Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Robert Christian Wilson diary, 1 January 1916-2 January 1917
MLMSS 7117/11/Folder 5

[Trooper Wilson’s diary commences when he is still at home on the farm at Mudgee where he describes helping with the work. He then went to camp and embarked for overseas in April, arriving in Egypt in May. After some time at Tel-el-Kebir, he went to the Sinai Peninsula and describes the various places visited and work with the horses.]

[Page 3]
[Previous pages are cover of diary]
Robert C. Wilson
No. 2480
Trooper Wilson
C Troop
17th Reinforcements
B Squadron
1st Regiment
Light Horse Depot
Liverpool

[Page 4]
Sydney Address
C/o Miss K.F. Hales
Lyttleton
29 Orlando Av.
Mosman

H.C. Wilson
Wyaldra Park
Mudgee,
N.S.W.

If found please return to

2480 Tpr. R. Wilson
B Squadron
1st A.L.H.

[Pages 5 to 9 not transcribed.]
[Page 10]
Things not to be said in letters on voyage 1/5/16

1. Dates & place of dispatch
2. Names & Nos. of transports & escorts
3. Nos. & description of troops
4. Desposition of force
5. Route & ports of calls
6. Criticism judged harmfull
7. Reference to larger units & superior commanders

[Page 11]
[Blank page]

[Page 12]
"There’s but one task for all
For all one life to give
Who lives if England fall!
Who dies if England live!
Kipling
Romani 15/ Aug. 1916

Consent
By Dorothy Francis McCree

To-morrow - ah! To-morrow – he must go.
Far from his home and kinsfolk – far away.
And we who love him dare not bid him stay.
Across the sea his comrades need him so.
Dear God, dear God, help me to let him go.
He could not stay behind I know, I know,

[Page 13]
When England calls for men! More men! each day.
I would be base were I to bid him stay,
But I am just – a mother – Lord, and oh!
It simply breaks my heart to let him go -
Because I’m human, Lord, my tears must flow.
But joy and pride reign o’er my grief to-day,
With words of cheer I’ll speed him on his way.
For they across the sea, they need him so,
Oh, son! To save my honour, you must go!

Y.M.C.A. Romani 26th Aug. 1916

Sent to West by his Mother.

[Pages 14 and 15 not transcribed.]
[Page 16]
Self 2480
Watch stopped 4/8/16
No. of Bank Book Finish
Horse A2 453
Bully Beef
Rifle 13796

[Page 17]
Saturday 1 January 1916

Mother, Father, and all of us went over to the Lease for a picnic. Spent the afternoon burning hollow logs and shooting rabbits.

Sunday 2 January 1916

Played tennis nearly all day.
Malone came and got Dick’s dog "Jack". All hands went training up tomatoes in the vegitable garden in the evening.
Had some hymns after tea.

[Page 18]
Monday 3 January 1916
We started cutting chaff in the morning, but stripped our main driving cogs so had to take machine to pieces and put on fresh ones. Cut 18 bags.
Dr. Nicholl came out in the car and took Mardie & me to Mudgee. Train very crowded.

Tuesday 4 January 1916
Arrived Sydney after fair trip. Came to Lyttleton. Aunt Katie and I went in to town, bought a safety razor, knife, pen & note book. Aunt K & Aunt Min gave me an air pillow. Saw Major Timothy. Have been posted to L.H. Charlie Mc gave me a letter to Capt. Downes. Went down to Nohovel.

[Page 19]
Wednesday 5 January 1916
Went to the Barracks with Aunt Katie. Fell in at 12 o’clock, was given tea and pies and sent out to Liverpool by train and put in L.H. lines. Met the Land board clerk from Mudgee. Everything here seems nice. Light Horse men seem very decent crowd. Hope I pass riding test tomorrow. Are Sleep in Y.M.C.A. tent tonight.

Thursday 6 January 1916
Had a good night’s sleep. Ground not too hard. Mosquitoes rather bad.
We "New Recruits" were given a little fatigue duty in morning picking up papers. I carried bag.
Had riding test in the afternoon, got over jumps alright. Saw some very funny busters. An impromptu concert in the evening. Met Ted Elliot of Nyngan Exp. Farm.

[Page 20]
Friday 7 January 1916
Paraded after breakfast and was sworn in as a trooper in C Troop C Squadron 1st Regiment of Light Horse.
Received issue of 2 suits, dungarees, boots, hat, frannels and kit bag. Nine of us allotted to a tent. All nice chaps. Spoke to Capt. Downes also Lieut. Cox & was told to put in for N.C.O.

Saturday 8 January 1916
Did troop drill before breakfast, & recruit drill afterwards. Granted general leave from 12 noon on Saturday till 12 midnight Sunday. Was picked for picquet duty for Sunday. Came over to Aunt Katie. My letters sent to camp have not reached me. Went to Telarah in evening. Nice to sleep in a bed again.

[Page 21]
Sunday 9 January 1916
Had lovely night’s sleep in a bed.
Left Lyttleton 12 o’clock and arrived here 2 o’clock for picquet duty; 2 hours on and 4 hours off for 24 hours. Went all round looking for letters from home which should have come last week; did not find them. Thunder storm.

Monday 10 January 1916
Did picquet duty during night and had leave off till 2 p.m. to make up for it. Wrote letters. Had lecture for afternoon parade and then swim. Aunt Katie and party came out with some tea and I walked to the station with them. Received 2 letters from home; 1st since I left home.

[Page 22]
Tuesday 11 January 1916
Tent orderly to-day. Tidyied out tent before breakfast. Did troop drill in morning. Lecture on rifle in afternoon then swim till 4 p.m. Washed my boots with "Handy Jack". Met C. Young from Mudgee. Letter from home.

Wednesday 12 January 1916
Church parade before breakfast.
Then fatigue duty cleaning up lines in honour of some big bloke’s arrival. Afternoon did Squadron drill with B Squadron. Watched riding test; as good as a side show. Went to a service at C of E tent. Joined C of E M.S.

[Page 23]
Thursday 13 January 1916
1st Parade, attended class for N.C.Os.
2nd Fatigue duty in lines.
3rd Little extended drill then more fatigue duty cleaning parade ground. Took my boots to boot maker to have them stretched. Concert in evening; music supplied by the men.

Friday 14 January 1916
1st Parade, N.C.O’s class.
2nd Marched to trenched ground and practiced hand grenade throwing from trenches, with jam tins filled with sand.
3rd Rifle and extended order drill.
Slight rain during day which layed the dust beautifully.

[Page 24]
Saturday 15 January 1916
Physical drill before breakfast and then squadron drill. Should have been paid but was not owing to O.C. being away. Left camp at 12 o’clock, had dinner at Railway Stn., wrote letters at G.P.O. and then came over to Mosman. Went in to town with Telerahites to see Lorna off in evening.

Sunday 16 January 1916
Went to church with Aunt Katie at St. Chads, Cremorne. It is nice to be away from the dust of Liverpool for a little while. Wrote a letter in the afternoon and went to Telarah and Nohovel. Left at 9 o’clock arriving back in camp at 11-20. No tickets on train as soldiers refuse to pay.

[Page 25]
Monday 17 January 1916
Fearfully hot day. N.C.Os class before breakfast. Put in application to attend exam for N.C.Os. Rifle exercises and lecture then swim. Moved to next line of tents to B Squadron. Nearly all men in tent sick from the dust. I have a cold.

Tuesday 18 January 1916
N.C.Os class then struck tents to air the lines. Spent morning fixing tents, then on horse picquet. Cutting wood all afternoon. Saw Lieut. Edwards re N.C.O. exam. Asked Lieut. Cox for an order for a Cardigan as I had a cold, he gave me order for whole uniform. Wonder will I get it; other chaps will buck if I do.

[Page 26]
Wednesday 19 January 1916
Stables piquet before breakfast; received uniform. Examination for N.C.Os all day. Did not feel too well and got nervous fit so am afraid my cake is doe [done] straight off. 26 applications for 6 N.C.Os. Went to Dr. and got medicine for my cold. Mrs. Stein came up & brought good feed. Wife of tent mate.

Thursday 20 January 1916
N.C.Os class in morning. Training in visual practice & distance judging then stables.
Went over to Mosman and saw Aunt Katie.
Felt slightly home sick, suppose it is on account of cold. This war is a nucience but it is everybody’s duty to be at it.

[Page 27]
Friday 21 January 1916
Commenced musketry course. Taught how to aim a rifle & pull trigger etc.
Of course I know it all thoroughly. Heard result of N.C.O’s exam. I did not get a job. Still everything is for the best and I may get one later on and that will suit better.

Saturday 22 January 1916
Musketry course all the morning. Left Camp dinner time and came to Mosman. Bought pair of spurs, 5/- & puggaree. Had dinner Sargents at the Station.
Sam called at Aunt Katies to see me but I was not home.
After tea a mob of us and Mr. Radcliff went for an ice cream and a walk.

[Page 28]
Sunday 23 January 1916
Had a good sleep and did not get up till 8 o’clock. Sam & Miss Line came in their Woolsey car; we drove to Chatswood, got Dora and went out towards Hawksberry [Hawkesbury]. Did not get there but saw some wonterful county for roughness. Played the flute.

Monday 24 January 1916
Got back to camp at midnight. Very cold night with heavy dew; blankets quite wet from sleep outside.
Musketry all day.
Spent all the afternoon trying to ring up Mosman; succeeded in letting them know I wanted to ring up but did not get any further. Telephones bad for the temper.

[Page 29]
Tuesday 25 January 1916
Musketry all day.
Miniture rifle range practice in morning. Five shots at 25 yds with 303 rifles with 22 barrels. General leave from 2 o’clock. Met Miss Smith in town, had dinner at Sargents. Went home to Mosman.

Wednesday 26 January 1916
Aniversary day.
Walked up Mosman with C. MacC., in morning; got glared at by lady as I was in plane clothes & she had a soldier in tow.
Mardie, Nona Roberts, Charlie & I went to Theatre in afternoon, & had a real good time.
Went round to Sams, was supprised to find Roy & Cisla had gone and got married.

