Introduction

My grandfather, Edward Walford Manifold, (known to his family as Wal), and his brother, Bertie, grew up in the Western District of Victoria. At the outbreak of World War I they, along with many others in the district, were keen to support the war effort and, to that end, they travelled to Britain to join the British Army.

To modern eyes, their decision might seem unpatriotic but, like many Australians at the time, they regarded the interests of Australia and the “Home Country” as indivisible. Also, as country people, they had skill and experience with horses, and so it probably seemed to them that they would be of more use in the Royal Field Artillery than in the AIF. On top of this, my grandfather had earlier attended Cambridge University, and this meant he had direct experience of the old country and many bonds of friendship with English people. Although they are part of a somewhat forgotten group - there is no acknowledgment either in the Australian War Memorial or the Imperial War Museum of Australians who have chosen to fight within British forces in any conflicts - the two brothers were far from being alone in the choice they made.

My grandfather left letters and a detailed set of diaries covering the years he spent at war  from 1915 to 1917. In this blog, I plan to publish both the letters he wrote and the diary entries he made, with each post appearing on the date corresponding to the date my grandfather wrote it. The resulting document will, I hope, provide one more perspective on the experience of World War I.

This entry from The Corian , the magazine of Geelong Grammar School, following my grandfather's death in 1959, provides a little background about him, for those who would like to know a little more:

"Edward Walford Manifold

Walford Manifold, who died at Mondilibi, Mortlake, on October 23, was the last surviving son of the late Mr W. T. Manifold of Purrumbete, Weerite: his brothers were John and W. H. (Bertie). E. W. entered the school in 1903 and played in the XI and XVIII from 1908-1910, when he left to enter Jesus College, Cambridge.

He rowed in the second Jesus boat 1912-13, in the Lents, and enlisted early in the 1914-18 War in the Royal Field Artillery. He proceeded to France in 1915 with 48 Bty., 36 Brigade, RFA, after training in England; promoted 1st lieutenant in 1917 and Captain, July, 1918. Late in 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for the following act of gallantry: "He laid a telephone line and maintained it for 24 hours under very heavy fire. Twice he visited the advanced posts, recrossing ground which was unheld by our troops, and succeeded in obtaining much valuable information. He displayed great courage and determination throughout."  This was in a F.O.O. at Thiepval.

In September, 1918, he was granted leave to Australia, where later he was discharged to R. of O. After gaining land experience in Western Queensland, he purchased Mondilibi in 1922, and in the same year married Miss Margaret Lorn Alston, who predeceased him.

He always retained his great interest in the School, and for some years served on the O. G. G. Committee. A memorial window in the school chapel is in memory of his young son, Derek.

He was a keen grazier, a willing helper in all local activities, as well as maintaining a long and active association in the affairs of the Ballarat Diocese.

To his three daughters we extend our sincere sympathy."