The Blog that might have been – 70 years on

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

Don Coy 2/33rd Btn

28th Nov 44

Dear Mother & Dad

Received your welcome letter together with the photo and the very interesting cuttings today.  John Limb’s wife looks very nice.  I guess she’ll like Tassie.  They’ll be social news for some time.  Wonder if he’ll take her to Campbell Town.

Was pleased to hear that you are both well and that the weather has improved.  It’s good too to know that Carline is quite recovered and able to enjoy life.  Can understand poor old Tim cracking up.  They must all be getting old – a pity really, they’re such a good team and such good company – suppose they must be nine or ten now, after all I’ve been away five years but would hate to think of anything happening to them.

Speaking of Daisy Gourlay I believe her husband is getting out of the army [half a line of text cut out- see PS note] wasn’t surprised when I knew Axel was out but David had quite a cushy job I believe.  Still l suppose with the baby sick he’d want to be home and of course the family being in the timber business he’d have no trouble in being manpowered.  Ag Lloyd is very hopeful that he may get out on that score especially as a son and heir has arrived – got the telegram yesterday – not bad going as he was married on the 24th of February.  There was a drop of grog in the mess last night so we wet the young Ag’s head and the boys all joined in the parody on he’s a jolly good fellow – made it ‘he’s a jolly good trier’.

Had an interesting experience on Sunday – we’d gone out on Saturday night on a three day exercise involving a power of marching and roaming the ridges and after a heavy night went into an attack next morning.  [We] were halfway up a hill when an umpire ruled that I’d been shot in the foot so I was given a card and told to wait till the CAP (stretcher bearers) came along.  For the purpose of the drill they bandaged the foot and told me to wait till the RAP came along.  The doc made mental notes on paper and sent me back to an MDS.  I thought that would be the finish and I’d be racing like mad to get back to the mob.  However time dragged on so I had a bath in a nearby stream and had a shave – felt good too, then sat around all afternoon.  Had a meal of fresh meat and fresh vegetables (the mob were on hard rations, Bully and biscuits) – then the MO said it wasn’t convenient to send the ‘casualties’ back to their units, so we were put in the trucks and sent back to our camps – and to a comfortable bed, whilst the boys were racing and chasing.  I was pleased too as although I’d have stuck it out my feet were punishing me – had had the blisters of the previous show cut off and new ones were forming before the skin was formed.

Was interested Dad to hear of Jim still being at Campbell Town – he’ll make that last.  Actually he’s better off there than he would be right out – he’s getting his money made up without any hard yakka.  There’s no doubt about him, he’s a shrewd gent.  If you see him, tell him he’s missing nothing.

Must say cheerio now Mother & Dad.  Give my love to Mary, Anne & Carline and regards to Laurie and the boys.

Love – Max

PS I cut that piece out myself. 

John Limb and his wife

Dad knew John from school days – both were at Hobart High in the mid-1920’s.  John was injured on active duty in Greece. Dad’s letter of 15 August 1941 regarding a visit to his friend Ken Jenkins at the 7AGH in Rehovot (Palestine) (https://myfathersletters.me/1941/08/15/at-last-a-visit-to-ken-post-amputation-and-news-of-japanese-aggression/ ) mentions this:

The chap in the bed next to Ken – John Limb from Hobart – dad might know his father – he goes up to the club a bit – he was at High when I was there.  He copped it at Greece and had been in Hospital four months but hopes to be out again at the end of this month.

On Saturday 18^th November 1944 the Hobart Mercury reported on page 5: ‘War Brides arrive in Tasmania after Exciting Voyage’. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26042238 

The article included photos and informed readers that:  Mrs Limb, who comes from Glasgow, will live at Campbell Town where her husband… is senior Red Cross representative at 111^th AGH.  He was formerly an artillery sergeant…..They met in Melbourne a few days ago, for the first time since they were married in Scotland in July. [The marriage had actually happened in 1940 – see below]

The ‘excitement’ on the voyage was in fact a tragic accident: one night, their ship collided with an American freighter which sank in 16 minutes with the loss of 3 lives.  The remaining 37 crew were rescued.

John’s service record shows that he married Anne Mildred Barker on 29 October 1940 at Colchester, before embarking at Liverpool for service in the Middle East two weeks later (14 November).  Like Max, he had sailed to Britain on the Queen Mary (HMT X1), leaving Sydney 4 May 1940.  Both Max and John started out in the 1^st Anti-Tank regiment, but after reorganization of the various units on Salisbury Plain in June 1940 that was no longer the case. 

An Interesting Exercise

The Battalion Diary ( https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1368129 ) notes that the exercise began with a forced march on the evening of 25 November, with all Companies in position by midnight.  ‘Stand To’ was at 04.45 the following morning.  I assume it was during the ‘attack on three pimples’ that Max was designated ‘wounded’ by the umpire.