[Page 30]
Thursday 27 January 1916
Went to Long Bay in morning. Got possible straight off at 100 yards range.
Left at 12 o’clock and went to Manly & was best man at Sam’s & Minnies wedding. Had great time, most exciting. Went to tea with the Doyles. Came home with Dora via Aunt Katie & up to camp.

Friday 28 January 1916
Went to Dr. and got stuff for my cold then off to Long Bay. Managed to shoot pretty well and keep my reputation up. Met the 2 Sergt. Majors that used to be at Fort St., and they knew me straight off.
Thunder storm coming home. All got sopping wet but all said, "Are we down hearted?" No!

[Page 31]
Saturday 29 January 1916
Long Bay in the morning. Dismissed at 3 o’clock in town, rang up Miss Busby and then went over to Mosman. Mr. Radcliff & I went to Manly to carnival. Had fun of our lives, got fairly smothered in confetti.

Sunday 30 January 1916
Hal & Freddie came down, brought nice fruit. Called on Mr. & Mrs. Wilson. In afternoon party of us went down to Manly for trip, to see the view, which was not very exciting. Must try and knock a bit more fun out of the weekends!! Got back to camp at about 11 o’clock.

[Page 32]
Monday 31 January 1916
Long Bay for final time. A most beautiful day. Very heavy dew at nights, blankets always sopping wet if one sleeps outside. Paid to end of Jan., sum of £4. Musketry has been very easy job. Today only fired 5 shots & slept rest of day. Hard work tomorrow.

Tuesday 1 February 1916
Received issue of 2nd pair boots, kit bag, under clothing, etc. Fatigue duty in morning cleaning up lines, rotten job.
All hands enoculated for Thypoid, and sent to watch riding test to keep quiet. Saw Cousing Jocelyn and Alan & went to theatre with them.

[Page 33]
Wednesday 2 February 1916
N.C.Os class in morning. Lecture on outposts. A very easy day, lectures on musketry etc.
Uncle George & big party came up and brought tea for all hands in tent, had a great feed. Went back to Sydney with them and saw Alan off to Nyngan.

Thursday 3 February 1916
Church parade before breakfast.
Rifle exercises & bayonet fighting then route march this afternoon with about a mile’s run to finish coming home. Slight thunder storm but not much rain.
Hot day but cold night.

[Page 34]
Friday 4 February 1916
N.C.O’s class; had a go at drilling the troup and got on pretty well. After breakfast we were drilled by a Sergt. who did not know drill but was most careful we knew it, gave me the blues. Extended order drill with Squadron.

Saturday 5 February 1916
N.C.O’s class then ordinary drill till dinner time. Came to Sydney had dinner at Sargents then over to Mosman.
Found Hal & Freddie & Edward here and decided to go to White City.
Party of ten of us went and had great time, all went twice on Scenic Railway, got home about 12 o’clock.

[Page 35]
Sunday 6 February 1916
Did not feel too well in morning.
Afternoon got shivers. Getting ready to go back to camp found had tempreture of 105°. Got in Dr. Mason. Have Bronchitis and Congested Lung.

Monday 7 February 1916
Off my onion most of day. Telegram & Dr’s certificate sent to camp for me. Telegram sent home. Dr afraid of pneumonia. Aunt Min sat up all Monday night with me.

[Page 36]
Tuesday 8 February 1916
Mother and Father both came down.
Father went back same night.
Dr Mason says with care will stop pneumonia. Tempreture still over 103.

Wednesday 9 February 1916
Having very bad nights, no sleep and half delirious. Living on ice and milk. Nice having Mother to look after me instead of being in hospital in camp.

[Page 37]
Thursday 10 February 1916
Tempreture still as high, getting very thin.
Threshing machine working at home.

Friday 11 February 1916
Still 103.
Think I have to drill alnight and can’t get sleep on that account.

[Page 38]
Saturday 12 February 1916
Tempreture down to 100. Begining to feel better.

Sunday 13 February 1916
Tempreture down to 97. Feel very weak.
Mother went to Church at St. Chads in evening.

[Page 39]
Monday 14 February 1916
Tempreture normal again.
Beginning to feel hungry.
Heard from Father. The wheat went 390 bags. We estimated 400 so were not far out.

Tuesday 15 February 1916
Allowed to get up in middle of day and go out on verandah.
Am very weak, could not walk without holding on to things.
Was allowed to have fish to eat.

[Page 40]
Wednesday 16 February 1916
Out on verandah all day. Dr. Nicholl called & was supprised to see me up. He & Mrs. Nicholl & Joan are going over to Tassy for a holiday.
Mother went to town in afternoon with Hal.

Thursday 17 February 1916
Walked about a bit and then wrote letters.
Roy & Cisla started for England per "S.S. Niagara" to make munitions.
Mother & I went round to Sam’s in evening, saw Dora there.

[Page 41]
Friday 18 February 1916
Mother and Aunt Katie went to town in morning also to Victoria Barracks but could not get railway pass for me. They also went to Dr. Mason & got certificate for me. All went round to Hartley Vale and had musical evening.

Saturday 19 February 1916
Boys went for a swim at Spit Bathes and got very sun burnt.
All hands cutting front lawn. Mr. & Mrs. Wilson came down to call.

[Page 42]
Sunday 20 February 1916
Got up early and went to church with Mother to 8 o’clock service at St. Chads Cremorne. Was going to Manly in afternoon but all went to sleep instead. Went down to Nohovel in afternoon then round to Sams and got some beans & helped Vida wish up.

Monday 21 February 1916
Went to town with Mother. Drew some money out of bank then got railway tickets. Got present for Sam & Minnie (Mother did). Had dinner in town and got some music etc. Left Aunt Katie’s by 8 o’clock tram & caught train for Mudgee.

[Page 43]
Tuesday 22 February 1916
Train very crowded but Mother and I had a fair trip up and were met by Father at Warrobil. I rode Zaida home, nice to be on a horse again. Place looks terribly dry. Thunder storm in evening. Started to rain.

Wednesday 23 February 1916
Good storm at night and rain during day; had 70 pts.
Father & Mother drove to Wonga in evening; I went shooting rabbits in back paddock and burning hollow logs.
Rabbits are fairly thick but very wild.

[Page 44]
Thursday 24 February 1916
Father went into Mudgee. I started Dick plowing in Front paddock; had to shift wheal of plow as it was not cutting furrow right out. Dick went out to look a fire in back pdk. & I took plow for couple of rounds. Hot day.

Friday 25 February 1916
Father, Geoff and I rode up to Store paddock and mustered the 35 Cassilas horses down into the Cliff. Father took honey from bees in afternoon. Dick plowing in front paddock.
Very hot day.

[Page 45]
Saturday 26 February 1916
Dick plowing in Front pdk. till dinner time. I went over to Barham and got "Tiger" and 2 sets of harness.
Father & Geoff fixed hoist for wheat bag. In afternoon we worked at seed drill putting axel in. Cool day.

Sunday 27 February 1916
Ten horses to feed. Fixed seed drill and took 2 furrow plow to Front pdk. Got cart and took bags down and covered up wheat from rain.
Had rest after dinner then fixed plow and had a hit at pots.
Easterly wind with clouds.

[Page 46]
Monday 28 February 1916
Started cutting chaff but had to stop on account of carrier coming for wheat. I took plow while others loaded up waggon.
In afternoon I got 2 furrow plow and started in Front pdk. with Dick. Father & Geof cut chaff. Thunder storm & little rain.

Tuesday 29 February 1916
Dick & I plowing all the morning. Father and Geoff mustered back paddock. Geoff took 2 furrow plow in afternoon and I helped Father fix up sheep. Despite the dry time the sheep here are all in good condition. Carrier came in evening. Beautiful day.

[Page 47]
Wednesday 1 March 1916
Loaded up carrier with wheat.
Dick & Geoff plowing all day. Father & I fixed up sheep. Put 5 horses in Castle Rock.

Thursday 2 March 1916
Dick & I plowing till dinner time.
Then carrier came for wheat. Father & Geoff mustered Waterfall.
F. Warner came down.
Put 5 horses over in Lease.

[Page 48]
Friday 3 March 1916
Dick & Geoff plowing. Father and I fixed up studs. Father took honey from bees. Beautiful day.

Saturday 4 March 1916
All hands cutting chaff. Carrier came and took another 75 bags of wheat. Bill Large came down to look round suckering. Laid posts round stack. Hot day.

[Page 49]
Sunday 5 March 1916
Father drew off honey then all hands took lunch over to Lease.
Tried to rain but could not.

Monday 6 March 1916
Dick & Geoff plowing. Bill Large came down and agreed to sucker Castle Rock.
I raked down Straw Stack. Father started fence round it.

[Page 50]
Tuesday 7 March 1916
Little rain in morning. We made clothes to cover Drill & chaff cutter out of wheat bags. Cut 25 bags of chaff.

Wednesday 8 March 1916
Father went to Mudgee. Mother & Geoff I rode round Wonga & School pdks. Dick & Geoff plowing. I got Galina in from Castle Rock.

[Page 51]
Thursday 9 March 1916
Dick & Geoff finished Front pdk.
Father, Mother & I mustered sheep from Long pdk. down here. Draughted them in afternoon and took 8 & Leis ewes to Wonga.

Friday 10 March 1916
Dick & I plowed up front road.
Father & Geoff riding round. Dick started discing 40 acres.
Mother & Father drove over to Barham.
Geoff & I mustered Front pdk.

[Page 52]
Saturday 11 March 1916
Dick discing.
I took drill down and started sowing.
Putting 7 lbs of lucerne to acre. Father & Geoff working at sheep.

Sunday 12 March 1916
Mr. Chriss Heath and his Mother & wife came out and looked at show sheep. Beautiful warm day.

[Page 53]
Monday 13 March 1916
Dick working disc Harrows. Geoff took seed drill. Father & I sifted lucerne seed.
Cut chaff in afternoon. Father took honey from bees.

Tuesday 14 February 1916
Mother & I drove to Mudgee. Saw Dr. Nicholl. He won’t let me go back for a fortnight as my lung is not quite healed.
Dick & Geoff working in 40 acres.

[Page 54]
Wednesday 15 March 1916
Dick finished 40 acres, Geoff still sowing there. Father & I mustered Lease and weaned Lambs. Thunder storm but no rain.

