MARRIAGE.

JAMIESON - WILLIAMS. - On the 4th September, at Presbyterian Church, Epsom road, by Rev. F. Souter, B.A., John Malcolm, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Jamieson, Francis street, Ascot Vale, to Letitia May, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Williams, of Bloomfield road, Ascot Vale. At home, 27 Francis street, Ascot Vale, 20th October, afternoon and evening.

Family Notices. (1915, October 14). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved October 4, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74590405

Essendon Gazette 20 Jan 1916

Last week a presentation was made at Messrs. Arbuckle, Waddell and Fawckner's to Mr. J. Malcolm Jamieson, of "St. Ninians", Francis street, Ascot Vale, who has enlisted. The presentations were a handsome pocket wallet, wristlet watch and fountain pen. Mr Jamieson has held a position as linotyper with the above firm for over two years, leaving the "Essendon Gazette" office, where he served his apprenticeship, to take up his duties.

With Messrs, Norm. McKinnon and Len. Cohen (both local residents), he was selected by Col. Cuscaden for the A.M.C. The three young men have first aid certificates, and belong to the Essendon division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade; and have been serving on the relief staff at the Base Hospital since September.

WITH THE COLOURS. (1916, January 20). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74591629

OUR SOLDIERS

Trooper Malcolm Jamieson, who was, for a number of years, a member of the staff of this paper, writes as follows:-  

We left on 6th February and had a 33-day run to Suez, where we disembarked and retrained for training camp. This is situated at Moascar, two miles from Ismalia on the Canal. We arrived at our destination and camped in the sand. The food is bit hard, but hunger adds zest to our appetite and hard work gives us plenty of appetite. Over here, I have enjoyed a meal of bully-beef and biscuit as well as one obtainable at the Cafe Francatelli.        

On our way over, we touched at Adelaide, Fremantle, Colombo, Bombay, Aden and Suez. The reason for this was that we travelled per R.M.S. The trip was glorious, and was not marred by sea sickness at any time. We stopped at Colombo for three days, and were lodged at the local barracks. We had plenty of sight-seeing, running hither and thither in rickshaws, which are very cheap modes of transit, costing about 8d an hour for hire. On the Friday we had a day's trip to Kandy - the old capital city of Ceylon. It is situated in the hills, about 75 miles from Colombo. The first half of the journey led through paddy (rice) fields, which are irrigated in terraces and tilled by old-style ploughs drawn by native oxen. Every mile   or so a native village is passed, looking picturesque and dirty, for the domestic animals such as fowls, pigs, dogs, oxen, etc live with the humans in one or two rooms. The nature of the country soon changed and the climb was begun. With one engine fore and one aft, we slowly mounted the steep grades, passing through plantations of tea, rubber, cocoa, cocoanut and banana, with many rice fields in the valleys.

On arrival at Kandy, we were amazed at the beauties of the place. Leave was granted, and after lunch at the Queen's Hotel, which seven hungry men polished off 100 small bananas, we hired rickshaws and proceeded to see the city. Driving round a beautiful lake fringed with neatly designed masonry and pergolas, we began to climb the hill above the lake. From the top a glorious view of the town presents itself. We feasted ourselves for a short while and took photos; but the time was short so we had to tear ourselves away and continue our run down the other side of the hill. We passed many fine bungalows belonging to Cingalee and English planters, and finished up on the other side of the lake at the Bhuddist Temple. We were guided through and shown the altar with huge elephants tusks on either side: saw the natives praying, and were shown the dome-shaped vessel containing Bhudda's tooth, before which offerings of flowers are placed by the worshippers. We signed our names in the visitors book, paid our offerings of "Backsheesh'" and entered our rickshaws,   followed by a numerous throng of beggars - the halt and the blind - demanding alms. We just had time to view the native portion of the city when we were recalled to the station to get back to Colombo once more. We arrived at the barracks tired but happy, for we had enjoyed ourselves far beyond our expectations.

I remember reading Mr A E Young's* diary in the Gazette about his visit to Colombo about five or six years ago and can quite under stand his enthusiasm at the natural beauties of the place.

The first soldier I met in Egypt was Tas Inches, who is a sergeant in the Postal Corps. He was a member of the Essendon Hockey Club, and has been here 2½ years. There are six men in my tent and four of them come from Essendon District.   They are Norm. Mackinnon, Len. Cohen, Jim Tatterson and self, and all send their best regards. 

OUR SOLDIERS. (1917, June 28). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 17, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74602974

*Note:   A E Young was the father of  Young A T Cpl 414

AUSTRALIANS IN THE HOLY LAND.

Trooper Malcolm Jamieson, of Ascot Vale, writing from Palestine under date 12.5. 17, gives an interesting ac count of his experiences.

"It is now about two months since I last wrote describing our trip across to Egypt. During those two months we have had crowded into our lives many exciting and novel experiences. There are now five of us here who come from Moonee Ponds district, and I can assure you it is a pleasure to meet some of the old faces one saw in good old Essendon. Since McKinnon, Cohen and myself arrived, we have been joined by Jim Tatterson and W. Parker. Tatterson was taken to hospital ill after being at the front a month or so, but the others, are all doing well.

