Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

James Baillie diary, 11 February 1915 - 18 February 1916
MLMSS 7569

[Page 1]
February 1915 (Thursday 11th)
Left Liverpool camp at 9.30 AM and entrained for Sydney arriving at Central station at 10.30. Marched down Elizabeth St to Liverpool St thence to Wooloomooloo and embarked on board of Troopship Seang Bee (A48) at
11.30 AM. Met and said good bye to Kathy and Mum. Got underway soon after and proceeded to sea. Sea rough and a lot of the boys are seasick. Went mess orderly. Course North calling at Brisbane. Seang Choon (A49) with 3rd Reinforcments onboard astern.
(Friday 12th)
At sea good few of the boys are sea sick still, still on N.S.W. coast passing high land cannot make out what it is as we are too far off. Not many down to their meals sea astern but still rough. Am going to turn in good night. Course north get to Brisbane tomorrow.
(Saturday 13th)
Arrived at Pinkenbar at 7 AM and made fast to the wharf. There is not much to see from here as we are a few miles from Brisbane. 10 AM One trainload of Troops arrived and came on board. They were the 2nd reinforcements for 9th and 15th Battalions. Shortly after another lot came and went aboard the Choon Sha arrived about two hours later than we did. A lot of the boys got drunk and the pickets went to fetch them. I think we would have got a night there only for them drinking. Anyway we left there at 6 pm amid cheering and whistles blowing. Got dark before we got into Mortons Bay so could not see much of it very [indecipherable] sea choppy. Seang Choon astern
(Sunday 14th)
Sea very smooth today. There was not much tucker left at table today. Passed a lot of Islands don’t know what they are called. The scenery is very nice as we pass close to them. No wind sea like glass and moonlight [indecipherable]
(Monday 15th)
Sea very smooth and passing islands all day. Passed Philips: Montoro at 8 pm. Passengers cheered as they passed slept on deck last night. Moonlight night
(Tuesday 16th)
Woke up early with a shock [indecipherable] went on deck to see what [indecipherable]

[Page 2] (Tuesday continued)
13th company for duty that is men for guards and fatigues. I forgot to mention who were our officers. Our OC is Leut Vine Hall and Second in command is Leut Harland the 13th there are on board reinforcements for 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 9th and 15th battalions. Moonlight tonight no wind.
(Wednesday 17th)
Lovely morning passed through some islands. A couple of steamers passed going south - sea smooth. Boys have boxing matches to night Time to go to bed very warm
(Thursday 18th)
This time we did stick fast on the coral. Seang Bee ashore at 4.20 (am) and all efforts to get her off were a failure. Called up Choon by wireless she arrived at 10 am and line on board but Bee would not move Tow line parted and today gave up hope of refloating today waiting till next tide. Low water, one would think that we were in the middle of a green field some lovely coral growing here. Boys got the boat out and went over to a lagoon for a swim Lots of sharks swimming around ship officers shooting at them with revolvers. They are going to have another try to night at 10 Oclock. Fine night moonlight failed to get her off tonight so will turn in.
(Friday 19th)
Still on the reef Volunteers from each company to discharge coal in fore hatch. Started sending up coal at 9 AM and dumping it overboard Choon had another try to tow us off but did not succeed. Motorboats arrived from Thursday Island at dusk boys still at coal expect to get off tomorrow am getting sick of this kind of life
(Saturday 20th)
Beautiful morning Choon passed a line aboard and started to tow us off but the line parted. After the tide got up a bit more we got off under our own steam There was a lot of cheering and hints slung around. We proceeded to Thursday Island Passed through the Jardine Passage. Very nice scenery Arrived at Thursday Island at 5 pm It looks a very pretty little place from the water Choon came in after us and went along side of wharf. We are going alongside to morrow everyone growling about Choon getting in first fine night.

[Page 3]
(Sunday 21st)
Got up early Choon went to an anchorage at 6 AM and Bee hove up and went alongsid of wharf after breakfast all hands got ready and went ashore till 8 pm Well we ha a good time Mac Jack Darkey and myself went in for dinner to a Japanese restuarent and had roast fowl and beef vegetables and desert at 2/6 ahead not too high for they gave us plenty. The population consists mainly of Japanese Eutropean and Blacks. The head of the town got a black
boy to go up cocoa nut trees for nuts and we eat and drank the milk till we could not get anymore down. Next we visisted the hospital and then went around the island. Saw some sugar cane and thought we would like some so I volunteered to pinch it but got onto a hornets nest when I was cutting it and got stung in the arm. That was enough for me So we proceeded on our way We next visited some gardens and then went to the Artillary barracks they were very nice to us there The Garrison were compulsory body from Queensland. We then went back to the town and visited all the most popular places there including a church which had relics of a shipwreck that happened somewhere near here We meet some very nice people here and they tried to make us all at home even the Japanese Just for a few drunks knocking around every one was well pleased for their holiday ashore well its time to go aboard now So am going to get some cocoanuts to take on board. We are leaving here tomorrow morning so will see the last port in Australia for a while. Am going to bed now good night.
(Monday 22nd)
Left the wharf at 7 am with lots of cheering and proceeded to sea Dropped pilot at 8 am and proceeded West Passed a light house. Left all land behind this is the first time we have been out sight of land since we left Sydney. Sea very calm.
(Tuesday 23rd)
No land in sight Duty day for 13th battalion Sea calm and a beutiful night with a cool breeze.

[Page 4]
(Wednesday 24th)
No land in sight this morning are living very well on this ship there is always fresh meat and vegetables and pudding every day for dinner 3 pm Land on port side supposed to be the northern part of Australia. We bought a piano at Thursday Island and have concerts every night sea calm fine night
(Thursday 25th)
No land in sight same old routine drill every morning I do no drill being mess orderly sea calm fine night
(Friday 26th)
Passed Islands called Timor and Sumba. Lots of flying fish about Seang Choon astern sea calm.
(Saturday 27th)
Still sea everywhere you look a couple of the lads had a fight over some money a bit of excitement for the time passed a small island at 2 pm sea calm
After a good breakfast cleared up the mess table and went to church Sighted land early. They say it is Java it is a long way off. Sea calm went to bed early.
March
(Monday 1st)
We are a bit closer in to day and can just make out the lay of the land we passed very close to a small island Concert on to night good singing and recitations Sea calm.
(Tuesday 2nd)
Company on duty to day Are passing coast of Sumatra can see plantations and villages Choon astern sea very calm. Will go to bed early to night
(Wednesday 3rd)
No land in sight very warm Do nothing but read another singsong on to night generally play cards of an evening A beutiful night sea calm
(Thursday 4th)
Sea moderate some of the boys are feeling squamish Seang Choon well astern looks like rain to night
(Friday 5th)
Nothing startling this morning very warm in the sun after [indecipherable] to see Bee turn around and steam back

[Page 5]
(Friday continued)
towards the Choon She had been sending wireless to us most of the day but we did not get her message till late We stopped along side of Choon at 8 30 pm and lowered boat doctors and Parsons went aboard Choon They performed an operation for apendicitus. They were successful returned to Bee proceeded on our course at 10 pm sea calm and a lovely night.
(Saturday 6th)
The Choon is ahead again through last night we are catching up to her. We have had an accident in the engine room Some cylinder top broke down and we can only use one engine Proceeding very slow A good job we have the sea so calm They are repairing the engine so hope to have it finished to morrow.
(Sunday 7th)
We are still plugging away on one engine this morning they will have it repaired this afternoon A lot of sailing vessels around Indian Dhows most of them we cannot be very far off land Engine is repaired and are going full speed hope to be in Colombo tomorrow. Went to church sea calm.
Passing Ceylon coast can see villages and a lot of fishing vessels a very pretty sight indeed Some mail steamers passed us evidently from Colombo going E All looking for Colombo but had a long wait We did not arrive there till 6 pm We took aboard pilot and tied up to the bouys behind the breakwater. The city itself looks very pretty from where we are anchored lots of big buildings with cocoa nut and Palm avenues The Choon is anchored just ahead of us, as she arrived early this morning. And the harbour is cramed full of ships. Am not feeling well to night so will go to bed early. They are bringing barges alongside to coal us so there wont be much sleep tonight. Good night
(Tuesday 9th)
Am feeling very much worse this morning Influenza the doctor told me am feeling anyhow The

[Page 6]
(Sunday 9 continued)
Companys duty day no one allowed ashore and the boys are complaining a lot are taking French leave and it takes the officers all their time to watch them, aboard coal and water. Am feeling to sick to take much notice of anything so will have a sleep
(Wednesday 10th)
Still feeling unwell went to doctor again this morning he marked me unfit No shore leave for boys and they are very dissatisfied They are all going ashore without leave. I believe if I were feeling well enough I would be among them Anyway we are leaving to night Pickets have gone ashore to bring in the strays Had no sleep for coughing. Ship left Colombo at midnight sea calm moonlight.
(Thursday 11th)
Passed the Southern end of India passed several steamers. The flying fish are here abouts in shoals of thousands. Am feeling a bit better today got some cough mixture from canteen am going to bed early. Sea calm no moon.
(Friday 12th)
Passed an Indian rigged vessel. Still going through shoals of flying fish and porpoise no land in sight a couple of steamers astern one the Choon Sea calm
(Saturday 13th)
Nothing of any account happened to day it is very hot and am feeling well again. They are dumping potatoes over the side there are bags and bags of potatoes down the hold they must have got wet they smell awful Sea calm.
(Sunday 14th)
Went to church this morning. They are still dumping spuds overboard very warm every where cant find a cool spot, passed a Troopship with Indians on board SS Nile. Sea calm moonlight.
(Monday 15th)
Are now in the track of shipping as we are passing steamers bound East all day. We are having a concert to night so there ought to be a lot of good singing. The concert was a success [indecipherable] Went to bed at 10.30 Sea calm.

