Lethbridge Family Papers; Forest Vale Station; Mitchell Downs Station

Journal of a trip from The Ridge to Brisbane and back 

In this diary Robert Lethbridge records his journey from Ridges Station, Gippsland, to Brisbane on board the barque 'H.S. Page' arriving in Moreton Bay on the 19th September 1860. Lethbridge then returns overland with 49 horses and 22 men, droving almost 889 head of cattle from Tabulam Station, situated in far north-east of NSW, calling into many stations enroute for rations and water, recording the distance travelled each day and the dry and difficult conditions experienced as he travelled south. The party arrived at Ridges Station six months later in February 1861 having travelled 1100 miles, with 846 head, only losing a few from disease, the others consumed for rations.

This leather covered notebook and diary belonged to Robert Lethbridge in which he describes his droving work in Victoria and New South Wales. Most particularly when in August he takes a steamer from Sydney to Brisbane, then on to Ipswich. Here he organises several droving parties, of horses and men and takes possession of over 1000 head of cattle from Wooroowoolgan to be driven south; the last entry 31 December, finds them camped at Fish River, NSW having had several horses stolen overnight.

Leather bound journal from January 1867 ; 1878-1885 recording the number of stock, daily activities, and rainfall at Forest Vale Station. The journal has also been used as a scrapbook and includes many items of interest.

The hand-witten diary records daily activities of life at Forest Vale Station. Entries start on 1 May 1871 with Messrs Nixon, Lewis, & Macnae leaving, having handed over the station to R C Lethbridge, through to early January 1875 recording the sale of 230 head of cattle at Dalby.

Entries in this journal start in August 1875 and go through to April 1878 recording stock, rainfall, mustering and those who worked and visited the property in that time.

Entries of particular interest

220,000 sheep passed the station during 1876; 266,400 passed between January and April 1878; and the commissioning of Mr Brennan to dig wells.

Small leather bound journal or passbook, with a brass catch belonging to R C Lethbridge detailing monetary transactions including wages, school fees, and insurance via the Bank of Australasia, Brisbane.

'The Queensland diary for 1893'. A printed and dated journal in which is recorded daily activities on Forest Vale Station. Mustering, drafting and branding cattle, burning 'prickly pear', horse breaking.

Entries of particular interest

In February there several items recording news of a 'tremendous flood in Brisbane'; in May the banking crisis and the suspension or collapse of up to 11 banks across Australia; notes on the first pages record the number of cattle and horses branded; the last pages record days of rainfall, and totals for each month.

Small leather bound journal or passbook, belonging to R C Lethbridge detailing monetary transactions via the Union Bank of Australia, Brisbane.

Small leather bound journal or passbook, belonging to R C Lethbridge detailing monetary transactions via the Union Bank of Australia, Brisbane.

Large bookkeeping ledger annotated on the first page [77] "J.C. Lethbridge a/cs paid prior to opening an a/c at Bank of Australasia".

The ledger is written in a fine hand, and details transactions for stock, food and wages for shearers, wages and rations for station hands including bonuses for harvesting, shearing and breaking in horses.

The leather bound cover is worn, the pages are fragile and many are loose from the binding.

Dated journal for 1904, in which is recorded life on Forest Vale Station; harvesting crops, managing stock, clearing land, fencing, and those who worked and visited the property in that time. The station was running sheep, pigs, cattle and horses.

Many pages are loose, the cover is missing.

Note: 

A small diary for the year 1902 written in the same hand is located in OM90-73 Anonymous Station Diary held by the State Library of Queensland.

Dated journal for 1905, in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. The entries describe stock movements, clearing, planting and harvesting and those who worked and visited the property during the year.

The diary cover is missing.

Dated journal for 1906 in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. They describe stock movement, clearing land, construction of accomodation, planting crops and those who worked and visited the property. The last pages of the journal record the days of rainfall and totals for each month.

The diary cover is loose.

Dated journal for 1907 in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. The entries include setting up for shearing in the hot month of February; getting the wool and stock to market; attending the annual races; planting and harvesting crops.

The front cover is missing, many pages are loose.

Small leather bound journal or passbook, belonging to R C Lethbridge detailing monetary transactions including wages, school fees, insurance and donations.

Dated journal for 1908 in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. Entries start from March having 'returned from Brisbane' and describe stock and crop management, fencing, weather conditions, and records those who worked and visited the property. Some months have only scarce entries.

