Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

H. V. Berry diary, 14 June 1915-27 May 1916
MLMSS 746

[Transcriber's note:
Herbert Vincent Berry was born in Wyong NSW. He was a carpenter by trade. He served his apprenticeship in Sydney and his family lived there. He was unmarried. His Service record shows him as having previously been a member of the Colonial Forces. He enlisted in the 8th Field Ambulance, AIF on 14 June 1915 and received basic training in camps in Sydney and Melbourne before being selected to go overseas. He arrived at Suez on 12 Dec, then moved to camp at Serapium on 14 Dec.
Although Berry was attached to a Field Ambulance unit, he seems to have been mainly engaged in general duties during this period, although he did attended lectures on medical subjects. He was appointed to rank of acting Lance Corporal and appears to be destined for service as a stretcher bearer. His unit moved to various camps in Egypt including Tel el Kabir. This diary ends with preparations for departure from Egypt on 28 May 1916.]

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6611

Private H.V. Berry
8th Field Ambulance,
A.A.M.C. A.I.F.
5–10–15

51 Reynolds St
Neutral Bay

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Enlisted 14 June 1915
Went to Liverpool Camp 26 June 1915
Attached to 3rd Reinforcement of 19 Bt. till 8th July 1915

Transferred to 8th Field Ambulance
Queens Park, Waverly 31 August 1915

Route March from Moss Vale to Parra 24/9/15 - 27/9/15

Presentation of Wristlet watch from residents of Gladesville, 27/9/15

Left Queens Park for Melbourne 8.5 pm
Train 8/10/15. very large crowd on station to see train off.

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Arrived at Melbourne (Spencer St) 3.30 pm 9/10/15.
Marched to Albert Park & camped near S. Melbourne Cricket Ground.
General leave granted at night. Visited city. Returned to camp 10.15 pm.

Sunday 10/10/15.
Reveille 6 am No early morning parade; church parade 10.30. went St Silas Church, Albert Park. General leave granted in afternoon, visited Domain & Gardens, very enjoyable afternoon, gardens very nice.

Monday 11/10/15
Parades, 6.30 am. 9.30 AM &and: 2 pm. Remained in Camp at night.

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Tuesday 12/10/15
Ordinary Parades 6.30 – 7.30 AM, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm 2 pm – 5 pm
Late leave granted, went "Paul Jones” Her Majesty’s Theatre, Supper at "Blue Bird” Collins St; caught 12.10 AM train from Flinders St to Albert Park.
Enjoyed play, but had to leave early through indulging too heavily in ice cream blocks. (no more).
Had to wait for other boys at side entrance, in Little Collins St, an awful street, almost all Chinamen.

Wednesday 13/10/15
Ordinary parades, Visited city At night; ordinary leave granted. Returned 10.15 pm.

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Thursday, 14/10/15
Ordinary Parades, Went to Concert &and: Party arranged by Methodist Church, Albert Park. Had very enjoyable time. About 150 marched in a body to the Church hall, returned about. 10.45 pm.

Friday 15/10/15.
Late leave granted at night, went to "Nobody’s Widow” Theatre Royal.

Saturday 16/10/15
Weekend leave granted, went to Caulfield Cup, returned to City, had tea at Blue Bird, went St Kilda at night by Motor Bus, returned by tram. St Kilda pier fine though, rather cold at night. Slept in Camp.

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Sunday 17/10/15
Remained in bed till 8.30 AM
Left Camp about 12 am & had dinner at Blue Bird, caught train in afternoon for Kew, visited cemetery, returned by tram & went to Domain. Had tea in town, Reg returned to camp ill. While on leave Mr Sutton called.

Monday 18/10/15
Ordinary Parades At night visited Kew to see Mr Sutton. Met Mr & Mrs Reid, arrived back at camp 9.30 pm

Tuesday 19/10/15
Parades as usual. Remained in Camp at night

Wednesday 20/10/15
Usual parades, went in to City at night

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Thursday 21/10/15
General inspection by Col Tibbey. Late leave at night, went to "The Dancing Mistress”, Her Majesty’s Theatre. Had tea & Supper at Boulevard Café. Bob sang during tea.

Friday 21/10/15
Left camp, 8 am, on Route March. Marched to Flinders St, Caught train to Ringwood. Arrived Warrandyte 8 miles for dinner, Dined with Bob Roberts at Hotel. Left Warrandyte about 2 pm in rain, arrived Kangaroo Gd about 3 miles further on & Camped in hall for night. Had a pleasant night in hall singing & dancing, turned in about 10 pm

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Saturday 23/10/15
Reveille 6 am Still raining hard. Had breakfast & cleaned hall. Left Kangaroo Ground 10 am. Marched on in heavy rain, had dinner 11 miles out at 1.30 pm, left again at 3.15 for Yarra Glen 3 miles on, arrived a little after 4 pm. About 25 men unable to finish march caught train back. Remainder went on & arrived at Healsville 7 pm. Had shower & tea & camped in Hall opposite Presbyterian Church. Bed 10 pm.

Sunday 24/10/15
Reveille 7.30 am Still raining hard. Breakfast 9 am. Church parade, Pres Church 10.30 am – 12 am. Dinner at hotel 1 pm. Went Myers falls afternoon

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at 2 pm back 4.30 pm, (very poor) Had tea in refreshment shop next door to hall. Left Healsville 7 pm arrived camp 10 pm.

Monday 25/10/15
Usual parades Selected by Captain North to go to Sydney with 17 others to Embark by Beltana on 9/11/15.
Visited friends place Albert Park, played billiards & ping pong, returned to camp 10 pm.

Tuesday 26/10/15
Usual parades, Reg returned from Ascot isolation hospital. Went Concert given by St Lukes Church, Albert Park. Left Concert & went to tea at Café Francatelli

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returned to Concert & arrived back at camp 11 pm.

Wednesday 27/10/15
Usual parades
Picket duty 6 pm till 10 pm
Vaccinated

Thursday 28/10/15
Picket 6am – 10 am.
Dinner at Chalet given by Mrs Salvary to 6 of us returning to Sydney. After tea went to Concert in Gymnasium hall given by Middle Park Choir & returned to Chalet for Supper.

Friday 29/10 15
Usual parades
Went to City at night. Raining hard.

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Saturday 30/10/15
Signalling Competition during morning, did fairly well.
Went to Flemington in afternoon to see Derby run, had a very pleasant afternoon. Flemington course very fine, railway accommodation very poor. Returned to city for tea at Boulevard Café.
Went to Tivoli fairly good programme. Had supper at Boulevard Café returned to camp 12 pm.

Sunday 31/10/15.
Church parade, St Lukes C of E Albert Park. Visited Zoological gardens during afternoon, grounds very fine. Horse tram [indecipherable] from Royal Park to Zoo. Had tea at

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Continental café, Swanson St, caught 6.10 PM train to Kew, found all out. Returned to camp by 8.30 pm.

Monday 1/11/15
Raining hard. Early morning march to Port Melbourne.
Pay parade 2 pm. Late leave at night. Tea at Francatelli Café. Went Her Majesty’s theatre to "The Old guard”. Supper at Boulevard.

Tuesday 2/11/15
Cup Day
Made preparations during morning for trip to Sydney. Left Melbourne (Spencer St) 4 pm train, arrived Albury 10.10 pm, left 11.5 pm

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Wednesday 3/11/15
Arrived Moss Vale about 9 am for breakfast. Arrived Sydney 11.30 AM.
Good number of friends on Station to see train in. After a short delay we dismissed and went to our homes. Met Bob Park & went Pictures at night.

Thursday 4/11/15
Went to Sydney in morning returned about 4 pm. Caught 5 pm tram met other boys & went to dinner in Sargeants, given to Captain North. After dinner went with theatre party to Tivoli. Returned home 12 pm.

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Friday 5/11/15
Caught 8 am tram & met other boys at railway. Caught 9.30 am train for Como. Hired boats & rowed up river about 5 miles, returned to Como in time to catch 5 pm train. At night went Bondi Junction

Saturday 6/11/15
Remained home during morning. During afternoon played tennis, rather out of practice, but games very enjoyable. At night went to farewell party given to J Martin by his parents.

Sunday 7/11/15
Remained home during morning. Met friend 2.40 pm. Caught Lane

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Cove boat for Fig Tree. Walked from Fig Tree to Alexandra St & Caught boat back to town. Had tea Sargeants in Market St; Went Bondi at night. Arrived home 11 pm.

Monday 8/11/15
Went to town in morning to buy some articles necessary for trip. Returned to Balmain visited Mort St met Mother corner of Darling St & Weston Rd. 3.20 pm visited Mrs Hancock. Home 5.20 pm. At night paid a few farewell visits.

Tuesday 9/11/15
As it was necessary to fall in at St Mary Cathedral at 6.45 am & we had some luggage to carry, Fred brought Pacific Coy lorry home & drove in with the

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intention of picking up all the luggage of the other boys & taking it to wharf. It was appreciated by the boys as it is a fair walk to No 1 wharf Woolloomooloo. By 7 AM we had embarked, but it was some considerable time before the people were allowed on wharf. Had to wait for L Horse Reinforcements.
We moved out into the stream at about 9.30. thousands of coloured streamers from boat to wharf formed a very grand & impressive spectacle. Anchored near Clark Island. While in stream we were honoured by a visit from Gov General who bade us good bye & safe return in a short but very nice little speech. Moved off at 3 pm. Cleared heads about 3.30 pm. Sea calm, felt fairly well. Bed 8.30 pm. Appointed

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mess orderly first day.

