Reid, John Anderson (Private, c1896 - 1923)

Diary and transcript of 226 Private John A Reid, 23 Battalion, who was also bandmaster. The diary covers the period 1915-1916 and documents service in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. Reid provides a brief overview of events from February 1915-February 1916, including the departure of 23 and 24 Battalions from Victoria on TSS Euripides. He writes about playing with the band on the ship's deck, arriving in Colombo, camping at Helipolis, the torpedoing of SS Southland and action at Lone Pine from 7 September. Daily diary entries date from February-November 1916, commencing in Ismailia. Band practice is mentioned frequently throughout the entries, including starting new solos, drum practices, times when the band is forbidden to play and teaching new drummers. Church parades officers playing drums and symbols, long marches and stretcher drills are other topics covered.

• Diary of John Anderson Reid, 1915-1916
• Transcript of diary of John Anderson Reid, 1915-1916