Williams, Amos Edward (Private, b.1876 - d.1967)

Diaries relating to the First World War service of 3236 Private Amos Edward Williams, 55 Battalion, France and Britain, 1916-1919.

Wallet 1 of 1 consists of three diaries written by Williams during his embarkation, training in England, service in France, convalescence, and return to Australia. The first diary contains short entries dating from November 1916 to October 1917, and discuss his embarkation on HMAT Suevic, his hospitalisation due to contracting mumps, his training in England, his joining the Australian Military Police in France, his interactions with local civilians and his experiences of being bombarded by German artillery. Additionally, Williams mentions his friends consistently throughout the diary, frequently mentioning Roland Elijah 'Dick' Bush, and George William Ham Bush. The second diary contains short entries dating from March to May 1918, and covers Williams' leave in Scotland, return to France, experiences of being bombarded and exposure to gas, and hospitalisation and convalescence. The third diary contains short entries dating from September 1918 to January 1919, detailing his leisure activities and mess orderly duties while awaiting classification in England for repatriation to Australia, his learning of the death of George William Ham Bush, his embarkation, training and mess duties aboard the HT Sardinia, and his return home and discharge.

A collection of letters written by Private Williams is held by the Memorial at AWM2016.186.1.