The Road to Chunuk Bair » Palmerston North

Saturday 19th September 1914

lynley — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:41 +0000

A busy day preparing embarkation states and getting ready to leave Palmerston.

Wednesday 16th September 1914

lynley — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:41 +0000

The morning was devoted again to Company in the attack and then the Regiment started for Home via the Rangitikei Line. Lunch was taken on the road. A shortage of rations being remedied by biscuits hastily procured from Palmerston North by motor car.

Saturday 12th September 1914

lynley — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:59 +0000

We returned next day via Awahuri to Palmerston North where there was a public review and where the troops were entertained by the Palmerston people in the square by receiving one apple per man. Coming from their Gorge at Feilding the liberality of Palmerston North which had reaped so much benefit from the presence of the troops rather tickled the men. After parading in the square for an hour the men proceeded to the Show Ground where a football team from the troops in camp played and defeated the Manawatu Reps. Camp was reached at 5p.m. everyone being ready for a good wash and a sleep.

Thursday 3rd September 1914

Gillian Tasker — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:05 +0000

The weather still keeps magnificently fine and the Regiment at 9.15 a.m. marched out for inspection and then proceeded through Palmerston North along Rangitikei Line for a route march. The Company going out acted as an Advance Guard. The Regiment returned to camp after lunch on the Road. The distance covered was 13 miles and the men came through very well. On arrival in camp we learnt that an early move to Wellington was probable, and a platoon was detailed to report at Palmerston North Station to assist at entraining the artillery.

Thursday August 20th 1914

Gillian Tasker — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:18 +0000

This morning we had our first regimental parade Lt Col himself being present, and he gave the various detachments a good shaking up, and told officers, N.C.O’S and men some plain home truths. The Regiment then marched through Palmerston North to the Hokowhitu Golf Links where Squad drill was carried out, the Regiment returning to camp about 4 p.m.

Monday August 17th 1914

Gillian Tasker — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:13 +0000

A Fine morning. Company drill in the morning. 5^th Regt. men returned to Wellington. Capt Cameron was taken suddenly ill with appendicitis and was immediately ordered into Hospital at Palmerston North where an operation was performed successfully.

Thursday August 13th 1914

Gillian Tasker — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

On this date the first batch of men left Wanganui in charge of Capt Jas. A. Cameron for the mobilization camp at Palmerston North Awapuni. They left by the midday train and being the first of the troops to leave Wanganui had a most magnificient[sic] send off. They were played to the station by the Regt Band and never before has such a dense crowd been seen on the Wanganui Station. Capt Cameron duly reported in camp and he and his men made the best of the usual topsy turvy conditions incident to a new camp. Prior to August 13^th there was all the work of enlisting, and swearing in the volunteers for active service all the Regimental officers assisting. There was great enthusiasm among officers and men and services were given most ungrudginly[sic]. On the night of August 12^th the citizens gave the men a public send off at the Burlington tea rooms. The final selection of officers for the company to be furnished by the Regiment, each of the four infantry Regiments 9^th Wellington Brigade, furnishing a Company to the strength of the Wellington Battalion of the Expedty. Force was as follows:- Major W.H. Cunningham in command Capt J.A. Cameron (2^nd in C.), Lieuts. Watson, Turnbull, Aldridge and Menteath. At the last moment Lieut W.P. Aldridge found he was unable to obtain the necessary leave and could not go - Capt R. Young was promoted to Major and with Capt. Cook was transferred to the 9^th Hawkes Bay Regt to command their Coy. Capt Cook going as 2^nd in C. A second batch of men came in from Palmerston North.