The Umpires’ Flags

The same Battalion Diary (pp128-130) shares the instructions provided to those who would be drafted to ‘Umpire’ an exercise in December.  I’m not sure if these applied in the November exercise, but I find the system fascinating. I assume the same flags had been used before, so perhaps it’s valid to say – as per the Notes for Umpires – that thanks to the flags, all those involved in the exercise would be able to “automatically keep in the picture”. 

A Shave feels good

Although this photo (AWM 084823) depicts a pause during a later exercise, it does indicate the priority given to shaving whenever possible.

MALANDA AREA, ATHERTON TABLELAND, QUEENSLAND. 1944-12-18. MEMBERS OF D COMPANY, 2/33 INFANTRY BATTALION ATTENDING TO THEIR TOILET IN A FARMYARD NEAR LAMOND’S HILL. THE TROOPS PARTICIPATED IN THE 7 DIVISIONAL EXERCISE COMPRISING 18 AND 25 INFANTRY BRIGADE TROOPS IN THE ATTACK WITH 21 INFANTRY BRIGADE TROOPS ACTING AS THE ENEMY. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- LIEUTENANT H.G. GLANVILLE, (1); PRIVATE J.U. RUSSELL, (2); PRIVATE S.G. WENHAM, (3); PRIVATE N.H. CRAWFORD, (4); CORPORAL W.A. MUSGRAVE, (5); CORPORAL A.J. BARRETT, (6).

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/ 33rd Btn AIF

25th Nov 44

Dear Mother & Dad

This may be only a hurried note as we expect to move out on an exercise some time today.  Don’t know much about it yet though I suppose we’ll be roaming the ridges for a few days and most certainly won’t get a chance to write for a while.

How are things at home.  Hope you’re both happy and well and enjoying life and that May and the children are well too.  See by the local rag it’s been raining brown mud down there through the dust from the Mallee.  They say it’s also affecting New Zealand.  Must be a terrible thing for the people and animals in the drought stricken areas – must be the worst in history.  Australia is going to face some tremendous problems when the argument’s over – money will have to continue to flow to stop soil erosion and all that.

Have had an easy time here the last few days – guess we were due for it after that last exercise.  The weather has been particularly good too.  We had a bit of a turnout at the Mess a couple of nights back as a farewell to old Frank Allshorn – Battalion RQ and Mess President.  Frank’s been promoted to civvy life.  He was a very popular man and the show was one of the best we’ve had – a steady session, a couple of toasts, a few cornet items.  The cornet player in the band holds various Australian championships and can put over some good stuff.  Everyone got happy but there were no blues – a rare thing when the mob hit the grog.  Was rather surprised to see Ray Ross settle in to a session – thought he looked worried and when we’d been talking a while he told me his father had been killed in an accident a week or so back.  Didn’t know what had happened – he’d applied for compassionate leave but it was knocked back so he was trying to be manpowered out.

Had a letter from Marie during the week.  She said Bill was in strife in the Council again – must be a bit of a stormy petrel that fellow – didn’t say what he was on.  When does the state election come off do you know Dad?  Is it next year or forty six?  If I’m out by then I might give it a fly.  If you can see anything of Joe Lewis see what you can find out for me will you, as to when nominations are going in – they usually have them arranged nearly twelve months early.

Had better say cheerio now Mother & Dad and pen a few lines to Youngster.  Give my love to May, Anne & Carline and best wishes to Laurie and the boys.

Love

Max

Raining Brown Mud ?

Report in the Hobart Mercury 20 Nov 44, p2 – Dust Storms Raging  (in Victoria, NSW, SA)- mentions ‘showers of muddy rain’ making conditions more difficult in Ballarat   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26025058  

Thinking of nominating

Max had stood as a ‘Progressive Labour’ candidate for the Tasmanian division of Denison in1937. His approach to sharing political questions and his performance in Battalion debates may have resulted in mates encouraging him to try his hand again at the next state election which was indeed held in 1946. He stood again, but was again unsuccessful. After marrying in December 1951 he had a third attempt – this time standing for election to Tasmania’s upper house, the Legislative Council, in 1952. On that occasion he and 5 other male candidates could not match the dynamic president of the Housewives’ Association, Mrs Phyllis Benjamin who retained the seat of Hobart for 24 years until her retirement.

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/33rd Battn AIF

5th Nov 44

Dear Mother & Dad

Received your very interesting letter of the 30th on Friday – glad to know you’re all well and that Carline has recovered and is picking up.  As Ivy says it’s much better to be sick oneself than have a sick child.  Have arranged with the canteen sergeant to get me a couple of tins of Ovaltine and will post them on.  They may help her through though don’t know whether they contain the necessary vitamins.

The show must have been a big affair and what a windfall for the society – collect the Insurance and cop a gate like that.  Don’t suppose they’d have made that profit if they had held a show each year – guess the crowd were keen for a change and went out in spite of the weather.

