pm. Cannot get out.
1st Oct 1918 Tuesday
Went for a bath. Reinforcements joined up. Fine today. Jock North went on leave. Mr Woods returned from wounds
2 Oct Wednesday
Wrote No. 30 to Nellie. Wrote to Nellie’s mother. Wrote to Edgar
3 Oct Thursday
Lovely day today. 2nd Div went over the top today, & done well. Gus Keiley returned from the Yanks
4 Oct Friday
Received word of Turkey’s surrender. Boys quite excited about it. Payed Horrie Wig 19 francs for Christmas Cards.
5 Oct Saturday
Wrote No. 13 to Ernie. Wrote No. 31 to Nellie. Batt sports at Bovelles. Received a letter from Ernie 4-9-18. Report of Turkey surrendering turns our to be a wrong report
6 Oct Sunday
Walked to Crouy to put Monty Davis & Waggas crosses up. Carried the crosses over 16 kils. Found Monty’s grave but could not find Wagga’s. Left the cross with Bill More of 16th. Rode from Picquignay to Amiens by motor & walked from Amiens home, 9kl. 'Wagga' aka Cyril Gast had died of wounds on the 26th April 1918 and was buried at Longpre-Les-Saints British Cemetery and Monty Davies was buried at Crouy British Cemetery.
7 Oct Monday
Very tired today. News still good in the paper. Capt Aurousseau returned.
8 Oct Tuesday
Bitterly cold this morning. Cambrai fell this morning
9 Oct Wednesday
Brigade sports 51st got 3 firsts & 3 seconds in events for cup. Had a good day’s outing. Our Batt won the cup with 34 points.
10 Oct Thursday
Received Nellie’s parcel. Sid Biglow returned. Some of the boys were out all night, having got a bit fuddled & lost their way after dark.
11 Oct Friday
Sibley returned from leave. Things are still going well on the fronts.
12 Oct Sat
A route march. Very wet afternoon & night. No letters yet, some of the boys have got them up to the 20th Aug.
14 Oct Monday
Rec a letter from Edgar (Beard). Harold Walker & Vic Carter returned. Ice on the water this morning
15 Oct Tuesday
Billy Hughes spoke to the boys. Sent Cards to Frankie & Nancy. (his two children back in Australia, Nancy he had never seen).
16 Oct Wednesday
Rec five letters 21st& 30th July from Nellie. 26th July from Bert Jones, 24th from Father. 1st Aug from Wag’s sister. Started to work for Pay Sgt on pay books. Met Jack Godwin
17 Oct Thursday
Working on new Pay books with Tom Morrell & Norman Donegan. Wrote to Bert Jones. Lille & Ostend fell to our fellows.
18 Oct Friday
Working on Pay Books. Lovely day & night but cold
19 October Saturday
On Pay Books. C Coy beat A at Football. We got Zeebruzze & Bruges
20 Oct Sunday
Went to Mass in Guignemicourt. Raining today. Wrote 33 to Nellie
21 Oct Monday
Working on Pay Books. News still good.
22 Oct Tuesday
Working on Pay Books
23 Oct Wednesday
On Pay books. Payed 10 francs
24 Oct Thursday
Still working on Pay Books
25 Oct Friday
Boxing at Aerodrome in Bovells. Went to “Smart Set”
26 Oct Saturday
Working on Pay Books. 51st played 50th Aust Game & won 7-6 to 4-6. 51st Soccer beat Bde Engineers 3-0. 51st 2nd Soccer beat 49th 2-1
27 Oct Sunday
Erected Wagga’s cross today. Got a Bike from Harry Everett & rode to Longpre. Going through Bovells, Picquigny (picked the cross up her) Crouy, Hangeat, to Longpre returning via Le-coie, Flexicourt, St Ouen, Berteaucourt, Vignacourt, Picquigny & Bovells, travelling 40 odd Kilos in all. Met F. Abberly & G. White
28 Oct Monday
Lovely day. Won a flannel out of the comfort funds
29 Oct Tuesday
News good today. Lovely day. Wrote No. 34 to Nellie
30 Oct Wednesday
51st beat the Engineers 8-10 to 2-4. 51st beat the Engineers 2-1 at soccer. Wrote to Herb
31 Oct Thursday
Inspection of Brigade by McLachlan. He damped the boys’ spirits by telling them that there was a likely hood of them having to go in the line again shortly
1st November 1918 Friday
Received word that Turkey has given in & hostilities ceased at 12 yesterday. Received new over the phone that Austria has signed with Italy. Lovely day. It is marvellous weather.
