PLANE, Leslie Garfield - Memoirs - Part 2

reality waiting for our reinforcement to be completed. The men decided to try and raise funds, to provide comforts on the trip across, and I was asked to take charge of the cash and buy the gear. Each man was asked to contribute something, and with the help of another man, we managed to fix up two concerts, one of which the Mater very kindly worked up at the Womens Temperance Union. We raised just on 30 pounds, and with it I bought enough to keep us amused in the way of sport on the way over, and then had about 10 pounds in cash, which I handed over to our O.C. for safe keeping. We had another final leave, and on Monday the 29th we entrained at 6 oclock for Sydney. We arrived there the same evening and went into Liverpool Camp. We were up again at 2 oclock and left for Sydney at 5 oclock, and marched from the Central Station to the wharf, and went on board the 'Euripides', our transport. We moved out and anchored in Watsons Bay, practically the same place, as my first transport the Berrima, that took us to New Guinea. We left Sydney at four oclock in the afternoon. The first Sunday at Church Parade, I thought I recognised the Padre, and made myself known to him. He was Chaplain Colonel Jenkins, one of the Pater's old W.A. friends and many a yarn we had together. Nothing sensational happened on our first stage the usual sports being held to keep us occupied. Friday the 23rd was Marion's birthday and my thoughts were with her, all the day. I could not send anything, except thoughts. On Sunday we arrived at the Panama Canal, after a run of 25 days. The City of Panama is the first view one has, and we steamed slowly past, on our way to the entrance to the canal. We steamed up the canal and after about an hour reached the first lock. We entered the lock and were risen 30 ft and then by means of two very powerful trams, one on each side of the lock, were towed through. We passed through two or three more locks, being either risen or lowered, and then towed through again. We then went through the Culebra but which is a wonderful piece of work, and it is so narrow that it was just possible for the boat to go through. From here we steamed into a lake, which had been a valley, but which was flooded with water, and wherever you looked you could see the tops of trees showing. This lake is about ten miles across and after passing through this you again enter another lock, and then having passed through come to Colon, which is at the end of the canal. It is a very pretty place, and we went alongside the wharf, to coal. We were not allowed to land, so we watched the coaling of our ship which was very interesting, the majority of the work being done by electricity. The trucks run around in a circle and as they come opposite the coal shute, a negro pressed a button and stopped them, the bottom then opening the coal falling through. A button is pressed again and away goes the truck, until it reaches a huge crane, where it is stopped again, and filled with coal, and passes on its round once again. The negroes are very intelligent, most of them being American Negroes. One of our boys died here but we were not allowed ashore to act as a firing party, this being done by the American Troops who were garrisoned there. The Padre was the only man allowed to land, to officiate at the graveside, he being trusted I suppose to return to the ship. We left Colon at 5.30 in the evening, and were glad to move on again. On Sunday 2nd December, we reached Trinidad, the Capital of the British West Indies. It was very hot and we anchored about a mile from the wharf. We were to have gone ashore on Tuesday, but owing to heavy rain, it was postponed until the following day. We were put on a huge flat bottomed barge and towed in by a small launch. When we landed we formed up, and marched through the streets to the racecourse where we were supplied with cool drinks and eatables, and had a great time. The people made a great fuss over us as we were the first Australian Troops they had seen. Another chap and I were detailed off to find two men who had wandered away, and of course knew it was meant to be a hurried search, and then return in order to go aboard with the company again. Knowing the boat did not sail for a day or two, and naturally being anxious to see all we could, we made away from the wharf and when we thought they had all gone aboard again, we came back into town and had quite a good time. When tired we reported to our own Ship's Police, who were stationed, at Civil Police Barracks, and we were told, that no launches would be going out to the boat till the following morning. We were told we could sleep there and were taken over to the Sergeants quarters and given a mattress and blankets. The native police are a fine body of men, physically, and are also very courteous. I was taken into the Sergeants canteen and was introduced to the Police Commissioner's son, and he & I played billiards till nearly twelve oclock. The next morning we went out on a launch and on getting aboard, found that the two men we had been sent to search for had reported at the wharf, and had gone on board the previous afternoon. Trinidad is a fine town and well up to date, having some very fine buildings, some of which I visited. The population is very mixed and I think I am safe in saying, it has nearly got a representative of every race there. The streets are well laid out and the tramway system is well up to date, and one could find plenty to interest themselves with. One of our lads was put ashore here, suffering from appendicitis, and was taken in to hospital and operated on. He had the time of his life according to his own story, I happened to meet him in England, after he had recovered and had been sent on. The land of the humming bird as it is called is indeed a very fine place, and I would like to see more of it. When