[Page 7]
(Tuesday 16th)
Company for duty to day Mac on guard he is going crook about it we ought to soon be seeing the coast of Arabia Nothing much doing to day Fine weather with lovely night. Air shoots rigged up.
(Wednesday 17th)
We expect to get to Aden to night can see land in the distance They dont expect to get to Aden till early morning Passed some strange look craft fine weather smooth sea. A beautiful night.
(Thursday 18th)
Stopped off Aden 3 AM and got orders to proceed to Suez. Could only see lights of town and searchligts of forts and ships Passed Perim at 3 pm we came between Perim and Cape Gardifu. Choon came through Hells gates A couple of Man of wars and patrol boats anchored behind Island. One an Auxiliary cruiser got under way and steamed ahead of us but she passed out of sight before dark. Well after a very interesting day we have the night upon us again. So I will go to bed. Theres a stiff head wind blowing and she is beginning to pitch a bit.
(Friday and Saturday 19th and 20th)
As we are in the Red there is a lot of history attached to different places. We passed place supposed where the Children of Isreal crossed once. We also passed a light house supposed to be the lonliest place in the world. Head winds and sea moderate very cool.
(Sunday 21st)
Went to church this morning. Nothing of any note to day passed several steamers We expect to be at Suez tomorrow and rumour has got it that we go ashore there so our voyage will soon be ended Sleep is out of the question to night as there is a farwell concert to night. Sea calm and a lovely night.
(Monday 22nd)
Awoke early and we are passing some very barren land. Boy are to excited to eat. Passed a light house and village. Passed lots of steamers and arrived at roadstead and anchored at 6.30 we are well cheered from the steamers anchored in roads. We are going ashore tomorrow sometime

We are all ready to leave the ship and go ashore after a very nice night and a lovely voyage. We are at our destination don’t know what time we are going ashore but the Choon has gone along side the Quay I don’t think we will be long now dinner time and not in yet pilot came aboard at 3 pm Heaving up anchor going in alongside and going ashore 5 pm. We did not get into train till 8 pm. On our way to Cairo Well its dark now but the Arabs are selling chocolates and eggee cook. This is a very rough road to travel on. Later on We are at Ishmaelia. This is now midnight so will have to start another day Shall try a get some sleep before getting out.
(Wednesday 24th)
There was not much choice to get to sleep as the sleeping room is very limited we were rudely awakened up out of a doze by a lot of shouting so had to get out. It was pretty cool for Egypt as we all sought our overcoats. Arrived at Cairo at 4.30 am and waited for daylight to move off to our camp. Moved off 6 am and marched to Ab.... Camp was pretty tired. There were not enough tents for us so had to wait till our officers took it in their heads to get a hustle We did not get into tents till 6 pm Am too tired to go any where to night.
(Thursday 25th)
Woke up early and had a look around. Everything is sand and Tents. Our first march on the desert to day and the sand makes it heavy travelling. Mac and I are going to Heliopolis about a mile across the desert. Heliopolis is a new place lots of fine buildings and wide streets all places are built on the French system even the Trams run the same as on the continent. We had a good feed in the Red cross resturant. The one big place here built for a hotel they never got a licence for it. They are using it for a hospital. And it will be called the Australian no I hospital when the lads start fighting Money changers are in the streets and we all changed our English money into
Egyptian money. It consists of Piastres and M We got back to camp
early as we are going to Cairo to morrow. Well I am going to turn in good night.

[Page 9]
(Friday 26th)
On fatigue this morning carrying up stores We have mess rooms here to eat our meals in. We are not going into Cairo to night we are leaving it till tomorrow afternoon when we will have more time went to bed early
(Saturday 27th)
Went for physical drill before breakfast and done our morning parades dinner time we are starting for Cairo as soon as we are finished. The 13th battalion are earned over the other side of Heliopolis. Cairo is a very busy place in the main part of the town. It is full of Hotels and resturants with all kinds of names dance houris and Egyptians sell chocolate and cigarettes shine boots for Vz piastre. We next went to the native quarter Goodness what a filthy place the streets are so narrow that you can hardly pass one another in places There are white Egyptians and black ones some of the women have black veils covering their faces and others have white veils. I was glad when we came out into one of the main streets again. We visited the Egyptian barracks and watched them drill. The drill very nice but the old style of drill. We had a look at the Sultans palace that is a fine building with sentrys all along the front of it. We would have went to the museum but some of the boys got lost so had to give it up as we had no time. We left Cairo early and got out at wrong stop and had a long walk back to camp Very glad to get home again don’t think I will trouble Cairo much. As Heliopolis is nearer and hardly any Egyptians there at all
(Sunday 28th)
What a day Dust and sand everywhere you can hardly see anything in front of you. Wrote letter to Kathy but had a job writing it as the sand blocked up the ink in the pen. Am going over to see Jimmy OHagan this afternoon.
There are clouds of Locusts flying about. They are similar to what we call Grasshoppers. Met Jimmy OHagan in Helliopolis and he was very pleased to see me. We both got our boots cleaned and went over to see some of the boys of old E company The are now known D company as the battalions is made up of four companies each with about 250 men and officers saw a lot of fellows I knew We had tea together in Heliopolis I got back to camp.

[Page 10]
(Monday 29th)
Got orders to return battalion. Left Abessich At 10 am and marched to Heliopolis arriving there at noon we were not there long when we got orders to get ready again and do a march past. We were reviewed and inspected by Gen. Sir Ian Hamilton. Talk about sand well I think I eat a bag full that day Am going into Cairo with OHagan to night we had a good time in Cairo but came home early as we have to be back by 10.20 pm.
(Tuesday 30th)
Physical drill Kit inspection and rifle exercise are the orders of the day. Nothing of any note today am not going anywhere to night went to bed early
(Wednesday 31st)
The battalion have a half day off parades We are camped near the Light Horse and Rene has met a lot of mates from Gilgandra wrote cards home Turned in early.
April
(Thursday 1st)
Physical drill early morning Battallion are out bivouacing for two days we have not joined up with them yet not until we get on our feet more. There is not much tucker here I don’t know why. We are always complaining The Egyptian government allow each man sixpence a day and they buy grub with that so there ought not to be any shortage It is a common occurrence to go with out tea here very bad management.
This is a holiday for us. We are still short of tucker Shall be glad when things alter Battalion have just come home. There is a riot in barrs I believe. They are playing up there They pulled the places to pieces. The place is full of pickets and police are hunting all the troops out of the city They call it the battle of the Wassa.
(Saturday 3rd)
We got paid this morning and we are going to the Luna park That is a place like the White City its not very far from our camp. Went skating and on the Scenic railway on the Shoot the chute and mystic mazes and [indecipherable]

[Page 11]
(Sunday 4th)
Went to church at Heliopolis. They had a grand service. A beautiful big church visited the Catholic church there and watched the service. The people here are mostly catholics made up of French Greek Italians and Spanish the service was very nice carried out by five priests could not understand anything they said but they took comunion and then started same service over again. Came home to dinner and had a good feed for a wonder We got orders to be ready to move off in morning as advance guard at 6 am the rest of day was taken up in getting our equipment together and limbers loaded for an early start to Cairo went to bed early for a good sleep.
(Monday 5th)
Got up at 5.30 am. And moved off at 6 Oclock marched through Abessich and then on to Cairo arriving there at 8.30 AM. Got into train at 9 Oclock and started for Alexandria. We soon got out of Cairo and the country is lovely and green lucern and corn All along the line there are native villages women and men working in the fields I never thought they could turn the desert into one vast plain of agriculture. It is all done by irrigation from the Nile. We crossed the Nile and passed through some very large towns Well one gets tired on looking at the scenery mile after mile We came at last to water so cannot be far of Alexandria. Arrived in Alexandria at 2 pm and went straight aboard the SS Osmanich (AO) She is not fitted up for a troopship no hammocks or any tucker either She is a passenger ship and quite new She used to run to Constantinople before the war anyway this is to be our home till we get to Lemnos. We are not leaving here till tomorrow. We cannot go ashore here as there is a strong guard on the gangway So have nothing to do but get under the Blankets.
(Saturday 6th)
Still in Alexandria we are leaving this afternoon Got under way at 2 pm and proceeded to sea passed a lot of troopships anchored in the harbour they are waiting for the troops to come later Well outside the breakers Sea very rough The boys are all down to it. My word this packet can travel .... pitching and rolling....

[Page 12] (Wednesday 7th)
Sea rough a lot of men are still sea sick helpless and laying around everywhere. Had a feed of tinned sausages for dinner The sea is calming we must be getting under the lee of the Grecian islands. One of the islands sighted at 4 pm. Some of lads are started to move about a little more 6 pm land on both sides. Shall have a better sleep to night.
(Thursday 8th)
Sea calm this morning a bit chilly but getting warmer as the sun get up Expect to get to Lemnos the afternoon. They are calling for volunteeers to stoke We are passing through islands Lemnos in sight at 3.30 pm arrived and anchored at 5 pm. This place is full of Man of Wars including the Queen Elizabeth she is a beauty. The third brigade are here still on board of the ships the came on 4 weeks ago. We are transhipping to the SS Suffolk tomorrow some time well it is dark now and am going to turn in All ports are covered and lights are screened.
(Friday 9th)
We are not transhipping to day the 13th are on guard to day there are only 50 of us that left Egypt. The guard room is the smoke room with fine painting all round the walls it seems a shame as it is getting destroyed. I have got a sofa to sleep on to night.
(Saturday 10th)
We are all ready to leave the Osmanich now Some of the boys are getting on to lighters. Arrived on board of the Suffolk 10 am. The 12th battalion are aboard here and there is no room for us here. It looks like rain we have to sleep on deck rained till 11 Oclock and got wet through. This looks very cheerful.
(Sunday 11th)
Still on board of Suffolk there is nothing to eat but bully beef and biscuits spent most of time getting dry Had a game of cards this afternoon with Mac Darkey and Jack We will have to sleep on deck again to night They are putting up an awning so we will have some shade. The Captain of this Boat is a nice old fellow he [indecipherable]

[Page 13]
(Monday 12th)
There was not much tucker for breakfast lots of discontent on board we had a fine but cold night Will be glad when the battalion arrives as the O.C. says we will be taken where they are Well more cards this afternoon. Nothing to do now but go to bed and yarn Mac and I sleep in lifeboat.
(Tuesday 13th)
Mac Jack Beasley and I are to report to the cooks and take over the Galley for the afternoon Went and relieved cooks at 1 oclock and got the tea ready I can tell you we had a good feed out of it Our job is to be a short one however as we got orders to get ready for leaving the ship tomorrow. I don’t know
where we are going Hope next packet we get aboard is better than this one To bed once more.
(Wednesday 14th)
Got into lighter and was transhipped on board of S.S. Itria (A25) The 6th Battery field artillery is aboard here. They have the ship to themselves.
Horses on lower deck and Guns down below in the hold. We have just got orders to take up our sleeping quarters in the horse stalls on deck That sounds cheerful the sadness is set in I think with us Its going to be a cold night so Mac and I rugged up a kind of sleeping room I don’t think we will ever get proper sleeping apartments the living is a bit better here than on the Suffolk We are about to try our new sleeping apartment good night
(Thursday 15th)
Our bedroom was a bit more comfortable than sleeping in the open. There are a lot of Transports in the harbour with Australian and British and French troops aboard The Queen Elizabeth with the London P of Wales Majestic Triumph and lot of Lots more big ships to numerous to mention Torpedo boats and a big fleet of French ships. There are also Hydroplanes and a baloon ship to be used as an observation post. Well its night again so into our room
(Friday 16th)
Still on board of Itria. We took one of the life boats and went for a sail Visited the Seang Bee and saw steward and cooks one Company of the 13th battalion are on board and the rest are on the Ascot. Back to the Itria again. They have a canteen aboard here and we can get tobacco [indecipherable]

[Page 14]
(Saturday 17th)
We had physical drill this morning on the forecastle head till breakfast time rest of day we were out in the boats and playing cards. Have to go on guard at 5.45 pm for 24 hours had first post This ship is one of the British India line she has a coolie crew. Very cold to night came off post at 8 Oclock
(Sunday 18th)
On guard still will get relieved to night at 6 pm. Got orders to shift our lodgings to some other ship. I wonder when we will get settled down.
Leaving Itria tomorrow Well we are about to get relieved off guard. We will have to break our bedroom up in the morning. There is a concert to night but it was not up to much Went to sleep listening to Co
(Monday 19th)
Pulled down our house and left everything as we found it and got into lighters at 7.30 (Am) We are tired of waiting to be taken away Its now dinner time
and no sign of any going aboard to have dinner. The boat came at 6.30
and all got aboard of her and started for the MacGillvray arrives on
board of her 8(pm) Sleeping on deck here also All coolies for crew here also going to sleep alongside of the funnel to night
(Tuesday 20th)
Had a very warm bed heat from fires kept me restless all night We have nothing but bully beef and biscuits. The 8th and one Coy of the 7th Batttalion are on board and they are very packed Had a game of cards with Mac It is starting to spit rain now and looks like as though its set in for the night Raining now and have no shelter so will just have to roll up in blankets and trust to them to keep the rain out.
(Wednesday 21st)
Went on fatigue to get some amunition moved out ready for handling This ship is loaded with Large amunition and small arm stuff Some of the Artillery gunners came aboard and fused a lot of 18 pound shrapnel shells and as they finished fusing them we stacked the boxes up for heaving out We have also thousands of kerosene tins full of water to land so we must be going to make a move soon by the look of things. We are going to have a fine night. The 8ith battalion band plays everything from 7 pm till 9 oclock.

