Merivale Street

Queensland, 24 March 1919

The following is a contemporaneous account of the battle at Merivale Street taken from the pages of the Brisbane Courier.  The text from the scan is of poor quality and thus cannot be readily transcribed into text but it is legible enough to allow the contents to be satisfactorily read.

The ongoing Battle of Merivale Street, Queensland, from the account published in the Brisbane Courier, 27 March 1919.

Further Reading:

Merivale Street, Queensland, March 24, 1919

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 11:01 PM EADT

Updated: Monday, 30 March 2009 1:15 PM EADT

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Grobelaar Recht

Account - London Times 18 May 1901, p. 7.

The text

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. MIDDELBURG, MAY 14.)

Further operations are now taking place under Sir Bindon Blood in the Eastern Transvaal, this time south of the railway. The main gathering of Boers, under Louis Botha and Schalk Burger, is between Carolina and Ermelo. The Carolina commando, about 200 strong, under Commandant Joubert, was last reported four miles south of the town, another force, under Christian Botha, being in the neighbourhood of Ermelo.

The Boers in these districts enjoy the reputation of never refusing to fight, but it is by no means certain that they are minded to make a stand on the present occasion. Already numerous small bodies of the enemy have crossed the line northwards, where before long another body will
have to be dealt with. It is impossible, without a far larger number of troops than we are able at present to put into the field, to prevent the Boers while we are operating in one district from escaping into another, but by thoroughly clearing the country in which the troops are operating it is possible to prevent the enemy from making it their headquarters again.

Further Reading:

The action at Brakpan - Max Chamberlain 

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 11:01 PM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 29 March 2009 9:01 PM EADT

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1st AUSTRALIAN ARMOURED CAR SECTION, AIF

PALESTINE

Part 1

This is a transcription from a manuscript submitted by Captain E.H. James called "The Motor Patrol". It is lodged in the AWM as AWM 224 MSS 209. This is Part 1.

PALESTINE, Part 1

We were now in Palestine proper and settled down in billets in Richon where the Jewish villagers were doing their utmost to make us comfortable. In return we were able to give them our rations of sugar and teat, two luxuries they had been compelled to go without since the war began.

The 11th December was a red letter day for the patrol. Instructions were received to hand in the old derelicts of cars that had served us so well over thousands of miles of all sorts of country and under all sorts of conditions.
We accordingly took them (with the mud of three continents and scars from many battles) to the headquarters of 956 M.T. Company who handed us out six new Fords in their place. The old buses had done their work nobly and it gave the drivers quite a pang to part with them when it came to the point. The drivers carefully removed the name plates before handing the machines in. Each car had been carefully named by its original crews and they were always known by their names in movements.

There was ANZAC (so named because it was supposed to have been used on the peninsula at Gallipoli) and was the oldest car in the patrol. Then came BILLZAC which was generally the companion to ANZAC. OTASEL received its name from its tendency to warm the feet of its occupants and SILENT SUE because it was the quietest car in the fleet. IMSHI was so named on account of its speed capabilities. (IMSHI being the Egyptian word for clear out.) No. 6 car was generally known as BUNG. This car carried the spare ammunition and some said that this was the reason for its name, but some held that there were other reasons.

Anyhow the old ones were gone and we now had to transfer our love to the new. For a couple of days we spent our time oiling, greasing and testing the mechanical parts, tuning up engine, fitting up the machine gun mountings, also our ration and ammunition containers to the best advantage. We were now able to dispense with the condensers as owing to the cooler climate and harder ground these were not necessary for the radiators. The first job of the new vehicles was to distribute voting papers for the conscription referendum which was done on the 13th December.
During the remainder of the month the Patrol was engaged in various small movements along the front. The weather had settled down to continuous rain and was extremely uncomfortable to all those moving outside their billets. Owing to the condition of the ground and the state of the roads neither side was able to make any very big movement. The Patrol did quite a bit of escort work to and from Jerusalem along the road from Jaffa. This road which was originally built a couple of thousand years back by the Romans required extreme care in driving. The grades were very severe and the hairpin bends were too sharp for a vehicle with a long wheelbase to negotiate. Brakes on the motor cars and lorries were severely tested in coming down the 3000’ fast drop from the Jerusalem hills to the plains below. Quite a number of motor vehicles were lost and unfortunately a number of men also through brake failures. At some of the bad corners the wrecks could be seen hundreds of feet below, generally with their four wheels upper-most and the contents scattered beneath. They were there for ever and can probably still be seen by tourists where they act as a warning to fast drivers. The Jaffa-Jerusalem road in spite of its dangerous character was a very important, and practically the only route from the coast to the hills of Judea. A large volume of motor transport was continually on the road carrying munitions, stores and food for the starving population and it soon became apparent that the road would not stand the heavy traffic.

Large numbers of native labourers were engaged in repairing and rebuilding the bad patches and several steam rollers were brought up. Fortunately, there was no shortage of road metal as the country on either side of the road was practically solid rock are was strewn with boulders and spells which only had to be broken and carried a raw yards.

