Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Bennett war diary, 1914-1915 / J. Bennett
MLDOC 1293

[Transcriber’s note: Private James Bennet, aged 24, enlisted in the 6th Australian Light Horse on 16 September 1914. His diary gives descriptions of his journey on the S.S. Suevic from Sydney to Alexandria and his time in the camp near Cairo, Egypt. He takes advantage of his leave in Cairo to explore the mosques, gardens, etc. in Cairo and describes the places he visits. He left Alexandria for the Dardanelles on 16 May, arriving at Anzac on 18 May. He describes the action until the 30 July when he leaves for Imbros where he becomes ill and is taken back to Cairo. He returns home on the hospital ship Kanowna and arrives in Sydney on 25 November 1915.]

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Trooper J. Bennett
481 – C Squadron
D Troop
6th Australian Light Horse
Moree, N.S.W.
Australia

Imbros – 19/8/15

Rosebery, Rosehill, Liverpool, Holsworthy, S.S. Suevic, Aden, Suez, Ismalia, Port Said, Alexandria, Cairo, Ma’adi, Anzac, Imbros, Lemnos, S.S. Salta, Ghezireh, Mena, S.S. Kanowna, Colombo, Fremantle, Adelaide.

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Trooper J. Bennett
481 C Squadron
D Troop
6th Australian Light Horse

Moree, N.S.W.
Australia

Imbros, 19/8/15

Rosebery Park, Rosehill, Liverpool, Holsworthy, S.S. Suevic, Aden, Albany, Aden, Suez, Ismalia, Port Said, Alexandria, Cairo, Ma’adi, Anzac, Imbros, Mudros, S.S. Salta, Ghezireh, Mena, Suez, S.S. Kanowna, Colombo, Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney.

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September, 1914
16th
Joined 6th Australian Light Horse at Rosebery Park.

22nd
Transferred to Rosehill.

29th
Transferred to Liverpool.

October and November spent in horse and rifle drilling & instruction.

December
19th
Left Liverpool at 8 p.m., riding all night, and arrived Sydney 7 a.m. in the morning. Loaded horses and gear on Transport A29, "S.S. Suevic" and anchored out in harbor.

21st
Left dear old Sydney 2 p.m. Sea very rough coming through the Heads.

24th Xmas Eve
A concert on board. Passed through Bass Strait into Great Australian Bight. Went on guard at 6 p.m.

25th Xmas Day
Still on guard. Tough chicken for dinner.

26th
Orders issued that all letters that contained any

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information as to our whereabouts etc., would be destroyed.

29th
Arrived Albany, Western Australia and anchored in King George’s Sound.

31st
Left Albany 9 a.m., a fleet of 16 ships and one submarine, AE2 (since lost in the Sea of Marmora). Sailed in three columns, "Ceramic" leading one, "Ulysses" (flagship) one, and Themistocles leading the Berrima in front with A.E.2, and Ayrshire falling rapidly astern.

1915
January
1st
New Year’s Day. On guard again. Concert held at night.

10th
Crossed Equator.

11th
Vaccinated.

12th
Most of the fleet left us to go to Colombo to coal. The Suevic, Persic and Ceramic held on their course for Aden.

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14th
Passed small island thickly covered with palm trees. Dozens of sailing boats out fishing, & the remains of a wreck on a reef.

16th
Very bad throat for 4 days, the after effects of vaccination. Cured by ship’s doctor.

20th
Arrived at Aden, and began coaling. The antics of the natives are very amusing, as they come alongside in small boats selling fruits, cigarettes, fish, etc., trade being conducted by means of small baskets tied to thin ropes. Moored to same buoy as R.M.S. Morea. On guard again.

21st
Saw funeral of an infantryman from the Ceramic. He was buried on shore, and we could see the coffin on a gun-carriage, covered by a Union Jack. The battalion band and a party from the Ceramic formed the cortege. Aden is a dry desolate looking place. The coaling is done by niggers who make a most awful noise as they work, (or pretend to).

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23rd
Left Aden, and began the passage of Red Sea. Weather very hot. Passed numerous islands.

28th
Arrived Suez 7 a.m.

29th
Entered Suez Canal at 10 a.m. Passed English warship, our band playing God the National Anthem. Both sides of canal well fortified and manned by New Zealand, Australian, and Indian troops. Very sandy and dry country with here and there a lovely oasis. At 12 a.m. passed H.M.S. Himalaya and saw a few Egyptian troops. Some New Zealanders gave us an exhibition of a Maori dance and war-cry, which was much appreciated. At 12.30 passed H.M.S. "Minerva" & at 1 p.m. passed into a lovely lake, where there were a few steamers waiting to pass through. There were a few cranes and pelicans to be seen also. All our boats had their bridges barricaded with bales of hay and had machine guns mounted ready for action. At 1.30 we passed H.M.S. Swiftsure and a destroyer, and at 2 p.m. the French cruiser "Requin", and a torpedo

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boat. Our band played the "Marseillaise", all standing to attention. At 7 p.m. anchored in a lake at Ismalia, a town on left side of canal. Large camps on both banks of canal.

30th
At 8 a.m. saw two of our aeroplanes flying very high. 9 a.m. we tried to leave but were stuck in the mud and were finally towed off by two tugs. Very pretty xxxscenery for a few miles. At 12 a.m. we caught a glimpse of the Turks at war, about five miles away. We could see, with glasses, the Bengal cavalry galloping into action and smoke and dust rising. At 3.30 arrived at Port Said, anchoring about fifty yards from the wharf. The buildings seemed rather good. Three French hydroplanes rose from the water, went for a flight, and returned to the water close to our boat. It was a grand sight. A strenuous football match was in evidence between some English and French blue jackets. We were serenaded by some musicians in a rowing boat, one of the violin players being an expert in the art of catching coins in an

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umbrella. On guard, as usual.

31st
Left Port Said at 8 a.m., passing the monument erected to De Lesseps, the man who first began the construction of the Suez Canal. Soon we passed out into the open Mediterranean, which was calm.

