Carol Kelly shares the story of her grandfather, Albert Francis Nye.

Albert Nye was the 6th child of James Nye and Mary Anne Thomas. He was 26 years old and living in Pakenham when he enlisted on 24 March 1916. His service number was 5887 and he started training with the 24th Battalion 16th Reinforcements. He was aboard the HMAT Nestor when the ship left Melbourne on 2 October 1916. Albert kept a diary of his time on board and he noted that as well as drills and guard duty, the soldiers held boxing matches, played games and even had a Caulfield Cup sweep. During the voyage a number of men contracted measles.

On 23 October the ship docked in Cape Town. Although the men were supposed to be quarantined because of the measles, they were taken to an entertainment hall where they enjoyed singing and music. They also had time to sightsee, although some soldiers abused their privileges and were listed as AWOL when the ship departed on 26 October. The ship continued on its voyage to England and for the final part of the journey, the ship was escorted by a destroyer. The men finally disembarked at Plymouth in November 1916. After training at Lark Hill Camp the men were sent to France and participated in the successful but costly second battle of Bullecourt. The 24th Battalion also played a role in many other battles.

Albert Nye was my paternal grandfather. He was wounded and sick a number of times and was granted leave in England in February 1918. He was sent back to France in March and on the 27 he was gassed and spent some time in hospital before returning to the battle field where he was wounded. He finally returned home in January 1919. Albert married and had four children, the eldest (my father) enlisted in World War II where he served in the 2/21st Battalion, known as Gull Force, and spent 3 and a half years as a POW in Ambon. Albert then enlisted again on 26 March 1942 to be part of the Volunteer Defence Corp. Albert had a dreadful cough as a result of the gassing but was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather.