General News
11 November, 2024
'Diaries of a war hero'; remembering Horsham teenager Leonard William Pallot
Pallot enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force's 14th Battalion.
To mark Remembrance Day in 2024, The Wimmera-Mail-Times revisited the 2004-published 'Diaries of a War Hero' series.
Below is an excerpt from Horsham teenager Leonard William Pallot during February 1916.
Pallot enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force's 14th Battalion in 1915.
Less than 12 months later, he became another young victim of the Great War, succumbing to wounds sustained in fighting on the frontline in France.
The full story was published in the Friday, November 12, 2004 edition of the Mail-Times.
February 1, 1916
Put in a very cold night but it was only a makeshift camp.
Big fog till 9.30 but fine and warm after.
Half holiday went to Cairo but don't think much of it.
Beautiful big buildings but a dirty hole.
Had a donkey ride etc.
Beautiful tram and train service through 2 1/2 d return price.
February 2, 1916
Cold morning but warm and fine day, did a fairly hard day's drill, I'm pretty soft after no drill on boat.
Went into Cairo tonight to send a cable but was closed.
Had a ride in a garry.
Was at the British soldiers cafe, wrote a few cards.
The lady in charge was a Britisher.
February 3, 1916
Fine and warm weather, did half day drill and had afternoon off so went into Heliopolis and a fine city it is.
It was built seven years ago by the Belgians for a seaside Monte Carlo, but were not granted a licence for it.
Had a night march through Heliopolis but it was not too bad.
February 4, 1916
Fine and warm.
Still did no drill as I got two teeth out.
Got into our huts and I'm settled down now.
Went into Cairo to write letters at the YMCA and had a walk around looking at silks etc, the cheapest I've ever seen for the quality.
Got back at 9.30.
February 5, 1916
Dull and rainy weather, went on round trip Cairo to see the old biblical places.
The Nile where Moses was found in the bullrushes, the old temple where Mary hid with the Child Christ and the Dead City and all the toms of kings and queens etc.
February 6, 1916
Fine, warm.
Church parade in the morning; visited the zoo in the afternoon.
February 7, 1916
Fine and warm weather.
Went into Heliopolis to see Keith in No.1 General Hospital but did not see him.
Saw Alf Berry there looking pretty bad; He was pleased to see me.
Vic is in hospital too, but do not know where.
The hospital is one of the most beautiful places I have seen.
Pure granite all through.
February 8, 1916
Fine and warm weather, fairly heavy drill in the morning.
In the afternoon trench digging under fire and was heavy work but did all night for the first time.
Stopped home tonight and was talking to Percy Murray Koenig and Wattie Barrett till 9.
February 9, 1916
Fine and warm weather.
Rather heavy drill but making us fit and well.
Went into Heliopolis but did not see Keith yet.
See open air pictures in part of hotel, had some supper at a restaurant then home to camp.
Nothing startling to report today.
February 10, 1916
Fine and warm weather.
Did a pack march and it's pretty hard on us for the first time but will soon get used to it.
Met Billy Jones today and was pleased to see him.
Another 500 men arrived in camp from Australia tonight.
February 11, 1916
Fine and warm, fairly heavy drill in the morning and a march in the afternoon.
Did not go out tonight but wrote letters in the YMCA room.
Meet Claude Tucker who is in the artillery, were surprised to see each other.
Meet Bert Banner from Natimuk, just arrived last night.
February 12, 1916
Warm and fine weather.
Did an inspection by the commanding officer with full packs up.
Was dismissed at about 11am.
Got first letters from home today.
Went into Cairo, went down the bazaars and saw a few sights.
February 13, 1916
Church parade in the morning; Cairo afternoon had a free tea at the British cafe, met some Australian and New Zealand ladies.
February 14, 1916
Fine and warm weather, did a hard day's fatigue pick and shovel work.
Made a mess hut into a hospital dressing room.
I got blisters on my hands over it too.
Did not go out tonight but wrote a letter, had a shower and went to bunk at 8pm.