HEPPINGSTONE, Hubert Eldred - 1875
| Original items held by the Army Museum of Western Australia |
| Conflict | World War 1 World War 2 |
|---|---|
| Service Arm | Australian Imperial Force |
| Unit | 10th Light Horse Regiment,12th Battalion HQ |
| Service No. | 1875 |
| Service Arm | Army |
| Date of Birth | 1896 |
| Birthplace | Brunswick, WA |
| Residence | Harvey, WA |
| Date of Death | 14 March 1978 |
| Relatives | Father - Robert John Heppingstone Mother - Maria Heppingstone
Brother - HEPPINGSTONE, Arthur George - 1835 |
Brief family history, photos and notes
Robert Heppingstone born Eyam Derbyshire was a miner, but took 'the Queen's shilling' as was said in those days. Assigned to Rifle Brigade,
served in Glasgow, Northern Ireland & Limerick, where Charlotte, his first child was born. Thus he became associated with Captain Molloy who
served in these same places. When Capt set out for the Swan River Colony in the 'Warrior' in 1830, Robert was one of his servants.
In September 1832 Molloy wrote from Augusta 'One of my servants Robert Heppingstone, a very honest good man, whose wife was discontented and
discont disobedient, I have placed on a town allotment and he has so far prospered since he left me that he has been enabled to lay in an
ample stock of provisions.'
He Robert (i) was drowned while fishing off an island off Augusta in 1835.
His son Robert (ii) became a farmer at Wonnerup & Master Whaler at Castle Rock Geographe Bay where he was accidently drowned in 1857.
His son Robert (iii) after marriage lived at Brunswick on his property 'Frogmore'.
David Eedle b. 1873 served 10th Light Horse
Robert Charles b. 1883 served 10th Light Horse and Camel Corps
Arthur George b. 1883 served in 8th Battery
Claude Arthur b.1887 served 8th Battery d. France
Hubert Eldred b. 1896 served Light Horse, Paymaster Sergeant France, about to join Air Force when war ended.
George Heppingstone obtained Commission & received Military Cross.
Charles Heppingstone was invalided out of Army after being knocked off his camel by plane. Became Recruiting Officer for State.
People Mentioned in the Letters
Sandy an aboriginal boy from Laverton adopted by Heppingstone family. Lived at 'Frogmore' till he grew up when he left W.A. with Snowy
Flyer a tent boxing owner. Fought many fights in N.S.W. & Queensland. Died in Broken Hill when on way home. Known as Sandy McVea in the
ring. Photo available of him as a boy, which is in the Battye Library also his dossier from N.S.Wales Aboriginal Department. Referred to
affectionately in letters as the Little Battler & the Little Nig.
Rhita Heppingstone married Edward Courthope Capt living in Scotland as her husband was mine-sweeping in North Sea.
The 'Model' Molly Dodwell Browne who was living with her grandparents at 'Rahins' Castlebar Ireland. Daughter of Dr D Browne & whose wife
was Lilian Heppingstone.
Bill Fitch a plowman who worked for Robert H. at Frogmore - Jack Crampton of the 11th Batt. whose parents lived across the Brunswick River
from 'Frogmore' - Marsh who lived on upper reaches of the river as did Smith family.
Bawn de Castilla, a relation who served in 8th Batt right through war as did Bob Clifton of 'Alverstoke' Brunswick.
From George Arthur Heppingstone to his parents living on their farm at Brunswick 'Frogmore'.
Little Hubert was his youngest brother. The Lyall family were friends of the family. Jack Crampton one of a family who lived on the other
side of the Brunswick River wounded in Gallipoli.
Castleton County Mayo Ireland. His niece Molly Browne was living there with her grandparents. Molly called 'the Model'.
Charlie his brother.
Claude his brother in the 8th Battery. Killed in 1916 - Bob Clifton of Brunswick in the 8th Batt. Bawn De Castilla of the 8th Batt a
relation. Rhita his sister living in Scotland. Mrs Courthope.
Dodd an old ex-convict who finished his days on Frogmore.
Quality a pet pony.
Sandy an aboriginal boy brought up at Frogmore - Holly H.H. Holly farmer at Brunswick. Gilholy Miss an old school teacher at Brunswick.