Thursday 16 March 1916
Dick drove up to the Ryans and cut 49 gate rails in Castle Rock. Father & I rode up and looked round horses in Long pdk; they are getting short of water, will have to shift them. Geoff finished 40 acres.

[Page 55]
Friday 17 March 1916
Barked the rails in morning. They were very tough on account of drought. In afternoon we all cut chaff.

Saturday 18 March 1916
Finished cutting chaff. In afternoon Dick drove over to Warrobil with Geoff who is returning to Sydney.

[Page 56]
Sunday 19 March 1916
Fixed up show sheep. Heard that one of the Cassilas horses had fallen on a stump and killed itself. Father & I rode up and look at it.
Mr. & Mrs. Dick Blackman came over in afternoon.

Monday 20 March 1916
Helped Father make frame for lorrie, got show sheep in and then started Dick off for Mudgee with sheep.
Father & I went up and got 11 horses and took them down to Wonga.

[Page 57]
Tuesday 21 March 1916
Drove Father into Mudgee to the Land board and then went up to Show ground. We won, Fat whrs., Fat ewes, Fat lambs, and Corriedale ram & ewe & 2 Corriedale fleeces. Drove out with Dick & brought 2 draught horses.

Wednesday 22 March 1916
Father in Mudgee at Show. Dick and I mustered up horses in Long pdk. and took them to Wonga.
After dinner nailed up cases of honey, shod Galina on front feet, then rode round looking for horses but did not find them.

[Page 58]
Thursday 23 March 1916
Dick started off early riding Gaida, leading two draughts.
Father rode home in evening. Dick brought sheep home in lorry.
I went up & got 5 horses out of Long pdk. and took them to Wonga.

Friday 24 March 1916
Father & I rode up round Store & Long pdk. and down to Wonga. Terribly dry every where & dams getting very low.
Mustered sheep down out of School pdk. and draughted off all old ones that were not going to water.

[Page 59]
Saturday 25 March 1916
I took old ewes over to Wonga then went and saw Jim Oakley.
Father & Dick working at fence round Stack.
Made rabbit traps in afternoon. Helped Father shift studd ewe lambs.

Sunday 26 March 1916
Fed 12 horses while Father milked. Father and I mustered Front pdk. into Cliff and brought Studds into 18 acre, and put young rams on lucerne. Jim Large came down and got his ewe.
Eddie Blackman came over & shot his dog "Spider".
Mother, Father & I burning off up gully.

[Page 60]
Monday 27 March 1916
Mother & I up early and drove into Mudgee. Saw Dr. Nicholl; he thinks I am about fit to return. Roads in fearful state on account of dry weather. Helped Dick with fence round stack. Found young lamb bust on lucerne.

Tuesday 28 March 1916
Dick and I finished putting up fence round Straw stack.
After dinner helped Father & J. Oakley fix sheep then took 2 [indecipherable] up to Cliff pdk. with Father. Mother, Father & I went burning off up the Gully in the evening.

[Page 61]
Wednesday 29 March 1916
Dick, Jim Oakley & I cut 25 bags of chaff. Father riding round.
In afternoon Father, Mother & Miss Sterling drove to Warrobil & I rode Zaida.
I left for Sydney by evening train. We do want rain badly. Don’t like leaving home while this drought is still on.

Thursday 30 March 1916
Arrived in Sydney 6-30 and went over to Mosman. I went up and saw Dr. Mason. He says I am just right but I should have had a few more days. Went into town with Aunt Katie, got pair of boots and had my photo taken. In evening Telarah people came over & we had a sing song.

[Page 62]
Friday 31 March 1916
Went in to with Cousin Annie, Stella & Dorothy and saw them off in the train to Wellington; where they will be met by car and go on to Nyngan. Met Miss M. Wright. Saw Miss Busby & Mr. Rayment. Dr. Mason would not let me go to camp as it was raining. Went up and got a certificate from him in evening.

Saturday 1 April 1916
Went for a swim with the boys to the Spit.
In evening Hal, Fred & I went in to see "Under fire" at the Criterion. A good play of the period before the war and up to the German advance on Paris in August.

[Page 63]
Sunday 2 April 1916
Went to church at St. Chads, Cremorne with Aunt Katie and the Hal & Fred.
Spent the evening at the Sams.

Monday 3 April 1916
Came up to L.H. camp at Menangle. Had great job to get my blankets etc. and was told I would get no pay for time I was away, however I went and saw our officer & he is going to try and get it for me.
Have got in with same chaps I was with before; they have all had their final leave.

[Page 64]
Tuesday 4 April 1916
Went for a swim in the Nepean river before breakfast. In morning were inspected by the Governor General, Sir Ronald Munroe Furgeson [Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson]. A nice man with a smile but not a good speaker.
Lecture & bayonet fighting & picture show in Y.M.C.A. tent.

Wednesday 5 April 1916
Swim in morning then blanket inspection. We are to be issued with an extra one, making four blankets, as the nights are getting very cold. Then Squadron drill & bayonet fighting in afternoon. This is a splendid camp; so fresh and clean after Liverpool.

[Page 65]
Thursday 6 April 1916
Swim in morning.
An issue of one blanket all round.
Bayonet drill.
Advance guard action in afternoon.

Friday 7 April 1916
Church parade before breakfast.
Took my turn as tent orderly.
Had a small route march of about 8 miles.
Was enoculated in afternoon then had a lecture from a Sergeant who had served in South Africa.

[Page 66]
Saturday 8 April 1916
Swim as usual.
My arm very stiff from the enoculation. Squadron drill all the morning.
Caught the 12.20 train, had dinner in town, came over to Mosman. Boys at Springwood. Vida, Aunt K and I went to "So Long Letty". Great fun.

Sunday 9 April 1916
Rained all day.
Went over to Telarah also round to Hartly Vale where I met Dora.
Mr. Sams gave me a pipe.
Came back to camp by 5 to 11 train arriving at a quarter to one.

[Page 67]
Monday 10 April 1916
Raining hard all day. Stables in morning then guard instruction in Y.M.C.A. tent with Stables again in evening.

Tuesday 11 April 1916
On Guard all day. Five prisoners in guard tent. Got a letter from Father saying they had had an inch of rain and got 24/3 for Store merino ewes.
Was transfered to B Squadron (17th Reinforcements).

[Page 68]
Wednesday 12 April 1916
Relieved from guard at 8 o’clock. Whole camp 1000 men on a route march to Camden about 7 miles away. I managed to get into the mounted Squadron.
Camden is a small town on a hill. Had lunch in show ground.

Thursday 13 April 1916
Fatigue duty cleaning up before breakfast.
Guard instruction all the rest of day.
Heard that the 17th Reinforcements are to sail on Good Friday. Rushed round, put in application for final leave and made allotment papers. Am taking 2/- a day. Father to receive 3/- per day.

[Page 69]
Friday 14 April 1916
Was granted final leave from 4-30 today till midnight Thursday.
Was enoculated for 2nd time.
Went down to Sydney, met Aunt Katie and boys and had dinner on Station.
Came up to Mudgee by night’s train.

Saturday 15 April 1916
Had a good trip up, only three in carriage. Father met me at Warrobil.
The place looks beautifully green after the rain.
Father and I took salt trough up to Castle Rock and then fed horses.

[Page 70]
Sunday 16 April 1916
Beautiful day.
Father, Mother and I drove over to Wonga and took 4 Rams. Mustered sheep into bottom paddock.
Went over to Linburn in evening to "send off". Was presented with note book & pen. Large crowd present.

Monday 17 April 1916
Dick and I cut chaff. Father rode round. Mother & Miss Stirling went for clothes.
Tellegram came from Bill Graham saying not sailing till Wednesday week.
Father drew off honey in evening.

[Page 71]
Tuesday 18 April 1916
Father, Dick & I branded Countess and the Colt.
I walked up to the store and rode back on Dick’s bike.
Mother, Father & I drove over to Warrobil; Dick took sulkey home. Saw Miss Smith & Mrs. & Dr. Nicholl.

Wednesday 19 April 1916
Very crowded train. Found Alan at Lyttleton.
Father, Alan & I went up to Menangle Camp to try & get my back pay, had to wait nearly all day & then was told to go to Liverpool.
In evening we all went over to Telarah.

[Page 72]
Thursday 20 April 1916
Hal & I up early caught 8 o’clock train to Liverpool and received £11 back pay.
Had dinner at Sargents and then went out to show. Met Alan & Father & Mother. In evening we all went to pantomime "Mother Goose". Bought camera.

Friday 21 April 1916
All of us went to 9-30 a.m. service at St. Chads.
Then took some photos. Rained pretty hard in afternoon.
Alan & I went round to Heartley Vale and Mr. Sams came round in evening.

[Page 73]
Saturday 22 April 1916
Went into Sydney in morning. Had another sitting for photo. Then went out to Show. Met Mother & Father & all Telarah people & Aunt Katie. In evening went to "Twelph Night" at Adelphi. Terrific crowds.

Sunday 23 April 1916
All went to church at St. Chads. Mother, Father, Alan & I stayed for Communion. Took more photos.
Aunt Min came up. All went over to station. Saw Father, Hal & Fred off to Mudgee. Mother, Aunt Katie & Alan went back to Mosman. I came up to camp.

[Page 74]
Monday 24 April 1916
Swim in morning. 17th reinforcement received final issue. In afternoon had medical examination and was enoculated. Came down to Mosman. Trains late & very crowded. Got back to camp about 1 a.m.

Tuesday 25 April 1916
Anzac Day
Swim as usual. Received & polished equipment in morning. Got leave to go to Liverpool to draw £4 back pay which I received. Came down to Mosman. Alan gave me camera case & Mother a knife, fork & spoon case. Mother & Aunt Katie & all Telarahites & Alan came to train to see me off. Said Goodbye to Mother & Aunt Katie.

[Page 75]
Wednesday 26 April 1916
Received No. 2480
All of us (17th Reinforcements) up at 4 a.m. and left camp by train. Marched through Sydney with band to transport in Wooloomooloo [Woolloomooloo]. Mardie, Lorna, Cath, Geoff, Alan & Charley marched with me from station. Vida managed to get down just as boat was leaving & I was able to say Goodbye. We put out into the stream about 10 o’clock, were payed and left at noon. I wrote to Mother. A beautifully calm day. This boat is A39 "Port Macquarie". We have 360 Artillery horses & 89 men. Will have a good bit of work but there is tons of room for the men which is nice.

