1

DIARYOFDRIVERWILLIAMIRVINGPHILLIPS

FIRSTFIELDCOMPANYENGINEERS

Transcript–BeverleyPrior

COMMENCED17.8.1914

August17

Acceptedasavolunteerformilitaryserviceabroad.ToreportatVictoriaBarracksassoonaspossible.

August18

Medicallyexaminedandpassedasfit.Farewellatschool.Oralexambytheinspector.

August19

SworninatEngineerDepot.DriverintheEngineers.

August20

Drillinsquadsforseveraldays,whenhorsesarrived.Plentyoffuntrainingteams.Severalboltsanddozensofspills.StarlightandGordonspillthecooks.IhadmyfingerspinchedbyahorsepullingbackwhenIwasfasteningtheheadropebuttheysoonhealed.AppointedBatmantoLieutBiden.Heavyrainssetinandfloodedthecamp,buttheboyspaddledthroughitcheerfully.

Ihavebeenincampaboutfiveweekshavingagoodtimewithplentyofleave.

September

Sep17

WenttoManlySchool,andreceivedawristletwatch,dressingcase,silvermountedpocketbook,5pairssocks,3mufflers,andsundrymomentos.Gavesomeofthethingstotheboysofourtent.Sen.Inspec.Friendmadepresentationandwaswellpleasedwithmyclass.

Sep19

OrderstobereadytomarchonMonday21.Campverybusy.

Mon21

MarchingorderparadethroughCent.Pk.Troopsbehavedsplendidly.

Tues22

MarchingorderparadethroughCity,goodappearance.

Wed23

2

HorsesgoaboardonFriday,sailonSat.WesailSundayperSSAfric.

Thur24

Busyincamp,packingup.

Fri25

Cartstakendowntoboats.Lastleavefromcamp.RushedroundtoEilbecks,AuntEm’s,AuntLouise’sandMrHolden’stosayGoodbye.

Sat26

Horseswentaboard,butordersarrivethatembarkationiscancelled.WincametocamptoseemeinafternoonandArthurinevening.Wewerereadytomarchat9amtomorrowmorning.

Sun27

NoleavesinceFriday.Donotknowwhenwewillsail.Theboysareverydis-satisfied.

Mon28

Horsescamebackfromboattoday.Noleave.Campgettingstale.Nonewswhyembarkationstopped.Bullybeef,blacktea.

Tues29

Stillnonews.Wentouttogivehorseexercise.HadaridetoNewtown.Footballarrivedandcheeredthingsconsiderably.AuntieEmandGainfordcameoutatnight.PicketforRyan,concertatnight.

Wed30

Incampallday,nonews,noleave.ArthurHoldencameouttoseemeatnight.Ryandidmypicquetinmerrystyle.

October

Thur1

NewsthatBritishGovtcabled“Donotsail”.DriversandMajorMcCallreturnedfromtheboat.No1Sectionhasleavetonight.MacPhersonandRosehadafisticencounterandRosenowwearsadamagedoptic.

Fri2

LeaveforSection2.Concertatnight.JackArcher,Giovanelli&WalDivecameoutandhadadanceandgotmerry.

Sat3

Footballmatchinafternoon.Sections3and4played1and2,and1and2wonby11tonil.Gotleavefordinnertimetill12pm.WentouttoStPetersandplayedtennisandwenttoManlyatnightwithArthur,Win,AlfStephens,MissHurrell,andMissHenry.

Sunday4

3

Leavefrom11amuntil9pm.WenttoEilbecksfordinnerandthenwenttoNewtownfortea.BettieClarkveryill.StayedforanhourwithWin.Didnotgotochurchastimewastooshort.

Monday5

Eighthourday.InmornwentintoSportsGroundandsawprocessionalsoLangandStarbuckfight.Leaveinafternoon.OuttoStPetersandplayedtennis.SawAuntMartha.SapperCotterillcommittedsuicide–shothimselftonight.Gloomovercamp.

Tues6

WholeNSWforcemarchedthroughSydneyandmadeafineimpression.Ourboyswereamongthebest.Greatcrowdsandtremendousenthusiasm.Iwasleftincamponpoliceduty.

Wed7

MilitaryfuneralofSapperCotterill.OurboysmarchedtoWaverleyCemetrybehindgun-carriagewithcoffin.Afineprocession,andtouchingceremony.WentouttoNewtownafteralongchatwithFredLee.

Thur8

Hadtoothfilled.AddressondutybyMajorMcCall.Packingandstraighteningabit.GotinvitationtoMethodistdinner.WenttodinnerandafterwardstoCong.ChurchPittStwherepleasantfarewellspeechesweremadebyRevF.Colwell,ColPlane,DrBromilow&CJPrescott.Goodfeelingandkind&cheeringwords.CaptBuchananalsospokefinely.

Fri9

WentouttoLongBayrangeforshootingpractice.Shotwell,scoringapossibleat300yds.Downtowngettingcollars,glovesandsaltwatersoap.

Sat10

Incampallday,wetday.Onpicquetatnight,hencedidnotgoout.

Sun11

Leaveinafternoon.WentouttoStPeters.MetStanatAuntLouise’s.SawphotosatAuntEm’s.WenttoNewtownChurchatnight–SSAnniversaryandbacktoParsonageforsupper.Weexpecttogetawaysoon.

Mon12

WentdowntownonbusinessforLtBiden.GermanshavecapturedAntwerp.Nonewsofdeparture.Nightparadeforsappers,doingfieldworks.Wrote2lettercards.

Tues13

Cleanedsaddlery.Hotday.F.Leecamein&tookmehometoteaatCroydon.

Wed14

Hotday.Schools’display.Storminafternoonspoiltafineprogramme.Win,MrClark&Jackiespentafternoonatcamp.Picquetatnight.OrderstoembarkonSundaynext.

Thur15

4

Lt.Bidenawayonleave.WentouttoStPeters.SawBazaaropened.Playedtennis.CalledatNewtown.

Fri16

PackingthingsreadytogoaboardonSunday.Payday.WentouttosayGoodbye.

Sat17

Downtownshopping.Win&MrsClarkcametocamptoseemethisafternoon.Wehadarealpicnicinourtent.Rainingheavily.ReceivedcakeandbooksfromNewtownParsonage.Farewell.

Sun18

Reveille5.30.Packinginahurry.BycabtoFt.Macquariewithluggage.Ourboyscamebytram,thencebyferrytoSSAfric.Crowdswavingfarewell,andsinging“AuldLangSyne”,“Sister”&c..Assembledinmessroom.Gooddinner.Severalavalanchesoffooddowngangway,followedbydixieandclumsymess-orderly.About5pmwemovedawayfromanchorage,andreceivedatouchingfarewellaswesteameddowntheharbour.Tootingferries,cheeringcrowds,“Goodbye”signalledbyarowofmenfromSouthhead.“Englandexpectseverymantodohisduty”fromthepilotsteamerChoppyweatheroutsideHeads:-followingtheSuffolk.Plentyleaving.Tobunkstraightaftertea.Feelingunhappy.Tossedoutofbunk.

Mon19

Awfulfeelingwithoutthehearttoheave.Helplesscrowdallaround.Sickbeforedinner,butdidnotmissanymeals.MetEMoore,A.Loomes,L.Dinning.Calmday,boysreviving.Passedcruiserinafternoon.Gavesafefeeling.Goodnight.

Tuesday20

PassedWilson’sProm.soonafterreveille.Everybodywellandhappy.Struggleforthingsfromcanteen.Veryfineweather.Plentyofcatch.penniesonboardbutarebeingstopped.Skipping,boxing&c.Crookchoironourend.Concertonafterdeck.Goodnightfuninbunks.

Wed21Nicecalmday.MetWillDavislayingquoits,tug-of-war.Didsomewriting.ReadingPickwickPapers.NonewsofoutsideeventssinceleavingSydney.Settlingdowntoorderandgettingcomfy.

Thurs22

Calmdayagain,Workinginsomerifledrill.Waroncanteenprices.Nobbedfromsleepintosquadofmugs.CockfightingafterteawhenMcNairandBriggsdistinguishedthemselves.Acoupleofforagecapswentoverboardinthescramble,butadeviltheycare.

Friday23

Physicable.rifledrill.Troopshipfollowingus.Fineschoolofporpoises.Stormineveningbutdidnotlastlongenoughtoberough.Writingletters.Goodnight.

Sat24

Calmagain.Severalshipsinsight.EnormousmailreadyforAlbany.Ipostedsevenletters.Boxing,wrestlingetc.

Sun25

5

ReachedAlbanyearly.Veryprettyentrancebutdesertedappearanceonshores.Fleetgathering,fourteenvesselsintheSound.Cruiserstandingoffheadstonight.Heavywindblowingtonight.

Mon26

Tenmorevesselsarrived.Rainyday,noparades.Seamoderate.ClanM.arrived.ReceivedletterfromWin,whichcameasapleasantsurprise.

Tues27

Fineday.Threeofourofficersawayonshore.Defencestoryinsteadofparades.Triedtowrite,butkeptgoingwithphotoprinting.Raidbyhair-cutters,severalgallantcaptures,troubleatsergeants’quarters,Gattyinchoko.Managedtoescapewithmylocksstillintact.

Wed28

Alittlerain.Routineasusual.

Thurs29

Fineday.Ropeandwoundupreadytogoalongsidewharf.Letterstiedtoboard,andthrownontuginhopeofgettingthemaway.Believecorrespondencetobestopped.Rec’dletterfromWin.

Fri30

Steamedupharbourtojetty.Albanyinsight.Veryprettyscenery,goodharbour.About2pmwentonshore.RoutemarchthroughAlbany,roundhillandbacktoship.Nicelittletown,veryclean,noleave.Someofthechaps“pinched”ashore,evenclimbingthewharfpiles.Manyprisoners.Niceday.

Sat31

FirebrokeoutinNo6.hold,andwehadtotumbleoutat5.30am.Multitudesofdresses.Soonextinguished.OutfromjettytoanchorageintheSound.FourofourdriverswenttotheClanMacorquadalelastnight.ReportwellontheClan.,lostonehorse.CourtmartialofDriverRathardA.S.C.forslightinghiscomrades.Sentencedtoshower&blanket.

November

SunNov1

Twentysixvesselsformedinthreelines.Farvesselsstartedfirst,andeachvesselturnedintolineandfollowedthevesselwhichhadjustbeenbehindit.AfinesightastheOrvietoledasinglelineofour26shipswith10N.Z.transportsfollowing.OutsidetheSound,formedupagaininthreelinesledbyWiltshire,OrvietoandEuripedes.ThreecruisersinviewMinatoinfrontandMelb.andSyd.oneitherboard.Lightsalldousedoncruisersandonlyheadandtaillightsshowingintransports.Showeryweatherbutsteadysea.N.Z.followingin2lines.Good-byeAustralia.

Mon2

Strongwindblowing.Searising.Ourchapsonguard.LtBidenunwell.Gotharnessoutofhold.Freezingchamberveryfrostyforharness.TicketsbeingsoldforsweepinMelbCup.

Tues3

6

Choppysea,strongwind,hotatnight.Onlyacoupleofchapssick.JoinedbytheMedicandAscarius.Showeryweather.

Wed4

Fineweather.HavebeenheadingN.N.W.for3days.Gettingwarmer.Boxingandwrestlingtourneyonboard,butmoregorethanskill.Concertourendatnight.Cupresultsreceivedbywireless.

Thur5

Hotday.Canvasawningserected.Leadingcruiserdoubledbackthroughlines.TheOsterleypassedusatduskonherordinaryjourney.Rowdymeetingonhatchtoprotestaboutthesellingofthingsbelievedtobegifts.Endsinsmoke.McKeeandIpractisingsemaphore,whenachapquestionedour“C”,snappedupabetwithMcK.andlosthish.crown.Verycloseandstuffyatnight.Practisebridgebuilding.

Fri6

Finedayratherclose,heavyswell.Verycloseatnight,blanketsunbearable.LieutBidenwellagain.FinishedreadingPickwickPapers.Enjoyedit.Commenced“AGirloftheLimberlost.”Veryhotatnight.

Sat7

Hotday.Limejuiceissuedtotroops.BridgetourneybeingplayedonboardbutIrefrainedfromenteringbecauseIthoughtIwasnotgoodenough.Cleaningharness.Finishedreading“Limberlost”.Agoodtalewithagoodmoral.Osterleycameoutofhercoursetoseeus,andwehearshehasbeendetainedbyourescort.Onechapgoingscantilycladgotinwayofsweepers&wasdousedwithhose,andinhastyescapemeasuredhislengthondeck.Ladsgettingaboutinallkindsofcostumepyjamas,shorts,bathers&c.Manyofussleptondeck,itwassohot.Raincameinnightandscatteredthoseoutsidecoverings.Boardsmadeaprettyhardbed.

Sun8

Veryhotday,chapsgettingaboutclothedwithtowels,whilethehoseplayedwaggishlyaroundcorners.Churchparadeinmorning,niceservice.Storminafternoon.Cruiser“Minatau”calledawayfromescort,becausetheBritishCruisershavegotit“wherethechickengottheaxe”offValparaiso.Funeralfrom“Euripides”thismorn.Pulledoutofline,sloweddownaboutthreeminutesandawayagain.BeatHudsoninfirstroundEuchretourn.afterhimleading7–0.Playedeuchreforacoupleofhours,Sundaytoo–chapswouldotherwisebegambling.Noharmdone.Commencedreading“InnocentsAbroad”.Gameof“CatchwhoWhacks”andPriestofParish.Gatheredinchoirandsangwellknownsongsandhymns.GrandtohaveasingandhowitremindedusofHomeSweetHome.

