Mosman 1914-1918

January 1916

17 Monday

Digging Dug-out. Xmas Comforts given out. I got flanel shirt. Mostly from Mosman people. Raft capsized in canal. 17 men aboard including chap who was in our tent tonight. One man drowned. Engineer made reference to some bonza graves over the other side which he hopes to handle. German Major will probably be [?]

18 Tuesday

Long Route March along fresh water creek to Bitter lakes then back along the Suez Canal retiring to camp after 1 pm. First Aid lecture Engineers rapidly constructing elaborate trenches on other side. General [Godley] carried out inspection of camp Monitor passed in Suez direction. Hospital ship & big P&O. India liner.

19 Wednesday

Stretcher drill & lecture on application of bandages. Kitchener's Vultures of Heliopolis a few at Serapeum. News that on Monday we move to Ismailia

Beautiful morning. Long route march to the Bitter Lake. In some places the other side isn't visible. Quite shallow except for the channel. Scenery rather pretty at Canal entrance. Salt thickness over the sand. Had a swim. Lect. on Geneva Conv. of 1864 & 1906. Britain first to sign. Field Amb the most imp. medical unit an army can possess. Capt Wooster referred to instances of Aust. Red Cros abuse at Dardanelles. Good tea Rice & 7 ozs tea bread & strawberry jam. "Borda" passed homewards.

11 Friday

Morning signalling. Afternoon Squad drill by [Bacseich] Corporals. Naval Bridging train arrived. Timber arriving in huge trainloads. Two trains awaiting unloading at siding Surprise at night Bill Lang called bringing Beech from Brighton Guthrie of B.G.S. in Aust C. Dozens of old friends over the Canal & all round us. Still catching live stock one chap caught 15 fleas in his pyjamas. Raid on gamblers

12 Saturday

Carrying patients on horseback. Squad drill (monotonous game). Lovely day. Heard yarn about the 50 lb shell at Gallipoli. "Afric" bound homewards 4th F. Art. Supply column arrived Reading letters & papers from home. These came in the "Arabia" mail

13 Sunday

Monitors Scarab, Aphis. bound in Suez direction. Kyarra & Medic loaded with troops going Port Said direction "Athos" big Indian P&O. & Osterley homewards