Spr Joseph Gibson (Kilsyth), 3^rd Division Signal Company: Dies in hospital of influenza. He is 30 years old and is buried in the Charleroi Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

Pte Thomas Leach (Lilydale), 22^nd Cycling Battalion: Marries an English girl at Leicester, she would later come out to Australia as a war bride.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Rafa. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic –‘On the 20th we left our happy home at Tripoli and sailed away on the good ship Ellenga. We had a splendid trip to Port Said where we entrained for Kantara and arrived at Rafa the following day. With regard to the trip to England, we were informed that if we have a good excuse we would stand a chance of a trip to England but also that we would be leaving for Aussy about the same time. It’s a long time since I left home and mother is sure to be anxious until I return so I did not apply. Some of the late reinforcements applied but only a few of the old hands. (We want to go home.)

Moascar should be a good camp but I would sooner visit new scenes. All these places bring back old memories and there is nothing fresh to see. Perhaps I am hard to please. We have no idea when we are leaving but the general outlook is very promising and we should be home for another winter’.