Topic: Diary - Schramm
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, 20 March 1919
Bert Schramm's Handwritten Diary, 20 - 21 March 1919
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Diaries
Bert Schramm
Thursday, March 20, 1919
Bert Schramm's Location - Zagazig, Egypt.
Bert Schramm's Diary - Have rather a decent camp here but things seem very unsettled four 10th Regiment chaps were badly knocked about last night and one has died since. We have been patrolling around the country in a motor today but nothing much doing. I am detailed as a guide for the 9th Regiment tonight in case of a turn out.
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Zagazig, Egypt.
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - As all tentage and camp equipment had been brought from Moascar by rear parties a very comfortable camp was soon made. A large sporting pavilion in vicinity was taken into use as an officers Mess. A second pavilion in the Greek Sporting Club Grounds adjoining was used as a cook house and mess for the men. A fine tennis court was available for use.
At kilo 40 Ismailia line a post of four of the 10th Light Horse Regiment had been rushed by a large crowd during the evening of the 19th March 1919. All members of the post were beaten into unconsciousness and their arms stolen. One of these from the 10th Light Horse Regiment subsequently died.
0345 Mounted Squadron under Bleechmore, Major C, moved out to E2, Wusef Pasha and other villages in the vicinity north of kilo 40. This Squadron had orders to demand the return of stolen arms. If arms are not returned then orders are to arrest the leaders if discoverable. No trace could be found of the arms. The headmen of three villages and Gaffirs were therefore arrested and escorted back to Zagazig. Several inhabitants of the Ez I Beir Has el Tarzi were particularly hostile. Squadron returned to Regimental headquarters about 0900.
1700 Lieutenant Driscoll's troop [mounted squadron] proceeded to Belbeis. Regiment took over protection of the railway Abu el Akdar exclusive to Zagazig inclusive. Posts each ten all ranks were placed along line approximately 11/2 kilometre apart.
Proclamation issued warning all inhabitants of Zagazig
they must not be in the streets of Zagazig between the hours of 2100 and 0430 unless in possession of a pass issued by the Military Authorities.
Movements of inhabitants between villages and towns between the hours of 1900 and 0500 were prohibited.
Order received that an unlawful assembly of inhabitants was an assembly of more than 10.
Firearms were not to be used to disperse same unless absolutely necessary.
Four Officers 50 Other Ranks B Squadron and Lieutenant Edgerly's party rejoined Regiment.
Darley
Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924.
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Further Reading:
9th Light Horse Regiment AIF War Diary - Complete day by day list
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, 20 March 1919