Thursday 27 April 1916
Heavy swell and a head wind today. Most of the men sea sick. It keeps us going all day to look after the horses. No time for any drill. Had five horses alloted to me but realy have about 10 to fix up.

[Page 76]
Friday 28 April 1916
Passed Wilson’s Promentary about nine o’clock. Nice calm day, a person can’t eat enough & it is good tucker too on board here.
Rained slightly in evening. Very cold at night.

Saturday 29 April 1916
Heavy swell again today; most of the chaps sea sick, I was only slightly upset once.
Two of us had twenty horses to attend to, and that on a 4000 ton boat too. It is very calm for the bight but the boat is rolling very much. Suppose the boys are leaving home for school again tonight.

[Page 77]
Sunday 30 April 1916
Only a week since Easter & what a change!!
Stables as usual in morning, worked hard till dinner time and then had part of the afternoon off. Had to turn out at 8 p.m. to give horses lucerne. Horse died this evening.

Monday 1 May 1916
Stables as usual. Got dead horse overboard. Another one died.
One boiler leaking so are only doing about seven knots per hour.
Beverage got mumps & two chaps found to have crabbies. We are terribly under maned and can’t look after horses properly.

[Page 78]
Tuesday 2 May 1916
Very rough today but does not affect me now I have got my sea legs. It knocks the horses about a lot; they lost 90 head one trip here.
Had a medical inspection in afternoon. This boat shifted some Indian troops before coming for us. Hope they fumigated it well.

Wednesday 3 May 1916
Felt rather unwell in night (not sea-sickness) went to Dr. who painted my throat & gave me medicine.
Three more horses died.
I went on picquet from 6 p.m. to 10. Saw light house on King George’s sound in evening.
Was put on carrying chaff to bins as I did not feel well enough for stables.

[Page 79]
Thursday 4 May 1916
Nice calm day with sun shining.
Two more horses died.
We rounded Cape Lewin [Leeuwin] in evening.
Dr. still painting my throat.
Heavy sea in evening.
On chaff carrying all way.

Friday 5 May 1916
Passed Fastness Island German Concentration camp and were anchored in Fremantle harbour by breakfast.
Sent telegram home also letter. Ship took on coal and water all day, whilest we exercised horses on board. Ship in quaranteen, owing to case of measles on board, but a lot of men got on shore at night, returned drunk, disgraceful scenes.

[Page 80]
Saturday 6 May 1916
A most beautiful Australian night and morning.
Left Fremantle at 8 a.m., calm sea but heavy swell.
Hard work at stable cleaning owing to it not being none yesterday. Passed Hospital ship with returned wounded at Fremantle. We left port to strains of "Hearts of Oak" on horlnet from shore. Goodbye dear old Australia. Wonder when this war will be over and what is going to happen to us.

Sunday 7 May 1916
Stables as usual in morning. Half day off in afternoon in which I did my washing & had general clean up. Another horse died. Received news that there is a German ship in Indian ocean; we slightly altered course on that account. Wonder if we’ll have any fun. Beautiful calm day.

[Page 81]
Monday 8 May 1916
Stables as usual all day. In afternoon we were allotted to our boats and told to sleep with life-belts in our hammocks.
Had big smoke after dinner which upset me & cause loss of dinner. On picquet at night. Lovely calm day.

Tuesday 9 May 1916
Was on picquet from 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. so did not get much sleep. Carried on as usual, took sick horses up to stalls on top deck.
Got sea kits up and put our warm clothes in them. Marked identification disc in evening.
Warm day, rain in evening.

[Page 82]
Wednesday 10 May 1916
Worked same as usual. [indecipherable] went to Dr. in morning and was found to have mumps.
Cut legs off my pants in evening.

Thursday 11 May 1916
Ordinary work. Very calm day, getting hotter.
Took my hammock up to the bows on top deck, nice & cool up there.

[Page 83]
Friday 12 May 1916
Very calm day. Worked up like thunder storm but we only had a little rain. Went down to stoke hole and engine room in evening. There are 4 boilers each with 4 fires. We are doing about 11½ knots per hour.

Saturday 13 May 1916
Usual work still very calm. Slept up on top deck & had my air pillow pinched; but did not mind very much as it was pretty badly punctured.

[Page 84]
Sunday 14 May 1916
Mother’s day!!
Had half day off and did some washing. Started letter to Mother in evening. Very hot! Saw a lot of flying fish, also 2 sea-gulls must be near some land.

Monday 15 May 1916
Very calm day. No wind and very hot.
102° in stables near engine room.
On picquet from 10 p.m. till 2 a.m.
Slight shower in evening.

[Page 85]
Tuesday 16 May 1916
Cool day & nice breeze. Beautiful sunset in evening.
Somewhere near the line.

Wednesday 17 May 1916
Have crossed the line. Shower of rain in morning, slight swell. Fairly hot. Dr’s parade in afternoon.

[Page 86]
Thursday 18 May 1916
Calm day, fairly warm. Slight shower in evening.

Friday 19 May 1916
Still very calm.

[Page 87]
Saturday 20 May 1916
Fairly cool.
Fell out of my hammock last night but landed on my feet alright.
Sergt. Smith in hospital.

Sunday 21 May 1916
Rained all day.
Had afternoon off and wrote letters home.
On picquet at night.
Had to give horses lucerne feed at 8 p.m.
My hammock broke down in the night. I did not land on my feet! Worse luck!

[Page 88]
Monday 22 May 1916
Have two machines going clipping the horses. Lucerne feed in evening. Heavy swell & head wind.

Tuesday 23 May 1916
Hot misty day, sea as calm as glass. Sighted Cape Guadafui [Guardafui] and came past pretty close. High cliffs & sandy beaches & a sandy headland. Passed two villages which we could see with glasses. Sea teeming with fish, saw 2 sharks, turtles, sword fish pourpoise etc. Passed 2 dohws. Turned round headland "The Elephant" in evening.

[Page 89]
Wednesday 24 May 1916
In Gulf of Aden. Sea very calm. Not a ripple. Passed two steamers also dhow.
Lost sight of land at dinner time. Got wireless account of war from Aden press. They are still fighting at Verdun. Russian successes. Very hot day.

Thursday 25 May 1916
Passed Aden in night. Came through Hell’s gates about 10 a.m.
Saw island of Perrim [Perim] with light house knocked down. In afternoon were able to see Mocha with glasses.
Arabian shore very sharp sandy hills; poor looking country.

[Page 90]
Friday 26 May 1916
Ordinary work. Very cool day owing to head wind.

Saturday 27 May 1916
Still in Red Sea. Saw wonderful sunset. Sun started to set looking like a balloon then got all knocked about and a black object showed up in middle of it; looked like a ship, but dissapeared when sun set. Suppose it is the atmosphere.

[Page 91]
Sunday 28 May 1916
Stables in morning.
In afternoon full dress parade to see we all had gear.
Were paid 35/-, i.e., 1/- per day since we left. Passed Light House. Received pay book.
On picquet at night.
Red Cross Lucky Dip. Got soap & frannel.

Monday 29 May 1916
Land on both sides all day. Very rough mountainous sandy country. Fearfully sharp peaks. Passed Mt. Sini [Sinai].
Saw where troops landed near …
Country very pretty at sunset stretching away peak after peak. Pity this country is not in Australia. Govt. would settle Returned Soldiers on it. Water fight in evening.

[Page 92]
Tuesday 30 May 1916
Arrived Port Suez at 6 a.m. Came up to wharf near canal. Awful lot of "coolies" wanting backsheesh. Keer sick mumps. Unloaded horses in afternoon. 80 men did 360 horses in 1 hour & three quarters. One horse got away, swam about 5 miles but was got back alright. Left by train. Horses went to Ciaro [Cairo], us to Tel-el-kebir

Wednesday 31 May 1916
Arrived Tel-el-kebir at 2 a.m., marched about a mile to L.H. camp, slept in mess room without blankets. There has been a tremendous camp here but most of the chaps have go on to France. Battlefield of 1872 only about 1 mile away.
Whole of 17th Reinf. sent to contact camp owing to mumps. Rostron sent to Ghizerah Abbassia hospital mumps.

[Page 93]
Thursday 1 June 1916
Very cold nights but terribly hot day. Revallie goes at 5 a.m. do a little drill and have rest of day off.
No leave allowed but was able to pinch out in evening, and get down to shops. There were over 100 thousand men here but most of them have gone on to England now,.

Friday 2 June 1916
Went down to camp with Gant to draw stores.
Bought three films and left two to be developed.
Had fountain pen pinched.
Wrote to Mother (1). Sent cable.

[Page 94]
Saturday 3 June 1916
Route march out on to battlefield. Tremendous big trenches out there. Went out again in evening, had a good look through old trenches and gun mounds.

Sunday 4 June 1916
No parade all day. Felt pretty crook. Think I am getting mumps.
Dust storm in evening. Everything left outside tents was burried by drifting sand. Wrote to boys (2). Got news of big sea fight. Afraid we did not win very much.

[Page 95]
Monday 5 June 1916
Went to Dr. Have mumps. Spent morning getting my kit on and waiting round. Then went up to camp hospital in Ford Motor Ambulance. Wonderful what heavy sand Ford can pull through.

Tuesday 6 June 1916
This hospital only temporary, in tents near Tel-el-Kebir main railway station. Very hot day.
Received 12 letters from home Australia. No (1) from Mother.

[Page 96]
Wednesday 7 June 1916
Came up to Cairo by Red Crescent Ambulance train. Beautifully Lovely fitted out train.
Country very pretty, as train follows canal, all small patches like Chinamen’s gardens. Natives plowing with bullocks & donkeys just like Bible pictures. Brought out to Abbassia.

Thursday 8 June 1916
In hospital Abbassia about three miles from Cairo. These were the Egyptian Artillary Barracks; most beautiful big stone buildings very thick walls.
Wrote to Mother (3).

[Page 97]
Friday 9 June 1916
Heard that Lord Kitchener had been drowned. Wonder who will be able to take his place.

Saturday 10 June 1916
Nothing doing.
Had pretty high tempreture 103.8.
Mumps pretty bad.
Sent cable home.

