Bayne, James, d 1915 : World War One diary

Diary kept by Bayne while serving as a private in the Ruahine Company, Wellington Infantry Battalion, in Egypt and Gallipoli. The first pages comprise a listing of the officers in Malone's Wellington Infantry Battalion and a timeline of significant dates relating to the start of the First World War. Diary begins on 10 Aug 1914 as Bayne enlists at Dannevirke, is sent to Masterton for equipment and then onto the Awapuni Camp for military training. Further training at Trentham Camp then embarks aboard the `Arawa' to Egypt on 16 Oct 1914. Details shipboard life and gives accounts of the stopovers en-route, included a detailed account of the layover in Colombo. Arrives Alexandria 3 Dec 1914 and gives detailed account of the surrounding buildings, foods and local customs. Continues training at Zeitoun Camp until deployment to the Suez Canal on 25 Jan 1915. Returns to camp and describes living conditions, military life and operations. Diary entry for the "Battle of the Wozzer", 2 Apr 1915. Leaves Alexandria on 10 Apr 1914 aboard the transport `Itonus' for Gallipoli. 25 Apr 1915 is transhipped at 10.30pm to `HMS Bulldog' and taken half a mile from the beach before loading into rowing boats for the remainder of the ANZAC landing. Gives detailed narrative of the fighting and lists soldiers injured in the conflict. Comments on the failed attack on Monash Gully 2 May 1915, leaves Anzac Cove to fight at Cape Helles 6 May 1915. Diary ends 8 May 1915 with Bayne's involvement in preparing for the attack on Krithia. Also includes newspaper report of a memorial service held at Manakau for Bayne, and a newspaper cutting photograph of Private Bayne and New Zealanders on their way to Gaba Tepe.

The newspaper cutting that accompanies this diary indicates that this diary was found on Bayne's body five months after his death.

Source of title - Supplied

Private Bayne fought with the Ruahine Company, Wellington Infantry Battalion, in Gallipoli in 1915. Reported missing in action at Cape Helles, 8 May 1915. Later reported killed in action, 4 Sep 1915. Serial No: 10/44.

Quantity: 1 volume(s) (55 pages). 0.01 Linear Metres.

Physical Description: Holograph (18 x 11cm, grey card binding), printed matter

Processing information: Part of WW100 digitisation project.

Digitisation details - 70 digitised images

Diary extremely fragile, not to be issued.