[Page 15]
(Thursday 22nd)
Fine day but very chilly nothing startling happening to day We were expecting mail to come over from the Ascot but it did not arrive. Rumour has it that we are going away soon lets hope so as I am sick of living on these ships We are in for a cold night so here goes for sleep
(Friday 23rd)
I went with boat party to try and get the mail for 13th went aboard a lot of ships including the Minnawasta head quarter ship my word she is a fine ship. Finally we got to the Ascot (A33) a rusty old tramp I would not care to come over in her. They did not have the mail sorted so had to come back without any Got back to Gillvray a 6 pm after being away all day. We are leaving here tomorrow morning.
(Saturday 24th)
Anchor up at 4.30 and proceeded to sea went right over the Island of Lemnos and anchored in a Greek bay at 2 pm other ships arrived later. We are going to get underway tonight at 11 pm and proceed to the place where they are going to land. 13th are on guard today I was on post at 8 pm Hove up anchor at 11 pm fine weather sea smooth
(Sunday 25th)
Well we are near deafened by the noise of the big guns of the warships The 3rd brigade landed from the warship and were taken in close to shore by the Torpedo boats and then transferred into small boats There is a terrible noise from the shore rifles cracking and shrapnel bursting it is day light now and can see better The 8th battalion are going ashore now and they are bringing the wounded aboard Most of the boats are half full of dead and its an awful sight they never got out of the boats. We are getting a lot of wounded aboard now. The lads ashore are advancing and driving the Turks like hell the firing
is getting fainter One big shell landed in the water about 30 yards away from us so we had to move further out I have been driving winches all day getting out amunition and water and sending it ashore We also cleaned troop deck up and put mattresses down for the wounded They are coming in pretty fast now. Everything is going well ashore Warships destroyed at Gaba Tebe fort and are sending a

[Page 16]
(Sunday 25th continued)
lots of big shells into the hills. We are getting to the close of the first day.
They called for volunteers for boats to bring back the men who had landed. Went ashore with boats and and stopped for 2 hours but got good news that boys had dug in and were holding the position so we went back to ship it started to rain and we covered up all the wounded on deck. The ship is full up
I gave all my blankets and water proffs to cover them up. We are going ashore to morrow. After amunition is out so will be working all night.
(Monday 26th)
We got into lighters at 7 (AM) and were towed in by a Torpedo boat got on the beach at 8.30. We were fired at by the Turks with shrapnel and bullets were flying all around us but we were lucky they never got one of us in the lighter we were in. We got a fine reception about an hour after we landed in the way of shrapnel The O.C. says they will be keeping us on beach for a few days.
A coy of the 13th landed shortly after we did Well we got our dug outs fixed up and Mac and I are together. We have to go down and unload a barge now. The Turks started shelling as soon as we started so we had to knock off any way we managed to get her unloaded Warships are still bombarding heavily We will try our new home to night living just like rabbits.
(Tuesday 27th)
Still on beach uloaded several lighters. Boys anxious to get into firing line They shelled the beach very heavy to day They have taken a lot of prisoners since landing There is heaving fighting on the left where the New Zealanders are have not heard the result Well dug outs are not too bad to live in one thing we are well sheltered from Shrapnel. It is raining to night and very cold
(Wednesday 28th)
The Turks shelling the beach before day light this morning and knocked over a few cases of jam It is a bit quieter this morning Heard that the 4th Brigade took another hill They got orders to hold the position Turks rushed the trenches but were driven back Reinforcements arrived this afternoon [indecipherable]...ashore tonight Warships destroyed more of Turks guns

[Page 17]
(Thursday 29th)
No shrapnel to day things pretty quiet all round We unloaded some more lighters The Shrapnel started later to day than before. There a lot of
Troopships achored here Some more troops landed this evening. Very cold to night
(Friday 30th)
We are still holding the position this is the 5th day here and I don’t think the Turks will ever root us out. Went on duty for 3 hours to wait for orders. Got orders to proceed to firing line to night Our O.C. pretty nervous Started to move off at 8 pm and had to camp on the side of the hill till morning
May
(Saturday 1st)
Woke up very early with the noise of bursting shrapnel. Got to the firing line at 7 am and have to stand by till we are wanted. Its not to safe out side of dugouts here as there are a lot of snipers behind us. I am attached to A company No 4 platoon The officers name is MacLeod. I go into the trenches at 6 am Rene is in same coy but different Platoon We have our new dugouts and are settled down.
(Sunday and Monday 2nd and 3rd May)
Went into firing line at 6 AM first time in the firing line. Had a few shots at Turks creeping along the ridge We do 12 hours in firing line and 12 hours in supports. The place where we are is called Pope’s hill and are entrenched about a hundred yards from Turks. We are going to advance to next ridge to night at 7 o.clock. We were relieved at 6 pm and got Iron rations for 24 hours. The 15th Battalion relieved us. The 16th Battalion charged the ridge under our covering fire. They lost a lot of men we could see them dropping down They charged well. We followed at 7 pm and advanced up gully under heavy fire. We turned to the left and 16th to the right We had to cross the skyline for 50 yards before we got to the position we had to take up Well the rifle fire and machine gun fire was something terrible I believe Rene was wounded there I did not see anything of him around the place where we got to. We started to entrench and waited for the New Zealand Otago battalion to join up with us but they failed to link up so had to look after our own position. We got dug in [indecipherable]. During the night the Turks [indecipherable].

[Page 18]
(Sunday 2nd and 3rd May continued)
Counter attacks but they were repulsed. Some reinforcements came up during the night for us They were some of Kitchener’s army called the Nelson Brigade They got between our fire and the Turks and suffered severely At day light the Turks got the whereabouts of our posion and turned machine guns on us that’s where we suffered heavily Men were falling down and getting shot all around me I got the sole of my boot taken off at the time. Further on the left the Nelsons took up position they charged the Turks machine gun but had to retire. They charged again but retired in panic running right across to our old position on Pope’s hill They lost heavily and what got out in the retirement never came up to us again. There were about four of them stopped with us. They were such a Boyish looking lot not like the Australians who act on their own accord when they lose their Officer. The
Tommies seem lost without officers. We have hung on here all day and have got orders to retire 7.30. Got all wounded down and got down into gully for a rest I heard that Rene was taken away wounded this morning. The 13th battalion were the last to leave dead Man’s Ridge That’s the name the give it Well am going to turn in a I feel very tired and worn out.
(T uesday 4th)
Feel a bit fresher this morning Mustered up battalion and we had 420 men left we lost about 400 casualities Are not doing any fatigue to day we are taking the advantage of a rest. Went to Anzac beach for a swim. And saw Jack Mitchell. Barry Hanna was killed.
(Wednesday 5th)
We are getting a lot of shrapnel this morning Got orders to get ready to relieve the 15 in trenches on Pope’s Hill at 10 AM. There is a lot of firing to day It is quiter to night. Our section commander is a Clergyman Bill Frances a very nice fellow indeed he has been recommended for a D C M for carrying wounded across to our old firing line under heavy machine gun fire. I I often have a yarn with him He knows La Touche and he is a very learned man and a good speaker

[Page 19]
(Thursday 6th May)
Still in firing line and things are very quiet Dead Mans Ridge the one we retired off. There are a lot of our men laying dead on side and top of hill We are getting relieved at 7 pm. 3rd Reinforcements arrived this evening very cold tonight
(Friday 7th)
We were subjected to heavy shrapnel fire this morning digging sleeping trenches for protection from Shrapnel and Snipers. Going into trenches at 7 pm Party went out to bury dead in front of trenches at 9 pm
(Saturday 8th)
Relieved at 7 AM and have to support firing line till 7 pm when we will be relieved by other company Had a good dinner to day made a stew. Turned in early
(Sunday 9th)
There is a mail in to day and am expecting letters. They are not sorting them yet. We relieved the supp at 7 pm One coy of 15th and some of D coys 13th made a bit of charge on Dead Man’s ridge to night Turned in early.
(Monday 10th)
Relieved firing line at 7 AM had some narrow shaves in trenches as they have been sending over a lot of shells Got one letter from Kitty to day and brightened up things wonderful got relieved at 7 pm and went down to dug outs night nice and warm.
(Tuesday 11th)
The Warships are bombarding this morning can see the Triumph letting go some of her big guns It is raining this afternoon and everything is wet and miserable. We have to go into firing line at 7 pm very cold to night Mac Niell and Dillon are in this trench with me just got two more letters from Kitty will read them tomorrow
(Wednesday 12th)
Wet all night. Clearing up again this morning. Francis got wounded this morning relieved at 9 We are going to support [indecipherable]

[Page 20]
(Wednesday 12th continued)
Colonel says we are going for a rest tomorrow found a dug out and turned in early
(Thursday 13th)
The Light horse came here this morning and relieved us at 9 AM Moved off to resting place at noon and had to make new dugouts We are going to have a rest for 6 days Got two letters from Kitty am going to write tomorrow
(Friday 14th)
Got orders to get ready and go to beach at 8 am 90 men from our coy are to stop on beach for 14 days as beach party arrived on beach at 9 am Went back to bivouacs for rest of my blankets and pack had to run all way up gully as snipers were very busy firing from Dead Man’s Hill. Arrived back at beach at 1 pm had to take shelter coming down as they were shelling road. Turks fired 35 High explosive shell at barges and finally managed to sink water barge. Wrote letters to Kitty and Mum and posted them on beach post office.
(Saturday 15th)
Discharged a lighter of amunition had to knock off twice for shrapnell. It rained a little to day. We are finished for to day as we have to shift into new dugouts because we have been sleeping on a road Found a place and made a dugout so will have a place to take shelter.
(Sunday 16th)
Shrapnel has been sweeping beach from the right of position all morning A good few casualities on the beach did no unloading to day Some of the Royal Engineers are camped up above my dugout. Dillon is my mate now He cooks one day and I take my turn we next went for swim just before sundown.
(Monday 17th)
Very warm this morning. The 2nd Brigade landed back from Cape Helles with 1600 men left They done some good work down there a couple more wounded on beach today some mail arrived Two six inch Howitzers landed [indecipherable]