Mon9

Veryhotandclose.Gotharnessoutoffreezingchambers&cleaneditonfocstledeck.LearningMorsecode...-..-..-.--..----.--.--.--.KnockedoutofeuchretourneyinthirdroundbyJ.Pantlin.Scantydressonallhands.AnotherfuneralfromEuripides.Ourescorthurriedtoportbeforedinner,andat11.30newscamethat“Sydney”smashedupthe“Emden’andleftherlifelessonCocosIsland.Wasthenpursuingattendantcollier.Enthusiasmmarvellousatthisnews.“Emden”waswithinabout40mlsofus.Howweenvythecrewofthe“Sydney”.Waterfightsfrequentandtheypresentamusingspectacles.Twosweepers,hose,AaccidentallysplashesB,BpurposelyturnsheronA,Aditto,Bputshandonmuzzleofofhose,andreboundsthestreamonA,tussle,outfliesGattyfrombath,joinsinstruggle.AandBjoinforces.Gattyforcedtoretreatandhoseplayscheerfullyonhisbackuntiloutofrange.Sleepingupondeckwithhammockswungamongwinchesthesenights.

7

Tues.10

Hotday,weatherverycalm.Plentyofshowerbaths.Showersofrainfallnearlyeverynight,butmybunkisundershelter.Aboutmidnightasharpclapofthundercamewithoutwarning,andwethoughtwewereshot.“Mary”sleepingabovemesuddenlyfellfromabovelikeaboltfromtheblue,onmybunk,andthentoPhilAytonbelow,mutteringprayersandimprecationsashewent.Thosewholosttheirblockwerechippedfromallhandsnextday.

Wed11

Hotinmorn.Steppedonanironplatewithbarefootandblisteredmyfootslightly.Coolerinafternoon.Boxingandwrestlingcontinued.Plentyofclaretandalittlescience.Acoupleofknockouts.Mulligan&Castlesinclownact.

Thur.12

Stillwarmwithoccasionalshowers.Throughbeltofcalms.MeetingsteadyNorthW.winds.Seaverycalm.Learningknotting,lashing&signallingandcleaningharness.Deckcricket.

Fri13

Crossed“TheLine”thisafternoon.Rainedallmorning.AfterdinnertheEngrsandA.S.C.hadwaterfight,whileInftyranriot&dousedasergtpriortoNeptune’sCeremony.Bigcanvasbath,flourpasteforlather,boardrazor,hoseforsyringe,platformoverhangingbath,boxonedgeofplatformforseatofvictimswhohavenotpreviouslycrossed“line”.Capt.Swannell&histribeinhideousdress&warpaintfromtheNeptunegang,anddulylathered,shavedandturnedoverthevictimsabacksomersaultintothebathbeneathwheretheywereproperlydoused.Whentheofficerswerebaptised,themobranriot,duckedNeptune,andallotherswhochancedtocomenear.Thehoseplayedcheerfullyaround,andofcoursewegotinthethickofthefunandgotthoroughlywet.Howeveritwasenjoyedbyallhandsexceptthesquibs.Bruisesgalore,buttheydon’tcount.SomeofourfleetdrawingaheadledbytheNewZealanders.GotXmascardsprintedtosendhome.

Sat.14

Fatigueparadeforallhands.HolystonealloverourdecksreadyforinspectionatColombo.Turnedoutat4.30a.m..Rifledrill,andletterwritinginafternoon.SentadozXmascards&5postcardsreadyforpostatColombowhichweexpecttoreachtomorrow.Sleepingupondeckwhenasuddenstormatnightdrovemostofushelterskelterbelow.HadagroupphototakenontopofHospital,fiveofusinthegroupscantydress.

Sunday15

Ceyloninsightatdawn.Ruggedmountainsindistance,longbeachwithdensescrubbehindit.Anodddatepalmshowsaboveothertrees.Soonpassedscoresofcatarmarans–littlefishingsmacks,verynarrowwithsquaresailandanoutrigger.Cantravelsometoo.

Colomboinsightsoonafterdinner,theHotelGallefacebeingveryconspicuous.Thetownisveryprettyviewedfromthesea,beingwellshaded–almosthiddenbytrees,somewithlightgreenfoliage.Redtilespredominate.Plentyoffolk–nativesmostly:movingaboutthebreakwater,butweanchoredtoofarouttoseemuch.Weareanchoredoutsideintheopen,thespacewithinthebreakwaterbeingverysmall,andcrowded.TheN.Z.shipsaretheregettingsupplies,andEnglish,Jap,Russianwarshipsarelyingtheretogether.TheSydneyisthere,andofcoursewasatonceadmiredandhailedbyallhandsastheHerooftheDay.Russiancruiserguardingustonight.Twobigchurchesvisible,onesaidtobeMahommedanandtheotherCingalese.

8

Mon16

Veryhot&oppressive.Someofourshipswentinside.Someniggersonaraftmadeoflogsboundtogethercamealongsideanddivedforsilver,butreckonedtheycouldnotseecopper.“AllRight,AllRight,AllRight!Twoshillenallright.Littleboydive!”Sangsongsalso.Allmoneycrammedinmouthwhichshowednoeffectsofthebundleofcoinitcontained.Girdleroundwaist.Somehadlonghair.Someofourshipswentinsideforgoods.

Tues17

Twolotsofraftscamebeside,cadgingbydiving.Othersbroughtbananasandcocoanutsontug-boat,passingthemuponaline.Onechappasseddownahalf-sovandwasinformedthat“Gentlemannowantchange”.About8pmwestartedoff,about5hoursafterthefirstandseconddivisionsofourfleet.NewsbynewspapersfromshorethatthefittingsofEmdenaretobemountedatCanberra.TheduelbetweenSydney&Emdenwasfierce,andbutfortheshellsfiredbyEmdennotbursting,theSydneywouldhavehadaroughtime.

Wed18

Fineday,hot.Ihaveaverysorethroat,andamoffcolourgenerally.Paradedsick.Ourdivisionhasnotyetcaughttheothertwodivisions.Boxing&wrestlingtourneycontinued.Somegoodscraps,andseveralknock-outs.Playingbridgeatnight.

Thur.19

Paradedsickagain.Haveaverysorethroat–fancyitisatouchofinfluenza.Someofourchapsinoculatedagainstfever,butIwasabsentfortheparade.Tookeffectatonce,andlimparmsremindedusofvaccination.Leadinghalfoffleetinsight.Weexpecttopickthemuptomorrow.Someoftheboysvolunteeredtogetdownandstoke,asthefiremenarefeelingthestrain.FineandwarmsinceleavingCeylon.Nightlyshowersceasing.

Fri.20

DidnotparadesickasIhadworktodoforLtBiden–cleaningsaddle.Feltabitbetterinmornbutamfeelingseedytonight.Passedexaminsemaphoreandknottingwithveryfairresults.A.19hasrec’dorderstojoin2nddiv–wethink‘tisbecausesheistooslow.

Sat21

Nicefineday.EverybodybusypreparingfortherifledrillcompetitiononboardtheAfric.Greatinterestisbeingdisplayedinthecontest,andwefeelsureourchapswilldowell.NiceconcertonNo6hatchtonight.

Sunday22

Fineandhot.Ourwatersupplyisgettingscarce,andordershavebeenissuedtoeconomiseasmuchaspossible.Washedoutsomecollars,handkerchievesandsox.Ironedthecollarsatnight,andmadethemsomeclass.Everyeyeisontheriflecomp.

Mon23

Socotrainview.Ruggedbarrenmountainrighttoshore.Nosignsoflife,butneverthelessbeautifulbeingsorugged.Daytakenupinriflecomp.whichtheEngineerscarriedoffingoodstyle.WesecuredthetwofirstplaceswithA.S.C.next,andtheInfantryfollowing.Ourchapsveryexcitedtonight.

Tues24

9

Stillhotandverydry.TheOrvietoandourescorthaveleftusandwehaveour4”gunsreadytonight.

Wed25

InnoculatedagainstTyphoidfeverthismorningandarmalreadysore,whileIfeeldrowsy.FinalsofboxingtourneytodaywonbyHealey(feather),Adair(light),McDonald(middleandwelter),McNair(heavy).Nextweektheathleticeventscommence.IthinkIwillhaveagoatacoupleofthem.ReachedAdenthisafternoon.Mountainsofrockrisingatdifferentplacesaroundthetown.Cannotseemuchfromtheharbour.Everythingdryanddesolatelooking.

Thur.26

Veryhotanddry.Notfeelingtoogoodonaccountofthebadeffectsofinnoculation.

Fri.27

Hotanddry.SomeoftheIndiantransportsseenreturningbearingnumbersupto103.HayesbeingoffendedbecauseAikenremindedhimofthebath,becamepugnacious.Goodscrap,winforAiken.BadearandeyeforHayes.

Sat.28

NewshasarrivedbywirelessthatwearetoproceedtoCairotocompleteourtraining,andthengofromtheretothefront.Wearenaturallydisappointedbutarewillingtogowherewearesent.WemaybecalledtomeetTurks.Cameupcoolatnightwithstrongheadwind.

Sun.29

Coolertoday.WeexpecttoreachtheCanalinabout3dayswherewewilldisembark&travelthencetoCairo.Mostlydisappointedatplayingwhatseemstobesecondfiddle,but“Lansitdoesn’tmatter”.Churchparadeinkhaki.McCrackenandFringsfisticencounter.Fringswalloped.

Mon30

Washingday,gettingthingscleanreadyforpacking.Donotyetknowwherewewillland,butaregoingtopackuptomorrow.Landinsightonbothsidestonight.Weseemtobedroppingbehindtheothertwodivisions.

Tuesday1Dec

ReachedSuezaboutdinnertime.Highbarerocksaround,anddesertstretchingawayoneitherside.Smalltownship,butverycompact.Nativescamealongsideinsailingcraftsellingdates,oranges,apples,Turkishdelight,figs,beads,postcards.Someofthetransportshavemovedoffthroughthecanal.Theylooktobesailingthroughthedesert.Takingwateronboardtonight.

Wed.2

AfleetbearingIndiantroopscameupbesideusunderconvoyofFrenchcruiser.Waitingforpilot.Pilotarrivedabout1.30p.m.,andwesetoff,beingloudlycheeredaswepassedtheFrenchCruiser.Veryprettyspotjustatentrancetocanal.Ladswentintorapturesatsightofsomewhitegirls–firstsinceleavingAlbany.CanalguardedbyIndiantroopsoneachside.Plentyofdredgesinthecanal,andstationseveryfewmiles.Queerfishingaffairsnearmouthofcanal.Reachedlakeaboutdusk.Passedplentyofcampsofnativetroops.NewsofgreatRussianvictory.Sawseveralcampsofcamels&drivers.Redlightsononesideofcanal,greenonother.

10

Thur3

ReachedPortSaidabout4am.Smallanchoragecrowdedwithshipping.Nativesinplentypullingboats,sailinginskiffs.Musicianscamealongsidesingingandchantingfortin.Sawseveralpatrolsofnativepolicegoalongstreets.Milkmandrivingcowfromhousetohouse.Severalbighotelsjustovertheway.Wegotsomegoodoranges,dates&cfromnatives.Britishbattleship&Frenchcruiserinharbour.Lyingabout100ydsfromshoreallday–sonearandyetsofar.Sangsongstoalltheprettygirlsonshore.EverytimewehearanAustralianCooeeitgetsareadyresponse.Sailedoutofharbourandanchoredoffshorewithseveralotherboats.ThewharfspaceatAlexandriacanonlyaccommodate8vessels,causingdelay.Theycanonlyrun10trainsadaytoCairo,sowewillloseabout10daysgettingtoourcampwhichwehearistobeabout10milesoutoftown.Rec’d3letters–home,AuntEm,Win.Repliedtothethree.Newsverywelcome.

Friday4

SailedfromoffPortSaidabout5pm.Ourskipperwentoffinmorn,&camebackaboutduskjustbeforesailing.Seacalm,withthewavesabitchoppy.Packingofficersluggage.Someoftheofficersill,andsomecelebratingtheoccasioninmerrystyle.Jugglingwithcabindoors,caps,cheer-bottles.

Sat.5

ArrivedoffAlexandriaatdawn.Drewintoharbouramongourotherships,butcannotgoalongsideyet.Largetown.Abundanceofsailingshipsandseagulls.Verylongbreak-water.Rainedheavilylastnight.ThreechapsfromInfty.climbeddownaropetoaraft(whichwasalongsidecleaning)thenhailedaboatandstartedforshore.Theywerecalledontostop,butmademorehastewhensuddenlyanofficergrabbedsentry’srifleandfiredclosetotheirbows.Theniggerinchargeofboatwheeledlikefuryandcamebackposthaste.Ourthreeworthieswerearrestedandtheniggertoldtocomeupthesteps.Hesaid“NoNo”,untilthesentryaimedtherifle,whenhescrambledupinahurryandthrewsalutes&bowsinrarestyle.Hewascautioned&releasedandinfunthechapscalledtohimtocomeclose,buthestoutlyshookheadandfistssaying“Himfellershoot”.Frenchcruiserlyinginharbour.Havewrittenacoupleoflettersinhopeofpostingwhenwegoashore.Wehadeverythingpacked&readythismorn.,butdidnotmove.

Sunday.6

Churchpdeinmorn.Writinglettersinafternoon.LyingoutinstreamwaitingtogoalongsideClanMacorquodalecamealongside.Lost5horses.Everythingok.

Monday7

Stillwaitingtogotothewharf.Somechapspinchedashorebutwereallcaughtonreturnandhavetodo7daysinclink&lose7days’pay.Onechapclimbedupropetotop,whenhesawanofficerabovehim.Saying“thegameisup”hedroppedbackinwater.