[Page 98]
Sunday 11June 1916
Still here.

Monday 12 June 1916
Still in bed.

[Page 99]
Tuesday 13 June 1916
Walked round a bit in evening.

Wednesday 14 June 1916
Areodrome close here, we see the aeroplanes go up every morning, they make an awful row.

[Page 100]
Thursday 15 June 1916
Rostron and others left for Ras-el-tin Rasseldoon convalescent camp near Alexandria. In evening five of us and a sister went for an hour’s motor drive round Cairo, old Sava car. Beautiful roads, asphalted all the way. Saw the Nile and bridge. Saw Sheppards and some very fine buildings.

Friday 16 June 1916
Wrote three letters in morning. Lovely hot and cold showers here, making use of them while I can.
Wrote to Aunt Katie, Aunt Fen and Rog & Cisla.

[Page 101]
Saturday 17 June 1916
Wrote to Alan and Colin Sams in morning and sent card to Dick White.

Sunday 18 June 1916
Went to church in morning. Wrote to Joan, and Aunt Beatrice, Vida, Grannie and Father (4).

[Page 102]
Monday 19 June 1916
Sister Skinner and 6 of us managed to get leave for afternoon to go to Pyramids. Caught tram here, went Heliopolis, got tram Cairo. Then got car. Asphalt road all the way beautiful trees. Arrived Menah [Mena] house; got camels & donkeys rode round Pyramids. Went into Temple of Sphinx; all been excivated. Granite stone, biggest 16 x 8 x 8, Alabaster floor. See light of candle through stone. Roman wall, Sphinx nose knocked off by Napoleon. Went into big Pyramid, marble passages very slippery. Went into King’s chamber, centre of Pyramid well ventilated. Marvelous echo. Lovely spin back, got some cakes at Gooddies, back 6-30.

Tuesday 20 June 1916
Nothing much doing. Wrote Mother (5).

[Page 103]
Wednesday 21 June 1916
Nothin doin.

Thursday 22 June 1916
Up early: drew kit etc. Taken by motor to Cairo Station, caught train Alexandria. Beautiful fields all the way along the line.
Arrived Alex 1 p.m. taken about 3 miles by car to Ras-el-tin. Were put in isolation.

[Page 104]
Friday 23 June 1916
Most splendid tucker here. Dentinal inspection in morning. In afternoon go leave from 2 till 7 went up Alexandria. Some fine European shops. Most streets very narrow but mostly clean. Went to concert in swimming baths on bay.

Saturday 24 June 1916
Lay down all morning. In afternoon Rostron & I went up to Alex. Walked round their "Sussex" St. Photographed Policeman. Caught tram, went out to Dix. [?] Passed Armenian Refugee camp. Most fearful smells from tanning works. Saw old castle with moat & forts. Salt lakes. Got bushed in Alex coming home. Good concert in Y.M.C.A.

[Page 105]
Sunday 25 June 1916
In afternoon Rostron, Nelson & I went up to Alex and caught took a Garry out to Nougha Gardens. Most beautiful gardens & pretty drive out. Most of shops open in Alex. No Sunday kept. Service in Y.M.C.A. in evening.

Monday 26 June 1916
Wrote to Father No. (6). Went into Alexandria on my own. Got two developed films & left four more. Photos of Pyramids came out very well.
In morning I took a film of Rostron & Nelson acting the goat.
(No. 6)

[Page 106]
Tuesday 27 June 1916
Rostron & I went into Alexandria. I sent registered book to Sydney. Bought a coat.
Went to concert on Pier.

Wednesday 28 June 1916
Rostron & I took garry and drove out to Pompie’s [Pompey’s] Pillar. Saw ruins of old Roman church 2000 B.C. Underground tombs, tunnels cut through sandstone. Pillar made 5 pieces. Pillar itself granite brought from same quarrie as Pyramids. Came back. Had tea Y.M.C.A., went to concert on Mousthapa [possibly Moustapha or Mustafa] Pier.

[Page 107]
Thursday 29 June 1916
Went into Alexandria. Sent parcel home registered containing table clothe, sleeve links & studs.
Got films of Nouzha gardens, etc.

Friday 30 June 1916
Went into Alex on my own. Got receipt for registered parcel.
Met Nelson came home in Garry.

[Page 108]
Saturday 1 July 1916
Were shifted from tents into ward but still in isolation. Getting very good tucker.
Printed photos in afternoon.
Wrote Mother (No. 7).

Sunday 2 July 1916
Took film up to Alex to be developed.

[Page 109]
Monday 3 July 1916
Dose of caster oil!

Tuesday 4 July 1916
Rostron, Nelson, Vint & I went for a swim in afternoon then Rostron & I went to Alex. I got my films – picture show not bad.
Lecture on Ancient Egypt by Dr. Arnold very interresting. Had a talk to Lin Alworth.

[Page 110]
Wednesday 5 July 1916
Vint, Rostron & I went for a swim. Cut my toe on a rock.
Wrote Motor (No. 8).

Thursday 6 July 1916
Nothing doing.

[Page 111]
Friday 7 July 1916
Swimming again.

Saturday 8 July 1916
Vint & I went for a swim. Grand concert in Y.M.C.A. in evening, two Queensland ladies singing, also a Major. Very good.

[Page 112]
Sunday 9 July 1916
Went to Communion before breakfast.
Afternoon picture show in Alexandria with Rostron and then concert on pier at Anfouchy.
Longworth here, gave exabition of swimming.

Monday 10 July 1916
Museam hunting.
Rostron & I took tram out and went past museam, took tram back but could not hit it again so came home.
Concert in Y.M.C.A. given by 36 L. M.T. Coy, A.S.C. [Army Service Corps] Very good. Sent Registered photos to boys, Post Cards to Mother.

[Page 113]
Tuesday 11 July 1916
Discovered Museam on my own. Saw a lot of old Egyptian stuff & mummies but as none of them were branded, I did not think much of them.
Met Nelson in town, came home in Garry.
Sent book of Alex home.

Wednesday 12 July 1916
Walked round sea wall talking to kids and taking photographs. Had a look round old Egyptian fort at Anfouchy.

[Page 114]
Thursday 13 July 1916
Rostron and I went to Comforts fund but did not get anything. Then took photo to police of man whom I had photographed. Policeman took us over barracks & showed us the court house. Left films to be developed.

Friday 14 July 1916
In town with Nelson. Went to Comforts fund depot but they had gone to France. Sent registered packet to Stella.

[Page 115]
Saturday 15 July 1916
Got developed films from Del Mar.
Sent statuet of horse home.

Sunday 16 July 1916
Wrote to Father but forgot to number it.
Had afternoon tea in Alex with Nelson.

[Page 116]
Monday 17 July 1916
Holland and I tramed out to Nouzha gardens. Beautiful hot house there.
Came home in Garry.

Tuesday 18 July 1916
Holland, Matheson & I shopping. I bought compass & a French book.

[Page 117]
Wednesday 19 July 1916
Left Ras-el-tin, caught train at Alexandria for Benha. Had to wait 3 hours at Benha then came on to Tel-el-Kebir.
Arrived in Camp & got back with my mates.

Thursday 20 July 1916
Reported to Dr. for inspection, O.K.
Allotted a horse.
Received 30 letters from Australia.
Father has bought a car.
Letters (1) from Father & (2) Mother. No. (2) Mrs. Nicholl.

[Page 118]
Friday 21 July 1916
Stables in morning. Went as mess orderly to Patrol on duty at Station. Got parcel from Telarah & also from Stella.

Saturday 22 July 1916
Orderly for patrol all day. Went round photographing in morning.
Left two films to be developed.

[Page 119]
Sunday 23 July 1916
Wrote home (No. 9).
Heard that the regt. has had a fight & want us as reinfs. Hurrah!

Monday 24 July 1916
Went to the rifle range in morning but had to return suddenly to get ready to go. All horses & some men left.

[Page 120]
Tuesday 26 July 1916
12 of us picked out for Grenade school. Revallie goes 4 a.m. We have grenade work till 8, lecture 9-30 to 10-30 and more grenade work from 4-30 till 7 p.m. Expecting to go to regt.
Letters from Aunt Min & Aunt Beatrice.

Wednesday 26 July 1916
Trench digging in morning & lecture. Got films. Left watch to be cleaned.
Got 8 letters.
No. (4) from Father & (3) from Mother dated 26 May.
No. (3) from Mrs. Nicholl 27th May, 28 May Aunt K.

[Page 121]
Thursday 27 July 1916
Trench digging again in morning.
Lecture & bomb throwing in evening.
Had to parade in evening and go to station to unload horses and bring to camp.

Friday 28 July 1916
Bomb throwing. Lecture & trench attacks. On guard for 1 hour & a half in evening as Infantry were rioting prior to leaving for France. Voulenteered for Machine Gun section.

[Page 122]
Saturday 29 July 1916
Stables in morning.
No Grenade school owing to sports being held.
Got letter No. 5 from Father & Mother dated 22 June. They seem to be having good time with car.
On Canteen guard in evening.

Sunday 30 July 1916
On guard all day.

[Page 123]
Monday 31 July 1916
Grenade throwing in morning. Lectures. Saw Charlie Rayner and Lin Alworth. Nearly whole Squadron detailed to go to Machine Gun Squadron.

Tuesday 1 August 1916
Left Tel-el-Kebir by train at 7 a.m. Got parcel from Stella & Aunt Katie. Passed Ismalia [also spelt Ismailia] and crossed Canal at Cantarah [also spelt Kantara]. Came up to Romani in open trucks. First order on arriving was "Scatter" on a/c of Taube overhead. No tents 1st night. Pass a lot of wounded at Kantarah.

[Page 124]
Wednesday 2 August 1916
Some of Squadron out on a stunt. On stables in morning. Taube flew over so had to spread out with horses. Our guns had shots at it. Turcks entrenched about 6 miles away. Can hear war ships bombarding them. All heavy sand here but no dust.

Thursday 3 August 1916
Loading Machine Gun belts. In evening were claimed by regt. as fight expected. Bill Graham & Halliday, Hull & I tried to stick together. All got into B Squadron but others went into A Troop & I into D (Ron Mac’s).
Others left soon after midnight for firing line.