That show at the Zinc Works is a ….(?)…NEXT PAGE MISSING

so we dug a square out, gravelled it, set bolts in so as to raise the tent poles and have now got plenty of room with four beds on one side, one in each of the other corners, a table and two forms in the centre.  The table is well adorned with women’s photos as four of the blokes are very newly weds while the other one is all but.

The weather back here is much more settled than it’s been where we were lately.  It’s a perfect day today – we’ve done all our washing – there was a power of it too after a fortnight.  Church service is over and we’ve got the rest of the day to ourselves, so when I finish this letter and one to Ivy will do a bit of spine bashing for an hour or two.

Will say cheerio now Mother & Dad.  Give my love to May, Anne, Carline and regards to Laurie & the boys.

Love

Max

PS Remember me to Mrs Phillips and my regards to Audrey when you see her

Censor J Balfour-Ogilvy

  Record Gate for Royal Hobart Show, Despite Rain

Although heavy rain fell almost continuously from 11am, gate receipts of £1290 at the 81st Royal Hobart Show yesterday were the highest in the history of the society.  The weather was the worst experienced for several years but it is estimated that the attendance was 18,000 only 2000 short of the record….  In addition to the record gate, the society collected rain insurance of £800.  It had insured against 10 points of rain to 1.30pm and 11 points had been recorded just before noon.  Undeterred by the rain, which produced flooded conditions on the ground, city and country folk thronged the stock pens. (Extract from the Launceston Examiner – Thursday October 26  1944 – p.3 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91418188 )

In its centre pages spread (pp 10,11) of Show reports, the Hobart Mercury of October 26 supplied further weather details –  …Before the rain began the Showgrounds already was fairly crowded – ring events in full swing, sideshows busy and there was every indication of a successful day.   At 11.30 in the midst of the first heavy storm, both the ring and the ground appeared almost deserted.  The public retreated to every available shelter, and the official opening was deferred.  Later there was a thunderstorm and hail…..Because of the weather ring events had to be drastically curtailed…..

The photos include one of a large number of umbrellas in use, and one of a patron using a horse blanket to stay dry. (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26032984 )

What’s been censored??  – ‘That Show at the Zinc Works’?

Considering that it seems Dad was commenting on reports that had already appeared in the press, it’s hard to imagine why anything he said about what was happening at the Zinc Works could have been subject to censorship.  The only reference I can find to censorship of letters home from training camps was Standing Orders of 7 October which noted – 

I can imagine that Dad would have sympathised with the workers’ reaction to the ‘alleged remark’ but might also have taken the opportunity to comment more broadly on politics and some of the individuals involved… but with a whole page of the letter missing, I can only surmise!

Launceston Examiner Monday 30 October 1944 p4 – ‘Production of Zinc Ceases’

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91396608/8325560

…on Saturday morning employees in the electrolytic section refused to carry out certain work which was necessary if operations were to continue, and it became necessary to shut down this section, and as a result the leaching section of the plant as well.  Approximately 400 employees were affected…..Seventy employees in the smelters had been on strike since midnight on Wednesday.  The trouble began about a fortnight ago when employees in the smelters took exception to an alleged remark by a foreman about the employment at the works of men, who would be eligible for service in the forces if they were not employed in a protected industry.  They demanded an apology, and it had not been given by Wednesday night, when the men decided to cease work…..

According to Alison Alexander’s history -The Zinc Works (Artemis Publishing 1992), the dispute had been running for several months – since early July.

A quarrel over overtime in Casting ended with the unpopular superintendent, Jack Forster, saying 5% of the men were only there because Risdon was a protected industry.  The union saw this as an insult to the big number of men who wanted to enlist but were not allowed to, and on 7 July asked for Forster to withdraw his remark. On 28 July [General Superintendent] Snow replied that Forster’s personal opinion had nothing to do with the company.  This sequence of events was repeated three times and finally in October the union said the 70 men in Casting would strike if Forster’s comment was not withdrawn.  It was not, and the men went on strike for three weeks.  Finally the Arbitration Court settled the matter; Forster withdrew his remark and expressed his regrets, and the men went back to work without penalty on 9 November.

A bit of Spine-Bashing in order 

They had certainly done some hard training around Trinity Beach. Here’s what remains (17 minutes) of a silent film (AWM F07570) that covers some elements of the 10 days.  

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C190674

Contrary to the title “21 Brigade amphibious training in October-November 1944.”, the extended description indicates that the film “deals with the amphibious landing exercises held at Unity Point north of Trinity Beach North Queensland by units of the 7 Australian Division 21 October 1944 and in November 1944.”  Also the Battalion Diary (RCDIG1027246) indicates that on the day of their arrival at Trinity Beach (October 24) they ‘took over the 2/27 Bn area’ (the 2/27 Bn belonged to 21 Brigade) 

So it’s quite possible  that some of those immortalised here were men of the 2/33rd.  The film offers an insight into what the training involved, some delightful casual images of the men enjoying a bit of relaxation time – and even a visiting dog taking an interest in proceedings : I wonder if anyone has considered adding a commentary ?

