Historical information

This 1917 French diary, hand dated the 29/12/1916, belonged to Blacksmith Leslie Claude GEAPPEN 3029 - Born in Richmond, Victoria. Enlisted on 1/9/1915 aged 20 years and 10months. Served with the 5th Field Engineers during WW1. Embarked overseas on 23/11/1915. Accidently wounded on 2/7/1916. Returned to Australia on 5/7/1919 and discharged on 27/8/1919. Served 1457 days of which 1321 were overseas.

Entry dated 17 Fevrier reads..Contalmaison ( village half a mile south of Pozieres)
“Rather busy today, but found time for a bath not before it was needed.”
Entry dated 2 Juin reads Bray Sur Somme
“Left the last camp at 12 o’clock arrive here at 4.30 after a long hot march”
Entry dated 22 Septembre reads Ypres
“Went out to work at 8am and had a very exciting time, don’t know how the deuce I got back. Had a number of narrow escapes. Received parcel from home.”

Significance

Original 1917 diary containing a personal account of daily life as a soldier during WW1.

Physical description

Black leather-bound covered booklet with black ribbon attached.

Inscriptions & markings

"Agenda" on front cover