February
1st
Arrived Alexandria 8 a.m., & moored to wharf. Unloaded our horses and gear, and reloaded them on a train. At 3 p.m. we said good bye to the Suevic, and left Alexandria, bound for Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. It was a most interesting trip for us. We passed long green irrigated fields covered with Bersim (Egyptian lucerne), and saw natives at work ploughing, with wooden ploughs and oxen, just in the same way as did the olden-time Egyptians. Everything in Egypt seems to be conducted as they were in the days of the Pharoahs, excepting, of course, innovations introduced by the British, such as irrigation, railways, etc. We arrived there at 8 p.m., untrucked our horses,

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watered them at Kasr-el-Nil Barracks, and led them a good eight miles to Ma’adi camp. It was 1 a.m. when we reached camp and tied the horses up, & lie down on the sand to try & snatch an hour’s sleep. The cold was intense, and we had no blankets. The horses were frantic with joy to be once again on land, after being cooped up on board ship for six weeks. Ma’adi is an awfully sandy dusty place, although rather interesting, as near here was fought one of Napoleon’s great battles, the "Battle of the Pyramids". There is an old time cannon almost buried in the sand not far away, and one can pick up pieces of old shells. The camp is a mile from the River Nile, and the Pyramids can be seen quite plainly. All around the camp are Arabs with donkeys for hire, working camels, and shops for the sale of curiosities, antiques (made on the premises) and silks, etc. The Ma’adi railway station is distant, about 400 yards, and some fine residences are near, with lovely gardens.

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2nd
On "Flying Picquet", to keep the Arabs away from the camp. I was on foot, and the Arabs were too fast for me, so I threw stones at them. I was wishing for a horse and a 12 ft. stockwhip. Our horses were unfit to ride for a fortnight, and we had some solid rifle & bayonet drill. At 12 o’clock at night I was called up to go on fatigue, to unload transport waggons. I did not like it, after chasing niggers all day. Worked till 4 a.m.

4th
Was sent into Cairo with 12 others to guard chaff, etc., lying in railway yard. Had very little to do, and had a good look round in Cairo. Was surprised at the numerous nationalities to be seen. There were English, French, Russians, Greeks, Armenians, Turks, Italians, Arabs, Soudanese, and a few Japs and Chinese. Had a little trouble at first with Egyptian coinage, but we soon picked it up after being cheated hand over fist for a while. Everywhere one goes there is an eternal cry for "Backsheesh".

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While on guard we saw a Hospital train come in with wounded from the Canal, mostly Turks, with a few Indian troops. Most of the Turks seemed to be shot in the feet.

28th
Went to Cairo, and thence out to Gizeh to the Zoological Gardens. These are very interesting and the most striking things to my fancy, were the wonderful footpaths, with symmetrical designs traced with oval stones, of different colors, and a grotto made of coral. There were also two pontoons used by the Turks in their unsuccessful attempt to cross the Canal, and captured from them by our lads.

March
13th
Went into Cairo on leave, took a run out to the Citadel, and saw the finest sights I have ever beheld. There is a most wonderful mosque, or Mahommedan Church, with a large marble courtyard, where it is compulsory to wear large slippers over your boots, to avoid scratching the marble. In the yard there is a very deep well, with a remarkable echo. The mosque is lovely with

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a vast dome and beautiful coloured glass windows. In the centre is a large candelabra of brass, with 72 candles in transparent glass globes, and there are also four other smaller candelabra, the five being hung with polished glass pendants, each about six inches long, the whole reflecting the sunlight that streams in through the windows, and making a scene of splendor. There are also hundreds of electric light bulbs round the walls, and it must be a beautiful sight when lit up. This only takes place generally twice yearly, when the Sultan goes there to pray, or on a visit of royalty. From the walls of the Citadel, which is situated on a very high hill, there is a fine panorama view of Cairo, old Cairo, the Dead City, the Nile, the Pyramids, & for miles around. There are here workshops of the Egyptian Government, and a number of wounded Indian troops are quartered in the yard. It was with regret I turned away from the magnificent scene.

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After leaving the Citadel, I went to see an old mosque, called after Sultan Hassan, which was built as far back as 1022 A.D., and was bombarded by the armies of Napoleon in 1792, but as the walls are 12 feet thick no great harm was done by the cannon balls, which were small round iron balls, & some of them are still to be seen embedded in the walls. Napoleon took away with him a great bronze door, inlaid with gold and silver, said to be worth £10,000. Until 3 years ago, the mosque was practically a ruin, but Lord Kitchener has had it restored, and in another two years it is to be opened again to the Mahommedans for worship, and also as a University, to take it 800 scholars. The contractor for the repairs was paid £5000 to put in a duplicate of the door taken by Napoleon. While the repairs were being carried out, a concealed cupboard was discovered in which was a copy of the Koran, (Mahommedan Bible) written 900 years before. It is in perfect order and now stands on a silver table in a new mosque. There is a copy of the first verse of the Koran

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engraved on the walls, which reads, interpreted, "Praise be to God, the Lord of all creatures, the merciful and the compassionate. Direct us to the right way, the way of those that ask to be gracious, not those to whom Thou art incensed, nor of those who go astray." At least that is the version given us by a stoney-looking Egyptian of the better class, who constituted himself our guide. There are 365 chains hanging round the walls, said to hold a lamp for every day in the year. There is also a Wishing Pulpit, where you go through holding each others hands, and wishing with all your might, and your wish is supposed to come true. Afterwards we went over to a new mosque, where we saw a lot of tombs of old Egyptian Royalty, each one of marble, mounted with silver, ivory, ebony, etc. There are also a lot of silver candle sticks, each four feet high, worth £1000. It is said that the total value of silver in the mosque is £52000.

On our way back I went into a large Catholic Church, and was much impressed by the beauty of the architecture inside and the different pictures and altars.

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Overhead is the great pipe organ, and along the side are five or six Confessional Boxes, with Catholic priests of different nationality. There were several people praying or meditating on their evil ways.

17th
6th Light Horse went on a route march up the Nile as far as Helouan, camped for dinner, & returned in afternoon. Passed thro’ two native villages, which were both decidedly smelly, & swarms of dirty children rushed out to see us, all yelling for "Backsheesh, half-piastre" and frightening our horses into fits.

21st
Went by train to Helouan, a very pretty place. Leaving there went to Cairo to All Saints Church, where there was a fine choral service. Were invited to tea by some nice English people, & had an enjoyable evening. We had some music, and I had tea out of a three handled bowl, called a Wassail bowl.