The culmination of the training was an ‘assault landing’ exercise on 2 November, the date of the photos below (AWM 082476 and AWM 082493) which show members of the 25 Brigade (of which 2/33 Battalion was a part) engaged in different aspects of the exercise. According to the CO (see Diary entry below) the exercise proceeded ‘completely according to plan’ which must have been very satisfying.

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/33rd Battn AIF

28 Oct 44

Dear Mother & Dad

Received your letter of the 23rd this morning.  Am sorry to hear you’re all having such a tough time.  It’s bad enough having one person in the family sick at a time but when everyone is sick together it must be very hard.  Still it’s good to know that you’re all on the mend again and hope things continue to improve.

The weather seems even more astray than usual at this time of the year in the south and apparently Hobart and Melbourne are copping similar conditions as Ivy said there were storm warnings one day and fire warnings the next – so that’s as extreme as you could get, isn’t it?

It’s certainly surprising to read that there are unemployed in Hobart at the present time – hard to understand isn’t it – makes one understand the clause of the referendum giving the government power to direct men in employment – though they have that power vested in them now.  They’re more complacent in Tasmania than anywhere too.

Had a letter from Robbie yesterday – quite a long interesting epistle – he was still at Brighton at the time of writing and although he said from a soldiering point of view it’s the greatest home in the world – tons of liquor if you want it, plenty of Scotch, something you rarely even hear about anywhere else – he’s anxious to get away, though doesn’t know anyone in Hobart and doesn’t fancy staying at camp for all its conveniences with all the bludgers there are there – said there’s a hell of a lot awaiting discharge though most of them are choc’s – very few AIF are getting out – dairying seems to be the one industry that has a real claim – but think I’d prefer to stay in than go tit pulling.

The Pacific war is certainly headline news now isn’t it.  Looks like the Yanks are not going to muck about.  That Philippines show must have been a bigger turnout than Normandy.  They must have some material now.

Life goes on quite pleasantly here though just at present it’s powerful hot and dusty.  Had a dip yesterday during a pause in a show – very nice too, though I got very burned – never seem to get used to the sun.  Saw a picture show on Tuesday night – A Yank in the RAF – not a bad show though the Yanks certainly lay the farmyard confetti on thickly.

Well I must say cheerio now Mother & Dad.  Give my love to May, Anne & Carline & regards to Laurie & the boys.

Love

Max

PS  Am glad to hear Laurie has had the car going again.  How are the tyres – do they look like perishing at all?  

(Censor unknown) 

Robbie’s ‘epistle’

It’s hard to read Dad’s continuing dismissive attitude to members of the Militia (‘choc’s)…  He seems to have decided very early in the New Guinea campaign that they were all ‘bludgers’ and wasn’t willing to change that view.  Maybe he did, later in life – but he died in 1990, before I had started to be really interested in his wartime experiences and views.   I’ve had the opportunity to read pieces like this, which offer a much more positive view of the young Militia soldiers…https://www.pacificwar.org.au/KokodaCampaign/KokodaOverview2.html  

Robbie was Rodney Robinson (TX919) who had been ‘manpowered out’ at the request of his father, to help with the family farm on Flinders Island (see post dated Sept 20 1944)

Philippines :  a bigger turnout than Normandy?

No doubt Dad had seen two front page Courier-Mail stories during the previous week : the first on October 21 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/48960122/2008674   The headline declared “Philippine Grip Won : MacArthur ashore with men & tanks… 4 Main Bridgeheads”  and reported that American forces had launched a major invasion of Leyte Island.  ‘Thousands of troops are expanding  their grip on the east coast from four beach heads.  Supplies, including tanks, are pouring ashore in great volume.  The Royal Australian Navy and the RAAF helped in a devastating naval and air bombardment which paved the way for the landings…. Naval air forces blasted targets in the Philippines for man y days before and during  the landings….’

The second article, on October 26 reported on the ‘biggest naval battle of the Pacific War’ taking place east of the Philippines https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/48970396/2008702 

Life goes on

From The Footsoldiers (p278)   On the 24th (October) the Battalion was moved to Cairns and remained there until 3 November, camping at Trinity Beach…. Under American command the unit trained hard, practising embarking and landing on both LCI  (Landing Craft Infantry) and LSI (Landing Ships Infantry)….. We did a week of practice-loading by climbing the fifty-foot-high ‘pig’ or scrambling net, getting in and out of the assault boats, and being dumped in five feet of water and learning to swim ashore in gear and all….