Receipt dated 20th September 1914
Letter dated 22nd October 1914
My darling father,
I was so pleased when I received your letter dated Sept 6 and will answer it at once. I know how you must feel about our darling Claude,
but he did his duty and God saw fit to take him away. You must not grieve too much darling as he will be happier and in a world of peace. I
know how you all feel but God must have seen it fit to take to take him to a world of peace out of this cruel strife but I know how hard it
is for you all. My thoughts are of you night and day, and if it is Gods will I hope we will soon be back again. I have been feeling
splendidly lately but it is fearfully cold here in fact the pond close here was one sheet of ice this morning. I was with George about a
week ago, but he has gone away from here for a spell but I hope to see him again soon. I hope to be able to go over to England on leave soon
so if I do I will try and get you something and send it out. I hope you have been getting money regularly father and if I get to London I
will send you over pd10 that I have saved here. Well my darling father I will close now, may God bless you and keep you as you are the world
to me,
Your loving son,
Hubert
Letter dated 20th February 1915
My dearest Mother & father,
Since I last wrote to you I have seen Claude twice, he came down yesterday, and I went to Cairo with him and saw him off safely for
Tel-el-Keber where he is camped. George is nearly right now and leaves the hospital tomorrow. Claude looks splendid and is very fat. I have
been getting along well, and the drill is not much harder than we had at Blackboy Hill, but expect we will get more of it later on. I saw
Tom Mitchell yesterday, he is in the hospital here and has a chance of coming back to Australia before long. The days here are only warm and
the nights very cold but expect it will be warming up before very long. I had a letter from Enid & Kate by the last mail but not any from
Lily or yourself. I often see Allen Locke & Bruce Layman they are camped close to me, and are coming over to see George this afternoon. We
have just finished church service so I thought I would come over ansd write you this letter. I have not yet been to the Pyramids, but am
going out there before long. I have seen some beautiful Arab ponies here mother dear and I would give anything to be able to take one back
with me, but if I have the money when I come home I will see if I cannot buy one. I was along at Mrs makeham place the other evening with
Allan Locke & Ned Cask_ and we had a very good time, she is a real trick and made us laugh like anything. She said she was going to write to
you but I suppose she will when she gets time. The church service here is very nice and they have a beautiful band, which plays a march when
we march to the head quarters where we have the Service and also when we are leaving. I do not know how long we will be here but think it
will be for some time. We get plenty of oranges here, and they are very nice. I like them much better than what we get in W.A. The shops and
all the other business places are open here on Sundays the same as any other day and you ought to see the the drinking that goes on here, it
would astonish you. George & I are going to have our photo taken this afternoon so I will send you some Mara if they are any good. I will
also send you some little think next time I go to Cairo but I do not know when that will be as I hate the sight of the place. Well Mother
dearest as there is not much news I will close. Give my best love to all the people I know and with my best love to you and father,
ever your own loving son,
Hubert Heppingstone
P.S. Do not work too hard Mara as I think we will be home before long we are sure and do not worry about me as I will look after myself and
will not do anything wrong, best love to you all, Hubert
Note dated 6th April 1915
A Cheering Letter To The Australian Troops At The Front dated 12th May 1915
Postcard dated 26th June 1915
My darling Mother & Father,
We are quite well & having a quiet time. I do hope you are both quite well. Claude & I send our love to Miss Giles. Would have written today
only paper is not obtainable. Claude & I miss George but he is quite safe. Have written Dave to collect & send to you about forty pounds, &
have also written _. best love to you both. Your everloving son, young Bob
Letter dated 6th July 1915
My Dear Father,Just a few lines to let you know that we haven't forgotten you. Well how are you getting along & how is the winter this
year? I rather expect you will have a _ _ our, so you want to take care of yourself & not get too often wet. I wrote to Mother, & think
they will go together, but we never know. We are all well here Father & the climate at present is rather good but I think the winter here
would be very cold. The country is very
Postcard dated 14th October 1915
Dear Johnnie,
Just this card for old acquaintance sake. Well how are you getting along Johnnie. I suppose you are having good weather. What about coming
up to Perth when we return as you know you promised me a good many time. So don't forget, wishing you a merry xmas, your _ friend, Claude
Card dated 30th October 1916
Letter dated 29th January 1916
My darling Mother & Father,
I am writing to let you know that I am quite well and am having a very good trip. We have had a very easy time on the boat in fact we have
done nothing since we left W.A. As there is a mail closing tomorrow I am just writing you this short note as there is nothing to write about
here and I will write you a long letter every week when I land. I hope you are both well, and be sure whatever you do, don't work too hard,
and also don't go out in the rain. I am looking forward to seeing George and Claude that is if they are in Egypt as we will be there before
long. We have had a very smooth trip so far in fact we have had only about two days of anything but calm and then it was not really rough. I
was sick for the first two days but I am quite alright now and am getting quite fat. The food here is very good far better than at Blackboy
Hill. I hope Nelson is alright and father be sure and don't lend him to anyone as he will be very useful especially if David gets you a boy.
I hope you are getting the money alright as you should have received some of it long before you get this letter. Well goodbye Mother darling
I will take care of myself so don't worry, with best love to you both, ever your loving son, Hubert Heppingstone
Letter dated 2nd February 1916
Dear Lily,
I am just writing you a short note to let you know that I am quite well. We have had a very good trip over, and very calm too. I was feeling
bad for the first few days but have been splendid ever since. I am looking forward to seeing some of the boys that is if they are in Egypt.
I received your letter that you sent by Ian and I will be very careful, so you do need not worry. We have had some rain coming over and today
is quite cloudy. I suppose by the time you get this you will be in Port hedland but in any case I will send it to Brunswick and Miss Giles
will send it on. I will write to you every mail when in Egypt, and hope you will write too. I hope father is getting that money alright, as
he should have some time ago. We have had a very easy time on the boat, since we left W.A. but expect we will get it pretty solidly soon.
Don't forget to send me a photo of darling little Peggy & Keppel as I left the one you gave me behind in Mother's room, with some other
photos of mine. What do you think of mine? Well Lily give my love to Dodwell, Peggy & Keppel and with very best love yourself, Your ever
loving brother, Hubert Heppingstone
P.S. be careful how you address my letters as the last one you put 12th Reinf instead of 13th.