Tuesday8

Wentintowharfabout7a.m.Plentyofniggerstoutingforcustom.Noisychapsquarrellingaboutcoinsthrowntothem,andhavingnoisyargumentswithpolice.Poorlypaid2/-&3/-aday&poorlyfed.Gladtogetcrustsa&scrapsthrownoverboard.Queerdonkeys&mulesworking.Niggersdressedinallkindsofdifferentcolouredgarbs.Expectedtogooffthisafternoon,butdidnotgo.Finishedpackingup,andcarriedofficersgoodsdowntotrain.Plentyofchapspinchedoff,manygotdrunkandwereputinclink.Rainingallday.Gladwedidnotgotonight.

Wed9

11

Kickedupearly.Packedourgoodsin10mins.andawaytothetrain.Soonsettledintrainwithniggersallroundsellingtrinkets,oranges,apples,cakes,sugarcane,chocolate.Startedoff,butgososlowlythatniggerssellaswegoalong.LovelyviewsasweleaveAlexandria.Plentyofcanals&irrigationchannels,plentyofdatepalms,mudvillagesasdirtyanddingylookingasalotofrottenstrawstacks.Plentyofdonkeyswithmenridingwellbacktogetalongerride.Queercemeteries.Oldfashionedcattle&sheep,andbullocks&oldwoodenploughasindaysofAdam.Greatplantationsofcottonwithgreatstacksatallstations.Camelsladenwithcotton&corninplenty.Eucalyptustreesinoneplace.Donkeysverysmall&poor.Fewwomen&childrenseen&thosearedirtyandalldresseddifferently.Countrylevelandswampywithpatchesofbulrushesabounding.PassedonegreatstretchofoneofthemouthsoftheNile.ArrivedatCairoaboutnoon.Transferredluggagetotrain.Nativesinplentychattering&chantingastheyscurryabout.Cupofcocoaandrollatstation.BytraintoMenaatfootofPyramids.CampbehindPyramidsonedgeofdesert.Donkeys&camelsinplentywithniggersallroundtryingbyallmeanstocatchmoney.Bustlingluggagedowntocamp.Sleptinbigsheltertent.Rathercoldwithplentyofstonesinsand.

Thur10

Straighteningupthecamp.Iwashelpingcooksgetdinner.AfterdinnerhaddonkeyrideuptoPyramid.Hadargumentwithniggertogetchange,whilehetriedeverymeanstocatchthewholeofashilling.Donkey’snameMoses.ClimbedtotopofPyramid.Greatclimb.Hugestonesgraduallywearingawaybyweather.Hadacupofcoffeeontop.GloriousviewoffarmsofNile–awonderfulcountry.SphinxinonesideandburiedcityonothersideofPyramid.Aseaofniggersanxioustoguide.

Fri.11

Fixingupthecamp.Putmatsintents.Drivers&horsesarrived.Allingoodorder.Seemslikeoldtimestohavethemwithus.NewsofnavalvictoryatFalklandIs.Plentytoamuseus.Foodnotsoplentifulnow–fieldallowance-butquitegoodenough.Someofthesilverspoonchapsgrumbling.

Sat12

Stillfixingupcamp.Fixedropes&caroundofficers’tent.GotthingsreadytogointoCairo,butdeferredleavetilllaterasreq.Weamescouldnotgetaway.

Sun.13

MarcheduptoMenaHouseforswim.MenaHouse,agrandplaceformerlyatouristhotel,nowahospitalfortroops.Beautifulgrounds,tenniscourts,baths,gardens,kitchens,scullery,&c&c,lifts,hothouses,look-out.Leaveinafternoon–wenttoCairowith“Warrigal”.HadlunchatFrenchcafe-waiterspainfullyslow–thenroundtoSoldiers’Cafe–goodattentioncleanandgood.Wentroundtowntoseelife.Streetscrowdedandnarrow.Dirtinsidestreets–awful.Bigpipes,gambling,waresinopenviewofstreet.Aqueervarietyofhumanity,stench,andfilth.Viceawful–sawthingsthatwillremainfixedinmymindforalifetime.Met3goodterriers.

Mon.14

Incampallday.Tentsallottedfreshly,andallourgearhadtoberemovedagain.HelpedDubboandWeamesmakestandsforbooksandgear.WillfinishtheoneforRegWeamestomorrow.Wehavenottoattendparadenow.TaleofAfricbeingsunk.

Tues.15

TaleofMedicbeingsunk.FixingupstandforReg.Weames,andattendingtocampgenerally.Picquet.

12

Wed.16

Thingsincampmuchmoreconvenient.Mess-roomandcookingkitchenmuchimproved.Stillworkingatstandsinofficers’tents.

(Neglectedthispartofdiary–toobusy-)

Thur.17

Makingstandforthingsinourofficers’tents.Officersgettingplentyofrubbishfromtown.Wouldthinktheycameoutforapicnic.Pinchingtimber–nearlyafight.

Fri.18

FinishedthefourthcupboardforWalkeandFrankAtherton.Pinchingtimberandnails.

Sat.19

Straightenedthingsupinmorning,andinafternoonReg.WeamesandIwentintoCairo.WenttoSoldiers’Clubfordinner,thenaroundtothestoresfordifferentthings.MetsomeenthusiasticFrenchmen,andsawanicelookingFrenchladybehindthesilkcounter–nicelookinggirlsofdecentstamparescarceinCairo.FinishedshoppingandwenttoSoldiers“Cafe”,hadteaandreadEnglishpapers&magazines.Sawconjurerandhadatalkwithoneoftheproprietors.Homeearly.

Sun.20

TookhorsesforexercisearoundPyramids&Sphinx.Imagesforsalelookingold,butwell-manufactured.Dubbo–“Strikemefathere’sJesus!”Wrotethreeletters.

Mon.21

Fixingchairs.Horsesyokedupinteams.Workingwell.PostedletterstoHome,AuntieandWin.GotlettersfromWin&MrsBardfromtheOldCountry.Newslikegoldandgavemegoodspiritsfortherestoftheday.AccountofS.Schoolpicnic.

Tues.22

WonderingwhatXmaswillbring.Geese&turkeysappearinginstraycorners.Niggergettingawaywithjampulledupbysentryandstartedtofight,butsoonshovedoffinanticipationofthebayonet.

Wed23

Plansofcampaigndeveloping.Walkeintowngottwopromisingplumpuddings.Gettingastockforourtent.

Thur.24

Weames&IwentintoCairotogetourlittlestore.Returnedhomewithcake,milk,preservedpineapple,dates,apples,bananas,nuts&c..Confusionattramwhereinterpreterprotestedagainstbeingcalledaliarashethought.“Warrigal”flewoffandkickedachocolatekidinthedinnerbox.Officersmerry.PackingthingsforvisittoMemphis.

Fri.25

XmasDay.WorkedtheoraclewithMohammatforcooking.Feastintentfollowedbydittoinmess-room.Messroomdecoratedwithflags,palmleavesandhumorouswritings:(GoodLucktoourCommandingOfficer),

13

(AMerryXmastoEverybody)(GoodLucktotheCookswhospentXmasEvewatchingourDuff)(AuldLangSyne)(DrinktothoseatHome)(AnyComplaints)(GoodLucktoourOfficefromNo6.Hun!)GoEasywiththeChampagne)(BileBeansforBadBelliestomorrow)(LookoutfortheQuidinCookhouseTable)(GoEasywiththeGuardsCoffee)(NocanoodlinginrearofDrillHall)(Bewarethe10%)GoforyourLife(PlaytheGameBoys)(bestWishestotheCooks).

Menu

RoastdeBoeuf,Ham,Chicken.

Cabbage,turnip,potatoes.

PlumPuddingCake,Preserves.

Oranges,apples,dates,sultanas,figs,nuts.

EnglishAle,Lemonade.

Goodfeastfollowedbyrestanddiscussionintentatnight

Sat.26

Straighteningupaftertheparty.Notmuchdoing.Halfholidayforus,butIdidnotgoout.

Sun.27

Tentorderly.Hadmylegpulledaslongasawetweek.ThoughtIwasupfororderlyroom,but‘twasonlyajoke.InafternoonWarry&IwentforbikeridetoGizahgardens.Gardenslovely,niggerspipebandwithhighclassdrummer,afternoontea,pavementwithdesigninpebbleswonderfulmazeofcaves,giraffes,crocodiles&c.WrotelettersHome,MrsRand,Win.

Mon28

Quietdayincamp.Cleanedsaddlery.NewsthatitwasreportedthatAfricwentdowninIndianOcean.Nomailyet,hungeringforletters.Spotsofrain

Tues29

TookhorsestoGizehforexercise.Fixingnose-bags&c.LecturebyMajoronbadlanguage.DubboandWalkehadanexcitingchaseaftertheFrenchwasherwomanwhodisappearedwiththeirwashingafortnightago.Aftermuchstutteringandjesticulationwemanagedtogetapromiseofaspeedyreturn.

Wed.30

Dubbo&Walkeraidedthestackof“delanger”andgotsomeoftheirthingsandalsosomeliketheirs.YarnofnavalvictoryatKiel.Dingo’shorsestoodonend.

Thur.31

GeorgeReidvisitedcampandaddressedtroops.Marchpastbycompany.Englishmailarrived.RumoursthatwewillgofromheretoFranceinFeb.

Fri.1

Potteringaroundincampwiththeusualroutine.

14

Sat.2

Weames&IwenttoCairo.Gotsomearticlesforselves&officers.InterestedinsilkatSednaoui’s.Dubbometus,butleftagain,andnearlygottangledwithAlfO’Brien.Ilost1Poundgivenforsomearticles.

Sun.3

Busygettingofficersoffonabiketourpractisingbridgedestruction.InafternoonwentwithStan&Sid.MarsdenaroundSphinxtemple.Wonderfulstructurewithenormousblocksofpolishedgranite.Lidofsycophagus(sic)madeofalabaster.WroteMother,Win,George,MissGilbech.

Mon.4

Tookhorsesforexerciseoutthroughgroveofpalms.CametoArabMarket.Women,children,men&boysinrareconfusionallovertheroaddealinginallkindsofthings.Turkeys,geese,fowls,goats,fruit,vegetables,mules,donkeys,camels,horses,meatbeingcutupongroundwithaxe.

Medleyofkidsfollowusfor“Baksheesh”,andwehaveajobtofindourwayout.Stonesflying,butonechapactedknight-errantfor1P.T.

Atnightwewerehavinggreatargumentinourtentwhenthereservoirjustupthehillburst,andfloodedonesideofourcamp.Toreawaypartoftheconcretewall,gougedaholeinthesand,tooktimber,flags,barrelsoftar&callamongthetents,whilewehadtograbhorsesofflines&thenscrambletosaveofficerskits.Fortunatelyourtentescaped.Boystakeitingoodpart.

Tues5

Diggingthingsoutofthewreckage.Driversmakegooduseofloosetimber.Campapicturewithblankets,shirts,kits&cdryinginthesun.Rice&Walkearenowcamerafiends,andwearealwaysgettingsnapped.

AtnightBertCurrie&Iwentexploringthepyramids.Pickedupguidewhotookuswrongway&pickeduptwoduskycompanions-Onewentforcandleotherfollowedtomindboots.WentintoPyramidofChuffren.Strangeechoes,andhardclimb.Inoneplacecrawling.Bootsoff.ThenwenttothirdpyramidNankara.Ninechambers.LinedwithPolishedGranitebutallroomscutoutofsolidrock.HadourfortunestoldinKing’schamber,allfoursittingroundacandlewiththemagiccirclebetweenus.Myfortuneis:-

1. Notmarried2. ThreegirlsinAustralia.Oneasasociablefriend,onewhoisahorribleflirt,andoneformarriage.3. Thethirdisalwaysthinkingofmeandmyfriendsthinkofmealso.4. Shehasgoldenhairandisagoodgirl.5. Therearetwochapsincamp,intimatecompanionswhospeakwelltome,butslanderbehindmy

back.TheywilldomenoharmasIdonottakenoticeofthem.6. Iwillnotgetshotinwar,butwillhaveawarmwelcomehome7. InthreeyearsIwillbemarried.8. Iwillhaveasonwithyellowhairwhowillbeclever,andbecomericherthanhisfatherormother.

Theniwillhaveadaughterandanotherson.9. Amnottostaylonghere.10. Alonglifeandahappyone.

OutofPyramid,hadsquabbleoverpriceandnearlycametoblows.Paid20PTtoguideand5PTtofortuneteller.Hadgoodmeal,andcamehome.

Wed.

15

Strongwindrisingwithcloudsofdust.MetLongmoregoinglikefuryonarunawayasweweregoingdowntowater.Thewindfairlycrackinginhismaneandtail.AtnightwenttoYMCA.tohearCol.Greenlectureon“WiththeAustralianBushmentoMafelicy.Addressveryinteresting,humorousandwithgoodadvice.HadnicequiettalkwithMrGreeninhistent.

Thur.

Dubbo&Itooklunchouttobridgewherethesappersareworkingonthecanal.Plentyofwind,sandandsoreeyes.GotaletterfromWin.lastnightwhichInearlyknowbyheart,thefirstletterfromAustraliaforoveramonth.Payatnight.TriptoSuezcancelled.Picnicinourtentatnight.

Fri8

Outinpalmgroveexercising,andhadafinegallopandpractisedalittlejumping.Stillwindyandverycoldwithashowerofrain.

Sat.9

Outforexercise,andcameacrossamobofdogswhichwerepromptlychased.Onespottedchapputupagoodrun.Dubbowheeledhimseveraltimes,butmyhorseonlygotinwhenhewasescapinginthepalms.Billnarrowlyescapedatree.Winddyingaway.

Sun.10

Lovelyday.Quietdayincamp.Didnotgoout,butlookedafterotherchapshorses.Wrotehome,Manlyschool,andWin.GottrickpurseatMena.

Mon11

FrankAthertonandIwentouttotheworksatcanal&tooklunchforofficers.Matherturnedasugar-doodleoffMaidMarion.Sawprintofphotobarebackonhorse.