The front cover is missing, there are many loose pages.

Dated journal for 1909 in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. The initial pages include notes of mares put to stallions. Other entries describe the number of sheep sold in the past year and for what price; repairing dams; engaging men for the coming shearing; the birth of a granddaughter on 12 February and a letter addressed to Jack from RC Lethbridge, Forest Vale detailing a list of supplies and stock he requires the next time his waggon comes up.

Dated journal for 1910 in which is recorded daily entries of life at Forest Vale Station. The entries describe cutting timber, planting crops, stock sales, repairs to fencing and equipment and record those who worked and visited the property. The final pages includes notes on cheese and butter sold.

Dated journal for 1911 in which is recorded scant daily entries of activities at Forest Vale Station.

Dated journal for 1912 in which is recorded scant daily entries of activities at Forest Vale Station.

Dated journal for 1913 in which is recorded daily entries of live at Forest Vale Station. The entries describe stock sales, mustering and at times daily rainfall. It is written in several hands, many days are blank.

Large book-keeping ledger, indexed at the front. The ledger details transactions for wages paid to employees associated with Forest Vale Station, for services such as shearing, crutching, well sinking, horse breaking and blacksmithing.

Entries of particular interest

Entries include the names of employees who have been identified as being of Aboriginal and Asian heritage. Among these are: Charles Alley Harry Corbett, Jack Kearns Harry Henry, Frank Inley, Arthur Law, Leslie Murray, William Murray aka Hippy Billy, Harry Rookwood, Tommy Teeswater, Yong Six, P. Wing, & Low Yee.

Dated journal for 1914 in which is recorded scant daily entries of activities at Forest Vale Station.

Journal of deposits and cheques drawn on the Union Bank of Australia, Brisbane, relating to Forest Vale Station, Mitchell.

Cash book showing brief entries of war bonds, fixed deposits and loans on page 19; pages 30-32 details stamps used on letters.

Dated journal for 1924 in which is recorded brief entries of activities at Forest Vale Station. The entries describe shearing, mustering and branding cattle, harvesting fruit and records those who worked and visited the property.

Dated journal for 1925 in which is recorded daily activities at Forest Vale Station, including mustering and branding cattle, consigning wool & wheat to market, harvesting fruit and making repairs to property and equipment. The journal includes several loose pieces of correspondence, including the copy of council motions [undated] regarding the approval of gates and the registration of dogs.

Dated journal for 1926 in which members of the Lethbridge family have recorded daily activities across their pastoral properties in the Mitchell region, including mustering, branding, wild dog netting, shearing, harvesting and those who worked and visited the property. The last pages contain entries household accounts.

Dated journal for 1927 in which members of the Lethbridge family have recorded daily activities across their pastoral properties in the Mitchell region. These include mustering, shearing and cultivating crops and those who worked and visited the area. The properties mentioned include: Bungaringa, Possession Creek, Forest Vale, Taurida, and Mitchell Downs

Dated journal for 1928 in which members of the Lethbridge family have recorded activities across their pastoral properties in the Mitchell region. These include Xmas in Southport, mustering sheep at Taurida in January; a droving trip from March to July; there are no entries for several months.

A second dated journal for 1928 written in several different hands to Item 29. There are detailed entries for almost every day recording stock movements branding, mustering, shearing and carting wool to market and the clearing of prickly pear. Of special interest is the unveiling ceremony for the War Memorial on 25 April (Mitchell?).

Included are several items of correspondence: a letter dated 1922 regarding the quality of river water at Warren Point; a typed program for the unveiling ceremony; a stock movement permit; a recipe for Mustard & Blue Stone Drench and a newspaper clipping announcing the names of the new Land Administration Board.

Letterbook relating to Forest Vale Station, 255 pages which are hardly readable and very fragile.

Letterbook relating to Forest Vale Station and the Lethbridge family, 250 pages which are mostly readable and very fragile.

Large bound volume collated by members of the Lethbridge family, with almost 150 pages which have been pasted with clippings and articles from newspapers and journals; many relating to horses, stock and stockyards, notable Queenslanders, rainfall and several published articles by Robert Copland Lethbridge.

The binding is loose and very fragile.

Large bound volume collated by members of the Lethbridge family of clippings and articles from newspaper and journals; many relating to horses and horse breeding.