23rd
Our Brigade was astir early to repel an attack on our camp by the 1st Light Horse Brigade. Our job was to hold them in check until 2 p.m. but at 5 p.m. we were still masters

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of the situation, so we safely claimed a win. The 1st Brigade bivouacked here for the night. A concert was held in the Stadium at night.

25th
Field firing in morning, & bayonet fighting in afternoon. Went to Helouan at night.

26th
Fought a retreating sham fight with the 5th. Had another win, & covered ourselves with glory, dust, & perspiration. Went Cairo at night.

27th
Went to Cairo, to church, afterwards invited to tea by Rev. & Mrs. Gardiner. Jumped the fence at Bab-el-Louk in time to catch the 10.30 train home. The preacher at church was a bishop in Jerusalem, and when the Turks took a hand in the war he did a bunk. A gentleman named Hayes sang a lovely solo.

29th
Went to a Methodist tea-fight.

April
1st
Our Brigade went for a route march to Helouan. Returned 6 p.m. and was warned to take the place on guard of a sick man.

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2nd
Good Friday. On guard. Everyone else having a holiday.

4th
Easter Sunday. Mess orderly.

5th
A holiday in afternoon. A real sandy, dusty beast of a day.

6th
Had a big sham fight near Helouan. Picquet at night.

7th
Outpost work.

8th
Had a big sham fight with A Squadron, and knocked spots off them. Complimented in afternoon by Colonel Cox, who said "If you do as well at the Front, I will be satisfied."

9th
Digging trenches all day, & enjoyed a bit of hard work.

10th
Easy morning’s work, striking tents and cleaning saddlery. In afternoon went to Cairo on leave, and went through the native bazaar. There are hundreds of small shops in the Mousky Street for the sale of jewellery, precious stones, silk table covers, saddles and all sorts of leather goods, and one shop devoted entirely

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to the sale of brasses. On my way I saw a native wedding procession in full swing. A gaudy uniformed band headed the show, preceded by a gorgeous-looking Drum-major, who marched along with a silver-tipped staff held proudly aloft. Then came a motor-car, followed by six or eight carriages, and the whole outfit was escorted by a queer assortment of Arabs, who all seemed to think they were in the show too. What a noise too.

Afterwards, I had a look through an old mosque, which had coloured glass windows and wonderfully engraved walls. There were a lot of Mahommedans praying, and a low hum was heard as they repeated their prayers. It is also used as a college and a number of students were scattered around, pouring over books, writing, or wrestling with arithmetic. I was shown an old chair in which one of the old-time Sultans used to sit to read the Bible. Outside the great doorway is the place where executions by hanging were carried out, and still hanging there are great iron weights which were fastened on the feet of the condemned person about to be

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be hanged. This was, presumably, in case the condemned person had an unusually tough neck. The Mahommedans pray 5 times daily at 6 a.m., 12 a.m., 3.30, sunset and two hours after sunset. On the way home I discovered a cake shop run on rather a novel plan (to me). As you enter you wander take a plate and cake fork from a small table, and wander about the shop, harpooning any cakes that take your fancy. These you pay the cashier for and walk through the shop to an open-air café at the back, and you can obtain tea or any other beverage from the waiters. It is a fine plan.

11th
Finished stables, and fell in for church parade. Lazy afternoon.

12th
Cossack outpost training in morning, musketry drill and bayonet fighting in afternoon.

13th
In morning, we had a plan of a regimental bivouacking camp illustrated out on the desert. We dug trenches, and formed breastworks of stones. Afternoon we filled in trenches dug on the 9th.

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14th
Mess orderly. Regiment on training similar to yesterday.

15th
Same as 13th. Had an alarm, and raced to our allotted stations. Afternoon we rested, but turned out again, fully equipped at 7.30 p.m. and had two or three hours night manoeuvres, creeping about in a parky wind on cold sand. We could hear a big concert on in the Y.M.C.A. tent. Came in about 10.30 p.m.

16th
Had a busy morning, scouting scouting, charging, dismounting for action, etc. Rested afternoon.

17th
Had an easy morning, striking tents, cleaning lines, etc.

18th
Church parade in morning.

19th
Seventy of us in the 6th warned for Cairo military police duty. Were inspected by Colonel Cox before we left and caught the 1.30 train to Bab-el-Louk Station, marching from there to Kasr-el-Nil Barracks. Before going I handed over my horse saddle and other gear to a reinforcement chap named

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Ridgeway, who used to be overseer on Bogamildi and Terlings. After taking over the tents, etc. from the previous picket, my mate and I, not being on duty, went for a stroll, managing to lose ourselves for an hour or two. However, we got out of the narrow crooked streets at last, and went home. The barracks are very large, & are occupied at present by 1200 Lancashire Fusileers. There is a reading and writing room for the men, also two billiard tables. The walls of the barracks are washed on one side by the waters of the Nile, and one can sit on the wall and drop a pebble straight down into the water. Near at hand is the Kasr-el-Nil Bridge, a steel structure which opens at one end daily at 1.45 and remains open until 3 p.m., to allow the feluccas (native boats) to pass through.

At each end of the bridge are two great stone lions, beautifully modelled. The excitement and noise of the natives as the boats are passing through is something to be remembered. There are always a lot of

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boats waiting, and as soon as the word is given there is a scramble. Each one wants his boat through first, and they all seem to think that noise is the main essential to success, judging by the row they make.

There are hundreds of vultures hanging round the barracks at meal times, and they come swooping down to take a piece of meat from one’s hand, or to catch food thrown into the air. A railway siding runs directly into the barrack-yard, & there is a tennis court for the use of married soldiers and their wives and stables for the officers’ horses. The museum is only fifty yards away.

20th
On town patrol from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Had a game of billiards, and had a stroll in afternoon. At 10 p.m. on town patrol again, and had to run in a few who were drunk or absent without leave. At 2 in the morning we went home and Lieut. Cross engaged four carriages to take us and the drivers made a great race of it.

21st
Town patrol 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. Town very quiet.