[Page 21]
(Tuesday 18th)
There has been no Shrapnel all day the beach was crowded to day it looked all the world like Coogee on holiday. Unloaded barges after dark. Had to knock off for Shells conning over.
(Wednesday 19th)
Turks charged all along the line Got orders to take amunition to 3rd Brigades headquaters on right under very heavy shell fire. Poor Jack Chant was killed and Angus McNeill was wounded got back safely to beach and received orders to join Battalion. Joined Battalion and stood by Turks were repulsed with very heavy losses Jack Johsons falling round biouvac and in gully. They are terrible you can see them coming and when they burst they make a hole about 10 feet in circumference. One came over and never exploded They are
11 inch shells. Casualties of Turks amounted to 2000 killed and 3000 wounded we had 500 casualties We stood to arms all night received 2 letters from Kate
(Thursday 20th)
Have been sapping to day and things are exceedingly quiet towards 4 oclock the Turks hoisted a flag and asked for an armistice One Turkish officer was brought in and firing ceased all along line. The Turks went out and started to pick up rifles and bring up reinforcements when this was seen We opened fire on them. The hottest lot of fire I have ever heard kept it up for about an hour we were expecting an attack at dark but it never came off
(Friday 21st)
Relieved trenches on Quinn’s Post This is the worst position here as the Turks are very close. The furthest distance averages 20 yards and the nearest 10 yards We got a reception of bombs when we got in and had to stand by with over coat to throw over them. We soon got ours ready and we had a bomb fight ours are very strong and explode inflicting terrible wounds They are of the jam tin variety. Our heads could not be held above parapet as the Turks had the superiority of fire We had to use periscopes and could only keep them [indecipherable] a few seconds put in a very bad night bombs everywhere
(Saturday 22nd)
Turks throwing bombs all night The New Zealand engineers are fixing up trenches We were giving the Turks [indecipheraable] with periscopes we are in here for 42 hours will be relieved

[Page 22]
(Sunday 23rd)
Got relieved this morning Some of the bombs thrown over from Turks last night never exploded I got two Took them down to beach and exchanged them to sailors for bread We got fresh meat to day had a good feed for Tea Am going to bed early
(Monday 24th)
Finished rest of meat for breakfast Posted letter to Kitty The Turks have received an armistice for 12 hours to bury their dead. Not a shot fired after 8 oclock and is just like heaven after row Went up into trenches to have a look We were exchanging cigarettes with Turks. Our boys went out to bury our dead in front of Pope’s Hill. Armistice ended at 8 pm and had a very quiet night.
(T uesday 25th)
Relieving trenches on Quinn’s hill at noon It is raining to day and everything is wet and miserable went into supports for this 24 hours H M S Triumph was torpedoed this morning we watched her capsize and sink The Turks are sapping under our trenches we heard them picking so our engineer sapped under them and blew their sap up. It is clearing up again.
(Wednesday 26th)
Things are very quiet this morning relieving trenches at 12 noon Turks are doing a lot of firing but no shrapnel coming over Very cold to night
(Thursday 27th)
Very quiet Discovered another Turk mine under our trench and got in before them and blew their sap up we were standing to arms as we expected a charge from Turks They did not come Relieved at 12 noon and went into company Bivouac Had a good sleep this afternoon
(Friday 28th)
Put in a very good night am on O M 8 fatigue They were sniping very hot in Monash Gully and had to do some [indecipherable] They also put over a lot of shrapnel They also send over a lot of shell when they are going to attack we were told to hold our selves in readiness
(Saturday 29th)
Were woke up at 3.30 am by heavy artillary fire. We were rushed off to Quinn’s Post The Turks had mined

[Page 23]
(Saturday 29th continued)
our trenches and exploded it They then charged and got into one part of trench Then we had a bomb fight to bomb them out They got under bomb proof shelter so the 13th and 15th Batt had to charge They surrendered in bomb proof We captured 20 Turks Still there were some left in trenches we had to bomb them out all was quiet by 8 oclock (am) We took 20 prisoners 43 dead and 3 wounded and took back trench Our Colonel Col Burrage was wounded and Major Quinn who this post was called after was killed. We were sent back to our bivouacs very glad to have got the Turks out and to have a rest We had 82 casualties in the 13th mostly slight wounds
Took line of trenches in front of Quinn’s but had to retire on account of enfilading fire Had to support trenches again
(Monday 31st)
Very warm got orders to shift into Walkers gully on the left This gully is near the beach and is surrounded by high hills You can get a fine view of the Left it is very flat and is covered with poppies Am going on point picket guarding sap at 5 (AM) to morrow morning
June
(Tuesday 1st)
This being my birthday am 28 years of age did not have a very good party but wished myself many happy returns of day going off duty at 8 pm spent most of afternoon swimming.
(Wednesday 2nd)
Had a very bad night with Dysentry was sent to hospital and admitted am very sick and weak on light Diet
(Thursday 3rd)
Still in hospital very weak and dizzy when I stand up get fed on Corn flour and cocoa The A Medical men are very good to us Had a bit of sleep and a feeling better.
(Friday 4th)
In hospital am allowed to go out in sun and get used to walking sent cards to Kitty and Mum Expect to be well enough to go back to the battalion tomorrowl feel a lot better and am on hard diet.
(Saturday 5th)
Returned to battalion They are inlying pickets and are standing to ?? for 24 hours. Am not feeling too well but am glad to get back to Rest camp Very cool

[Page 24]
(Sunday 6th June)
Went to church seems very funny having church behind firing line. Wrote letter to Kitty and went for a swim
(Monday 7th)
Went out on left flank sapping we are cutting sap to out posts The place here is very sandy plenty of snakes and lizards in sand The sand falls in as fast as you dig it out Turned in early
(Tuesday 8th)
Went out near outpost started sapping in front of Turks position on Skyline They were sniping all the time Had to knock off as one man got wounded in back They would wait till we started and snipe so we had to take cover came home at noon done nothing for rest of day
(Wednesday 9th)
Battalion inlying picket to day we do nothing for 24 hours only stand by if needed I have a bad hand I think it is the Barcoo rot and it is very sore They are having an alarm at 6 pm to get used to falling in quick.
(Thursday 10th)
Off for 24 hours doing nothing to day only rubbing dust out of our eyes as it is very windy and dirty
(Friday 11th)
Very warm to day and there are millions of flies around here going out sapping at 12 oclock to Number one outpost and returned at 6 pm Hand is still very sore Turning in early
(Saturday 12th)
Went sapping to out post we were digging our way to a well very warm to day Received two letters from Kitty and one from Shiela and p c from Rose also two papers
(Sunday 13th)
Inlying picket Went to church sent pc to Kitty Mum and Chick Warships bombarding Turkish supplies went to bed early
(Monday 14th)
On reserve went over to 1st Battalion Jack Mitchell was wounded and Young Mitchell died from wounds returned and read for rest of day
(Tuesday 15th)
Jack Odonnel woke me up this morning I got such a shock I though he was killed on Dead Man’s ridge Done no sapping to day We heard rumors of Rumania and Bulgaria were coming in with us

[Page 25]
(Wednesday 16th)
Went sapping again to day when returning Turks Shelled us coming out of Sap got under cover just in time The bullets went right through water tank above my head. Turned in early
(Thursday 17th)
Inlying picket inspection of arms and amunition quietest day I have heard for a long time nothing startling at all
(Friday 18th)
Resting for 24 hours went over to N.Z. troops lines Turks put in a few shrapnel and had to take cover and wait till they were finished to come home went for a swim
Nothing doing no fatigue went over to Monash Gully for water. Our Aeroplane dropped bombs on Turkish Trenches
(Sunday 20th)
Went to church and then went sapping on Walker’s Ridge There is one battery of N.Z. Artillery there. Went to bed early
(Monday 21st)
Inlying picket rest of Brigade making road round face of cliff. Fell in for an alarm at 6.20 (pm)
(Tuesday 22nd)
Went over to First Brigade and saw some friends mail in to day did not receive any mail
(Wednesday 23rd)
Have done nothing to day Went over to Quinn’s post that place is safe now they have loopholes and bomb proof trenches
(Thursday 24th)
Went out with axes and cut brush wood and sticks which we bound together with wire for making parapets instead of sandbags Working in sight of Turks they were sniping all day but did not get anyone, finally they started shelling us.
(Friday 25th)
Inlying picket have to shift my lodgings as the road is coming right through where my dug out is received a letter from Kitty
(Saturday 26th)
Wrote a letter to Kitty got orders to go sapping at 4 pm Returned and went for a swim Lost photo out of locket and am very annoyed with losing it
(Sunday 27th)
Went to church making a new dug out Turks shelled our camp to day this is the first time they have shelled here

[Page 26]
(Monday 28th)
Went to beach on fatigue and discharged a lighter Watched them bombard Achi Baba some very large shells exploded right on top Third Brigade took two lines of trenches
(Tuesday 29th)
Inlying picket Heavy dust storm which the Turks took advantage of and charged Walker’s Ridge were repulsed with heavy losses The got into secret sap and were cut down with machine guns unmercifully. We took a lot of Prisoners
(Wednesday 30th)
Went over to 2nd and 3rd Battalions and saw some of the boys They have not moved forward any stayed over there till late.
(Thursday 1st July)
Nothing doing this morning Our Artillery firing a lot this afternoon have to go on fatigue at 9.30 (am) very windy Will have to go out on fatigue at 5 (pm) returned at 9.30 Raining heavy
(Saturday 3rd)
Inlying picket usual inspection and alarm at 6.30 pm (Sunday 4th)
Went to church Then went digging a well in Mule gully We are down 40 feet and have struck no water yet Had a feed from Indians of Chapaties and curry Returned a 5 pm
(Monday 5th)
The 16th battalion went to Imbross for 4 days rest Went on to beach and built shell proof hospital for wounded very quiet and warm
(Tuesday 6th)
Battalion Inlying picket lined up and received Brigadiers speech He said that the 13th had more military honors than all the rest of the brigade put together New Colonel Colonel Tilney from 16th Battalion took us over. Nothing exciting doing to day
(Wednesday 7th)
Went to the beach on fatigue Jack Jonsons fall on beach and in the water received letter from Nellie.
(Thursday 8th)
Went out to the left at 12 midnight and made road for heavy artillery Turks started machine gun on us and had to knock off Torpedo boats firing all night.

[Page 27]
(Tuesday 9th)
Inlying picket. Went to beach and drew clothing for battalion Posted letter to Kitty and P C to Mum and Nellie Stood to arms at 6.30
(Saturday 10th)
Watched the bombardment of Kalid Rahu by the warships Went sapping at 4.20 pm and returned at 9 pm 16th battalion came back from Imbros and the 14th went away
(Sunday 11th)
Lying picket went to church Nothing startling happened to day
Went over to visit some friends in 2nd Battalion some excitement over there Artillary duels and watched machineguns having a go Big bombardment at Achi Baba
(Tuesday 13th)
Very warm this morning 5th Reinforcements arrived for 13th battalion this morning wrote and received two letters from Kitty
(Wednesday 14th)
Inlying picket. Got paid this morning we thought we were going to Imbros but trip was cancelled wrote letter to Kitty
(Thursday 15th)
Tanks shelling us in gully. This is a very sacred month of the Turks their lent the call it Ramadon. Expect the Turks to charge at any time now Went sapping to left flank at 7.30 pm and returned at 1 am
(Friday 16th)
Went to beach at noon and discharged lighter of amunition and returned to camp after having a swim. Am not feeling too well
(Saturday 17th)
Inlying picket went to doctor and got some medicine Turk aeroplane flew over and dropped bombs on beach without doing any damage
(Sunday 18th)
Went to church nothing in general happened today (Monday 19th)
Woke up at 3 (am) to go over to rest gully and dig terraces for English troops that are to arrive We received no rations for this 24 hours
(Tuesday 20th)
3.30 (am) Digging terraces same place as yesterday nothing of an exciting nature happening to day We are going to dig more terraces tonight.