2nd November Saturday
51st beat Engineers 11-11 to 1-1. 51st drew with 49th Rugby. 49th beat 51st 4-1 soccer.
3 November Sunday
Still on Pay Books. Very cold today. No letters yet although another mail has arrived some of them being dated 20th Sept. Sent my old Diary home. Wrote to Sam
4 November Monday
Went to Cavillion for Pay books. Met G. Richardson & F. Abberly. Div Boxing this afternoon. No letters.
5 November Tuesday
Payed 10 francs. Finals of Boxing. 51st won heavy weight & featherweight & 2nd in lightweight. 15th Bn. Won welter & light heavyweight 14th won middle weight & light weight. Hearne won the bantam. Wrote to Nellie No. 35
6 November Wednesday
Very wet today. Len & Jack Stutchbury returned
7 November Thursday
News good today. No letters yet
8 Nov Friday
On Route march through Bovells. Seux Fluy & Pissy. Moving up tomorrow
9 November Saturday
Lovely day. 48th Bn beat us 6-10 to 3-5. Rec the 12 & 13th Aug from Nellie & 1 from Father
10 November Sunday
Moving today. Left Guignemicourt at 11.30am arrived Ailly–sur-somme at 1.45pm. Entrained at 3.30pm Left Ailly at 4.30pm passed through Amiens at 5.10pm
11 November Monday
Passed through Peronne during the night arrived at St Quentin at day break. It is bitterly cold. Left St Quentin at 9 am. Arrived at Roisel at 1pm. Camped at Roisel over-night. Armistice reported to be signed
12 November Tuesday
Remained at Roisel all day, went to pictures. Armistice signed Sunday night.
13 November Wednesday
Leaving this morning. Bitterly cold. Entrained on light Rly & left Roisel at 10am, passed through Rellicourt, Jonnecourt & detrained at Bancow at 1 pm. Marched to Fresnoy. Passed through the Hindenburg Line. Dead horses, guns ammunition & graves strewn all along. Counted 19 horses on one acre of ground. Camping in one of Fritz prison camps. Reported that the 1st & 4th Divisions are on their way to the Rhine. Bitterly cold this morning but a lovely day. Are overcrowded more like cattle than men. No water to wash your face with. C.O. told us this morning we were waiting for the rest of the Divy & then we would proceed to the German border, probably the East bank of the Rhine. Heard that the Crown Price had been shot. Went with Len Morgan to Bohain 3-5 kms from here. It is a town much like Bailleul.1st Divy is billeted there. Big Aussie mail in tonight, but as usual there were no letters for me. Brown taken away seriously ill. 51st beat the 50th by 5 points.
15 November Friday
Bitterly cold again this morning. Went for a Route march through Bohain & Seboncourt. They knocked about but not as badly as most places we have seen lately. The civilians look very poor & half starved. 46th 51st 3-5 to 1-7. 4th Bde arrived today, Whole Divy here now
16 November Saturday
Met Jock Davies, Ted Wimp, King, Jack Nyman.
17 November Sunday
Went for bath at 8am. Bitterly cold. Some of our prisoners have got back & look wreaks, covered with sores & dressed in all sorts of clothes. More mail in tonight none for me. Met Ernie Abberly
18 November Monday
Col told us we were going to Germany...Snowing today. Wrote No. 37 to Nellie. 51st beat 16th 3-7 to 3-5. Some Aussie prisoners came back they have had a very rough time. Mines going up all round the district. Rly Engine blown up & rolled down the bank. No letters tonight.
19 November Tuesday
Went for Route march through Bancourt & Montbrehein. 50th beat the 10th 6-5 to 4-8. Gentle was made a Major. Some of the 47th Bn came back from Germany.
21 November Thursday
Started to march to Germany. Revielly at 5am. Left Tresnoy at 8am, passing through Bohain, Molain, Vaux Andigny, St Martin, arriving at St Souplet where remained from 12 noon. Covered 10 miles. It is a lovely day. Passed a lot of prisoners on their way back. Camped in old Flour mill. Our guns & Fritz all along the road. Lovely weather for marching. Harold Walker evacuated on account of his knee. Sibley hit in the back by aeroplane & sent to hospital.
22 November Friday
Left St Souplet at 9am passing through St Benin, Le Cateau Basuel, Ors arriving at Favril at 4.30pm. Le Cateau is a big town a lot of Fritz’s gun on the road also a good many graves. The buildings are not badly knocked about round Favril. Covered 14 miles or more today. Had dinner on the road. Billeted in a barn.