Postcard dated 10th February 1916
Dear Mother,
I arrived here yesterday and saw George today who is in the hospital but is nearly alright now. Claude is camped close here and is coming to
see me on Saturday. I am very well and had a good trip over. Have written you several letters so hope you get them alright,
love to you all, Hubert
Photos sent to family dated 29th February 1916
Postcard dated 7th March 1916
Dear D.,
young Heppingstone H.E. has arrived with 13/10th L.H. is well. Things are well here & hope that when this next wave starts, you will hear
good news. I hope to get out with next _. Weather getting warm. Kind regards, Mrs Browne, yours ever, A.B. Scott
Letter dated 22nd March 1916
My darling Mother & father,
Another week is gone and we are still here at Heliopolis but I expect we will be transferred into the Artillery before long. Well Mother we
visited the Citadel last weekend (D. Ferguson & myself) and it is the best scenery I have so far seen in Egypt. We first visited the oldest
mosque of the lot which is 560 years old and this was where Napoleon tried to knock it down with cannon and you can see some of the cannon
balls in the walls on the outside, after this we visited one which is only 50 years old but Mara I wish you could see it, it is the most
beautiful building inside that I have ever seen and all different colours in the walls, we then went to see the Blue Mosque which has some
beautiful windows which are blue and that is why they call it the Blue Mosque. After we had gone through the Mosques we went up to the
Citadel and had a very good view of Cairo and the Pyramids. There were a lot of Indian soldiers at the Citadel who had been wounded in
France and one man who had his arm tied up showed us his arm where he had been shot and told us that it was the Souvenir that the Germans
had given him. I had a letter from David yesterday but none from you or Lily but I hope to get one soon. This was the first mail that I had
for over a month so you can tell how pleased I was to get it. I was very sorry to hear that little Keppell had been ill and hope he is quite
alright now. Enid told me in her letter that Sandy had been discharged. Well Mother I really think it is the best thing that happened as I
hear all the natives are put out and this is an awful place Mother for natives and they are full of diseases, besides other nationalities
and besides the place is full of hotels and beer shops and you know what that would have lead to especially as I may not have been here when
he landed and most of the fellows here think about nothing else but beer and you know how easily a native can be lead astray. Lieut Woodrow
went into the hospital yesterday but I do not think it is anything at all serious. We have had our drill hours cut down now as it is getting
far too hot for drill. I am feeling very well again now and I am getting very fat. I hope you received the last letter I wrote to you last
week as I enclosed two small photos for you & father. Well Mara how are you both getting along now, be sure and take great care of
yourselves and not get any colds. Enid sent me a photo of Peggy and I think it was lovely. I would love to see the little darling. I am
always thinking of you Mother dear and I pray for you every night. I think I will get my photo taken next Saturday to let you see how I look.
Young Ferguson is a very fine fellow and does not drink and I can tell you it is a treat to get someone with you like that. Well Mother dear
I think this is all the news tonight so I will close with all my very best love to you & father, ever your loving son, Hubert
P.S. Don't worry about me Mara as you need not think I will disgrace our name. I know you trust me and and you always will be able to
darling, Hubert
P.S. am hoping to be able to get down to see Claude & George next Sunday, best love, Hubert
Letter dated 23rd March 1916
My dear Lily,
I am just writing to let you know that I am quite well although I was in the hospital two weeks ago with influenza but I soon got alright
again. The weather here now is very hot and we had a long march this morning in the heat and I can tell you we were very thankful when it
was over. Claude and George are both well. I saw Claude last Saturday but he is camped up at Tel-el-Kebir which is about 40 miles from here
and they won't give anyone a pass to go there now as they will be off to the front very shortly now and I doubt whether I will see them
again before they leave. We do not yet know whether we will be in the Light Horse or not as we are now in a Reserve Regiment for the 10th
but we may be all going to the Artillery and if we do I think we will have a very good chance of going to England to train. I saw the two
Lyalls here they are both Lieutenants now but they are away with the Regiment which is camped near where Claude & George are. I was sorry to
hear that Sandy had been discharged but I really think it was a very good thing as the place here is full of natived who are full of disease
and besides the place is full of hotels etc. and he most probably would have got himself into trouble especially as I may not have been here
when he landed. I am so digusted with the place that it is very rarely that I leave the camp. If I do it is only to go out to see some
buildings etc. which no doubt are some of the finest that I have ever seen. I have seen Alfred Bussell several times since I have been here,
he is camped close to us. I am getting very fat now but I expect I will be losing a bit now the summer is coming on. I hear all the
Australian troops are going to France except I hear the Light Horse and they are being kept here for patrol on the Canal, that is why all
the Reinforcements will most probably be turned into Artillery. I have had no letters from you yet but have had two from Enid. I will write
to you again next week so I will now close
with my best love to you all,
ever your loving brother
Hubert Heppingstone
P.S. Give my love to Peggy & Keppel & also Dodwell. I will be glad when we are leaving Egypt as it is getting hot now. with best love,
Hubert
Letter dated 19th April 1916
My darling Mother & father,
Another week has gone and I am feeling well and am still in Egypt. We have been having some very hot weather here lately but it is much
cooler again today. Don Ferguson & myself went for a swim in the Canal yesterday afternoon and it was very nice especially as we had not had
a decent wash for over a week. I have not had any letters for over a month now but I hope I will get some soon as that is about all you can
