We have received a postcard from Q.M.S. B. Hosking, wishing us to inform anyone who may be writing to him that his address now is No. 466, Q.M.S., B. Hosking, B. Coy., 57th Battalion, 15th Brigade, A.I.F.

WITH THE COLOURS. (1916, May 4). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74592826

Sergeant-Major Bert. Hosking, in a letter to Mr. C. A. Connor, dated 5th November, says: "I received your letter, dated 6th April, yesterday. The reason I did not get it before was that it was addressed to the 5th Battalion, and I am now in the 57th. The reason for this was they split us up in Egypt, because they wanted to put a stiffening of the old heads in the new division to carry it through, so that is why I did not get your letter before.

You have no idea what it feels like to get a letter from one's old pals at work. I read your letter through about six times before I could stop. It is simply quicekatur - that is Gippo for bonzer. Oh. Charlie! before I forget please tell your brother Jack that it might interest him to know that I have had a ride in one of the motor ambulances which the citizens of Essendon presented to the Red Cross. It was down at Cambridge. I think, if I remember rightly, Jack is secretary of the Society. You know I tried to kid myself that I was going along Mount road in front of the Town Hall when I was in it.  I can tell you it made me think of dear old Moonee Ponds.

Well, Charlie, I have had some experiences since I last wrote, as you can guess. We have had a bit of a knocking about, but suppose we must not growl. France is a very warm place, but much better than Gallipoli. It is not lice there, but rats, rats, crawling over you all night. We were in France a week and were then marched to the trenches a distance of 17 miles the first day, five the next, and three the next; so you can see we were not long before we were into it again, and we were well in it this time. It was pretty willing for 23 days, and I was then sent to the base suffering from bronchitis, and from there to the hospital in Cambridge.

I have just started furlough-the first I have had since leaving Melbourne. I am now at London, and used to get lost about six times a day for the first three or four days, but can now find my way about. I have been in a few places since leaving home, but give me dear old Australia-Melbourne preferred.

Kindly remember me to all the boys, and please do write when you can, be cause it is great to hear from the fellows at the shop."

Bert Hosking lived in Puckle street, and left with the first contingent as a private, and has been right through the war. He still writes cheerfully, and the fact that he has only now been able to obtain furlough, emphasises the fact for the need of more men to relieve our soldiers in the trenches.

OUR SOLDIERS. (1917, January 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved April 2, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74601383

Back From the War.

Upwards of a hundred people assembled last Tuesday evening, when the supper room of the Moonee Ponds Town Hall was gaily decked with flags, ensigns and floral designs on the occasion of a welcome home being extended to Q.M.S. Bert Hosking, who recently returned from the front. Concerted items were given by several artists, and an enjoyable time was spent, the re-union of soldier and friends being thus under most happy circumstances. Dancing was indulged in till late in the evening. An exhibition of a book of cartoons on Mr. Wm. M. Hughes caused amusement.

Back From the War. (1918, October 17). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 28, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74607420