Mosman 1914-1918

Feb. & March 1916

28 Monday

Beautiful Day Morning Squad Drill. Meeting of officers to start sports. Strolled about the [camp] at night

29 Tuesday

Beautiful Day. Long route march across the old battlefield for about 5 or 6 miles. Came back like a drowned rat. Ground hard after Serapeum. Afternoon signalling. Concert at Y.M.C.A in evening Typhoid fever Water all boiled

1 Wednesday

Very warm. Stretcher drill in morning. Heavy work & made us too tired to do anything in afternoon. Luckily enough we weren't asked to. Pay day. List of leave to Cairo Stiff luck again. I am second last go in 6 weeks time. Instruction about respecting graves.

April 1916

13 Thursday

Hot to Mid-day, Then came a renewal of the dust storm. Something frightful. Cannot leave tent. Other tents blowing down. According to Egyptian mail this kind of wind is called Kamsein meaning 50, that is to say, it may last up to 50 days March, April & May are the worst months.

14 Friday

Assisting Carpenters all day. 60th Batt. Infantry arrived also more mail. Towards mid-day a heavy down pour of rain came

15 Saturday

Nice mild day. Engineers not coming this morning so I have charge of the job. We put the roof on. News of fight off Serapeum by 8th & 9th A.LH capturing 130 turks & 1 German officer. Cigarettes issued

16 Sunday

Went to Church Parade. Washing day & general cleaning up etc. writing letters. Nice bright day Money changers in Cairo

April 1916

24 Monday

Hot. Carpentering & Lecture in morn. Enemy aeroplane flew over the other day dropping bombs not far from us. At Serapeum a few were killed.

25 Tuesday

Anzac Day. Carried patient appendicitis to Road Head. A.M.C. comforts given out Biscuits Pineapples, Lollies, Sauce, 2 Parcels from home. Sports. Banquet & Concert. An unqualified success

26 Wednesday

Hottest day since we arrived here. Put door on Cook house. Lecture. Too hot to do anything in afternoon