Item 01: Bertie McAdam Lowing, diary, 25 June 1915 to 25 April 1916

Bertie McAdam Lowing papers, pictorial material and realia, 1900-[ca 2014]

Diary, 25 June 1915 to 25 April 1916. Bound volume, written in pen and pencil.

Includes list of men whom he has served with at back of diary, and names and addresses of family in New South Wales. Lowing writes of the landing at Gallipoli on 28 August, 1915 and from what he witnesses he prepares himself for a difficult time. On September 4 he writes “When my turn comes, if it does, to clear the trenches and charge, shall I be able to lead them properly? Surely, I cannot fail.” 

During November he describes the fierce fighting around Chatham’s Post. On 15 December he is told he has been chosen as one of the last men to leave Gallipoli after the evacuation. He writes of the sadness of leaving so many good men behind, “the very pick of our army will be left behind and the world can produce nothing better and knowing this how can I help my bitter feelings” (18 December).  

On 20 December he tells that he was in command of C2 of the C Party, which comprised of approximately the last 50 men on Gallipoli. C2 comprised himself and 15 men and left the trenches at 2.10am. “We started again along the lonely track, every one alert and ready, one last look at the little crosses where our friends and comrades rest, it made me feel sad to be leaving them, especially my old mate George”.

At the end of March 1916 Lowing contracts the mumps and spends some time in hospital in Cairo. The diary ends on Anzac Day 1916.

Item 01: Bertie McAdam Lowing, diary, 25 June 1915 to 25 April 1916

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