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22nd
Reveille 7.30. After breakfast watched a sale of 250 donkeys held inside the barrack square. It was the greatest character of a sight I ever saw. The men who were responsible for keeping the donkeys in line used their sticks freely, both on the donkeys and their owners. A real good donkey is worth about £6, but, of course, prices vary. As it turned out afterwards, these donkeys were bought for a special purpose and were used at the Dardanelles. They were landed in one place, & the Turks, thinking they were troops hurried up re-inforcements, and turned shrapnel on them. In the meantime, our men had effected an unexpected landing in another place, and taken the Turks unprepared for them. The donkeys were nearly all wiped out, but they had served their purpose. It was rather rough on the donks, but war is war.

In afternoon rambled about the lovely Gizeh gardens where are lovely flowers and green grass. Very enjoyable after Ma’adi.

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On town patrol 1.30 till 6 p.m. Helped to keep back the crowd in front of the Greek Club, while they were waiting for the ex-Prime Minister of Greece, Venizelos, to arrive. There was great excitement when he came, in a motor-car. The Greeks yelled "Zeito, Zeito" (which means Hurrah), hats were waved and thrown into the air as if they would never be needed again, and a great bobbery was caused. Venizelos is very popular with the people as he is in favour of joining in the war on the side of the Allies.

23rd
In the gardens most of the day. Crossed the Nile in a rowing boat. Had a joke with the boatman and frightened the life out of him almost. On duty at the Esbekieh Caracol at 10 p.m. Had two tables to sleep on, but owing to the native police arresting a lot of women, we did not sleep a wink, as the women squealed and jabbered like hyenas all night, and fought amongst themselves. Next morning two Arab boys were brought in, & soundly flogged by the chief.

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24th
Spent most of the day in the Gardens. At 6 p.m. went on duty at Babel-Hadid tramway, to look after the soldiers on the Heliopolis trams. Had no trouble, though. Of course we had no power to interfere with civilians and the native police had no power to lay a hand on us.

25th
At 9 a.m. had to go to a Greek shop and arrest a soldier who had been absent for 4 days. Town patrol 1.30 p.m. till 6 p.m.

26th
Sports in Cairo. French display of 75 c.m. guns, and a French band of 100 performers. Some of the 6th were in giving an exhibition of wrestling on horse-back, Balaclava Melee, etc. Town patrol 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

27th
Spent the morning in gardens and in afternoon went for a sail down the river as far as Boulac Bridge, which opens up in the centre. The boatman sailed and rowed us about for two hours, for the sum of three piastres (7½ ). No wonder he looked relieved when we got out.

In the cool of the evening

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we watched the Sunday evening traffic over the bridge. There were carriages and pairs, dog-carts with fine looking horses, motor cars, taxi cabs, donkeys, camels, and now & then a native bus, drawn by three sorry-looking mules. There would come a donkey-cart driven by an Arab, who generally had five or six women perched up behind him, generally his wives or some-one else’s. It all seems very quaint to Australian eyes.

On duty at Wassaa Caracol 10-7.

28th
In Gardens most of day. On duty at Wassaa Caracol 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

29th
Town patrol 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Gardens all day. Town patrol 6 p.m., and had a very busy time, over 90 men being arrested. As each man was brought in he was searched, and his boots were taken away, and put up on shelves in the guard room, which looked like a second-hand boot shop. Got home about 3 a.m. dead tired.

30th
Town patrol 1.30 p.m. till 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. till dismiss. Pretty strenuous night. Got home at 2 a.m.

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May
1st
Easy day. On duty Bab-el-Hadid tramway 8 p.m. till 12 p.m.

2nd
Had a quiet morning, reading, writing letters, etc. Town patrol 1.30 till 6 p.m., & 10 p.m. till dismiss.

3rd
Lazy morning, and to our great sorrow & disgust we were ordered to be ready to go home to Ma’adi at 4 p.m. Marched to Bab-el-Louk, and caught the 4.30 train home, when we discovered that our regiment was away at a place called Barrage, 25 miles away. We camped out in the sand again.

4th
Put up the tents, and regiment returned in afternoon.

5th
Rifle drill in morning. Not feeling any too well.

6th
Sick all day. Went to doctor in afternoon. Same old pills.

7th
Went for a route march to Helouan, intending to bivouac there for the night, but some important message came

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through to the Brigadier, and we saddled up again and made a bee-line for the camp over the sand-hills, getting nearly choked on the way. All sorts of rumours flying about as to going to the front. Hope they are true.

8th
Struck tents and cleaned the lines. 50 re-inforcements arrived in camp. Our machine gun sections warned to be ready to leave for the front tomorrow.

9th
Fell in for church parade. The hymn "God be with you till we meet again", was sung in farewell to our machine gunners. The last time I heard that was when the Suevic, with on on board drew away from the wharf in Sydney, 20/12/14. In the afternoon the Brigadier, Colonel Ryrie, made a speech to the machine gunners wishing them luck, and they marched away to the station in a perfect storm of cheers. They are the first of our Brigade to go into action and may God’s grace and mercy go with them.

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10th
Early mounted parade in morning, and a foot parade in afternoon. Very tired at night.

11th
Had mounted parade before breakfast, & rested all day. About 11 o’clock news came through we are to move off on Saturday for the front. The camp is nearly mad with joy. I think it is too good to be true.

12th
Easy mounted parade in morning. In afternoon greased saddles etc. preparatory to handing them in. We are going to the front on foot.

13th
Up at 4 a.m. had some tea, & rode out as mounted patrol to keep the rifle range clear, as the re-inforcements were range shooting. Went to Cairo at night.

14th
Had no parade. Getting kits ready.

15th
Camp astir early. Packed our kit-bags, rolled up our blankets, ground sheets, etc. All issued with putties, & 220 rounds of ammunition. Fell in at 7.50 p.m., and marched to Ma’adi railway station

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Arrived Bab-el-Louk 9 p.m., formed up and our squadron led the march through the town, to the sounds of cheering, coo-ees, & all sorts of noises. The residents turned out, clapping and waving hats and handkerchiefs. We marched to Bab-el-Hadid, Cairo’s railway station, entrained there, and left for Alexandria at 12 p.m.

