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, 15 December 1918

Bert Schramm's Handwritten Diary, 15 - 20 December 1918

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Diaries

Bert Schramm

Sunday, December 15, 1918

Bert Schramm's Location - Tripoli

Bert Schramm's Diary -  Raining little firm and seems as if it will now stay. No news of any kind.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Tripoli

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Besherri Leave Party returned having spent a pleasant week in the mountains although encountering very boisterous and wet weather.

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

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, 15 December 1918

Posted by Project Leader at 11:01 PM EAST

Updated: Saturday, 20 December 2008 7:13 PM EAST

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Another entry from the book written by Lieutenant Colonel Hüseyin Hüsnü Emir, called Yildirim. Every day, one page of the book will be posted. This is Page 161.

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

This chapter deals with Hüsnü observations of the Turkish response to Beersheba on other parts of the battlefield.

List of all Yildirim pages

Posted by Project Leader at 11:01 PM EAST

Updated: Saturday, 20 December 2008 8:03 PM EAST

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Due to the time zone differences, the declaration of war by Britain against Germany, while officially recorded as 4 August 1914, in terms of Australia, did not happen until Wednesday, 5 August 1915. For the The Walhalla Chronicle, this did not happen until the end of the week, on Friday, 7 August 1914.

Apart from being a major regional agricultural area, the Walhalla region supported minor military training facilities. The Militia formations throughout the region included only the Walhalla Rifle Club

Walhalla was a regional centre which boasted of a weekly newspaper published every Friday called The Walhalla Chronicle incorporating the Moondarra Advertiser.  The Walhalla Chronicle was priced at 3d [3 pence or in 2008 AUD, $5] per edition. The newspaper was circulated around the Walhalla region including the locations and towns of Walhalla, Happy Go Lucky, Erica, Jacob Creek, Moondarra, and Cooper's Creek.

Walhalla Chronicle Office, 2008

[From: By permission from Stevage]

The area is mountainous with Walhalla located in a valley. The region presents a diverse landscape of alpine wilderness. In 1914, Walhalla was the primary city in the region with 15 hotels, 40 shops, two breweries, seven churches, a school with over 500 students. Its wealth was based upon gold which was discovered in 1863. At its peak, Walhalla had a population in excess of 4,000 people. It was classified as the wealthiest town in Victoria. Now with a population of about 20 people, it is a town frozen in time. The following two pages are indicative of the life experienced in the Walhalla region when the Great War was declared.

War is Declared

This page explores the way The Walhalla Chronicle dealt with the news.

Walhalla Directory

Federal Electorate - Gippsland
Federal Representative - Mr James Bennett

State Electorate - Walhalla
State Representative - Mr Samuel Barnes

Municipality of Walhalla - Founded in 1886

Councillors -

PH Miles (President)
H Hartrick
GV Morgan
AV Lundy
PF Hannan
Johnathon Lamont
James Barry
Hy Dedman
John Finlayson

Secretary and Rate Collector - H McC Kelly
Health Officer - Dr F Hayes
Inspector of Nuisances - John Butler

Public Halls
Oddfellows - W Trembath, Secretary
Foresters - G Masters, Secretary
Mechanics' Institute - AE Rodda, Secretary

Walhalla District Hospital

Hospital Board

GD Smith, President

Committee -

PF Hannan
J Smith
H Hartrick
James Barry
Major Rigg
Johnathon Finlayson
W Gerrard
CS Atherton
W Swinler
C James
L Williams
Thomas Slavin
H Goodwin

M Riley, Medical Officer
JJ Smith, Treasurer
HH Ryan, Secretary
Miss Armstrong, Matron.

Editorial - Appalled by the War Declaration

The editorial of The Walhalla Chronicle is clearly indicating a devastation with the announcement and a dread at the result. The editorial bears full transcription.