AWM 082496 Unity Point, north of Trinity Beach, QLD 2 November 1944

 Troops landing from the American Landing Ship Infantry 435 during 7 Division amphibious training exercises controlled by HQ 25 Infantry Brigade. [Unity Point was the code name for Buchan Point]

Picture Show…  A Yank in the RAF

Farmyard confetti  Mark Peters, and American lexicographer,  describes this euphemism as a particularly Australian version of BS   https://www.visualthesaurus.com/cm/evasive/farmyard-confetti-and-other-blonde-situations/  …His reference is Jonathon Green’s Dictionary of Slang (https://greensdictofslang.com/about/ ) which gives this phrase’s first appearance in print as 1973…. but in Dad’s letter we see it was certainly in use some 30 years earlier.

On American audiences and war movies :  see this extract from The Griffin 20 Oct 44 :

/

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/33rd Battn AIF

23rd Oct 44

Dear Mother & Dad

Have had two letters from you during the weekend – the 16th of October and the 9th, the latter having been salvaged from the sea – evidently it was one that plane that crashed in Sydney Harbour – am sending it back so you’ll see it’s had a ducking.  Two others – one from Marie and the other from Jack had a similar fate.

Sorry to hear Carline has been so sick and hope she’s better again now – as you say it’s hard to imagine either of May’s children suffering from lack of vitamins – suppose wartime shortages responsible – will try and get a tin of Ovaltine and send down.  Don’t know whether it’s on the market these days but occasionally they get it in the canteen so will see Jonesy(?) & see if he can get it.

You all seem to have been having a pretty bad time down there with both of you suffering from rheumatism, Carline sick and Lawrie in bed too – can well imagine how things are for May – she’s had it tough right through and I don’t think she’s very strong.  The continuous strain must be telling on her.

The mention of Robbie ringing was the first news we’ve had of him – didn’t know how far south he’d got but apparently he’s got right through – thought he might have been held up a bit, as chaps for discharge are last priority at LTD’s.  Suppose Jim won’t be far behind him – he’ll head ‘em alright – can quite imagine him top noting himself at Claremont – believe it’s a great place – everything you could wish for  – he’ll make it last too – won’t mind being in the army while he can stay there.  Well good luck to him anyway.  His young brother must cop a power of leave to be home again – he was there while we were there.  There’s no doubt about those McDonnells, they take the tricks.  The luck of the Irish I suppose.

That Morgan bloke you spoke of striking Tatts …??. Lambert – Connie’s (?)  eldest son – got a hell of a good job too – should be on easy street now – bad luck my tickets not doing any good – thought when I got a complimentary ticket I was in the money – still we may get a win yet.

John Smith must have fallen on his feet to be in a place where Pat could be with him – I bet she’s making the most of it – heard he’d got the Royal to put in a claim for him though I doubt they’d be able to do much – guess the army would have priority on dental mechanics.

We’re going away for exercises tomorrow.  May be away a week – maybe three – we don’t know yet.  So if you don’t get a letter for a while you’ll know it’s because there’s no facilities for writing though I’ll probably be able to scratch a few lines in pencil if nothing else.  I am having a big burn up at present of old letters and things that are a bit awkward to carry around and doing the washing at the same time.  Though it’s raining fairly heavily, have managed to keep the fire going alright – only got a couple of shirts and a pair of slacks to boil now.

Had a couple of days out on different shows last week – quite interesting too – seeing demonstrations of war gear that have till now been novelties to us – there’s no doubt there’s always a lot of new stuff to learn.

Things are moving fast these days.  The Formosa and Philippines shows have advanced their strategy a hell of a long way – looks as though they’re not going to wait till the European show finishes – must have woken up to the fact that Russia will have too much say if England & America have their hands tied. 

Must say cheerio now Mother & Dad – Give my love to May, Anne & Carline and regards to Lawrie & the boys.

Love

Max 

(censor – J Balfour-Ogilvy)

The plane that crashed in Sydney Harbour

See previous post   https://myfathersletters.me/1944/10/15/missing-news-from-home-maybe-its-at-the-bottom-of-the-harbour/    

Ovaltine – hopefully available through the canteen 

Image :  advert from Australian Women’s Weekly 29 M ay 1948  https://www.flickr.com/photos/159358942@N07/48874716952  

Mercury 10 Oct 44 :  Two Hobart Men ShareTattersalls Prize

See   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26048409/1870179

Two Hobart residents held the winning ticket in the Tattersalls consultation drawn yesterday.  The win (worth £10,000) was shared by Messrs G.Hargreaves and G. G. Morgan.  Mr Hargreaves, who has a family of nine children, is chairman of wages boards for Tasmania, and also chairman of the Apprenticeship Commission  He was a prominent union official before his appointment to the Dept. of Labour and Industry.  Mr Morgan ls on the staff of the Agricultural-Bank.