look forward to in this place. We went to Ismalia the other night it is a small place on the Suez Canal and it is a pretty little town. Of
course we could not see very much on account of it being dark. Alfred Bussell is here in the Artillery now, he came down here about two days
ago and I had a good talk to him when I saw him. Have seen lots of fresh troops arriving from Australia as they pass on their way to Cairo,
also a lot of horses have been coming over. The flies are getting very bad here now, so I will have to get a net to keep them away from my
eyes. We expect to be leaving here by the time you receive this letter, most likely for England so I hope to be able to see Rhita and
Charlie that is if I go there. Have been having an easy time in Headquarters lately but I think I will be going back to the D A C with the
rest of the boys in the next day or two. I have not had any letters from George or Claude since they left but I suppose you know where they
are before this. I am always thinking of you Mara and wondering how you are getting along. How is Quality King getting along now. I expect
he is pretty lively now? I am hoping to be able to get to Ismalia one day soon and if I can I will have my photo taken and will send some to
you as soon as I get them. This is only an Artillery camp where we are but it is not a good camp as it is all sand and besides we cannot get
enough water. Mara darling I wish you would send me some of those photos of you and I taken together as I would like one very much. How is
father now I hope he had a good time at Wonnerup and caught plenty of fish. I will be glad when we get back as we will then be able to have
some good picnics etc. Have you still got Nelson Mother. I suppose he is done now. I hope he has not been any trouble to you as you have
enough work to do without looking after dogs. Well Mara darling you and father take great care of yourself and be sure and don't get out in
the rain as I expect winter will be starting in W.A. before long. Mara remember me to Mrs Holley & also to the Marriotts. I will now close
as I have no more news this week. I will write again soon,
with my very best love darling to you & father,
ever your loving son,
Hubert E.A. Heppingstone
P.S. When you write Mother tell me whether father is getting that money alright as if he is not getting it I will write to the Base in Cairo
and they will see that it is sent from Perth, don't forget to write soon Mara as I wouold love to get a letter from you, with best love
Hubert
Postcard dated 1st May 1916
Postcard dated 29th May 1916
My darling Mother & father,
Just a short note to let you know that I am well, and we will be away from here any day now. I had a letter from you darling in the last
mail and it was so good of you to write as I know how little time you get. We have been very busy lately but I am feeling very well
considering the heat. I saw Harold Johnston the other day and he is well and looks quite fat. There is no news here whatever so I will now
say goodbye. I will write again as soon as we get to our destination so I will say goodbye,
with best love to you darling,
your ever loving son,
Hubert
Postcard dated 13th June 1916
My darling Mother & father,
We arrived here yesterday from Egypt and hope to be leaving for our destination which is somewhere in N.E. France. I am feeling splendid and
hope you are all well at home. I have not had any mail now for neartly a month but I expect to get some soon. Give my love to all the
Brunswick people I know, will you darling. I am always thinking of you dear and praying that you are well. This is a very pretty place but
we are not allowed to leave the boat, it is quite a treat to see some trees after seeing none in Egypt especially as we had been in the
desert practically the whole time. I will write you a long letter as soon as we get settled down but this is only to let you know that I am
well. With my very best love to you & father,
ever your loving son,
Hubert
Postcard dated 13th July 1916
Letter dated 21st September 1916
My darling Mother,
I was pleased to get your most welcome letter dated August 11th and to know that you and father were as well as could be expected. George
and I are quite well Mara dear. I have been with him quite a lot lately. He looks so well considering the awful time he has had. My
thoughts Mother have been with you at all times and I was so worried about you all. I hope you and father will take every possible care of
yourself as you are not fit to work hard now dear. I am so glad that Sandy has been such a good boy. I always liked him and he seems quite
different to any others that I have ever come across. I am glad Ian will be coming down for his holidays he will make things much brighter for
you. I am glad the little pony is alright, & ought to get fat now the spring weather is coming on. We have had some terribly wet weather
here lately and I am afraid the winter is starting now so I expect we will feel it a bit cold after W.A. I had such a nice letter from Rhita
today and she sent me a P.C. of George, Ted and herself taken when George was on leave in England. She wants me to go and stay with her if I
get any leave, so I am hoping I will be able to go later on. I had a letter from Miss Giles by this mail, also some from the Wonnerup people
and I felt sorry when I heard that Aunt Milly had not been well. I was surprised when I heard that A. Perren was in camp. I am afraid he
will not like it too well. I have so far been feeling splendid so I hope I will be to stand the winter alright. I have seen quite a lot of
old W.A. boys lately and they all seem very well. I get letters and parcels from them in Ireland nearly every week, and I am always writing
and telling them not to bother about sending them, but they send them just the same as ever. I write to you Mother every week so if at any
time you do not get one from me, you know it must have gone astray. I am afraid you will find this letter very uninteresting but there is
really no news here whatever. Well my darlings I will close now, may God bless you all and with all my love Mara darling to you & father,
Your ever loving son,
Hubert
P.S. Will write you next week
Letter dated 10th October 1916
My darling Mother & father,
I am sorry I could not write to you last week as I was very busy, so I hope this letter will catch this mail. I am feeling splendid, so I
think France must agree with me. I saw George about a week ago, and he looked very well. I hope to see him again in a few days time. We have
been having some very cold weather lately although it has not rained much, but you can see by the trees etc that winter is close at hand. I
hope you are not worrying about us Mother dear as we are quite alright. I have not had any Australian mail for some time now but I expect
_ _ the D A C, anyway I am going down there tomorrow, so I hope to get some. I am now in the 12th F A Bgde Headquarters so I will give you
my new address in the end of this letter. I have had quite a lot of letters from them at Rahins, and they are longing for me to go there
when I get leave. I hope to be able to get over there by the end of the year but of course do not know for certain. I am always thinking of
you all at home, and I hope, that the time is not too far distant when we will be back again but without our darling Claudie it seems too
terrible but it might have been God's will. I am always thinking of him and I cannot now image him as being gone. I expect quite a
Letter dated 15th October 1916
My darling Lily,
I was so pleased to get your letter dated 7th Aug, and I know how you must have felt about our darling Claudie it is really hard to believe
and even now I can't realise it. Mr Scott is not here now he was in the hopsital the last time I heard of him. I do not think he would
stand very much. I have seen quite a lot of George lately, he does not look too well at all, and when I first saw him he looked very ill but
since then he looks much better. I wondered whether you ever got the P.C. I sent you from Marseilles. We have been having some very nice
weather lately, but it is getting very cold here now, and it is quite dark at 5.30pm. I may be going into the 1st Division with George
before long but I do not know for certain. I hear from the Model every week and also from Rhita, I hope to get over there before long on
leave and if I do I am going to Scotland. We are kept pretty busy at present, but I am feeling splendid. This is a beautiful country Lily
and so healthy, quite different from Egypt. Well Lily I think this is all the news I have this time so will close,
with my very best love to you all,
ever your loving brother,
Hubert
Postcard dated 4th November 1916
Letter dated 1st December 1916
My darling Mother & father,
I have not been able to write lately, as we have been on the move, but are settled again now, so I hope to be able to write you every week
in future. I am feeling well Mother dear so do not worry about me, but the cold is intense now, and we have had one snow storm since I last
wrote and for the last week there has been thick ice on the ground all the day and all pools of water are frozen hard. It is the coldest
weather here that I have ever yet experienced. I have not had any mail for quite a long time but I expect there will be a mail in before
long now. How are you all getting along now darling. I expect you are having very nice summer weather again now. I wish we would get a bit
of it here. Have not heard from George lately, but I suppose he is well. I felt so relieved when I knew he was in England. Well Mother dear
give my love to them all at home and tell Enid I will write soon but at present we have not much conveniences for writing letters as our
hands are fozen nearly all the day. Well darling I will now close now, love to you & father,
your ever loving son,
Hubert
Letter dated 9th December 1916
My darling Mother & father,
Another mail day so I am just writing to let you know that I am well. I had a big mail from Australia the other day, and was glad to hear
that you were quite well. We have had some very cold weather lately, also plenty of rain so I won't be sorry when I get back to Sunny
Australia. I had a letter from George yesterday and he seems to be getting on very well in England. I expect to get my leave in about six
weeks time, so if it comes off, I will send you and father some little present but I have not been able to buy anything suitable here. Lucy
sent me four beautiful parcels the other day, they are so good in sending things. I wrote to them at Rahins today. I had a letter from Lily
and she said you had dear little Peggy with you. I am so glad as she is such a little darling. I expect you are having some nice weather
now. I would love to be there to go for some nice long rides. The place here is nothing but mud and its up to your knees so you can just
imagine what it is like walking about. Well darling remember me kindly to all I know, and you and father look after yourself,
ever your own loving son,
Hubert
Letter dated 10th December 1916
My darling Lily,
I was so pleased to get your two letters dated Sept 22nd & october 12th and was so pleased to hear from you. Mr Scott is not with me now,
nor Don Ferguson, as I am now in the 12th Aus Field Artillery Brigade 'Headquarters' 4th Division. I often see Don Ferguson and he is
getting along alright. I suppose you have heard
Note dated 10th January 1917
Postcard dated 9th February 1917
Letter dated 18th February 1917
My darling Lily,
I was so pleased to receive your two letters dated 20th Nov & 30th Nov, and was so pleased to hear from you. I note what you say about Elsie
Moore sending me a photo but she need not trouble as I am finished with her. I was very pleased about the wool you sold it is very good
indeed for the first year. I only wish I was in Hedland to go out fishing as I did enjoy it when I was there. I am still keeping well
although I have had rather a nasty cold the last few days but I feel much better today. We have had it terribly cold Lily for the last month
we had snow and ice and since then a hard frost all the time, so you can imagine what it was like. I never want to experience anything like
it again. I expect you have been wondering why I have not written before but I was away at a school for 14 days and have been very busy
since I came back. My correct address is No. 1875 _ Headquarters, 12th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, 4th Aust Division Infantry,
A.I.F. I think I gave it to you in a previous letter. I think I am getting a promotion very soon so I hope you have not forgotten your
promise of a pd5 for every stripe I get. I visited our darling Claudie's grave about a week ago and it is being well cared for. I have felt
pretty miserable since. I heard from George yesterday and he seems to be getting along very well and ought to have his Comm by now. Well
Lily I think this is all the news this time. I will write and let you know if my promotion comes through.
Your every loving brother,
Hubert
PS are out having a rest so do not worry about me, love Hubert.