[Page 28]
(Wednesday 21st)
Inlying picket. This being Ramadan the Turkish Lent the are getting together 100,000 reinforcements to try and drive us into the sea We are ready for them so let them come posted P.C to Kitty and Mum.
(Thursday 22nd)
They are expecting the Turks to charge our positions to night We are all ready Stood to arms at 11 pm for half an hour and slept with all our equipment on.
We are still waiting for Turks to attack went on beach at noon to discharge lighter returned to Reserve gully at 5 pm
(Saturday 24th)
Slept till noon got orders to shift all our gear over to Rest Gully on terraces.
As they are going to make some more terraces here.
(Sunday 25th)
Went to church. Going on Sapping at 3,30 pm and returned at 5 pm. Three months here to day.
(Monday 26th)
Shifted back from Rent gully to Reserve gully as they have finished the terraces here. Went to beach to unload amunition for British Troops lost one man with shrapnel went for swim and returned to Reserve gully at 5 pm
(Tuesday 27th)
Very warm this morning going out at 3.30 pm. Digging trenches for sleeping 6 feet deep and 7 feet wide came home at 8 pm
(Wednesday 28th)
Wrote and posted letter to Kate and one to Mum Went out digging terraces at
3.30 pm and returned at 8 pm Turks shelling N Z howitzer gun on beach near cemetry
(Thursday 29th)
Inlying picket doing nothing this morning. Turkish aeroplane came over at 4 pm and dropped bomb in water. Went saping and returned at 8 pm. Dead tired
(Friday 30th)
Turkish airship flew over this morning Inspection of arms and amunition. Received news of British victory in Mespotamia
(Saturday 31st)
Jack O’donell went into hospital this morning. Very warm am not feeling well Went for a swim Very windy to night

(Sunday 1st August)
Inlying picket went to church Our sixth Reinforcements arrived to day They are a fine big stamp of men
(Monday 2nd)
Have been told to keep our selves in readiness to move off at any minute sent letters to Kitty and Mum also PC to Nell Lex and Shiela
(Tuesday 3rd)
On guard at headquaters depot. Some Gurkas landed last night more to follow English troops landed to night
(Wednesday 4th)
Turkish aeroplane flew over at 6 am and dropped bomb in Monash Gully without doing any damage relieved at 8 am and battalion are Inlying picket Went out to see British troops there are such a lot of them camped on Terraces in Rest gully
(Thursday 5th)
Getting ready to advance Brigadier told us that we were going to move on to the left and take 971 a big hill the 13th had the post of honor issued with another resperator and and gas helmet
(Friday 6th)
We are all getting ready for the advance getting 48 hours Iron rations issued out We are going to move off at 9 (pm) There is a heavy bombardment on at 5 All our guns are firing now and the Turks are answering back every shot from battery on top of Walkers ridge. Moving off now. Its morning now so will write what happened till midnight. We left gully at 9 pm and started along beach until we got to 3rd outpost and halted there through some mistake on somebodys part We were under very heavy fire from hill in front we lost a good few men while we were waiting was glad when the order came to advance went along beach a bit further and cut across flat to the ridge we had to charge. I should say it was about 11 pm when we got the order to charge. We got no opposition there as there were only three Turks on out post We shot one dead and captured the other two but not before the had got some of our boys Robinson was the first man shot there Capt Lee got wounded in arm. We got to top and got orders to charge next Ridge
(Saturday 7th)
I will start on another day and we took that one Our officer in Charge of us Capt Lee was again wounded in leg so he had to be taken back we were then with out an officer

[Page 30]
(Saturday 7th continued)
and were left in charge of Sgt. Ward he proved himself game that night. We next charged and took a trench with a lot of opposition following them up and bayoneting all the Turks that stopped to face us and stabbing every bush in case they were hiding in there. We next drove them out of a sap and cut three of their telephone wires We got strong opposition in the shape of machine gun when we got past this We drove them out of this and advanced further across flat country we could hear the Turks getting their guns away but they were too fast for us and knew the country well Anyway we got to our position and dug ourselves in before daylight expecting counter attack but no Turks came The British and Gurkas and Sikhs advanced up towards 971 and were meeting with strong opposition. The Turks were bringing their reinforcements up in thousands and as soon as they got to top of hill The warships started into them. My God it was awful to see them getting killed where there were hundreds of men when the smoke cleared up you could not see a living soul. We are fairly secure with our position and are consolidating all the time
(Sunday 8th)
Heavy fighting on 971 Turks are making a desperate stand Can see from here the British advancing there a lot of wounded coming down from hill
(Monday 9th)
Still fighting for 971 every thing is going favourable for us The warships caught another lot of reinforcements and played havoc with them We have lost a lot of men but goodness knows what the Turks have lost we captured a good many prisoners
(Tuesday 10th)
Watching the fighting on hill with pair of glasses Our troops have reached the top on right of hill 3 pm Turks were seen in front of our trenches coming towards us we opened fire on them some of them came over with bushes on their heads cant make out what they were doing as the made no attempt to take our trenches We lost a few men including Jim McLeod who was just made a Leutenant a few days before Angus McNiel one of my mates was shot dead
(Wednesday 11th)
Very quiet this morning Turks running about in bushes in front of our [indecipherable] make fine Targets

[Page 31]
(Thursday 12th)
Went to Anzac beach for water as water supply is very short up here Tommies took farm house this afternoon relieving trenches at 7 pm
(Friday 13th)
Very quiet night Turks are entrenched in front of us about 250 yards range will be relieved at 7 (pm) went on water fatigue at 8 (pm) and did not get back to camp till 1 (am)
(Saturday 14th)
Turks send over a lot of shells wrote letter to Kitty and card to Mum go into trenches at 7(pm) Patrol went out in charge of Capn Howden at 8 pm and returned at 10 pm
(Sundy 15th)
Quiet night got some good targets this morning on our left They are digging a machine gun trench or for big guns any way we made them knock off getting relieved at 7 (pm)
Have dysentry from drinking the water from the wells we dug here Went on sick parade and got a No 9 received a letter from Kitty Relieving trenches at 7 pm Had first watch very quiet tonight
(Tuesday 17th)
Still bad with dysentry nothing doing this morning Two German Aeroplanes flew over this afternoon and dropped bombs and d?? doing no damage getting relieved from trenches at 7 pm
(Wednesday 18th)
Feeling better this morning very warm and the flies are very bad relieved trenches at 9 (pm) We are sapping a new firing line on spur that runs out in front of trenches we will be on this till morning Have to keep a good look out as the Turks can creep up the sides without us seeing them.
(Thursday 19th)
A little rain this morning relieved from sapping at 7 (am) after having no sleep Wrote letter to Kitty and card to Mum Relieved at 7 (pm)
(Friday 20th)
I believe two that two battalions of the fifth Brigade landed at Anzac last night we are going to advance to trenches in front of ours to morrow relieved trenches at 7 pm
(Saturday 21st)
Very quiet this morning BCD company are charging this afternoon A company 40 men are going out to clear snipers out of gully in front Advanced at 4.30 pm and drove turks from the [Indecipherable]

[Page 32]
(Saturday 21st continued)
A company went down gully and cleared all snipers out of gully Returned to camp at 6 (pm) and went in firing line at 9 (pm)
(Sunday 22nd)
Still holding position we took yesterday I feel tired a weary We lost a good few men Brought rations over to new firing line and had to go for our lines as the snipers got busy
(Monday 23rd)
Still holding Herring’s post and we are holding Tilney’s post very thinly lined Our battalion amounts 326 men I have a sore hand through getting scratched with holly leaves and prickly bushes
(Tuesday 24th)
Relieved from firing line at 9 (am) by a company of the 17th Battalion They are very eager for a scrap they will get plenty of it before they are here very long had a little rain very quiet night
(Wednesday 25th)
Went into firing line with the 17th to instruct them into the ways of trench warfare They are a very raw lot and take a lot of teaching. Some of them we could not get to keep watch at all
(Thursday 26th)
Had a very quiet night relieved from trenches at 7 (am) Have septic hands and they are very sore going to turn in early
(Friday 27th)
We have a glorious morning We were fallen in and told that we are going to take part in a charge 75 men of A company and that we have to take Turks trenches in front of Herring’s post it starts at 4.30 pm The bombardment starts at 2 pm there are 100 from 13th 100 from 14th and 100 from the 17th Battalions 300 men altogether so we ought to make things a bit warm The bombardment has started and they are playing the devil with our big shells. We are starting for Herring’s post now. The charge is all over and we did not succeed in getting trenches New Zealanders on our left took two lines We lost officers before they were more than 5 yards in front of trenches Anyhow we had to retire and out of the 300 we have 35 men left We are going back to rest in Australia gully A company has about 40 men left.
(Saturday 28th)
Quiet this morning everybody fagged and tired out after yesterdays work another big mistake on somebodies part
(Sunday 29th)
Very quiet this morning We have some stores coming up to

[Page 33]
(Sunday 29th continued)
divided up with all hands there are not many left There are only 40 men left in A company
(Monday 30th)
We got stores for A company and divided them into four parts I got a tin of sausages, 5 tins of paste 2 packets of Lemondade powders cigar cigarettes tobacco soap biscuits we are relieving trenches at 4 pm.
(Tuesday 31st)
We are being relieved to go to a new position on right. The 5th Essex territorials relieved us at 2 pm We are moving off at 7 pm. Got about half way and bivouaced for the night.
(Wednesday 1st September)
There were lots of stray bullets flying over all night don’t know what time we are moving off. Got orders to move off at 3 pm. Started climbing hills got to destination at 7 pm went on water fatigue till 11 pm we relieved The Staffords
(Thursday 2nd)
Relieved Tommies from trenches. The Turks are 700 yards off us here The Trenches are very shallow and will need to be deepened They are a perfect disgrace as these Staffords have been here a month it’s a wonder that they were not all killed The flies are awful here and the place is in a very filthy state They are a dirty lot Australians for me every time
(Friday 3rd)
The 7 Essex territorials came here this morning will we ever get rid of these Tommies they are an eyesore to us The Turks sent a lot of shrapnel over New Zealanders camp relieving B and D company at 4 pm in trenches.
(Saturday 4th)
We are down in valley and the Turks are on the hill Wrote letters to Kitty Mum and Shiela Have a crook headache
(Sunday 5th)
Very warm am not feeling well get relieved at 4 pm This position is very quiet we hardly ever hear a bullet going over
(Monday 6th)
Went to doctor this morning as I am feeling bad marked on no duty Have not eaten a thing to day. Tried to get to sleep but flies wont let me go am feeling better to night

[Page 34]
(Tuesday 7th)
Feel better this morning relieving trenches at 4 pm. Am in support trenches for 24 hours things very quiet
(Wednesday 8th)
A very warm day with the usual amount of flies going into firing line at 4 pm A big patrol went out at 8 pm and returned at 10 pm We have tommies mixed up with us for instructions They need a lot
(Friday 10th)
Had a feed of Ham and eggs for breakfast looks like rain. Went on fatigue at 4 pm and came home at 8 pm The evenings are getting very cold need another blanket.
(Saturday 11th)
Very windy to day a blessing as it keeps the flies down. Relieving trenches at 4 pm Went into supports I believe we are getting relieved shortly.
(Sunday 12th)
Very quiet to day burned my knee with boiling fat and had to get it bandaged The 25 batalion came here to day and came into trenches with us for instructions
(Monday 13th)
Rained this morning I think we are leaving here tonight Left Durants post at 4 pm and proceeded to beach Arrived aboard of SS Abassich at 1 am
(Tuesday 14th)
Left Anzac at 3 am and arrived at Lemnos at 8 am The steering gear carried away and had to anchor in out side harbour Hove up and got inside at 2 pm Left the Abassich at 3 pm and landed at wharf Had to march 4 miles to where we were to camp there are not enough tents for all so will have to sleep outside 1st and 2nd brigade are here also. It looks like rain
(Wednesday 15th)
It rained all night and am wet through rain finished at daylight went on fatigue. We got a bottle of

