THIS BUGLE MAY WELL HAVE PLAYED "THE LAST POST" FOR THE DIGGERS WHO REMAIN FOR ETERNITY AT ANZAC COVE.
One of my friends, Peter, is the grandson of an ANZAC, a WW1 veteran of Gallipoli, he served in the AIF and RAAF from early 1915 to late 1919. His name was John (Jack) Darby.
Peter was given a bugle by his grandmother that his grandfather, Jack had carried with him during the war. Not long after that Peter's grandmother died taking a lot of unwritten history with her. The bugle was the only physical link that Peter had to his grandfather and he has treasured it since his childhood.
Any topic of discussion or media regarding WW1, ANZAC, France, Western Front, Gallipoli, the list goes on, to Peter, the bugle was a constant physical reminder of what our Nation and boys sacrificed.
As the Centenary Anniversary of Gallipoli in 2015 draws closer, Peter's interest in his grandfather's role at Gallipoli has led to him doing some research and uncovering some interesting facts which includes interpreting Jack's diaries, army records and family legends which he has realized is a irreplaceable part of Australia's Birth Of A Nation history.
In his research Peter has discovered that Jack who was 5'2'' and 100lbs, on enlistment was classified as suitable to be a bugler, he was in the 19th Battalion which was formed at Liverpool in NSW March 1915.
The 19th Battalion left Australia in June, trained in Egypt until August and landed at Gallipoli on 21th August 1915.
As his diaries read, Jack writes how playing his bugle at Sundays service was the only respite from the daily horrors of trench warfare. On 18th December 1915 he ponders in his diary why all buglers are to meet on the morning of the 19th. His diary remained empty the next day. (*As we now know, that date being the morning of the stealth and ingenious withdrawal of Australian troops from Gallipoli)
Jack went on to serve on extensively including the Palestine, Western Front, Belgium, the Hindenburg Line. On the disbandment of the 19th battalion jack went on to serve with one of the first newly formed RAAF until his discharge in 1919.
Jack returned to Australia to be reunited with his English wife Nelly who was waiting for his return. He went on to father four children and died when he eventually succumbed to his war injuries. *Gassed.
Peter has the bugle, which is engraved (trench style!) with his battalion and his ID.
diary, day by day account.
pay books,
pocket Bible,
a piece of cloth in his regimental colours which he used as a bookmark,
smaller bugle (not known correct purpose, would love clarification)
19th Battalion http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11206.asp
Gallipoli and the ANZAC's http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/
LEST WE FORGET
One of my friends, Peter, is the grandson of an ANZAC, a WW1 veteran of Gallipoli, he served in the AIF and RAAF from early 1915 to late 1919. His name was John (Jack) Darby.
Peter was given a bugle by his grandmother that his grandfather, Jack had carried with him during the war. Not long after that Peter's grandmother died taking a lot of unwritten history with her. The bugle was the only physical link that Peter had to his grandfather and he has treasured it since his childhood.
Any topic of discussion or media regarding WW1, ANZAC, France, Western Front, Gallipoli, the list goes on, to Peter, the bugle was a constant physical reminder of what our Nation and boys sacrificed.
As the Centenary Anniversary of Gallipoli in 2015 draws closer, Peter's interest in his grandfather's role at Gallipoli has led to him doing some research and uncovering some interesting facts which includes interpreting Jack's diaries, army records and family legends which he has realized is a irreplaceable part of Australia's Birth Of A Nation history.
In his research Peter has discovered that Jack who was 5'2'' and 100lbs, on enlistment was classified as suitable to be a bugler, he was in the 19th Battalion which was formed at Liverpool in NSW March 1915.
The 19th Battalion left Australia in June, trained in Egypt until August and landed at Gallipoli on 21th August 1915.
As his diaries read, Jack writes how playing his bugle at Sundays service was the only respite from the daily horrors of trench warfare. On 18th December 1915 he ponders in his diary why all buglers are to meet on the morning of the 19th. His diary remained empty the next day. (*As we now know, that date being the morning of the stealth and ingenious withdrawal of Australian troops from Gallipoli)
Jack went on to serve on extensively including the Palestine, Western Front, Belgium, the Hindenburg Line. On the disbandment of the 19th battalion jack went on to serve with one of the first newly formed RAAF until his discharge in 1919.
Jack returned to Australia to be reunited with his English wife Nelly who was waiting for his return. He went on to father four children and died when he eventually succumbed to his war injuries. *Gassed.
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| Jack's daily diary |
 |
| irreplaceable pieces of our Australian History. |
Peter has the bugle, which is engraved (trench style!) with his battalion and his ID.
diary, day by day account.
pay books,
pocket Bible,
a piece of cloth in his regimental colours which he used as a bookmark,
smaller bugle (not known correct purpose, would love clarification)
19th Battalion http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11206.asp
Gallipoli and the ANZAC's http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/
 |
| the smaller bugle |
LEST WE FORGET
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