Included are: 1. several loose items of correspondence to John Copland King Lethbridge, of Warren Point regarding the purchase of a pedigree stallion, and postcards and 2. loose sheets from a stock ledger noting numbers and pedigrees of foals and horses, branding, and sale; as well as calves and cattle records.

Articles of agreement made between Edward Cludde Elliott, his brother Mark Pringle Elliott and Robert Copland Lethbridge as graziers at Forest Vale Station.

Memorandum of agreement between Edward Cludde Elliott, Mark Pringle Elliott, Robert Copland Lethbridge and Patrick Moran with regard to wooden fencing, specifying timbers and method of construction.

Insurance policy in the name of Robert Copland Lethbridge, for a dwelling named Forest Vale, at Mitchell Downs.

Report titled Forest Vale Consolidated, Maranoa District, describing the size, holdings, capital improvements, water availability and capabilities of its associated properties:

Saltbush 25 sq miles, Boxwood 25 sq miles, Terrarara 36 sq miles, Myall Plains 26 sq miles, Lagoon Station 25 sq miles, Upper Possession [creek] 40 sq miles, Grassmere 26 sq miles, Longreach 25 sq miles, Gibburcolly 25 sq miles, Acacia 25 sq miles, Copland 45 sq miles, Possession 25 sq miles, Havilah 25 sq miles, Hebron 25 sq miles, Sharon 25 sq miles, Simpsons's Creek 57 sq miles, Forest Vale 25 sq miles, & Boxland 33 sq miles - which embraced more than 538 square miles of Crown Lands.

Deed of partnership or indenture naming Edward Cludde Elliott, Forest Vale Station and Mark Pringle Elliott, Newmarket and Robert Copland Lethbridge, Forest Vale Station, as partners in the station and associated runs known as Forest Vale.

Detailed schedule of fees charged by A.F.M. Feez, solicitor to Robert Copland Lethbridge for services rendered.

Schedule of fees and services rendered to Mrs J C K Lethbridge (Florence Ann McLean) in connection with Jonathan McLean's will.

Description of subdivision 1 of portion 39V & 42V, Parish of Bute, County of Dublin, for 168 acres on the bank of the Maranoa River.

Description of subdivision 2 of portion 42V, Parish of Bute, County of Dublin, for 144 acres on the bank of the Maranoa River.

Certificate of transfer of a brand and ear-mark transferred between J & A Lethbridge and JCK Lethbridge.

Notification of appointment of John Copland King Lethbridge as a Trustee of the Reserve for the School of Arts, Mitchell.

Lease no. 2323 of reserved land infested with noxious weeds, granted to Robert Copland Lethbridge for 14 years.

Lease no. 2324 of reserved land infested with noxious weeds, granted to Robert Copland Lethbridge for 14 years.

Certificate of subscription issued to John Copland King Lethbridge, for the Seven War Loan.

Occupation license no 601, district of Roma issued to John Copland King Lethbridge of Mitchell.

Form of certificate of right of burial in the Mitchell Cemetery, issued to John Copland King Lethbridge.

Deed of partnership or indenture naming Florence Ann Lethbridge, her daughter Florence Mary Lethbridge and son Robert Copland King Lethbridge as partners in the business of graziers under the name "F.A. Lethbridge & Co".

Certificate of competency as a Third-class Engine Driver, and sample examination paper, with questions and answers, issued to John Copland King Lethbridge.

Report on comparative valuations between pastoral stations, by John Copland King Lethbridge.

Agreement made between brothers Arthur Forrest Lethbridge, John Copland King Lethbridge, George Frederick Lethbridge, Harold Octavius Lethbridge and Robert Copland Lethbridge to purchase Forest Vale Station as tenants in common.

Balance sheet and statement of accounts relating to the estate of the late Robert Copland Lethbridge (1838-1919) completed by the Queensland Trustees.

Share certificates, receipts and call notices for stock held by John C K Lethbridge and his wife Florence Lethbridge in Australian Roma Oil, and Roma Cornall Dome.

Certificates acknowleding Robert Copland Lethbridge as a member of the Freemasons 'Grand Lodge of Scotland', Maranoa and Mitchell.

Tracing showing the runs of R. Tooth Esq. in the Maranoa District, scale 2 miles to 1 inch.

Map of New South Wales, showing stock routes, tanks, wells, and trucking stations.

The Australasian Map of Victoria 1866, published as a supplement to 'The Australasian' 7 April 1866.

Section of map showing the following pastoral stations: Mount Hatton, Myall Downs & Euthulla.

