The data for this study is based on an analysis of the daily activities of the 1st Australian Division during its service during the Great War. The activity categories were derived from an analysis of British Edwardian doctrine, the types of activity common to all military formations at that time and, most importantly, the entries in divisional war diaries.

War diary entries were nearly always made daily, showing the date, location of the headquarters or unit and what they were engaged in during that twenty-four-hour period. The level of detail in describing the activity varies considerably depending on the individual making the entry (which depended on their level of training and experience in staff duties); the period of the war (entries were often more comprehensive in later years as staff experience improved); and the nature of the activity. If there was a major action, the entry sometimes is reduced to a detailed narrative or it might simply refer to an attached report. On Headquarters 1st Division it was the practice for the GSO3 to compile the General Staff diary for approval by the GSO1, while the A&Q diary was compiled by the respective staffs for approval by the AAQMG. Given the difficulties and time pressures that prevailed during the war, these diaries were remarkably well kept for the most part. The following is a list of the divisional activities used for this book.