[Page 125]
Friday 4 August 1916
Battle of Romani.
We left before dawn to reinforce, got it very hot. Poor old Bill killed bring in wounded man, Hull’s arm blown off. Rested in middle of day. Rode out west in evening & slept beside horses without removing saddles.

Saturday 5 August 1916
In morning advance under rifle fire most of morning. Turks kept surrendering. Found lot of them left behind by Turks. Got split off from Regt. & tried to follow it out towards Katia but horse knocked up. Came back, found camp pretty knocked about by bombs and shrapnel

[Page 126]
Sunday 6 August 1916
Had good rest all day. I saw Taubes about but never droped anything. Service in Y.M.C.A. in night.
Wrote to Mother (10).

Monday 7 August 1916
Good rest all day.

[Page 127]
Tuesday 8 August 1916
In morning Dawson & I rode to Rail Head & bought some sardines.
In afternoon fell in 2-30 3 brigades and rode to Katia, had tea & rode on all night Birelabd [Bir El Abd].

Wednesday 9 August 1916
Arrived near Birelabd dawn & came under shrapnel. Attacked Turks. Ronald killed. Machine gun fire. Beaten back. Awful shrapnel. Fought rear guard action. Very hard to get wounded away. Retired about 5miles to Ogratina [also spelt Oghratina].

[Page 128]
Thursday 10 August 1916
Retired a little further back. Resting all day. Saw Colin.
Bit short drinking water. Not allowed to take off Boots or any gear of course.

Friday 11 August 1916
Still in reserve.
On outpost at night. Horses getting very tucked up owing to only getting handfuls of oats sometimes 3 times a day.
Men not much better.

[Page 129]
Saturday 12 August 1916
Still waiting.
Took my boots off for first time & found my feet still there.
6th & 7th Regts. passed in evening going back to camp.

Sunday 13 August 1916
Left Ogratina in morning and came back to camp. Lovely to change & have a wash again.
Colin Sams came over in evening. Heard that we are to be sent back for a rest.

[Page 130]
Monday 14 August 1916
Wrote to Father (11). Was enoculated for Cholora in afternoon.
Heard that there are a couple of cases of Cholora in Tommy camp at Katia.

Tuesday 15 August 1916
Got eighteen letters in one bunch. Three from home 6th June, 8th June, Father 8th July (7) and 5th July No. 6.
From Vida 26 June, Mrs. Nicholl.
Issued with a lot of backsheesh tucker from War Chest Fund.

[Page 131]
Wednesday 16 August 1916
Nothing doing.
Wrote to Mother (12). Wrote to Mrs. McDonald.

Thursday 17 August 1916
On fatigue all day putting up tents for Divisional Head Quarters as they are shifting up to here.
Got 4 more letters. None from Home.
Good concert in Y.M.C.A. in evening.

[Page 132]
Friday 18 August 1916
We all rode over to the Meditteranean [Mediterranean] for a swim and had a great day.
Bought some soda water & condensed milk & mixed em and did not feel well after it. Had good time.

Saturday 19 August 1916
Stables only as per usual. Went to lecture in evening in Y.M.C.A. by Chaplain on the Brittish advance in France. Very interresting indeed.

[Page 133]
Sunday 20 August 1916
Stables half an hour earlier than usual then church parade. Stayed for communion after it. Wrote letters rest of day.

Monday 21 August 1916
All rode over for a swim and got very sunburnt. Sea was beautiful.

[Page 134]
Tuesday 22 August 1916
All hands enoculated against Cholera again. Got three letters. One from Mrs. Nicholl & one from Aunt Katie 15th May.

Wednesday 23 August 1916
Day stable-man for D Troop. Wet canteen opened also A.I.F. canteen.
An awful lot of men got tight but were not very unrully.

[Page 135]
Thursday 24 August 1916
Mess orderly for troop. Grand concert in Y.M.C.A. in evening.
General Cheval [Chauvel] and all the big wigs there.
Wrote to Boys.

Friday 25 August 1916
B Squadron down for a swim. Had a jolly good day.
Met Barton from Wellington at the Canteen Momadehea [possibly Mahemdia]. He is in the 6th.

[Page 136]
Saturday 26 August 1916
Wrote to Father (13).
West & I were put on fatigue at Canteen picking up empty beer bottles and packing them in cases. Thorpe & Dawson out on a stunt over the old battle field. On Canteen guard all the evening.

Sunday 27 August 1916
Canteen guard all day. Some gentleman thought he had a better right to my camera & compas than I did so took it out of my haversack.
Taube flew round.

[Page 137]
Monday 28 August 1916
Nothing much doing.
Put up notice at Canteen offering 10/- reward for camera.
Wrote to Mother (14).

Tuesday 29 August 1916
Taube round and was heavilly bombarded & reported to be brought down at Ogratina.
All Section down Mediterranian for swim. Got 10 letters and 7 papers. Letter No. 8 July 17th from home.
Put on horse picquet in evening.

[Page 138]
Wednesday 30 August 1916
Nothing doing all day.
Asked at Canteen re camera but nothing heard of it.

Thursday 31 August 1916
All of us down swimming again, had pretty good time. Taube poking round again.
Jolly good concert in Y.M.C.A. in evening.
Tons of papers from home in evening.

[Page 139]
Friday 1 September 1916
Fatigue on pumps most of day pumping water for the horses.
Also on helping to cart away manure.
Got 4 more letters, one from Joan, one Dora.

Saturday 2 September 1916
Held horses at shoeing forge most of morning.
In afternoon West, Dawson, Aire and I rode out on to the battle field looking for curios. Only got some copper bands off shrapnel shells.
Saw an awful lot of dead Turks.

[Page 140]
Sunday 3 September 1916
Exciting chase of Taube by our plane in morning.
West and I rode down to Mohomeda [possibly Mahemdia] to hold horses for chaps going on leave. Had swim – naturally!
Church parade in evening.

Monday 4 September 1916
Small squad of us out on patrol the other side of Quatia [possibly Katia] looking for buried treasure but did not find any.
Had a big feed of ripe dates also some nice figs.

[Page 141]
Tuesday 5 September 1916
All hands down swimming bar Bill West, he on day stableman.

Wednesday 5 September 1916
Wrote to Mother (15).
Got a parcel from Telarah. Back scratcher in it caused great excitement.
Went over to 6th in evening to see Colin but he was at Cantarah; heard that Leycester’s wound was alright.

[Page 142]
Thursday 7 September 1916
On as day stableman all day. Read about six Stock & Station Journals. West went to Cantarah to load trucks.

Friday 8 September 1916
Ayre and I down swimming. Got a parcel from Stella. On picquet at night.

[Page 143]
Saturday 9 September 1916
Had rifle exercises all morning and afternoon.
Got six letters, one from home August 3rd.
Other chaps went to Port Said on leave.

Sunday 10 September 1916
Up early and on Camel Escort from Railway up to here.
Got some papers from home.
Lot of sand blowing about in afternoon.
On picquet at night and could not go to Church Parade.
Wrote to Father (16).

[Page 144]
Monday 11 September 1916
Started away to go on leave to Port Said for 48 hours but had to come back owing to line along coast being washed away. Wrote to Mother (17).
Helped clean up lines.
West & other chaps came back in evening by Cantarah.

Tuesday 12 September 1916
Loading limbers in the morning. In afternoon had a mounted parade and practiced assault in action.
West and I went over to Machine Gun Section to see any new chaps.
Heard we have to go on 72 hours stunt.

[Page 145]
Wednesday 13 September 1916
Judging distance practice in afternoon morning, were payed after dinner.
Bought some good photos of camp.

Thursday 14 September 1916
Guard and out post training in morning. In afternoon had inspection of saddles to see if all were fixed up for stunt.
Wrote to Mother (18) & sent home some photo cards.

[Page 146]
Friday 15 September 1916
On Q.M. fatigue in morning carrying cases amunition. Each man to have 200 rounds. Spent day getting things ready.
Leave at 6.15 tonight to go out after Jhonnie.

Saturday 16 September 1916
Rode all night and camped all day at Bir-el-abd.
Good aeroplane dual in the morning but our plane had to imsky.

[Page 147]
Sunday 17 September 1916
Left Bir-el-abd at midnight and rode till about 10 a.m. across miles of white dry salt lakes. Very hot in middle of day and horses would not stand still for us to sit in their shade on account of sand flies. Heard some shooting but were only reserves. Left about 3 p.m. & rode back to Bir-el-abd arriving about 10 p.m. In charge of new officer Mr. Guthrie.

Monday 18 September 1916
Riding all day back to Romani. Most of horses pretty knocked up, men jolly tired too.

[Page 148]
Tuesday 19 September 1916
Nothing doing all day; on picquet at night.
Dick got two parcels from home.

Wednesday 20 September 1916
John Bay and I got 48 hours leave to Port Said.
Went to see Mr. Trelawny but found he was in England.
Tried to get rooms in Continental Hotel but it was full so went to Great Brittian Hotel. Rotten place! Went to Empire Club and picture show in evening.

[Page 149]
Thursday 21 September 1916
Had a look round the town in the morning and bought a few things. Sent a parcel home to Mother containing broaches, etc. Went to Empire Club, had swim and afternoon tea, then went to picture show but did not think much of it so came back and went to bed. Had fortune told. Met Miss Huxtible, was introduced by Bay.

Friday 22 September 1916
Up early and caught train back to Mohomedya [possibly Mahemdia]. Rode over here.
Put on Brigade Guard in evening at Head Qrs. dump.

[Page 150]
Saturday 23 September 1916
On guard all day, pretty easy time as we only had to sit down at it.
Wrote to Mother (19).

Sunday 24 September 1916
Roy and I went to Communion in Y.M.C.A.
Did some washing.
Church parade in evening.

[Page 151]
Monday 25 September 1916
Out at Rifle range all day near Mount Meridith [Meredith]. Shot fairly well.

Tuesday 26 September 1916
Getting ready to leave. Got fountain pen from boys.
Went out and took a photo of Bill Graham’s grave which Haliday had found and put a cross on.

[Page 152]
Wednesday 27 September 1916
Left Romani 4-30 a.m. Rode through Douidah [Dueidar] into Hill 70 arriving about 1 p.m. Camp very dirty.