Wednesday 10/11/15
Reveille 6 am. Sea choppy but wind dropped later in day & sea became very smooth. Rained late in day. Still fairly well. Commenced ward duty 10 pm till 6 AM following morning. Whales noticed spouting in close proximity to the ship, caused great excitement.

Thursday, 11/11/15
During early morning sea became very rough, bottles & crockery began falling about causing rather an unusual disturbance. Relieved from duty 6 am feeling queer from effects of rough weather. Missed meals during day. Passed Cape Otway about 5 pm

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overcome by seasickness at night about 6.30 pm Turned in 8 pm.

Friday 12/11/15
Reveille 6 am. Sea still fairly rough; many ill: More admissions to hospital with mumps. More whales noticed close in during morning. No sight of land whatever during day, but passed two large steamers during day, one coming from & one going in direction of Sydney. Ward duty from 2 pm till 10 pm. Arranged to draw meals from Officers cook house, great improvement

Saturday 13/11/15
Reveille 6 am. in Aust Bight; sea very rough, very rough night, feeling well, attending every meal.

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hospital crowded, necessary to sleep outside. Very windy at night. During day allotted to our respective boats in case of emergency. Our boat No 8 on port side.

Sunday 14/11/15
Reveille 6 am. sea exceptionally rough. Prevailing head winds. Orderly to sick parade for week. Full dress parade in morning, Church parade in afternoon very impressive. Heavy sick parade, hospitals almost full. Wind became very strong in later part of day & sea very rough, reduced speed to about 5 knots.

Monday 15/11/15
Wind dropped, sea much calmer

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beautiful morning. Large number of Albatros following the ship, very peculiar bird, never leave only when approaching land. Visited engine room, machinery very fine, though temperature below very warm. Physical drill for morning parade.

Tuesday 16/11/15
Very calm. Mess orderly as well as Orderly sick parade. Had a little practice in dispensary, very interesting. Passed five islands off West Australian coast about midday. Rained heavily during afternoon. Passed Hospital Ship. Kyarra about 4.30 in afternoon. Very bad head, went bed early.

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Wednesday 17/11/15
Sea calm, beautiful morning. Fairly small sick parade. Lecture on first aid during afternoon. Last sight of Australian shores, changed direction, boat began to roll heavily owing to sea catching boat from different direction.

Thursday 18/11/15
Very heavy roll, hard to keep feet. Passed large tramp steamer about 5 pm on port side bound for Sydney. Boat rolled very heavily during night, hard to sleep on deck

Friday 19/11/15
Very heavy roll. Morning fine very little wind. Large sick

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parade. Big fall in crockery during night owing to heavy rolling of ship. Ran sweep during day on mileage of boat for 24 hrs ending noon 20th. Introduced to Tas Vale [ of Balmain, who is in hospital suffering from effects of seasickness.

Saturday 20/11/15
Very calm. Spent morning in dispensary. Carried piano during day from saloon to hospital deck, brightened matters considerably, music all afternoon. Concert held at night, very enjoyable, beautiful moonlight night. Band played on hospital deck. Bed 10 pm

Sunday 21/11/15
Orderly to sick parade as usual. On early morning parade, Fire alarm

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& boat drill 9.30 am. All fell in with life belts on boats allotted. Church parade 10.30 am, also service in hospital at 7 pm attended both. Colly won sweep 308 miles Herford won previous day 308 also Colly second prize for previous day. Had hair clipped short again in afternoon.

Monday 22/11/15
Getting very warm, nearing line, All awnings put up over exposed parts of boat. Swimming bath also erected (canvas) on deck, aft, many minor accidents owing to men being thrown in carelessly, clothes & all. Assistant to Capt North in 2 small operations during morning, felt rather

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queer at beginning, but came round after & took no notice. Did my first batch of washing made rather a good job of it under the circumstances, for it is a hard job to get fresh water for washing clothes, as supply is getting very low owing to men exceeding their allowance. (allowance 6 gallons supposed to be using 10). Pleasant little sing song on our own deck at night.

Tuesday 23/11/15
Very warm. Mess orderly, orderly sick parade as well. Serious accident, man fell down hatch aft, very bad fall, poor fellow in terrible agony. Quite upset the usual quiet conditions in the hospital. Machine gun practice from

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stern of ship, casks were thrown over for targets & under the circumstances the shooting was fairly accurate. Band played for Officers mess at night. Music greatly appreciated by men & crew of ship.

Wednesday 24/11/15
Very warm. Large sick parade, very late breakfast. Chloroform administered to lad who fell down hatchway to ascertain nature of injuries, fortunately no bones broken, although apparent internal injuries.
Innoculation during afternoon for our own boys, some felt effects badly. Chaplain
(C of E) held choir practice on our deck at night. Some of the boys indulged in throwing wet wadding at Sgt Matheson through

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the port holes, gave him rather a rough handling. 5 of us commenced a small mess of our own to enable us to have supper before retiring at night. A great improvement.

Thursday 25/11/15
Very warm, nearing the line must expect hot weather. Very large sick parade. Getting a nuisance coming after sick parade hours, practically attending to someone all day. Started to treat some of their corns, had a crowd around before I knew where I was, soon cut it out. During the night one side of Sgt Matheson’s moustache was clipped off & his hair cut at the back. Caused great stir, extra duties were allotted to us all. Very poor dinner owing to the

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cooks having to cook with condensed water, gives food a very unpleasant taste. Great numbers of flying fish to be seen around the boat. Inquiry held in connection with accident on Tuesday

Friday 26/11/15
Rained fairly heavily during latter part of last night & early this morning. Rather busy morning, good number of lads suffering from sprains, & cuts caused through bottles bursting in their hands. Large number of bottles containing soft drinks burst while being opened.
Rumour spread that we would cross the line at 3.45 pm. As per usual it was decided to celebrate the occasion in the usual manner. A secret meeting was held between a few of us & we decided that

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Reg should be the chosen one. He was playing cards & quite unconscious of the proceedings, as we filed out fully armed for the occasion A Judge (W. Burdon) & Jury of 4 were appointed to try the chosen one, Reginald Hancock who was accused of never having previously crossed the line. Two further charges were brought in against him, one of having been found trespassing in another bed, & also of assaulting the Matron of the ship, Matron Colly Priest; with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was found guilty of each charge & the decision of the Jury was, that he should be stripped, lathered with flour & water & shaved with a razor of very large dimensions, smeared with butter, given a pill specially prepared & a cup of salt water to aid the digestion

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of the pill. Then doused with water & smeared with condy’s crystals. Poor Reg had rather a rough passage. He at first strongly objected to the treatment; but found that useless & had to give in. He was tied to a post on deck & dealt with as prescribed. The little episode created quiet a great deal of excitement among the crowd on the deck below.
Later in the day a very heavy rainstorm passed over. It was of very short duration but heavy while it did last. This storm was indicated by small birds called storm petrels hovering around. Their presence is a sure indication of a storm approaching. They are very tame. A few of us were lying on a

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quiet part of the boat ; aft & they came and fed from within a yard of where we were. They are something after the style of a quail in appearance. Rather late to bed owing to some of the boys skylarking.

Saturday 27/11/15
Late up, had to rush to be in time for sick parade. Much cooler after yesterdays storm. Heaviest sick parade to date, mainly owing to heat of last few days. Reg quite recovered after his unique experience of yesterday. Prize fight between QMS Menzies & Pte J. Williams A.M.C. Menzies threw his towel in after 3 rounds.
Thousands of flying fish still seen around boat; they rise from the water in shoals & drop back in again after flying about 10 yds. Thirty two cases to date in isolation

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Pay day to-morrow; men in isolation receive no pay. Concert held at night from the promenade deck, very nice too, quite enjoyed it.
At noon we had travelled 5014 miles leaving 3192 to go.

Sunday 28/11/15
Beautiful morning. Still very heavy sick parade going from 6.30 AM till 10 AM with only ¼ hour for breakfast. Church service at 10.30 AM. Sermon very interesting, dealt with precautions one should take while in Egypt. Struck me as being very necessary, as many are ignorant & fail to realise where they are going. Pay after church parade, every man was paid £ 1.0.0 from what he is entitled to. Paid weekly payment of 2/6 (collected from each of the 17 boys) to the

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cook (£ 2.2.6) for food drawn from officers cook house instead of drawing from troops galley, which we are supposed to draw from. Stewed rabbit for dinner & I had the luck to get a tomato from the cook, very nice. Service in hospital at night. Crossed line at 8.30 pm to night. The event of Father Neptune coming on board at that hour caused a great deal of excitement on board. A procession, consisting of a band composed of all kinds of instruments available, followed by Father Neptune & his assistants in some very peculiar costumes, in some cases, hardly any costume at all, marched all through the ship. Properly organised sports arranged for tomorrow, to celebrate crossing of line.

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Monday 29/11/15
Calm morning. Nix Coxon & I were warned for refusing to obey an order from an N.C.O. Refused to go the bed when ordered to do so by Sgt Matheson. Brought up before Capt North this morning & let off with a caution, on account of good work I have been doing since coming on board ship. (Quite a compliment)
I consider I was in the right as night was very hot & I had no desire to go to bed. Great afternoons sport to celebrate crossing of line. Officers & men alike, who were unfortunate enough to be selected were roughly handled & ducked in a properly organised manner. A few

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of us arranged for Sgt Matheson to receive a good ducking in compensation for treatment received during morning. It was carried out in a very satisfactory manner.
We again celebrated the occasion in our quarters, but the chosen ones, 3 in number escaped & got the best of the deal in the end. On the whole a very pleasant days sport.

