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Comradeship
Demobilisation - Return to Australia
The History of B Company of the Forty-First Bn.It may now be of interest to learn what befell the 42nd Battalion in its new guise as B Company of the 41st, and of the subsequent return to Queensland of that large number of 42nd men who formed part of what was known as "The 39th Quota" of which our own Commanding Officer, Lt-Colonel A. R. Woolcock was in command.
WE LEAVE VERGIES FOR WARLUS
It was on October 21st, that we marched from Vergies to take up our new position with the 41st Battalion.
We were duly inspected by our new Commanding Officer on the 25th, when we undertook our first route march along with the 41st Battalion. We still wore our 42nd colour patches, and continued to do so in spite of all orders to the contrary.
We carried on daily with training and were plagued with what were termed "Ceremonial Parades, - included in which was a stunt which we dubbed "The Prussian Mad Mile!' The term is self-explanatory. And then we had all the paraphernalia of the "bull-ring," which was a continuous performance, lasting over a couple of hours, during which time we were put through physical exercises, bayonet fighting, bomb-throwing, marching, jumping; in fact, all the arts of the bull and the toreador put together.
There were also competitions for shooting, which took place at the rifle range nearby.
Having during the past months of continuous activity, slipped somewhat from the path of cleanliness, we rejoiced at the prospect of renewing our acquaintance with the art of keeping clean, and embraced every opportunity that was afforded to bathe in good baths that had been established in a village called Allory.
Our favourite haunt at night was Arraines, where estaminets and egg-and-chip warehouses did a flourishing trade.
THE ARMISTICE
Whilst we were at Warlus the most important event of the War occurred. On November 11th, we learnt that the Armistice had been signed. Immediately thoughts passed through our minds of the problems that faced us with regard to earning our future livelihood.
Military training was relaxed forthwith, and in its place, educational schemes were put forward and efforts to assist us to again take our places in civilian life were made.
It was on November 26th 1916, that the 42nd landed in France, so when that anniversary came round again in 1918 we decided the event was one worthy of being celebrated. This we accordingly did, and with gusto.
Early in December we moved out from Warlus and took up our abode at a village called St. Maxent, twelve kilometres distant from Abbeville. But though we changed our residence our daily routine was unaltered. Adjacent to ours, were several interesting villages each with a quaintness particularly its own. The principal of them all was called Oisement, which might be designated a town, for it had a large market place and on market days, presented a very animated scene. Leave to Amiens and Abbeville was easily attainable, and it was less difficult now to obtain leave to England and Paris.
Christmas 1918 was spent under very different conditions to those of the two previous years. We had a splendid Christmas dinner. A cheque for £100, received from the 42nd Battalion Comforts Fund, organised by Queensland ladies, was the means of making the festive season more festive than ever.
New Years Day was celebrated the following week, and probably as a New Year's gesture of goodwill, the military authorities performed a good deed a few days later. They lightened our load considerably. Henceforward we were to march in "Fighting Order," which meant our old bugbear, the pack, had been discarded for good.
NON-MILITARY EMPLOYMENT
Non-military employment was a scheme put forward with a view to help the placing of men in employment upon demobilisation. Firms in Great Britain offered opportunities to us to learn trades, whilst schools, academies and institutes were made follow up a profession.
Many availed themselves of these offers, and eagerly filled in the necessary form. In due course they were sent to Blighty and for the time being, became practically "soldier-civilians."
The scheme seemed a good one to us, and those who availed themselves of it were called "schemers" and instead of "Non-Military Employment," it was referred to as ''Bon Military Enjoyment."
ST. MAXENT
For those who did not take advantage of the scheme the daily routine at St. Maxent was relaxed. The exercise that was insisted upon was just sufficient to keep us healthy.
The months that passed whilst awaiting demobilisation were made as pleasant for us as circumstances would permit.
Now, as the time grew nearer when we should again be civilians and move among our dearest ones, it was not unnatural that many found their thoughts turning towards the more devotional side of life. This was indicated by the increasing attendance at Church parades of all denominations.