16th
Arrived Alexandria 6.30 a.m. At 9 a.m. went on board transport A25, formerly the German steamer Lutzow, but now a prize. On guard on the gangway at 11 a.m. At 5 p.m. we left Alexandria, and heading out over the Mediterranean we began our last journey to the Front. Had bully beef and biscuits for tea, and went to sleep in a lifeboat out of which I was emptied by the lying-in-picquet at 12 p.m.

17th
Had nothing to do all day. Sea very calm. Sighted a few transports bound for Alexandria.

18th
Held a voluntary church service in the morning & Colonel Ryrie made a little speech.

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Saw a cruiser away on our port-side, probably an escort. At 3 p.m. we were ordered to be ready to leave the ship, with 24 hours rations, and 24 hours emergency rations. At 6.30 p.m. we passed close to Lemnos, where there is a military camp, and we saw two aeroplanes land there. There are a good many destroyers to be seen. At 7 p.m. we heard the first roar of the cannons. Everyone climbed up the rigging, or anywhere they could climb. 7.15. Now we can see plainly the flash of the guns, and as each roar comes to us there is a terrific cheer from our boat in answer. Everyone is excited, no one thinks of sleep, and no one thinks of going below except one who is making hay while the sun shines, for I miss a pair of new boots when I go down. However that is a mere trifle, for at last we are at the front, and can see the flashes, hear the deafening roars, the crackle of rifles, and can smell the powder.

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19th
Up very early, and found that there is a perfect fleet round us. Transports, cruisers, battleships, destroyers, all are here. As we started off we ran foul of a French transport, and were tangled up in a perfect mess for over an hour. Then the guns began again, and soon we saw our airmen flying high over the Turkish trenches and guns, giving our guns range, direction, etc. Then shrapnel shells begin to burst near the machine and but our aviator goes sailing calmly on. Soon an officer comes on board with our orders, and we are off, twelve miles further up the coast. At 7.30 we have arrived, and cast anchor. We are now a few hundred yards away from Anzac, where we are to land to-morrow, and where the Australian infantry have made for themselves and Australia a name that will never die.

There was an incessant crackle of rifle and machine guns last night on shore. A fierce fight was fought all night.

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20th
Up very early to look at a captive observation balloon. At 2 p.m. we went ashore, and had a long weary walk up Shrapnel Gully, with packs on to which we are unaccustomed. We dug a few temporary dug-outs for ourselves. All over us bullets were cracking and singing, and now & then shrapnel bursts. The doubtful honour of having the first casualty of the 6th fell to our troop Bergelin being hit in the eye by a stray bullet.

21st
Busy at work completing our dug-outs. Colonel Cox wounded slightly in the leg. Four great Black Jack Johnson shells burst close to us. They looked awful, but did no damage.

22nd
Was warned to go to Lemnos with Turkish prisoners, but as a G-submarine turned up, we had to wait.

23rd
Went into trenches for 28 days. Saw with a periscope hundreds of dead Turks lying just outside our trenches. On observation duty through the night.

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24th
On observation. An armistice was declared between 9 a.m. & 4 p.m., to bury the dead. The enemy and we were sitting on our respective parapets watching each other.

25th
H.M.S. Triumph torpedoed & sunk. Could see her plainly from the trenches. Sgt. Parkes, of "B", killed.

26th
Observation – Quiet.

27th
On fatigue. Observation at night.

28th
Observation.

29th
Observation. H.S. Brown, of our troop, killed by shell.

30th
Observation.

31st
Observation in day, ammunition at night. Quiet.

June
1st
Ammunition day, observation night.

2nd
Fatigue day, observation night.

3rd
Observation. King’s Birthday.

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4th
Mess orderly. 24 hours spell from the firing line.

5th
Back in firing line. Heavy bombardment this morning.

6th
Fatigue, digging trench deeper. In support trench at night.

7th
Observation day and night.

8th
Water fatigue.

9th
A bit off-colour. Observation night.

10th
In reserve trenches.

11th
Firing line. Very dusty in trench.

12th
On water guard. Good easy job. Poor Bonner, of our troop, fatally wounded. Otherwise a day of rejoicing, for our mail turned up.

13th
Firing line, & observation night. Issued with bread for the first time for over a month, and we enjoyed it immensely.

14th
Observation. Sgts. Collins and Lamborn both wounded at once. JAPANESE [indecipherable].

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15th
In support trenches. Sapper Hill wounded. Observation night.

16th
In reserve trenches & mess orderly.

17th
Observation day and night.

18th
Firing line. Alarm sentry night.

19th
Going out for 10 days rest. Went into dug-outs vacated by the 7th, who have gone into firing line. On fatigue all day, and at night we went out to dig a trench to some deserted trenches that the Turks prowl about near every night. We dug like rabbits till daylight, and cleared back home.

20th
Rested in morning, fatigue in afternoon. Another party of diggers gone out again to-night.

21st
On fatigue morning, trench digging at night.

22nd
Rested all day, and had a lovely swim in afternoon which was somewhat spoiled by "Beachy Bill" who pitched a lot of shrapnel over our way.

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23rd
Fatigue in morning, & had a swim. Trench digging night.

24th
Rested all day.

25th
Rested in morning. Digging in afternoon. Lord Nelson came up and bombarded Kilid Bahr.

26th
Trench digging in afternoon.

27th
Quarter-master’s fatigue.

28th
Went into reserve trenches in support of the 5th, who made an attack on the right.

29th
Trench digging at night, but the Turks opened out on us with machine-guns, & we retired.

30th
Shifted into reserve trenches on the right. Colonel Cox returned. Big rainstorm at night.

July
1st
Rested all day.

2nd
Water fatigue.

3rd
Firing line.

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4th
Rested.

5th
Wood fatigue morning, mail fatigue afternoon.

6th
Firing line.

7th
Firing line.

8th
Water fatigue. Trench-digging at night.

9th
Water fatigue all day.

10th
Had a birthday. On water fatigue all day to celebrate it.

11th
Water fatigue. Firing line at night. Supposed to be Enver Pasha’s birthday. Was inoculated.

