Dawes, Walter 'Jack' (Private, b.1886 - d.1967)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 4105 Private Walter "Jack" Dawes, 28 Battalion, 1916-1917.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Collection consists of a 10-page memoir by Private Dawes of his service with the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. The memoir was originally written in the 1960s and later transcribed and typed by a relative in the 2000s. It covers Private Dawes’ enlistment, embarkation overseas, work as a cook in Egypt, interactions and relations with the Egyptian population, a dysentery outbreak among the battalion, and mentions the notorious 'Battle of the Wazza' in Cairo. He also writes of the Western Front, discussing preparations for gas attacks, trench raids, men playing two-up, de-lousing, scrounging for food, and destruction in the French city of Albert, as well as fighting on the Somme and at Pozieres, his wounding at Ypres, hospitalisation at Eastbourne and Harefield in England (including his disappointment with the Australian hospital in the latter), the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to a friend, and visiting family prior to his return to Australia and discharge in 1917.

The collection also includes a short, one-page overview of Dawe's post-war life.