[Page 35]
(Wednesday 15th continued)
Stout for tea and eggs looks like they are going to build us up again. Went over to have a look at one of the villages and bought some groceries and fruit
(Thursday 16th)
Very cold this morning rained very heavy during night I camped on side of hill. The battalion are camped on flat and it is just like a big lake this morning going to be another cold night but no rain as the sky is very clear
(Friday 17th)
Woke up too late for breakfast and had to cook my own it is very windy to day but fine There are a lot of men been taken away sick since we came here There are plenty of grapes and tomatoes.
(Saturday 18th)
A fine morning received parcel from Lady Hamilton’s Dardenelles fund and a pair of slippers and drawers and singlet came in very handy Wrote letter to Kitty and Mum one also to Rene
(Sunday 19th)
Went to church received four letters from Kitty and one from Mum We get stout or beer regular every night
(Monday 20th)
Received two more letters from Kate and one each from Lex and Bob he told me he has enlisted carrying water for cooks from well over at monastry
(Tuesday 21st)
Fine day inspection by General Godley He told us that we would be going back to peninsula shortly, went over to village this afternoon had a game of cards and turned in
(Wednesday 22nd)
Fine weather nothing interesting happening to day done 3 hours drill this morning we drill from 9 am till 12 noon and then have afternoon for our selves
(Thursday 23rd)
Went to Thelma after drill and had a good wash in the hot springs it is six miles from our camp went over on a donkey and had to walk back
(Friday 24th)
Fine day usual drill went over to watch [indecipherable]

[Page 36]
(Friday 24th continued)
afternoon it is one of the large villages nothing of any importance there we got a lot of tomatoes on our return Had tea in Sarpi a village near camp had tinned lobster and tea flavoured with cloves got back tired out and went to bed early
(Saturday 25th)
Usual drill and card playing wrote letter to Kitty am going to bed early (Sunday 26th)
Went to church and spent rest of day in playing cards and reading played casino and went to bed
(Monday 27th)
Fine weather very warm usual drill (Tuesday 28th)
Usual drill and spent the afternoon as usual playing cards and reading (Wednesday 29th)
Went for a route march of 5 miles to some village halted for dinner and returned to camp we are all tired out and are going to bed early
(Thursday 30th)
Drill as usual done some sewing this afternoon and went on picket to village opposite and came home at 9 pm
(Friday 1st October)
drill this morning and afternoon off am not feeling well turned in early (Saturday 2nd)
Usual drill nothing of any importance happening (Sunday 3rd)
Went to church wrote letters to Kitty and Mum and cards to Nellie Lex Bob and Shiela turned in early
(Monday 4th)
Have to go on guard at 9.20 (am) received two letters from Kate and one from Nellie Will be relieved at 9 (am) tomorrow
(Thursday 5th)
Relieved at 9 (am) and rested till noon went out to drill afternoon till 4 pm went over to Sarpi after tea

[Page 37]
(Wednesday 6th)
Supposed to go on a route march but was cancelled Was inspected by General Godley comanding New Zealand and Australian division Done nothing this afternoon
(Thursday 7th)
Went on a route march and had a good swim the water is very shallow and can walk out over 200 yards with the water up to your knees returned at 4 pm went to bed early
(Friday 8th)
On Quarter master’s fatigue morning and done nothing this afternoon had the usual card games and then to bed
(Saturday 9th)
Early morning physical drill and morning exercises A team picked out of 13th Battalion beat 12 Headquarter details at foot ball 5 to nil
(Sunday 10th)
Went to church wrote letters to Kitty and one to Nellie received letter from Kitty went over to Sarpi this afternoon.
(Monday 11th)
Usual drill morning and afternoon went to bed early (Tuesday 12th)
Usual drill doing nothing this afternoon. On picket at at monastry from 6.20 to
8.30 got home at lights out.
(Wednesday 13th)
On fatigue down to supply depot done nothing this afternoon went to bed early
(Thursday 14th)
Usual physical drill and rifle and platoon drill morning and afternoon played cards after tea AME defeated 13th 15 to nil at football
Went on route march and practiced advance guard and outposts had dinner and practiced rearguard and flanking movements on our return went to bed early
(Saturday 16th)
Usual drill 14th Battalion had sports this afternoon all kinds of races 13 Battalion were invited shifted into larger marquee received 3 letters from Kitty went to concert over near New Zealand camp
(Sunday 17th)
Went to church wrote letter to Kitty raining to day 13th are playing headquarters cricket in the rain played cards and read most of day

[Page 38]
(Monday 18th)
Had dysentry all night went to the doctor and got a dose of castor oil and cloridene got marked light duties played cards and read most of the day turned in at lights out
(Tuesday 19th)
On quarter master’s fatigue carried wood and rations from depot no drill this afternoon played cards at night went to bed at lights out
(Wednesday 20th)
Went on picket at canteen on Monastry road at 9 (am) to stop men from stealing goods very cold and look like rain to day going of for night at 4 pm have to come back tomorrow morning Jack Mitchell came here today
(Thursday 21st)
Went on a 6 (am) and were relieved at 9 (am) by 3 men out of 14th Battalion No drill for us this morning Had a headache this afternoon and stayed in off parade 13th Batt band played to night turned in at lights out. 9.45 pm
(Friday 22nd)
Had no physical drill this morning going on route march at 9 (am) very cold and windy Practising advance guard and outposts on top of hills to the north of camp picked a lot of onions and had them for dinner started to rain and had to return to camp got pretty wet we have been issued with socks flannel and tunic but no pants and find it pretty cold about the knees got under the blankets very early as it is very draughty in the tent.
(Saturday 23rd)
Very cold again this morning the rain has cleared off we are going on morning parade. There is going to be a Brigade sports this afternoon. There are going to be all kinds of races and drill competitions 13th Battalion won the drilling competition Nurses were invited to dinner by officers concert and band to night Wrote letter to Kate and card to Mum
Went on fatigue at 7 am cold and raining 7th and 8th Reinforcements arrived last night General Godley inspected brigade this morning We will be going away soon.
(Monday 25th)
On physical drill before breakfast and usual drill forenoon Went over to Sarpi afternoon went to bed early
(Tuesday 26th)
Physical and extended order drill forenoon raining this afternoon Had kit inspection for shortages in way of equipment. Have a sore hand and am not going on parade went to bed early [Last two lines indecipherable.]

[Page 39]
(Wednesday 27th)
Went up to 4th A M C and had hot fermentation put on my hand. The rest of the Battalion are being inspected by General Munro The first and Second battalion went away this morning. Our 7th and 8th reinforcements are Isolated there being out breaks of measles and mumps [indecipherable] for pay to brigadier no pay here went to bed early
(Thursday 28th)
Am going to A M C for fermentation for my hand We are the Battalion for duty did nothing all day. Got paid one pound
(Friday 29th)
Went to the F A to get hand dressed at 10 am done no duty to day carried coat over to R E pier Went to bed early
(Saturday 30th)
Had hand dressed to day We have orders to get ready to leave at 3.30 am Turned in and had a good rest wrote letter to Kitty
(Sunday 31st)
Marched off at 8 am Reveille at 2 am, arrived over at pier at 8 (am) and embarked in lighters for SS Osmanich (AO) Band are coming with us Left Lemnos at 4 pm and arrived at Anzac 8 (pm) Very windy got orders that it was too rough to land, one man shot dead and two wounded on deck with stray bullets Turned in again Hand is very painful. I think it is poisoned again
(Monday 1st November)
Left Anzac a 4(am) and arrived and anchored at Imbros 6 (am) We are here till the sea calms. Went to doctor and had my hand lanced, very painful. Had a hot fermentation on this morning and one this evening. Mortars firing from here to peninsula. Got under way at 7 (pm) arrived at Anzac at 9(pm) got in lighters and landed at 11 pm Marched to the Death gully and camped for the night
(Tuesday 2nd)
Very cool during night Turks firing at aeroplanes. Turks landed a lot of shells in bivouacs no one injured Got orders to take up winter quarters on Cheshire ridge (8 am) to morrow. Went to bed early
(Wednesday 3rd)
Left Death gully at 9(am) and relieved the 26th battalion on Cheshire ridge Got into a dugout with my two mates Boyle and Jobson Went on fatigue at 1 pm played cards before turning in nights are getting colder
(Thursday 4th)
We have cooks on now had breakfast at 8 (am) fell in for inspection by our new captain. There are still lots of flies here I am a permanent orderly Boyle and Jobson went out to put up barb wire at 4 pm Turks blew Tunnel [indecipherable]

[Page 40]
(Thursday 4th continued)
and charged our trenches but were repulsed again dont know what casualties Boyle and Jobson returned at 10 pm
(Friday 5th)
Have not heard the full account of Quinn’s post yet very warm to day. The Turks are very quiet hardly any firing at all Two men of B company were killed by a sniper. They were just alongside of their cookhouse. Had game of cards and turned in
(Saturday 6th)
It was all a rumour about Quinn’s Post The account I got was that the Turks charged four times the trenches held by the Light horse on the extreme right and were repulsed Turks are shelling hill opposite our bivouac Wrote letter to Kitty Went into support trenches at 2 pm Received letter from Mum Went to bed early
(Sunday 7th)
Still in Supports a fine day did not get any letters from Kitty this mail. Very quiet day Went into firing line at 5 (pm) We have to keep a sharp look out as we are expecting an attack from the Turks. The aeroplanes reported their massing on the other side of hill 941 so we are on our guard took watches 1 on and 2 off.
(Monday 8th)
Still on firing line doing a bit of sniping. Turks fired 15 shots at sailing ship anchored off Anzac and failed to hit her once Received three letters from Kitty. Our heavy howitzers shelling Turk trenches and barb wire entanglements saw one Turk blown up in the air We get relieved at 5 pm and go into supports for 24 hours. Turned in early.
Relieved from supports at 9 (am) and cleaned out our dug out. Warship bombarding on the right. Turks came and pinched our barb wire in front of trenches last night.
(Wednesday 10th)
Stood to arms at 5.30 (am) Turks playing machine gun across the flat near the beach as the men ran across it. Looks like rain. Wrote letters to Kate Mum Nell and Lex had a few drops of rain. Turks have six guns and shells are passing over all the afternoon They set fire to hospital but did no other damage. Went to sleep early.
(Thursday 11th)
Very windy this morning Had an interesting book to finish last night and kept the lamp burning the consequences were Boyle woke up this morning with his mouth and nostrils full of black from the smoke Went to bed early
(Friday 12th)
Stood to arms 5.30 (am) Relieved firing line 9 (am) Very quiet all day It is very cold tonight and the fleas are something awful as they wont let us go to sleep Made Tea for firing line at 11.30 pm

