Anzac Soldiers

August 15th, 1914.

Dear Diary,

A day like no other! Today I can proudly call myself an ANZAC! I am one of the 40,000 men (and women) who volunteered to fight for Britain and my mother country and Australia. Double the amount of troops Prime Minister Fischer promised Britain earlier this year. This we are told will be the war to end all wars! He said: “Australia will stand behind our mother country to help defend her to our last man and our last shilling!” I told Mum I’d be home  for Christmas (and her famous lamb roast)...poor Mum she’s worried sick about me.

At first, Mum was reluctant as she’d already been dealt a tough blow with Father’s passing away last summer, but she knew my motivation and was proud nevertheless of my commitment. “Fight the good fight...soldier!” A soldier, I’m a real soldier! Surely it won’t be all that difficult to defeat the enemy nations fighting alongside our allies!

August 10th marked the day I made the terrific decision to enlist in the army, after seeing the huge posters reading: “Your country needs you! Will you answer the call? ENLIST NOW and enjoy the army life you have been dreaming about!” I’ve always wanted a life full of adventure and travel! Quite like the stories I’ve read about in books of far way and exotic places, and now here’s a jolly good chance at freedom. The dream of my big adventure along with my best mate Tommy...I can hardly contain my excitement! Bad form the recruitment officer said, that’s what it would be, almost a sin to turn your back, ignoring the call for help and defend democracy! The Australian headline read: “Britain Battles to Maintain Control over the European Region.” The Sydney Morning Herald had two bold words “THE HUN”. Germany and its allies had to be defeated, once and for all!

Mother will most definitely be proud of me when I return home at Christmas, because as a soldier I earn 6 shillings a day! (and to be honest, this was also one of my motivations).

When I enrolled, the Officer in charge at the Royal Australian Army Force office, asked for my Birth Certificate, a letter of recommendation from my local minister and my family doctor stating I was of good character and fame. And one from Doc stating I was clear of any childhood illnesses like Polio. Despite the letters, I underwent a thorough fitness test, height and weight taken. I was fortunate enough to pass the height test at 5’ 6”  As one of my mates, was turned away after his fitness level didn’t register as being up to standard. I. On the other hand, was a natural runner, and felt a real sense of achievement when my application was stamped with a red-inked - pass!

Uniform measurements next, and even a smart hat! I walked out, shirts, pants and new shoes all wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. I felt 10 feet tall as my head was held high. I was walking on air. Right now I cannot contain the waves of adrenalin at the thoughts of seeing new horizons!

“Private” Charlie.

November 7th, 1914

Dear Diary,

A distinctly bitter chill ran through me, as my battalion, headed for Turkish shores...to a place called Gallipoli. Nothing had prepared me for  this particular day. Oh the horror!  Our Generals had carefully planned for this battle, but the Mediterranean’s strong currents didn’t  care about plans, putting 16,000 ANZACs off their course , making us land at the wrong beach, one mile north of our destination.  Gaba Tepe.  Here, the Turks waited and no amount of preparation could save us.