Tuesday 30/11/15
Exceedingly hot & Sultry. All men paraded in full marching order. Too busy to dress for parade. Very quiet day otherwise. At noon travelled 5939, leaving 2357 to go.

Wednesday 1/12/15
Mess orderly for the day. Discovered lock & handle of my white kit bag had been stolen & contents scattered

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about. Apparently someone has been fortunate enough to find a key to fit my bag.
About 100 men slightly poisoned through eating cooked apple drawn for dinner from troops galley. All received medical attention during afternoon. Getting fairly well known on board through being continually on duty at the dispensary. Very heavy wind & rain storm at night.

Thursday 2/12/15
Fairly strong wind blowing though sea fairly calm. Getting very tired of ship’s food, cannot enjoy meals at all lately, will be glad to get on shore to have a good meal. Canteen stores getting very low, unable to buy any tinned fruits or biscuits at all.

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Sighted Arab dhow (small sailing ship) in distance on Starboard bow at 2.15 pm. Had pleasure of seeing it through telescope; quite a treat for we have not seen either land or a boat since leaving Australian shores. Passed Cape Guardifui 5.15 pm just visible on port bow; very hazy. Weather getting cooler & days shorter. Very bad head-ache today. At noon we had travelled 6550 leaving 1746 to go.

Friday 3/12/15
Beautiful day sea calm; nearing journey’s end. At noon had travelled 6856 miles leaving 1440 to go. At present in Gulf of Aden. Sighted Aden lighthouse 10 pm also what appeared to be fairly large

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steamer on starboard bow. Caused a great deal of excitement; first sight of anything of interest since leaving Aust shores.

Saturday 4/12/15
Most interesting day to date. Sighted Island of Perim & Arabian mainland early this morning on the Starboard side also a number of small barren islands on Port side. They form entrance to Red Sea into which we passed about 7.30 A.M. Perim Is a fairly large barren Island, with a fine lighthouse situated on either end & is to a certain extent populated. Passed in close proximity to a good number of steamers passing to & fro during day. One a Dutch steamer, displayed

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its naturally very prominently National colors lined very conspicuously from end to end of hull, with name – BENGALEN, ROTTERDAM – in large block letters in centre. Also passed New Zealand transport 52, returning. Fairly large city situated on Arabian coast on Starboard side; probably Mocha, unable to say for certain. Saw large shoal of Dolphin from bow of boat, very much like porpoises only much faster in their movements. Have passed a great number of small Islands since entering Red Sea. All barren, not a blade of grass to be seen on any of them. Concert at night, both Bob Roberts & Eric Herford contributed to programme. End of a very interesting day. As from today

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7177 miles, 1119 to go.

Sunday 5/12/15
Very warm. Overtook &: passed in very close proximity to large steamer (name unknown), when abreast signalled wished us good luck. One of our boys signalled back & thanked them for their good wishes. Our band played a few selections while abreast, Actually saw a lady on board, first of fair sex seen for a month.
Mail closes in orderly room 9 pm tonight, all very busy writing letters, as it will be last opportunity for writing on board. Very heavy wind & rain storm during afternoon. Thunder exceptionally heavy. Church Parade

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7.45 pm, last service on board, very fine.

Monday 6/12/15
Much cooler today. Passed large Orient Steamer on Port bow about 8.15 AM, bound probably for Sydney. From bow saw large shoal of Dolphins. Fine to see them playing about practically against the nose of the boat; gradually they drop away one or two at a time until they have all gone. Held fine concert at night, each of the 18 of us had to contribute to the programme. My item, "Always take a girl named Daisy” went very large,” I don’t think”. As each item was announced a few lines were read out about each

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artist. I know when they announced my item, they said something about "the man with the Society ripple” I don’t remember it all, but it was very funny. At conclusion of concert Sgt Matheson was presented with a large bottle labelled poison for having rendered the best item. At noon we had travelled 7798 leaving 498 to go.

Tuesday 7/12/15
All very busy making preparations to disembark to-morrow; will not be sorry either although I have been fairly fortunate during voyage. Both kits packed in readiness for to-morrow

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Wednesday 8/12/15
Arose very early, all excitement on board. Soon got through early morning sick parade. Dropped anchor some distance out from Suez, reason unknown; while here Orsova, which left with troops a day later than we did, passed us bound for Suez. We proceeded on our journey shortly after & anchored alongside the Orsova at 10 AM. Very fine sight; a great number of troopships & other vessels at anchor in harbour, also a few cruisers Mainland very peculiar in appearance &: all brown sandstone, no vegetation whatever, everything you look at on the shore where it is at all

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rocky, seems to attain a pyramided form. Medical officer came on board 10.30 AM crew of launch Arabians. While they were waiting, the boys began to throw down pennies & as they would bend to pick each one up, one of our chaps would throw a potato at them. All disappointed at not disembarking to day; do not expect to do so till Friday now. Thousands of gulls about ship. Bought, P. Card views of Suez & Port Said, on board. Ronald Styles & J Martin on Orsova.

Thursday 9/12/15
Still in harbour, very busy packing away all drugs Troops on Orsova disembarked

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today. Arabs very busy selling to boys on board, when able to dodge police patrol. Patients from isolation taken ashore today to Suez hospital.

Friday 10/12/15
All discontented, fully expected to disembark to day, but failed to do so. Shortage of food, cooks received instructions only to prepare breakfast as we fully expected to entrain during morning. Very heavy boat traffic in Harbour, undoubtedly a busy port.

Saturday 11/12/15
Heaved anchor & moored Port Tewfik, Suez at 9.45 AM. Darkies working on shore are a

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very dirty mixed race, you never see two dressed alike they wear anything. The chap in charge carries a stick & whacks any of them that try to loaf.
Egyptian police, fine men, carry a long cane & whack any of the men who they have occasion to speak to, strange to see them trying to duck away from the stick like a schoolboy. Interesting to watch them diving for money; hold what they get in their mouth till it is full then fill their hands. A couple of Indian Stretcher bearers came on board & took off men for hospital. Train load of Indian troops, who have been in action

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in France for 12 months, came on to our pier to embark for Persian Gulf for a spell. A & B Coy 30 "B” entrained & moved off for camp at 5 pm, Engineers, Signallers & L. Horse & ourselves entrained & left at 4.30 in 3rd class carriages, very crude. First view of Suez very striking place dirty & attire of people, chiefly women, most peculiar. At Shallufa, 3rd station out from Suez, we were informed that it was about here that the attack on the canal took place. Stopped at Station at about 7.45 pm, hundreds of Egyptians swarmed around trying to sell us oranges, cigarettes, dates tomatoes & dozens of other articles. Still travelling

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at midnight.

Sunday 12/12/15
Reached our destination 2.45.AM. after being issued with blankets, turned in about 3.30 AM. very tired. Slept in till 8 AM.
Egyptian labourers work 11 hours per day & only receive 2 piastres (5d) per day, Sunday & all.
Convenience for mess very good, a large number of sheds erected with large tables & seats. Allotted to our tents, 12 in our tent, rather crowded. Received instructions to be prepared to move off to- morrow. Supposed trouble arising on canal. Working till 10 pm. Kit inspection during afternoon.

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Monday, 13/12/15
Very cold & foggy, busy all morning preparing to move off to-night
Had dinner at Y.M.C.A
First mail arrived, no luck Great movement on foot, thousands of troops moved from camps around Heliopolis during day & night. We left camp Heliopolis 8.30 pm;& entrained at Zeitaun Stn 10.30pm ; moved off 11.15 pm still travelling at midnight.

Tuesday 14/12/15
Arrived at Ein Ghosein, 5.45 AM., Very foggy. Had breakfast, moved off from Station at 8 AM, arrived at camp, Serapium, 9 AM. after marching across the desert

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for an hour on the edge of the Suez Canal. This side of canal lined with trees for a depth of about 20 yds; very fortunate to have shelter as sun is very strong during day Large Cruiser passed down Canal during morning, as well as a number of other large boats. Working all day unloading goods from boats. Very short of rations, all we had for today was 6 biscuits & bully beef; quite satisfied, cannot expect much more on active service. Allotted to tents at night; very glad to turn in.

Wednesday 15/12/15
Very heavy fogs & dews here

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each morning, unknown to rain to any extent for 5 years; depend on heavy dews for irrigation purposes. Went artillery camp canteen further down canal about ½ mile away to purchase something for breakfast. Tomatoes & oranges fairly cheap & good. More goods to unload from boats; hand carry of about 50 yds over sand. Made acquaintance of some of boys in Artillery camp, all Englishmen, so glad to have us here, as previously all Indian troops have been camped in vicinity.

Thursday 16/12/15
Reveille 7 A.M. Parade 9.30 A.M. 6 mile march through desert, very

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heavy marching. Complaints from some of men, regarding insufficient food. Making railway from main line to canal, where it will connect with metal road on opposite side prepared for motor traffic. Few skirmishes reported between Turkish outpost & ours, a few miles inland on opposite side of Canal.
Piquet from 4.30 pm till 9 pm. S.S. Ceramic passed through from Australia with very large number of troops on board.

Friday 17/12/15
Reveille 6 A.M. No duty owing to being on piquet last night.
Spent majority of day letter writing.

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Saturday 18/12/15
Stretcher drill during morning, very hard over sandy country. Afternoon, half holiday, thought it good opportunity to do my washing, had difficulty to obtain water. Selected among 12 A.M.C bearers to go with A Coy 31st Btn into desert to form outpost; Very busy making preparations to leave early to- morrow morning.

Sunday 19/12/15
Arose early & made all preparations & moved off from opposite side of canal, about 10.15 AM. Crossed canal by pontoon, 10 AM. Marched about 8 miles out into Arabian desert & pitched camp at 4 pm.

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Very dreary marching across sand. Accompanied by camel train of 70 camels with provisions. Had tea 5 pm, bully beef & biscuits.

Monday 20/12/15
In the desert, not a tree or growth of any description to be seen. Infantry trench digging & constructing wire entanglements. Meals still of bully beef & biscuits. Easy day, lying about the most of the day. Few dressings to do. caused while opening tins of bully beef.

Tuesday 21/12/15
Arose 6.30 A.M. breakfast 8.30 AM. Very busy day, making dug out & communication

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trench; hardest days work since enlisting. Expect to be moving further out in the course of a day or so. Very monotonous here & food poor.

Wednesday 22/12/15
Indian Mountain Battery arrived late last evening, had a chat with the Indians this morning who explained the working of the guns to a few of us; some of them speak very good English. Filled in dug out late in evening, preparing to move to- morrow.

Thursday 23/12/15
Moved off 10 AM. to take up a position 3 miles further into the desert, sandstorm raging; most trying had to cover

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our faces with handkerchiefs as we were unable to stand sand beating against us. Wind dropped late in the day. Very glad to get our tent pitched & a biscuit to eat at 4.30 pm. Turned in about 9 pm.

24/12/15 (Friday)
Arose 7 AM. Camp now 11 miles from canal, situated between Bitter Lakes & TIMSAH Lake. One loaf between 12 of us for dinner, rather short rations. Commenced another dugout during afternoon, to act as a dressing station. Shower of rain at night, rather unusual

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occurence here. Nights seem very long; dark at 5.30 pm & no light whatever allowed.

25/12/15 Saturday, Christmas Day
What a contrast to previous years; never expected to spend Xmas in the desert. Beautiful morning after shower last night, although rather cold early. Surprise for dinner; Christmas pudding & preserved fruits, very acceptable after food we have been receiving lately. Received bad news during day, re Allies evacuating Dardanelles. Worked most of the day making dug out, to act as dressing station in preparation for an attack. Turned in 10.30 pm feeling very tired.

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26/12/15 Sunday, Boxing Day
British aeroplane passed overhead at 8.30 AM probably on patrol duty. Most of day working on dug out. Received mail during afternoon; second since arriving in Egypt.
Section of Bikaner Camel Corps arrived here this afternoon. Apparently many types of Indian troops in vicinity of canal. All troops withdrawn from Gallipoli, supposed to be on banks of Canal.

Monday 27/12/15
Very cold early. Again worked to finish dug out; quite an elaborate one. Shifted our tents over near dug out. Very warm during

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day. Camel Corps sighted Turkish scouts 3 miles out from here.

Tuesday 28/12/15
All morning trench digging; afternoon half holiday. First aid Lecture at night by Capt North, subject – Arresting Hemorrhage – Exceptionally cold night.

Wednesday 29/12/15
False alarm at 10 AM; quite a stir in camp; all tents dropped & men rushed to their respective trenches. Col Tibbey visited camp 12 noon. Enemy scouts again seen in close proximity to camp.

Thursday 30/12/15
Route march during morning, otherwise

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nothing of interest happened during day

Friday 31/12/15
Section of Indian Mountain Battery relieved to-day; given pencil by one of them presented to him by Princess Mary. Stretcher drill greater part of afternoon; very hard & tiresome drilling in sand.

Saturday 1/1/16 New Years Day
Signalling the greater part of the day. Expect to be relieved to-morrow.

Sunday 2/1/16 2/1/16
Arose not feeling too well. Relieved & left Q.B.N. Habuja camp 2 pm & after a very hard & fast march arrived back at Serapeum 5 pm, feeling very sore & tired. Turned in about 9.30 pm in tent with 14 others; quite a crush.

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Monday 3/1/16
Very cold & windy. Not feeling well enough to go on parade. Ordered to hospital No 2 ward. Small steamer with a number of C. Coy 29th Btn on board, sank in canal; equipment & all lost, beside machine guns. Skirmish at outpost a few hours after we were relieved

Tuesday 4/1/16
Very windy & cold. Great amount of work being carried out on all parts of canal. Boat which sank yesterday, raised & taken away to-day

Wednesday 5/1/16
Very wild & cold day. Rained again

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during afternoon.

6/1/16 Thursday
Very monotonous in hospital. Very windy & cold again. English artillery moved camp.

Friday 7/1/16
Dull & cold morning, windy during afternoon. Great rush of mumps patients into hospital. Seventh Australian Engineers arrived here & pitched camp. All Australian troops being brought on to canal.

Saturday 8/1/16
Rained heavily during early morning. Stretcher squads rearranged; appointed No 4 in charge of squad. A few large cruisers passed along canal.

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A & B Section engaged in a friendly football match during afternoon. A Sec won 10 points to 5.

Sunday 9/1/16
Cold morning; still in hospital. Church parade held, but unable to go owing to being in hospital. Col Tivey inspected camp.

Monday 10/1/16
Out of bed first time for a week. Went for a stroll along the canal, great activity on both banks. Received pay.

Tuesday 11/1/16
Grand morning. Arab died in hospital Met Cpl Brabner of 7th Aust Field Engineers.
Pts Fisher & Priest reported missing from previous day; search party organised & found them 10.30 AM.

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Small Christmas gifts from Australia given out during afternoon.

Wednesday 12/1/16
Received further news re evacuation of Dardanelles; very successfully carried out with only slight losses. Practically all Australian troops withdrawn from Gallipoli camping in vicinity of Tel-el-Kabir; all looking much the worse for wear.

Thursday 13/1/16
Rained slightly early morning. Very quiet day.

Friday 14/1/16
Cold morning. Received mail from home; first for nearly 3 weeks

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More admissions to hospital. Outpost to be again relieved to-morrow by 17 Sec

Saturday 15/1/16
Beautiful morning. Very little traffic on Canal during past week. Dental work commenced by Lieu Riley in connection with 8th Field Amb. Wild rumors in circulation as to where we are likely to be moving to. Betting stands at - 6 to 4 on, the other side of canal, 6 to 1 agst further down canal, 30 to 1 Tel-el-Kabir, 50 to 1 Persian Gulf, 100 to 1 France; very amusing to hear all discussions as to where we are likely to go.

Sunday 16/1/16
Exceptionally cold morning. AMC. Supplied fishing piquet

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to Bitter Lakes. Lieu General Sir A Murray of the Imperial forces passed down the canal on a fine launch about 4 pm. All troops lined banks & stood to attention

Monday 17/1/16
Railway progressing very rapidly on the opposite bank; trucks already placed online in readiness for immediate use. Sandy blight very common among our men. One of A Coy, 31st Btn admitted into hospital having shot himself through foot while on outpost duty; everything points to the wound being intentionally inflicted. Dozens of

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Dhows on canal carrying metal for railway & road. A raft constructed by 7th Aust Engineers camping here, sank while being given a trial by 16 men; one was drowned & several others much the worse for their experience. More A.M.C comforts distributed.

18/1/16. Tuesday
General Godley & Staff of Imperial forces inspected all troops in vicinity this morning. Victim of drowning fatality buried at Ismailia this morning. Somewhere approaching 2,000,000 sand bags landed on canal bank, directly opposite where we are camping. Large filters being erected here in

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connection with water supply in preparation for attack on Canal. Camping directly opposite where Turkish forces attacked this time last year. Met Harry Neal of 7th Aust Engineers camping here. Hospital Ship Marama, probably returning from New Zealand, passed up canal about 6 pm. Looked very fine steaming slowly with full lights.

Wednesday 19/1/16
SS Imrah from Australia passed by at about 2.30 pm. Andy Fisher from bridge deck wished us all good luck. Visited graves on opposite side of canal where Turks were buried on occasion of first

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attack, 12 months ago. Weird & gruesome sight, dozens on surface of ground, legs & arms protruding in many other cases. Pushing full gauge railway on very rapidly on this side of canal; platform & shed erected just north of our camp.

Thursday 20/1/16
Railway on opposite bank commenced running to-day.
Major Newell & Capt Wooster accompanied Brigade Headquarter’s Staff to Ismailia to inspect sight where we are about to move.

Friday 21/1/16
Camel Corps, with 500 Camels arrived here last night. First train ran on heavy gauge

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line, from main Suez-Cairo line to Canal.

Saturday 22/1/16
Mail from home. Col Shepherd arrived to take command of 8th Field Ambulance.
Excitement at night when HMS Implacable passed up canal. Looked fine throwing her searchlights.

Sunday 23/1/16
Sargeant of 29 Btn Camping here, killed by train at Serapeum Station.

Monday 24/1/16
Exceptionally cold morning. Discharged from hospital, after 3 weeks detention with mumps.

Tuesday 25/1/16
Coldest morning to date, rained heavily

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during night. Fifth & Sixth Btn & part of 1st Btn arrived here yesterday; have just returned from Gallipoli, & some tell very interesting stories of their experiences.

Wednesday, 26/1/16
Still very cold. Issued with sheep skin vests last night. Large number of Australian troops still arriving here from Gallipoli. Pontoon bridge placed across canal directly opposite our camp. Kit Inspection & pay during morning, stretcher drill, afternoon.

Thursday 27/1/16
Another very cold & rainy day. Fatigue work practically all day. Rumors re moving seem to have dropped. Outpost relieved by returned

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troops. Canteen closed down owing to being raided by men.

Friday 28/1/16
Rainy & cold weather still continues. Piquet duty; first for some considerable time; drew 12-30 AM – 4-30 AM shift.

