Summary
World War I 'Australian Handy Diary 1916' written by Private Walter Crawley, 58th Battalion, 1916-1917. He was serving with the 58th Battalion when it became part of the disastrous batttle at Fromelles from 19 July 1916, part of the larger Battle of the Somme. The 58th Battalion lost almost a third of its strength as casualties.
He was wounded in action on 23 November 1916 and after treatment in France and England returned to Australia on 21 July 1917 and was discharged as medically unfit on his return to Melbourne.
Significantly, several pages have been torn from the diary - those pages which cover the time that Private Crawley was wounded: 22 November to 14 December 1916.
Description of Content
World War I 'AUSTRALIAN HANDY DIARY 1916' WRITTEN BY PRIVATE WALTER CRAWLEY, 58TH BATTALION, 1916-1917.
Physical Description
Bound in leather. Includes photo of Welsh Hospital.
More Information
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Collection Names
Military Memorabilia Collection, Returned and Services League (RSL) Collection
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation & Subsequent Transfer from Victorian Branch, Returned & Services League of Australia Limited (RSL), Mrs E. Crawley, Nov 1987
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Date Written
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Format
Book
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Inscriptions
Marked on front:- 'Australian Handy Diary/1916/ no. 50'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
12.3 cm (Length), 8 cm (Width)
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Keywords
Militaria: Australian, Military Memorabilia, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918, Battle of the Somme (Somme Offensive), 1916
