Manuscript journal of a voyage from Melbourne to Plymouth on board HMAT SHROPSHIRE

Maker Allan Witt Edwards

Date1917

Object number00029015

NameJournal

MediumPaper, ink, butterly clip

DimensionsOverall: 265 × 210 × 10 mm, 2 g

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis manuscript or diary was written by Private Allan Witt Edwards who departed Melbourne on the troopship HMAT SHROPSHIRE on May 11, 1917 on her way to Plymouth. It includes details day to day life aboard a trooopship and stop overs in ports along the way.HistoryTroopship life was a very new experience for those travelling overseas during WWI. For most, it was their first experience in leaving their loved ones and country and there is certainly a sense of adventure and excitement that comes through in Private Edwards journal. He was only 21 at the time and he tells not only of the mundane aspects of shipboard life but also of the events that broke up the monotony - swimming in the ocean, an outbreak of mumps and his impressions of the ports they pull into. Private Edwards survived his tour of duty overseas and was discharged by the army in 1920 for being "medically unfit". He had spent 735 days abroad. SignificanceTroopships have always had a significant role in transporting Australian troops to war and yet they are often referred to as the 'forgotten ships’. This hand written journal provides a glimpse into life at sea on a crowded troopship for a 'landlubber', a personal view of going to the Great War.