we marched through the streets we were pelted with oranges and other fruit, mingled with showers of Post Cards, and one had to keep his eyes open to be able to dodge them. One little nigger kid must have taken a liking to me, as he marched by my side all the way and as soon as I had finished eating one orange, he would disappear for a few minutes, and return with a few more ready for eating. The following day a party of ladies from the shore came on board and gave a concert, which was very good. On Sunday 9th inst. we left Trinidad, and were accompanied by a French Cruiser and escort. This was our last call and we were not bothered with submarines or any enemy craft and entered Plymouth on Christmas night, surrounded by destroyers on every side. I must not forget to mention our Christmas dinner which we were unfortunate enough to spend on board. Dinner consisted of soup, followed by roast pork, & for sweets, ships duff, which is very much like rubber, when you come to chew it. We dropped anchor in Plymouth Sound at 1/4 past 7, Christmas night. The following day, we landed on the wharf and got straight into the train, we found waiting for us, on the other side of the wharf. We were on the train about four hours and arrived at our destination Warminster, about 4 p.m. We marched out to Sutton Veny Camp about 3 miles march, and marched into the 1st training battalion, where we were to under go our training. We were put into isolation for three weeks, but this did not interfere with our traing. It was bitterly cold and it was snowing and I used to wonder how much longer I could stand it. After about 12 weeks in Camp the old complaint began to trouble me again and I found I could not carry on with my training. The Dr. decided, to put me before a Medical Board, and much to my dismay I was marked unfit for service. In the meantime my pals had left for France and I was indeed miserable and unhappy. A week or two later I was sent down to Weymouth where I was to undergo a final medical inspection. Weymouth Camp is divided into 3 subdepots, namely Littlemoor Camp, I have forgotten the others. Whilst I was at Littlemoor, it was decided to present the Mayoress, of Exeter, with our Australian Flag, as a token of our appreciation of the kindness in supplying all troops with free tea and refreshment on their way through to the various Camps. As it was not possible to get men from the Training Camps 25 men were chosen from each sub deport, at Weymouth, and I was chosen as one from Littlemoor. A day or two later we all combined at Weymouth and were given a little ceremonial drill to freshen us up a little. On Tuesday 14th April, we left Weymouth and went to Fovant where we spent the night. The next day we went on to Exeter arriving there at midday. Marched to a Cafe where a very decent dinner was waiting for us, which we soon did justice to. About 2 oclock we fell in and marched to the gardens, where the flag was duly presented to the Mayoress, General McKay giving an eloquent address. It now hangs in the Exeter Town Hall. We were then marched to the station where we had tea, and were then marched back to the town where we were told we had leave till 4p.m. the following afternoon. Were then dismissed and were free to do as we pleased. Next day we were taken for a lovely motor trip, passing through the sea side and country villages, doing about fifty miles altogether. In the afternoon we went on the river for an hour and succeeded in upsetting a chap in a canoe, into the river. Went to the station about 4 p.m. and left for Weymouth reaching there at eleven oclock where we found a hot meal waiting for us. Returned to Littlemoor and went for my final medical board and was classified fit for service after six month spell. On Monday 27th I was sent to Hurdcott Camp, and for the next eight weeks lived a miserable life. Was then sent back to the 1st T. B., and a fortnight later, was on a draft for France, and very thankful I was to get away. Before leaving, went to London on leave and had my photo taken with Fred, who was fit and well again but owing to the loss of his right foot, was unable to return to the line. He was on the Staff at Headquarters, but soon after received a scholarship and went to the Oxford University, where he now is. On August the 14th I left the 1st Training Battalion for France, and arrived at Folkestone the following day. We left the same day, and crossed the Channel and arrived safely at Boulogne at 3pm in the afternoon. Went into Blanket Hill Camp for the night. Left at 10am the next day for the Base (Havre) arriving there at midnight. On August the 18th we left the Base and marched into Le Havre, and got into cattle trucks, (40 in a truck). Next day we arrived at Pernois, where the Reinforcement Camp was situated. Here we went through our final gas test. This village was about 40 miles from the front line. On the following morning we boarded the light railway and after four hours travel got out and marched about 6 miles, and joined our Battalion, (the 9th) who were out of the line. Left Hamlen the next day and marched about 10 miles and came to reserves where we camped for the night. Were very tired, dusty and hot, and were glad of the spell. Left next morning for the front line. On the 23rd we moved up to the line, at 1/2 past 2 hopped over, and my first stunt was on. My feelings were varied and such noise and dead lying about I had never seen or heard. We advanced about 3 kilometres. I had been slightly gassed, having to take a spell, and half an hour later started on my way to rejoin my Coy who were fighting for possession of a hill. When I just began ascending, I heard a shout behind me and on looking round, to my surprise, saw no less than 15 Germans emerging from a dug out. As I was the only one close to them, I went back and they surrendered easily enough, being frightened out of their wits. I took