Plan titled '2 South Great Eastern Gold Mining Company' Section A.B. Looking North, scale 80 feet to 1 inch. Detailing shafts and reefs located in the Gympie gold fields.

Plan titled '2 South Great Eastern Gold Mining Company' Nos 2 & 4 reefs, scale 80 feet to 1 inch. Detailing shafts and reefs located in the Gympie gold fields.

Plan titled '2 South Great Eastern Gold Mining Company' Nos. 1, 3 & 5 reefs, scale 80 feet to 1 inch. Detailing shafts and reefs located in the Gympie gold fields.

Plan titled '2 South Great Eastern Gold Mining Company' Section E.F. No 3 reef, looking west. Longitudinal sections of reefs. Scale 80 feet to 1 inch. Detailing shafts and reefs located in the Gympie gold fields.

Plan of the agricultural area of Heyfield, Victoria, prepared by the Lands & Survey Office, Melbourne.

Sketch map of portions 1 to 10, Mt Hutton Resumption, County of Aberdeen, Taroom Land Agents District. Scale 2 miles to 1 inch.

Survey map showing the Parish of Bute, County of Dublin, District of Roma, Queensland, showing the property marked A.F. Lethbridge, formerly selected by T. Shannon, bordered on the east by the North Amby Creek.

Sketch map of portions 1v to 14v Merivale Resumption, County of Dublin, Roma Lands Agent District. Scale 1 mile to 1 inch.

Sketch map of portions 1 and 3, Parish of Hebron, County of Bundara, Roma Land Agent's District. Scale 120 chains to1 inch.

Sketch map of portions 1 to 8, Parish of Hebron, and Portions 2 to 4 Parish of Simpson, County of Bundara, Roma Land Agent's District. Scale 120 chains to 1 inch. There are 2 copies

Plan of portions 1 to 3, Parish of Oak Downs, Crystal Brook O.L. 223 County of Bundara, Roma Land Agent's District. Scale 120 chains to 1 inch.

Plan of portions 1 and 2, Parish of Forest Vale, and portion 1 Parish of Southlands, Tooloombilla O.L. 217, County of Bundara, Roma Land Agent's District. Scale 60 chains to 1 inch.

Genealogical table for the Lethbridge family written on blue ledger paper, starting with Mary King, daughter of Captain Phillip Gidley King.

Hand written list of names and birth dates for the Lethbridge family, starting in 1596, Thomas son of John Lethbridge.

Hand written genealogical table [in pencil] for the Lethbridge family.

Hand written list [in pencil] of names and birth dates for the Lethbridge family.

Reprinted obituary for John King Lethbridge 1832–1900 second son of the late Robert Copland Lethbridge, of Werrington, NSW, published in the Nepean Times.

Typed copy of the last will and testament of Robert Copland Lethbridge, with 5 codicils attached.

Probate ledger documenting the property and beneficiaries of the estate of Robert Copland Lethbridge after his death 31 October 1919.

Included are three loose items: Balance statement [folded]; letter from R C Lethbridge to his solicitors, 1914 regarding bequests; note detailing legacies & investments, including Forest Vale Dick an Aboriginal stockman who worked for the family (-1929) and who was bequeathed £100.

Typed copy of letter written by Robert Copland Lethbridge, to his Executors, explaining his affairs and describing which personal items and to whom they were to be left, with an amendment dated 20 August 1909.

Hand written poem known as the Bushman's farewell, which begins "Queensland thou art a land of pests" a half-comic, half-satiric poem written by Phillip Lorimer.

Hand written poem or lyrics entitled "Yankee Doodler', which begins "The Chesapeake so bold, left Boston as I'm told"

Hand written lyrics to "My Old Wife" which begin "I merrily sing from morn till night"

Hand written lyrics to a version of "Botany Bay" an Australian folk song, which begin "O ! my rum pals, my ben culls, and barrakers"

Lyrics to a song published in a text entitled "Bengala" by Mary Theresa Vidal (1815-1873) which begin "Of sheep I bought a precious lot, some died of hunger some the rot".

Hand written poem, entitled "A Bushmans Ride" originally published in July 1850 in the Sydney Morning Herald, it begins "Dear Watson, still blest in the land of thy birth".

Lines from 'Douglas' a blank verse tragedy by John Home. The second line reads "My father feeds his flock: a frugal swain, whose constant cares were to increase his store".