Letter dated 24th February 1917
Letter dated 30th June 1917
My darling mother & father,
I was so pleased to get your most welcome letter dated 3rd May written by you at Wonnerup and to know that you were all well at home. I have
been very busy lately and have not had much time to write but you can show Lily this letter will you Mara dear. I am quite alight again now
and from now on a Sergeant so I am getting on alright. I am glad the pony looks well, and I long to have a ride on him but I think the war
will soon be over now and then wont we have a good time darling. We are out of the line now having a short rest, and having an easier time
although I have a much better time than I did before now that I have my stripes. I had a letter from George the other day, and he was very
well when I saw him last that was just before we shifted to Belgium. I hope to be able to get leave to go to Ireland at Christmas but of
course I do not yet know whether it will come off or not. I am longing to see dear little Mollie although by what I hear she _ _ now. How is
my darling little Peggy _ give her my love and tell her I will give her plenty of rides on my pony when I come back. We have had some very
cold changeable weather lately, and today is very cold, and it is pouring with rain. I think I prefer the Australian climate to this
although we have had some very nice weather lately. My thoughts are always of you at home and I long for the time when this war will end and
the world again at peace. I will have a few snaps to send you by the next mail, but I do not think they will be much good. I hope you
received the photos I sent you some time ago, as I registered them, so you ought to have received them safely. Well Mara darling I am afraid
you will find this letter very uninteresting but I will write again in a few days time, give my love to Lily and all the others at home and
with heaps of love for you and father,
ever you loving son,
Hubert
Letter dated 12th August 1917
My dearest Lily,
I was so pleased to get your most welcome letter dated 2nd June, as this was the first letter I had received from Australia for months. I am
glad to say the wound I received in Action was only a slight one, although I was hit in the head, and it was a miracle I was not killed
outright. I am very pleased Charlie is at home and I only hope he stays there, as he has done his share of fighting. I expect to be able to
get over on leave at Christmas time, and if such is the case I am going to spend my holiday at Rahins. I am now a Sargeant and have a fairly
decent job, so do not worry about me. Lucy is awfully good in sending me parcels, and seldom a week goes by without they sending me
something. I have written and told them not to go to the trouble of sending me parcels, but they still continue to do so. In your last
letter you asked me why I was offended with Elsie Moore but if you see her Lily you can tell her from me, that I do not want any of her
sympathetic letters, as she did not bother to write to me when I was in Australia and when I am over here I got a letter full of rot, and
she hopes & prays that I am well and all the rest of it, you can inform her from me that if she writes any more letters like this, they will
be thrown in the fire and I won't bother to read them. How is my darling little Peggy. I would love to see the dear little thing and take
her for a ride on my pony. We have had some very wet weather lately, although it has not been cold but I expect in another two months time
we will have winter on top of us again and I can assure you I am not looking forward to it. Did you ever get the photo I sent you from
England, it was a very good one of me but I am afraid it was amongst one of the Australian mails that were lost. I had a letter from dear
old George the other day and he was very well when he wrote. I am forwarding a P.C. George and I had taken when we were on leave in England,
it is not a very good one but the ones I had taken by myself were very good indeed. Well dear Lily I am afraid this is all the news this
time so will conclude, with my very best love to you,
ever your loving brother,
Hubert
P.S. Thank you very much for sending me the Western Mails, as I received quite a bundle of them the other day,
love Hubert
Postcard dated 21st August 1917
Dear Dr,
Just had my leave to London & am out here again. It all seems a dream. However all goes well now & we progress as fast as possible. Thanks
for papers Pilbara News just arrived, Kindest regards to self & wife. We hope to return in 1918,
Yours always,
A.P. Scott
Leave pass dated 17th September 1917
Card from the YMCA in London and Christmas card, Christmas 1917
Letter dated 5th January 1918
My darling Mother & Father,
Just a short note to let you know I am quite well and still going strong. We had a very quiet Christmas over here but I hope we will be back
in Australia for the next one. We have had no Australian letters for about three months. I cannot understand how it is as all the Eastern
States get their mail regularly. Lucy has been awfully good to me in sending me parcels and you cannot imagine how nice and kind she is. I
was only too sorry that I was not able to spend more time with them when I was on leave last time. I have not been able to get to England to
an Officer's Course but hope to get over there a little later on. How is Quality King now Mara. I suppose he is very fat. I would love to be
able to have a ride on the dear little fellow. When you write again Mara send my letters to Rahins will you and Lucy will send them on to me
as this seems to be the best way to get them. We have been having some very cold weather lately with snow and ice but nothing to be
compared with last winter. We have a lot of rumours flying about here that all the Australians are going to Egypt but I do not think that there
is any truth in it. George is in England at present as he was slightly gassed but is quite well again now, so I suppose here will be over here
again before long. I was sorry to see that the Conscription Bill did not pass although I was glad to see Western Australia was in favour of it.
Well Mara I think this is all the news this time so will conclude. Rember me kindly to all the people that I know and will all my love & kisses
for you and father, ever your own loving son always, Hubert
P.S. I will write again soon, love Hubert.
Letter dated 16th January 1918
My dearest Lily,
Your ever welcome letter dated the 18th Sept reached me today and I was so pleased to hear from you as this was the first letter I have
received from Australia for ages. I am glad you like my photo Lily and that you think I am so straight. No Lily I have not received the long
pair of stockings you sent me but two tins containing sugar and _ reached me safely and they were very acceptable. I think I told you in a
previous letter that I had been on leave to Ireland and I had an awfully nice time and Lucy is absolutely the nicest woman I have ever met
and they all think the world of Charlie & George. Mollie has grown such a nice girl and is awfully good looking but I will stick to my little
Peggy. Thank Peggy so much for the kisses she sent me and I must write a long letter to the dear little thing as soon as I get time. I had
a letter from Elsie Moore recently and I must answer it soon. George was gassed and is in England but is well again now so I think he will
be over here before long. I would love _ now to go fishing but I only hope the war will soon end so that we can get back home again. Well
Lily I am afraid you will find this letter very uninteresting but there is so little news to write about here. Remember me kindly to Dodwell and
also to anyone else I know.