12th
Had a demonstration of our own to-day. Was under very heavy shrapnel, machine gun & rifle fire for over half an hour, with no cover at all. Bob Rodd was wounded and ten others besides, poor Sergeant Fred Ellis died in my arms, Kidman, Obrien, Ronald, and Joe Creer were all killed, and a chap from the 7th also. It was

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a bad day for our squadron. Of 30 men that went out, 8 came back safely, and they all had major miraculous escapes. I was not sorry when we all got back. A heavy bombardment of Achi Baba was going on and our work was to jump out and make the enemy think we were going to attack, so they would not send any men away to re-inforce Achi Baba. Our demonstration is said to have had the desired effect.

13th
Up at 3 a.m. on water fatigue. Destroyers shelled old Gaba Tepe forts heavily. Some of our re-inforcements arrived.

14th
In new firing line.

15th
Firing line.

16th
Patrol duty.

17th
Firing line.

18th
In reserves and firing line.

19th
In reserves and fatigue. Firing line at night.

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20th
Mess orderly. Cossack outpost night.

21st
Inoculated again. Supports night.

22nd
Firing line.

23rd
Firing line.

24th
Mess orderly. Sergeant Lamborn hit again, & killed.

25th
Firing line. Fatigue at night.

26th
Water guard.

27th
In reserve. Cossack outpost reserve at night.

28th
Digging fatigue. Firing line night.

29th
Warned to be ready to go on a bodyguard to-morrow for General Sir Ian Hamilton.

30th
Inspected by Colonel Cox in morning. In evening news came through of a victory for us in Asia Minor, leaving the way clear to Bagdad. At 11 p.m. the bodyguard (12 from each squadron) fell in and marched down to the wharf, where we

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boarded the trawler Keravnos, & were taken out to trawler 281, where we stayed the night. There were 25 Australians and 25 New Zealanders.

31st
Left at 8 a.m. for Imbros. Arrived 10.30 a.m., and were guided to the wrong camp, as usual. After dinner we walked round the beach about four miles to General Hamilton’s Headquarters. We hired some ponies from the Greeks to carry our packs round. We had a swim and were fitted out with clean clothes.

August
1st
Bathing parade 6.30 a.m. At 9 o’clock attended church parade and afterwards were inspected by the General, who seemed pleased with his escort. On guard 6 p.m.

2nd
Came off guard 6 a.m.

3rd
Mess orderly. In afternoon wrote some postcards, and had a look in a tiny Greek Church.

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4th
Just 12 months to-day since England declared war on Germany. Went for a walk over to the Royal Flying Corps Headquarters, and had a good look round the aeroplanes. Afterwards had a long ramble round the coast to a big camp, where there are thousands of troops, Sikhs, Ghurkas, & Tommies.

5th
Easy day. Guard 6 p.m.

6th
In morning rambled about after blackberries, and found some fine corn roasters. In afternoon watched a great bombardment of Achi Baba, where great clouds of smoke and dust were rising. Bombardment continued all night.

7th
Bit of fatigue in afternoon. 500 prisoners brought in on destroyer, & Hospital ships very busy. Bombardment still continues.

8th
No church parade, easy day.

9th
Easy day. Guard 6 p.m.

10th
Came off guard 6 a.m., sick.

11th
Attended sick parade.

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12th
Bad time night. Sick parade.

13th
Sick parade. 99.6. Sent to K. Beach Hospital, suffering with rheumatism. On milk only.

14th
Very sick. 100.

15th
Not too well. 102.6. Lot of sick and wounded brought in. A most remarkable church parade.

16th
Lot of sick and wounded sent away.

17th
700 or 800 Turkish prisoners sent away. Sent to rest camp.

18th
Sick parade. No medicines.

19th
Sick parade. Put on light duty.

20th
Sick. Wrote letters and rested.

21st
Sick parade. Rheumatism bad. A lot of new aeroplanes landed. Reported we have 7000 aeroplane bombs waiting, and an aerodrome has been built here for an airship. The nights are turning chilly now. On Imbros there is a spring of beautifully clear cold water. It has been running, it is said,

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for hundreds of years without a break. There is an old city buried near our camp, but only about a ¼ mile of the walls can be seen above ground. There are some small Greek villages on the island but they are "out of bounds". A lot of Greeks have started small canteens, or shops, near the camp, where they sell fruit, cigarettes, biscuits etc. at outrageous prices. There are a lot of Egyptians employed here making stone jetties, roads, etc.

22nd
Lot of wounded in this morning. There has been very heavy fighting on the Peninsula.

23rd
Trouble with the Egyptians, who refused to go to work. After repeated warnings, and two volleys fired over their heads, at which they merely laughed, a volley was fired into them, nine being killed and several wounded. The remainder went to work at once in a hurry. Met a brother of Reg. Pettit’s, whom I knew up north.

24th
15 of us went on guard over 60 Turkish prisoners, taking

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them away to work in another part of the island, & bringing them back at night. In afternoon we had a sudden storm, with the largest hail I have ever seen.

25th
Same as yesterday. Tired & sick.

26th
Had a day’s rest. Went out in a sailing boat to the flagship of the fleet, H.M.S. Exmouth. Had a good look round among the guns, etc. They have a lovely string band on board, and it sounded lovely after the rough time we have had. Got sea-sick coming back in a naval pinnace, & a soaking in the rain to boot. Had tea with Jack Pettit in bakehouse.

No work for the Turks to-day as our Friday is their Sunday.

Tried to return to the peninsula, but the M.O. wouldn’t let me.

27th
Went out on H.M.S. Bacchante a 4 funnelled warship.

28th
M.O. agreed to let me go back again to-morrow, going first to Mudros for M.E.

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29th
Left Imbros 11 a.m. in trawler 848, arriving Mudros 7.30 p.m. At 9 p.m. were transferred to S.S. Aragon, and stayed there the rest of the night.

September August
30th
Up early to have a look round. In the harbor were transports, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, etc., both French and English, and the Russian cruiser "Askold", called the "Packet of Fags", because she has five long funnels, and they resemble Woodbine cigarettes, five to a packet. At 5 p.m. a launch came and took us to the pier at Mudros West, and we walked up to No. 3 Australian Hospital, where we were made welcome, given tea, and supplied with blankets and mattresses, thanks to Capt. Wall, who was Dr. Wall, of Coogee. There were some nice nurses, too, and Drs. McCormick & Fiaschi.