Saturday 29/1/16
Received letters & cards from home Celebrated the anniversary of my birthday on piquet duty.
Relieved from piquet 4.30 pm; Walked to Serapeum Station about 1½ miles across desert & caught 7.30 pm train for Ismailia, arrived back in camp 12.30 AM. About 70 Officers & men of No 2 Casualty Clearing Hospital

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arrived here 4.15.AM this morning.

Sunday 30/1/16
Church parade conducted by Capt Cranston, (Chaplin 29th Btn)
Caught ration boat & again went to Ismailia, about 11 miles distance up Canal. Very pleasant trip; Ismailia a very pretty place. Caught train leaving Ismailia about 10 pm, arrived back in camp 12 pm.

Monday 31/1/16
Water fatigue. Interesting lecture by Capt Donald on cause & prevention of diseases prevalent in tropical countries.

Tuesday 1/2/16
Full day field training. The

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7th & 8th Battalions arrived here & camped on opposite bank of canal. At night went to camp of 7th Aust Engineers; met the Neal brothers also Oscar Clarke.

Wednesday 2/2/16
Morning route march to Signal Station Tussoux Second Field Ambulance arrived early this morning.

Thursday 3/2/16
All preparations being made to move off at very short notice. Piquet duty 8.30 pm till 12.30 am.

Friday 4/2/16
Relieved from piquet 4.30 pm All tents struck & now camping

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in an old building, waiting instructions to move. Large transport passed along canal, with English troops, bound for Persian Gulf.

Saturday 5/2/16
All bugle calls resumed, as under ordinary circumstances. Commenced constructing a dug out about ½ mile to rear of camp.

Sunday 6/2/16
Reveille 6 AM instead of 6.30 AM. Church parade 9 AM. Mr Cranston, Chaplain of 29 Inf Btn again took service. P & O Steamer Malwa passed down canal about 5 pm

Monday 7/2/16
Weather becoming very warm

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Afternoon parade, Lecture by Capt North, on Sanitation

Tuesday 8/2/16
Morning, Route March towards Bitter Lakes. Afternoon, In charge of stretcher squad carrying patients to No 1 Casualty Clearing Hospital, on opposite side of Canal.
P & O Steamer Arabia passed up canal en route from Sydney to London about 10 pm. Traffic rates for Canal –
Cargo Steamers 5/3 per ton
Passenger " 6/- per ton & 8/4 every passenger carried.

Wednesday 9/2/16
Very windy & rather cold.
Morning, Instruction in mat

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making, out of reeds, by the Arabs; very interesting.
Few very sharp showers during day. Still camping in old building; no further news re moving. New Canteen opened for the use of the 1st Division.

Thursday 10/2/16
Route march to Bitter Lakes, about 4 miles & swim. Lakes very shallow in parts; can wade out for fully a mile. Returned to camp for lunch about 1.30 pm. Interesting lecture during afternoon by Capt Wooster, dealing with particulars of Geneva Convention

Friday 11/2/16
Morning, signalling. Afternoon

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Stretcher drill. All No 4s of squad brought out in turn to drill the section, my first opportunity of drilling the section.
Excitement at night; gambling school composed of men from the Infantry raided within our lines. Some of the men arrested.

Saturday 12/2/16
Went on dental parade & had tooth refilled. Large mail from home after a fortnights interval.

Sunday 13/2/16
Church parade 9 AM. Two British Monitors, carrying 2 large guns, one fore & one aft & two ante aircraft guns passed

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down towards Bitter Lakes. Troopships Kyarra, A55 & A7 went along about 3 pm towards Port Said, with troops from Australia. Mail Steamer Osterley which left Sydney Jan 15. passed here 10.30 pm. Heavy traffic on canal during past week. Posted home a number of small photos.

Monday 14/2/16
1st Field Ambulance arrived here to-day with full equipment & waggons & proceeded across the canal about dusk. Engaged in conversation with some of the boys who had been through the Gallipoli Campaign & found them very

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interesting; also met Ron Styles who has been attached to the 1st [indecipherable] recently, since returning from Peninsular.

Tuesday 15/2/16
Ceremonial drill under supervision of Col Shepherd Large number of British troops have passed down canal during the past few days, bound for India they say.

Wednesday 16/2/16
Second instalment of A.M.C. comforts distributed last night; Soap, tooth paste & brushes, writing paper, & envelopes, chocolate & cake were mainly the articles distributed, only small but very

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acceptable. Morning, Route march to Ein Goshein station. Think nothing of the distance now, but when we first arrived at Ein Goshein & had to march to the present camp it seemed an awful march.
Afternoon. Lecture on Wounds & treatment of such by Capt Irving. Camel train of about 400 camels crossed over canal this afternoon. Copy of letter written by General Birdwood to General Godley, regarding disapline , read out & spoken of on morning parade.

Thursday 17/2/16
Practice in advancing in stretcher squads under supposed fire,

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to collect wounded; also commenced another dug out about a mile to the rear of camp. Mail by Osterley arrived to day, welcome news to know first letters had been received at home & elsewhere. Afternoon, Lecture by Capt Donald, on Arterial System & arresting of Hemorrhage.

Friday 18/2/16
Early morning parade, detailed for water fatigue; which necessitates filling all fantasies necessary for supplying camp with water for the day; finished very late through

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having to wait for the water launch to arrive.
Weighed during day at A.S.C. & turned the scales at 12st 4lbs an increase of
1 stone 1 lb since leaving Sydney.
Apparently a very bitter feeling exists between our boys & the English troops owing to several incidents which occurred on the peninsular.

Saturday 19/2/16
Windy & most disagreeable day. Delighted to receive first parcel from home, the contents of which was very very acceptable. 29th Btn band played here during the

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afternoon & music was appreciated by the boys; it is not very often we are honored in such a way

Sunday 20/2/16
Church parade 9 AM. Service conducted on 31st Btn parade ground by Capt Chaplain Cranston. Had pleasant game of tennis with a few of the members of the 20th A.S.C. who have rackets; the court adjoins our camp & although in fairly good condition, must have been laid some years back. Severe wind & dust

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storm arose about 3.15 pm. & spoilt remainder of the afternoon.
Result of tennis – Large blisters on soles of feet, through having to play in socks; ruined pair of socks & lost 5 piastre on game; nevertheless very enjoyable.
Heavy rainstorm about 5 pm. Pay Day; Paid £ 1-10-9 - 150 piastre
Third issue of tobacco from military authorities which I found very little difficulty to dispose of.

Monday 21/2/16
Morning water march. Afternoon Lecture by Capt Wooster dealing

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with treatment of fractures Pte Phil Stone, B Sec, transferred from 8th Field Amb. to No 1 Casualty Clearing Hospital, on account of being medically unfit for field duties.
Piquet duty from 6.30 to 10.30. piquet mounted to prevent gambling parties from assembling in old building within camp bounds.
Censorship rules, revised, & now much more strict than they previously were.

Tuesday 22/2/16
More trouble regarding drawing of water; fantasies had to be carried on stretchers from opposite side

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of canal. P & O, Australian mail boat Khiva passed down canal bound for home, fine crowd on board. Lecture by Capt Donald, dealing with correct methods of writing a military letter & other points dealing with military discipline.

Wednesday 23/2/16
Al patients removed to No 1 Casualty Clearing Hospital, in readiness for moving off.
Reg granted leave to go to Ismailia to collect money which he cabled home for before leaving the boat. Sgt Matheson & Pte Wickers transferred to No 1 Casualty Clearing Hospital, ill.

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Thursday 24/2/16
Issued with tin of tobacco, gift from Victorian Racing club. Fatigue work practically all day. Scratch concert arranged, at night which passed a very pleasant evening.

Friday 25/2/16
Fell in on parade at 10 AM. in full marching order with blankets rolled & kit bags. Parade dismissed & camp thoroughly cleaned up.
All goods & equipment loaded on to 20th A.S.C. waggons & transported to railhead Serapeum West. Issued with 24 hrs rations (1 tin

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bully beef & 6 biscuits) & marched out of camp at 1 pm to railhead to entrain. Train arrived at platform a little after 2 pm & after loading all goods moved off at 4.15 pm arriving at Tel-el-Kebir at 7 pm. After loading all goods for transport to camp site, arrived at our temporary camp & settled down for the night about 11.15 pm feeling very tired.

Saturday 26/2/16
Arose about 7.45 AM & soon found my way to a canteen & had breakfast.
Moved tents about 50 yds from where they were pitched last night; expect to be

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moving further in a few days. All Battalions reorganised & with reinforcements which have been in Egypt for some time, Battalions up to 60th Btn formed. C section of 8th Field Amb with C section of 5th Field Amb now form the 15th F. Amb.
Big mail arrived & we were also issued with tobacco.

Sunday 27/2/16
Windy & dusty. No reveille; very late breakfast. Tom Martin came to camp, had a long yarn with him. During the day also met E. Hawkless, G. Earl, V Solomon, S. Hawkless of B Coy 56 Btn & H O’Donnell

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Walked out about 1½ miles to old field of Tel-el-Kebir; country very flat for miles.

Monday 28/2/16
Morning Squad drill, Afternoon Stretcher drill. Sgt Ruming transferred to Casualty Clearing Hospital, ill. Went to 30th Btn lines at night & met a number of the Balmain boys. Meeting of Officers & N.C.O.s in view of organising sports in connection with 8th F Amb.

Tuesday 29/2/16
Tea served out before early morning parade. Forbidden to drink camp water, owing to outbreak of Enteric.