With my very best love from you brother,
Hubert
P.S. Will write again soon,
love Hubert
am feeling splendid and getting quite fat,
love Hubert
Letter dated 21st January 1918
My darling mother and father,
Just a short note to let you know that I am quite well Mara and I hope you are all well at home. We are having some very wet weather lately,
but it has not been very cold. I heared that Arthur Perrin had gone to the Indian Army as I went over to see him some little time ago and they
told me he had been gone for some time. I received quite a lot of Australian letters a few days ago, and I was so pleased to hear all the
news as these were the first letters that i had received for ages. I had a nice long letter from Lucy yesterday and they are waiting patiently
for me to go over on leave again but I do not think I will get any leave again until about June but of course it may be before that date. Dear
old George is still in England and i think it will be some time before he comes back to France again. How is Quality King getting along now
Mara I suppose he is very fresh. Ian is longing to have a ride on the dear little fellow. I only hope I will be back in Australia by next summer
so that we will _ down to the Junction and get some fishing _ darling I think this is all the news I have this time so will conclude. Remember
me kindly to anyone I know will you Mara and tell poor old Joe that I am still going strong.
with my fondest love and kisses,
Hubert
P.S. Will write you a longer letter next week darling,
from Hubert
Letter dated 4th April 1918
My dearest Lily,
Your very welcome letter dated 15th Dec reached me today and you cannot tell how pleased I was to hear from you. I was very pleased to hear
that you and Dodwell were going South as it is about time that you all had a holiday. I would just love to see that dear little Peggy but I suppose
I will have to wait until I get home. No Lily I did not get the photo of Keppel that Enid sent me evidently it went to the bottom of the sea. Well Lily
I am still quite well and have been rather lucky up to date. I was with George about three weeks ago and I went for a ride with him, he was very
well then but I do not expect to see him for some considerable time as we are some distance from him now. We have had a very mild winter this
year although we have had quite a lot of rain the last few days, but it is nothing compared with last winter. I received quite a lot of Australian
mail the other day and was very pleased to get it as I had not had any letters for a considerable time. I saw Bob Clifton the other day, and he is
just the same as ever also Tom Cusack and they wished to be remembered to you. I have only seen Mr Scott once in the last twelve months and
he looked very well when I saw him. I am afraid you will find this letter very _ _ to the children and with love to you & Dodwell,
ever you loving brother,
Hubert
P.S. Remember me kindly to Elsie Moore will you Lily if you see her. I will write again soon,
love Hubert
Letter dated 17th April 1918
My darling mother & father,
Just a note to let you know that I am quite well and I am sorry that I have not been able to write before but have been terribly busy lately. We have
been having quite a lot of rain the last few days also it has been very cold but we might be getting good weather at the end of this month. Be sure
you and father take every care of yourself Mara during the winter months. I was very pleased to hear that you had dear little Peggy with you and I
would just love to see the dear little thing, give her me love will you Mara also some kisses! I long for the time when all this business is over and
then I will be able to take you to church, and we will be able to go for some nice picnics together. I suppose I will be going to England on leave in
a few months time but of course I do not know for certain. I was surprised to hear that Arthur Perren was back in Australia. I consider he was very
lucky. I am afraid this is a very short letter Mara darling but there is no news here at all but will write you a longer letter next time. Remember me
kindly to anyone _ and with _ you and dear father,
ever your own loving son,
Hubert.
P.S. Give my love to Dod & Charlie will you Mara,
love Hubert
Letter dated 2nd May 1918
My darling mother & father,
You cannot tell how pleased I was today when your letter of Feb 11th reached me, as I had not had any letters from you for some little time. I was
so glad that you heard from Sandy is he in New South Wales? I was awfully sorry to hear about Teddy Nazer being killed as I did not know he
had come away to war. Fancy having dear little Peggy with you again. I would just love to see the dear little thing. Well Mara darling I am quite
well so do not worry about me. We have been having some very wet weather lately but it has started to clear up now so expect we will have some
summer weather before too long. I have not seen George for some little time but he was quite well about two weeks ago as one of my friends saw
him. I think I told you in a previous letter that I saw Bob Clifton and Tom Cusack but have not yet seen Walter Partridge. The fields here are
beautiful now very much like they are at home about Christmas time. I wrote a letter to David some little time agao but have not yet had any reply.