23 November Saturday
Left Favril at 8.30am passed through the outskirts of Prishes & La Vallee arriving at Grand Fayt at 10.30am. Billeted over a house. Are right on the border now & appear to have passed right out of the fighting zone. Roads were very bad today. Travelled 5 miles today
24 November Sunday
Bitterly cold this morning. Had to wash in the Sambre which is a running stream here. The people here have had every thing of use taken from them by the Hun. Could do (with) a good feed, rations are not too good. Have had no mail for nearly a week. A mail arrived but none for me. The boys played the officers, football & beat them badly. The British army is feeding the civilians round this zone.
25 November Monday
Moving on today & it is raining. Left Grand Fayt at 9.30am & marched through Petit Fayt, Cartignies & Boulogne, stopping just outside for lunch. After lunch we passed through Cantraine Etroeungt & Semeries, arriving at Sains about 3.30pm. Are billeted in a big factory which has been stripped of all machinery. There are a good number of inhabitants here. Fritz has blown up all bridges & road junctions. All crossing are tempory. He has been out of here just about a fortnight, all his signboards are still up. We marched over 12 miles today. Making 40 odd miles we have marched since leaving Fresnoy. Fritz has used this factory as a Hospital. The inhabitants tell us that about 50 girls went away with Fritz by their own free will. Hoinville fell in the reservoir
26 November Tuesday
Left Sains at 9.30am & marched through Ramousies, Liessies, Willies Eppe-Sauvage. Marched through a forest for about 5 miles. Crossed the Border into Belgique at 2pm, arriving at Sivry at 3.30pm. Fritz has been hard pushed through here as guns, limbers & wagons are lying all along the road. A good many motor Lorries have been burnt & he has felled trees across the road all the way through the forest. The roads are very muddy. I was on rear-guard again today.
27 November Wednesday
Cleaned up the billets, which are the dirtiest I have struck yet. Sent the Christmas cards away. Wrote to Sam.
28 November Thursday
Rained all day. Big paper mail in, no mail for me
29 November Friday
Received a parcel from Nellie & 2 letters from Ernie one dated 19-7-18 & one 12-10-18. Wrote to Ernie No. 15. Wrote to Bert Jones
30 November Saturday
No mail today. Inspection of equipment prior to any of the boys leaving for home.. Bob Christie told us what was being done to get us home.
1st December 1918 Sunday
Went for walk round the town. 4 Pioneers beat 51st. Teams are very funny round here. Bullocks of all sizes. Donkeys & dogs are used & most of the wagons are only about 18 inches from the ground.. Hay returned today. Cocky Ross also returned.
2 December Monday
Rec a letter from Father dated 4 September.
3 December Tuesday
No bread today only biscuits. Dolly Dalton & Hec McDonald left for England on their way home. 49th are on strike
4 December Wednesday
Len Morgan evacuated. Had a bath. Payed 20 francs. Bought Nellie a lace collar
5 December Thursday
Went out with Bill Lewis & Lawrie taking photos. Took a couple of a gun marking spot where the Tommys were on the road between Sivry & Sivry Rly Station at the time hostilities ceased at 11am on 11th November. 51st Beat 50th 10-8 to 5-4. Got a pair of clogs as a souvenir
6 December Friday
Rec 4 letters today, two from Nellie dated 15th & 22nd Sept, one from Sam & one from Bert Jones. Dance at the Town Hall among the boys. They had a good time, it was very rough.
7 December Saturday
Sgt Lake & Blackwood went to Horseferry Rd. 51st beat Pioneers 10-15 to 3-4. Sent the clogs, a lace collar & some coins to Nellie in a parcel. Wrote No. 39 to Nellie in which I enclosed several notes.
8 December Sunday
Wrote to Bert Jones. Wrote to Sam. Glorious day. 13th Bde (combined) beat 51st 4-10 to 4-8. Boys kicked up at the dance held at Town Hall. Wrote No. 16 to Ernie.
9 December Monday
Bill Bakey, Horrie Sear, Noel Lawrence, & I went to Rance. Passed some very nice scenery on the way.
