Diary of J.W. Mundy [transcript]

The war service diary of James Wallace Mundy, a member of the 16th Infantry Battalion (service no.2356). Covering the period from 1 June 1916 to 1 January 1918, it vividly brings to life frontline conditions endured by the soldiers at the Western Front. His personal account of the horrors of war is compelling in its brevity of description, as shown in the following selected entries:

Aug 5 ^th we then went on Fatigue for 48 ^th Batt. Aug 6 ^th 16 ^th Battalion ordered to move into front line trenches, 15 ^th Batt in suport. cant describe the following 48 hours, I found myself in a rest Camp at Halencourt on the 9 ^th . I reported fit for duty Aug 10 ^th but was not permitted to join Batt till Aug 14 ^th . Brigade rested for 15 days...

Brigade ordered to move to firing line again Aug 29 ^th [1916] ocupied trenches from Moquet Farm extending right, Artilary fire not half as intense. as first time in. after being buried 3 times I was evacuated with Shell Shock , joined Batt again at Albert, found Ned reported missing, 32 ^nd made enquiries but noone knew anything...

I had been looking for a Blighty wound for a long time. but I didnt think much of if it. after I had got it. it was very painful for the first day or so. After the operation the Doctor told me it was a marvel I never lost my leg, as the piece of Metal went down between the knuckle of my knee but he got it out alright. and all I am waiting for is my turn for the Boat to England.

James Mundy was from Port Lincoln, where he had been a baker. On 24 June 1915, at the age of 21, he left Adelaide aboard the HMAT Kanowna . He survived the war and returned to his home town.

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