Note – £10,000 in 1944 = approx $375,000 in 2022 (https://www.in2013dollars.com/australia/inflation/1944)

Manpower Regulations

Robbie – ie former CSM Rodney Robinson (TX 919)   had been ‘manpowered out’ to work on the family dairy farm on Flinders Island. ( see https://myfathersletters.me/1944/09/20/a-very-surprising-discharge-hell-be-falling-the-cows-in-in-threes/ ) Clearly a case of having ‘assured employment in an essential industry’ as required by Manpower regulations.

But John Smith, a dental mechanic – despite being asked for (ie guaranteed employment) by the Royal Hobart Hospital – was turned down:  as Dad says, the Army also had to agree to let the person concerned go, and in this case they didn’t 

Jim McDonnell – still enjoying himself at Claremont

See previous post https://myfathersletters.me/1944/09/29/a-wet-dry-exercise-and-a-show-for-the-top-brass/  for a photo of the lady Clark Convalescent hospital at Claremont, to which Jim McDonnell was transferred at the end of September 1944.

A big burn-up of letters and boil-up of clothes

What a shame – though of course understandable – that this was routine procedure.  These letters from home would have been invaluable in understanding some of the references in Dad’s letters.

I wonder whether, after the boil-up, he would have applied the chemical treatment for mites that spread scrub typhus.  According to Stephen Frances (https://jmvh.org/article/rickettsial-diseases-of-military-importance-an-australian-perspective/ ), troops feared scrub typhus more than malaria, as there were drugs available for the treatment of malaria.  By late 1943 a chemical called dibutylphthalate was being issued, to be applied to clothing as an anti-mite treatment – ie, against the chiggers which transmit scrub typhus.  There was an alternative chemical which was more toxic to mites, but it was also more resistant to washing, so the AIF continued with dibutylphthalate.  “The introduction of dibutylphthalate as an anti-mite fluid was responsible for a 90% reduction in scrub typhus infections among Australian soldiers.  This is one of the few examples where the use of personal protection measures resulted in a significant recorded reduction in vector borne disease.”

Above – extract from Battalion Diary for October 1944 re typhoid prevention: para 4 details the requirement to rub in by hand the anti-mite chemical provided to all troops on a fortnightly basis.

Below – a US Army poster : In US Army units, clothing was dipped in large drums of chemical then hung out to dry.

Demonstrations of war gear

From The Footsoldiers – During October, tanks of the 4th Armoured Brigade were stationed with the infantry – one troop with each battalion – and for three weeks all platoons trained with them in attack. The new PITA [or PIAT] rocket-gun was issued , one per platoon. This simple but deadly weapon fired a finned two-pound amanol-filled tank-attack projectile. (pp 3– -378)

Progress of the War 

“Russia will have too much say if England & America have their hands tied.”

In the end, it seems it wan’t so much that they had their hands tied, as that Stalin had no intention of keeping the agreements made at the Yalta conference (Feb 1945).    James Byrnes, a member of the American delegation at the conference (and later Secretary of State)m said later… “It was not a question of what we would let the Russians do, but what we could get the Russians to do.”  (https://www.britannica.com/event/Yalta-Conference )

TX1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/33rd Btn. AIF

19th Oct. 44

Dear Mother & Dad

Think I must have missed out on a letter last week although the mail has been anyhow lately and they might turn up anytime.  Received that parcel of handkerchiefs today – thanks a lot.  I’ll be well set up for them now as Youngster sent me half a dozen – never had so many since I’ve been in the army – never at one time anyway.

Life continues to be quite liveable here although we get on each other’s nerves a bit but of course that’s natural at times like the present with no social relaxation of any sort.  Still a change of camp or change of scenery could put that right.

Had a ceremonial show here early this week – only a battalion turnout but very good for all that.  It was the occasion of presenting one of our officers – incidentally a former platoon and company commander of mine – with a high Russian decoration – one of three awarded to Australians for service in the Middle East.  The Russian Order of Patriotic War – equivalent to the British C.B. – a very impressive medal on a ribbon very like that of the VC.  In addition to the unique honour it carries an annuity of ten pounds a year and free travel on Russian ships and Russian railways so I guess Punchie [Capt G B Connor  NX34870] will be taking a trip there after the war.   He’s out of the unit now being discharged on medical grounds.  One of the toughest men you’d ever meet and combining with tremendous physical power a great brain and an understanding of men that made him outstanding in any group.  The show was very good in spite of the heat and the fact that we were wearing the hessian suits.  The presentation was made by the GOC.  Though it may not have been so it seemed as though some of the senior officers were jealous about it.  It’s amazing the personalities that enter into army life.

