Places | |
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Accession Number | PR84/223 |
Collection type | Private Record |
Record type | Collection |
Measurement | 2 wallets: 2 cm |
Object type | Papers |
Maker |
Taylor, Harold Burfield |
Date made | 1916-1918 |
Access | Open |
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM315 747/004/010 |
Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Taylor, Harold Burfield (Captain, MC and Bar, VD: 19th Bn, AIF)
Black and white photocopies of two handwritten war diaries by Captain Harold Burfield Taylor MC and Bar, 19 Battalion. (1) Diary, January 1916-1917. Containing entries from training at Tel-el-Kebir; arrival in France; Hazebrouck area and comment on quality of German forces; Trianing School; Raids; Sausage Valley; trench life; comment on poor quality of senior AIF officers; Bn. officers neglecting duties; despair at thought of returning to the trenches; comments on Australia's contribution to the war; Poperinghe; effects of illness and Trench Feet on troops; feeling of dissatisfaction with the war; Delville Wood; attack on Grevillers; defense of Noreuil; debacle at Riencourt; leave in the UK and lists of casualties. (2) Diary, May 1917-June 1918. Containing entries related to withdrawal from the Front Line into rest areas at Contey; including extensive practice attacks, inter-unit competition and Courts of Inquiry; Leave in Paris and low opinion of Parisian life style; Attack on Broodseinde; award of the MC, and later Bar; leave in the UK; interest in Munitions Work; action near Messines, including gas attacks; friendly relations with French civilians; Morlancourt; posting to a Training Bn at Fovant; and low opinion of new "volunteers".