The feelings of every man who thinks and who is capable of realising what a European war means under modern conditions of fighting, must have been thrilled during the past few days, as the declaration of war by one nation against another was announced in natural sequence, culminating in the news that the British Empire had been forced to join in the general eruption. The dreadful possibilities involved have temporarily paralysed the great nations of the earth, and business and commerce, even in Australia, on the remotest confines of the Empire, are soon likely to be seriously affected. It is an appalling condemnation of our boasted civilisation, that in this 20th Century we cannot find means of allaying the passions of men, and of settling our national misunderstandings, on the basis of equity and peace.

This editorial will never date. Some of the expressions are out dated. The term "thrilled" has taken on new meanings as the century progressed. In the context of this article, the term evokes the notion of horror and terror rather than the newer meaning which is more synonymous with exciting.

Things are different at Moondarra

In contrast to the reflective editorial, W. Whitney of Moondarra, penned this piece of doggerel on 4 August 1914 urging the British to join in the fight against the Germans. In Australia, the following day saw this wish come to fruition.

Britannia

Oscar Wilde's famous invocation comes to mind when reading this poem. Wilde said: "When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers." One can only speculate over thoughts of W. Whitney in August 1915, a year after this prayer was granted.

Light Horsemen from Walhalla

Below is the brief list of the men from Walhalla who served overseas with the Light Horse.

• 1218 Trooper Robert William Chance, 13th Light Horse Regiment, 6th Reinforcement.
• 2334 Trooper John Clements Guatta, 4th Light Horse Regiment, 16th Reinforcement.
  
• 617 Trooper William Edwards, 8th Light Horse Regiment, 1st Reinforcement.  

All men returned to Australia. 

Walhalla Activities, 7 August 1914

While the war announcement was a significant story, the life of Walhalla did not halt but just kept going on, as it did for the duration of the war. This page details quite clearly some of the life that occurred within the south Walhalla region.

The year may be different but some things never change

Narnargoon boy James Patrick Canty, 13, watched his father blowing up stumps with gelignite. Impressed with the explosive power, he purloined some gelignite to demonstrate to his friends the explosive qualities of the material. He placed the gelignite on a stump and lit it. The resulting explosion was sufficient to damage the boy's face. In addition, he lost an eye. His friends escaped any injury by keeping a distance from the gelignite.

Again, some things never change.

The following was a letter purportedly sent to a Sydney newspaper.

NSW is a glorious country, bounded on the north by taxes, on the south by strikes, on the east by the Arbitration Court and on the west by the Trades Hall. It is noted for the high cost of living, sport worshippers, work shunners, never pays, prize fighters, land and mining swindles, red-tape and caucus rule. It is the best place on earth for drobes and idlers, who readily respond to the beck and call of paid agitators, for whom the industrious and thrifty are taxed, taxed, and taxed to desperation.

This particular complaint seems to appear every year in one form or another. It is updated to suit the times but the complaint is still the same. People are too lazy and no one wants to work. Unionists rule every aspect of life. Every honest person is taxed beyond endurance. The reality in 1914 was the same as in 2008, it was never true in any sense. But it makes for a wonderful grizzle and one things Australians do love to do, it is grizzle.

No golden era in Australian history

Two sisters driving their horse and sulky were bailed up by two armed robbers. Misses Catherine and Flora McLean had £2/19/- with them as they drove along the Stockton Road near Williamstown in NSW. After being bailed up, their money and sulky was stolen.

Many people reflect over the days of yore and imagine that there was a golden era in Australian history when people were law abiding and the streets were safe to travel. It was never true in 1914 any more than it is fact today. Despite all the troubles, Australian life is far safer today than a hundred years ago. But, it is hard to disprove the fantasy which believes the contrary. 

The history revealed by a newspaper

A newspaper is a historical snapshot of a particular area on the day the newspaper was published. They contain a wealth of information which can be extracted and used according to the individual taste. The above extracts give an example of the depth of information contained within a simple rural newspaper. Every story contains many more stories, each layered upon each other like onion peels. As one peels away one skin, more appear to reveal a vibrant community brimming with history.

Do you want to take part in uncovering and writing Australian history?

If this entry or other entries inspires you to produce further insights, please feel free to post a response and it may become an acknowledged part of the article.

Further Reading:

Complete list of Newspaper References for 5 August 1914

Posted by Project Leader at 3:11 PM EAST

Updated: Sunday, 26 April 2009 1:22 AM EADT

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Due to the time zone differences, the declaration of war by Britain against Germany, while officially recorded as 4 August 1914, in terms of Australia, did not happen until Wednesday, 5 August 1915. For the The Queanbeyan Age, this did not happen until the end of the week, on Friday, 7 August 1914.

Apart from being a major regional agricultural area, the Queanbeyan region supported the primary officer training facility at Duntroon, Canberra, while also hosting minor military training facilities. The Militia formations throughout the region included: Bungendore, 11th Australian Light Horse Regiment,  "A" Squadron (part); Bungendore Rifle Club; and, Queanbeyan Rifle Club under the command of Robert Thomson as Captain.

Queanbeyan was a regional centre which boasted of a bi-weekly newpaper published every Tuesday and Friday called The Queanbeyan Age incorporating the Bungendore Mirror and Captain's Flat Miner. But while the main newspaper, it had a competitor in the weekly newspaper called the Queanbeyan Leader. The Queanbeyan Age was priced at 1d [1 penny or in 2008 AUD, $1.70] per edition. The newspaper was circulated around the Queanbeyan region including the locations and towns of Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Majura, Canberra, Tuggeranong, Thawa, Captain's Flat, Hall and Sutton. The area was mainly composed of undulating pastures puctuated by two alpine regions with snow peaked mountains in the winter. The region presents a diverse landscape of agriculture mixed with wilderness. Queanbeyan was the primary city in the region while the national capital, Canberra began to grow. Now with the population in the many hunderes of thousands, Queanbeyan has become another satellite city of Canberra, although it still holds dearly onto its favourite newspaper, The Queanbeyan Age. The following two pages are indicative of the life experienced in the Queanbeyan region when the Great War was declared.

War is Declared

This page explores the way The Queanbeyan Age dealt with the news.

Mobilisation Notice for the Queanbeyan Rifle Club

Members of the Queanbeyan Rifle Club were ordered to register for duty in their role within the Commonwealth mobilisation scheme. Captain Robert Thomson, Officer Commanding the Queanbeyan Rifle Club required the local members to attend the rear rooms of the Post Office at 7.30 that very night - 7 August 1914 - to register for service. The following night was set aside for men from the outlying areas.  The active members from the Queanbeyan Rifle Club were then placed under the immediate mobilisation command of the 28th (Illawarra) Light Horse, the Headquarters being at Albion Park, Sydney. Many members went on to convert from the Militia to the AIF while remaining light horsemen.

Quenabeyan enlistments for the AIF Light Horse

The following list is of the known men who enlisted in the Australian Light Horse during the Great War and saw overseas service. The enlistments are in regimental order, then in alphabetical order. The address of the man is listed followed by the unit in which he enlisted, although not necessarily served. The fate of the man is the last record. Only one man who enlisted in the Light Horse was killed in action. This was 1896 Trooper Walter John Moore who enlisted in the 1st Light Horse Regiment but transferred to the 5th Field Artillery Brigade as a driver. During the attack on the Hindenburg Line on 8 August 1918, Moore was killed in action. He was one of 31 men from Queanbeyan who died as a consequence of service on the Western Front. For those who remained with the Light Horse, their fate was happier as all returned to Australia. 

