The Blog that might have been – 70 years on

A camel caravan in the snow

Posted on January 5, 1942 by felicityh54

TX1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

5th January 1942

Dear Mother & Dad

We’re into another year. I wonder what it holds. The passing of the old and the beginning of the new was a avery quiet event in these parts especially in comparison with the wonderful experiences of the last New Year as reminders of which I had two very nice letters from Scotland – one from Shirley on New Years Eve and one from Billie Laird on New Years Day. Shirley’s letter although airmailed was written on the 1st of November – she said she had just received your letter and intended writing you that night so if it makes the grade it should be home soon. She’s been transferred to a Glasgow hospital and thinks the new job better than the last. Incidentally whilst on the subject of letters, in addition to your two letters of the first & 16th December I’ve had one from Mrs Phillips and one from Mrs Jenkins this week as well as your very palatable parcel. Everything in it perfect and a surprise packet in the shape of a parcel from Jimmy Benbow – you remember him Dad at the Zinc Works. He sent me a cake and some cigarettes and chocolates – jolly decent of him, don’t you think? I suppose my Christmas parcels haven’t got through. That’s one of the things I guess will suffer this year – mail, both air and sea.

The only thing comparable to last new year has been the weather – it’s the coldest I ever remember. It’s been raining, hailing, snowing and blowing for nearly three weeks. Yesterday morning there was five inches of snow on the ground and this morning a stiff frost made the snow crackle like machine gun fire, and as we’ve been at range practice all the week you can imagine what it’s been like and as this is probably very mild compared with conditions in Russia it’s ways to understand why the Jerries have had to retreat from Moscow. The weather has been our biggest trump. I saw a sight yesterday morning that would have made a wonderful snap – a camel train crossing the snow-covered foothills. As one almost always associates camels with the desert the photo would have been a most unusual and interesting record. I am anxiously awaiting your next letter to hear the election results at home- your postscript is very interesting to me. It will be a big blow to his pride if the great HH misses out – he thought he could get any seat in Tassie anytime he wanted it but he’d probably get a lot of Nationalist seconds.

This is a terribly short letter but I’m afraid there’s nothing else I can write about except the war and as you’re probably getting little else in the news these days I want to avoid the subject. So Mother and Dad with best wishes to Mr & Mrs Phillips, Rob & Hilda and family, and of course the boys, I’ll say cheerio.

Your loving son.

Max

Training schedule

According to The Footsoldiers, preparation for desert fighting had begun in December: We began to camouflage our vehicles with the desert sand paint, the nets with sand-coloured binding, and our tin hats were painted buff. The new infantry organisation of Vickers machine guns to the Carriers instead of a Bren LMG, two two-pounder anti-tank guns, and the formation of an anti-tank platoon in HQ company, adders further fire power to the Battalion…..All were looking forward to some action, not with any sense of bravado but to break the now growing monotony….. The snows kept up throughout late December and on into early January 1942. Very little work or training was done, and most of it was now spent in trying to keep warm. (PP 130-131)

However, 25th Brigade Diary November-December 1941 (AWM52 8/2/25) – Training Instruction no. 9 (31 December) – instructs that ‘All units will devote alternate weeks to tng and defence works. The first tng week will commence on 12 Jan 42.’ Battalions were also instructed to ‘concentrate on close order and smartening drill, weapon tng, tactical tng as desired by CO and Night tng – patrols, attack, withdrawal’…with the extra note: ‘Subject to a fd firing range being avail units will include at least one fd firing exercise in their weapon tng’.

So – perhaps with the changes that had occurred in the composition of the Carrier Platoon and the weapons attached to it, there might have been some specific training for this group, ahead of the general Battalion training.

Camels crossing snow-covered foothills

This would indeed have made a wonderful photo – perhaps something like this – a postcard from another blog http://waltzingaroundtheworld.com/iran/zerky-in-persia/

Posted in Food and Drink, Middle East, The course of the war, training, Uncategorized | Tagged Billie Laird, Jimmy Benbow, Shirley Balfour | Leave a comment

letters from home : Christmas 1941

Posted on December 29, 1941 by felicityh54

From M & H Hickman

Pottery Rd

Lenah Valley

Hobart Tas

December 21 41

Darling Boy. Once again we write the weekly news such as it is hoping to find you in the pink as it leaves us at present. Xmas Day is only four days away and it does not seem much like Xmas. This afternoon we went up to Brighton Camp for a run as your mother has decided not to register the car again until she sees what the …. has in store. Things certainly don’t look too bright at present. I went to the Xmas social at the club last Thursday night. It was quite a decent turnout but the spirit of the old time shows has somewhat dwindled away. I met Joe Lewis at the club on Friday. He wanted to know all about you. He said “I wish to Christ he had been here for this election: he would have romped home.” By the way, the Labor crowd had a wonderful victory – remarkable considering the weakness of the crowd, admitted by their own stalwarts. They returned four members from every division so their victory was very meritorious (?) all over the state. I told you in my last letter that Hope was likely to lose his sinker (seat?) as he was the lowest on the Labor roll but the cut up was remarkable. He just got ahead of Plummer in the last stride. It looks as though there will be very few escape being in the show in some capacity. Anyhow the affair has got so big that I think something will collapse during 1942 when a country with vast potentiality(?) like America gets going properly I think it will make a wonderful difference. You should have plenty of pals now as all the Aussies are being kept together. I was up at Mrs Schultz one day last week. Poor old Auntie didn’t look too good. She has just come out of St Helens. Rather slow after having a breast off. Maggie didn’t look too bright. I think she wants her Dick home badly. We went to town one day last week and bought a new blackwood bed. We pulled the old one down & put it in the cellar. You wouldn’t credit the difference it made in the room. We had that bedstead for about 32 years so you can imagine how we miss it. Mr Elliott rang your mother this morning. They are coming up tomorrow night. Mrs Phillips rang up this morning to know about cherries for her shop but as we have let the place to Kile for his cows you can imagine how the cherries look. Your mother is sending you a parcel – a rather big one. In future she will send smaller ones. Anne has not been too well the last few days but I think she will soon recover. Don’t send any more parcels. Spend what money you get on yourself. You mother might go down to Mae Menzie’s one day after the holidays. She has invited me down several times . We had the lamb shorn today. She had fifteen pounds of wool on. I hope she does not get a cold as the weather is so changeable . The dogs are fit and well. That’s about all I can think of Max so will now close. God bless and keep you with best love from Mother & Dad.

PS When you come home you will find things an enormous (amount) pricier – beer 8oz for sixpence in all country pubs, 9oz in Hobart ales 1/5 [17 pence], about half the quality of when you left.

State election result

From 1906 to 1959 each of Tasmania’s five electorates returned 6 members to the House of Assembly. Prior to the 1941 election, Labor with Premier Robert Cosgrove held 18 seats and the Nationalists 12. As a result of the election, Labor’s majority increased : as mentioned in the letter, each electorate returned 4 Labor and 2 national representatives, giving a total of 20 Labor 10 Nationalist. Henry Hope was indeed lucky to be elected, when other candidates’ preferences were distributed.

Dad had stood as an ‘Independent Labor’ candidate in the 1937 Federal election, for the seat of Denison.

‘all the Aussies are being kept together’ ??

Not sure what this refers to….I can find no information about reorganisation of the BEF (British Empire Forces) to suggest that Australians would no longer be fighting alongside British, Indian, South African…etc troops.

from M & H Hickman

Pottery Rd Lenah Valley

Hobart Tasmania

December 29th 41

Darling Boy. Once again we write hoping to find you in the pink as it leaves us at present. Once again Xmas is over and our thoughts go back to the happenings of the past twelve months and wonder what the next twelve months has in store for us. The weather has been delightful – a little bit too warm if anything but I don’t remember better weather for many years. But shortages of petrol and national security regulations from Canberra curtailing all holidays except Xmas, Boxing Day & New Years Day, all shops to close at 6pm, no dog racing at night….no one allowed to go on holidays from the Zinc works – you can quite imagine how things are here. There’s a serious shortage of fruit pickers and the government is pleading for people to take on the job.

