Category Archives: training

War Diary March 21 – April 14 (Easter Monday) 1941

Posted on April 14, 1941 by felicityh54

Friday 21st Wrote some letters during morning – afternoon ceremonial parade – marched to Brigade – welcome for Brigadier Baxter-Cox – a good show.  Long march back with fixed bayonets at attention – 1 1/2 miles.  When we got back … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, guard/ picket/ orderly room duty, training, Uncategorized, unit and personal diaries, weapons, armaments, equipment | Tagged | Leave a comment

Route Marches, diplomacy and meeting with Zincie Jokers

Posted on March 20, 1941 by felicityh54

              TX 1004 Pte Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF Abroad 20th March 1941 Dear Mother Once again I have struck guard duty and so have an opportunity to catch up with my mail.  We’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Camps and Barracks, escapades, relaxation, fun and games, guard/ picket/ orderly room duty, Middle East, parcels, training, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

War Diary: Durban to the Red Sea Feb 1941

Posted on February 28, 1941 by felicityh54

  16th Feb At sea again. Picked up rest of convoy from Cape Town.  Two ships – Highland Chieftain and Highland Princess – stayed at Durban.  Two others joined us (Orbita & Nieu Holland).  Had haircut and got head shave.  … Continue reading →

Posted in at sea, gambling and drinking, guard/ picket/ orderly room duty, training, Uncategorized, unit and personal diaries | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Soaked to the skin and cold as frogs : first issue of rum.

Posted on October 6, 1940 by felicityh54

6th Oct 1940 TX1004 Priv M Hickman 72nd Battalion 25th Brigade AIF             Dear Mother After what seemed almost an age without mail the weekend brought forth seven letters – six and a cable – … Continue reading →

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With the Rough Carpenters…in the comfort of the YMCA Marquee

Posted on September 29, 1940 by felicityh54

29 Sept 1940 TX1004 Private M Hickman 72nd Battalion 25th Brigade AIF Dear Mother We have just been dismissed for the day.  This morning for the first time in my life I attended a Roman Catholic church service.  There are … Continue reading →

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Birth of the 72nd Battalion Carrier Platoon 27th June 1940

Posted on June 27, 1940 by felicityh54

The first of many re-0rganisations From The Footsoldiers (p7): …”The last of the British troops were evacuated (from Dunkirk) on 18 June.  Most brought their rifles and personal equipment but transport and guns and tanks were lost.  This was the situation … Continue reading →

Posted in Carrier platoon, Letters to/ from others, organisation, training, Uncategorized, weapons, armaments, equipment | Tagged , | Leave a comment