We had a bit of a chivoo in the mess the other night.  They got onto an eighteen gallon – the first we’ve had and as they had a good credit balance decided to put on a free night.  We all toddled over and had half a dozen and then left except Bruce  – he stayed for the session.  Was very glad I didn’t stay – our tent is quite near the snake pit and as they night wore on and the grog took control they kicked up a hell of a row and put on some real acts especially after they’d finished the beer and got stuck into the gin.  Talk about a mess next morning – there was skin and blood everywhere – no fights but jumping around on tables and doing jungle acts on rafters.

Have you seen anything of Jim, Dad?  They’ve got a job in front of them to get him away from Tassie this time.  Though I don’t give it any credence there’s rumour running the rounds that there’ll be a spot of leave.

Must say cheerio now.  Give my love to May, Anne & Carline and best wishes to the boys.

Love

Max

Captain  GB Connor – aka ‘Punchie’

AWM 081504 Portrait of NX34870 Captain GB Connor, commander D Company 2/33rd Infantry Battalion.  This officer was captured in Syria and taken to France.  He was released after two months, when General Dentz (Vichy France) was captured.   Captain Connor was decorated by the Russians with the Patriotic Order, 1st Class.

The accounts of his exploits in Syria, as described in The Footsoldiers suggest ‘Punchy’ was a capable, thoughtful and daring soldier. I have not been able to find the citation for the award, but there seem to be several possibilities in the actions where he took a leading role.

Despite not having slept for some 48 hours, ‘Punchy’s’ sense of humour is evident in this account of his capture (The Footsoldiers p94), when he was being driven by an English RASC driver to join his platoon at Khiam : … a machine gun opened fire at point blank range. Both scrambled into the gutter, then, trying to work their way to the right, had gone only ten yards when the Tommy said “Have a look, sir” and Lieutenant Connor, on looking, saw six Senegalese soldiers advancing on them with fixed bayonets. Lieutenant Connor told the driver : “This is it, but remember, number, rank and name only” and the driver replied : “Will my wife get my pay, sir?”…Lieutenant Connor, tired and sleepy, was trying to recall his French, when a French officer appeared and asked in English : “What’s the matter – can’t you speak English?” whereupon Connor replied :”No, I’m an Australian”, and with that the Frenchman walked away apparently satisfied.”

The Presentation Ceremony : Order of the Patriotic War (1st Class)

AWM 081500 Kairi area Queensland 15 October 1944 Major General EJ Milford GOC 7th Division takes the salute from members of the 2/33rd Infantry Battalion during the presentation of the Order of Patriotic War (1st Class) (USSR) to NX34870 Captain GB Connor for action in Syria against the Vichy French

Action in Syria

AWM 008366 Fort Khiam Syria Men of A Company, 9th platoon, 2/33 Bn with a machine gun left by the French.  The men are (L to R) NX9258 Corporal RC Campbell, WX96 Sergeant AM Sweetapple,  NX34870 Lieutenant GB Connor and NX41301 Private JJ Wayte

POW’s return to the Battalion

From The Footsoldiers (p123) Late in July [armistice was signed on 13 July 1941] all the men captured returned to us from the camps in the north of Syria, all looking thin and in ill health, because of the lack of food and privations they had suffered prisoners.  Among them was Lieutenant Connor who with three other officers had after capture been flown to Athens then by ship to Salonica, by train via Yugoslavia to France and on to Germany.  At the armistice Lieutenant Connor was moved to Toulon, put on a ship arriving at Beirut on 15 August .  He rejoined us at Fidar on the 17th.  Lieutenant Connor’s journeys were some slight recompense for his capture.

A bit of a chivoo (AIF slang for celebration)

Thanks to feedback from a friend I have discovered this wonderful source – a Glossary of Slang and Peculiar Terms in use in the AIF – https://slll.cass.anu.edu.au/centres/andc/annotated-glossary/all – where I have learned the meaning of ‘chivoo’ – viz, a celebration: Generally spelt ‘shivoo’, this spelling is attested only here and in Digger Dialects. The word might have come from the British dialect ‘shiveau’ and the French ‘chez vous’ meaning ‘at your place’ and used to refer to ‘a party or celebration’

The 18 gallon : Sports Day Trophy for C Coy

It’s surprising that Dad fails to mention that the 18 gallon was the prize for the Company gaining the highest overall score for the Sports Day held the day prior to his writing this letter. See the extract below from the unit records :

I’m also intrigued that Swimming was one of the sports. Perhaps they had set up lanes in one of the local lakes, as this Battalion did

AWM 085300 Ravenshoe, Qld. December 1944 Start of the 220 yards swimming race during the 9 Division swimming carnival organised by the Royal Australian Engineers HQ ( Division , held at the 2/2 Machine Gun battalion swimming pool.

TX 1004

Sgt Max Hickman

2/33rd Btn AIF

29th Sept 44

(Diagonally:  PS Am enclosing my coupons Mother – don’t think I’ll need them up here – used one to buy a couple of handkerchiefs a couple of months back)

Dear Mother & Dad

Received your welcome letter of the 25th today, together with ticket in Tatts.  Hope it got a prize.  Did you keep the number?  Sorry to hear the gout has been playing up again – thought that now the winter was over you’d have been pretty right.  Anyway hope it’s better now dad.