[Page 41]
(Saturday 13th)
Had no sleep all night. Came out of firing line and went into support at 6.30 am It is going to rain again Turks sending a good few High explosive shells over but not doing any damage
(Sunday 14th)
Very windy and dusty getting very cold we are still in supports Relieved firing line 5 (pm) very cold and looks like rain
(Monday 15th)
Rained a little this morning Relieved from firing line at 9(am) and had a good rest in own dug out. Our fellows blew up a Turkish trench on our left Raining to night Received letter from Kate and one from Rose
(Tuesday 16th)
Finer to day. Turks bombarded gully at our rear but did no damage Boyle went on patrol to night raining pretty heavy dug out starting to leak
(Wednesday 17th)
Very windy and the dust is something terrible. The sea is very rough and they cannot land anything. Turks very quiet. We go into trenches to morrow. Jobson came back from hospital and is again in our dug out. Rained very heavy to night and got wet
(Thursday 18 th)
Fine again this morning. One of my platoon a Russian called Jeffes was shot dead outside of our dugout he got shot through the head. Relieved the Firing
line at 9(am) Turkish aeroplane came over this afternoon Our shells got near him and he cleared out. Took usual watches in Trenches
(Friday 19th)
Very cold before the sun gets up got relieved from firing line at 9(am) and went into supports, got Relieved from supports at 4 pm am not feeling well
(Saturday 20th)
Fine morning going into supports at 4 pm very cold night (Sunday 21st)
Very cold and cloudy to day still in supports we relieved firing line at 4 pm (Monday 22nd)
Cold morning relieved from firing line at 4 pm and went to dug outs (Tuesday 28th)
Went to see doctor at 9,20 and was sent to hospital arrived at hospital 11 am and admitted dont like this life at all
(Wednesday 24th)
Still in hospital am not feeling too well The A M C men are very good and do anything you ask them
(Thursday 25th)
Still in hospital [indecipherable]

[Page 42]
(Friday 26th)
Am feeling a lot better this morning It is very cold and raining tonight the Fort got blown in one end.
(Saturday 27th)
Seen doctor this morning and asked me how I was feeling. I told him that I was better and asked him for discharge, got back to Battalion and reported at (10.20) am It is very cold to day We had snow to night and is still snowing
(Sunday 28th)
Still snowing and every thing is white and looks very pretty It started to freeze and the ground is very hard and slippry. Did not get out of dugout much only for meals
(Monday 29th)
Very cold this morning We are deepening our dugout and are digging in under bank finished and got roof on again. It is a lot warmer and more comfortable. Went to bed early
Wrote letter to Kate Nellie and card to Mum Had to escort Williams up before Major Herring for trial, he was dismissed. Relieved firing line at 4 (pm) and went into the Delta tunnel listening post spent a very cold night
(Wednesday 1st December)
Came out of Delta Tunnel a 7 am as they use it as a snipers post in daytime and went into supports The sun is out and we are having a very warm and pleasant day. They are taking a lot of men away with frost bite and frozen feet There are 4 hospital ships here and there is one continual stream of boats going off to them
(Thursday 2nd)
Still in supports Very cold last night has all the prospects of a fine day Had a fine day relieved from supports at 4(pm) Had a few games of cards and turned in.
(Friday 3rd)
Went to Wilsons pier on fatigue and had to come home again as we could not get what we went for. Drizzle and rain saps and roads are full of mud and makes walking very heavy. Relieved firing line at 4(pm) Captured 43 Turks in front of lines very warm night Turks shelled hospital and killed 17 and wounded a lot.
(Saturday 4th)
Still in firing line very quiet all along the line Fine day but cloudy. Warships bombarded Achibaba very heavy Relieved from firing line at 4 pm and went into supports for night

(Sunday 5th)
In supports. Turks shelled heavily but did no damage. Went into trenches [Page 43]
(Sunday 5th continued)
to do some digging and finished job at 3 (pm), relieved from supports at 4 pm Received letter from Mum. Turned in early
(Monday 6th)
Had Oatmeal and bacon together this is going to be our regular rations Hope so as it is a bit better than what we have been getting. Very warm to day just like spring. Relieved Firing line at 4 pm Went into A 1 Post
(Tuesday 7th)
Came out of firing line and went into supports for 24 hours received two letters from Kitty Had game of cards and turned in.
(Wednesday 8th)
Wrote letters to Kate and Mother Warm to day got relieved from supports at 4 (pm) had usual game of cards very quiet all along the line. Turned in early
(Thursday 9th)
Received goods from canteen a present from our captain. Went on fatigue to Hotchkiss gully fixing up winter road for mules to come up in the Winter Relieved firing line at 4 pm and went into A 1 post Had 2 till 4 (am) watch two of our company got wounded in supports from stray bullets from the Right of Position
(Friday 10th)
Came out of firing line to supports at 7 (am) Heavy bombardment by warships on right. Observation balloon ship arrived to day looks like something doing over at Salva Bay. We are getting a lot more and better food lately.
(Saturday 11th)
Still in supports very nice day relieved from supports at 4 pm and went to dugout played cards and read till got tired
(Sunday 12th)
Went on fatigue digging Chaplains dugout squared it off by dinner time and finished till 4 pm Relieved firing line at 4 pm went into B1 post warm night and very quiet.
(Monday 13th)
Still in B 1 post, windy and very cloudy to day looks like rain relieved from trenches at 4 pm. Turned in early. Went on Snipers strength
(Tuesday 14th)
Went in Delta tunnel post at 8 30 pm Mason is my mate Things very quiet Firing at loop holes and sand bags came out at 4 pm
(Wednesday 15th)
Went into Delta Tunnel 8 30 Shot one Turk at 500 yards The do not sh?

[Page 44]
(Wednesday 15th continued)
themselves much came out of Delta tunnel at 4 pm
(Thursday 16th)
In delta Tunnel had a lot of shots at skyline at periscopes and at all the loop holes in trenches in front of our post Got orders that I was one of the men picked to leave last when we evacuate the peninsula. Came out of Tunnel at 4 pm and had a good nights sleep
(Friday 17th)
Went into snipers post at 8 30 (am) and had shots at Turks looking through their loop holes Hotchkiss gun got on to one of their loop holes and destroyed it came out at 4 pm Played cards and turned in
(Saturday 18th)
I have a day off. Some of our battallion are leaving to night got orders to fall in at 4 pm for our orders. Went and relieved 14th Battalion They are all leaving to night slept in their supports 30 men of each company left at 8 pm and all 14th Batt left also.
(Sunday 19th)
We are to go in trenches at 4 (pm) The rest of 13th Batt are leaving at 5 (pm) and 10 pm. We relieved the trenches at 4 pm. Had charge of patrol of 4 men and worked up the ravine between our lines and Turks. Saw Turks putting up barb wire and digging new trenches layed down and watched the for an hour and a half then returned one of the men got caught in the barb wire in front of 16th Batt lines got him out just in time as it was very moonlight we got under cover just as machine guns from Turks started to play got into our own lines at 8 pm. Time passes very slow there are only 30 men holding the line it is midnight now and will start on another day
(Monday 20th)
We have another hour and three quarters to wait before we go left our post at 1.43 am reported at headquarters at 1.55 am and started[?] to retire we were rearguard in case the Turks came got down to beach and on lighters at 3(am) and transhipped on board of Prince A[?] left at 4 am They set fire to all the stores on Suvla Bay and it was one of the grandest sight we ever saw. We never lost a man and it was carried out very well. The blew up 3 howitzer guns Left at 4 30 and arrived in Lemnos at 9 (am) Transhipped on board of TS Elloby and waited to be taken off got into barges at 4 pm and landed at East Madras We were met there by our band and marched to our camp We were me by a scotch pipe band half way we had a great reception by new Zealanders and the rest of the 4th brigade who cheered us all along the line I was very proud of myself At the [indecipherable] base The Brigadier general

[Page 45]
(Monday 20th continued)
Monash gave us a speech and told us that we had kept up the good name of the Battalion and the brigade and amid cheering and the band playing we were dismissed. Received 3 letters from Kate the photos were very nice Am feeling tired and am going to have a good sleep
(Tuesday 21st)
Woke early and am not feeling well. It is raining very heavy all day Had muster parade and dismissed Went over to East Mudros village. It is rather a large village There are a lot of French troops camped there Came back to camp early and turned in
(Wednesday 22nd)
Had a Kit inspection parade before dinner and went for Route march to another village and back. Nothing of any importance happened to day
Reveille at 7 (am) breakfast at 8 (am) first parade 9.20 till 11.20 am Went for Route march before dinner received letter from Lex and Leo. Had company drill afternoon, played cards and turned in
(Friday 24th)
Christmas eve. No parade to day rained this morning. Football and sports for afternoon. Received Christmas billy from young lady in South Australia Miss G. Weller 112 Edward St Norwood Sth Choclates and a lot of other little things in it Concert in the evening Went to bed early
(Saturday 25th)
Christmas day. A very quiet one. Battalion for duty. Went to church Brigadier told us we are going to Egypt. Got payed. A German Taube flew over camp and dropped bomb on beach doing no damage Went on fatigue to Egyptian pier to unload transport waggons Nice and warm to day. Having sports. We have to stand by when when wanted New Zealand troops left this morning for Egypt I am tranferring from No 4 platoon to No 3 platoon tomorrow Had Pudding for dinner
(Sunday 26th)
Went to church have to stand bye to be ready to leave. 14th Battalion left this morning. We cannot leave the lines
(Monday 27th)
Morning parade and evening parade no orders to day. Went to bed early. (Tuesday 28th)
No orders yet Still doing usual parade. Went to bed early.

[Page 46]
(Wednesday 29th)
Company for duty. Detailed for water guard, got orders to be ready to move off at 2.30(pm) Battalion massed and marched of at 8 (pm) embarked from Egyptian pier to Troopship Tunisian she is one of the Allan line and is a fine ship Am feeling tired am going to turn in early
(Thursday 30th)
Detailed off for Warrant officers mess. Have lots of good food to eat and a good job. Shifted out to outer harbour to be ready to sail at 4 (am) Machine guns mounted on focastle head and Stern. Was on duty till 11 pm. Escort ahead.
(Friday 31st)
New Years eve. Went on at 6 (am) Ship left at 4 (am) life belt and alarm - parade at 10 (am) Turned ordley job up at dinnertime Had a dry New years eve. Played cards till midnight. Seen Old year out and went to bed.
New Years day. Not a very happy one French Torpedo boat circled around us and went on ahead There are all kinds of gambling games going on here Parade at life boats 10 (am) and inspection of life belts There are seven Generals on board. Sea is just like a sheet of glass. Chased by submarine Will arrive early tomorrow morning
(Sunday 2nd)
Arrived off Alexandria a 5 am and entered harbour a 7 am. Shall have to go on guard at 9 (am) We are leaving here for Ismalia at 6 pm by train. Had misfortune to miss train and could not get another till tomorrow slept aboard ship
(Monday 3rd)
Got up early and shaved. Reported to Embarkation officers at 10 am. Was sent to report to Main guard could not find Main guard so stopped night at hotel Alexandria is a very nice city went to cinema show and returned to Hotel
(Tuesday 4th)
After a lot of running around found main guard at 10 am and reported was detained and awaited orders no orders came so will have to stop here Not very pleasant.