DANCING
Many were the methods introduced to make the time of waiting less wearisome. Without doubt, the most successful of them all was the pastime of dancing. The proposal, on being tried out, immediately caught on. So popular did it prove, that many who prior to the War had never attempted to dance a step, were now found among the most proficient and enthusiastic exponents of the art. It was astonishing to witness the manner in which men danced together in their great, heavy, sprigged-soled, leather Cossacks
OUR PARTNERS
After a while, dancing with male partners lost its charm, so we invited seventy-five Waacs to a special dance. These Waacs were members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, the initials of which go to make up the name by which they were always known to us. They were transported to and from our camp by motor lorries.
The success that attended this experimental dance was so great that several others were subsequently arranged, as were also sports gatherings where both Diggers and Waacs entered into competition. We also had some fights with these Waacs, but only snow-fights, and these were greatly enjoyed. The Waacs usually got the better of us in these encounters being more used to snow games, whereas few Australians had ever seen snow prior to arriving in these regions.
THE Y.M.C.A. MARQUEE AND HUTS.
The floor of the Marquee where the dancing took place was laid down by the Diggers. The Marquee itself was erected by the Young Men's Christian Association, or as it was termed by the men "The Y. Emma C. Ack!" There were also provided for us, the use of four large Nissen Huts, wherein were facilities for reading, writing, and for the playing of games such as draughts, chess and billiards. A piano, gramophones, a fair library and files of Australian and English newspapers and magazines were at our disposal.
Our baths had been removed to a place called Huppy. The frequent use we made of these baths helped to keep the men fit, and the chats away.
EXHIBITION OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
During February, an exhibition of Australian Art and Crafts was opened at a place called Martainville. The, exhibitors were all of them members of the Third Division, and many beautiful and artistic specimens were among the objects of handicraft displayed.
There were also boxing tournaments and other contests, whilst the Divisional Concert Party, "The Coo-ees" entertained with songs and jokes. The Y.M.C.A. established a canteen to cater for the inner man. Altogether, it was a splendidly organised show, greatly appreciated by one and all as a wonderful break in the dull monotony of waiting.
YEARNING FOR AUSTRALIA
Our thoughts were forever turning in the direction of Australia. Now that our job was done, none of us could get home quickly enough. There was, unfortunately, at this time, an industrial upheaval in England which made it appear to us, who were so eager to get home, that we were doomed to be exiled in France for an interminable period. Scathing was the criticism levelled at the tactics of those who were responsible for delaying our return.
It was not before the middle of February that our first quota for home was formed. Everyone seemed to want to get out on the "first wave." A little excitement was now added to the monotonous daily routine, by the inauguration of kit inspections, medical examinations and medical boards.
OOZE, SLUSH AND MUD
And now the snow began to melt. The rain began to fall. The ice began to thaw. The French villages where we lived or frequented became the very acme of discomfort and dreariness. We designated our village "Venice on the Mud," and the young French girls we called "Muddy-moiselles." The ground was sodden. The roads oozed with mud and slush. Even the main highway was in an appalling condition, but we had put up with a great deal worse than that at Passchendaele.
Our first quota eventually left St. Maxent, on March 18th. Two nights prior to this, a dance was held to mark the occasion, to which were invited the mademoiselles of the village of St. Maxent.
Our departing comrades were accorded a rousing farewell, as they left for a town called Gamaches, en route for England and Australia.
WHILING AWAY THE TIME
We now settled down to get over the period which had to elapse before our second quota of "homing birds" would make ready to fly. A series of interesting lectures was instituted. The subjects selected give a bearing on the trend of thought at that time. They were: Unionism, Strikes, Women in Industry, Bolshevism, and Problems facing Australia.
The appeal of the dance continued. We had another party to which we invited the Mademoiselles of Doodlenville, and then to vary things a little, a few nights later, invitations were issued to another batch of Waacs.
The 11th Brigade Concert Party, "The Blue-gums," came along to help us while away the time. They presented a really first-class concert, to a large audience in which were included many French people who appeared to enjoy the presentation in spite of the fact that they could not understand our language.