Tues12

HadtogetupveryearlyasLtBidenwasgoingtoCairo.WenttochasehimonW.Rice’shorse,butthebeggarplayedup,andbolted,butImanagedtogethimgoingalright.GotslightlykickedbyFrank’shorse.Killedasnakeinthehorselines–asmallbrownone.Billgoestrenching.

Wed.13

Received4letters.Onefromhome,fromAuntEm,fromWin,andfrom“Jim”.Glorioustogetnews,somuchsothatIgotexcited.Billinproperharnessandquitehappy.

Thur.14

Readpartofbook“WithKitchenertoKhartoum”.AtnightwenttoYMCAandheardlectureonthePyramids.Lecturer-managerofmuseuminCairo.LetterfromArthurwhichwentviaSanFrancisco.Dubbo,Bill.&Weamesmakeagloriousresolve,andDubbosayshisprayers.

Fri.15

Windyagainwithplentyofdust.Lettersarrivingandeverybodyingoodhumour.Someofthelettersarrivingbehindtheirtimeandinallkindsoforder.Finishedbook.Ordertobecarefulwhatwesayinletters.

Sat.16

16

Moreletters.Washedhorsesindisinfectantonaccountofring-worms.WenttoCairowithOfficers.Gloriousmotorride.Shoppingallafternoon.Homelateatnight.

Sun.17

OvernearSphinxtohavephotostakenwithcollegechaps.Theydidnotarrive,butwehadnumerousphotostakenonhorses.Plentyofchatter&leg-pullingamongtheniggers.

Mon.18

PostedletterstoHome&Win,and“Jim”,alsoP.C.toArthurandAuntEm.Generalcleanupforroutemarchtomorrowwhenweexpecttohavetopadthehoof.

Tues19

Upbright&earlyforroutemarch.Movedoutofcampat8.45.Wholecompany&transport,leavingonlycooksincamp.MrDyerinhospital,henceFrankescaped.Trudgedabout7mlsatabriskpace,whenwehaltedandputupwatertroughsforhorses.Hardpullhome3mlsthroughsandbutfinishedfresh.

Wed.20

InCairoshoppingforLtBiden.Rec’dletterfromWin,twofromElse&Telegraph19DecfromWin.Hadagoodday,andamusedplentyattheniggerstryingtospeaktheirlanguage.

Thur.21

Shootingatrange,andfinishedheadofthelistwiththefollowingscores:-

Grouping–Possible,Application18/20,Rapid–Possible,Snap–Possible,BGrouping20/25,SnapPossible.

2525

1820

2020

2020

2025

2020Total123/1304Possibles

LtBidenaskedwhereIdidshooting,andlaughedwhenIsaid‘twasamongtherabbits.TargetkeptinrapidfiringtoshowtotheColonel.Teachinghorsetoliedownatwill.

Fri.22

TooklunchforofficerouttothecanalwhereSection4brokeallrecordsfortrestlebridgingandwerecomplimentedbytheColonel.We’rehotstuff!!WritinglettertoAunt.Em.

Sat.23

Cleanedsaddlery.InafternoonWarrigal&IwentintoCairo.HadalookatgroupofoldCol.StudentstakenatSphinxlastSunday,butdidnotlikethem-toosmall&dark.WentouttoHeliopolistoseeLunaPark,butitwasclosed.SawfolkplayingtennisandhowIlongedtojointhem.HotbathatEdenPalaceHotel5P.T.

17

Sunday.24

WentuptoSphinxandgotphotoswhicharenottoogood.Sleepinafternoon.Wrotelettershome,Win,Arthur,AuntEm,R.Turnbull.Lovelyweather,chillynights.

Monday25

Roundbankingphotosandhadchatwitholdpals.RumoursofstirontheCanal.

Tues26

Someofthehorsessufferingfromsandcholic.GotlettersfromMother,Amy,Muriel,Win,&Jim.Newsgood&greatlyrefreshing.

Wed27

Verywindy&dusty.Rec’dSydneyMailfromMrsClark.Sappersworkingonthecanalcloseathandhavemadefineprogressinwork,andareputtinguprecordsgreatlytothepleasureofofficers&theGeneral&staff.

Thur28

Brandedhorses.Fightinghascommencedonthecanal,andweareexpectingtoproceedthitheratanytime.ReportsofKitchener’scoldshouldertoourboys.Nevermind–goodjobhecanaffordtobesoindependent.

Fri.

Neglectingdiary.

Sat

Notfeelingtoogood.Didnotgototown.WritingtoAmy&Else.

Sun.

Hotday–tiredfeeling.Exercisinghorses,andhadanexcitingflyonDubbo’shorse.Rodehimthroughaseriesofplunges.Gavethemaswimcominghome-wroteMother&Win

Mon.Feb

Swimminghorses.Johnstone’shorsecatchesFrankbending,andhasanip.Big&littleniggersellingcakes.Bigniggertipsoverbasketoflittlechap.TedHooperrushesup,kicksoverbigchapsbasket&giveshimonetogoonwith.Littleniggersoonputsinagoodshotwithaclodatwhichtheyfightagain,whiletheotherniggerspolishoffthecakes.

Tues.

Windyanddusty.NewsthatSuezCanalisblockedandnomailthisweek.Thenareportofmailservicebeingreduced.Ordersforwholeholidayeachweek,andonly8hourseachday.

Wed.

Tookdinnersouttothewhitehouseonthesands.Afterdinner,kidscomesellingtomatoes,andgetsacoupleathishead.Thenbeginsatomatowar,niggerstakingoffensiveonaccountofsupplies.Ourchapsorganisea

18

rush,capturethebaskets,niggersfleewith“shells”burstingabouttheupperstory–like“Bobo”fleeingfromtheOldman.RodeFrank’sneddyout&back.

Thur.4

FightinghascommencedontheSuezCanal.Turksrepulsedintryingtothrowabridgeacross.Guessthoseathomethinkwe’rehardatit.YesterdaythesecondBrigademarchedoutatshortnotice–presumablygoingtoSomalia.Gavethemapartingcheer.Couldseetheglintintheireyes.BoughtaBulletin&devourednews.WrotetoHec.&JimDuncan.

Fri.5

FurthernewsoffightingonCanal.Turksgotlivelytimelosing3000men.Query?Dubbo,Walke&Co.clippinghorses.MaidMarionnowresemblesagood-naturedcow.Holidayandkitinspectiontomorrow.

Sat.6

Kitinspectionoverearly.Bill&IwentintoCairofortheday.Whenwaitingforthetram,ourofficerswentbyinmotor,pickedusup,andwehadafineridetobridge.Bridgeuptoallowpassageofboats,sowecommandeeredaskiff,andwereskilfullysailedtotheotherside.HaddinneratMurousCafe–metWalkerwhowentfromourcorpstoreinforcementsinMoorePark.IwentforavisittoMuseum.Sawwonderfulmonuments,massivestatues,withfineengraving,verydelicateworkinstone,alsofinecolouredwoodwork.Woodencoffinswonderfullypreserved.Mummiesofkingsandanimalswithmilesofwrapping&stuffingwellpreserved,butdryofskin.Hardfeaturesdistinguishkingswithcrookednoses.Shipsofthedeadtocarrysouls.Hadonboardmillers,brewers,bakers,carpenters,brickmakers&c&c.Plenteousjewels,andfineornaments,showingthattheseancientfolkweremastersathandicraft.Sacredcowadornedwithwonderfulinlaidwork.Statuesaysshesavedaking’slifewithmilk.Imagesofdogs,goats,cats,ducks,lionsshowthemlikepresentday.

HotbathatEdenPalace,tea,thenhome.

Sunday7

Walke&NortonmadethingswillingthisafternoonwithtwoflappersfromCairo.

Wrotelettersatnight.

Monday8

WentintoCairotogetthingsforLtBiden.Leftthisinbookshopwhereitremainedforaweek.Alsodroppedpenciloutoftramcominghome–talkaboutstiff!

Tues.9

Workingaboutcampasusual.

Wed.10

Rowwith“Clive”aboutgoingouttoriflerange.Marchedoutabout4mls.anddidsomecrookshooting.Couldgoclose,butonlycloseenoughtowishforahit.Fieldfiringtargetsatunknowndist.somerapidfiring.Knockedfirsttarget4thshot,butdidn’tgetahitin5shotsrapid&5shotsdisappearing.Lostoil-bottle–luckout.

Thur11

19

Fieldfiringagain.ThistimeIshotwell,especiallyinsectioncompetition–akindofcontestinskittlingtargetsandthus“killing”menonoppositeside.KnockedmyplatefirstshotthenfloppedSgt.Lambert’sandhavingfinishedmyammunition,grabbedPage’srifleandskittledanotherplatethuswinningforthedriversfromSec2.Wehadonlyapickupteamtoo.

Fri12

UpearlyandawayonaroutemarchtoLakarawherewebivouackedfornight.Toilsomemarch,restforfewhoursthenawaytakingtoolsforentrenchments.Bivouacfornightcoldanddamp.Sleptwithheadinsaddle.

Sat13

Marchedhomemendingroadaswecame.Hot&tiresome.Sawananimalcalledamongrel.Chookcheerful.

Sun14

Quietdayincamp.Wroteletters.Reinforcementshavearrivedalsomorehorses&pontoonwaggons.Amgoingtotryluckasdriveragain,forIwanttobeamongtheladsandthefun.

Mon15

InCairogettingthingsforLtBiden.Didnotsatisfywithboth.

Tues16

SpoketoMjrMcCallaboutreturntodrivers.Engineerspractisingonpontoons.

Wed17

Engineerpontooning.Quietincamp.

Thur18.

FrankAthertonwentintohospital–influenza.JackWalkeinhospitalalso.Nicholls&Atkinsinitiatedtotheirplaces.

Fri19.

Tooklunchestocanal.DuntroondinnerinCairoatnight

Sat20.

Halfholiday,butItookthingseasyincamp.

Sun21.

WrotehomeJim,Win,JackArcher&MrsBard.LetterfromMrsBard&fromWingreatlyappreciated.

Mon22.

OrderstoembarkforEuropeinfivedays.Welcomenewsastherehasbeenmuchsicknesslately.Afewcasesofsmallpoxwithseveraldeaths.Allbeenvaccinatedagain&sorearmsappearing.Lookingformorenewsofmail.

Tues23.

20

ToCairoonbusiness.Mailarrived,butnotdishedoutyet.Badwritingindicateswrittenintram.

Wed24.

ToCairoagain.FrankandIwentwithMajor&Clive&humpedhomesupplies.LettersfromHome,Win,AuntEm&Ellis.Goodnewsverywelcome.

Thur25.

Lettersfromhome&Win.HurrahD.C.Hughes.Gettingthingspacked.Wonderwherewearegoing.DardanellesbeingbombardedbyAllieswarships.

Fri26

Routemarchforcompanybutwestayedpacking&c.ClippedoldJackwith“Dubbo”manipulatingclippers.

Sat.27

Orderstomove28thor1stMarch.Wonderwhere?Completingpackingarrangementsreadytomoveout.Takingtents.FreshdriversarrivedfromA.S.C.andreinforcements.Iexpectedatransfertodriversbutdidnotgetit.

Sun28.

Move5.30p.m.forCairo.Loadingup.Struckcampabout2.00p.m..Marchedoutofcampat5.30.LongmarchtoCairowherewearrivedabout11p.m..Entrained,grabbedabitoffood,andawayforAlexandriaat1.45a.m..Sixbatmeninfirstclasscarriage.Goodsleep,goodwash,snackinmorning.Movedwholecompanyhorses,waggons&cononetrain.Didn’tevenunsaddlehorses

March

Mon.1.

Offtrain,andatoncebeganembarkingonSuffolk.Weallhaveourkits&blanketswithusreadyforuseonvoyage.Weames,Rice,Leathby&Inickedoffuptown&hadagoodsquaremeal.Successfullydodgedpickets.Embarkinghorsestillmidnight.Loadingwaggons&callnight.

Tues.2.

Sailedatabout9a.m.undersealedorders.FoundthatweareboundforLimnosIs.justoffDardanelles.Fleetshaveaboutdemolishedforts.Suffolkrollinginchoppysea.Ohmy!Feelingveryqueer,lostdinner.

Wed.3

Stillfeelingqueer.Landinsight,barelookingislands.Rose’soldRoansnuffedout&wentoverboard.Gameofbridgeatnight.Heavywind&choppysea.

Thur4.

Nicecalmday.FeelingA.1.PassingthroughArchipelago.Atworkamongthehorseseachdayfeeding,watering,muckingout,exercising&c.

ArrivedatLimnosIs.about4p.m..SeveralFrench&Englishwarshipslyinginfineharbour.Barelookingislandwithscatteredhamletswithredtiledroofs.Patchesofcultivationshowinginvalleys.Severalvillages.Passedfishingboatscomingin.

21

Fri.5.

LyinginafineharbouratLimnosIs..Hillsaroundshowplentyofcultivation,butthroughtheglassmethodsseemcrude.Partyofsapperswentashoretoselectsuitableplaceforacamp.Wedon’tknowwhowilloccupythecamp.Newsveryscarce.Severalwarships&destroyerskeepcoming&going.Weatherquietbutverychillyatnight.SnowappearsondistantMtsoftheisland.PinchedCpl.Newson’spillowatnight.Shewasabonz.Lightsoutearly&noisewashigh&variedwithallanimalcallsknownforsometime.

Sat.6.

Partyofsapperswentashoretomakearrangementsforcamp.Workingamonghorsesmainlynow.Someofthemsick–effectsofsand.NewsthatH.M.S.QueenElizabethisworkinghavocatDardanelles.

Sun.7.