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One pint of boiled water per day served out to all ranks. Morning route march about 5 miles over the desert to an oasis, arrived back in camp about 1 pm. General meeting after afternoon parade to elect committee re sports

Wednesday 1/3/16
A few of the sports committee sent to Cairo to procure sporting material. Leave granted to 2 men from each section, to go to Cairo, from to day.
Paid 150 piastres £ 1-10-9
Re allotted to tents, only 10 men allowed to a tent. A number of men under the influence of drink, owing

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the event of pay day.

March 2/3/16 Thursday
Bacon for breakfast, sure indication of route march. Morning. Route march across the old field, about 3 miles, to the old trenches used in 1882. Human remains lying about on the ground in proximity to the trenches. Pte A. Fernandez, Batman, being medically unfit, left camp to return to Australia.

Friday 3/3/16
Hot & most oppressive day. Very trying during the morning while engaged in field work. Lecture in the afternoon by

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Lieu Robinson on French; first of a series of lessons for those who are desirous of taking up the subject. Leave altered to 4 from each section per day, which brings my leave closer.

4/3/16 Saturday.
Weather very changeable, quite a contrast to yesterday; windy & cold today. Spent morning signalling. Two day cricket match arranged between A & B Sections, commenced this afternoon.

Sunday 5/3/16
Church parade 9.30 AM on 30th Btn parade ground. Cricket match continued from

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yesterday. B section won by 28 runs; took 4 wickets for 8, given out L.B.W. for 1. Transport waggons arrived here this evening; transferred over from 4th L. H. Field Ambulance

Monday 6/3/16
Relieved from piquet & appointed acting L. Cpl in charge of piquet.
Promotions
Cpl Waggon Orderly Roberts to be Acting Sgt General Duties.
L/Cpl Watson to be acting Cpl Waggon Orderly. Pte Grover to be acting L/Cpl from date.

Tuesday 7/3/16 X
Very foggy morning. Acting orderly corporal for the day.

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Sizes & measurements taken for helmets & light clothing.

Wednesday 8/3/16
Caught 7.15.AM train from Tel-el-Kebir, on leave to Cairo. Very pleasant trip through; arrived Cairo 9.30 AM. Reg & I bought a camera each & then went direct to Roberts & Hughes to see Mr Roberts, who unfortunately is at present in England.
Left for Pyramids 10.30 AM with guide & after spending a very interesting few hours arrived back to the city at 2 pm for dinner. After dinner visited Bazaar, then returned to

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the city to purchase few articles required. Had tea at Y.M.C.A. in Esbekiah Gardens, then wound our way to station to catch train leaving at 7.15 pm.
First news I received on returning, was to the effect that Captains North & Donald had been transferred to the 7th Field Ambulance. Their departure from the 8th Field Ambulance was keenly felt by all concerned.

Thursday 9/3/6
Fatigue work during morning. Acting Piquet Corporal to-night. About 35 men, details from various Battalions temporarily attached to the 8th Field Amb.

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Friday 10/3/16
Acting Piquet Corporal for the day. Mail arrived after a fortnight’s interval. Capt North endeavouring to be transferred back to the 8th F. Amb. Spent a few hours here to-day; already transferred from 7th to 13th Fd.

Saturday 11/3/16
Field work with wagons during morning. Afternoon half holiday; Selected to play cricket with first eleven against team of Field Engineers.
Engineers won toss & batted first, scoring 35. We compiled 105 of which I made 17, this concluded the days play. Another issue of

[Page 98]

tobacco.

Sunday 12/3/16
Church parade 9.30 AM. conducted by Capt Chaplain of the 30th Btn. Cricket match continued from yesterday. Engineers compiled 59 in their second innings leaving us winners by an innings & 11 runs. I took 2 wickets for 6.

Monday 13/3/16
Innoculated again for Enteric. No 4s of each squad given medical haversack to go through & see contents were all correct.
Afternoon off in consequence

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of inoculation, all feeling the effects.

Tuesday 14/3/16
Free from all duties on account of yesterday’s innoculation. Received parcel from home. Developed first film of photos, which turned out fairly successful. Managed to get past guard at railway crossing & into the village of Tel-el-Kebir. Fair amount of traffic in form of dhows, on Sweet Water canal, which runs within 20 yds of railway Station. Village very dirty & what building there are, are in a dilapidated state. Still consistent rumors as regards

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when we are to move & where we are likely to be going. Everyone seems to be getting more & more discontented each day.

Wednesday 15/3/16
Resumed duties after 48 hours off duty, through inoculation. Field work carried out during the morning with waggons. Sgts Fry & Kidson from 15th Field Ambulance, transferred to our unit from 14/3/16. Number of the boys practicing for Quoits tournament, which is to be commenced on Friday next.

Thursday 16/3/16
Exempted from morning parade in consequence of piquet

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duty. Acting piquet Corporal from 12 noon till 12 noon to morrow. During morning crossed railway line & had a look through the cemetery where the victims of Tel-el-Kebir were buried. Battle of Tel-el-Kebir fought 13th Sep 1882. Sent parcel home containing Silks & Watch. More A.M.C. comforts distributed.
Paid £ 1-10-9 = 150 piastres

Friday 17/3/16
Piquet duty till 12 noon.
Leave reduced to 1 % during week, 2 % week ends, owing to misconduct on part of some of the men on leave in Cairo

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Only men of good character granted leave (2000). A number of Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of the B class, who are either too old, or else have been rendered unfit for further service in France, arrived here to do garrison work.

Saturday 18/3/16
Windy & very dusty.
Stretcher drill morning parade. Match (cricket) arranged between N.C.O.s & men of corps. 1st in. Scores N.C.O.s 62 Men 72; played with men, scored 20 & took 2 wickets for 5 – end of days play; played through a heavy wind & rain storm. Went to 30th Btn lines at night to see some

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of the Balmain boys. Supper Y.M.C.A.

Sunday 19/3/16
Rained heavily during night; five of the tents swamped out; quite an unusual occurence in this part. Church parade 9.30 AM 8th Brigade parade ground; service conducted by Capt Chaplain Beverage.
Played team from 30th Btn & won by six wickets & 6 runs – Scores 30th Btn, 52 & 67. We scored 66 & 4 for 59. Scored 14 first innings 32 not out second innings & took 3 for 9. Went on piquet duty as acting piquet corporal at 6 pm.

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Monday 20/3/16
Again inoculated & relieved from piquet 12 noon. Walked out about 1 mile during dinner time & spent a very interesting half hour watching the Artillery in action. First experience of artillery fire; firing live shells; their shooting appeared to be very accurate. Off duty during afternoon.

Tuesday 21/3/16
Had an unexpected visit from Allan Rowling during dinner hour. Very pleased to see him & had quite a pleasant yarn with him.
Issued with helmets at afternoon parade; spent remainder of afternoon

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endeavouring to fix pugaree.

Wednesday 2/3/16 X
Piquet Corporal from 12 noon till 6 pm. Prince of Wales, now stationed at Ismailia, visited camp here to-day & inspected a large number of the troops. Large mail arrived from home, received 16 letters. Went to Camp picture show at night; some very strange remarks passed among the boys.

Thursday 23/3/16
Acting orderly corporal of the day. Orders received that helmets are to be worn from date & all hats handed into quarter store. 8th Brigade

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moved from here to day, probably back to canal. Afternoon recognised as camp half holiday instead of usual Saturday afternoon half holiday.

Friday 24/3/16
Roll call at 7 AM on account men failing to fall in on breakfast parade. Issued with summer clothing; very amusing to see some of the fits; had to turn up about 5 inches of my trousers. Preparing for another move; 12 of the tents struck; men had to sleep in the open. B Section tent division left at night as advance guard. Acting piquet corporal from 6 pm. Issue of tobacco & cigarettes.

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Saturday 25/3/16
Piquet Corporal for the day. All stores & equipment being packed ready for removal. Majority of tents struck & removed to railway siding; had to sleep in the open.

Sunday 26/3/16
All busy making final preparations to move off early to-morrow, rumoured we are to march to Ferry Post, 6 miles further on than Ismailia. Issued with puttees & lanyard. No church parade owing to 8th Brigade having moved off a few day previous. Fatigues till late at night.

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Monday 27/3/16
Reveille 4.15 AM. Breakfast 5.30 AM. After loading transport waggon & 12 camels, which carried blankets & provisions, we fell in at 6.15 and moved off at about 6.40 AM. Morning very foggy, but cleared about 9 AM, & sun shone out very strongly & remainder of the day was very warm. Dozens of infantrymen began to drop out in the very early stages of the march. Halted for lunch at 11.40 AM, opposite village of Kassissin. Iron rations (bully beef & hard biscuits) served out. Moved off again after lunch at 1.45 & continued marching till 3.30 pm

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when we halted at Mehsamah & bivouacked for the night. During the day hundreds of men dropped out of the march. Felt rather tired myself & was not sorry to turn in at night.

Tuesday 28/3/16
Reveille 4.30 AM. Breakfast 5.30 AM. Fell in to continue march at 6.30 AM. Morning broke very warm. Feeling rather stiff from yesterdays march. All went well till lunch time when we made a halt from 11.30 till 12.30. Shortly after lunch trouble began when we encountered, hilly sandy country, hundreds began to drop out every few

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minutes owing to sheer exhaustion. It was an awful sight. Rifles, packs, equipment of every description strewn all over the desert where the men had marched. Many men became delirious & we had our work cut out, trying to render what assistance we could; the one cry was for water; hundreds could not speak for the want of water. Out of the whole of the 14 Brigade including 53, 54, 55, & 56 Btns who we were marching with, only about 400 finished the march; up till a late hour

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at night stragglers kept coming in. Some of the transport wagons arrived late at night; the remainder had to be brought in next day. Bivouaced at Moascoar for the night. Finished marching feeling as fit as the majority, still I must admit it was the hardest & most trying day of my career.
New Zealanders who are camping at Moascoar, came to the assistance with their wagons & brought in many of the men who were unable to walk; they were very kind to us in every way & their kindness on this

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occasion will never be forgotten by those who took part in the march. According to reports a number of the men died from the effects of the march.