Guess you got a surprise to see the Hon James – am glad to hear he’s looking so well.  Think you can take his story about coming back with a grain of salt.  He’s got over the main hurdles by getting to Tassie – don’t think he’ll have any trouble to toss them at Campbell Town.  If you see him again tell him what ever he does to lay off the grog while he’s at Campbell Town.  They’re sudden death on anyone they catch under the weather.  Have sent back chaps who were a cinch to get out through them rapping on turns.  Incidentally had a letter from Marie and she says the hospital are claiming John Smith – believe he was already stationed in New South Wales for the duration.   Guess Pat and the Wilsons will be pleased, though I suppose it would suit Pat just as well to go over to Liverpool for a while – anyhow good luck to him.

I guess you’re pretty right about planting out vegetables : if Curtin & Blamey’s speeches are any criterion we’ve got a long way to go yet, even if Germany does collapse this year.  I suppose all food stuffs will be somewhat scarcer for a while though they say rationing has practically been cut out in some places.

Am glad to hear that Daph Wise is better.  She told me she expected to have to have an operation while I was home.  Perhaps it’s the same trouble now.  Give her my kind regards Mother if you see her, and May & Daisy too – can’t think of writing them just at present – busy as hell.

Was pleased to hear my telegram arrived in time for Carline’s birthday.  Even though she wouldn’t understand anything about it, it would be a novelty for her.  I suppose Anne enjoyed the birthday too.  Must try and write to May – am behind to blazes with my mail.

Have been kept very busy here since I last wrote – a four day exercise covering last weekend – a lousy show too, rained all the time.  Went dry from the time we left till we got back.  Then a ceremonial show yesterday as a diversion from field training.  If there had been any lookers on it would have been a good show but to us it wasn’t so good.  The weather took a turn and it was just as hot as it was cold over the weekend, and laired up in the old hessian suit with trimmings and marching to attention with the rifle & bayonet at the slope, she drove the grease out.

Must say cheerio now Mother & Dad – give my love to May, Anne & Carline and regards to the boys.  Love – Max.

The Hon James

James Joseph McDonnell (TX 1024) was another Battalion original.  His name appears regularly in Dad’s letters.  As children, we knew him as ‘Uncle Jim’ – he and his wife Molly lived just a few doors away from us.  He remained a ‘steady drinker’ all his life.   ‘The Hon James’ had injured his back (fractured 4th lumbar vertebra) in a fall, early in July  According to Dad’s letter of 24 August ’44 he was ‘able to get about again now but is still in plaster and I believe he will be in plaster for anything up to three months.’  McDonnell’s service record shows he was evacuated to Tasmania by plane on September 13, and to the Lady Clark convalescent hospital on September 28.  

Curtin and Blamey’s speeches

From Curtin’s diary ( http://john.curtin.edu.au/diary/primeminister/1944.html  )

19 Sept 44 – Makes statement indicating that a state of war will exist until Japan surrenders, regardless of a German surrender.

25 Sept 44 – Makes national broadcast officially opening Second Victory Loan, with a target of £5 million.

Blamey to troops:

From the Melbourne Argus Sept 20 1944 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11361922  Headline : C IN C SEES JOB AHEAD FOR TROOPS

The triumph of Allied armies in Europe did not mean that the triumph in other areas was as near as we would hope, General Sir Thomas Blamey, Commander Allied Land Forces in SW Pacific and C in C AMF, told troops whom he inspected at Balcombe today……

A Four day exercise

Did it – as Dad claims – ‘rain all the time’?   The Battalion diary indicates the weather for these four days was ‘showery’.  Dad’s reference to being ‘dry’ presumably refers to a lack of alcohol.  Reveille on day 1 (Sept 22) was at 4.30am.  The exercise was conducted by Brigadier Eather and observed on one day by Major General Milford.  This image is from an exercise in the same general area (Danbulla)   AWM 085193

When the exercise was over, the march back to camp took 2 hours.  

A Ceremonial Show

The men arrived back from the exercise at 17.00 on the 25th, and on the afternoon of the 26th had to fall in for a parade to practise their drill movements.   After another practice the following morning, it was time for the ‘real thing’ that afternoon (27th).

AWM 080868  :  Kairi Atherton Tableland  28/9/44  Major-General E J Milford GOC 7th Division accompanied by Lieut-Col T R W Cotton inspects personnel of the 2/33rd Bn at Headquarters 25th Infantry Brigade

Video AWM F07127   https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07127  A short video of troops arriving for the ‘show’ then marching in formation, Milford taking the salute and inspecting the troops with Cotton. Brigadier Eather stands behind the saluting platform.