DidnotseematalllikeSunday.Nochurch.Partyworkingonshore.Apartyof20menunderLt.Huntleyleftforthesceneofaction,andmanyweredisappointedbecausesomerang-tangswerechosen,whiletheywereleft.Severalmarinescameonourboat.TheywereatAntwerpandspeakwithaweofthe“JackJohnsons”.Medicalinspectioninmorning.

Mon.8.

Workingpartiesonshore&infantrydoingroutemarches.

Tue9.

Plentyofwarshipsofgoodbigcalibrekickingaround.Transportsarrivingeachday.EachoftheAlliesseemstobewellrepresented.PrintedactiveservicePC’sissued.Onepermanperweekallowed.

Wed10.

Horsesgettinglittlefeedandwearenotburstingbuttons.Windyatnight.Lifeboatbrokeloose&crewsavedit.Dragginganchor&secondanchorslipped.SeveralchapsgotheavysentencesfornickingCaptain’sboatandpinchingashore.Driv.Bevispinchedunfairlyforgivinginformationastheyreturned.Macklinspendingtimealsoforhelpinghimselftotinsofmeat.Wrotehome,Win&Amy.Hadletterscensored.

Thur11.

Generalroutineonboat.Plentyofshipsstillcoming.Harbourverybusy.Scrapsofnews.Gamesof500atnight.

Fri.12.

OursectionwarnedtogoashorefordutyonLemnosIs.Allreadytogo,butgotorderstostandbyandstillwewait.Longmore’shorsepeggedout.Goodgame500atnight.

Sat13.

Oursectionwithgoodsandchatelsdangledoversideintoboats&landedonLemnosIs.Humpedthingsabout¼miletocamp.Pitchedtents&fixedcamp.Plentyofcultivation,windmills,sheep,ancientstonehouses&walls.HomelyfolklikeDutch.Waterfromwells.Firewoodscarce.Sellingoranges,nuts,milkrice,smokes&c.ApartyofEngrstookoverlaunch.Crowdedintents,buthappythoughcoldasice.Cook’sdixiesflythroughexplosionofstones.Onslopeofhill,rollingdownallnight.

Sun.14.

22

Walke&Igetpassestogothroughvillage&getstores.Womenspinningateverydoorway,carrywaterinjarsfromvillagepump.PlentyofFrenchmenabout.Warshipsleftharbourtonight.Searchlightsplaying.AnotherpartyofEngrs.arrivedfromboat.Lovelysunnyday.Frost&icelastnight.Menweargoatskincoats,alsocoatsmadefromsheepskinwoolturnedinside.Wineplentiful&cheap.Eggsplentiful&dear.Coinsofallcountriesinusehere.Beesbuzzingaround.Ourwatersupplyisnottoogoodyetbutwearesinkingwells.ReadingShakespeare.Sleptbetteratnightlevelledground&foundabagformattress.Allthingsverydearhere.Ourcompanyhaschargeofwatersupplies&buildingofjettyatshoreofharbour.

Mon.15

JackWalke&Igointovillageeachdaytogetprovisions.Veryhardonoffenderswhogointovillagewithoutpass.Fieldpunishmentadministeredforsmalloffences.Tieddownseveralhourseachday,sleepwithoneblanket,&madetoworkinwellsquarries&cfortrivialmatters.Evidentlygoingtokeeporderwithafirmhand.

Tues.16.

Worksproceeding,somehorsescomingtoisland.Theygomad&breaklooseatsightofgreengrass,&feeloffirmground.

Wed17.

Onelotofourhorsescameashore.PartyofFrenchsoldiersonroutemarch.Beautifulweatherwithrainatnight.

Thur18.

HorsescameoffSuffolk.Lizziesnuffedout&wasdraggedacrossbehindpunt&forgotten.“Yank”pinchedforhelpinghimselftobread.Ladsmerry.

Fri.19.

Grazinghorsesonisland.Coldwindsprungupatnight&blewlikefury.Severaltentswentdowninthenight.Otherwiseallwell&happy.Sentawaypostcards.

Sat20.

Blowing&hurricaneatnight.BertCurriekickedonknee&wecarriedhimtohospital.

Sun21.

Visitinghospital&carryinglittlenecessaries.GaveBertaroughshave.WalterBlattman&Maouritheretoowithmeasles&quinzy.Windeaseddown,butroseagainatnight.Difficulttogetprovisionsfromboats.NewsofdisastertoseveralboatsinDardanelles,alsorumoursofreturntoAlexandria.IanHamiltontakingchargeofoperations.Manyofourchapsbathingtoday.Willbewiththemwhenlessbusy.VisitedFrenchcamp.

Mon.22.

Outexercisinghorses,whenOs.EarlwasbadlykickedinthetummybytheneddyownedbyFrancis.Tommo&Icarriedhimonstretcherfromhospital&nowheisdoingwellamongtheboys.

Tues.23.

23

DoingworkwithLts.Mather&Bidenlevellingfromwatersupplytocamp.Horsesstillrunningamok.Macphersonknockedoveratelegraphpost&fellunderacoupleofhorses.Sworeroundlywhenachapsuggestedthathewasdead.Overatnighttoseechapsinhospital.Alldoingwell.Newsconfirmedoflossof“Ocean”,“Irresistible”&“Invincible”.IanHamiltoninchargeofoperations&promisesplentyoffightinthenearfuture.

Wed.24

EasyGoing.Exercisinghorses.Transportscoming&goingeachday.Sappersbusydiggingwellsandbuildingpier.Doinggoodwork.OnImperialrations.Goodbacondriedvegetables&c.

Thur.25

MajorCorlettecamefromSuffolk.Littlenewsoffuturemovements.Dardanellesgoingtobehardproblem.Whenfortsaresilencedobservationminesandfieldhowitzersplayhavocwithwarships.

Fri.26

Sometransportsgoingout.TalkofmanyreturningtoAlexandria.

Sat.27

SappersaboutfinishedAustralianPierwhichisagoodpieceofwork.Nowfinishingwellsandleadingwatersupplyfromthehills.

Sun28

Someswimming.DunloptriedtoswimacrossharbourandhadtobecarriedbyFostertowarship.

Mon29.

Exercisehorseseachdaywithoutsaddles.Becomingexpertatbarebackriding.ManyoftheFrenchtroopshavenowlefttheislandbutwedonotknowtheirdestination.Warshipscomeandgomysteriously.

Tues30.

Warnedagainstspiesofwhomseveralareknowntobeprowlingaboutthisspot.Alsowarnedincaseofaeroplaneattack.Infantryissuedwithammunition.

Wed.31.

Rumoursofamailcoming.Neversawsomuchexcitementovermail.VisithospitaleachdaytoseeBertCurrie.Hislegisstillbad.

APRIL

Thur.1.

TurnedoutofbedearlytocallBertWrightwhowasurgentlywanted&foundmyselffooled.Mailarrivedwith6lettersforme–glorious.Reallyamusingtoseethechapsastheyreceivenews.AustralianpeoplefancyusinactiononSuez.

Fri.2.

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GoodFriday.Deepthoughts.Moremail10lettersforme,andwearenowmuchmorecontented.Spiesarrestedonisland.Aeroplaneshavebeenseenonseveraloccasions.DramaticceremonyinvillageatnightdepictingtheburialofChrist.

Sat.3

Workofsappersaboutcomplete-watersupplyledtocamp,wellsfinishedpiercomplete.Rumourofearlydeparture.

Sun4.

Wetday.Someofourchapswenttochurchinmorning&sawpeculiarservice.TheysaythepeopleofthisislandhaveaveryhighopinionofAustralians.Wentdowntochurchatnightbutwereinformedthattherewouldbenoservice.

Mon5.

RoughnightlastnighttentcamealmostdownandMcLean&Goughgotnearlysoaked.Greatgamesof500.

Tues6.

Roughagainlastnight,tentfallsinagain&Tully&Ipaddleoutfixingherup.Someofhorsesgoingonboardtoday&wemoveinadayorso.Canseetherealbusinessbeginningverysoonnow.Willsoonhaveachancetoproveourmetal.

Wed.7.

Horsesgoaboard.Packedthingsreadytogo,butarenowstandingbytilltomorrow.Believewearetoformpartofalandingpartyandwillseefire&brimstoneflying.WenttoseeBertCurrie.Hehopestobewithus.Hadajokewithhimaboutaquid.Dancing&holidayinMudrosvillage.

Thur.8.

Packingupagain.Allsappersgoingtoday.Warshipsallleftharbour.Sam&Sullymoloed.BelievesappersgoingonSSIonian&kits,horses,blankets&contheNizam.Ifso,wewillsleepcoldforafewnights.BelievealltheotherAustraliantroopsjoiningushereinacoupleofdays.BertCurriecameoutofhospital&limpeddowntopier.CametoIonianinboats.Nottoocomfortable,butJackWalksandIarebunkingtogether.

Fri9.

TakingstoresandengineeringequipmentonboardfromSuffolk.Lyingaboutinsunproducedabadheadachefollowedbybiliousattack.Crookatnight,butJacklookedaftermewell.Numeroustransportsarriving.Receivedletter&paperfromMrsBard.Sleepingontopdeckunderlifeboatandhavetoexercisecaresoastoavoidslippingoverboard.

Sat.10.

Moretroopshipsarrive.Buildingpontoonraftstomakelandingstage.Goingtobepaidsoon,chapslyinginastoreoftobacco&c.ReinforcementsarrivingfromEgypt.JackWalke&Igoodcobberswithsteward.Goodbedatnightwithheadsagainstdooroforderlyroom.Jackoftenmistakenforanofficer.

Sun11.

Rec’dletterfromAub.LoomeswhoisstillatMena,butshouldbeontheirwayhenceerenow.SomeparcelsarrivedfromAustralia.Campedondeckamongtheguard.

25

Mon.12.

Sappersbuildingbarrelpiersreadyforlandingstage.Conditionsonthisshipnotgoodfortroops,butexcellentforofficers.Eightlettersarrivedfrom“Jim”,AuntEm.,Home,Win,Arthur,MrCosgrove&AllenAusten&Else.Lovelytogetsomuchnews.JackWalke&Iwentinpullingboatto“Nizam”whereourhorsesarestationed.Sawtheladsandmadegood(?)attemptwiththeoar.Gens.Birdwood,BridgesandsundrystaffofficerscameaboardafterhavingmadeasurveytripuptotheDardanelles.Wearenowawaitingordersanxiously.

Tues.13.

Rec’daletterfromWin,writtenthedayweleftMenaCamp.Wouldbewritingjustwhenwewerebusypacking.Chapsgamblingheavily,astheyseeapossibilityofnotlivingtoappreciatetheeffectsoftheircash.Receivingribbonsofdistinguishingcolour.Niparoundtoofficersdecktosleepnow.

Wed14.

JackWalkegoingbiglicksamongthegamblers,butemptyinghispocketsateveryturn.Plentyofgamblingsharksreadytoscoopupthecoinearnedbytheboys.Highgambling,atwhichitisacommonoccurrencetoseefiftyandsixtypoundsononespin.Kit&officers’luggagesentoffandrumoursofthetaskawaitingus.

Thur.15.

Theysaywehaveanhonourablebutdangerouspositiontofill–thatofaccompanyingassaultingparties.GeneralBirdwoodsaysthatwehaveahardtaskbeforeus,butalltheladsseemtogloryintheprospectsratherthanotherwise.Volunteerscalledtogobacktobasewithkitsandsomeweregladtoembraceopportunityforwhichtheyareroundlydespised.Somechapswhohavebeentellingawfulliesinlettershavediscoveredthemreturningonprint,andthuspointingafingerofscorn.OnechapsaidthatatMena–brokenleg,bigdam,sleepinclothes,nobathforfortnightorwashfor4days,tinofbeef&5dogbiscuitsperday.“Lo”wentoverto“Nizam”toseeabouthorse&saddlery.Likeoldtimestoseetheladsagain.Theypaidupnumeroussmalldebts.PooroldBertCurriegonebacktohospitalagain,kneeswollen,andassadaspossible–hardhardluck.

Fri.16.

Notfeelingtoowelltodayheartburn&hangoveritis.Suddennewstopackthingsreadytotransfertowarship.Wasapracticetransfer&sooncamebackagain.WehearthatwhenweattackDardanelles‘twillbebyaquicktransferfromwarshipsinthedark.Haverec’dreg’dlettersfromhomeandlettersfromIng.AndGeorge.

Sat.17.

Packedupthingsreadyforanothertransfer,butinsteadweshiftedanchoragetoentranceofharbour.Rations&ammunitionissued.Threedaysrationandoneday’semergencyration.Chieflybullybeef&biscuits.

Sun.18.

LieutMatherandpartofNo1Sect.departedtothe“Maida”.LieutBiden&LieutDyerbothillwithinfluenza&goneintohospital.Jack&Inicelysettledincabin,Jackinpyjamasofhisboss,doingitheavy.Threeofushavetoremainhereforadayorsoafterothersgototakechargeofsparegear–wouldratherbeamongtheboys.Wenttochurchinsaloonatnight.Oldhymns–strongmemoriesofbygonedaysinchurch.Rev.McPheepreachedontheopenlifeofDaniel

Mon.19

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Web.equipmentissuedtosappers&officersbutsofarwedonotknowourlittlepartinthedramatocome.Thingsaregettingbusy&anticipationsrunninghigh.

Tues.20.

Web-equipmentforus.Wearebusypackingourhumps,andwishacamerawerehandy.Feelsveryawkwardsofar.

Wed.21.

Frankhasjoinedusinthecabin,ofwhichwehavetakenfullpossession.Newsthatwearetobewiththefirstparty,butwhenweaskedforabayonetMaj.McCallsaidhehadplentyofworkforusonthebeach.

Thur.22.

Destroyerscamealongside&rehearsedlandingoperations.Wearetobelandedinpullingboats,useonlythebayonetuntilbroaddaylightandholdontothelastman.Thewordis“forward”nogoingback.JackWalkehadapractice&foundthepackweighty.LtBidenbetter&likelytoaccompanyus.

Fri.23

Waitingfororderstoattack.Aeroplanesflyingaroundandmakingobservationsofpositionsoftheenemy.Lettersfromhome,Win,AuntLouie,RayDive&Muriel.Glorioustogetamailjustasweareleavingforaction.

Sat24.

Readytomakeourdebuttonight,whenwelandintheearlyhoursofthemorningalmostinthecentreofthelineofourtroops.Havetoturntheenemyoutwiththebayonetbeforedaylightandsecureafooting.Iguessthereisgoingtobesplintersflying.Feelingexcited,butreadyandsteady,andthesameappearsoneveryface.Weknowmanyofuswillfall,buthopetowriteapageofhistoryforAustraliabeforewefinish.Wentofftroopship

Sun.25

ontodestroyer“Scourge”,andbyherinafewhourssteamarrivedoffGallipolipeninsula.Justbeforedawnwedroppedoffintoboats,andpulledashoreamidahailofbulletsfromshore.Someofourchapskilledrightonshore,someinboats,butmajorityreachedbeach&rushedunderprotectionofcliff.Iwasinsecondboatload,anddidnotreceivequitesowarmafireaspreviouscrew.TheThirdBrigadeputthefearofthedevilintotheTurks,callingthemveryuncivilizednames,andflourishingthebayonet.TheyclearedthenearhillsinquicktimeandsoonhadtheTurksontherun.JackWalke&Ileftinchargeofstores,wherewereceivedcontinualshowersofshrapnel,oneburstingrightoverhead.Busydiggingshelter.Thenavyhasbeenputtingingreatworkandthedaygenerallyremindsmeofanovergrownthunderstorm.Ourboyshavedonewonderfullytoday,buthavepaidcostly,especiallyintheearlymornwhencapturingtrencheswithbayonetalone.Page,Fairbairn,Reynolds&Moorewentdowninquicktime.Reynoldsrescuingmachinegun&woundedmenkilled,butrecommendedforV.C.WelldoneEngineers!Aeroplanes&captiveballoonassistingoperations.Veryheavybombardmentbynavy.Serg.Loganbadlywounded.

Mon26.

Ourchapsbetterentrenchedarenotsufferingsomanycasualties,butstillhavingaveryroughtime.JackWalke,Sam,Frank,Sully&Imadetea&tookuptoourmen.Ourartillerynowgettingtowork,andplayingupwith“Jim”Turk.Severalshellslandedveryclosetoour“dugout”whilewewereaway.Alf.O’Brien&ABurgessmissing.Sullymadeourcubbytoomuchundermined&downshecameoverourheads.Turksbursting

27

shrapnelallovertheplace,andflyingstarshellstowardswarship.Wecanbobdowninfinestylenow,andarebeginningtoseethefunnysideoftheirshellsexceptwhentheycometooclose.SubmarineAE2wentupnarrows&sunkcruiser–WelldoneAustralia.Severalspiesarrested&acoupleshot.Plentyofsnipersaboutwhoreceivelittlequarterfromourchaps.Ordersnottorespectwhiteflagwhichisbeingusedasatrap.SomeofourchapsblownupbynavybecausetheyadvancedintoTurkstrenchestoosoon.Onelotblownoutofahouse.

Tues27.

RainedalittleSundaynightbutlastnightnice&fine.Heavybombardmentbynavy&artillerygivesusabitofourownback.Plentyofshrapnelburstingallaround,butdoinglittleharmasallourtroopsarewelldugin.Shiftedourquartersaroundthehillalittle,andmadesecurecoveragain.Stillbobbingfromshrapnel-We’llbeabletoactformovingpicturessoon.Shrapnelburstingveryclosetobeachatnightsnipersfrequent.Livingonbully-beef&biscuits&makingteawhenable.Indianmountainbatteriesdoinggoodwork,&mulesdoingwellasammunitioncarriers.Turkshavebeenusingexplosivebullets?Ourchapsholdingtheirownnow,andinbetterspirits.Engineershavebeenmakingroadscover-trenches,&erectingbarbedwireentanglements.IanHamiltonsentcongratulationstothirdbrigadeonfirstday’swork,&WelldoneAustraliatoalltheforce.Wethinkwehavenowatonedforbadnamesfromdifferentquarters.Shrapnelburstinginplentynearlyallnight.Sofaronlyoneortwoofourcompanyhavefiredashot,workinghardandhearingtheshells&bulletsflyallthesame.Westillguardstores.

Wed.28.

Quietaroundourparttoday.Snipersplayabigpartinoperations,andtheenemyhaveawonderfulsystemofspying–mostwonderful!Snipershiddeninplaceswithprovisions&carrierpigeons.Iamafraidwehavespiesinourownranks.Enemyoftenseeninouruniform,showwhiteflag,giveourchapsorders,blowourbuglecalls,amosttreacherouswarfare.TheA.M.C.receivebadpunishment.Twoofoursectionshavegoneouttosetbarbed-wireneartrenches,JackWalke&Frankwiththem.Sully&Iincosydig-out.Wearenowcookingforheadquarters.OurcasualtiesnotsoheavytodaybutinSunday&Mondaytheymusthaveexceeded1000men.Plentyofmulesarrive,heapsofstores.Gettingagoodquantityofartillerynow.Turkstriedtoplacegunsonhillsonrightflank,butwereblownoutbywarship.Threethousandofnavalbrigadearrivedatnightfall.

Thur.29.

Quietonourpartofcoast.Wenowhaveacosydug-outforSully&I.Rainedlastnightbutwewerequiteright.Notmanycasualtiestoday,butsnipersdeadly.Wearegraduallydroppingtotheirgame.Sully&Igettinggoodcooks,butdonotknowwhenwemayhavetomovetofiringline.Morestoresarriving,moremules,moreIndians.Allourbattalions&companieshavebeenmixedup,butaregraduallystraighteningout.Lossesinofficersgreat.SawCol.Greenwholooksworried.Wouldliketobeabletosendmessagehome.Moretroopslanding.

Fri30.

Thingsgoingfairlywell,plentyofstoresammunition&carriving.Plentyofshrapnelburstingaroundthebeach,atwhichSullydivesforhisburrow.Infacteverybodyisdoingit.Thenavalbrigadehasarrived,andalthoughthereisplentyofhotworkinthetrenches,ourboysareholdingtheirown.ExpecttheTurksabouttomakeattack,henceordertosleepinourequipment.Sully&Icookforheadquartersandhavefiftyrowsaday.Bacon,bully,cheese,jam&biscuitsalsotea&sugar,hencearenotdoingbadly.Somebattalionscomebackforrestwhileotherslinethetrenches.Trenchesgood,coverfromshrapnel,hencenotsomanycasualties.

May

28

Sat.1

Sat.nightbringsfondmemories.NewsofcongratulationsfromGov.Gen,alsoabitofkidfromIanHamilton.Restdoingourboysgood,betterspirits.Shrapnelburstingdeadlyclosetoday,severalpiecescomingtooclosetoourboystobewelcome.NearnightfalltookperiscopesupwithMaj.McCalltonearfiringline.Allgoingwell-fewcasualties&afewdeadmules.

Expectingmoretroopsinafewdays&alsoexpectanadvance.

Sun.2

Quietdaywhereweare.Threesectionsgoneoutnearfiringline.Howlettkilledbyshell.Dranewounded.Sully&Iimprovedourdug-out&didsomegoodcooking.Partylandedonpointtoourrightandcapturedobservationstation&someprisoners.

TerrificbombardmentdownwhereEng.&Frenchareworking.Battlefierceupourquarternowthinkwearemakingadvance.

Mon.3.

Lastnightourforcemadeanadvance,buthadtofallbackagain.TheyreportTurkishtrenchesfilledwithdeadstenchawful.Shrapnelrainingoverustoday,onebulletcomingthroughourroofintoMaj.McCall’skit.Killedaman&mulejustbelowus.Wearegettinggoodrations,andourbeachpresentsaverybusyappearance.Mulessplendidfortransportwork.Mostofourboysawayupthegullyonworks.Cridland&anotherwounded.Stillseveralofourboysmissing.

Morereinforcementsarrivedtoday.ReportthatwehavelosttwosubmarinesinDardanelles.

Tues4.

LtHuntly,CplBurnett,SprHamiltonwoundedlastnight.LtHuntlydiedtoday&CplJohnstonewounded.Theyhavebeenmakingroadway,whileoursectionisworkingonbeachwatersupply,&c.Shrapnelburstingoccasionallyoverus,andnearlyskittledSullyknockingthreechapsquitenearhim.PartyattackedKapaTipithismorning,supportedbydestroyers,butwereforcedtodrawoff,losingsomemenbymachinegun&riflefire.Theyletourchapsland,&cutsomebarbedwire,butwhenmainpartycameopenedamurderousfire.Theshipscoveredtheirwithdrawal.Wedonotseemtomakemuchprogress,butgetgoodrationsandarenotdownhearted.

Wed.5.

Ourartilleryhasbeenmovedupnearfiringline.Reportsseemtosaythatourpositionisprettysecure.N.Zealandmovedofftonightweknownotwhere.ThinktheyaregoingdowntoassistEnglishmen.Enemybroughtabatteryaroundonourright&pluggedafewshellsamongourbargesatthepier.Mostlysmokeresulted.Heavyfiringonleftwing.SmalldetachmentsofAustraliansarrivingdaily.Mailsonshoreforsomeunits,butnotours.J.FletchercampedwithSully&IonhiswaytoNizamtofixHuntley’sgearandbringotherBatmen.

Thur.6

Batteryonourrighttroublesome.Playinghavocamongmules&horses.Gaveusanastyshockjustafterdinnerdroppingshrapnelallaroundusonepiecestrikingaboutafootoffmyleg.Workinginwateruptomyneckthismorningbuildingbuildingalandingpier.Didnotgetoutofbedearlyenough.Heavyfiringonlefttonightwhichourchapssayisarusetokeepourboysintrenches.

29

Fri7.

Moretroopsarrivinginsmalllots–reinforcements,buthavenotfoundanyfamiliarfaces.

ATurkishbatterygetsroundonourrightoccasionallyandsendsusallscamperingtoshelterlikerabbitstoburrows.ThreechapsoutonbargehadamerrytimetodaywhentheTurkslobbedshellsallamongthem.Theyalsoplayedhavocalongthebeachtonightespeciallyamongmules.Inthefiringlinethingsareprettysecure.TheothernightTurksmadeanattack&ourmachinegunscutthemupprettybadly.Livingaquietlifewithplentyofshrapnel–Turkey&Duck.

Sat.8

Thingsgoingonasusual.Wedonotseemtobetryingtogainanyground,butjustholdingourown.Theforceactingsouthofusseemstobecomingcloser.Thebatteryonourrightstillcausesascatteramongthoseonthebeach.Acoupleofshellslandedquiteclosetoourquartersthisafternoon,oneburyingitselfinadug-out.Aeroplanebusy.Wrotecardhome&toWin,nearlygoingtocable,butchangedmymind.

Sun.9

Batteryonrightgivingusplentyofironrations.CaptBeegekilled.Ourboysfromboatcameashoretoday.Fixedthemupforthenight.Plentyofmailabout&ourscomingtomorrow.

Mon.10

Rec’dfiveletters–Home,Win,MrBard,BobTurnbull&Hec.Glorioustogetnews.Heavyshellfirefromrightflankagain.Blewabigholeinthebankjustaboveourdug-out,&Dubbo&Sullyscatteredlikerabbits.Mankilled&threewoundedjustbelowus.Dubbo(whohasnowjoinedSully&I)&Sullygotsnipedatcomingdownfromtopcamp&hadagreatrun.ScaredJackWalkebytheirtales&hedecidedtocampwithus.Fourinonedug-out–resultblanketwar.

Tues.11.

Plentyofshrapnelfromrightflank.Wehavenowdeepenedourburrow&feelsecureexceptforconcussionshells.Postedcardsyesterdayhome&Win.

Severalofourchapshaveaccidentallyshotthemselvesthroughthefootlately–lookssuspicious.Greattalesofspiesamongourownranks.Allkindsofstoriesofsnipers,spies,captures&cgoingaroundbutcannotbelievemuchofwhatyouhear.Rumourthatourchapsadvanced,tooktrenches,butwereblownupbymines.

LusitaniasunkoffIreland.Japan&Chinapatchupquarrel.GreatchargebyEnglish&Frenchreported.NewsofrejoicinginAustralia&N.Zealand.

Wed.12

Wetlastnight,andwehadtoarrangeouroverheadcoverseveraltimes,butmanagedtokeepfairlydry.Blankettug-of-waragainbetweenDubboSully&I.Dubbo&BertWrighthavegoneuptotopcamp,&Reg.hasjoinedus.Plentyofshrapnelfromright,goingveryclosetomagazine,andmakingusfeeluncomfortable.Digginganewdug-outforLtBiden&Sullybusyimprovingours.LightHorsedetachmentarrivesfromEgypt.Veryheavybombardmentdownatpointtonight.

Thur.13.

30

Quietdayhere,gunonourrighthaschangeditsobjective.NewsthatwarshiplostatDardanelleslastnight.RowwithLt.Bidenoverdug-out.Sapperscompletedit.Iwasblamedforwhatwasnotmyfault.Ourdug-outalsoverycosy.Wehavehadablanketeachissued.Mailleavingtomorrow.Marinesleavingheretonight,goingelsewhere.

Fri14.

Anotherdayofshrapnel,butenemyspentmostoftheirtimepluggingatourboats.Managedtosinkabarge,butdidlittledamage.Lt.Dawkinsof2ndCoykilledacoupleofdaysago.LtMathercapt.In3rdCoy.Sgt.Maj.JonesmadeLt.No1Coy.Troubletogetwatertoday,butsupplyarrivedtonight.Hadabitofawashingdaytoday.Haveasplashinthesurfalmostdaily.Feelingfine&gettingfat.RumourthatItalyhasdeclaredwar.

