Bert Schramm
2823 Private Herbert Leslie SCHRAMM, a 22 year old Farmer from Whites River, South Australia. He enlisted on 17 February 1916; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia, 10 July 1919.
During part of the course of his military service with the AIF, Bert Schramm 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 Offensive 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.
For a comprehensive listing of photographs in the album, see:
Should any further details be sought, see Australian Light Horse Studies Centre
Monday, June 17, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - 1½ miles east of Jericho, Jordan Valley
Bert Schramm's Diary - We stood to arms all day. The Indians were out on a reconnaissance and we stood by in case anything happened. The enemy brought up a long range gun and tonight started shelling all round Jericho. We left Jericho at 7.30PM and came to Talaat ed Dumm. Arrived there at midnight. I believe we are staying here for a few days
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 17 June 1918
Tuesday, June 18, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - Talaat ed Dumm, Jordan Valley
Bert Schramm's Diary - Have had a very quiet day. Things are very quiet here. Hope we will get a few weeks spell.
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 18 June 1918
Wednesday, June 19, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - Talaat ed Dumm, Jordan Valley
Bert Schramm's Diary - Nothing worth recording. Having a good spell.
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 19 June 1918
Thursday, June 20, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - Talaat ed Dumm, Jordan Valley
Bert Schramm's Diary - Nothing doing. I believe we are moving to Bethlehem tomorrow night.
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 20 June 1918
Friday, June 21, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - Talaat ed Dumm, Jordan Valley
Bert Schramm's Diary - We moved from Talat El Dumm at 7.30 tonight and are making for Bethlehem and will have an all night ride.
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 21 June 1918
Saturday, June 22, 1918
Bert Schramm's Location - Solomon's Pools, Bethlehem, Palestine.
Bert Schramm's Diary - Arrived at our camp this morning at 9.00. We are camped almost a mile and a half west of Bethlehem at a place called Solomon's Pool. Rather a nice place for a camp and it is much cooler here.
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 22 June 1918