• 4051 Trooper Theodore Erle Capes, Barracks Flat, Queanbeyan, 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance, 6th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 711 Trooper John Edward Cregan, Lanyon Station via Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 2nd Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 73 Trooper Richard Roy Hetherington, Commercial Bank, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 1st Light Horse Regiment, Machine Gun Section, Returned to Australia.
• 1441 Trooper Francis Joseph Humphries, McQuoid Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 11th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 3781 Trooper Ernest Roy Johnson, McQuoid Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 35th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1896 Trooper Walter John Moore, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 1st Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement, Killed in Action, Villers-Bretonneux, France, 8 August 1918.
• 1705 Trooper Albert Charles Bell, McQuoid Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 11th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2154 Trooper Charles Herbert Chalmers, Garryowen, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 15th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 3602 Trooper Alfred William Marchant, Bank of NSW, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 32nd Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1183 Trooper Charles Longden Richardson, The Elms, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 8th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2228 Trooper Charles Victor Southwell, Cameron Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 15th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2229 Trooper James Southwell, Antill Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 15th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2828 Trooper James Brown Swan, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 19th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2236 Trooper Gervaze Cosmos Thompson, McQuoid Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 15th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1958 Trooper Thomas Oswald Woodger, Monaro, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 6th Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2817 Trooper James Grady, Tuggeranong, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 19th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 3605 Trooper William George Lee, Pound Hill, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 32nd Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1326 Trooper Edward Crofton Maxwell, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 10th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1325 Trooper Patrick Michael Maxwell, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 10th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2824 Trooper James Archibald Muir, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 19th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 2381 Trooper William Martin Pike, Rosecrea, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 16th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 642 Trooper John Michael Scannell, 'Canberra' via Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 1st Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 642 Trooper Michael John Scannell, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 7th Light Horse Regiment, 26th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1382 Trooper Herbert Cantle, Mowatt Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1390 Trooper Herbert Claude Dawson, Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1392 Trooper Archibald Samuel Fitzgibbon, Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1421 Trooper John Calude McGrogan, Antill Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1626 Trooper Edward McInnes, Antil Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 6th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1426 Trooper Bertram Herman Billet Naveau, Power House, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1427 Trooper John James O'Rourke, Mowatt Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1428 Trooper Joseph Patrick O'Rourke, Mowatt Street, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.
• 1533A Trooper Ulric Harley Williams, 'Hillview', Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 12th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement, Returned to Australia.

The Hospital Ball was the highlight of the social season. Held on Tuesday, 5 August 1914, on the very day Australia received word of the outbreak of war, the ball was a financial and social success. 

We know the types of dresses worn by the women who attended. Many women handed in their dress cards with a description of the clothing they wore. Here are a few examples.

• Mrs Forster Rutledge nee Gidleigh wore black charmeuse with black trimmings and ornaments.
• Mrs C Morcom wore a dress of pale blue satin trimmed with gold lace and adorned with gold medallions.
• Mrs GJ Webb's dress was of cream ninon trimmed with beads.
• Mrs Hetherington wore a dress made from black crepe-de-chine.

After doing the dress up at the ball to express an ability to wear something different and better than the other woman, it would appear as though there was a need to compare notes about the dresses worn. Those women who did not appreciate the dress worn by the particular woman on the night had the opportunity to examine the dress in detail in a post ball debriefing. One can only imagine the social fate that awaited those women who did not lodge their dress card. 

Queanbeyan Activities, 7 August 1914

While the war announcement was a significant story, the life of Queanbeyan did not halt but just kept going on, as it did for the duration of the war. This page details quite clearly some of the life that occurred within the south Queanbeyan region.

War! War!

Advertisers were quick to trivialise the ghastly business of war in order to turn a quick profit. It was an Australian wide phenomenon that lasted until the casualty reports began to filter in from Gallipoli. Until then, it was the Great Game and Great Adventure.

Hayes and Russell used the uncertainty of war and the expectation of profiteering to market their products. One of their signature products was their special blend of tea called The Canberra. Originally, Hayes and Russell Ltd, were ironmongers, but like stores of this type, expanded out to become general stores and some even departments stores. Hayes and Russell Ltd was a major feature in Queanbeyan for many years.

Whiz! Bang!

Shoot straight for the Protestant Hall on August 14th and attend the Grand Plain and Fancy Dress Ball in aid of the Federal Sports Club. Catering by Mrs JA Shaw. Music by Misses Meredith Orchestra. Built in 1877, the Protestant Hall went through many transformations of which included a Salvation Army barracks, Masonic hall and a picture theatre. It is now home to St Illia's Macedonian Orthodox Church demonstrating the cosmopolitan flavour of Queanbeyan.