Another visitation of heavy falls of snow arrived, accompanied by gusts of piercing wind. Then rain turned up in full force and succeeded in mixing up the snow with mud, so that wherever the eye rested only thick, filthy slush was discernible.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SERIES OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Although it needed but one medical examination to pass one into the army, it was obvious that innumerable medical inspections would be necessary before one could be discharged. We had completely lost count of all the inspections we had undergone in the past, but now we started off scratch and began all over again in real earnest. The first of the "new series" took place on April 9th.
A MOVE NEARER HOME
About the middle of April we progressed a little towards Australia. We bid farewell to St. Maxent and moved to the town of Gamaches, which although only a few kilometres distant, was the recognised starting-off point for Home. Whilst here we underwent a medical examination.
CHINESE LABOUR TROOPS
There were a great number of Chinese coolies employed in this locality, engaged in all kinds of laborious jobs. They were segregated in compounds. During the course of the War they had been utilised in carrying out much useful work in the back areas. Few, if any, of us could understand their language, but they all seemed happy enough in spite of that drawback.
They too, had their concert party. Some of us attended a performance of a Chinese Pierrot show. Being unable to form the least conception of their entertainment, it appeared somewhat ridiculous to us. Their singing was awful.
LE HAVRE
At length, on April 23rd, we left Gamaches by troop train. This train was composed entirely of German trucks which had been captured. We found them rather more comfortable than those of the French Railways. Each truck was equipped with a stove, which enabled us to make hot tea and cocoa for our midday meal.
We duly arrived at Le Havre at 11 o'clock that night,
WE SHED OUR FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
The following day was one of the utmost importance. It was a day of parting, but there was no trace of a tear in any eye as we said "Good-bye" to our webbing equipment, and packs. This was handed over, along with rifles and steel helmets, to German prisoners of War, who were employed at the store at Le Havre. Thus standing, relieved of every accoutrement of warfare even to the box-respirator, with only our uniforms to suggest that we were once soldiers, we began to imagine that we had been transformed straight away into civilians But the feeling was only momentary. Another medical inspection was at hand to remind us we were still in the army.
ANZAC DAY 1919
We celebrated Anzac Day whilst at Le Havre.
A monster sports gathering was presented. Soldiers of any of the Allied Forces were permitted to participate in any of the events. Some French naval men engaged our boys in a tug-o'-war, but were not quite good enough. Our girl friends, the Waacs, entered keenly into many of the races and competitions.
ADIEU TO FRANCE
During the next few days it rained, which was very depressing, but we cheered up when on Monday, April 28th, we bid Adieu to France. It was an agreeable surprise when we found that we were to be transported to the wharf by motor-lorries. Such transport was unusual for infantry. It was generally understood that everywhere the infantryman went, he must walk. This was indeed a change.
In the evening we embarked on the s.s. "St. David," and after quite a good passage across the English Channel, disembarked the following morning at Southampton and entrained for Codford, a town on Salisbury Plain.
CODFORD
Soon after arrival we were medically examined and inoculated against influenza, which was raging. Here at Codford, we found ourselves, for the first time in our experience, living in a camp that was near to a railway station. The town, too, was unexpectedly handy.
It was that type of town generally found near to military camps. Along the main street were canteens, branches of most of the principal banks, and temporary stores where it was possible to purchase every requirement at a reasonable figure, provided one did not wear the Australian uniform, which was the signal for popping up the prices.
The period was the middle of spring. The surrounding country was to be seen under the most pleasant conditions. Wherever the eye rested, a picture awaited its gaze. Beautiful landscapes, trees and hedges of verdant green, wild flowers of every hue, fruit trees a blaze of bloom, and all kinds of plant life in leaf and bud.
THE THIRTY-NINTH QUOTA
We now became members of the thirty-ninth quota, and on May 22nd, our names were checked on the boat's roll.
