John Joseph Gervasoni

John Joseph Gervasoni, Gervasoni Family Collection.

John Joseph Gervasoni (standing back row third from left) in the AIF Band, Gervasoni Family Collection.

History

John Joseph Gervasoni was born at Yandoit Creek, the son of Carlo Gervasoni of San Gallo, Bergamo, Italy.

John Joseph (4202) served during World War One. He started with the Band and ended in the 25th Company Machine Guns.

See also

Nichol Pavich

Tom Pavich

Tony Pavich

Yandoit

Yandoit Honour Roll

World War One

Newsworthy

SOLDIER'S INTERESTING LETTER.

The following is a letter received by Mrs D. Dempsey, of Franklinford, from Private J. J. Gervasoni, formerly of Yandoit Hills:—

Just a few lines hoping they will reach your safely and find you all in the best of health, as this leaves me at present, excepting a slight cold after coming from a hot climate to such a cold one.

Nearly all are feeling the effects of the change. We left Tel-El-Kiber for Alexandria on May 29th, a journey of about 100 miles, and reached the Port at 4a.m. Although the trip was made in open trucks—no seats or anything—and in darkness, it was quite pleasant. Here we embarked on the ———, a captured German vessel, which we are making very good use of these times, and steamed out at 7 p.m. In this port lie hospital ships, commercial boats, and many minor classes. The — , another transport, left five hours before us with 1700 troops on board; our boat carried 2500. We never caught sight of her till reaching England, where we both arrived safely. The Mediterranean Sea is not very safe these times and a boat on such an errand as ours is runing great risks. We have to steer a zig, zag course, and are often miles out of the ordinary route to dodge the waiting submarines. We did not call at Italy. We lost sight of land till passing ______which appears to be a large town, and on the 7th reached ._______ Only a few officials were allowed ashore here, as we only stayed long enough to take on a supply of water and rations. Whilst at_______ we learned of the loss of Lord Kitchener. In about eight hours we headed for England, the weather getting colder, very foggy and rainy, which was very uncommon for us, inducing us to turn out our kit-bags and put on woollen garments, which were of little use to us in the desert. We were denied a view of the coasts of Spain and Portugal. The Atlantic has a much heavier swell than the previous sea, but it was not very rough, although we had a few sea-sick. It never affects me, and I enjoy this life on the ocean very much. I was an orderly coming over. Bully and biscuits are alright, now we are used to them, but the new arrivals think it terrible. Anyhow they agree with me, for I am getting heavier. While crossing the Bay of Biscay, a terrible fog occurred and we got out of our course. After the fog cleared, we discovered that an enemy submarine was on our track. Our boat had full speed up and she zig-zagged about, giving no chance for her broadside to be exposed. We avoided being hit, to our great delight.

The submarine dived and was seen no more. This was a very exciting six hours for us, but I hope all our comrades coming over will be as lucky as we were. We landed at Plymouth on 12th June and were delighted with the beautiful harbor, surrounded by ancient buildings and plantations. Here we met such kind folk, who were all in mourning for Lord Kitchener and many for their own loved ones. Here, we cannot help noticing there is not an available young man in the streets or on the farms. Those we see are either engaged in factories or have seen service, and are limping about doing other duties. All along the line we travelled are great camps where men are drilling in earnest. Never before has England had conscription, but she has awakened at last, and is making it warm for her foes. She is forcing the young fellows, who hate the thought of leaving or else expect others to fight their battles for them. We arrived at Tidworth Station at 6 p.m. after seven hours travelling, so we had nice daylight travelling. We passed through some very fine country—rich soil, grass in abundance, and stock looking well. The crops were just coming out in ear, and some were already cutting hay. All the land seems to be in small holdings, each having a well-kept hedge fence. The band played a few selections on the railway station and then we set out for our camp, which was four miles distant. After arriving, we received a mug of beer and some pies from the Y.M.C.A., fixed our bunks and retired, but the coldness would not let us rest. It was very severe on us after coming from a climate, where it was 125 degrees in the shade, where the flies worried us incessantly and heat waves and sand storms were plentiful. After two days at Park Camp, we were ordered to pack up and be ready in two hours. We then set out on a 5 mile march, across country, some times on a road, when our band made the valleys ring with Australian melodies; as it was a nice evening we quite enjoyed it. We arrived there at 7 p.m. and lodged in a nice long huts that have tables down the centre. With the band mess, two orderlies, and two postmen, we are 29—quite a happy family. We rise at 5.30 for the reveille, which is played up and down the lines, then we please ourselves till 9.5 when we must be on parade. We then practice, parade again at 2 p.m., and have our own time till 6 p.m., when we play the retreat. I am good at early rising, which has been left to me ever since I joined the band, but what a picnic it is to get some out on cold bleak mornings. I think you have a photo of Bert Rasmussen, of Castlemaine, who was our bandmaster in this camp band. :Yesterday, we were visited by Mr Fisher, who addressed us and wished us luck; the day before we were inspected by General Forsyth, who delivered a stirring speech, and on the same day General Moore visited us and told us everyone would be wanted shortly over in France, so that will be our next move I suppose. This long list will tire you, I am sure, so I had better draw it to a close. I shall be on the look out for Paviches and many others who will very likely come here. How are you keeping? I would like to have a chat again as oft times in the past. May you have the best of health, as well you deserve. Accept best wishes to you all.

External links

http://soldiersettlement.prov.vic.gov.au/soldiers-stories/gervasoni-john-j/

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--Clare K.Gervasoni 23:17, 3 July 2015 (AEST)