Hand written lines which begin 'Tis of Camerton's Son Chestnut Prince I could sing', on reverse is the title 'Prince'.

Objects and By-laws for the Navy League, an organisation and advocacy group founded in 1900 dedicated to creating interest in maritime and naval matters, particularly those relating to the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Merchant Navy.

Price list for Jarrah, from timber merchants located in South Brisbane, Kingaroy and Indooroopilly.

Annual report and balance sheet issued by the Amateur Fishermen's Association of Queensland for the years, 1912-13, 1913-14 and 1914-15.

Carte de viste portrait of two unidentified gentlemen taken by E B Cardell studios, Roma, Queensland

Group on board HMS Port Lincoln in 1915 including Dr Harold Lethbridge seated in front. Caption: Our bridge four. Dr Reece, American in white, Humphrey Browning on right. [Captain Robert Humphrey Browning]

Black and white photograph of the piazza of Hotel Heliopolis, Egypt. Caption: Gwen's sister Noelli and another nurse. [Gwen Lethbridge, nee Hall]

View of the hospital, Heliopolis

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln taking part in the 'crossing' ceremonies. Caption: Neptunes throne. The ladies apparel was got from "old linen" in Red Cross bag.

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln participating in the 'greasy pole' games. Caption: wrestling on the greasy pole.

View of the hospital, Heliopolis. Caption: Taken from the roof of Ghezireh Hospital looking down the right branch of the Nile.

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln taking part in the 'crossing' ceremonies. Caption: Neptunes tank.

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln taking part in games. Caption: "It" in centre remains rigid & gets tossed round & round the circle If any of the circle fall back from his weight they change places.

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln. Caption: varied humanity.

Troops aboard HMS Port Lincoln taking part in the 'crossing' ceremonies. Caption: Lieutenant Browning being shaved by Neptune.

Camp in the grounds of the Ghezira Hospital, Egypt. Caption: Prize tent, Ghezira Hospital grounds, AMC orderlies.

Harold Lethbridge posing in a home garden.

Post card sent by Dr Harold Lethbridge of No.1 Australian General Hospital, Cairo to his brother John CK Lethbridge at Mitchell, showing the pyramids of Ghizeh. He writes they are getting in very few wounded, mostly sick; it is a nice place but he would rather be in Australia.

Seven negatives showing an early model motor vehicle and an unidentified family home.

Studio portrait of Robert Harold Nimmo (1893-1966) and his brother John Robertson Nimmo (1894-1961) standing, with their grandfather Robert Copeland Lethbridge (1838-1919) and mother Mary Ann Eleanor Nimmo (nee Lethbridge).

Robert Lethbridge served with the 5th Light Horse Regiment during the First World War, he remained with the permanent military forces and rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, and was the first Australian to command a multinational peacekeeping mission and the longest serving UN commander.

John Lethbridge OBE served with the 4th Infantry Battalion during the First World War, after completing his medical training was appointed medical officer at the Royal Military College, Duntroon from 1939 to 1960 rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge aboard SS Port Lincoln, between Sydney & Melbourne, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He is sorry he was not able to visit before embarking, his wife Gwen was able to see him off from Sydney - she hopes to volunteer as a nurse and will follow him as soon as she can.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge aboard SS Port Lincoln, now off Suez in the Red Sea, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of their hot journey, they have about 1250 troops aboard and he has been kept busy attending to those sick with influenza, enteric and meningitis.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He describes the hospital where he has been stationed, the doctors are Australians and some of the nurses are known to him; they have not been very busy as the men are leaving the front.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that his wife Gwen is on her way out to join him, although there are rumours that all wives are to be sent home. They have about 800 in hospital, 211 came in the previous night, there has been a heavy fall of snow on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes they are still in the 'Palace' with about 400 men being admitted in the last two days, many with frost bite; the Australian nurses are tremendously liked & they are very good to the 'boys'; he has been out to the Pyramids and climbed Cheops; his wife Gwen should be near Colombo by now on her voyage out to join him.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of expecting his wife Gwen in a weeks time; he has been to Alexandria with a convoy of sick to a convalescent hospital, through the valley of the Nile; he feels they cannot do too much for the boys who come back fro the front, they have earned it all.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of the great news that his wife Gwen has arrived, just as the rules have changed and no more wives will be allowed there; she will try to get work with the Red Cross.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Ghezireh, Cairo to his father Robert Lethbridge. They have been very busy with sick rather than wounded soldiers; he has visited the old city of Memphis, the City of the Dead and several tombs with his wife Gwen and others.