I was waiting for a tram in Macquarie Street on Xmas Eve. Dr Gibson looked at me very hard & said Are you Mr Hickman? I assured him I was. He said he thought I was dead a long time back, (but) looked like living a long time. A chap named Hughes built a five roomed brick house next to May’s. It has been finished about three months is still empty and for sale. He wants a fair (or paltry?) price but doesn’t look like getting it. I think Alby and Alec Worbey must be having a tough trot in their business but neither of them are in khaki yet. They will have to be pushed in if they are to come at it. Old Ted and Mrs Elliott were up here a few days ago. Old Ted is having radium(?) treatment for a dry scab on his face. Sounds like cancer. Mrs Elliott seems very unhappy – he never gives her any money. May Mezie & Ben and the ….(page 2 missing)

PS We received your Christmas cable today.

Shortage of Fruit Pickers

This article from the Hobart Mercury describes the Government’s efforts to support fruit growers’ efforts to find pickers. It notes that 100 employees of Charles Davis Pty Ltd had volunteered to spend the weekend picking fruit in the Derwent Valley. http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/25842488

Christmas cable (and birthday greeting)

Posted in Letters to/ from others, Tasmanian | Tagged Christmas, elections, family matters, rationing | Leave a comment

Two letters: a glorious seven days’ leave in the Holy Land

Posted on December 28, 1941 by felicityh54

23rd Dec 1941

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battn

AIF Abroad

Dear Mother & Dad

Just a few quick lines hoping to find you fit and happy. I’m writing from the Australian Comfort Fund rooms in Tel-Aviv, being in the middle of a glorious seven days leave, seeing the sights and living like a prince in all the comfort and luxury of civilisation – sleeping on feather beds with sheets and pillows, bathing in porcelain baths and eating real food off glass topped tables with table linen, china and glassware and good Aussie beer.

I’ve been to Jerusalem and Haifa and hope to be back in Jerusalem on Christmas morning. Though of course there’s nothing of the hospitality of England and Scotland it’s a wonderful break from barracks. This is really the first leave I’ve had since six day leave in England so you can imagine I’m making the best of it.

Will write you a long letter as soon a I get back to barracks – all the best.

Your loving son

Max

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battn

AIF Abroad

27th Dec 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

I received your welcome letter of the 8th together with Christmas cable and quite a bundle of other mail when I got back from leave this evening. They made up a very pleasant welcome indeed.

As I mentioned in the short note I wrote from Tel-Aviv I had a great time. It was the first leave I’ve had for a long time and the first chance to have a look at Palestine so I made the most of it. Jerusalem is of course the most interesting place in Palestine, probably in the world and although the weather was crook it was an unforgettable experience especially at Christmas time. Although I was unable to attend the service at the Church of the Nativity at midnight on the 24th just to be there was great. On a trip a few days earlier I saw the church – the oldest Christian church in the world and the Grotto where Christ was born and a few paces away the spot marked with the Star of Bethlehem – the manger in which he was laid – both spots made very beautiful with richly inlaid work and gold candles. It is easy to picture the Grotto as the stable under the Inn. (The church is built on the site of the Inn) and to follow the whole story. The Roman Catholic chapel attached to the main church is a beautiful place. It is here that the Midnight Mass is celebrated. It was late in the afternoon when I got to Jerusalem and had some difficulty in getting accommodation and by the time I had done so was advised that it would be too late and as there was a real storm on, went to the YMCA and listened to the carol singing. Then at midnight we went to St Andrews Congregational Church – a very nice service too.

On Christmas Day we went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – a wonderful place, part of it built on the site of Calvary. Most of the building is supported by immense scaffolding. From a little shop nearly I bought a mother-of-pearl Star of Bethlehem which I am sending, and some other little gifts. In the course of various tours I saw most of the religious battlements, including the Via Delorosa – where Christ carried the cross on his way to Calvary. At one spot there’s a convent built where Pontius Pilate’s house was and a plaque in the wall marks the pot where Pilate stood when he made the remark – “Behold the Man”. Another interesting place was St Anna’s church built over the cave where the Virgin Mary was born and nearby steep steps lead down to what is left of the Pool of Bethesda where Christ cured the incurable man saying – “Take up thy bed and walk”. We also went to the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. On that trip the guide pointed out the Wilderness – and it certainly is a wilderness – the most barren desolate waste of rock and sand without a shrub or blade of grass, but really amazing rock phenomena – and the Mount of Temptation.

The New Jerusalem is also very interesting and boasts some fine buildings including the YMCA. The best YMCA building in the world built by a Yank on Yankee lines. The appointments and fittings are wonderful whilst the tower commands a marvellous view of the old walled city and the New Jerusalem, the Hebrew University, the King David Hotel, the Kaiser Palace built by the Kaiser in the early years of the last war as the centre from which he would rule the world but now used as a hospital. The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum commanded our attention for half a day – a fine place with very interesting exhibits not least of which is the Galilean Skull – one of the greatest arguments in support of the Darwinian theory. Though personally I think these things are freaks they certainly constitute a great argument.

One could easily spend a fortnight in this interesting city that combines so much history with so much modern architectural achievement. Even the least religious of people cannot but feel that the Hews and Arabs are making a commercial racket of the religious side of Jerusalem.

28-12-41

The rest of my leave spent in Haifa and Tel-Aviv were very enjoyable and gave some interesting sidelights on the development of Palestine and the character of the Jewish people. The cities themselves are monuments to Jewry – modern in every respect. Every language of the world is spoken. At the picture theatres most of the spoken parts are in English but the words are set up along the sides and at the top and bottom in Hebrew, French, German and Greek.

To anyone with the means to pay the service is excellent – better I think than anything in Australia and they’ve got a way of getting the cash too – outside the cafes posters tell what they have to offer. The first time I went there I decided on a steak and eggs at 210 mils. I gave the order and the waitress said will you have some bread and butter – yes, coffee – yes. The steak and eggs were good but very more-ish and the coffee was lovely so I ordered another cup. Then at the waitress’ suggestion, some apple pie & cream which was also very nice. Then she gave me the bill – 429 mils. The coffee had cost twenty five a cup, the bread & butter thirty and the apple pie & cream 139. 429 mils is 10/9 Australian – not bad on a dollar a day eh? Another example of how they get the cash was when I went to a barber’s shop for a shave. The barber themselves were men but there were quite a number of girls doing manicures, face massage and that sort of thing and each had a queue of our fellows lined up waiting . No wonder they think we’re suckers – ‘just the touch of a woman’s hand’ and everything else of course is on the same lines.

Just had a very interesting diversion. Ted Fleming (the postman) came up to tell me there were two parcels for me. Talk about bringing Christmas over well. Two bottles of ……cordial from Mick and a cake from Mae Menzie – what perfect Christmas parcels. Needless to say neither lasted long. They were gone in seconds, but the memory lingers on. Imagine the surprise Mick’s parcel was – when I gave McDonnell a drink the bludger nearly swallowed bottle and all.

On Christmas night we went to a Services Club show in Tel-Aviv. Had tea cakes, biscuits and wine followed by a sing-song and a dance. There were quite a lot of girls there and they sang and danced with us – quite a happy crowd. Jewish girls are very reserved and don’t mix much with the troops but I believe at the service club shows they’ll always be good company.

Well Mother & Dad I guess I’d better sign off as I’ve quite a lot of letters to write. Cheerio and all the very best.