them back to Coy Headquarters, and handed them over to the Adjutant, who told me to have a spell which I did. Went back to the Coy that night, who had moved up further. Was immediately sent on a ration fatigue, and had quite a lively time trying to sink into the earth, when whizz bangs were coming over. I do not wish to dwell on this subject suffice it to say I came out safely after three different hop overs, with iron foundries, and machine guns playing the very devil. On Sept 18th we went into the line again and hopped over, and pushed Fritz back to the Hindenburg Line. Were relieved after six days. Two hours before going out I was gassed and was sent to the 53rd clearing station where I was put to bed and a little later taken in an Ambulance Car, to the Station, and boarded a Red Cross Car, and was taken to Havre and put into Hospital there and after a week, asked to be sent out, and was taken to the Convalescent Depot alongside the Base Camp. It was here that I met some old Maryborough pals and we had a good time talking over all times. I also met Colonel Merrington, Chaplain, from Brisbane at the Base who had come over to France for the second time. On November 11th, while still at the Depot, the great news came through that Germany had at last signed to Armistice. A few weeks later I returned to my Battalion, who happened to be in Bohain in France. After a week or two we were told we were to prepare for a three days route march, and it was a great blessing when we had finished it, doing about 50 miles in the three day with full packs up, on cobbled roads. We settled down again in a village called Sans Potteries, and were there for three months when we were told again we were on another route march, and with heavy hearts, and memories of the last one, we prepared, and the second day of that march was the worst I have ever experienced in my life. We crossed the border the first day, and were in Belgium, and on the third day we arrived at our destination, a village called Chatelet, where we learnt to our pleasure we were to be billetted with the people. I was with a Corporal, and we were put into a house, with a Belgium & his wife and a boy. They gave us a very hearty welcome, and we were shown to our room while the old Madame was chattering away in her best French, or Walloon, or whatever it was, it made little difference to us, as neither of us could understand her, and all we could say was 'Wee' Madame which means yes. We soon overcame our difficulty however, trust a 'Digger' to make himself understood and by signs and arm waving we would get them to 'comprez'. One incident worth relating, which shows how we tried to make ourselves understood is as follows. One of our boys who was a runner in the line, was trying to make his people understand what he did, but failing by language, got down on the floor, and started to crawl, and would then make a noise, like a shell coming over, and would immediately duck his head, and then start crawling again, all the time saying 'Comprez', Madame, 'Comprez', while all the time the two old women were watching with amazement written on their faces, and then one old girl looked at the other and significantly tapped her forehead with her finger, as much as to say he was mad. I don't think they did 'Comprez'. It was not long before we got hold of the most familar phrases and with the help of the arms, and a lot of imagination could hold a small conversation. The 'Diggers' say cut a Froggie's hands off and he would die of loss of speech. We gradually grew to know each other better, and we used to take them anything we could spare as they were still on rations, and were very grateful to us. They are great hearted people and treated us just like sons, and I never will forget their kindness, shown in many little ways. At first we were amazed at their mode of living & habits, but as we noticed that they took these things as calmly as everything, we soon became accustomed to them. Their great purpose in life is to keep their frontage of the path and road clean, and every other morning you would see them with water and brooms scrubbing the front of the houses, the footpath, and road, and gutters, yet as far as their bodily cleanliness was concerned, personally, I never saw or heard of them having a bath. I suppose they did sometimes. About two months after I had been with my people they sold their home and moved into one further out of the village. I thought I would have to look for a new billet, but when I suggested this they were very offended, and there was nothing for it, but to pack my gear and follow them to the new home, where very shortly, I was comfortable installed, with a nice double bed, which my mate and I shared. The affection shared by them and our boys was specially noticable, when a draft of men were leaving from home, and when marching away the streets would be lined with people and nearly all the 'Madames' and 'Madamoiselles' weeping. I had been with my people just on six months when my turn for return came, and as day approached, the 'Madame' started preparing bisuits and cakes, which were for us, on our journey. On Tuesday 20th May, we left Chatelet and went to Charleroi, about 6 miles away, where we were to entrain, and before leaving we had to promise that we would return and sleep at home that evening, as we were not leaving Charleroi, till the following day. Next morning, our good bye was said and it nearly broke me up to say goodbye, because they had been so kind and good, and nothing ever seemed too much trouble to them to do for Monsieur Les. While at Chatelet we were given leave, and I took the opportunity of visiting Brussels three times, which is a very beautiful City, and it was here that Nurse Cavell was murdered by the Germans. We visited the principal sights and while there had a great time, the only thing wrong being, there was not enough time