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