The remorseless beat of Life and Death goes on

Road accidents have always been killers. Regardless of the era, any use of a vehicle for rapid transport has brought with it the potential for injury. The horse drawn sulky was just as likely to produce fatalities as is the motor vehicles of today.

Bywong Creek, 11 am, Sunday, 22 July 1914, Claude Joseph Harriott, a 4 month old child, died as a direct consequence of a sulky accident. On Monday, 16 July 1914,  the sulky contained the Harriott family as they travelled upon the main road from Bungendore after a visit to the town. With them was their dog who followed in front and back of the sulky. Near the 12 mile post on the main road, the dog went between the legs of the horse who took fright who gallopped off the road towards a fence. Claude Joseph  was in the arms of his mother. The jolting caused the seat bolts to sever forcing the mother to swerve towards the sulky wheel. During this involuntary action, the head of Claude Joseph was struck against the wheel. The child never recovered from his head wound and died six days later. 

The history revealed by a newspaper

A newspaper is a historical snapshot of a particular area on the day the newspaper was published. They contain a wealth of information which can be extracted and used according to the individual taste. The above extracts give an example of the depth of information contained within a simple rural newspaper. Every story contains many more stories, each layered upon each other like onion peels. As one peels away one skin, more appear to reveal a vibrant community brimming with history.

Do you want to take part in uncovering and writing Australian history?

If this entry or other entries inspires you to produce further insights, please feel free to post a response and it may become an acknowledged part of the article.

Further Reading:

Complete list of Newspaper References for 5 August 1914

Posted by Project Leader at 7:15 AM EAST

Updated: Sunday, 14 December 2008 11:07 AM EAST

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9th LHR, AIF

Pro Gloria et Honore - For Glory and Honour

Regimental March -  Marching Through Georgia

The Diary

1914

Monday, December 14, 1914

9th Light Horse Regiment Location -  Broadmeadows Camp, Victoria. 

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Organising, training and equipping of troops.

See: Broadmeadows 1909

1915

Tuesday, December 14, 1915

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Rhododendron Spur

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary -  Ordered to be ready to march the Regiment out at an hour's notice. Two Officers and 50 Other Ranks to be selected to remain behind to hold the line. Captain Ragless BB and Captain Shearer JH selected and 50 Other Ranks from D Squadron. An iron cross received from the beach was sent to Hill 60 and placed on the grave of the late Lieutenant Colonel C Reynell by Private F Bockelberg. All men in the trenches tonight, Four Officers on duty for six hour watches. All quiet, Scouts report that the enemy is working hard putting up wire entanglements and improving parapets.

1916

Thursday, December 14, 1916

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Bir el Malha

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Regiment moved out with Brigade less 8th Light Horse Regiment at 0300 and marched to Arnussi 0615 to take part in practice attack by Desert Column. At Arnussi the Regiment represented echelon Brigade in reserve. Moved out from Arnussi at 0845 to vicinity of Hill 100, returned to Arnussi, watered, fed and back to camp arriving 1800. Enemy aeroplane flew over Regiment at Arnussi at 1330.

1917

Friday, December 14, 1917

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Suffa.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0800 B Squadron advanced and occupied Belain reporting it clear of enemy. 1030 B Squadron withdrew to former line. Enemy very quiet along the whole sector. Hahn, Temporary Senior Sergeant Major HJ; Masson, 151 Sergeant GG; Cruddas, 397 Corporal GF, from led horses, left for Cadets School, Zeitoun.

1918

Saturday, December 14, 1918

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Tripoli

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Usual routine. Improving Regimental football ground.

1919

Sunday, December 14, 1919

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Adelaide

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Regiment disbanded.

Previous: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 13 December

Next: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 15 December

Sources:

See: 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Contents

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy

Further Reading:

9th Light Horse Regiment AIF

Bert Schramm Diary

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour 

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Wednesday, 22 September 2010 10:41 PM EADT

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