Sat.15.

Livingtheeasylifestill.Plentyofshrapnelfromtheright.Allofourtroopshipshavemovedaway,onaccountofsubmarinesbeingabout–sotherumourgoes.Sullywentuptothetrenches&gotabulletthroughhiscap&isnowsatisfiedtoremainathome.Reg.&Idrawrationstonightorratherassisttocarryit.Mulesgoingawaytonight.LtBiden’sdug-outuptodate&wecovereditwithbushes.Thoughtsofhome.

Sun.16.

HaroldWhiteworkingonbeachgotshrapnelbulletinwrist.Plentyofshellsburstingaroundthebeach.StanWilliscalledintoseeusinafternoon.Hehasabulletsplashonhisfingers&henceoffduty.WentupwithSullytoheadquarterswithboxes&waitedthereforhimtocomeback,buthismenhookedit&hedidnotputinanappearance,socamehomedowntheValleyofDeathonmyown.

Mon17.

Uptofiringlinewithboxesforloopholes-resultofSully’shastyclearingout.Wentintofronttrench,lookingthroughperiscope&hadashotataloopholeinTurk’strench.Twosixinchhowitzerslandedlastnight.OfficialnewsofItalydeclaringwar.Sittinginburrowinafternoonwhenabigovergrown4”shellploughedatrenchthroughthehillafewfeetaboveourdug-out,bringingdirt&rubbishdownalloverus.Reg&Sullybolted,andImayhavedonelikewiseonlyIwasundressed.WenttohavealookattheeffectswhenanothershellburstandashrapnelbulletwoundedSullyintheback.GothimattendedtoandwaspreparingteawhenanothershellburstandwoundedanIndianjustbehindme–I’mdeadlucky.DubboJackWalke,JackFletcherdownatnightandwehadalittlepartyinourburrow.SecondbrigadereturnedfromthepointwheretheynoblyassistedtheTommies&improvedtheirrecord,thoughlosingmanymen.

Tues18.

ThingsaboutsameasusualonlyTurksseemtohavegotmorebigguns,andarerainingshellsoverus.Sullyfeelingprettygood,buthasgoodexcusetoloaf.GotanothermailtodaywithtwolettersfromhomeandtwofromWin.Lettersseemevenmorepreciousthanever.AddressMelroseKensingtonRdKensington.

Wed19.

FierceattackbyTurkslastnight.Theycameoninthousandscrying“Allah!”butourboysfairlystackedtheminheaps.AllEngrs.uptopstoodtoarmsbutwerenotcalleduponforsupport.Todaywelearnofabout200casualtiesonourside,buthearofthegroundbeingthicklystrewnwithTurks.Severalprisonersbroughtdowntellofexpectedattacktonight–moreslaughter.Bigshellsdroppingovertoday,fairlyshakingtheground&nearlydeafeningusbutdoinglittledamage.

Thur20.

31

Averyquietdaywithafewshotsofshrapnel.Wrote2letters,Home&Win.Morelighthorsearrivedthisafternoon.ReportthatTurkswavingwhiteflag&buryingdead.Theircasualtiesaresaidtohavebeen7000intheirrecentcharges.WoundedTurkbroughtdowntoday,fierce&repulsive.Indianshowsdesiretofinishhim.Severalprisonersbroughtdownblindfoldedyesterday.

Fri.21.

Businessasusual.TurkishofficercameinfromGabaTepitoarrangearmisticeforpurposeofburyingdead.Thisisurgentlyneededasthestenchisawful.Nearlyallwarshipsgoneawayfromhere.RumoursofItalycomingonoursidestill

Sat22.

UptofiringlinewithBertWrighttogetthingsofLtBadtoldwhowaswoundedinfacebybullet“JackJohnsons”warmingthemuponthehill.StanWilliscomesinnearlyeverydaytoseemenowashishandissore.Wegotsomebreadfromsailorsfortheshellthatpitchednearourdug-out.

Sun23.

Notsomuchshrapneltoday.HMSAlbionranashorenearGabaTipiandwasinarainofshrapneltowhichsherepliedmostvigorously.All1sectionnowonbeachtobuildpier.YesterdaySullyhadhisDixieskittledbyashellwhichsplashedfatallovertheplace.Freshmeattoeatnow.Mailagainletterfromhome&Windated8&10April.Swiminsurf.

Mon24.

Armisticetoburydead.Alloperations&workssuspended.Apartyofmengooutfromeachsidewithrowofwhiteflags&carrydeadtoeithersidewheretheyareburied.Veryquiet,withscenelikeManlyBeach–thousandsbathing.RumourofGenBridges’death.Issueoftobacco&cigarettes.NewsofbrushbetweenItaly&Austria.Severalprisonersmarchedinthismorning.

Tues25.

Thingsgoingnicelyinmorning&IwasjustcookingdinnerwhenatorpedostruckHMSTriumphaboutmidshipssendingacolumnofwaterhigherthanhermasts.Sheimmediatelyheeledoverandsankinabout5minutes–rolledrightover.Shewasguardingourrightflankandhadhernetsout,andalsohadadestroyerscreeningher.Otherdestroyerswerecruisingaround,butalltonoavail.Ithasmadequiteanimpressiononourboys,mostlyadesireforrevenge.Onlydestroyersinsighttonight.

Wed.26

Rumourthatabout50liveslostonTriumph.JackTarssaythatwehavegottwooutofthreesubmarinesthatwereatlarge.HarryFarnhamblowntopiecesbyshellthismorningjustdowntheroad.Threedestroyerloadsoftroopsarrivingandreceivingtheirsupplyofshrapnel.

Ourreinforcementsarrived,alsoseveralofourchapswhowentawaysick,amongthemBertCurriewhopinchedawayfromhisnurse&islookingforfun.Wefixedthemupforthenight.

Thur.27.

Ourboysarenowdoingnightwork,buildingalongpier.BertCurriestillwithus,buthiskneeisnotquitewellyet.RumourofusgoingonfurloughjustasBerthasbobbedmyhairofquiteshort.Turksgiveus48hourstoclearout,butwehaveasayinthat.

32

Fri.28.

HelpingA.O’SullivancookBertWrightnotwell,soIfittedhimoutinanewshirt&senthimdowntodoctor.Took“Tich”uptohospital,&BertCurriewentuptotrenchestoworksonowIfeellikegoingtoo.Lettersfromhomedated14/4/15&fromWin17/4/15.

Sat29.

LastnightTurksblewupportionofourtrenchesandfollowedwithanattackcapturingthetrenches,butourboyssoonhoistedthemoutagain.WelostafairnumberofmenbutTurksmanymore.Tissadtoseethelittlefuneralpartywenditswayuptoourgrowinggraveyard.BertWrightgetslaughingfitsat“Baby”whoistroubledbyflies&toomuchtrottingabout.CloseshaveforSullyTubby&I.

Sun.30.

Ourboysmadeanattackandcapturedsometrenches,buthadtoleavethemonaccountofenfiladefire.“Chook”Fowlerhadhislegblownoffbyashell,andagloomhangsonoursectionashewaspopular.Rumoursofbigthingsdoing–TurksweakeningItalians&fleetcoming,&c&c.

Mon.31

Oursectionbusymakinghandbombswhicharebeingusedprettyfreelyinattacks.Sometrenchesbeingtaken&retakenonQuinn’sHill.Wrotecardhome.

June

Tues1

Thingsasusualwithverylittleshrapnel.BertWright&Bexleywentbacktotrenches–holidayoverinfightingtrimagain.RumourthatGoebensunk.NewsofgoodworkbyoursubmarineBaby&Bidenfoundstockexchangelively.BertCurriedownatnight.

Wed2.

“SaucyKate”veryquiettoday.WentinforaswimwithRyan.Rumoursofearlypeace–bigoddsbeinglaidthatway,alsoofusgoingtoEnglandsoon.Fliesverytroublesomeaboutherenow.

Thur3.

Newregulationswithregardtotraffic.Newgunfromleftflankgreetsnewofficers–Moore&Middleton.WentroundwithJackWalketotea&hadagoodviewofrightflank.Badaccidentwhenourgunmis-timedashell&killedtwomen&woundedaboutadozenmore.Onechapwithlegoffshowedgreatpluckpassinghumorousremarkstothedoctor.

Fri4.

Sentletterhome&toWin.NowhavealsoLtMooretolookafter.AllkindsofrumoursaboutTurksgivingup.Theygiveus8hourstosurrender&ifwedonotthentheywill.VeryheavybombardmentdownSouth,&rumoursofTurksinretreat.

Sat.5.

Thisafternoonashellfrom“SaucyKate”cametopayusavisit&causedadisturbanceinthedug-outwhereWeames&Sullydine.Wentjustovermyhead&blewthetopoftheircubbyontopofthematwhichSullymadeahastyexitwiththelightofterrorinhiseyes.

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Sun.6.

ThingsmostlyquietallalongthelineexceptatQuinn’sPostwherethingsarealwaysbusythetrenchesbeingonlyafewyardsapart.Bombsandhandgrenadesareinconstantuseandchargesarefrequent.Apartyfromoursectionemployedmakinghandgrenadesoutoffuse-tin,chargeofexplosive,pelletsofallkinds,detonator&fuse.

Mon.7.

Havenotbeenfeelingwellonaccountofdysentery&intendtofollowtheexampleofReg.Weames&reportsickifnotbettertomorrow.Newspaperreportsnowtohandgivegreatcredittoourtroops.Newsofamailcomingashore.

Tues.8.

Reportedsickexpectingadoseofcastoroil,butwassurprisedwhentheysentmetotheFieldHospital.Afterbeingthereallday,fedwell,&tormentedbyflies,theyinformedmeatnightthatmytemperaturehadrisenabove100,andthatIwastobesentawaytoLemnos.Iprotested,butallofnoavail.BertCurriecamedowntoseemeoffontheboat&teasedmeasIdidhimofold.Pinnacepulledusofftotrawlerwhichtookustohospitalshipwherethebadcaseswerehauledupinakindoflift–thenwewentawaytoFleetsweeper,hadtea&bread&jam,dossedondeck&steamedbacktoLemnos,arrivingearlyinthemorning.Notfeelingtoobright,butnotbadenoughtobesentaway.

Wed.9.

From“fleetsweeper,”“Newmarket”toHospitalship“GrantullyCastle”wheretheyarefeedinguswellandwewillhaveagoodchancetoenjoyawell-earntrest.SorrythatIwillmissmymail.Enjoyedquiteatreatfortea–afeedofbreadandjams.Wehavebeenlivingonbiscuitsforsixweeks.

Thur.10

OnGrantullyCastle,notfeelingtoowellandnotlikelytowhilecoopedupwherethereisnoroom.Onebeginstorealisethehorrorsofwarfarewhenoneseesfinechapscrippled&maimed&heartheirstoriesofthedeathsoftheirmates.Onechapwhohadabombburstbehindhisheadhaslosthisreason&behaveslikealittlechild.Oneofourchapsactednurse&puthimtosleepbesidespretendingtowritelettersforhim.

Fri11.

Boughtsomethingsatcanteen–chocolate,towel&soap&milk,butsomeone“pinched”towel&chocolate.Reportedmyselffittoreturntoduty.OnelotdraftedofftoLemnosIstohospitalcamp.

Sat12.

Boughtmorechocolate&anothertowel.Washedsomethingswhileopportunityoffers.Lyingaboutondeck,longingforsomethingtodoorsomethingtoread.

Sun.13.

Anotherlazydayuntilafternoonwhenweweremusteredonfoc’stledeckreadytotransfertoisland.Pushedashore,andallputintohospital.Eightofusinabigtentwithbedsin.Fellverycomfortable.Germanaeroplaneoverharbour.

Mon14.

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Visitbydoctor,andallputonmilkdiet.Twoofusputtobed,butluckilynotme.Wentforastrolldownthevillage&gotsomewritingpaper&acoupleofmagazines.Quietday.

Tues.15.

Readingnearlyallday,andfinishedupwithaheadache.Notfeelingtoowell.Wrotelettershome&toWin.

Wed.16.

Hadabadday,withacrookheadache.ThoughtIwouldbereadytogobackbynow,butamgettingworseinstead.Nonews,andnoletters,butcheerfulstill.

Thur17.

Feelingbetter.PlayeddraughtswithTeague,buthegotthebetterofmeafteragoodstruggle.

Fri.18.

Feelingwell,andpassedfordischargetomorrow.Paradedandissuedwithsomeclothingreadyforthefrayagain.

Sat.19.

Gotastockofprovisionsreadytotakebacktothe“boys”,andwasallreadytogoawaywhenIwasagainattackedbydysenteryandreceivedorderstostayhere.SentprovisionsbyE.Hooper&sentformymail.

Sun.20.

Onmilkdietagain.Veryquietday.SeveralearnestdiscussionswithAlickthereligiousorderly.Thoughtsofhome.IanHamiltonvisitedus&reportedthatdecisiveactionwouldnotensueforamonth.Occupyalotofourtimewithcards.

Mon.21.

Quiettimesinhospital,playingcards,draughts&readingpaperswhenwecangetany.Writelettersprettyfrequently.

Tues.22.

JohnTeague&Ihavesomegoodgamesofdraughts.Hewastoogameatfirst,&nearlygotashock,buthashadtoomuchexperience&practiceforme.Cangetsmallthingsfromvillageifyouhaveplentyofmoney.

Wed23.

Tookwashingdowntovillage&hasasplashinabucketofwater.GettingmyformbackatdraughtsandmakingJohnTeagueJohnTeaguethink.Weplayedfourdrawstoday.(Algieworksascheme&Iworkadream).

