Mosman 1914-1918

March 1916

27 Monday

Dinner at Kassassin scene of old battle Roused out at 4am. Started at 6am in heavy fog and marched to Mehsamah 16 miles. Numbers dropped out. 14th Brigade 5000, 15000 moving this week Slept out but got little sleep.

28 Tuesday

Up at 4 am and continued march at 6.30 bound for Moascar 21 miles. This was a most terrible day. Most of the going was over sand and the weather fearfully hot. Swim in pretty water hole when least expected. From then on it was a death struggle. Numbers dying & wailing for water. In trying to help the poor beggars by giving all our water and carrying their heavy bundles we were exhausted but finished with the few hundred out of 5000. New Zealanders fine display.

29 Wednesday

Another hot day. slept out in desert N.Z. brought us 4 dixies of tea last night and sent their waggons out all night with 8 horses bringing in the men. Horses had a frightful time yesterday. Continuing the rest of our journey NZ Battalions went out with water bottles. Prince of Wales came to see us. Marched through Ismailia to Ferry Post. Aeroplanes flying overhead. Swim in Canal Terribly hot day. Saw [Allworth?]

May 1916

25 Thursday

Exercise in use of Gas helmets Woolen bag with eye glasses in it & tube to breathe out. The method of inhaling fresh air is the gas coming through the chemical [prep] and being purified. It appears that there is yet another helmet due to us viz The smoke helmet

26 Friday

Kit inspection. Only allowed to take 2 pairs of socks. Numerous others [with] holes being thrown on fire. More gas helmet exercise. Issued with Bandages for pouch. Roy Wilshire put in bearers, inspection by Gen. Godley of whole division

27 Saturday

On Q.M. Fatigue. Met Cameron again. He is getting a star. Middlecoat in Eng. Packing up. My universal bag not overhauled. Blankets taken. Will have to sleep in clothes. No more mail to be [posted?]

28 Sunday

Up before 3am. Marched off very early Arrived Moascar like drowned rats G. Wootten on bridge as Capt. Had to pitch camp. We passed English soldiers on the way 1st Welsh, F. A. took our place