The women and girls from surrounding villages did a great deal of this work gathering the stones in baskets which they carried on their heads to the required places. These people were practically starving and they welcomed this work as they were fed and paid by the army authorities.

As our cars were continually journeying to and from Jerusalem along this road, we began to give serious consideration to the condition of the brakes. Although most of the British vehicles had ample braking surfaces this could not always be said for some of the cheaper type of cars used in the army and it was no exaggeration to say that sometimes a set of brake shoes would be worn out in one day's work descending these hills. Most of the accidents that took place were caused by some failure in the transmission such as broken tail shaft or universal point, faulty crown wheels and pinions.

It is unlikely that any of the members of the Light Car Patrol will forget their first trip to Jerusalem. Several of the bridges had been blown up by the retreating Turks and crossings had to be made through streams that were fortunately not too deep to negotiate with our cars. The approaches to the streams however, were extremely rough and steep and many huge boulders had to be levered aside. There was plenty of manhandling in order to get the vehicles up the steep banks of "one in one" and back to the track again. On one bridge the crown of the arch only was blown out and here we were enabled to place a couple of stout planks across the gap over which we drove in comfort. In spite of all the hard work the trip was wall worth it all. The views from the heights around Jerusalem were wonderful.

The British Headquarters had been established in a large German building on the Mount of Olives from the tower of which could be seen the blue Mediterranean to the West and twenty five miles away to the east could be clearly seen the Dead sea which appeared to be only about five miles off. This sea and the Jordan Valley with Jericho, case over twelve hundred feet below the level of the Mediterranean on the other side. The enemy still held all this country below and our batteries in a valley alongside were busy plastering him with shrapnel and H.E. while an occasional burst of one of the enemy shells in the villages alongside seemed somehow to be quite out of place with the surroundings. The weather was clear and the visibility was wonderful. The roads could be clearly distinguished through the glasses winding up the hills, thirty or forty miles away.

We were later to know quite a lot about this country from very close acquaintance when we found out that some of it at least looked much better from a distance.

The heights of Jerusalem were very cold after our long sojourn in the desert. It was now nearing the middle of winter and our drivers felt the hail and sleet very severely as there cane no protection on the cars while driving and most of them were quite glad to return to the comparatively warm climate of Jaffa and Richon after their visits to the hills.

Christmas Day was celebrated at Richon le Zion. There was comparative quiet at the front, although two days previously an engagement had taken place at Mulebbis (a village several miles out). The inhabitants turned out in force to celebrate the occasion and the famous wine cellars of the town were drawn upon for the troops who were supplied with a liberal ration of the beautiful Tokay for which the district is famous. We had a church parade in the morning and in the afternoon the inhabitants provided a free banquet. Unfortunately, it rained most of the time, but nevertheless the troops enjoyed the occasion.

Two days later, we moved away through seas of mud and water to the village of Esdud. During the month of January, 1918, the unit was kept continually busy reconnoitring the various roads and tracks along the whole front from Jerusalem to the coast, but on the 17th February, we moved with the A & N.Z. Mtd. Division to Jerusalem as a big operation was brewing on that flank. Next day we proceeded with Engineer officers to Solomon’s Poole on the Hebron Road to establish watering places for the horses and troops.

On the 20th February the division proceeded along the back road to force the way to Jericho. Our orders were to take our cars and escort the motor transport along the Roman Road to Neby Muse which overlooks Jericho. We proceeded satisfactorily for eight miles and after making a reconnaissance we found that the main road which is very precipitous and steep would be impassable for wheeled vehicles for many hours. We then went back to a rough track known as the "Pilgrims" road which we worked along laboriously for about 4 miles until we came to the hill Gebel Ektief. Here we were compelled to stop as the hill was held in force by the enemy.

We placed the vehicles under cover of a neighbouring slope and climbed a hill opposite in time to view a wonderful charge by our infantry up the slopes of Gebel Ektief.

The hill had entrenchments near the summit and we noticed that the enemy troops in the trenches at the right flank at the approach of our infantry jumped out of the rear of their trenches and ran along the top of the trench towards the other flank.

Later on we discovered that there was a sheer precipice behind them and they ran towards the other and to get away before it was too late. We were getting a wonderful dress circle view of the fight and in the excitement some of our men must have made themselves too conspicuous as a few minutes later we were plastered with shrapnel by the disgruntled enemy gunners.

Needless to say we soon left our front view seats and as the road was now comparatively clear of the enemy we proceeded to our job of getting the transport along.

Previous section: 1st Australian Armoured Car Section - Beersheba

Next section: 1st Australian Armoured Car Section - Palestine - Part 2

Further Reading:

1st AUSTRALIAN ARMOURED CAR SECTION, AIF, Contents 

Australian Light Horse Order of Battle - Outline 

Australian Light Horse Order of Battle

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Citation: 1st Australian Armoured Car Section - Palestine - Part 1

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Monday, 13 April 2009 11:14 PM EADT

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Diaries of AIF Servicemen

Bert Schramm

During part of the course of his military service with the AIF, 2823 Private Herbert Leslie Schramm, a farmer from White's River, near Tumby Bay on the Eyre Peninsular, kept a diary of his life. Bert was not a man of letters so this diary was produced with great effort on his behalf. Bert made a promise to his sweetheart, Lucy Solley, that he would do so after he received the blank pocket notebook wherein these entries are found. As a Brigade Scout since September 1918, he took a lead part in the September 1918 breakout by the Allied forces in Palestine. Bert's diary entries are placed alongside those of the 9th Light Horse Regiment to which he belonged and to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade to which the 9th LHR was attached. On this basis we can follow Bert in the context of his formation.

