Humphreys, Francis Harry Lee, 1893-1930 : War diary

Diary begins 12 Jun 1915 as Humphreys embarks with the 5th Field Artillery to Egypt. In brief diary entries he records the voyage out, weather conditions, his work with the horses aboard ship and other duties. Comments on a burial at sea on 21 Jun 1915. Arrives Egypt on 23 Jul 1915 and heads to Cairo and the military camp. On 3 Aug 1915 boards his transport vessel heading for Lemnos. Lands at ANZAC Cove on 9 Aug 1915 and is nearly blown to bits under heavy shelling. Humphreys settles into his work for the next four months based at the beach working with transporting ammunition, night patrols and occasionally works in the telephone room learning Morse code. Many comments regarding dysentery and general health in the harsh living conditions. Updates on his correspondence with family members in New Zealand. On 17 Dec 1915 Humphreys' artillery unit burns the ordnance and destroys weapons then evacuates Gallipoli for Imbros Island. Christmas Day is spent at Lemnos, on 31 Dec 1915 arrives at Ismalia. Diary also includes small lists of food rations.

Source of title - Supplied

Private Humphreys served with the 5th Field Artillery, NZEF and saw active service at Gallipoli during World War I.

Quantity: 1 folder(s) (1 volume, 200 pages). 0.01 Linear Metres.

Physical Description: Holograph (10 x 6.5 cm, green leather binding)

Processing information: Part of WW100 digitisation project.

Digitisation details - 136 digitised images