[The wrong year has been inscribed on the letter]

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No 4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that he has moved to the 'Infectious' hospital in Abbassia housing cases of measles, mumps, diphtheria, and meningitis; he is starting a pathological laboratory there.

Letter written by Donald Stuart Lethbridge McLean, in Eastbourne, England to his grandfather Robert Lethbridge. He writes he has been staying with this cousins while on leave from the 5th Light Horse Regiment and enjoying the trips they have been making, including Dublin, Killarney, Tipperary and London. Donald who has recently served at Gallipoli has been offered a commission in the Royal Field Artillery.

Letter written by Gwen Lethbridge, now at Rossmore House, Cairo to her father-in-law Robert Lethbridge. She writes that Harold has been sick with what they believe is dengue fever and is very glad to be here with him; she goes to Ghezireh Hosptial every morning for the Red Cross and takes the opportunity to see Harold, who says he deserves the Iron Cross for staying in bed.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia, Cairo to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that he has recently been ill with a fever, which has left him feeling weak; he recently met Kenneth McConnell of Cressbrook Station, who had been serving on Gallipoli with the 5th Light Horse.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia, Cairo to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes they have been receiving a number of cases of meningitis lately and sadly many of them are dying. The medical officers have moved to new billets in a groom's room of a stable which they refer to as the 'Heliopolis Palace'.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, in Alexandria to his father Robert Lethbridge. He has rejoined No. 2 Australian General Hospital and has boarded a hospital ship for an unknown destination. Gwen has joined up with another officer's wife at Alexandria, but hopes to follow him.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge at sea, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes from aboard a hospital ship, having left Egypt, which is painted white with broad green stripes. They are taking the whole of the hospital staff, medical officers, sisters, orderlies, beds, bedding & ambulances.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, somewhere in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes they have established a camp in a beautiful spot near Marseilles, from which they may be moving in the morning, and observes how many women there are in mourning.

Letter written by Captain Robert Nimmo, Tel-el-Kebir Egypt, to his aunt Flora Murphy (nee Lethbridge). He writes of being at the Australian Base Camp with the 2nd Light Horse Brigade awaiting a new assignment; he has obtained a transfer for his brother Jack to the same regiment, who has been sick with fever.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, Marseilles to his father Robert Lethbridge. We writes that his wife Gwen, who is now in France has been seriously ill with broncho pneumonia, but is slowly getting better; he has been put in charge of the infectious compound and has been very busy treating cases of typhus and smallpox.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Marseilles to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes with news that a new order has been given that officers wives cannot remain at Marseilles, he has taken Gwen to Aix, even though she is still unwell; another officer's wife has gone to stay with her.

Letter written by Gwen Lethbridge, now at Aix, Marseilles, writes to her father-in-law Robert Lethbridge. She writes how unfair it is to have to leave the area where her husband is serving, if his unit moves again, she shall go on to England.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No.2 Australian General Hospital, Marseilles to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that his hospital unit are being dispersed, some north closer to the front line, others to be left in Marseilles for a time; he has visited a church called St Baum built into a cave located in a huge cliff. The letter is incomplete.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, in Flanders to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of the possibility of leave to England where he can visit Gwen; the nights are very cold but he is comforted by his favourite warm sleeping bag he brought from home; they are very near the front lines with bombs being dropped in a nearby town.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge with the 6th Field Ambulance, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. They are about 8 miles from the front lines and he is glad of the opportunity to be this forward.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He makes comment on his father's nurse, and that he has not been able to trace the money he sent as yet.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. As they are the remnant of the hospital, they expect daily to be moving north, but as he is doing all the pathology and surgery, he is very busy and not in a hurry to move.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge with the 6th Field Ambulance, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes they have been very busy as there is a lot of work to do with less staff. He has been appointed to the Surgical staff which suits him well; they have moved from tents to wooden huts.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that three quarters of the staff have gone north, and those left have to cope with an increased number of patients; Gwen and another officer's wife are living the life of refugees, finding good accomodation is difficult.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of their imminent move north, which means that Gwen will have to go to England; they hired a car recently with several nurses and drove to Avignon and Arles along fine roads lined with poplars.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. It is rumoured that a British Hospital unit will be relieving them & they will rejoin No.2 AGH in the north, and Gwen will go to England.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes while sitting in an old chateau in a field ambulance, 'somewhere in France' where there is an old rose garden, which they are looking after; they are receiving patients not long after being wounded and admires their wonderful fortitude while in 'Hell on Earth'.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian General Hospital, in France to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that although he has not heard from Gwen he trusts she has made it to England safely; the chateau grounds where they are camped are beautiful but he misses the sunshine of Australia.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, in Flanders, to his father Robert Lethbridge. Now with the 6th Australian Field Ambulance, he writes of the arrival of their new OC Arthur Moseley, who he knew in Sydney; of the towns nearby many of them have been levelled and the avenue of trees scarred, many broken off as if by a cyclone.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, of the 6th Australian Field Ambulance, in Flanders, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of his disappointment that his leave had been cancelled on short notice, and describes his visit to a neighbouring village to attend a 'picture show' run by the British.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge in London, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He has just arrived on 10 days leave after having 21 days in the front lines, where he describes being shelled and partially buried during a bombing.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, of the 6th Australian Field Ambulance, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He has recently returned from leave in London, and are working only 4 miles from the front line; they are planning a Xmas dinner for the patients with money donated by the Red Cross.