 Bert Schramm's Diary, 21 March 1919

Bert Schramm's Handwritten Diary, 20 - 21 March 1919

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Diaries

Bert Schramm

Friday, March 21, 1919

Bert Schramm's Location - Zagazig, Egypt.

Bert Schramm's Diary - Went with the regiment last night patrolling certain parts of the town but things were pretty quiet. Believe the scouts are all getting horses again but hope not.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Zagazig, Egypt.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0430 Burns, Lieutenant AG, with one mounted troop proceeded to Mit Ghamr to rescue Britishers there reported to be in danger.

1100 Disturbance occurred in Zagazig.

Kildea, Lieutenant FJ, with Mounted Troops proceeded to Mudieria [Police Barracks]. Wagg, Lieutenant BSW; and, his troops proceeded to Greek consulates. Kildea, Lieutenant FJ; and, his troop encountered large crowds of inhabitants who refused to disperse. He accordingly charged with swords drawn. A native attempted to unhorse a member of the Patrol, another member of the Patrol went to his assistance when the native jumped into an adjoining canal; and failed to reappear. Shortly after this incident a Gaffir [native policeman] pointed his rifle at a member of Kildea, Lieutenant FJ; and, his Patrol in readiness to shoot. Another member of the patrol quickly ran his sword through the Gaffir who escaped into some adjoining shops. Wagg, Lieutenant BSW, Lieutenant BSW; and, his Troop encountered no opposition. The disturbance soon died out both troops returning to camp about 1300.

Regiment took over protection of railway line Abu el Akdar [exclusive] to Zagazig [exclusive] to Belbeis [exclusive].

Two mounted troops patrolled streets of Zagazig each for one hour during the night to enforce the proclamation.

Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924.

Next: Bert Schramm's Diary, 22 March 1919

Further Reading:

9th Light Horse Regiment AIF War Diary - Complete day by day list

Bert Schramm Diary 

Bert Schramm Diary - Complete day by day list

Additional Reading:

Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924.

Citation: Bert Schramm's Diary, 21 March 1919

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 6 May 2009 10:55 AM EADT

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The Battle of Hébuterne

France, 27 March to 5 April 1918

AIF

Roll of Honour, 31 March 1918

Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra

The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men from the Allied Forces known to have given their lives on 31 March 1918 during the Battle of Hébuterne, France, 27 March to 5 April 1918.

Roll of Honour

 

John Alexander BROWN, 42nd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

William Thomas BROWN, 51st Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Robert William BRUTON, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Henry BURROWS, 9th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Edward Thomas CAMPBELL, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Gordon Charles CLAY, 60th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Wesley John COOKE, 16th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

John Roy Joseph CORFIAN, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Maurice William DALBY, 46th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Robert Charles DALY, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

John Ernest Macquarie DUGAN, 17th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Arthur Albert ERWIN, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Colin John FLOOD, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Arthur FODEN, 16th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Charles Wilfred FORSTER, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Sydney Fred FOWLER, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, 31 March 1918

 

Clarence GALLOWAY, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

William HARVEY, 31st Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

James Llewellyn HOOKE, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

George Henry LAW, 35th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

John Frederick Thomas LEISHMAN, 48th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

David James MACPHERSON, 10th Field Artillery Brigade, 31 March 1918

Percival Henry MASON, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Iver McLeay MCIVER, 13th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Roderick Dhu MCLENNAN, 47th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Stephen O'GORMAN, 44th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Peter Jacob Christopher PEUT, 15th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Wilfred Mirfield PLASKITT, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, 31 March 1918

Geoffrey Joseph POWER, 46th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Thomas RAMSAY, 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery, 31 March 1918

William Henry RICHARDSON, 3rd Division Ammunition Column, 31 March 1918

George Richards ROUSE, 39th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Norman Edwin SHELDON, 16th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Joseph Miller STUBBS, 34th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

Charles William SULLIVAN, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Frederick Henry TAYLOR, 40th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Roy Mervyn WEBSTER, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, 31 March 1918

Harry WELLS, 26th Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

George Andrew WERNER, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

William WILSON, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

William Gepp WOOLCOCK, 43rd Infantry Battalion, 31 March 1918

 

Lest We Forget

Further Reading:

The Battle of Hébuterne, France, 27 March to 5 April 1918, Contents

The Battle of Hébuterne, France, 27 March to 5 April 1918, Roll of Honour

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Citation: The Battle of Hébuterne, France, 31 March 1918, Roll of Honour

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Monday, 28 March 2011 7:00 AM EADT

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