Thur24.

Gotwashingfromvillage,andtheoldfriendsofourpaststayheremadeagreatfuss&gavemetwoeggs“buksheesh”.

Fri.25.

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Teague&Igodownforaswiminthebriny.IamnearlywellagainbutamlongingtogetsomenewsfromAustralia.Havenothadaletterforover6weeks.Myfaceisbeginningtoswell&feelfat.Rec’dsevenlettersthisafternoon,threehome,threeWin,oneDlett.

Sat26.

Facestillswollen–abscessonasoreoldspotIfancy.Readlettersoverandoveragain.Algy&Igoodon“FiveHundred”.LearnedGermanWhist.

Sun.27.

JohnTeaguemarkedfordischargetomorrow,&Iwouldhavebeengoingwithhimexceptforface.Wentuptodentist&madeappointmentfortomorrow.Churchinevening.Impressiveceremony.Ministerpassedfinetributetotroopsretheirwillingnesstohelpeachother.

Mon.28.

Hadtoothdrawnandshewasacrookstumptotakeout.SentletterstoHome&Win,alsoAuntEm.Teagueleftustoday&wegotshiftedfromouroldward&scattered.Paddyingoodhumour.

Tues29.

Uptohospital&hadtoothfilled?Facegoingdownsomewhat,butIhavetoholdmyfacewhenIlaugh.BigattackonAcciBaba&manytroopscomingdownwounded.Onechapwithbigholeinhissideexposedtoair&flies.Woodhouse&Goldingsenttobase.

Wed30

MorewoundedarrivingfromCapeHelles,butreportssaythattheyaregraduallycreepingupinAcciBaba.Readytogobackagain,buthearreportsofamail&wouldliketostayhere&getmineasitissuretobesentback.

July

Thur.1

Notsowelltoday,butthinkitisonlyapassingturn.TaffKeefe,SgtWoodhouse&Goldingwentbacktobase.

Fri.2

Feelingbetternowwithabitofapetite&expecttogobackinacoupleofdays.Nomoremailyet.

Sat.3

Reportedfit&chosetogobacktothecompanyratherthantobase.Paraded,clothed,andwithafarewelltotheboys&funaboutletterscameoffwharfafteralongwaittominesweeper.Sleptonsweeper,&landedabout2a.m.atAnzacbeach.Foundmysectionhadbeenshelledoutofoldquarterssosleptunderbankforacoupleofhours.

Sun.4.

AtdaylightwentuptoSullythecook&gotagoodwelcome.Fivelettersverywelcome&SydneyMailfromWin.SullymadegooddinnerfromriceandraisinsthatIbroughtfromLemnos.LtBidenawaysick,andIamtoreportupatEngr.Hdqrtstomorrow.

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Mon.5.

GoodwelcomebyboysofcompanyupinsapwithBertCurrie.FindIamshortwindedaftermilkdiet.Mypacknearlytoomuchtocarry.

Tues.6.

Inmorninglookingforfascineswhichluckilywecouldnotfind.TunneldiggingwithBertCurrieinafternoon.Bertgetshitwithclod.Downonbeachatnightbringingupstores.RumoursofTurkspreparingtousegas–ourmenhaverespiratorshandy.

Wed.7.

Inchargeofagangofmenmakingterracesforbivouacstobeusedbyincomingtroops.Shift8a.m.to12noon.WentroundtoSullyfordinnerandmadeshortworkofapieceofplumduff–thefirstpuddingsinceXmas.Amnowafullblownsapper.

Thur.8.

Wastocontinueshiftwork,butmendidnotreportatproperplace.Runningaboutalldayinconsequence.“Sleeponbags”atnighttoguardstores.Feelingverywellnow.WrotetoWin.todaywhilewaitingformen.

Fri.9.

Workingonshift8–11and2–5butworkcancelledinafternoon.Round&hadteawithSully.Pudding&cakesforhisbirthdayparty.JackGoughshotdeadnearcamp&buriedatnight.Manyofourmentunnelling,otherssapping,othersloop-holing&othersterracing.

Sat.10.

Workedtwofour-hourshiftsthendowntobeachforaswim.Dubbotohospital&Iwasaskedtotakehisplace,butwouldsoonerbeamongthesappers&theworks.

Sun.11.

Workedfourhourshiftinmorning.Veryhotday.Smallmail,butdidnotgetanything.LongtalkwithBertCurrieinafternoonwhenheshowedmealetter.Wrotehome&toElsie&sentleavesofshrub.

Mon.12.

Mypartyofworkmendidnotputinanappearancethismorn.Therewassomewhatofademonstration&plentyofbullets&shellsflyingwhileIwaswaiting.Arrivedbackincamptofindthatabigshellhadpitchedinourcamp&scatteredthingssomewhat.Fourofourmenslightlywounded&twoinfantrymenkilled.Rec’deightlettersandaP.C.Twohome,twoWin,twoAmyatBowral,one”Jim”&oneAuntEm,andwasverypleasedtogetthenews.

Sapr.Wellskilledbybombthismorn.

Tues13.

Stillworking,preparingbivouacsforfreshtroops.Icannoticeabigdifferenceinourtroopslately.Allgettingrundown&playedout.Alotofsickness,runningsores&c.

Wed.14.

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Workgoingslowly.Wenowwork8–12a.m.and6–dark,whichmakesrathereasyshifts.Downforswim&feedwithSully.

Thur.15.

Indianbatterymakesterriblejaronears.Downswimming&gotwaterinmyearwhichmadethingsveryuncomfortable.Washedshirt.

Fri.16.

Partydidnotturnup.Havebadearacheduetojarofgun&water.Littlesleep&greatpain.SawBertStokes.

Sat17.

Reportedsick.Sentto4thFld.Amb.whereearwasdressed.Drops&fomentation.Feelingmuchbetter.Workofbivouacsgoingveryslowly.Expectingbigmoveverysoon.FrenchGeneralsknockingaroundtoday.

Sun.18.

BertCurrietookmyshiftwhileIagaingotmyeardressed.Gunsoundsprettyrough.DoctorwantedtosendmeawaybutIprefertostaywhileatallfit.Fourmoreletterstoday,Home,Amy,Win&“Jim”.Fourmenfromeachsectionofourcompanygoneforfewdaysrest.

Mon19.

Geteardressedeachday,butnotmakingmuchimprovement.Appetitefallingoff,likewiseenergy.

Tues20.

Spendmostofmytimeonthebeachthesedays,asIhavetoreportathospitaltwiceeachday.Takethenightshift6–darknow.HavedinnerwithSully.PaperfromJimtoday.

Wed.21.

Noshiftonaccountofwantingmen.ExpectingattackfromTurks.Weareallsuppliedwithrespiratorstopreventgas.

Thur22.

Thingsmixeduponaccountofexpectedattack,andourworkhasbeencancelledforsomedays.Iamnow“offduty”togivemyearachance.Mail4letters.PhotoofWin&Annie.

Fri.23.

Godownonbeacheachdaytoattenddoctor&goup&havedinner&teawithSully.Turksgetafewofourchapseachdayonthebeachwithshells&arealsomakingitwarminthetrenchesaboveus–whereourchapswork.

Sat.24.

Wildrumoursaboutbigforcescoming,aboutrelief,andevenaboutpeace,butthingsgooninthesameoldway.Wearepreparingabigwaterschemetanks&pipes-watchedthemdragabigtankintoplace.

Sun.25.

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Stillattendingdoctor,butcameupearlytosee“Middo”aboutourwork.Hetoldmetotakethingseasyashehaddroppedoneshift.Wenttochurchonhillside“NearermyGodtoThee”,“LeadKindlyLight”,“OldHundredth”,“GodBeWithYou”.TheconversionofPaul&theuseofhisenergy

Mon.26.

Whenathospital,onechapbeingcarriedalongonstretcherhadhislegblownoffwhileoneofthebearerswaskilled&otherwounded.Thingsdry&wearyhere,butwehavegreathopesofabigmovesoon.

Tues27.

TwoEnglishgeneralsandtwoAdmiralslookingaroundbeach,solookspromising.Earmuchbetterbutstilldeaf.Sullyturnsoutsomegooddishes–puddings,cakes&c..Imanagedtoburnhisrice&soakhispudding,butthatwasonaccountofattentionbeingtakenuponthedoingsofSidCook&heatedarguments.

Wed28.

MetJimPope&BertStokeswhoarein2ndBatt,DComp.,13thPlatoon.

HadlongchatwherebyImissedinnoculation&eardressingbut….itdoesn’tmatter.BertCurrie&Irunningaboutwithmessageatnightonaccountofworkingparty.MajorMcCall&S.M.Pantlingoneawaytoanothernewcompany.Maj.Corletteinchargeofours&rumoursofLtDyerbeingcaptain.

Thur29.

PostedlettershomeandtoWin.McCrackenreturnswithnewsofdeathof“Chook”Fowle.PartyofRoyalEngrstakingoverworksonbeach.Looksasifwearegoingfartherinland.Inowhavenopaininmyear,butitiscompletelydeaf.

Fri.30

Doctororderedmeawayonaccountofcattarrhaldeafness.BertCurriecamedown&sawmeoffonboat,alsoprovingahandymanwhenstretcher-bearerswererequiredonaccountofashelllandingonbeach.Apartygoingtohospitalboathadsixoftheirnumberknockedbyashellthismorning.Againleftsceneofoperations–towedtohospitalshipwherewewereverykindlyreceived.Delicioustea,bread&butter&“cockiesjoy”.Cocoaforsupper.Sleptonsoftmattress–livinghigh.T.S.S.“Rewa”.Bath&changeofclothes–wonderful.JustrealizinghowthinIhavegotlately.

Sat.31.

TowedfromhospitalshiptoFleetsweeperafterseeingthreecorpsestakenawaysilentlywithUnionJacksaroundthem.Camebysweepertohospitalship“Neuralia”andpaid6dforafeedofcornedbeef&picklesontheway.Hoistedupbycrane,namestaken,draggedupbeds&blankets,hadtea&bread&(butter?)andhadagoodsleepondeck.Rathercrowdedwithwalkingpatients,otherwisedoingalright.Earstillthesame.

August

Sun.1.

Quietdayaboardship.SomeofthechapssentofftoLemnos,whileotherscameaboard.Thechaplainsdonotseemveryenergeticonboardthisship.Seemsgoodtoseethebusiness-likeworkingofthenurses.Nearlyascrambleformealstoday.Manoverboardatnight,buttheysoon“hooked”himupagain.

Mon.2.

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About9a.m.slippedoutofLemnosharbour&commencedvoyagebacktobase–don’tknowwherethatisyet.Abitoffcolour.Oneofthesisterswantedtoleadmedownforadoseofmedicine,butIslippedroundthecornerwhenshewasn’tlooking.Burialatseathismorning–quietbutratherbrusque.Stillscramblingformeals,butmustbecontent.

Tues3.

Quietday,shiptravellingratherslowly,butwehavemattressandblanketsondeck&arehappy.Twomorefuneralsgrim&cool.WeareboundforAlexandriawhereweexpecttoarrivetomorrowmorning.

Wed4.

ReachedAlex.about8a.m.andwereatoncetransferredtohospitaltrainenrouteforCairo.Nurses&Indianstaffveryattentivegivingusbread,cheese,beef-tea,milk,cigarettes&readingmatter.Wenowappreciatetheworkofthered-cross.ArrivedinCairoabout2p.m.&traincameontoHeliopoliswherewewereadmitted,treatedtootherluxuriesofred-crossandsenttodifferentbranches.IaminLunaPark–the“WhiteCity”ofCairo.Goodsisters,goodaccommodation;goodfoodandplentyofsympathyfromvisitors.Joinedthepyjamabrigade&stowedkit.Stillfeelingabitoffcolour,butgettingappetitebetter.Entertainmentatnight.MetW.Cridland&F.Healeyofourcompany.Veryhotherewithflies&mosquitoeshencebrokensleep.Thegroundsarebeautifulandthesurroundingsmostcheerful,butonefeelsuseless&chainedup.

Thur5.

Coolerday.Kindvisitorsbringfruit,cigarettes,&readingmatter.Bandplayingdownatrinkatnight.Absorbedinabooksodidnotseemuchtoday.

Fri.6.

HadlongtalkwithF.Healeywhohasbeencrippled.WroteletterstoWin,Grandma&Aunt.Em.Bandplayinginfrontofourwardatnight.InformedSisterTysonofwhereaboutsofherbrother.

Sat7.

Plenteousrumoursbutlittledefinitenews.Cangetchocolate,papers&cfromtheniggers.MickOgilvy&coarrive.

Sun.8.

LittleevidenceofaSabbath.WemisstheearnestnessofCp.MackenzieonthehillsofGallipoli.

Mon9.

ReportedatPalacebutsentbackwithouttreatment–notverysatisfactory.

Tues.10.

MickOgilvy,King,McNair&Brownhillgoout&inkup,butbringhometwobookswhichIwanted.

Wed.11.

Reading“Domby&Son”.ReportedatPalacewithlikeuselessresult.Havewrittenplenteousletterslately.

Thur12.

Persistentreportsofbigbattle&fallofAcciBaba.Shiftingmanypatientsoutofthisplace.

40

Fri.13.

ManynamedforAustraliatogotomorrowincludingF.Healey.Somewastersslinkingbackonpretence.

Sat.14.

TreatedatPalaceyesterdayandtoday.Earmuchthesame,butfeelingphysicallystronger.

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Postscript

Nextdaytemp.flaredup.Whiskedawaytohosp.whereentericfevercameon–nearlyprovedfatal.

Afteracoupleofmonthshosp.&conv.,invalidedhometoAust.

ReturnedtoEnglandinNov/Dec1916onInstructionalStafffor12months,thenlast9monthsofwarinFrance.

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