Letter written by Gwen Lethbridge, London, to her father-in-law Robert Lethbridge. She writes of Harold's recent visit, he was looking well despite the bad time he has experienced.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, of the 6th Australian Field Ambulance, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of spending Xmas in the mud, that it has snowed and rained; and he is organising a concert for Xmas day.

Unmatched envelope, addressed to J K Lethbridge, Riverview, Mitchell from his brother Captain Harold Lethbridge, on active service.

Partial letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He describes the grounds of the hospital; Boyd McLeod is a patient there; he hopes to return home by the end of the year.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He has been transferred to this hospital in London as Registrar, and is not sorry to leave behind the conditions in France and the worry of being shelled; his wife Gwen is greatly relieved to have his company.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. Now in London he still wakes up wondering why he can't hear gun-fire; he will be very busy as Registrar, as well as surgery and bacteriology; the hospital houses mainly 'limbless' men.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that although it is officially summer in England, it has snowed that day; when the men leave his hospital and return home 'limbless' Australia will begin to realise there is a war on.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of being greatly relieved being away from the front line; he finds the work with 'limbless' patients very interesting.

Letter written by Captain Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He describes the change of season and the flowering of trees and the new growth in the gardens; Gwen is arranging to join him.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of England being more beautiful than he had ever imagined; Captain Nesbitt took Gwen, Mrs Nesbitt and himself on an outing via motor car, through Maidenhead to Henley.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of his work with the 'limbless' men at the hospital, fitting them with artificial limbs; and taking two ambulance loads of patients to watch a cricket match they played against a Canadian Hospital nearby.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He describes the recent holiday he and Gwen had in Scotland, visiting many notable sites and family; autumn has arrived with heavy rain almost every day.

Letter written by Gwen Lethbridge, London, to her father-in-law Robert Lethbridge. She writes of the German aircraft making use of the clear skies to increase their air-raids on London; the anti-aircraft barrage lighting up the skies in return.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He describes the bright moonlight nights offering opportunities for the Germans to come over London every night recently; Londoners are using the underground railway for shelters.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of being able to assist a Queensland man, Sergeant Target who had lost an eye, his wife May (Gore) was with him, they enjoyed talking of old times.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes that winter has arrived, the fog and gloom making them wish they were home in Australia; and reflects that a year ago he was in the front lines at Warlencourt.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of the weather, of recent snow and sleet; they have received a donation allowing them to install a 'cinema' in the hospital dining room which will be a boost to the patients during the winter evenings.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of the cold weather continuing; Gwen has been looking after the Red Cross store and they have been to Albert Hall for a concert given by Clara Butt.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of the current situation, where "all eyes are on the western front" and the fierce battle he fears will be fought to the east of Amiens; it is hard to think of Pozieres and all the Australian graves being again in the enemy's hands.

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He writes of his uncertain future with the hospital; he has just admitted a distant relative, George King from Goonoo Goonoo Station, in NSW; Jack Weedon has recently returned to Australia, both have lost a leg in the war. He also writes to say he has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Letter written by Major Harold Lethbridge, No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, to his father Robert Lethbridge. He has been keeping very busy as well as taking quite a number of his patients to various entertainments, some held in aid of repatriated Australian prisoners.