Wednesday 29/3/16
Arose about 5.30 AM & made steady preparations to finish the march. Morning again very warm. Moved off from Moascoar about 9.30 AM & marched through Ismailia to Ferry post, where we arrived at 11.30 & soon took shelter in the tents which our advance guard had pitched. End of a very trying march of 40 odd miles. Rested till 3 pm, when we marched

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about ½ mile to canal & had a very pleasant swim. Turned in about 7.30 pm.

Thursday 30/3/16
Fatigue works during day. Severe wind & dust storm passed over about 11 AM & blew down the majority of our tents. A number of men are suppose to have died on the march.

Friday 31/3/16
More fatigue work. Afternoon off on account of having to go on piquet at 6 pm as acting piquet corporal. Went for a swim in canal while of duty. 150 men

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admitted into hospital here suffering from the effects of the march. Paid 150 piastres (£ 1-10-9). Turkish spy caught out a few miles past railhead, & brought in here blindfolded.

Saturday 1/4/16
Piquet Corporal for the day, returned at 6 pm. Very nearly in trouble for leaving camp while on duty. Received parcel from Mrs Robison. Sing song in tent at night, had rather an enjoyable few hours.

Sunday 2/4/16
On the move again, being in this camp only 4 days. Struck all tents & packed & loaded all material

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Moved out of camp 3.40 pm, arrived at railhead, about 5½ miles, at 5.30pm.
Bivouaced here for night. Hard road most of way out; marching not too bad. Two new officers attached to corps in place of Captains North & Donald.

Monday 3/4/16
Heavy dew during night which made sleeping out not too pleasant. As A & B sections are to take up different positions further out into the desert, the day was taken up sorting material & equipment according to sections. Again fell in & moved of at 5.30 pm to take up a position

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about 3½ miles further out with the 31st & 32 Btns. After going about 2½ miles, transport was unable to go any further owing to nature of road. Bivouaced here for the night. Scratched a hole in sand & soon made myself comfortable. Becoming experts at moving about. Preparations made for supply in the line of railway & road very fine.

Tuesday 4/4/16
Reached our destination this morning at 11 AM, after marching 1½ miles over sand, after termination of road, carrying our blankets & other equipment.

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Pitched a few tents, then rested the remainder of the day. Turned very cool towards evening.

Wednesday 5/4/16
Cooks fatigue for the day. Much cooler than usual. Hospital tents pitched & commenced to take in Brigade sick. Dysentery rather prevalent among the troops camping here; water apparently the cause.

Thursday 6/4/16
Rather warm again. Very little work carried out here during the middle of the day owing to the heat. Flies very troublesome. Walked across to roadhead about 1½ miles

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a 8 pm, to meet one of the boys who had gone in to the Ferry Post for some provisions. Very late returning; 11.15 pm before we returned to camp. Lucky not to have been missed as we were away without leave.

Friday 7/4/16
Mail arrived today after waiting patiently for 17 days. Engineers commenced to erect a mess hut & cook house for our corps. Parade hours altered owing to hot weather. Reveille 5.30 AM Breakfast 6.30 AM, Parade 7 AM to 11 AM Parade again 3 pm to 4.30 pm.

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Saturday 8/4/16
Went with a number of others to railhead to finally pack our universal kits, as they are to be taken away from us. Packed necessary articles in white kit & sent out to camp, at road head north, by ration limber. Were then allowed to proceed by desert train to Ferry Post, for a swim in the canal, which was very acceptable; also indulged very freely at the canteens. Returned to railhead at 5.45pm; arrive back at camp at 6.20 pm.

Sunday 9/4/16
General parade 7 AM, Church

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parade 8.45 Am, conducted by Captain Chaplain Cranston. Played in a scratch football match during the afternoon; rather heavy playing in sand.

Monday 10/4/16
Water fatigue for the day. Lucky enough to get sufficient water to do my washing. Issued with our colours. Developed a few films at night, which turned out fairly successfully.

Tuesday 11/4/16
Went in to railhead again & caught desert train to Ferry Post; crossed canal without pass to Ismailia; had dinner at Hotel – de – Voyagers. Caught

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in heavy rainstorm while returning to Ferry Post to catch train. Arrived back in camp 4.30 pm. While in Ismailia posted some views of the town home.

Wednesday 12/4/16
Much cooled that usual. Had some fine sort on a camel during parade hours. Very peculiar but sad incident; occurred here to-night; When the cheese was issued, to night, owing to its condition, it was considered necessary to perform a burial service immediately. Private Poulton, robed in a tent fly, headed the procession & performed the ceremony in a very creditable

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manner. It caused great amusement among our officers & the infantry who are camping close by. Posted small parcel home. Very severe sandstorm unexpectedly arose about 8 pm & lasted for a couple of hours; during the night it came on again & we had a fine job hanging on to the tent from the inside, trying to prevent it from blowing down.

Thursday 13/4/16
A fearful day. Unable to leave tent without covering your face. Cooks unable to carry out their work. During the day a number of the tents were blown down

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Friday 14/4/16
Windstorm subsided this morning but was followed by very heavy rainstorm.
Did very little duty today.

Saturday 15/4/16
Feet inspection at the early morning parade. 31st & 32nd Battalions moved from here this morning. Caught sand adder, while pitching a tent; although small, they are considered very dangerous.

Sunday 16/4/16
Sandstorm which prevailed here a few day back; known by the Egyptians a "Khamseen”, which means 50, as it has been known

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to last for 50 days with perhaps a break of a few days during the period.
Cooks fatigue for the day. Engagement reported between Turks & Squadron of 9th Aust Light Horse a few miles out from outpost at ‘Habuta’, where I was camping at Christmas. Ten Turkish casualties & 30 prisoners taken, our casualties very slight.

Monday 17/4/16
Caught train to Ferry post where I spent most of the morning in the Canal; although very warm, had rather a good day. Five of the eight ambulance waggons returned to Ordnance this morning. Expect to be equipped

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with Motor Ambulance waggons very shortly. Thirty six horses also returned.

Tuesday 18/4/16
Attached to Fifth Division which consists of 8th, 14 & 15 Brigades & is one of the two Divisions which form the 2nd A & NZ, Army Corps. The Artillery attached is equipped with 60 guns, 48 of which are 18 pounders & 12 are 4.2 Howitzers. Struck tents for the purpose of airing the ground on which they are pitched. Received parcel from home containing Diary & Ink Pellets.

Wednesday 19/4/16
Route march morning & afternoon. Rather a very quiet & uneventful day.

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Thursday 20/4/16
Fatigue work practically all day. All camps about the desert given Australian names such as Duntroon, Narrabri, Brighton Beach.

Friday 21.4.16
Good Friday; water fatigue. Blankets fumigated by a sanitary squad, who travel from camp to camp for such duty. Church parades during day, but was unable to attend owing to fatigue duty. Paid 150 piastres = £ 1-10-9

Saturday 22/4/16
Mail day. Route march afternoon. Scratch football match at night.

Sunday 23/4/16
Very warm. No duty to day Meeting at night of Officers & men

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to elect committee & arrange programme of sports, in connection with Anzac day celebrations on Tuesday next. Major Newell donated a prize of £ 1 for tug-of-war, which is to be between A sec Bearers & A sec Tent Division.

Monday 24/4/16
Keen interest being taken by all in sports which are to take place to morrow. Interesting lecture by Major Newell on method of evacuating wounded from firing line. He also spoke of the new establishment of a F. Amb.
Route march afternoon. Scratch

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football match after tea which ended in a very unpleasant manner, Nick Coxin [?] having the bad luck to fracture his Patella & was carried off field into hospital.

Tuesday 25/4/16
Anniversary of landing at Anzac; recognised as a holiday by all Australian troops in Egypt. Most enjoyable day. Sports arranged for the afternoon & with the assistance of the Officers, were carried out without a hitch, every item being keenly contested. A few of the boys worked very hard & with provisions brought out from

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A.I.F. canteen at Ferry Post prepared a most elaborate tea. Concert at night was a huge success, some of the items, though not of a very high standard were most amusing. Issue of Red Cross Comforts.

Wednesday 26/4/16
By far the hottest day we have experienced here; flies very troublesome. Nick Coxin [?] taken to No 2 Casualty Clearing hospital at Ferry Post. First Aid Lecture by Capt Mollison.

Thursday 27/4/16
Much cooler. Lecture by Major Newell on treatment on cases of gas

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poisoning or Frost bite. Feet inspection afternoon parade.

Friday 28/4/16
Went to railhead on dental parade to have tooth attended to; returned to camp 3 pm. Sent to roadhead with stretcher party late in the evening; arrived back in camp 8.30 pm. Mail day.

Saturday 29/4/16
Most of the day spent covering in the mess shed, which was erected by the Engineers

Sunday 30/4/16
Church Service at 59 Battalion. Capt. Deck attached to A Section from date. Rumors of forming a C. Sec to be again attached.

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Monday 1/5/16
Water fatigue. General Godley & staff visited here this morning to inspect 59th & 60th Btns.
Grenadiers of Infantry Btns spent some time in bomb throwing practice, to the rear of our lines this morning; caused quite a sensation. Officially reported that General Townsend, with 2900 British Troops & 6000 Indians has surrendered after holding out for over four months. Caused quite a depressed feeling among the boys here [British surrender at Kut in Iraq]

Tuesday 2/5/16
Squad & stretched drill during morning, also instruction in first

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aid. Marched out to an old camp about two miles out, for the purpose of bringing in some sandbags to build a dug out.