10 December Tuesday
Jock North evacuated today. Wrote to Father.Wrote to Sam Thompson
11 December Wednesday
Combined Bde beat 51st 5-5 to 4-4. Raining nearly all day
12 December Thursday
Raining today. Moving forward tomorrow
13 December Friday
Left Sivry at 9am. Passing Gare de Sivry & through Renlies, Verginlies, Erpion & Bousser les Walcourt, arriving at Silonrieuse about 3pm where we remained the night. Country we marched through very hill & pretty with plenty of cattle which Fritz had to leave. 12 ½ miles.
14 December Saturday
Left Silenrienx at 8.30am, follow main road passing Daussois & Philiippeville leaving main rd at Philippeville & passing Hemplinne & St Aubin, arriving at Florennes at 2pm. Florennes is a big town with big shops. Country very hilly & pretty. Marched 12 miles.
15 December Sunday
Left Folrennes at 7.30am & passed Corenne, Flavian & arrived at Falvian at 12 noon. Billeted in convent for the night. Spent a couple of hours with Lawry, Bill Lewis & Harry, with the Mother Superior.
16 December Monday
Left Falaen at 9am & passed through Sommiere & arrived at Bovienes on the Maese. We have rotten billets. Raining on & off. This place is situated right in a valley & is very picturesque. Passed 20 odd Fritz Aeroplanes on our way in. Walked into Dinant in the afternoon. Over 600 civilians were shot, in Dinant. Dinant has been a very pretty place but a great number of the fine buildings burnt or otherwise destroyed. We have got a private billet. Big mail arrived but I was unlucky.
17 December Tuesday
Raining nearly all day. Went & had a look at Fritz’s planes. 23 fighters & 1 night bomber. Climbed to top of old Fort built hundreds of years ago. Hundreds of trench mortars handed over by Fritz, along wall near Dinard Rly Station. No letters for me tonight.
18 December Wednesday
Raining again today. Met Geo. Richardson. Rec four letters, two from Nellie dated 10 & 23 Oct. One from Father & one from Bert Jones & a photo of Les’s grave from Ernie.
19 December Thursday
Rec letter from Ernie dated the 22-11-18. Wrote No. 40 to Nellie. Wrote No. 17 to Ernie
20 December Friday
Raining all day. Went to D.P.M.
21 December Saturday
Fine today but very dull. Prince of Wales passed along the streets & walked through the billet (yesterday). Went to Dinant & crossed the river by the Rly Bridge. Rec a letter from Jock.
22 December Sunday
Payed 40 francs. Rained in the evening
23 December Monday
Wrote to Bert Jones. One of the 49th fell in the lock & was drowned. Went for a bath. Bought some P.C.’s (postcards) & a picture for Nellie. Dido Wright & Fred Graham returned. Wrote to Herb. Had a feed of Pastry.
24 December Tuesday
Lovely day but cold. Wrote No. 41, Sent Les’s grave Photo & P.C’s. to Nellie. Bluey Wade went to Namur. Comforts fund parcels arrived.
25 December 1918 Wednesday CHRISTMAS DAY
Went & had a look over the Fort. It was built in 1040 & changed hands several times, being sold for 8,000 francs & re-bought for 42,000f. The Kaiser visited it in April 1916. It has 408 steps up to it on the river side, also has great dark dungeons which we went through. There were two big fights for the fort, one on the 15th & 23rd of August 1414. We had Christmas Dinner at 4pm in the factory & a dance was held in C Coys factory. It was a lovely day.
26 December Thursday
Very quiet. Went in to Dinant
27 December Friday
Very cold today & wet. Oscar Foan returned.
28 December Saturday
Horrie Wig, Gus Keily, Pat Doran, Jack Matthews & several others left for home. Raining again today. I went on the Storeman’s job with Bill Davis as Q.M.
29 December Sunday
Nothing doing today
30 December Monday
Pay day 20F
31 December Tuesday
New Years Eve. Very quiet Am just about broke.
1st January 1919 Wednesday
Very quiet but fine day. 11 Fritz’s escaped from Charleroi.
2 January Thursday
Rec a letter from Nellie dated Sept 3rd. Started in Book-keeping.
3 January Friday
We got 3 beds from old Fritz Hospital. Wrote No.1 to Nellie
4 January Saturday
Harold Walker, Jock North, Len Morgan & Jack Stuchbury returned from the Base
5 January Sunday
River rose during the night washing the remains of the foot-bridge away.
6 January Monday
River rose still further making about 6ft in all. The 1915 men up to 1st Nov warned to start for Aussie tomorrow. Went for a bath Went to Dance in C Coys old billet.