Your loving son

Max

PS Old Ken seems to be breaking out in a big way. Well, good luck to him – remember me to him. (By the way did he go up to 304 Liverpool St?)

PPS Pete McCowan’s young brother took McDonnell out on the beer one night and drank him under the table, brought him home and put him to bed.

Comforts Fund Tea Rooms and Hostels

Australian Comforts Fund tea rooms in Tel Aviv. Volunteers provided free tea and cake/ biscuits.

AWM 011805

The Comforts Fund Hostel in Jerusalem wasn’t open until after Dad’s leave – but presumably all hostels were similarly equipped.

AWM 011797

Jerusalem YMCA

from Wikipedia – When the building opened on April 18, 1933, the event was attended by YMCA leaders from around the world. Every detail of the building, with its elegant arches, domes and tower, was described in the world press, which hailed it as a wellspring of cultural, athletic, social and intellectual life. The building is now a hotel. The tower Dad mentions is still prominent.

mother-of-pearl Star of David, and other gifts

Although the mother of pearl pendant is clearly not a Star of David, I think it must be the gift referred to here, as it has the word ‘Bethlehem’ inscribed on the back, and the image is clearly of the holy family. The silver brooch is described by the AWM as a ‘sweetheart brooch’ but as it was kept with Dad’s letters I assume he sent it to his mother.

A dollar a day !?

Since Australia only moved from stirling to decimal currency in 1966, he was a presumably referring to the American dollar which was worth about 5/- stirling or 6/- Australian at the time. Maybe then, as now, the US dollar was the ‘world currency’. I think as a corporal he was on more like 9/- a day, but even so, more than one day’s pay for the meal described, seems very expensive. I note that Routine Orders of 2 Dec 41 (AWM52/8/3/33) advise that: All personnel proceeding on (7 day) leave must have 10 pounds Australian in cash or in their daybooks.

Posted in Food and Drink, Geography and Culture, leave, Middle East, parcels, pay and conditions, Uncategorized | Tagged Christmas, food costs, gifts, Jerusalem, Jim McDonnell | Leave a comment

The Governor should…appoint a cabinet of responsible men

Posted on December 8, 1941 by felicityh54

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

8th Dec 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

Very agreeably surprised to receive my mail this morning. Two days earlier than usual – unfortunately news of fighting in the far east arrived simultaneously and cast rather a heavy damper on things. The air has been electrified ever since. Although we had discussed the possibility of war in the Pacific, the real significance of it was never appreciated until it actually happened. Even now of course we can form only haphazard ideas of the world wide repercussions it will have – effects that in our abstract consideration were quite overlooked – anyway it’s an all in go now so here’s hoping the Yanks come up scratch and we can make a quick finish.

Glad you had a good trip Dad – May mentioned in her letter that you looked better for the change so the trip must have done you good – she said Anne was thrilled with the coat you bought and I guess Mother was pleased with her present too so the whole turnout seems rather satisfactory and of course the welcome from the boys was only to be expected. I don’t suppose they’d know me now. Incidentally I dreamt I was home last night . It was all so clear that when reveille sounded this morning I couldn’t believe I was still in the army but a few minutes later the roar of the CSM calling for markers for the administration parade dispelled all doubts on the matter. I can remember being in Melbourne quite clearly and was very surprised to find Frank Gaha managing a big business there – anyway it was only a dream.

We’ve had quite an eventful week here in a small way. Jim McDonnell got his transfer and will probably go any day now and two sections of carriers and personnel went away on some sort of stunt and then the sergeant who was left in charge was made CSM of another company so we’re a very small family now. I put in for a transfer to the twelfth last week but can’t get it till we get more settled.

So Ken’s going in to hospital again – not for another operation I hope – just to get fitted for a leg I guess. How’s he going these days? Has he got over his self consciousness? There’s a photo in this week’s AIF News of Ron Butterworth and some other twelfth blokes presenting a captured Nazi Flag to Col Elliott. It’s quite a good photo of Ron. There’s another photo of Cutler the New South Wales VC bloke. Although I didn’t know his name at the time I was with him or he was with us at Khibi doing some O.piping(?) for his crowd and when water was as scarce as gold dust I helped him out with a flask of tea – seemed a good sort of bloke.

I had a letter from Rob Cameron the other day and a photo of the chips. It’s a bonzer photo isn’t it? He told me that he’d tried to join up but hadn’t been successful – you can understand them keeping him back – but for the majority the war in the east means conscription. The government should have brought it in long ago. I wonder will the emergency shelve the state election – surely they won’t go on with that now. The Governor should have the power to dissolve parliament and appoint a cabinet of responsible men regardless of party – men like Snow from the Zinc Works and Frank Gaha. Get rid of all the dim wits that are running the show now.

Well Mother and Dad I must say cheerio now. All the best to you both and to the boys

Your loving son

Max

PS Thank Mrs Smith for her good wishes and return my very best regards to her and Harold

PPS You might remind Mick Mason that he owes me a letter

War in the Pacific

The Japanese bombed the US Navy base at Pearl Harbour and began landing troops in Malaya on December 7. On December 8, British Prime Minister Churchill declared his country to be at war with Japan, and many other nations followed suit. See this report in the Canberra Times http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2595257

Lieut-Col Whitfield, Director General of Recruiting for the AIF is reported in the Melbourne Argus of December 9 as saying – “Eligible men in Australia have been waiting for the war to come closer before enlisting in the AIF…Now they have got it. The war in Libya and Syria has always seemed a long way off. Now it is at our gates. Our men of the AIF have been an early target in the Japanese offensive in the Far East and will be the spearhead of counter attacks. They want their mates at their backs. They want them badly and at once. I have sufficient confidence in the manhood of Australia to believe there will be an unprecedented rush to get in the AIF… ” http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8221486

Presenting a captured Nazi Flag

From : Hobart at War 1939 to 1945. C J Dennison.

The men are not named in the caption but the man on the right wearing an RSL badge could have been Colonel C H Elliott who had been part of the Allied campaign at Gallipoli and the Western Front during World War I. The caption reads – When wounded soldiers began returning to Tasmania, they brought war souvenirs with them. The two German flags were among the first to go on display.

Some sort of stunt

The Brigade Diary for December reports that on the 5th, organisation of 7 Div Carrier Coy commenced with HQ at Bechmezzine. Order no. AA2/6/12 was issued the following day, instructing the 6 carriers detailed from each battalion (2/31, 2/33 and 2/25) together with the carrier platoon truck carrying accommodation and other stores to report to the 7 Div Carrier Coy HQ at 1500 hours that day (December 6). See AWM52 8/2/25

I wonder if the carriers of the 2/33rd met the same conditions as these! AWM 022975

Cutler the New South Wales VC bloke

Roden Cutler would later become the Governor of New South Wales. the report on the awarding of the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the Syrian campaign was published in the Melbourne Argus on December 1: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8219813

AWM 134905 Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler

Frank Gaha

John Francis Gaha, known as Frank, was a doctor who became a politician. At the time of this letter he was a member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council and the Health Minister in Robert Cosgrove’s Labor government.

Posted in organisation, Tasmanian, The course of the war, Uncategorized, world | Tagged Colonel Elliott, dreams, Frank Gaha, Jim McDonnell, Roden Cutler, Ron Butterworth | Leave a comment

A dearth of political leadership, farcical propaganda…and a scarcity of Nugget

Posted on December 4, 1941 by felicityh54

TX1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

4th Dec 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

I received your welcome letters yesterday and they both made good reading – glad to know that parcel got home alright Mother. When I got Youngster’s letter last week announcing the arrival of hers, it gave me cause to hope that yours had also made the grade. Parcels are rolling in here very well too now and thanks to you and Youngster I’ve had a very liberal share. The good things you send are a definite treat to the palate but whilst we’re in barracks we’ve nowhere to keep them so if you should send any more (for a while at least) just send toilet stuff such as toothpaste, shaving cream and nugget – nugget is always scarce here.

