Terrell, Frederick Leopold – March 1915
2 March Tuesday
…Made application for transfer to Naval engineers…
3 March Wednesday
After a lovely nights sleep, I turned out at 6.20 to experience a lovely day. Had a squad to instruct today. Also got picked for Physical Drill for Glenelg … Wrote a letter to Clara…
5 March Friday
A lovely morning turned out on guard at 9 oclock took first relief at 9 to 11 then spelled until 3 oclock then went on until 5 oclock, during this period, I had some excitement namely I told a chap to keep his distance from the detention tent in isolation and he resisted, challenged three time so had to lower bayonet result being I was moved there being 60 in isolation threats been thrown out that I shall meet my doom over it
6 March Saturday 1915
still on guard duty from 3 a.m. to 5 P.M. There was a big trouble expected during night, but I think the double guard which we reserved last night at 9 oclock had the desired effect, without putting it into force. I am also of the opinion that they do not like the idea of cold steel, If at any time after this guard I am found seriously hurt or murdered I hold three persons responsible as they have made the threat their names are Simmons G.R., Aylett J.D. Thompson A.C.
9 March Tuesday
a nice chilly morning went out for Physical Drill at 6.45. Breakfast at 8.10. During last night there was an affray in camp, one of the Military police being stabbed. The \would be/ murderer was bayoneted…. Have to appear for witness in the Bayoneting affair against Simmons. Got inoculated again today. Received a letter from Clara today It was a bit of a cheerer had a rough time during night.
10 March Wednesday
turned out at 8 oclock feeling very sore…Got leave from 5 oclock to 11 oclock so I caught … train from Ascot for Adelaide , got down to Torrensville … no one home, But went inside and had sleep until they arrived Back. Am feeling very sore through inoculation…
11 March Thursday
… There is a rumour that we are going to German East Africa.
12 March Friday
a very warm day. Went on Parade at 6.45 dismissed at 7.30 for Breakfast. There is likely to be a big trouble here as the heads are cutting out the leave. This is all through a letter which appeared in the paper. Running down the 3rd Expeditionary. This letter has had a damning effect. … Went to the YMCA in evening.
14 March Sunday
An ideal day. turned out at 6.30. Went to Church Parade… Went to Aunt Eva’s changed my clothes. Met my dear girl at 3.40 then went to Henley Beach… had tea at Elder Kiosk. Stayed at Creswell Gardens until 9 oclock …
16 March Tuesday
… Got Drafted into our new companies for the front I am in B company No 2 Platoon …
17 March Wednesday
… During night someone came in and threw cup of water over me to stop snoring
18 March Thursday|
… In afternoon had the stiffest march I have ever had. had to double all the way from Brighton to camp. Went to bed at 9.30
19 March Friday
A very dusty day one of the worst I have experienced… All general leave is stopped here there is no one allowed out of camp unless they have a pass and then only 10 out of every 100. Reducing us 15 per cent, had drill very stiff until 5 oclock when we knocked off until Sunday night when I go on guard
20 March Saturday
… In evening there was a riot in camp over leave being stopped resulting in the Officers being armed.
25 March Thursday
…Got picked for Naval Engineers have to leave by Melbourne express on Saturday. Rung Clara up at 5 oclock Went and saw Grandfather and Uncle Walter…
26 March Friday
…Had a terrible trouble to get my transfer papers from Military to Naval…
27 March Saturday
…Bid Clara goodbye … had dinner reported at Naval Drill Shed. Left for Melbourne … my new home
28 March Sunday
Arrived here in Melbourne, Was met by a Naval Officer, and Was brought to our new camping ground at the Domain.
29 March Monday
turned out at 6 oclock a real cool morning. Went through Physical Drill then had breakfast Wrote a letter to Clara just a short one to let her know how things are going. Went on Parade after… Had tea then got cleaned to go ashore. Went out at 6 oclock came on board at 10.20
30 March Tuesday
… after a very strenuous days work cleaned myself. had tea and then settled down to write a letter to Aunt Jane Lewis re me getting engaged to Clara …