The occasion was celebrated by again calling upon us to undergo a medical examination. But what did we care? It was another step nearer Home, and we had become quite resigned and impervious to medical inspections, yet we did have a surprise when on June 5th, as a final souvenir from the English doctors, we were again stabbed with the needle, as a further precaution against influenza. Next day, we had "a medical examination."
Early on June 12th, we vacated Codford Camp, and realised that we had at last really started on our journey to Australia. After a pleasant journey by train we eventually reached Devonport, embarked upon the tender which took us out to our transport, the s.s. "Thermistocles."
ABOARD THE TRANSPORT
Anchor was weighed on FRIDAY, the THIRTEENTH of June. It was said that a black cat had fallen overboard and was drowned.
One of our fellows stated he had seen a clairvoyant, when on leave, who foretold that he would never reach Australia without mishap.
The officer in charge of troops was our own C.O. Lt.-Colonel A. R. Woolcock. The adjutant was another 42nd Battalion officer.
We were fortunate in having with us two concert parties, namely, "The Coo-ees," and the Third Machine Gunners Concert Party, called "The Apres-la-Guerres". We also had a good band and an orchestra.
Other means of recreation were afforded in the way of lectures, debates and talks illustrated by lanternslides.
Mention of the padre who was with us must not be omitted. He was a ball of energy, and his interest in the welfare of the troops never flagged for a moment. Due to his efforts there were all kinds of stunts and competitions for our amusement and entertainment. For the more serious aspect of catering for the needs of our future employment, no less than twenty-five distinct classes of vocational training were inaugurated and well attended.
During the voyage we received news that Germany had signed the Peace Treaty at Versailles.
Eventually we arrived at Cape Town. Here we found the citizens bent upon giving the visiting Australian troops as good a time as possible. So well did they succeed in their endeavours that each man must have carried away with him lasting impressions of an unselfish, hospitable, and loving people. We were received into private homes, taken for pleasure trips, and invited to teas, tennis afternoons, and musical evenings.
We remained in Cape Town for two days, embarked again on the night of July 2nd, and resumed the voyage on July 3rd, in good weather. We all of us thought our next stop would be Melbourne, and little thought that in two days time we should be back again in Cape Town under sad and distressing circumstances.
COLLISION AT SEA
It was a quarter of an hour before midnight on July 3rd, in the midst of a dense fog, that our transport came into collision with another vessel, the "Edderside," a Norwegian barque, bound from Durban to Buenos Ayres with a full cargo of coal.
At the time of striking, the troops were in their hammocks, most of them fast asleep. The noise of the impact was awful. Everyone awakened with a start. Some were thrown from their hammocks. The Alarm was sounded. Everyone was summoned on deck and ordered to "Stand to Boat-stations."
Life belts were donned. All were filled with expectancy as they made themselves ready for the emergency of leaving the ship by boat or raft. Happily we were not called upon to take the midnight plunge.
The Transport stopped immediately the crash was heard. The sea could not be discerned from the decks owing to the dense fog. Several minutes elapsed broken only by the shrieking of the Transport's siren. Cries of distress came to our ears. Meanwhile the ship's boats had been lowered. In them were rescuers with lighted flares. The calls for "Help" were heart-rending. The fog made the task of rescue difficult and arduous.
Survivors clung to the wreckage of the "Edderside," which sank within five minutes of the collision. Eventually "thirteen" of the unfortunate crew were brought on board. It was understood that eight or more had perished.
We remained in the vicinity of the disaster until long after daybreak, when careful search failed to reveal any more survivors. Reluctantly leaving the scene we headed for Cape Town.
It was evident that the Transport had sustained much damage. A collection for the shipwrecked men was taken up among the troops resulting in the amount of £160 being subscribed, which was largely augmented by the series of benefit concerts given in Cape Town by "The Coo-ees."
So, within forty-eight hours of leaving Cape Town, we were back again, with even the least superstitious among us ' fully convinced that Friday is a bad day to leave port ' and THIRTEEN is indeed an ominous number.