The weather at home seems to have reverted to winter again. It’s getting very cold here now but of course we must expect it because it’s winter (correct to season). The snow on the high mountain ranges is a glorious sight but the winds that blow down from it are plurry keen. The Barracks rooms being all concrete are naturally very cold too. It’s be great to see one of our big log fires that we used to have in the dining room.

Dad’s comments on General Blamey’s and Jorgan(?) Smith’s speeches are quite interesting but it looks as though the volunteer system’s dead. The Bulletin had a very apt cartoon on it in their October 8th issue. There’s no doubt death robbed Australia of the counterpart of Roosevelt and Churchill when Ogilvie died. He’d have certainly made a place in the sun (but) now – we seem terribly devoid of political leadership. Imagine the Trades Hall or the Victoria Club telling him how to run a show. The trouble with the others is that they can’t distinguish between peacetime and wartime democracy. The crude waste of public moneys on farcical propaganda glamourising the show is worn out. The old hands know there’s no glamour about it and every man who gets home wounded or disabled (except of course those whose imaginary complaints are in reality cold feet) gives the lie to their efforts so let them get down to business. To start real organisation both at home and overseas would set a new precedent in Australian history and give them a basis for the much boosted new order when the show is over.

I got quite a pleasant surprise yesterday when the platoon sergeant told me I could have leave from half past three till ten o’clock – the first I’ve had for a long time. The only times I’ve been out of barracks except for the brigade sports have been on duty and it was a break to get away for a few hours. Bill Collis – the ‘Albury Basher’ also got leave so we went together, had a few pots of Aussie beer at the canteen a good feed of steak & eggs and went to the pictures (half past six till eight o’clock) then we went back to the canteen had a few more beers and a chicken supper. It may not sound very exciting but it was a pleasant evening. There are few pubs in Tassie that I’d rather own than that little canteen – it’s an absolute goldmine – all bottled stuff but as they only sell by the glass they catch the coin. It’s one place you’re sure of meeting someone you know and I struck Saxe Coverdale and a couple of chaps from the twelfth – had quite a good yarn to them. They were from Launceston and although I didn’t know them there’s always a bond of friendship with chaps from the same state. They told me that young Pat Rafferty is their OC of Headquarters Company – he must be doing pretty well.

Dick Schultz and ‘the pom’ (McQuiltan) came in the other day on their way back to their respective units from tours. You’d hardly expect to see them together but there you are – the pom said he’d had a letter from his wife saying she’d seen Ken up the dogs with the drone (?) and Bill Munro – he wasn’t long getting around was he.

Well mother and dad there isn’t much news so I must say cheerio – All the best to May, Anne, Laurie and the boys.

Your loving son

Max

PS Jim Mc & Dick send their best regards

PPS I’m sending my watch home next week. I don’t know what’s wrong with it but it doesn’t seem safe to take it to local watchmakers. They don’t seem to know much about them and are damn dear. They charged Ray Ross the equivalent of 22/6 for a new post for the second hand. I don’t want you to send it back but if I can’t get another one I’ll get you to send me a luminous one later.

Blamey’s speech

General Sir Thomas Blamey, Commander of the Australian forces in the Middle East, was recalled to Australia in early November for consultations with the new Minister for the Army (Mr Forde) and the War Cabinet. According to a report in the Burnie Advocate of November 11 (http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8217212) ‘He expressed astonishment at the complacency with which Australians were viewing the war. ‘It does not seem to be understood that we are up against one of the greatest personalities the world has seen. He has given ten years to pre sparing himself for the conquest of the world and he is well on the way to achievement’….’I have a message for the people of Australia. It comes from your menfolk – from the snows of Syria and from the hear and dust of Tobruk. We feel it is up to the eligible young men of Australia to reduce our task by helping us. You are leading a carnival life, and you are enjoying it, but if you do not take part you will find your homes overwhelmed, as were the homes of the people of France and Belgium’

These comments clearly caused a stir. The Melbourne Argus a week later reported subsequent remarks by Blamey, clarifying and certainly not retracting his comments. (http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/8217212)

“I am not aiming at killing enjoyment within moderation” he said….He defined carnival spirit as ‘a general spirit of gaiety and pleasure which seems to exist so generally in Australia, coupled with a feeling of apartness from the war itself’…There had to be some relaxation but he thought race meetings several times a week a bit too much. “It is deplorable that large crowds should go to see young men play football” he said. “There is a far more stirring game in which they can get all the thrills they want. A reduction in the amount of sport in this country is advisable”….Addressing the Victoria Club, he said “We must realise we are in the middle of a life and death struggle, and that unless we win it the galloping hooves, the green turf, the flying colours and all that goes with them will of from us. We must put out whole back and our whole spirit into the winning of the war first”

In a related article, the Central Queensland Herald (Nov 27) commented on the success of the War Loan (see previous posts) and on the Government’s optimism that volunteers would continue to come forward to fulfil the needs of the armed forces –

The final success of the hundred million loan must give rise to hopes that the faith of the Government in voluntarism will likewise be vindicated in the matter of enlistment. In a national broadcast on Sunday Mr Forde said : “ The voluntary principle is a cardinal principle of the Labour Government. We believe that under Labour leadership the voluntary system will draw from Australia the last ounce of strength”. If the 100 recruits per month over normal requirements come forward voluntarily a lot of people will have to eat their words; and doubtless they will be jolly pleased to do so. But perhaps before that can happen more emphasis will need to be laid on the point raised by Thomas Blamey that too many young men are being assured they are heroes for making munitions rather than for using them.

The need for conscription had already been confirmed in Britain: The Central Queensland Herald the following week (December 4 edition) published a report from London, dated November 27 which was headlined – Conscription of Whole Nation: “Every man and woman in Britain is liable for conscription under a Bill which Parliament is likely to pass within a fortnight….” (ref http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/76231296) but Australian Prime Minister Curtin had led a strong anti conscription campaign during World War I and wanted to avoid such a policy if at all possible.

Albert Ogilvie

Albert Ogilvie was the Premier of Tasmania from June 1934 – June 1939 when he died.

Farcical Propaganda

The only ‘propaganda’ I can find (apart from carefully managed newspaper reports of the various campaigns) are the posters encouraging people to grow their own food, contribute to the War Loans, support those working in munitions factories, join the Women’s Land Army or enlist in the AIF – such as this one:

Nugget is always scarce

It’s hard to credit that shoe polish had to be sent from home or provided to the troops via ‘comfort fund’ parcels, rather than being provided by the Army.

Photo: comfort fund parcel being packed (tin of nugget in the foreground). ref – Hobart at War 1939-45 CJ Dennison

A few pots of Aussie beer at the canteen

Photo : an army canteen near Beirut AWM 022607

Posted in Australian, Food and Drink, leave, parcels | Tagged Albert Ogilvie, General Blamey, Ken Jenkins | Leave a comment

Christmas cake received, Christmas greetings sent and snow arrives

Posted on November 25, 1941 by felicityh54

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

25th Nov 1941

Dear Mother and Dad

Once again the big day of the week comes round and the good run continues – this week I had three letters – Dad’s, Youngster’s and May’s. Between dad & Youngster they painted a very descriptive picture of the cup and the scene on the lawn after the deluge – what a pity it rained, but it was certainly Bill’s day out – fancy drawing the first and second horses.