[Page 47]
(Wednesday 5th)
Nothing turned up this morning they are all Tommies here and dont care about them Got orders to go to Mustapha at 4 pm arrived at Mustapha at 6 pm and stopped there the night much more pleasant than Main Guard.
(Thursday 6th)
Went before Leut Isaccson and got orders to catch the 12 (noon) train for Benha caught train at 12 and arrived at Benha at 2(pm) Will have to wait for another train 3 hours Had a look around Benha very nice town caught train at 5.10(pm) and went as far as Zagizig arriving at Zagizig at 6.3(pm) caught train for Ismalia at 7.40 (pm) arrived at Te.EI.Ka.Bah. at 9.30 (pm)and had a long wait there this is the place where the Arabs broke through the British square 1899 finally we arrived at Ismalia 12 midnight Our camp is just alongside of Station found Tent and turned in.
(Friday 7th)
Reported to Sgt Major and had breakfast. Went on parade at 9.20 and came home at noon. The sand is very heavy to march on and soon tires one out. Went on parade 2.30 pm and came in to camp at 4 pm. Turned in early.
(Saturday 8th)
Well I will have to go up before the Colonel this morning Went before him and told him why I was left behind the excuse was no good as there were a lot away so got 14 days 2nd field punishment, will have to answer defaulters call. The keep up calling every half hour 3 letters and parcel from Nell
(Sunday 9th)
Went to church. Still answering defaulters call and am sick of it I reckon I did not get fair deal in my trial last call at 8 (pm) so can turn in now received 10 letters
(Monday 10th)
On guard and first call at 7.30 (am) Will answer no more to day as I am on duty Rest of Battalion on other duties It is very warm to day
(Tuesday 11th)
Relieved from guard at 9 (am) dismissed for forenoon. Went in to town Ismalia is a very pretty place with wide streets and they are very clean There are some very nice parks and a River running through it The ? population are mostly Italian [indecipherable]

[Second Page 47]
(Wednesday 12th)
Got up at Ravelie We are going to a parade ground about two miles in the desert the ground here is hard and not bad to drill on stopped out till 2.30 (pm) There is Spinal menigitis cases in camp We have to take gargles twice a day Went for silent night march across desert returned at 8.30 (pm) Am feeling pretty tired
(Thursday 13th)
Revalie at 6.30(am) Gargle parade at 7 (am) Breakfast at 8(am) Batt moved off to parade ground and went through different parades left parade ground at 4(pm) and returned through Town to camp. Had another gargle parade at 5 (pm) tea at 5.15(pm) Very windy and cold to night turned in early
(Friday 14th)
Gargle parade at 7 am. Battalion for duty to day [Indecipherable] going on fatigue at 10.30(am) Fell in and marched to Ishmalia railway station they did not want us there so we returned to camp. Very windy and the sand is very annoying as one’s eyes are always full up. Nothing to do this afternoon. Turned in early.
(Saturday 15th)
Not feeling well this morning went to doctor marked light duties bad cold on chest. Went for swim water very cold, wrote letter to Kitty came back to camp at 5(pm) Turned in early
(Sunday 16th)
Reveillie 6(am) Review and inspection by General Murray, General in charge of the Levant The whole division was there Returned to camp after a three mile march through the sand Went over to village in evening.
Took miday meal and stopped on parade ground till 4.30 pm and came in through the village. We do not get too much to eat here and have to buy most of our own food turned in early.
(Tuesday 18th)
Company for duty I am detailed off for camp picket keeping the niggers out of the lines. Shall be on this till 10 (pm) Dismissed at 10(pm) and turned in
(Wednesday 19th)
Left parade ground in front of Battalion lines and went out to usual parad ground in desert not doing any strenuous training as we are not settled down in camp and have got to move came in at 5 pm gargle parade and then tea

[Page 48]
(Thursday 20th)
Usual parade Bayonette fighting and usual training and skirmishing over sand came in at 3 pm Went on parade at 4.30 pm and had route march down to the canal along the hard metal road and through avenue of trees returning by way of Oasis, feeling very tired We got orders to be ready first thing in morning to shift to new camp.
(Friday 21st)
Revellie at 6(am) Breakfast 6.30(am) ready to move off at 7(am) Our platoon No 3 are going over to put up tents for the company they are going out to drill arrived over at new camp at 9.30 and got to work with tents The rest of the battalion arrived at 4 pm. Turned in early
(Saturday 22nd)
Had orders to go on ??ater guard, fell in at 9(am) and relieved old guard. There are three parts on this guard. We have two prisoners. I am in the second relief and No 1 post in front of guard tent turning cold to night
(Sunday 23rd)
Relieved from guard at 9 am Handed prisoners over to Brigade guard and were dismissed. Inspection by Brigadier Gen Monash of men and camps got payed £1 and got pass for town Had a look around Ishmalia and came home there is not much to see or do in this town
(Monday 25th) [24th]
My ear is giving me trouble and went to doctor got marked light duties have to go again to get it seen to It is aching something awful
(Tuesday 25th)
Went to doctor again this morning and got orders to get my gear and go into hospital. 9.15 am went over to 4 field ambulance and was forwarded down to Ishmalia. Into No 1 Australian Hospital. Had a good bath and change of clothes and got into good bed. The food is not too good here but the nurse in charge of E ward is very kind to us. Had hot fermentations applied to ear and it has started to discharge. It feels nice to be between the sheets again
(Wednesday 27th)
Doctor saw me again this morning Had more fermentations put on it is giving me jip. had a good dinner Had another ferment and Hot water bag to keep ferment hot
(Thursday 27th)
Got orders to get ready after breakfast and catch hospital train for Cairo. Taken down to station in motor ambulance and got into train Left Ishmalia at noon They are very kind to us in train and am eating and drinking tea all day. Gave us cigarrettes We will arrive at Cairo at ?

[Page 49]
(Thursday 27th continued)
Arrived at Cairo and were given tea and cakes by Red Cross society Were then taken to Gazehira Hospital. We had another hot bath and put to bed Leo’s Sister is here in this same place and will go and see her when I get a chance. This is a very fine building and makes a lovely hospital right on the banks of the Nile and overlooking Cairo There are a lot of patients in this ward and most of them have been under operations
(Friday 28th)
Was awakened at 5 (am) by an orderly with a panikin of tea for breakfast we had porridge and bread and butter and Tea. Reading till dinner time Good Roast beef and vegetables with custard and Rice The doctor has not been to see us yet and therefore cannot get out of bed. Anyhow I have a nice soft bed to lay in and plenty of attention
(Saturday 29th)
Saw doctor and had to get ear syringed and other treatments. Went out to balcony and it was nice and warm. Gets chilly towards evening Got a suit of light khaki for going around the grounds and a pair of tan shoes. This is a very fine building was built by Napoelian.
(Sunday 30th)
Saw doctor again this morning and have to go under another treatment Am expecting Bill and Bob over They have not come so far Went for a walk along the banks of Nile The Natives just outside the hospital are filthy getting all the slops and eating them Went for a walk around grounds Went to bed after tea.
(Monday 31st)
Had ear treatment it gives me great pain Went for walk to gardens and took book with me. They are very pretty and are alongside of Nile. There are all country people here and one can hear all languages spoken. They have some very pretty children and makes one homesick when I see them playing about.
Had ear treated again will be glad to get back to Battalion again I am missing my mail here Went for walk to gardens this morning and had a look at House boats they have some very fine ones here. Went for walk to gardens again My ear has been giving me pain again

[Page 50]
(Wednesday 2nd)
Still getting ear treated Saw Leo’s sister this morning she is a very nice girl She was very busy so did not have much time Went as usual to Gardens with book. Will see doctor in morning and try and get out The name of my ear trouble is Otitis Media
(Thursday 3rd)
Saw doctor this morning says the drum of ear still swollen and can not get out yet. Have to be examined again on Saturday 5th Went down to gardens again this afternoon Had a very pleasant time returned for tea Had phonograph going after tea
(Friday 4th)
Had ear attended to Went down to skating rink with friend came home for dinner and went to gardens after dinner with book A French lady gave us some cakes and wine which we greatly appreciated.
(Saturday 5th)
Seen doctor again this morning he says I am not well enough yet to leave have to see him again tomorrow morning Will be glad to get out Very dull to day and looks like rain. Did not go to garden. Went to bed early Wrote letter to Kitty
(Sunday 6th)
Still here and under different treatment They don’t seem to be able to fix it up properly Went over to grotto and had a good sun bath and wrote two letters one to Mum and to Leo ear paining me worse to night
(Monday 7th)
Had ear painted inside. The doctor says the stuff shall have to be [indecipherable] around my ear before he can see my ear drum properly. It has be paining me something cruel. Went to bed early
(Tuesday 8th)
Seen doctor this morning Had ear syringed have to see doctor tomorrow Wednesday Am feeling quite deaf. Went to gardens as usual Saw motor accident opposite golf links turned in early.
(Wednesday 9th)
Seen doctor and have to be seen again on Saturday Went for walk to gardens came home in time to get payed am getting home tomorrow went to bed early

(Thursday 10th)
Got leave granted from 1 pm till 5 pm Went over to Heliopolus to see Bob seen him and then went down to see Bill they are looking well Saw Billy also arrived back at hospital at 7 pm
(Friday 11th)
Bob came over to hospital at 11 o’clock We went out to Zoo and then went to pyramids [rest of sentence indecipherable].

[Page 51]
(Friday continued)
Introduced Bob to Sister Walsh. Two of my mates from 12th Batt are here [indecipherable] Jobson and ???am Got shifted into I ward.
(Saturday 12th)
Went to Skating rink and then went to the races. They were very nice and had a good time am not feeling well to day as my ears are giving me trouble again Had to get ear syringed this afternoon
(Sunday 13th)
Saw doctor this morning and he says that ear looks better. It dont feel better any how. Went to gardens this afternoon Bob came over with friend and we went for walk He left at 8.30
(Monday 14th)
Saw doctor this morning again I dont know when I am going to get out of this place as I am sick of hospitals Went down as far as skating rink with Jobson a mate in the 12th Batt.
(Tuesday 15th)
Saw doctor and am going to be discharged from here dont know yet where I am going to yet hope it is back to the regiment. Went for walk to aquarium this afternoon came back to tea The Nurse told me that I am going to No 3 Auxilliary hospital Helliopolis Am feeling well again
(Wednesday 16th)
Got orders to be ready to leave here at 9.45 (am) got into ambulance and arrived at No 3 Hospital at 10.30 (am) Am in Ward 21 This was formerly the sporting club but since the war the grounds have been used for hospital They are all Huts holding 50 beds each. They are very airy and comfortable The grounds are very nice Mostly all gum trees planted puts one in mind of home again No 1 General hospital is opposite It is a very large building and was formerly built for a gambling casino but were refused a licence am going down to see Bob tomorrow
(Thursday 17th)
Saw doctor of this ward and will have to go over to No 1 A G Hospital tomorrow to see ear specialist Jobson is over here too Him and I went down
to see Bob. He told me Cocky has gone to Tel.el.Kaba. Stopped there for a while and came back for tea
(Friday 18th)
Saw ear specialist at No 1 A.G.H. I asked him if I could get out of hospital Doctor refused to let me go. As my ear is too bad yet. He ordered some more treatment and have to see him again next Tuesday. Am not feeling to good today [indecipherable] is rather a rough customer here and is not very gentle with her [indecipherable] and we get plenty of good tucker [indecipherable]

Addresses 27 Feb 18 March
No 3459 Pte W.J. Baillie 8th Reinforcements 19th Batt A I F
No 1535
Driver R.C. Baillie 5th D.A.C.
5th AFA A I F
No 1452
Trooper W.O. McIntosh B troop C squadron 1 A L H Regiment Egypt
Mrs. J. Sclater Altyre Seamill West Kilbride
Chapou Hat Casqette Cap