After being at Moascar training camp for three weeks, we were ordered to join our unit "somewhere in the Holy Land," and departed one bright morning with these indefinite instructions. As the unit was some where about 150 miles away, you can guess we had out work cut out to find them. We travelled up alongside the Suez Canal to --, where we crossed the canal, and "changed trains." It was a noticeable difference going from the comparative ease and comfort of the carriages of the Egyptian State railways (which, by-the-bye, are wiped into insignificance by the comfort of our Australian trains) to the carriages of the "military special." We used to grumble at the discomfort we suffered when riding from Seymour to Melbourne for three hours in the dog boxes the Victorian Railways provided for soldiers' "specials". On this ride from ---- to railhead we were tucked away beneath an ambulance waggon placed on a perfectly open truck without any sides to form a protection from the bitterly cold wind which whistled across from the sea. We occupied 1[?] hours on the journey, and arrived at railhead at 3 a.m, with out having had a wink of sleep.

We passed through such places of interest as Romain, Bir el Abd, El Arish and Raia. At this latter place we went over the ground where the battle was fought which culminated in the taking of a formidable redoubt and a host of Turkish prisoners. There are graves dotted about the hill where our chaps fell, each with a neatly-inscribed wooden Cross: and now and again a small    wooden notice inscribed "Turkish dead" is met with.

After about 10 hours' wait at the railhead, we were met by some members of our unit with spare horses, upon which we mounted, and speedily completed the remainder of our journey. The camp site was ideal, being within 200 yards of the Mediterranean Sea, in which we bathed daily, and our "bivvys" were erected beneath huge fig trees, comprising part of a huge orchard.

The whole country round about is of a different character to that a few miles down the line, for it has changed from sand hillocks to beautiful undulating fertile country. There are barley fields as far as the eye can see, and orchards everywhere. Fig trees abound, but there are also a good number of apricots, olives, walnuts, almonds and dates. Now and again one comes across patches of tobacco, which seems to thrive very well. We are now camped a few miles inland, and as I write there is an awful dust storm raging. Talk about Melbourne and its north wind, well I would sooner go through a fortnight of Melbourne summer than one day of dust here. It penetrates everywhere -we eat it, breathe it, have it with what we drink: it gets in our eyes, hair, ears, nostrils; and when we wake in the morning it is to find a thick mantle of dust over our bodies and clothes. And we get a gallon of water daily to cook, drink, wash our clothes with and cleanse our bodies. There are people in Australia who think the Light-horse is having a "picnic" up here. When we go out on a fight we are riding for a week, some times three or four days without a sleep, and live on bulley and biscuits and one water-bottle full of water a day. A wash or shave is out of the question; and on top of all this we have to fight in the broiling sun. And then, when we come back a mile or two for a couple of days' rest, "Jacko" comes over on a beautifully calm moonlight night and drops a few bombs. Some people have peculiar ideas of what constitutes a "picnic" !

The Bedouins are just harvesting their barley crops. They go out to the fields about 4 a.m. with all their family and domestic animals---even to the fowls. In the evening they return to the village with the camels, donkeys and cattle laden with enormous loads, sometimes with the owner perched on top. Of course, the women walk. They carry the water, and often are loaded up with grain, too. The fair sex is not respected here as in Australia; she does the lion's share of the work whilst "his lordship" looks on. The natives live in mud huts rein forced with straw and twigs; they are built on square lines, with flat roofs. The animals as well as the humans live inside. There is a raised portion in one corner, on which the family sleeps;  the remainder of the one large  room is occupied by the animals. Some of our chaps entered an abandoned hut in search of firewood; two minutes later they bolted out swarming with fleas. Thereafter mud huts were given a wide berth; but when one had to be entered in search of firewood the chaps went in clad only in their boots."

AUSTRALIANS IN THE HOLY LAND. (1917, August 2). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603269

The best news I have for you is that we have the Rev. W. Fraser (Ascot Vale Church) as our brigade chaplain. He joined us as we were starting out on the last stunt (fight). He is looking real well. I reckon he is game to tackle this life. I hope he doesn't get ill or stop any lead, because he will do a lot of good here. On this last stunt we started out about tea time on Tuesday. Mal. Jamieson and I on horseback with the bearers. Mr. Fraser, who rides a horse, went with a party to form a dressing station.

MacKinnon J N Pte 16713

AUSTRALIANS IN THE HOLY LAND. (1917, August 2). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74603269

OUR SOLDIERS

We have received a most original greeting card from Trooper Malcolm Jamieson (of Ascot Vale), who is with the forces in Palestine. He and Trprs. Norm. McKinnon, Len. Cohen and Bill Parker send greetings to local friends, and intimate that they are looking forward to the time when this little "box on" is "mafeesh," so that they can return to dear old Essendon. The following verses were printed on the card:

Here's a greeting to the Homeland,

From her sons across the sea,

From the "Land of Milk and Honey"

To the Land of Wattle Tree.