It was good to know that Youngster’s parcel made the grade. I hope yours had the same success Mother. I’d quite given them up as lost and was saving my pennies to buy a couple more of those boxes, but now Youngster’s has got through there’s a big chance that the one I sent for you has also made the grade. I had a very pleasant surprise too this week – an absolutely marvellous Christmas cake from Youngster – when I opened it the mob gathered around and vied with one another in expressions of appreciation – expressions were even more strongly expressed when I cut the cake. I’d have liked to seal it up and keep it for Christmas but there are many factors militating against keeping parcels in the barrack room. Firstly of course there’s no place for anything other than military equipment and secondly experience has taught us the futility of hoarding in the army and thirdly and this was the deciding factor – three chaps who have been attached to us for about six months had to return to their units. They were jolly good fellows – one was my driver in action and we’d built up a strong friendship – among many other admirable qualities he was a good bridge player and his going has left a place in the four that will be hard to fill.

Dad’s advice and efforts in Youngster’s garden called for the highest praise. Youngster said she cheered him and Bill on by producing a bottle of beer or a cup of tea whenever their spirits showed signs of flagging. Anyway judging by that cutting dad sent, vegetables will be a gold mine. It’s good to know that both you and May have good gardens too. Poor May seems to be having a bad trot with neuralgia again. There’s no doubt about it she has more than her share of trouble. She was quite bucked to think that Laurie is sticking to his job. It was bad luck that the little dress I sent Anne didn’t fit. I wonder whether the blighter in the shop wrapped up the smaller one. I thought the one I told him to wrap would have been a bit too big for awhile. I hope the others fit better.

The other day when we were out in the carriers I saw Dick Schultz and had quite a long yarn with him. He’s just back from nine days’ leave – lucky cow – had a marvellous time too, he told me. He showed me a letter from Alf Mackie – quite a newsreel of events at the club. Alf reminded him of the night he and I were barmen – dad probably remembers it (Munich night). I reminded Dick that I had to take him home – but he wouldn’t have that at all. But if you happen to be up there, ask Mag if it’s not right. Young Jack seems to be doing quite a good job at High. Dick said he put my name in when the headmaster asked for the names of Old Scholars overseas. If all the parcels make the grade we look like being snowed in – incidentally the real snow is creeping closer down the hills every morning and it’s getting very cold at night. I hope we get another blanket soon.

The news these days is very stimulating. The desert show makes good reading and the Russians are still doing a good job. The desert turn out must be our biggest land offensive so far. She’s real mechanised war up there – tanks and airplanes – must be a fine sight.

Well I’m afraid there’s not much news and I’m not much good at imagining things so I guess I’d better say cheerio. We’ve been advised that this will probably be the last mail delivered in Aussie before the Christmas, so here’s wishing you a very Happy Christmas – all the very best. I hope I’ll be home with you for the next one. Chins up Mum & Dad

Your loving son

Max

PS How are the eyes, Mother? I hope Cunningham has been able to do them some good.

Vegetables

As in Britain, the Australian government was encouraging people to grow their own vegetables and keep their own fowls, to ensure as much food as possible could be available to the troops. This newspaper articles describes how best to use a suburban block to provide vegetables for a family : http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/australia-wwii/home-wii/food-shortages-rationing Also, the dry spring in key vegetable growing areas was pushing up the price of vegetables in Australia. The Central Queensland Herald of 27 November lamented the demise of fruit and vegetable hawkers from the streets of Brisbane:

It doubtless will have been noticed in the last communique of The Bulletin’s Brisbane correspondent that there has been a severe slump in the street hawking industry in the metropolis…”The high price of petrol and the rationing of fuel, combined with the high price of fruit and vegetables due to the drought, has caused an almost total disappearance of the fruit and vegetable hawker from the streets of Brisbane” says the correspondent. “At one time the raucous howls of a vendor or a cheap line of cabbage or carrots would shatter the suburban afternoon nap as effectively as a bomb, but today the hawker’s throaty yell is no longer heard. He has departed for parts un-known, like his brother the fish seller, his distant cousin the firewood vendor and his despised poor relation the bottle-o.”

Winter is here!

Although not from the 2/33rd and somewhat further north (Aleppo area rather than Tripoli), this photo conveys something of the conditions AWM 011414

Another initiative at this time was the establishment of Ski Patrols. Personnel from each Battalion were selected for a training program to be held at The Cedars in northern Lebanon. Some of their training program was recorded on film by Frank Hurley : see AWM F01154. The CC of the 2/33rd’s Ski Platoon was Lieut Balfour-Ogilvie.

Another blanket ?

I was astonished to read in the Routine Orders of November 22 that a soldier had been Court Martialled for stealing ‘one blanket, the property of the Commonwealth of Australia’ and that his punishment was 40 days’ detention. Although Dad doesn’t mention the standard issue, I assume it was 4 blankets, as there is reference to blankets in a later Routine Order (24 December) ahead of a move to Egypt: Four per man will be carried by personnel. The fifth blankets will be rolled into bundles of 10…

The course of the war – Western Desert

For a very up-beat report on the war in the Western Desert (Presumably typical of those Dad was reading), see the Cairns Post of November 19 http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/42320816

‘The Club’

The Club was the RSSAILA (or RSL) – Returned Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ League of Australia. Its headquarters in Hobart was the building photographed below in 1926. ref http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/R/RSL.htm

Posted in Camps and Barracks, Carrier platoon, Food and Drink, organisation, parcels, The course of the war, Uncategorized | Tagged DIck Schultz, RSL club, vegetables | Leave a comment

Action on several fronts – the barracks, the sports field, Yugoslavia and the USA

Posted on November 20, 1941 by felicityh54

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

20th Nov 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

Dad’s letter and youngster’s came in this morning and afforded a very agreeable surprise. Although Youngster had mentioned that dad might go over, his quick decision caught me on the hop. Anyway I hope the rest of the trip was as pleasant as the early part chronicled in his letter. It’s a great pity you couldn’t both go over together. Melbourne is a lonely place when you’re alone. Youngster has written volumes about her garden consequently I was not surprised to read your praises of their efforts. The home garden must be good too – there’s no doubt about it with time, energy and water you can make a wonderful showing.

So Ken’s back in Tassie again eh. I’m glad dad was able to see him in Melbourne. He was looking forward to seeing ‘Old Henry’ and I’ll bet they did some talking too – all the old brigade would be under the spotlight. I showed Jim McDonnell that bit about Tom Cooper and Max Hay coming up and he and old Nuggett had a good laugh – only the day before Nuggett gave an exhibition of dad’s hand and oh – somewhere further back I scrounged a beer mug for a tea mug. The old enamel mug that I brought from home is still going strong but as I use it for shaving and teeth cleaning decided to get something else for tea. I’ve been using that beer pot for about three months now. Anyway I left it on the floor near my bed and Ramon Novarro stepped back with his number tens and wrecked the mug. Realising the futility of words I said nothing but expressed myself by throwing my pack rather hard on the bed and broke a bottle with it. I didn’t discover the second phase of the tragedy till lunchtime and by then the ink had soaked right through the pack – what a mess. The discovery and explanation brought forth the universal expression ‘that’s what comes of doing the melon’ and started old Nuggett on his turn. If you happen to see Ken you might tell him that Clarrie was down this morning and looks as fit as a fiddle. He’s just had a refund of twenty three pounds – Ken’ll know what that’s for.

I thought I had told you earlier about McDonnell getting his stripes. He and Peter McCowan got theirs just after action when malaria and sandfly fever was laying everyone up but like mine they’re not confirmed.

There hasn’t been anything very exciting here lately except for the Brigade sports last Sunday. It was a beautiful day and a real good show – quite keen competition in some events. The star item on the programme was the presentation of the VC ribbon to Gordon by the Brigadier. He was terribly nervous and apparently more subject to stage fright than physical fear, but such a show is very rare and not to be missed.