Wednesday 3/5/16
Practically the whole of the day building a dug out, - hard graft. Official word received through Intelligence Department stating that a large body of Turks, chiefly Camel Corps, are now about 40 miles to the East & advancing toward where we are camping. Stretcher squads formed & instructed to be prepared for duty at any time. Appointed No 4 in charge of a squad.

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No 4s medical panniers, chequed & handed out in readiness for immediate use. Infantry camping near by, all out in the trenches ready for an attack.
Received parcel from home.

Thursday 4/5/16
All rush & bustle. Bearers rushed out towards the trenches, about 1½ miles out from here, to construct a dug-out, to act as a dressing station, if the expected attack eventuates. Field Medicine, & Surgical panniers also two Sand Ambulance Carts, hurried out here by a number of the transport men who are to remain

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here, in case they are required for duty. Ordered to sleep fully dressed.

Friday 5/4/16
Received word about 10 AM to strike camp & move to railhead immediately. After assisting to strike the camp, left with the advance guard shortly after lunch; march very unpleasant owing to the heat of the day. Arrived at the site of our new camp about 2.45 pm. We immediately set to & were kept going till late at night, pitching tents & unloading waggons. Piquet again placed over the camp, after being free from

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for the past month, but was fortunate enough to miss it. Not sorry to turn in when all work was completed for the night.

Saturday 6/5/16
Heavy day. Fatigues the whole of the day & till rather late in the evening. Col Shepherd very strict regarding discipline & dress. Will not allow shorts to be worn, much against the wish of the boys, for the weather is now so warm.

Sunday 7.5.16
Parade hours again altered to suit the weather conditions, each

[Page 136]

day appears to be getting hotter. Reveille 5 AM, breakfast 5.45 AM, parade 6.45 AM to 10.15 AM Lunch 12 noon Parade 4 pm to 5.30 pm, tea 5.30 pm.
Branch of Y.M.C.A. established here; large number of N.Z. Light Horse camping here; it is the head of the railway by which all provisions are brought for the various outposts & troops camping in the vicinity; metal road continues for another 3 miles further out, where our B. Section is camping. 18th A.S.C. also here at railhead. Assistant Director of Medical Services visited our camp to day.
Mail arrived & I again got my share of letters

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& papers

Monday 8.5.16
Continued fatigues which are anything but pleasant in the heat of the day. Engineers commenced to build another mess shed in connection with this camp.
New officer not very popular among the boys. Paid 150 piastres £ 1-10-9; do not expect many more pays in Egyptian money.
Six months to-day since we left home. Piquet to night to celebrate the occasion. Leave for Cairo starts again to morrow

Wednesday 10/5/16
Relieved from Piquet duty at 6 pm,

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not sorry either, none to pleasant trudging along the sandy beats during the heat of the day.
Each day becoming more & more monotonous, even the officers very discontented & anxious to leave this country.

Thursday 11/5/16
Working on mess shed which is being constructed for the use of our unit. Afternoon half holiday. First time on sick parade since joining the 8th F. Amb; received a bump during the obstacle race on Anzac day & as in dozens of other cases here will not heal & has become septic.

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Friday 12/5/16
Went to the ordnance stores, across the canal from Ferry Post, on a waggon, while there received news to the effect that we are to be relieved by the 14th F. Amb to-morrow. On my return to camp found all busy packing all equipment & generally preparing to move.

Saturday 13/5/16
Turned out at 4 AM to prepare to move off. Breakfast 4.30 AM. Lucky enough to be detailed for baggage guard, which enabled me to travel

[Page 140]

the distance to the Ferry Post by train, quite a throw in, for the day was exceptionally hot. On my arrival in camp, had the onerous duties of cooks fatigue bestowed upon me, which made the day a rather long one by the time I had finished my duties. Sixty-two men, who only arrived here from Australia on Sunday last; taken on strength & formed into C. Sec. of our unit. Tattoo parade at night ; which did not altogether meet with the approval of the boys & some

[Page 141]

of them very soon gave vent to their feelings.

Sunday 14/5/16
Again unable to attend church parade, most of the day occupied by fatigue work.
B section marched in about 4 AM; all together again for after being apart for about six weeks.

Monday 15/5/16
Re-allotment of officers. General inspection on early morning parade by Colonel Shepherd. In charge of a party of Arabs, to carry out some fatigue work; quite an expert at nigger driving. No afternoon parade owing to

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the heat.

Tuesday 16.5.16
Detailed for Quartermaster’s fatigue. Paid 150 piastres £ 1-10-9.

Wednesday 17/5/16
Parade hours again altered; hardly worthwhile going to bed at all. Reveille 4 AM, breakfast 4.30 AM, Parade 5.15 AM to 8.45; at leisure till 5 pm when we parade till 6 pm. Inspection by A.D.M.S. & D.D.M.S. whose report was very satisfactory.
After parade went to canal swimming. The weather for the past week has been unbearable

[Page 143]

exceptionally hot winds prevailing. Divisional training arranged for for to-morrow, but was cancelled late in the evening as the weather is considered too severe to carry out such work. Capt Lind, the new Adjutant, also attached to A sec bearers, a great acquisition to the Corps.

Thursday 18/5/16
To-day, much cooler. Divisional holiday granted to 5th Division. Very acceptable after the hot days we have experienced for the past week.

Friday 19/5/16
Stretcher drill under the instruction

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of Capt Lind; marched us to trenches about ¾ mile out where grenadiers were practicing throwing hand grenades. Rather an interesting experience with these deadly missiles bursting only a short distance away; getting quite used to the whiz of the bullets. Circumstances will be different no doubt, when we are aware of the fact that they are being directed at us, instead of in the opposite direction. Piquet duty from 6 pm; not so bad now, for the piquet has been doubled owing to the hot weather & now we only

[Page 145]

do half the time on our beat to what we did previously.

Saturday 20/5/16
Warships lying in lake near by engaged in target practice, caused quite a disturbance. Mail arrived.

Sunday 21/5/16
Church parade. All preparations being made for the inspection by Lieu General McKay, G.O.C. of 5th Division this afternoon. Full dress rehersal after church parade, inspection took place at 5 pm. The G.O.C. does not appear to be very popular among the men, owing to the fact that he was responsible

[Page 146]

for the route march from Tel-el-Kebir to here, also for trouble in connection with the Liverpool Camp.

Monday 22/5/16
Turned out at 2.15 AM to take our part in Divisional manouvers in the form of a sham fight; had breakfast 2.30 AM moved away from here to join advance guard at 3 AM. Marched out about 3 miles, & as soon as we appeared on the scene of action; we were supposed to have been wiped out; so that ended our days work; the umpires classed us as

[Page 147]

out of action; made rather an easy day of it for us all. On our return we were all notified that we were to be given pack drill at 5 pm, for an hour, for failing to fall in smartly at 2.45 AM, when preparing to leave camp; rather stiff at that time of the morning. As usual we made light of it, & the humorous side of it overshadowed the rest; Very fine report from the G.O.C. who inspected us yesterday

Tuesday 23/5/16
Old equipment & leggings called in. Issued with web equipment

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& packed; al busy putting necessary articles in packs ready for kit inspection to-morrow. Articles we have to carry in our packs. –
Great Coat. 1
Flannel shirts. 1 & 1 on
Singlets. 1 " " "
Under pants. 1 " " "
Cardigan Jacket. 1
Towel. 1
Soap & Shaving material
Abdominal belts. 1 & 1 on
Cap Comforter.
Housewife & Holdall.
Mess Tin & Cover.
Waterproof sheet.
Dubbin.

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needless to say we will endeavour to carry as much as we are able, after inspection.

Wednesday 24/5/16
Drill with gas helmets; it is necessary to have a good deal of practice with the helmet so when the occasion arises we will be able to adjust them smartly; they are weird looking affairs & certainly take some getting used to.

Thursday 25/5/16
General review of 5th Division by General Godley, Officer Commanding Canal defence forces; very fine spectacle. Camera fiends today got a severe

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knock when it was read in orders that cameras were prohibited in France & that we were either to send our cameras home or hand them in. Resorted to the wisest plan & sent mine home but with much regret.

Friday 26/5/16
Parade to see that all men were in possession of their Identification disc, pay book, field dressing pouch & field dressing, also inspection of packs.
Alloted permanently to our respective sections.

Saturday 27/5/16
Inspection of black kits; all unnecessary material & personal

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property scooped into a bag & thrown on the incinerator. Blankets rolled into bundles ready for transport tomorrow morning early.

[Page 151]
Passed a very cold night through having to sleep without blankets; which was quite unnecessary as the other sections had the use of theirs.
Turned out at 3.45 AM & moved off at 4.45 AM with our packs up for the first time & after a fairly sharp march of about 4 ½ miles arrived at Moascoar at 6.40 AM. At once set to to pitch camp which took up the greater part of the day. Eventually we were allotted to our respective tents & again settled down to await our departure from this country.

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Would the person, who may find this diary, be kind enough to return it to –
Mr W Berry,
North Road.
Gladesville,
Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia.

[Acronyms]
[A.A.M.C. = Australian Army Medical Corps
A.D.M.S. = Assistant Director Medical Services
D.D.M.S = Deputy Director Medical Services]

[P 66 etc Ismailia see Isma’iliyah
P 108. Kassissin see Qassisin]

[Transcribed by Peter Mayo for the State Library of New South Wales]