Series 1: Diaries (1914-1915)
A diary recording Gilbert Holcomb's passage to the Middle East as a member of the AIF, and his subsequent duties as a stretcher bearer including service in the Dardanelles during World War One.
The diary which begins 22 December 1914, describes Private Holcomb's embarkation at Pinkenba, on the troop ship 'Borda', and disembarkation in Egypt. He served with the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance as an orderly, attending the wounded being evacuated from Anzac Cove, Gabe Tepe, to Lemnos, Malta & Alexandria. Holcomb later falls ill with rheumatic fever and is sent to Bath, England to recuperate. The last entry is written from Monte Video Army Camp, Weymouth on 31 December 1915. It also includes a list of addresses.
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95 x 155 mm
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Series 2: Correspondence (1906-1916)
Letters, cards and other items of correspondence related to Gilbert Holcomb and his service with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment during the First World War.
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Items in this series:
Postcard (23 June 1906)
Postcard depicting the Royal Horse Artillery Band, parading in Wellington Avenue, Aldershot, sent to Gilbert Holcomb, of Hinton Vale, Gatton. The writer provides his address as 108 Battalion, RGA [Royal Garrison Artillery] Rendon Hill, Aldershot, England.
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Postcard (15 December 1908)
Folded postcard [in two pieces] depicting a panoramic view of Manchester, New Hampshire. The card is addressed to Gilbert Holcombe, of Hinton Vale Farm, Gatton.
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Note (April 1915)
Printed message from Major-General Aylmer Hunter-Weston to the British 29th Division, prior to the Gallipoli landings, 1915
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Order of service (29 October 1915)
Order of service, for Nurse Cavell Memorial Service, held at Bath Abbey, 29 October 1915. Nurse Cavell was executed by the German authorities because of her heroic efforts to help Belgian and other allied refugees to escape after the outbreak of war in Belgium.
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Postcard (1910-1920)
Humorous postcard, depicting a woman seated at a piano, singing, and a male with his fingers over his ears. Inscribed "Twas thy voice my gen-tle Ma-ry" lyrics, from 'Mary of Argyle' by John McDermott. On the reverse is a stamped Christmas Greeting.
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Postcard (1914-1918)
Humorous postcard published by Inter Art Co., Red Lion Square, London. "Two-six-three" series. No.264. It depects "Pa going to make the foremen shunt-with the rest of the boys he's out at the front-while the neighbours laugh till their sides do crack, for Pa's old dutch is out at the back!"
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Letter (13 January 1916)
Letter from Ted, of Russell Square, London to Private Gilbert Holcomb, 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance, Monte Video Camp, Weymouth. Incorrectly dated 1915, he invites him to stay at his residence in London, Jack Hogue is also there.