31st
Paraded to the Adjutant, who ordered us to the new Base Hospital for Australians and New Zealanders, three miles away. However, as we seemed to be no nearer getting back than we

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were at Imbros, we cleared out, got aboard a picquet boat (no less) and had the luck to strike "S.S. Partridge" just leaving for Anzac, so we all scrambled aboard, and arrived at Anzac 10 p.m. When we landed, I made my way to our trenches. Transport Southland torpedoed.

Sept. 1st
In reserve trenches in day, and observation at night, in Somerville’s Post. Plenty of bullets and shrapnel flying about. Arthur Gee, of our squadron badly hit in arm. Feeling very sick.

2nd
Very bad with rheumatism. Sent down to 1st Field Ambulance and sent from there by to the Hospital ship "Salta". Went on a barge with a lot of sick and wounded, but owing to the rough sea, the small launch was not powerful enough to tow us, and we broke adrift a couple of times, and went floating round the harbour, tossing and pitching like the Dickens. However, we were finally rescued by the trawler 971 Rose and towed alongside the Hospital Ship, after tossing about for about 2 hours on a trip

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that generally only takes 20 or 30 minutes. However, we got safely on board, and I was sent to bed.

5th
M.’s birthday. Many happy returns. Still anchored off Anzac, and a lot more sick and wounded came on board. Some also put off "Salta" on trawlers, sent to Imbros.

6th
Another Hospital ship came in through the night. Two men died through the night, and were taken off this morning by the mine-sweeper "Loch Broom", and taken up out to sea for burial, both being covered with the Union Jack. Left at 12 a.m. for Imbros, & left Imbros 3 p.m. for Mudros, arriving there 7 p.m.

7th
Left Mudros at 9 a.m. for Alexandria. Saw S.S. "Aquitania" sister ship of the "Lusitania", with four funnels, in Mudros Harbour.

9th
Arrived Alexandria 9 a.m. Harbor full of shipping. Left at 2 p.m. for Cairo, in Red Cross train. Had a fast trip, arriving Cairo 5.30 p.m. Taken in Red Cross Ambulances to Gezireh Palace Hospital. This is a lovely place

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said to have cost about £4,000,000 to build. Formerly belonged to the Khedive of Egypt but confiscated by the Government when the Khedive was deposed. It is situated on the bank of the Nile, which is now in its annual flood. Good library here.

10th
Better. Able to sleep without morphia, which was given to me nightly on "Salta".

14th
Paraded before Medical Board. Recommended for Australia.

16th
Boat-load of wounded & sick sent to Australia.

17th
Had a walk through Gezireh Gardens, & watched natives gathering dates.

23rd
Eight of us were taken for a motor-launch trip, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We went miles up the Nile, which is now in full flood. Saw a few quaint old water-wheels, and a lot of Cook & Sons tourist steamers, now lying idle and deserted. We passed numerous feluccas and native rowing boats toiling slowly along.

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24th
Was surprised and pleased by a visit from Leuit. Ferguson, of our squadron, who is going back to the Peninsula in two days time, after five weeks illness. He was in charge of our demonstration on 12/7/15, and proved himself a cool game officer under fire.

25th
Some ladies visited the Hospital this morning, talking to us, and bringing flowers.

28th
Three of us taken out in a motor car for a drive to Mena in charge of a sister. Had a look at the Pyramids.

October
1st
Took Sergeant Smith over to Cairo to the Pay office. He has lost his eyesight owing to shell-shock, but will most probably get it back in two or three months time. Afterwards took him in the launch for the river trip.

2nd
Went to see the Aquarium, & saw a lot of queer looking fish. There is a fine grotto there too, and a lovely garden and trees.

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5th
Transferred from Ghezireh to Mena House Hospital, situated about 200 yards from the Pyramids. Mosquitoes & flies galore.

7th
Took Sergeant Smith to Cairo. Saw a wedding procession, headed by an Egyptian brass band, & also another procession in honour of a woman who was coming home from hospital, cured. She had two bands.

8th
Went for a walk up to the Pyramids, & got some alabaster.

9th
Went to zoo with McCourt. Had refreshments at "Island of Tea".

10th
Went to Ma’adi. The camp is greatly altered, the horses now having shelter sheds. My old horse in great condition.

11th
Went to dentist, and afterwards had a walk round cotton fields.

12th
Had teeth patched up temporarily.

15th
The hospital grounds all lit up at night, and decorated with flags, for a fine concert

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which was attended by Prince Henry of Battenberg, Lady Maxwell, a French Countess, Colonel Martin and some more bigwigs.

16th
McCourt, with 31 others, sent out to Base Detail Camp, Zeitoun.

17th
Church parade in morning. In afternoon an Italian concert party came out and entertained us for a couple of hours. Went to church service at night, and afterwards went for a walk and saw a Bedouin Arab dance, in honour of an approaching wedding. It was very queer.

18th
Took Sergeant Smith to Pay Office, Cairo. Warned to be ready to leave for home to-morrow.

19th
Left Mena House at 7.45 a.m. in Red Cross motors, and went to Koubbeh Siding, where we were put on a hospital train. Left Cairo at 11 a.m., and had a good run to Suez. The line runs close to the Canal for a long way. We saw several ships steaming slowly through the Canal, and a good many Indian troops.

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Arrived at Suez at 5.30 p.m., and were taken on board the Hospital ship "Kanowna" (A.U.S.N. line, a sister ship to the Kyarra).

20th
Left Suez at 7 a.m., passing on our way out the Canadian Hospital ship Loyalty lying at anchor. At 9.30 a.m. met a French passenger steamer.

21st
Burial at sea of a patient who died of brain fever.

22nd
Fearfully hot, right out in the Red Sea. The ship is vibrating like a milk shake.

23rd
Still very hot. Thousands of porpoises chasing shoals of flying fish all round the ship.

24th
Sunday – Passed by Aden at 8 p.m., and met an Indian Hospital ship on her way back to the Dardanelles from India. Out of the Red Sea now, thank goodness.

25th
Met transport Argyllshire with Australian troops on board. They passed very close to us, & gave us a great cheering. They

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are on their way to the Front.

26th
Ship rolling a lot. Saw a big school of whales, spouting and splashing about.

28th
Met Transport A47, with Australian troops on board on their way to the Front. They gave us a great reception as they passed by very close.