BEHAVIOUR of TROOPS in ACCORDANCE with BRITISH TRADITIONS
The Cape Town "Argus" on July 10th, 1919, published the findings of the Court of Enquiry that was appointed, among which was the following comment:
"It is very pleasing and gratifying to learn that the 1,500 Australian troops behaved most splendidly, in accordance with the traditions of the British race, and the Court is thankful to the Almighty that a second Birkenhead disaster did not occur."
The people of Cape Town made, if possible, a greater fuss of us than they did before, evidently regarding us, more or less, as shipwrecked heroes. We consequently got quite used to the place and found ourselves treated more like residents than enforced visitors.
The "Thermistocles" was ordered to Simonstown for docking and repairs, and on July 8th, we re-embarked and next morning floated into the fine up-to-date dry-dock at Simonstown. The damage to the "Thermistocles" consisted of three broken propeller blades and a bent tail shaft. The ship was compelled to remain in "Hospital'' for several days.
This necessitated the withdrawal of all troops from the Transport. We were thereupon ordered, some into military barracks at Simonstown, and the rest into an Imperial Garrison Camp at Wynburg, a suburb of Cape Town.
After a week of sightseeing and entertainment, we returned to the "Thermistocles" at Simonstown, and on Sunday, July 20th (not Friday, this time) set sail for Australia.
FUN AND FROLIC AT SEA
We were at sea on August 4th, the anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities, so it was decided to commemorate it with celebrations on a large scale.
Humour was the dominant note in the day's proceedings, which started with a fancy dress carnival. There were over one hundred entrants in this competition for the most original presentation, and many of them were well thought out and sustained. The winner represented "an Influenza Patient," whilst the second prize went to "A Demobilised Digger and His English Bride."
A "Telegraph Messenger" delivered supposed wireless messages to various well-known persons on board, causing much laughter at the expense of the recipients.
Bussing parties, imitating street-singers, went the rounds of the decks, and the days entertainment was brought to a close by the holding of a Mock Court of (in) -Justice.
Port Phillip Heads were eventually reached on Friday, August 5th.
ANOTHER MEDICAL INSPECTION
Before the ship berthed at Port Melbourne, we had to undergo another medical examination, and then, as the bands on board played "Home, Sweet Home," and "Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot," we parted with our comrades from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. The remainder, who were Queenslanders and New South Welshmen, were granted leave for the afternoon, and it was not long before we had the pleasure of promenading the streets of an Australian city, after an absence of over three years.
We resumed our voyage the following day, reaching Sydney on Monday, August 11th. This port was the destination of the "Thermistocles." We disembarked and were taken from Wooloomooloo, through the streets of Sydney, in private motor cars, which conveyed us to the special train awaiting to take us back to our beloved Sunny Queensland.
APPRECIATION OF LADY WAR-WORKERS, NURSES, AND V.A.D.'s
The New South Wales people treated us splendidly, entertaining us at Gosford with a dinner, and further on, at Werris Creek, we received still more refreshments.
We changed trains at Wallangarra, where Queensland friends provided us with breakfast. All along the line there were manifestations of pleasure at our return. Stanthorpe, Warwick, Toowoomba, Helidon, Ipswich vied with each other in offering their hospitality. As for our lady war-workers, nurses, and V.A.D.'s, they can never be forgotten whilst any 42nd man lives.
This narrative is a fitting place where appreciation of the self-sacrificing work performed on our behalf can be recorded.
We eventually arrived in Brisbane, and before many hours had passed, received our discharges, after having undergone another medical inspection.
The War was over. Our term of service was completed.
MEMORIES
All that remain are "Memories." Glorious Memories! Memories that insist there is something grand and noble in the friendship established between man and man in the friendship that was born in camp and cemented on the fields of battle, midst fire, danger and hardship
For thus it was that the men of the Forty-Second Battalion, A.I.F., became welded into a band of faithful comrades.
It is hoped this narrative may provide a further impetus towards fanning "The Flame of Remembrance," and cause those now living, and generations to come, to realise the depth and significance of
"
THE SPIRIT OF THE FORTY-SECOND"The End.