7 January Tuesday
Went into Annee, where there is an old Fritz rail head. Got some souvenirs. Lovely day, like Spring. Nick Carter & about 30 others to go home on Thursday. Jack Stuchbury transferring to 28th tomorrow. Lovely day.
8 January Wednesday
Lovely day. Jack Stuchbury went to the 28th. I moved over to the house, Lock, Harold & Len are in
9 January Thursday
53 boys left for Aussie this morning. Harold went Batt Butcher. Cossum, Castles, Stubbings, Mears, Self, Standage, Cpl Whitmore, Monteath, Tony Bell, Nick Carter & Salter, left from our Coy for Aussie.
10 January Friday
Lovely day. No mail today
11 January Saturday
Lovely day. River going down
12 January Sunday
Rec 3 letters from Nellie one dated 30th Oct, one the 7th & 16th Nov. Wrote No. 2 to Nellie
13 January Monday
Payed 30 franc
14 January Tuesday
Rec a letter from Ernie dated 5-12-18. Posted parcel to Nellie
15 January Wednesday
Lovely day. Had our Photos taken, of those that remain of the 7th. Wrote to Sam Phillips.
16 January Thursday
Dance tonight
17 January Friday
Bill Shortland boxed Mick McAppion. The funniest thing I have ever seen in a ring. McAppion is a finished boxer, Bill The Goose knows nothing about it. Mc Appion counted out in 7th Rd. & Bill presented with a medal. The medal is a bucksheath. One left from the swimming carnival we had while at La Houssie in May last.
18 January Saturday
Went to the farm where the old man works
19 January Sunday
Went along river saw some barges go through the locks. Went on the barge Wesser Boom & spent the afternoon. A draft of 65 leaving for home tomorrow morning. Got Photos today.
20 January Monday
65 of the boys left on their way to Aussie. We played B Coy football & they won by 2 points.
21 January Tuesday
Having lovely weather, have had no rain for nearly a week. Pretty cold this morning.
22 January Wednesday
Canteen got some Fritz wine & cigars. The boys had a lively evening on it. Bill Lewis left for a job in London.
23 January Thursday
Snowing this morning.
24 January Friday
Mc Cubbing came back. Comforts Fund issue.
25 January Saturday
H. Sear went to Ailly. Bitterly cold.
26 January Sunday
Noel Lawrence went on leave to Blighty. Rosendale came back. Snowing this afternoon.
27 January Monday
Lock, North, went to Charleroi on a printing job. Has been snowing all night. Another list came out for Australia. Bill Davis is going. Got 20 photos of the war to be sent home. Had the £1- entered in the pay-book. Payed 30/- today. Boxing tournament this afternoon.
28 January Tuesday
Wrote to Nellie No. 3. Big draft leaving tomorrow. I am starting in the P.O. tomorrow.
29 January Wednesday
80 of the boys left today. I started in the Batt P.O.
30 January Thursday
A & B Coys combined today, & C & D. Horrie Sear returned.
31 January Friday
Got a letter from Lock. Sent his pay book on to him.
1st February 1919 Saturday
Snowing heavily this morning. Wrote to Bert Jones.
2 February Sunday
Tobogganing on the snow. One kiddie broke his wrist.
3 February Monday
Air mail today, none for me.
4 February Tuesday
This place is very dead enough to drive a man mad..
5 February Wednesday
Snowing heavily today.
6 February Thursday
Several have broken their legs Tobogganing
8 February Saturday
Very cold this morning, coldest we have had this winter.
9 February Sunday
Bitterly cold again
One fellow broke both his legs & is not expected to live.
10 February Monday
Tons of ice floating down the river.
11 February Tuesday
One of 50th fellows got into the river some how & was found frozen this morning. Picks had to be used to get him out of the ice. Still Tons going down.
12 February Wednesday
Sent a parcel to Nellie with P.C.’s of Brussels, Aeroplane Photo & crucifix.
13 February Thursday
Still very cold No mail from Aussie yet. Still tons of ice going down the river.
14 February Friday
Not so cold today, raining in the evening. Three babies found in the Meuse, in boxes. Got a new tunic.
15 February Saturday
Roads very slippery, horses have great difficulty in keeping their feet.
16 February Sunday
Masked Ball in the factory. Tully won first prize.
17 February Monday
Went for a bath. Much milder today
18 February Tuesday
Drew ₤10- out of my book. River rose a lot during the night.
19 February Wednesday
Did not get away to Brussels as I expected.
20 February Thursday
Got seven letters from Nellie & two from Father. Got our passes for tomorrow.