May Australia always flourish

For the work that she has done;

May her soldiers ever conquer

Till victory is won.

May the year that's not far distant

Bring a happier, brighter time-

May victory and peace be ours

Ere another Christmas time.

OUR SOLDIERS. (1918, February 14). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 1 Edition: Morning. Retrieved June 4, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74605084

FROM THE FRONT

The following interesting letter has been received from Trooper Malcolm Jamieson of Ascot Vale, a recent employee of the "Gazette" office:--

Palestine 6-2-1918    

It is quite a longtime since I wrote to you, but I take the opportunity whilst we are resting, of dropping you a short note.     We came down here (about 50 miles from  the firing lines) at the beginning of the year so that the horses could winter on the sand, as it was dreadfully muddy up towards Jaffa. We have had a good deal of rain, but have been fairly comfortable. Norm. MacKinnon, Len Cohen and I have just returned from a ten days' sojourn at Port Said Rest Camp. We spent a most enjoyable time together, marred only by the 350 miles of travelling in open trucks, cold as charity, and with a continuous spray of coal smuts settling in one's ears, eyes, nose and hair. But of course we must endure these sort of things if we want leave.

One would not rave over the amusements which the town provides, which amount to two picture shows, a concert hall at the rear of a public bar, standing on the breakwater watching the tide come in, and trying to beat a nigger down 3d in the price of his "Views of Port Said and the Canal".  

Then one has to stand the pesterings of the crowd of itinerant peanut merchants,  oyster and lolly vendors, postcard salesmen, the man who whispers that he will sell you a bottle of whiskey (it is forbidden to sell whiskey to troops by natives), the bawling boatmen and spruikers of .... rate "hash foundries" and  last but not least-this 2,173 bootblacks. If you wish to do away with your mother-in-law, and desire to get into the mood for doing, just walk down Port Said's main streets with dirty boots.

At any place where there are troops you will find the YMCA and kindred organisations. Port Said is no exception to the rule. It boasts of three Institutes - the YMCA run by the "YM bloke" as he humourously styles himself, the Wesleyan Institute, under the direction of the padre of that denomination in the town; and the Empire Club for soldiers and sailors, where the needs of the man in uniform are catered for by a number of Australian ladies. During our stay concerts were arranged and at the YM a week's programme was mapped out, .... ing concerts, lectures, competitions, sports, etc., so altogether our holiday was made very agreeable for us by these organisations.    

Lately I have met a few Essendonian in the Light Horse - "Clarie" Woods... in Machine Gunners, "Bill" Latham, who's in charge of Brigade Signallers, "Bruce" Robinson (8th L.H.) Whilst at Port Said we met Clive Lyons (sic) (Convalescent Camp), and Dr. Ryan's son, who was on his way through the Canal with AMC Reinforcements. On our way back we ran into [Tas?] Inches, who had just returned from ..... to Luxor. The local lads with our unit are still going strong. Our W.O, an Essendonian named Jack Cotter ... there are Bill Parker and Ern Davey and the three I have already mentioned. ... Still* was killed by bombing at Beersheba and the same bomb gave Les Jordan (from Moonee Ponds) his second wound. Leo ... nedy was killed at Sharia just as "J[acko"] started to "imshi' northwards. He was in that famous charge which hastened the fall of Beersheba when the Light Horse charged up to the trenches on horseback, dismounted and won the position at the point of the bayonet.

FROM THE FRONT. (1918, March 21). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74605441

* 448 Pte John Thomas Still, 8 LHR,  of Brunswick and Auburn, KIA 1/11/1917, buried at Beersheba.

Among the latest of our local boys who have made the supreme sacrifice in the great war is Trooper J. M. Jamieson, aged 28, elder son of Mr. end Mrs. T. Jamieson, "St. Ninian's," Francis street, Ascot Vale, who was killed in action in Palestine on 21st May. Malcolm served his apprentice ship at the office of this paper, and prior to enlisting held a prominent position in the linotyping department of Messrs. Arbuckle, Waddell and Fawckner, Melbourne. He took a great interest in Sunday school work with the Maribyrnong Presbyterians, being secretary of the Sunday school, and was also associated with cricket and football teams representing that church. Great sympathy is felt for his widow, parents, sister and brother. He was a favourite with all who knew him and the letters written by him were always cheerful and optimistic, despite the hardships the troops were called upon to endure in Mesopotamia.

ROLL OF HONOR. (1918, May 30). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved June 24, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606170

DEATHS.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE JAMIESON.--Killed in action in Palestine on the 21st May, 1918, Trooper John Malcolm, dearly beloved son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jamieson, of St. Ninian's, Francis street, Ascot Vale, and loving brother of Margaret and Walter; aged 28 years. Our beloved.

Family Notices. (1918, May 30). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved June 24, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606152

JAMIESON -Trooper John Malcolm Jamieson, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Jamieson, of Francis street, Ascotvale, was killed in action in Palestine on May 21. He was a linotyper, and served his apprenticeship in the "Essendon Gazette" newspaper office. He took great interest in Sunday-school work with the Maribyrnong Presbyterians, and was well known in cricket and football circles.