29th
Pay day.

31st
Sunday. Passed the island we saw when we were on our way over, 14/1/15 – Sea a bit rough.

November
1st
Sea very rough. Raining all day with cooler weather. Deep-sea sounding going on.

2nd
Arrived Colombo at daybreak. Saw the steamer Nubian aground near the entrance to the harbor. Her skipper tried to come in at night without a pilot, and made a mess of things. She is fast on shore.

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We took on a pilot, and went into the harbor, mooring to two buoys. A lot of small boats containing natives after the laundry work made a great dash for the gangway, and got all mixed up in a fine tangle. It took two sentries with fixed bayonets to clear them off the gangway. There was a good deal of shipping in the harbor, and a big Dutch liner came in just behind us. At 10 a.m. we received passes to go ashore till 4 p.m. We were rowed ashore in small boats. Then I took a rickshaw and went for an hour’s drive (or ride) along a good road near the coast, past the Galle Face Hotel. Came back then and did some shopping, & there are some large, well run shops in Colombo. Afterwards went round the fruit markets and bought a large bunch of bananas for 1/-

Afterwards we were taken out for a lovely motor drive by Mr. Bois. He is an Australian residing in Colombo, and he had a lot of cars hired

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to take us out to Mount Lavinia, where he had afternoon tea and cigarettes waiting for us. It was very good of him. We went out around the Cinnamon Gardens, the Victoria Fountain, and the different parks and sports grounds. We saw a fine residence that used to belong to the German Consul, who is now in prison. In the gardens are banyan, rubber, and bread-fruit trees and cocoa-nut palms.

Saw a German spy arrested and marched away under fixed bayonets. I got caught in a heavy rainstorm but my coolie pulled the hood of the rickshaw up, and kept me fairly dry. Went back to the ship at 4 p.m., after a very enjoyable day. The Dutch boat left about dusk, making a fine sight as she turned into the open sea with her decks ablaze with lights, on her way to Java. Received news of the result of Caulfield Cup, V.R.C. Derby, & Melbourne Cup.

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3rd
Left Colombo at 8 a.m. There was a heavy swell on, and the ship rolled and pitched a good deal. I soon got very sea-sick.

4th
Still sea-sick. Crossed the line late at night. A flying-fish flew right through one of the port-holes into a ward. He was only a small fish.

6th
Been sea-sick ever since leaving Colombo. Felt a bit better to-day.

9th
Passed the Cocos Islands last night. We were to be taken in close to have a look at the Emden but it was dark before we got to the islands.

11th
Burial at sea of a patient who died last night, after an operation for removal of a shrapnel bullet from the brain. He belonged to the 13th Battalion. A guard, with fixed bayonets, was drawn up, and the bugle sounded the "Last Post" as the body was committed to the sea.

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14th
Terribly heavy swell running. The boat has been rolling all day. Every now and then there was a crash, as tables fell over. A lot of crockery was smashed through the day. At 3 p.m. we sighted land, & thus had our first glimpse of Australia. At 7 p.m. we passed the Island of Rottnest, which is now a concentration camp for enemy subjects. At 8 p.m. we anchored in the Bay for the night and we can see the lights of Fremantle.

15th
Weighed anchor at 9.30 a.m. and moved in to the wharf. At 12 p.m. the West Australian patients began to go off, and they got a fairly good reception although there was only a small crowd to meet them. We were then given general leave till three o’clock. Went ashore and had a look round Fremantle and sent some telegrams. The police band came down to the wharf and played there all the afternoon. We pulled out again at 6 p.m. There was a fair-sized

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crowd there by that time. The band played Auld Lang Syne as we moved out. The transport Warilda, A62, came into port during the day, with troops on their way to the Front.

16th
Passed the Leeuwin Light house at 9 a.m. The boat rolling a good deal. At 6 p.m. we passed Albany, and met a troopship A49, heading towards Fremantle. Raining all day.

17th
Boat rolling badly. Plenty more broken crockery. A lot of albatrosses flying about following the ship. Crossing the Bight.

19th
Met a large mail steamer at 4 p.m. Looked like a P. & O. boat. Trooper Kerr, of 8th Light Horse, Victoria, died after an operation, and was buried at sea at 10.30 p.m. The bugle sounded the "Last Post". Raining.

20th
Land in sight again. Passed Kangaroo Island at 8 a.m. A big mail steamer is coming up behind us. Still raining. Arrived off Port Adelaide at 1 p.m., and after taking on a pilot and a

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Customs officer, we drew in to the Railway wharf, where there was a special train for the South Australians. They were soon off the boat and on the train, and then left for Adelaide. There was a fair sized crowd on the wharf. We left again at 4 p.m., on our way to Melbourne.

21st
Land in sight on the port side all the way. Passed a good many coastal boats.

22nd
Arrived Melbourne at 11 a.m. The Tasmanians went off at 2 p.m., and went on board the Loongana after being taken for a run through the city, leaving for Tasmania at four o’clock. The Victorians went off at 3 p.m. A military band played on the wharf. We pulled out at 6 p.m., and anchored in the stream. Two or three transports in the harbour, with troops on board.

23rd
Weighed anchor at 3 a.m., and started off for Sydney. Very rough crossing the Heads. Two other boats went back.

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24th
Passed Gabo Island at 6 a.m. A Queenslander died today, and was buried at sea. We all came up on deck for the burial service. Passed Kiama at 9 p.m. Bush fires all along the coast.

25th
Arrived Sydney Heads at 3 a.m. and anchored in Watson’s Bay. At 9 a.m. we went up the Harbour to No. 1 Wharf, Woolloomooloo Bay. Were taken in motors to Randwick Hospital & had a good reception all the way. Had dinner and got leave for 24 hours. Went up to Riverstone.

30th
Received my pass just in time to catch the Moree mail.

January 11th 1916
Received my discharge as medically unfit.

Sea of Marmara – misspelt as Sea of Marmora – P. 4
Kasr-el-Nil – sometimes spelt Qasr-el-Nil – P. 9
Gizeh – also spelt Giza – P. 11
Babel-Hadid – also spelt Bab el Hadid – P. 25

[Transcribed by Judy Gimbert and Grahame Bickford for the State Library of New South Wales]