Thursday 28 September 1916
Spent all day on fatigue cleaning up.

[Page 153]
Friday 29 September 1916
Fatigues all day putting up tents some of the time.

Saturday 30 September 1916
More cleaning up fatigues.

[Page 154]
Sunday 1 October 1916
Church parade in Y.M.C.A.

Monday 2 October 1916
Left Hill 70 at dinner time and rode into Kantara, crossed canal and rode down a couple of miles to camp between canal & fresh water canal.

[Page 155]
Tuesday 3 October 1916
Fixing up camp all day. Going to be a very ceremonial place this I think.
Canal jolly nice to swim in.

Wednesday 4 October 1916
Exercising horses in morning; cleaning saddles in afternoon.
Parcel from home.
Wrote to Mother. Forgot to [indecipherable]

[Page 156]
Thursday 5 October 1916
Kit inspection and saddle cleaning. Swam accross canal to Sini [Sinai] shore and back in evening.

Friday 6 October 1916
Exercising horse; just rode round to fresh water canal and back. Football match in afternoon. Payed in evening.

[Page 157]
Saturday 7 October 1916
Tent orderly, then had a couple of swims.

Sunday 8 October 1916
Church parade, then swim. Received 12 letters from Australia. On picquet at night.

[Page 158]
Monday 9 October 1916
Tent orderly in morning, stables etc. during day.
Wrote to Father (20).

Tuesday 10 October 1916
As per usual.

[Page 159]
Wednesday 11 October 1916
Tent orderly again. Exercising Horses.

Thursday 12 October 1916
Day stableman.
Got my gear ready to leave for eight days rest camp at Alexandria.
All hands getting a spell there.

[Page 160]
Friday 13 October 1916
Left Kantara early, came through Ishmalia [Ismailia], Tel-el-Kebir, Zagazig, Benha [also known as Banha] and on to Alexandria and then to Sidi Bishr.
Wonderful crops of corn all the way. Cotton being pulled. Nile in flood.

Saturday 14 October 1916
Lecture and inspection by Dr. in morning.
Leave from 2 till 11 every night. Dick West, Aire and I went in for afternoon and had a look round. Had two good feeds and went to Alhambra vaudeville show.

[Page 161]
Sunday 15 October 1916
Swim in morning.
Went into Alexandria in afternoon; took tram down to Ras-el-tin (School now) then walked back through native quarter.
Went to the Cursol [also spelt Kursaal], home about 12-30.

Monday 16 October 1916
Wrote letters in morning. Dick, Hunt, Hargrave and I went into Alex, saw Pompeys Pillar.
Left shell bands at tin smith to be made into rings.
Had dinner at Stella d’Italy. Went to Cursol, also drove round Anfouchy in Garry.

[Page 162]
Tuesday 17 October 1916
Went to Museum then round to tin smiths and got rings.
Kursol in evening and home early.

Wednesday 18 October 1916
Swim first thing. Dick & I went into town then out to Nouzha Gardens. Picture show in evening then dinner and Concert at Alhambra.
Did not get back to camp till after one a.m.

[Page 163]
Thursday 19 October 1916
Wrote to Mother (21).
Got parcel censored to send home.
Went into town with Aire and West and out to Mex in tram for a drive. Belview in evening. Spoke to British Consul.

Friday 20 October 1916
Fell in early and left Sidi Bishr for Kantara.
Corn crops look lovely all the way.
Got to camp about 6 o’clock in evening.

[Page 164]
Saturday 21 October 1916
Cleaning saddles etc. all the morning.
Rode up to Kantara to bring down remounts.
Beverage came down to regt.

Sunday 22 October 1916
In beer fatigue picking up empty bottles.
Then draughting the remounts. In afternoon we fell in and marched to Head Qrs. and were issued with some fruit salad each, given by Port Said ladies.
On picquet at night.

[Page 165]
Monday 23 October 1916
Bayonet drill etc.

Tuesday 24 October 1916
Troop drill on remounts all the morning.
Practise in judging distances in afternoon.
Rode to Kantara with horses for men on leave.
Wrote to Father (22).

[Page 166]
Wednesday 25 October 1916
Rode up to Kantara and sent telegram to Port Said asking had Mr. Trelawny returned. Reply "Expected daily".
Lecture on scouting.
Parcel from Stella

Thursday 26 October 1916
Getting ready to move in morning.
Rode over to Kantara East to Rifle Range. Shot fairly well.
Got 7 letters but none from home.

[Page 167]
Friday 27 October 1916
Wrote to Mother (23).
On as day stable man all day.
Wrote Christmas letters.

Saturday 28 October 1916
Wrote letters most of morning in between Stables etc. 3rd Regt. Sports in afternoon.

[Page 168]
Sunday 29 October 1916
Church parade in morning. Got leave and went up to Port Said. Mr. Trelawny not back yet.
Went over French man-of-war. Saw English & French sub-marines. Lot of English people in Port Said on account of P & O boat being there on its way to Australia.

Monday 30 October 1916
Day Stable man.
Wrote some letters.

[Page 169]
Tuesday 31 October 1916
Got tooth pulled out.
Inspected by General Murray the G.O.C. in the afternoon.
Sent registered parcel of photos home.

1st November 1916
Carried on as per usual.

Wednesday [1] 2 November 1916
All hands up early and saddled up to start for desert. Lot of busters as owing to remounts being flash.
Crossed canal. Saw lot of Bedouin prisoners in Kantara E.
Hill 70 for dinner.
Camped at Doudiah [Dueidar].
Camels carrying overcoats and blankets.

[Page 170]
Thursday [2] 3 November 1916
Rode on all day.
Camped just past Romani.
Slight storm with a little rain in evening.

Friday [3] 4 November 1916
On again.
Camped in hod North of Ogratina, [Oghratina] near where we camped after the Bir-el-abd scrap.
Storm at night with heavy shower which wet all blankets.
Had to carry overcoats on horses as rain made blankets too heavy for camels.

[Page 171]
Saturday 4 November 1916
Missed a day at start of November owing to writting up diary at finish of trip.

Sunday 5 November 1916
Arrived at Bir-el-abd for dinner. Big base now like Romani was before.
Then turned S.E. of Railway and came to Hod El Ge’Eila. Put down horse lines. Very long hod with sand bank all along W.S.W. side. Leveled off possies at base of sand bank to sleep on. On pumping in evening.

[Page 172]
Monday 6 November 1916
Taube over in morning; droped four bombs on Bir-el-abd, killed 5 Tommies, wounded 7. Fixed up horse lines etc. Good place this for horse under palms.
Fixed up shelters to sleep under. No tents at all.

Tuesday 7 November 1916
Took horses out to graze on the tufts of camel grass round here but they would not eat it much.
Mail in in evening. Got 12 letters.

[Page 173]
Wednesday 8 November 1916
Wrote to Mother (24).
Started as Supernumery Signaller.
Cpl. J. Lesk instructor. Shown lamp Helio & buzzer.

Thursday 9 November 1916
Flag drill in morning and buzzer in afternoon. Taube over but never did anything.

[Page 174]
Friday 10 November 1916
Flag wagging and sending on buzzer.

Saturday 11 November 1916
Lot of our planes went out towards El Arish. Suppose the Turks are catching it. Taube came over but shrapnel hunted it.
Shown how to rig telephone and send messages to stations. Did four hour shift on telephone in orderly room.
Wrote to Mother but did not number it, some photos in it.

[Page 175]
Sunday 12 November 1916
Got ready for church but parade was cancelled owing to having to clean camp for General’s inspection. Harry Jackobs and I went away and practiced signalling. On telephone from 6 to 10 p.m.

Monday 13 November 1916
Buzzer practice in morning then flag drill. Telephone from 10 p.m. till [indecipherable].

[Page 176]
Tuesday 14 November 1916
Flag drill in morning. Got direction of C Troop (8 miles away) on map, shown how to sight with compass then fixed heliograph and Jim flashed message through.
Got two parcels; one from Mother & one from Aunt Katie.

Wednesday 15 November 1916
Telephone from 2 a.m. till 6 a.m. Then signalling instruction as per usual.

[Page 177]
Thursday 16 November 1916
On telephone from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Then signalls as usual.
Got parcel and letter from Miss Macphilamy.

Friday 17 November 1916
All up early and saddled up & left Hod el Ge’Eila owing to lice & crabs etc. being numerous & came to Hod Willagha about 2 miles away. On telephone from 10 till 2 p.m. Fixed up bivouach in afternoon.

[Page 178]
Saturday 18 November 1916
Stood to arms at 5 a.m. Greased saddle etc. Big mail in but I only got one letter.
Went to Dr. about boil on chin which he lanced.

Sunday 19 November 1916
On telephone from 10 till 2 p.m. In afternoon did some washing.

[Page 179]
Monday 20 November 1916
On helio look out station from 10 till 2 p.m. Had good practice with helio also flag & buzzer.
Heard that Mr. G. Edwards has died from absysis on the ear
Tuesday 21 November 1916
Wrote to Mother (25).
Practiced signalling most of day.

[Page 180]
Wednesday 22 November 1916
Mr. Edwards (A Squadron) and party of us rode about 10 miles to where the scrap was at Bir-el-abd and fixed up Ronald Macdonald’s grave, also Boughtons. Fenced them in and put sandbags over them.
On telephone from 6 to 10 p.m.

Thursday 23 November 1916
Practiced signalling and got ready to shift. On the lamp from 10-30 till one at night.

[Page 181]
Friday 24 November 1916
All hands saddled up and left camp about 11-30. Rode out due east for about eight miles.
Got to camp after dark. Very cold at night.

Saturday 25 November 1916
Up early and rode on all day to somewhere near Mazar and South of Rail Head. Allinson "looped the loop" down sand bank with his pony. Jolly cold at night.

[Page 182]
Sunday 26 November 1916
Rifle inspection then on fatigue at Brigade putting up tents, etc.
In afternoon got pair of clippers and T. Moffit clipped my horse.
On telephone from 2 a.m. till 6.
Tommies let off flare at 2-30. I thought Turks were coming.

Monday 27 November 1916
Burns removed shoes on my mare.
Harry Jackob and I practiced signalling with buzzer.
Wrote to Father (26).
On telephone from 6 p.m. till 10.