Do you remember me telling you in one of my April letters about meeting some Jewish soldiers whilst at range practice and what that Bavarian fellow told me about the Yugoslavs? Well there was a very interesting article in the Palestine Illustrated News written by George Maranz – one of the best informed and most logical writers on war topics. According to his article the Yugoslav Invisible Army are still a force to be reckoned with and occupy a third of Yugoslav territory. They have perfected a system of guerrilla warfare with which the Germans and Italians are unable to compete. The ruggedness of the country makes it useless for tanks and places and complete units of Jerries have been captured. The movement Maranz asserts is gaining impetus every day and Hitler has sent envoys offering complete amnesty for all concerned but they apparently know the value of his word. The repeal of the Merchant Shipping Clauses of the American Neutrality Act brings the States a bit nearer and though I suppose we’ll get a lot of surprises yet I think we can reasonable hope for the war to end within another year.

Must say cheerio now. I’ve just been told by a runner that I’m orderly dog again. There’s no rest for the wicked – and I must be a bad lot. Best regards to Mr & Mrs Phillips and to the boys.

Your loving son

Max

Brigade Sports, including presentation of a VC

AWM 021509

The start of the 80 yards final at the 25th Brigade’s sports held on the Iraqi Petroleum Company’s oval on the Latakai-Tripoli road. It was won by Private W K Barton of the 2/25th Infantry Battalion.

AWM 021513

The alarm race – one of the novelty events at the Brigade Sports.

presentation of VC

Brigadier E C P Plant, commander of the 25th Brigade, pinning the Victoria Cross ribbon on Corporal J H Gordon of the 2/31st Infantry Battalion.

James Gordon was a Western Australian who continued in the regular army after the war.

The Yugoslav Invisible Army

The journalist mentioned in this letter (Geroge Maranz) was also responsible for an article which appeared in the Cairns Post on 25 February 1942 with the headline – Invisible Army Defies Hitler from Balkan Mountains (ref – http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/42333396). An extract reads –

A recent cable reported that the Secret Serbian Army which is fighting the Axis in the mountains of Yugoslaviais now believed to be 200,000 strong – twice what it was three months ago. The invisible army fights almost a secret war; generally, the only news that comes out of Europe about it is a fragment from Axis radio stations, claiming casualties or admitting that panzer troops and dive-bombers are being used against the Serbs. But through Yugoslav sources, George Maranz and Harry Zinder, reliable Journalists, obtainedthis story, which was published in the “Daily Mail,” London.

The American position

The USA had maintained a position of neutrality during the 1930’s when a number of Neutrality Acts were passed. When Britain declared that she was at war with Germany in September 1939, president Roosevelt argued that the existing Acts gave ‘passive aid’ to an aggressor. The subsequent Act provided for American arms sales to belligerent nations on a cash-and carry basis, thus effectively ending the arms embargo. The end of neutrality policy came with the Lend-Lease Act of March 1941, which allowed the U.S. to sell, lend or give war materials to nations the administration wanted to support.

After repeated attacks by on U.S. ships by German submarines, Roosevelt announced on September 11, 1941, that he had ordered the U.S. Navy to attack German and Italian war vessels in the “waters which we deem necessary for our defense”. Following the sinking of the U.S. destroyer Reuben James on October 31, many of the provisions of the Neutrality Acts were repealed on November 17, 1941. (Ref – Wikipedia)

Posted in escapades, relaxation, fun and games, organisation, The course of the war, world | Tagged Brigade Sports, Jim McDonnell, VC presentation | Leave a comment

Roll call of bottles and a wild ride with the Albury Basher

Posted on November 14, 1941 by felicityh54

TX 1004

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

14th Nov 1941

Dear Mother & Dad

We’re back in barracks again – our sojourn in the hills came to an abrupt though not entirely unexpected conclusion on Monday morning – whilst enjoying a game of bridge on Sunday night the sergeant was summoned to the orderly room of the Company we’ve been working with and acquainted with the melancholy news that we were to strike tents and report back to barracks on Monday morning. As though anticipating the return the fellows staged a party on Saturday night – last week being pay week they were all cashed up and as there was plenty of beer available made a big night of it. Our parties are rare events but always good and this one was particularly bright. It went with a swing from the start – wit and humour flowed freely and we and some community singing and two or three really good items from the platoon songsters – Smudge (?) Smith (a New South Wales chap) and Aggie Lloyd from Launceston. A couple of times during the evening we called a parade and had a roll call to make sure there were no AWL’s – not men but bottles. For supper we had biscuits – very nice too. Jack Reinke got an anonymous parcel – a twelve pound tin of creams from South Australia.

Sunday was a bleak & miserable day and we spent the morning in bed and after lunch played Bridge – a very enjoyable weekend and a fitting climax to our fortnight in the hills. Though of course everyone was sorry to have to come back they all felt the benefit of the hard work and mountain air.

The postman has been particularly kind to me this week – my return to barracks was greeted with three parcels – two very nice cakes and a parcel of good things from Myers. It’s very nice to get them but Youngster can’t afford them. Those three parcels must have cost her anything up to thirty shillings and as she hopes to leave work this Christmas will need her money much more than we need parcels. I’ve also had quite a volume of letters – seven in fact. It’s wonderful getting letters but in barracks there isn’t much time to answer them. We’re being kept very busy these days and nights too for that matter – manoeuvres and stunts and things as well as orderly and guard duties.

You always manage a very cheerful epistle. I only hope you are as happy as your letters indicate – but I’m afraid you must be camouflaging things, because Youngster said in her letter that dad seems very tired and not at all contented. That’s no good dad. Look on the bright side – it’ll be over soon and when I get home we can have some good times – this business can’t go on for ever. I’m a bit surprised at Laurie sticking to that job – as you say it must be easy or else May must have woken up to herself – it’s time she did anyway.

Ron Butterworth seems to be on the crest of a wave in Hobart now – he’s a jolly fine fellow and it’s easy to understand him being popular. I guess Ken will get a good reception too when he lobs back – incidentally when he does come home I owe him a quid so will you give it to him. I’m glad Dick’s broadcast was a success – that fellow makes a good job of everything – he’ll get places someday.

Youngster is still very wrapped up in her garden and home and very keen for dad to go over and see the improvement they’ve made and to have a holiday there too. So why not have a trip dad it’ll do you good.

One of the first things we noticed when we got back to barracks was the nucleus of the battalion band. I believe all the instruments are here and they have the men picked for the job so it shouldn’t be long.

I was out testing carriers today and one of them was being driven by a young New South chap whom the boys have named the Albury Basher – the wildest man who ever sat behind a wheel. He’s got some notable achievements to his credit, not least of which was running into an ornamental grill on the verandah of one of the barrack blocks and busting about ten feet of it – quite a commendable job. Anyway, getting back to the story – he was driving a bit close to the side of the road and caused a donkey to take fright and career off into the olive grove, leaving the wog who was riding it suspended in the olive branches – a very comic sight but I’m afraid he didn’t see the humour of it. These wogs haven’t got much sense of humour.

Among my other letters was another one from Jack. He’s still full of beans, sparking on all six, been very busy helping with a comfort funds drive – a lot of wasted effort but I suppose it keeps him out of mischief. Mrs Toomey was quite concerned that I hadn’t written for some time – she’s in a bit of strife with the drought. Both Mr Laird and Billie wrote very nice letters – so you see I’m being well treated.

Will say cheerio now Mum & dad – keep the sunny side up. All the best to the boys Jim McDonnell wishes to be remembered.

Your loving son

Max

PS Don’t send any socks or clothing of any sort – I’ve got tons.

PS Remember me to Mr & Mrs Phillips. I’ll try to write them for Christmas if not before.

Note from Billie (airmail Postcard)

Billie Laird and her parents had extended wonderful hospitality to Dad and his friend Graham when they were in Glasgow pre-embarkation for the Middle East, in January 1941. Billie and her parents wrote regularly, but few of the cards and letters survive.