21 February Friday
Left at 6.30am for Namyr, arrived at 7.30am. Left Namur at 1.30pm arrived at Brussels at 4 pm. Madam Sagot met us at the station.
On the 21st February 1919 Frank went on leave to Brussels, then from the 30th March to 13th April he was on leave in the UK. Frank then returned to France and rejoined his unit. He was only back for a short time as on the 29th April 1919 Frank returned to England and was sent to No.4 Command Depot Camp at Hurdcott.
22 February Saturday
Went to Antwerp arriving at 11am returning to Brussels at 6pm
23 February Sunday
Went to Mass in Brussels Cathedral, it is a fine church. Visited the Antwerp Cathedral while there. It is the largest in Belgium. Visited the Hotel de Ville after Mass. Had a look round Brussels in the afternoon, going to the top of the Column of Congress & the Palace of Justice & several other fine buildings of note.
24 February Monday
Went all through the Palais De Justice & had a look at Brussels from the dome which is reached by spiral stairway of which there are 525 steps. Went to the Cinema.
25 February Tuesday
Madam Sagot went to Bouvignes at 6am on one of her fortnightly visits, leaving the girls to show us round. Went to the Opera, the singing was good, also the music. It is a great Theatre.
26 February Wednesday
Had another look round Brussels. Went for a walk with Mr Sagot in the evening.
27 February Thursday
Looking round Brussels again. Went to the Palais etc in the evening. Madam returned from Bouvignes this evening.
28 February Friday
Harold & I went out alone for a few hours. Went for a walk in the evening.
1st March 1919 Saturday
Harold & I went with one of the girls in the morning. Had a look at some of the bigger parks & the gun with which Fritz bombarded Paris. The more you see, the finer the city seems. Went to Mdm Gosset’s sisters.
2 March Sunday
Went for a swim in the Baths with boys, to Mass afterwards. Went out with Mr Sagot in the evening.
3 March Monday
Left Brussels at 6 am, arrived at Namur 7.40 am. Left Namur 7.45 arrived at Dinart at 9.50am. A draft left for Aussie just as we arrived back. Wrote No. 5 to Nellie.
4 March Tuesday
Len left for England this morning.
5 March Wednesday
Wet & cold today.
6 March Thursday
49th Batt left this morning.
7 March Friday
50th Batt & Engineers left this morning. I went to Onhae. We leave tomorrow morning
8 March Saturday
Left Bouvignes with transport at 8.30am arrived at Denee at 12.30pm. Very small village.
9 March Sunday
Left Denee at 9.30am, passed through St Gerard & Fosse & arrived at Le Roux at 12.30pm. this is a very small dirty village & the boys are very dissatisfied. Rec a letter from Nellie dated 21st Jan.
10 March Monday
Rec three letters from Nellie dated 27th Dec, 2nd & 9th Jan & one from Father dated 30th Dec. Rec a letter from A.I.F. Hqrs telling me Ernie had left for home.
11 March Tuesday
Wrote No. 6 to Nellie
12 March Wednesday
Wrote to Len
13 March Thursday
Lock came over from Charleroi.
14 March Friday
Lovely day today. Mick went to Bouvignes.
15 March Saturday
Barney & I went to Aisemont
16 March Sunday
I went to Charleroi. Stayed with Lock for the night.
17 March Monday
Returned to Le Roux. Rec two letters from Nellie, dated 11th & 15th Jan, also one from Sam Phillips written in Tasmania & one from Len. Nellie’s contained a number of cuttings.
18 March Tuesday
Wrote No. 7 to Nellie. Go for a walk every night.
19 March Wednesday
Lovely day but bitterly cold this morning.
20 March Thursday
Wrote to Sam. Snowing today & very cold
21 March Friday
12 months today the harriers race started. What a change since then. Mick & Barney went to Bouvignes.
22 March Saturday
Snowing again today. Not a sound to be heard & not a sole to speak to tonight. This is a rotten life if ever there was one & I am in a rotten mood. Some of the fellows who came back to France after me are going on leave tomorrow, I can’t go as I have not the money. Barney & Mick arrived back about 11pm.
23 March Sunday
Duffield came over from the 32nd Bn. Frank Ralph came back from Div Guard. Payed 20/- today. Barney & I went to Devant-des-Bois & Busme.
24 March Monday
Nancy’s (2nd) Birthday. Snowing this morning. Very cold & windy all day. Examined by Dr today.
25 March Tuesday
Snowing again, bitterly cold all day.