I only hope he is well. We have been terrible busy lately but have been having a rest the last few days. I hope Ian enjoyed himself at Cundenup
although I am sure he would but I think I would prefer Wonnerup as it is so handy to the sea. Do you ever get any wild ducks now Mara. I suppose
Ian got you some when he was with you. I was very amused when I heard that Ted & Sarah were married. I hardly though they ever would, did
you? I have not yet had any other Australian letters except yours but I am perfectly satisfied as long as I hear from you dear ones at home. Give my
love to Dodd will you Mara please and tell him I will soon be home. If you want any little thing in England Mara be sure and let me know will you and
I will buy it for you when I go on leave again. They are awfully good to me at Rahins and Lucy is simple splendid she is always sending me parcels
etc although I am always writing and telling her not to go to the trouble. I hope a little later on to go to an Officers Cadet School in England and if I
am lucky enough to get over there it will mean I will be 7 or 8 months in England which would not be half bad. Well Mara darling be sure you and
darling old father take every care of yourself and not go working too hard, especially in the wet weather, I think this is all the news I have this time so
will conclude, remember me kindly to anyone I know will you Mara and with heaps of love to you and all at home,
ever your own loving son,
Hubert
P.S. Will write you next week,
fondest love,
Hubert
Letter dated 22nd June 1918
My dearest Lily,
I was very pleased today to receive you ever most welcome letter dated the 1st April and I was glad to hear that you were at home. They
cannot stop my letters Lily if you send them to Rahins it is only talk so still continue to send them there will you? I was very pleased to hear
that father had been to Augusta, I only hope he had a good time. I am glad you have had plenty of vegetables when home you would
enjoy them after coming from the N. West. I suppose by the time you receive this letter that you will be back in Hedland. I am sending the
letter there so hope you receive it safely. I would just love to see my darling little Peggy and also Kep but I expect it will be some time
before I have the luck to see them. Well Lily since I last wrote to you, I have had two weeks in bed with French Fever but am glad to say
that I am quite well again now except that I have a sore throat. We have been having very unsettled weather lately and it is now pouring
with rain. George is camped close here and I went over and saw him this afternoon he looks very well and sends you his love. I have not
yet been able to get over to the school in England but we are trying to fix it up now if it comes off it will mean that I will be over there for
seven or eight months so it will be a great change from this. If you see Elsie Moore, Lily will you tell her that I have written and also give
her my love. I have had several letters from Ada Wilson lately and she seems to be a very nice girl. I am afraid you will find this letter very
uninteresting but there is so little to write about here. I think this is all the news I have this time so will conclude with my very fondest love
to you all,
ever your loving brother,
Hubert
P.S. Will write again soon,
love
Hubert
Letter 29th June 1918
My darling mother and father,
Just a line to let you know that I am quite well and hope that you are all well at home. I saw George a few days ago and he was looking very
well. We are having splendid weather here now and are also having a rather easy time. I saw Capt. Robson the other day and he wished to
be kindly remembered to you. I had a letter from David a few days ago and he was very well when he wrote. I am afraid that you will find this
letter very uninteresting Mara but really there is nothing to write about here. The country around here is very pretty now and I saw a garden
yesterday with some beautiful roses very much like the roses at 'Frogmore'. We are able to get some fruit now as there are plenty of cherries
about here it is quite a treat to get some fresh fruit. I am just longing for some of those pears in the orchard but suppose I will have to wait
until this is all over. We are out having a rest now and we had a cricket match this afternoon. I am sorry to say that I made the big score of 0
but I only want some practice and I would be alright again. How are you and father getting on Mara. I hope you are not working too hard as
you are not fit for it now. One of the fellows here is going to Australia today and he was mad with excitement. I don't wonder at it either. Does
father ever go fishing now Mara and what kind of luck has he? I am always thinking of you dear ones at home and I am just longing for the
time when we will be back again, we will have some splendid times won't we Mara? Well I think this is all the news I have this time so will
conclude with my very fondest love to you & darling old father,
ever your own loving son,
Hubert
P.S. Will write again soon,
love
Letter dated 17th October
Dearest Lily,
Hubert arrived about 2 hours agao. Sent me a wire last evening saying he was on his way. Pater & Mollie met him. He is like Charlie & George
but much younger looking. He has had a kind of gastric attack & the Dr said he had better get leave & take a rest. We will let him do as he
likes. He says he knew M the moment he saw her. She grinned and flew to kiss him. No wonder he knew who she was. I don't know if he is
going to Rhita. She is not a good correspondent. Her baby had a rash in face & I am sure _ in a way. Now I s'pose the child is cured. She
has not us anything of Grimsby. She must miss Mrs Young. Today is fine, but we have had cold stormy & rainy weather. Not like October.
I had the Hutchinsons, Emersons, Ellisons & a few of the officers here yesterday. I hear Mrs H gave a dance on Sat night it was not mentioned here yesterday & if she doesn't invite L M & H I wont ask her here for a while. Mollie says Lucy was far the best looking at the L_ dance. She wore her cream lace. I put a peplum of itself to the skirt, when shortened considerably. A very tiresome job - but I was pleased with it. Two men danced & talked a great deal with her - & she enjoyed the evening. They stayed the night at the L_ & had breakfast in bed. _ _ very pretty but oh so delicate. I hear but don't yet know why Mrs L is not going to give a big dance. Lots of the men did not ask Christobel to dance & it was very rude of them. Mrs B of B following up
I think it good for M to go into nice society it is education for her she looked sweet in her dotted muslin & danced every dance
Repatriation to Australia dated 29th December 1918
Postcards dated 2nd February 1919
Dear Mrs Brown
Just a line wishing you all the best. We are here at Chaileroa in support to the Allies away on the Rhine. We Aussies are not going further now. So
we hope Peace will be signed & all & was to go out to Dear Sunny Aussie. These grey skies keep a man in the dumps. I hope rain has fallen on your
run & a good season in view - kindest thoughts, your ever sincerely, A.P. Scott
this a good photo of Browne dip. It was here we pulled up our guns first & scores of men were killed & wounded. There are quite a lot of _ yards round this part & we had an awful job pulling up the guns working night & day
Dear Dr
Just a hurried line - I daily await leave to Paris - & then I hope for early Demobilization with 14 days leave in Blighty & Home Sweet Home. Peace
sitting now on & we tremble lest some Conference blocks the genuine ends - Strikes in Ireland & Blighty don't taste nice - all the World seems at
Boiling Point. Its a case of 'All hopping in to their get their cut'. We mugs of Private Soldier will I suppose get nothing. However C'est La Guerre.
But dear Dr we won - & that is the all in all
Kindest regards,
Yours ever
A.P. Scott
Certificate of Discharge dated 13th June 1919
Poems and song lyrics
Soldier's Pay Book