28.10.41

My Dear Max

Well how is the life these days? Here it is just much the same, it will nearly be a year since you left, my it doesn’t seem that, but you are constantly in our thoughts. How is your novel coming on? Have you finished the first chapter or are you not that length. Now doing fine int he Land Army so will be away from home this New Year. Hope Graham is keeping better & is back with you. How do you like my snap, best way I think to send. Hope you so don’t mind. Cheerio. Love, Billie.

Manoeuvres and stunts and things

The Footsoldiers offers some detail on the routine for those who had returned to the barracks:…the week being organised into four days digging, two days infantry training, section, platoon and company exercises, and one day rest…..and included one night each week of cross-country movement and patrolling. The diggings for down to six feet, with parados and parapets. We filled thousands of sandbags and erected mile upon mile of concertina barbed wire fences…

Tripoli defences

AWM 021348

Tripoli, Syria. 11/1941 With automatic weapons and rifles C Coy of the 2/33rd Infantry Battalion stand ready in their trenches to meet any attacks.

AWM 021347

Anti-Aircraft Defence was one of the main features of the fortification of El Mina in the port of Tripoli. Here, members of the 2/33rd Infantry Battalion are seen with a Bren gun on Thaoulin Island. They are NX68874 Private B J Hollis and RX71460 Private G Hillier.

There was great concern among the Army leadership that the enemy would target the SPC (Syrian Petroleum Company) refinery and oil storage facility at Tripoli. This concern had resulted in the doomed ‘Operation Boatswain’ in May 1941 – a joint British-Palmach (underground Jewish fighters) attempt to sabotage the facility, in order to prevent that fuel being made available to the Axis forces. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Boatswain) The photographs above reflect this ongoing concern. As well as the refinery, there was a ‘tank farm’ of 27 storage tanks, a pumping station, wireless station and workshop at the site.

The Albury Basher

The driver did have a real name – Bill Collis VX46227

Posted in Camps and Barracks, Carrier platoon, escapades, relaxation, fun and games, Letters to/ from others, organisation, parcels, Posts and telegraph, training | Tagged Aggie Lloyd, Albury Basher, battalion band, Billie Laird, bridge, donkey | 3 Comments

Fancy thinking we’d commandeered her sheep!

Posted on November 4, 1941 by felicityh54

TX1004 AIF Abroad

Max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion 4th Nov 41

Dear Mother & Dad

I guess Tassie along with the rest of Australia and probably New Zealand too are still agog with the Melbourne Cup. The subject was not much discussed here until yesterday when someone brought in a copy of the AIF news with the final acceptances featured. Interest in the great race immediately submerged all other interests – a platoon sweep was started and Pete McCowan – who has been doing very well at two up lately- ran a book. I drew Yodvara- never heard of it before. Unconfirmed reports tonight placed Skipton, Son of Aurous and Beau Vite – my gunner, a young reinforcement chap from New South Wales (evidently he had his first shave this morning) drew Son of Aurous and is feeling very pleased with himself, and Pete got a skinner on Skipton – the only horse he hadn’t laid – so of course he’s a bit pleased too. If Lucrative or Beau Vite had won he’d been up for 100 livres.

Things are going along smoothly here still – plenty of work but that’s all for the better – there’s been very amusing incidents too. One day when we were going through a farm we tried to drive a flock of turkeys ahead of us and were doing pretty well when the owner woke up to us and sent a team of barefooted kids to rescue the flock. Still unless they’re evacuated I’m thinking some of those turkeys may yet find their way to Happy’s kitchen. These fellows don’t let the grease grow under their feet and fowls, sheep, goats and even steers have been known to stray from home. Another day a sheep attached itself to us when we were working on the road – a very friendly blighter but we didn’t have his company long. A very withered, bandy-legged old lady came toddling up the hill in a great state of excitement, thinking we’d commandeered her sheep. She came up to the sergeant, wringing her hands and muttering at the rate of a thousand words a minute. Though no one understood a word she said, her gestures were most expressive. It was no use trying to tell her the circumstances and the sergeant finally resorted to gestures too, walked over to the sheep and brought it by the string around its neck and placed the string in her hand and away she went, still muttering but this time with pleasure.

There was a battalion sports meeting last Sunday and transport was provided for those who wanted to go. It was our first trip in rubber tyred vehicles over our roads and besides many severe shocks to our system it was a bit of a jolt to our pride. We had thought or at least claimed when speaking of our efforts that we had built a wonderful drive but for a considerable portion of the trip we bounced from end to end of the truck – more often performing gymnastic gyrations than sitting or standing. The sports meeting was the first we’ve had and though quite a success the events were not very well supported. I had a go in a tug of war team (that also ran). A feature of the turn out was the presence of the 25th Battalion pipe band – a hell of a good show. Our Colonel took a fancy to them and is now trying to form a band for this battalion.

This time last year I was having the time of my life in Edinburgh on my six days’ leave. Leave has started here for very limited numbers – about half a dozen at a time – so it’s like drawing Tatts to strike it. A break would be very welcome but I haven’t any desire to go to Tel Aviv or Haifa although I should like to see Jerusalem and its surroundings. It would be tough to have to admit in later days that you’d spent so long in the Middle East and hadn’t seen Jerusalem. I think I told you that I’d struck the lucky spot when we were at Gaza and was dressed ready to go when we got word to pack – that was when we moved to Ikingi Matruh and there’s no doubt that we were intended for Greece but the evacuation and contemporary push in the desert sent us to Mersa Matruh instead.

Reading between the lines of the money columns in the Bulletin it looks as if the currency will be steadily deflated and the note lose its value proportionately. It seems that will be the only way to meet National commitments so if dad should see any blocks of land going at a reasonable figure I think it would be a good idea to buy them. Their value later on will more than justify the loss of interest and taxes in the meantime. While on the subject of money, did May do anything about that sunroom-bedroom she had in mind for Anne? If she hasn’t and still intends to, Mick might be able to do something with the east wing of the back verandah. If she’s short of money I’ll give her ten pounds towards it. A brighter, warmer bedroom might stop Anne from getting such bad colds.

Wednesday 5th

I didn’t finish my letter off last night as I hoped the mail might be in today and was not disappointed. In addition to two cheering epistles from you and Youngster there were two others from Jack and Mick. Very sorry to hear that your eyes are not too good Mother and sincerely hope the doctor will be able to do something for them. I suppose Pat is still with Cunningham.

The equinoxial season seems to be up to the standard but your vegetable and Youngster’s flower garden both seem to be holding their own. Youngster told me in her letter that she’s able to pick bunches of flowers anytime she wants them. They must have done some work in their garden alright.

After I had written last week I remembered that nephew of Jim Butterworth. Ron I think his name was – a very decent fellow. I fancy he was a school teacher – we were in the same hut at Brighton. I must say cheerio now Mother and dad and drop a few lines to Youngster. Regards to the boys.

Your loving son

Max

PS You never mention Jimmy these days. I suppose you don’t get enough petrol to use him much.

Different writing paper:

Notice the different letterhead, compared with previous and following posts: ANY REFERENCE TO SHIPPING OR TROOP MOVEMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE DELAY OR MUTILATION OF THIS LETTER (etc)

Routine orders regularly included invocations to be economical with paper – even suggesting writing on both sides. Most of dad’s letters are written on ‘air mail’ paper – i.e. tissue paper – where double sided use would have made the entire script illegible. This particular batch is of a heavier quality – but it seems to be a ‘one off’. I’m still amazed that paper and envelopes came in the ‘Comfort Fund’ parcels – rather than being basic army issue items.