26 March Wednesday
Wrote to Len & Ernie. Wrote No. 8 to Nellie
27 March Thursday
The worst day we have had since coming to Le Rouse.
28 March Friday
Went to D.P.M. Left for Blighty. Leave at 2pm arrived Charleroi 4pm. Caught Leave train at 12pm from Charleroi
29 March Saturday
Passed through Mons, Lille, Armentiers, Steenweerk, Bailuell, Hazezebrook, St Omer & arrived at Calais at 6.30pm. Went to Rest Camp.
30 March Sunday
Up at 5.30am. Left Rest Camp at 7.45am. Embarked at 8.15am, left at 9.15am, arrived Folkestone 10.45am. Arrived in London at 1.45pm. Got a change & payed. Went to see Len in evening. Stayed at Earl Robert’s Rest House Kings Cross.
31 March Monday
Met Len at 1pm, also met Milberry, Les Kuhl, E Miller, Gustg White & Geo. Wylie.
1st April 1919 Tuesday
Left Kings Cross at 5 am & passed through Grantham, Newark, Retford, arrived at Doncaster about 9 am. Spent the day in Doncaster visiting Harold’s Aunts. Left Doncaster at 7.50pm, arrived at Leeds at 8.45pm. Went to Harold’s Uncle’s.
2 April Wednesday
Visited Guiseby & walked over the moors to Ilkley which is a very pretty place. Had a good look round Ilkley. Returned from Ilkley at 6.30, arrived at Leeds at 7.25pm. Weighed 10st 9lbs today.
3 April Thursday
Went to York today, which is 25 miles from Leeds. It is a very old city & has a city wall which we walked right round. Went to “Jack in the Box” at the Empire in the evening
4 April Friday
Went to Harrogale & looked round the City, it is a very pretty place also a holiday resort. Left Harrogale at 2.30pm for Knaresborough. Returned to Leeds at 7.30pm. Went to the Hippodrome in the evening.
5 April Saturday
Went for a walk over Adel Moor & to a show in the afternoon & to “Nothing but the Truth” in the evening.
6 April Sunday
Left Leeds for Manchester at 9 am, passed through Halifax & Todmorden, arrived at Manchester at 12 midday. Manchester is a fine city & has a great number of Theatres. Arrived back at Leeds at 10.40pm.
7 April Monday
Went to Roundhay Park & to the Empire in the evening.
8 April Tuesday
Had a look at the Canadian War Pictures. Went to see “Discharged with Honour” in the afternoon & to the “Southern Maid” in the evening.
9 April Wednesday
Had a look round Leeds. Went to see “Petticoat Fair” at the Hippodrome
10 April Thursday
Left Leeds at 9.20am arrived at Doncaster at 10.10am. Had dinner & tea with Harold’s Aunt & went to a show with his cousins in the evening & to the racecourse in afternoon.
11 April Friday
Left Doncaster at 10.20am & arrived at Kings Cross at 2.15pm. Went to Victoria & then met Len at War Chest. 350 A.L.H. arrived from Egypt on a months leave. Slept at Kings Cross.
12 April Saturday
Went to Queen’s Park to a Party with Len. Slept at C.W.L.
13 April Sunday returning to France
Left Victoria at 6.30am, arrived at Folkestone at 8.30 & Calais at 11am. Remained at Rest Camp. Went into Calais after tea.
14 April Monday
Left Calais at 9 am & passed through Bailleul Lille.
15 April Tuesday
Arrived at Charleroi at 7.30am. Met the draft Harold & I should have been on, on their way to Blighty. Joined the Batt at Aiseem about 10.30am. Rec 2 letters from Nellie, one dated the 1 st & one the 12th Feb. Wrote No. 9 to Nellie.
16 April Wednesday
Things very quiet. Went through board today.
17 April Thursday
Sent a parcel of P.C.’s to Nellie
18 April Friday
Lovely day today
19 April Saturday
Another fine day.
20 April
Easter Sunday, went to Mass in Aiseau Church. Draft leaves tomorrow morning
21 April Monday
Easter Monday. Left Aiseau at 10am & arrived at Charleroi in evening, very crowded. Fire at a cinema, 4 killed.
22 April Tuesday
Medical inspection. Met Les Haining.
23 April Wed
Entrained at 9 am & left Charleroi 9.30am. arrived at Mons at 1 pm, left at 2 pm. Arrived at Somain at 5.40pm. Passed Douai about 7 pm & Arras at dusk. Passed Amiens during night.