[Page 183]
Tuesday 28 November 1916
Nothing much doin all day.
Wrote some letters.

Wednesday 29 November 1916
In line Squadron all day. Had to wear our gear and have horses saddled for the whole day and night.
Got photo taken.
Did half Dick’s picquet at night.
On telephone from 6 a.m. till 10.

[Page 184]
Thursday 30 November 1916
Washed clothes and self in morning.
On telephone at out post at night.
Exciting aeroplane chase but Taube got away.

Friday 1 December 1916
H. Jacob & I practiced signalling in morning.
Went out with M.G’s range finding with mychrometer also box & shroud which Germans left behind at Romani & is worth [indecipherable].

[Page 185]
Saturday 2 December 1916
Went out as signaller to patrol in morning.
Wrote to Mother No. (27).
Big mail in but did not get any letters, wrote to base. Have not received letters since 7th Nov.

Sunday 3 December 1916
Church parade in morning. Stayed back for communion.
On telephone from 10 till 2 p.m.

[Page 186]
Monday 4 December 1916
Cleaned up camp and moved off to new wells about 3 miles North. Regt. now detached from brigade.

Tuesday 5 December 1916
Dick & I rigged up "bivey" with piece of canvas. Taube over, dropped bombs on 2nd Regt. looked at us but we scattered with horses & it imskied.
On telephone from 6 till 10 p.m.

[Page 187]
Wednesday 6 December 1916
Jacob and I put in the morning on helio work.
I got paper from home with wool sales in it. 24 bales Cor. E.F. 1st 22½ 10 bales Cor. 1st Pro. 14d. Not too bad!

Thursday 7 December 1916
More signalling as per usual.
On out post at night.
Jolly cold.

[Page 188]
Friday 8 December 1916
Wrote to Father (28).
On telephone from 2 p.m. till six.

Saturday 9 December 1916
Washed my clothes and carried on as usual.
C troop out on patrol were fired on by Turks.
On out post at night.

[Page 189]
Sunday 10 December 1916
Got back from outpost to find 35 letters waiting for me, all been to 14 A.G.H.
Church parade. Read letters most of day.
Taube over in afternoon dropped some bombs somewhere but no damage.

Monday 11 December 1916
On telephone from 6 till 10 a.m. then signalling class rest of day.
Taube over at dinner time dropped three more bombs.
On telephone from 10 till 2 at night. Wrote letters.

[Page 190]
Tuesday 12 December 1916
Nothing much doing. Carried on as per usual.

Wednesday 13 December 1916
Put on patrol with troop of C Squadron.
Harry Jacob & I as signallers. Mended telephone line on way home.
Patrol left in evening to look for wells in Wadi El Arish 25 miles away.

[Page 191]
Thursday 14 December 1916
On telephone from 6 till 10 a.m. Watching Tommies sham fight. Our areoplanes dropping smoke bombs close to our camp. Afterwards Taube over dropped three realuns on us but did no damage. Patrol from W. El Arish got back safely, with a few prisoners. On out post at night.

Friday 15 December 1916
All got ready early and shifted camp; came to Wells about 3½ miles on east. Had to ride about 3 miles to Kilo 128 to water horses, got bucked for a bit coming back in dark.

[Page 192]
Saturday 16 December 1916
On engineer escort with troop. Captured turk walking about near camp.
Saw tracks where turks had come in at night and looked at our camp.
Saw 3rd Regt. Patrol, thought they were turks so went out to capture them; but did not.

Sunday 17 December 1916
Out on patrol as signaller. Saw Turkish patrol of about 300 men & camels. Found some good Hods. Saw dead Turkish horse shod with steal plates right over hooves.

[Page 193]
Monday 18 December 1916
Did some washing. Got big mail, 16 letters. On outpost at night.

Tuesday 19 December 1916
Nothing much doing. Wrote letters.

[Page 194]
Wednesday 20 December 1916
On telephone from 6 till 10 a.m. Got orders to shift back to Brigade at Gererat [also spelt Bir el Gererat]. Think we are going to attack El Arish on 24th. Suddenly got orders to leave.

Thursday 21 December 1916
Rode all night. Dick & I on left screen. Arrived daylight. Wadi El Arish turned North. Went into El Arish at full gallop and surrounded town, no turks there. Supprised to see fair sized town. Turks left day before yesterday. Two of our men blown up by mine on coast. Took up position in hills East of Al [El] Arish.

[Page 195]
Friday 22 December 1916
Took horses to water, mule got away, had great job to get him back. D troop went back to Kilo 128 on two days camel escort. J. Aire & myself had to stop owing to he being cleark of roads and I signalled. Went to Field Ambulance to get photos but man was away. Heard that there are 2000 Turks, 10 guns, 20 miles south, move out to attack them at half past five.

Saturday 23 December 1916
Issued with rations along route. Rode nearly all night and half morning. Very cold at night. Jim lost blanket & saddle cloth. B & C squadrons in reserve. We galloped up to mound close and watched battle. Horses been on 10 handfulls of grain per day since we left Gererat, no water since last night. Our Artillary and areoplanes did good work.

[Page 196]
Dropped 85 camel loads of bombs. Captured about 2000 turks & guns.

Sunday 24 December 1916
Arrived home after riding all night at 6.30.
Found most of troop away on camel escort. Good sleep in morning. Went for a ride through El Arish with Mr. Otton in afternoon. In native bazar, everything very dear. Jim Aire unwell. Saw Turkish prisoners.

Monday 25 December 1916
On B Squadron telephone in morning. Issued with one plum pudding to 16 men for dinner. Rode over to Camel Corps & saw Fred Rostron; he had been in scrap at Maghdaba [Magdhaba] but got through alright. Fred walked over here in evening. Looked very like rain. Started a letter home.

[Page 197]
Tuesday 26 December 1916
Bit of telephone work in morning.
Inspected by G.O.C. Desert Colum in afternoon, very funny turn out; our general got nervous, gave wrong orders. Heavy storm.

Wednesday 27 December 1916
Nothing much doing in morning.
Harry Jacob, Cpl. Leaske & I on out post at night.
Rained a good bit which short circuted telephone.

[Page 198]
Thursday 28 December 1916
Out on out post all day. Very cold and windy with some rain.
Did some helio work when sun was shining.
More rain at night.

Friday 29 December 1916
Nothing much doing.
Parcels mail in & got three. Nice to get some good tucker. Getting ready for stunt tomorrow.
Posted letter home which I began on Christmas day.
Rain at night.

[Page 199]
Saturday 30 December 1916
Left camp at 8 a.m. and whole Brigade rode out East on a recognoitering expidition. Rained all morning.
Went out about 15 miles. 3000 turks & some cavalary reported at Rafa.

Sunday 31 December 1916
Stood to arms at 5 a.m. Rode back all morning. Worked hard at making a bivey to sleep in in afternoon.

[Page 200]
Monday 1 January 1917
Two taubes over first thing. Circled round and had a good look at us and then went over to palms and droped bombs on infantry. High wind in afternoon and a lot of sand blowing about.

Tuesday 2 January 1917
Rain in morning. Heavy sand storm in afternoon.
Went down to well in palms and helped to bring up drinking water on mule. Heavy rain at night. Mail in, got 10 letters. Issue of rum at night.

[Page 201]
Miss D. Beecraft
Knox College
Alfred Street
North Sydney
Chatswood

Mrs Challands
Tarawa
Mudgee

Miss S. Pyangle, Lewis St., Mud.
Coomassie
Victor St.
Chatswood

Miss K. Loane
Aul Derrig
North Down
Tas.

[Page 202]
P.F. D’Arlot, Esq.
Finchley
Darling Road
East Malvern
Melb., Vic.

W.S. Hales
Bunbury, W.A.

Tpr. E.R. Sams, No. 1411
11th Rfs., 6th Regt., 2nd Brigade, A.L.H.

Sig. R. Potter, No. 1670, H.Q. Staff
6 Batt., 2nd Inf. Brigade, 1st Div.

Pt. W.E.O. Hales, No. 800, 15th R. of 4th Batt.

Mrs Rickman
No. 1 Hospital, Heliopolis
G.P.O.
Cairo

Warrant Officer Power
H.M.S. Venerable

Chief Eng. Watson
H.M.S. Blenheim

Mrs Trelawny
Capt. of Port
Port Said

[Page 203]
Mrs G.H. Wilson
53 Glover St.
Mosman

No. 153 Q.M. Sergt. F.H. Potter
10th Machine Gun Co.
10th Aust. Inf. Brig.

Mr. Thorpe
Leave Dept.
G.P.O.

A.E. Dawson (H)
"Virlgin"
Walton Crescent
Abbotsford
Sydney
N.S.W.

W. West
Gell St.
Bacchus Marsh
Victoria

[Page 204]
Miss Carrie Pennefather
C/o Anzac Buffet
London
or
82 Sutherland Av.
Lond. W.

R. Beecraft
86 Carsick Hill Road
Sandygate
Sheffield

Mrs Frances Pilcher (Aunt Min’s Aunt)
Telarah
Hill Top Road
Oxford

Capt. J.O.H. Nickoll
Embarcation Staff
Royal Mail Building
Southampton

Miss Harrison
Windyholme
Braintree
Essex

Tpr. F.H.L. Rostron, 2482
7th Sect.
11 Camp
A.I.C.C.

[Page 205]
No. 2466 J. Dawson
A Squadron
1 DALHDR

Mrs Macdonald
Eradgere
Mudgee

Miss Macphillany
Empire Club
Port Said

No. 30262
Drv. G. Hales
8th Reinf.
4th D.A.C. [Divisional Ammunition Column]
A.F.A. [Australian Field Artillery]
A.I.F.
O.A.S.

[Page 206-207 blank]

[Page 208]
Wyaldra Park,
Mudgee,
N.S.W.

[Page 209]
[Back cover of diary]

[Page 210]
Registered Letter

Mrs. H.C. Wilson
Wyaldra Park
Mudgee
N.S.W.
Australia

Censored
W.H. James

[Page 211]
Registration.

Compensation is given for loss or damage in respect of Inland Registered Letters and Packets of all kinds, and for the loss of Foreign and Colonial Registered Letters and Packets, subject to the limitations and conditions notified in the Post Office Guide.

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