Melbourne Cup 1941: The complete radio broadcast, called by Ken Howard (Curator’s notes by Martin Ford)

http://aso.gov.au/titles/radio/ken-howard-calls-melbourne-cup/clip1/

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race and Ken Howard possesses one of the most recognised voices in race calling in Australia’s history. The 1941 Melbourne Cup was won by Skipton, carrying 47.6 kg at 8/1. He was ridden by W Cook, trained by J Fryer and the prize money was £7,700.

Howard starts his race call evenly and clearly: ‘They’re racing now in the Melbourne Cup of 1941.’ He then goes through the field of horses as they head through the first furlong, then he repeats the placings in trademark fashion until close to the line when he focuses on the leading horses. Such detail allows listeners to hear where their fancied horse is placed as the race progresses. Keeping pace with the horses, Howard gradually builds up the drama and speed as the horses approach the finish line, taking the listener right with him.

(I wonder if the troops actually heard the broadcast, at some point – if so, the gunner would have been even more excited because for most of the race his horse was well back in the field).

Syrian sheep

It’s easy to see from this photo how simple it would be for a sheep to wander from the flock. Source: soundslikewish.wordpress.com

Brigade sports

Photo – AWM 021514

According to Battalion and Brigade diaries, there was a cricket match between the 25th and 21st Brigades on Sunday November 2. The Brigade Sports Day mentioned in various official documents appears to have been scheduled for November 9 but to have actually taken place on November 16 (delayed due to bad weather). As Dad doesn’t mention the cricket, I wonder if what was happening on November 2 was some sort of lead-up to the ‘main event’, with the cricket happening in another location.

Leave…for very limited numbers

It may be, that in terms of the Company he was with, including the Carrier platoon, only six men were on leave at any one time, but according to The Footsoldiers – In November the two days a month accumulated recreational leave system started and was made retrospective for those overseas since 1940. Providing each of us had sufficient pay coming to us, ten days leave was approved for fifteen percent of the unit at a time. Soon men were enjoying leaves in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Alexandria or Cairo, wherever they elected to go….

No doubt we were intended for Greece

The Battalion’s movements in March-June 41 (from The Footsoldiers) certainly suggest that plans were made and re-made as the war in the Balkans progressed:

9 March – arrival at Kilo 89 Palestine

(10 March – 9th Division relieves 6th Division in Lybia; 19th March – 6th Division arrives in Greece)

13 April – the battalion arrives at Ikingi Maryut, Egypt

(22 April – 6th Division evacuates Greece)

23 April – The battalion arrives Mersa Matruh, Egypt, occupies defensive positions

(20 May – German paratroops descend on Crete)

29 May – The battalion arrives Er Rama, Palestine

(1 June – Allies evacuate Crete)

8 June – Allied invasion of Syria

You don’t mention Jimmy these days…

Jimmy Austin was the family car. I don’t know what particular model of Austin it was.

Posted in Australian, escapades, relaxation, fun and games, Food and Drink, leave, Middle East, organisation | Tagged Melbourne Cup, Ron Butterworth, sports, writing paper | Leave a comment

Joining a rifle company engaged in road building

Posted on November 1, 1941 by felicityh54

TX 1004

max Hickman

2/33rd Battalion

AIF Abroad

1st Nov 1941

Dear Mother & dad

I’m a day ahead of schedule with my letter this week – with the dawn this morning came the roll of thunder and out to sea the white horses heralded the storm. We finished breakfast and decided to wait awhile before starting the struggle buggies and moving out to the section of road we’ve been working. We hadn’t long to wait and as I write nature is giving us the works in a big way.

We’ve been in the hills a week now. The day after I wrote you last week we got the good news that we would be joining a rifle company engaged in road building. The company we’re with are a great crowd and their cooks are the best in the battalion. The things they can do with bully beef and rice are amazing. The rules of the camp are that beer is barred during the week but if available there’s an open slather on Saturday night and Sunday is a day of rest. It’s a great spot up here about sixteen hundred feet above sea level with a wonderful view of snow covered mountains, some good sized towns and villages and the wide stretch of the Mediterranean.

The parcels I sent for your birthday Mother and for Youngster’s must have been unlucky because the parcels you got were posted about three weeks after the others. Your birthday present was a shell inlaid box with scarves and odds and ends that I thought you would like, and a similar thing for Youngster. They were rather nice boxes so I must try and get you another one later. I sent May and Anne a parcel at the same time and have sent Anne several little dresses since, so some of them must make the grade.

I’m sorry to hear that Bill has been having a bad trot and hope he’s better now . It must have been a cold winter for the three of them to get rheumatism so badly. Peter and Tim got over theirs alright I hope.

That horse that Edeline got a win with – was that the one Young gave her when it was a foal? Talking of horses I suppose the war and politics are completely overshadowed by the Melbourne Cup now. I don’t suppose half a dozen of the blokes here know what’s running.

Curtin’s certainly going in big for a start – a hundred million loan – that’ll take some getting – if he can do some good within it , it won’t be so bad but they waste such a hell of a lot that you see very little for the money. Everyone at home is more concerned with getting the sugar than with winning the war. Every newspaper we pick up from home is full of empty speeches and social news. It’s quite amusing to think of the so called society strutting their stuff whilst a country like England with real society submerges everything in the war effort.

Youngster says Ken is getting along well now and is able to get about on crutches so I suppose he’ll be home soon. I don’t remember that Butterworth chap but of course I wasn’t with the anti tanks long. Jim McDonnell had a bit of bad luck the other day. He was cranking one of the struggle buggies and the starting handle kicked back and gave him a nasty smack on the thumb and sprained his wrist so I don’t suppose he’ll be up here for a while.

The papers you and Youngster are sending are arriving regularly. I got a Bulletin 10th September the other day so that’s pretty good for surface mail – I notice in one of the Mercury’s that came in that young Les Lowenstein has started his military career well by marrying a Major’s daughter – that’s good strategy.

To see the places we’re building roads would be an education for some of the local engineers. It was tough for a few days but now that our hands have hardened up it’s not bad, in fact I never saw the fellows work with such enthusiasm. Everyone was so pleased to get away from barracks.

Time is certainly marching on. It’ll be eighteen months next Thursday since we sailed and on present indications it’s likely to be another eighteen before it’s finished. But it takes a long time to muddle through.

I’m afraid there isn’t anything else to write about. My letters must make poor reading these days – when we’re on the move or things are happening it’s easy to write but when things are at a standstill it’s different so cheerio for the present – regards to the boys.

Love

Max

We’ve been in the hills for a week now

AWM 021186: Jebel Tourbel topography : the nature of the terrain meant that donkeys were often the best means of transporting goods. No wonder they brought in the carriers to help with road building!

From The Footsoldiers : Storm clouds and snow in the mountains above B company picketing the Tourbel diggings. There is no indication of whether the troops in the mountains were sleeping in ‘dugouts’, tents or huts…AWM photos indicate that other groups were constructing ‘winter quarters’ such as these:

AWM 021945 :

Members of the 2/14th Battalion erecting tin huts for winter quarters at Madjlaya, a tiny village on the mountain road above Tripoli

Engaged in road building

According to The Footsoldiers (and as far as I can tell from the Battalion Diary – AWM item 8/3/33/5), B company remained in the hills ‘to piquet the diggings and equipment’ when the rest of the battalion returned to the barracks. The diary does not specifically mention the carrier platoon. However Dad is very clear that they were building roads, with a rifle company from the battalion – so this must have been B company.

AWM 008813 This shows troops working on the reconstruction of the coast road- the extra challenges in the mountains must surely have been enormous!

Curtin’s going in big for a start – a hundred million loan

See previous post (18 October) – war loans poster and Curtin addressing a public meeting.

Posted in Australian, Carrier platoon, Food and Drink, Middle East, organisation, parcels | Tagged bully beef, Jim McDonnell, John Curtin, Ken Jenkins, road building | Leave a comment

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Joining a rifle company engaged in road building

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