24 April Thursday
Arrived at Rohans Camp about 7 am. Arrived at Harlfuer at 3pm. Had a bath & got a clean change. Handed in our equipment, thank God we are finished with that.
25 April Friday ANZAC DAY
Sent to Hospital as having scabies & returned in a couple of hours. Sports for Anzac Day just near the camp. Boxing & wrestling at the stadium. Aussie beat a Yank & Aussie & Yank drew no falls after 30mins wrestling. Aussies had 2 draws & 3 wins in boxing.
26 April Saturday
Wrote to Nellie No. 10. Went to Lecture on Demobln & Pictures after. Went into Harfleur.
27 April Sunday
Raining today.
28 April Monday
Raining & bitterly cold. No. 39 Quota left for Blighty. Saw a Picture show & 2 concerts in one sitting.
29 April Tuesday
Left the Base at 1 pm. Left Le Harve at 3.30pm, arrived Southhampton Rds about 11pm. Remained in Rds all night.
30 April Wednesday (RETURNED TO ENGLAND)
Pulled into wharf at 7 am. Disembarked at 7.45am & entrained & left Southampton at 11am, arrived at Fovant at 1.10pm. Arrived in No. 11 camp at 2 pm. Met a lot of the other boys.
1st May 1919 Thursday
Inoculated for the Flu
He then had to wait to be assigned a berth on a troopship home. This didn't happen for a few weeks.
20 May Tuesday
Hawker reported to have got within 30 miles of Ireland. Left London for Salisbury at 6.10am & arrived 9.45am & at camp at 10.15pm, we are sorted into States. Rec five letters from Nellie 4, 7, 11, 15 & 24th of March.
21 May Wednesday
Wrote No.12 to Nellie. Rest of 13th Bde arrived from France. W.A. Boys of 19 & 25 Quota have been kept back while all the Eastern States boys have gone.
22 May Thursday
Lovely day, a bit warm. Nothing to do to fill in time.
23 May Friday
Advance guard for No. 19 & 25 left for Bremen. This is murder waiting with nothing to occupy our time.
24 May Saturday
Rec a letter dated 3rd April from Nellie. Met Ernie Abberly
25 May Sunday
Weather still lovely. This life is murder. We are in bed before dark every night & do little else but sleep of a day.
26 May Monday
News received of Hawker being safe.
27 May Tuesday
Rec a letter from Nellie dated 10th April. Hawker arrived in London & received a great reception.
28 May Wednesday
Wrote No. 14 to Nellie
29 May Thursday
Still lovely weather, races at Salisbury today.
30 May Friday
Races again today
31 May Saturday
Still lovely weather. Heard an account by Sgt MacKenzie
1st June 1919 Sunday
350 W.A. Boys left today for the Somalia
2 June Monday
30 Quota left today.
3 June Tuesday
19 & 25 Quota W.A. Boys left this afternoon.
4 June Wednesday
Wrote No. 15 to Nellie. Derby run today & won by Grand Parade, Buchan 2, Paper Money 3.
5 June Thursday
Still lovely weather
6 June Friday
7 June Sat. 35 Quota put back 5 days after getting ready to go, their kit bags having already gone.
8 June Sunday
Rec 2 letter from Nellie 17th & 22nd April
9 June Monday
Wrote No. 16 to Nellie
10 June Tuesday
Eastern States boat roll came out today. W.A. left out again. W.A. Boys had a meeting protesting against treatment of W.A. boys. Deputation of 8 sent up to see Brig for something definite.
11 June Wednesday
Wrote No. 17 to Nellie
12 June Thursday
On boat roll to sail on 21st on Kongen Luise. Wrote No. 18 to Nellie.
On the 21st June 1919 Frank boarded the transport ship Kongin Louise and set sail for home. He arrived back in Fremantle on the 3rd August 1919.
Frank was discharged from the AIF on the 10th September 1919.
While he was away his daughter Nancy had been born in early 1917 and after he returned home they had two more children, Elizabeth in 1920 and Sara in 1923.
The family was now living at Hammersley Street in Subiaco and Frank continued to be employed with the Postal Service.
In World War Two Frank enlisted again despite being 52 years old. He had been working as an Investigative Officer for the Department of Munitions but wanted to do more. He was assigned the regimental number W66712 and was assigned to the Perth Battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps. He was discharged in 1945.
His wife Ellen died in 1954 in Subiaco.
Frank Canning Beard died on the 8th July 1968 aged 78 and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery plot Roman Catholic OC 0106.