Allsop Diary

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Five diaries of W.J.A. Allsop that cover the period 1915-1917 were purchased by the Mitchell Library in 1920. In August 2012, Geraldine Walsh spoke to Allsop's son John, who shared this diary with the 'Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918' project.

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Page 6
Indexed

Page 6

January 1916

3 Monday

Stencilling in Q'M [Close?] [list crossed out] Heard that there was a bit of a fight at [Hockley's hollow] a few hours after we left never verified

4 Tuesday

Long march very sore after the last one. [crossed out] 29th left for the [crossed out] [front]. Launch sunk in Canal with ammunition, Rifles & kits aboard. Afternoon off for washing. Hard work washing clothes in cold water.

5 Wednesday

Off duty all day suffering from boil or abscess. Not sure what it is. Frightful sandstorm blowing. Bitterly cold. Fragments of news being posted up at Orderly room. Corp. Fallon won his case regarding Ismailia charges

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
Page 7
Indexed

Page 7

January 1916

6 Thursday

Sandstorm still going and weather very cold 7th engineers arrived. Met number of Mosman chaps including [Bill Bennett] & Jim Kernaghan

7 Friday

Still on light duties. Telephone attendant.

(Jupiter was apparently doing good work in the Baltic according to [?. Sy?])

8 Saturday

Stretcher drill & first aid on field. H.M.S Glory passed going Suez direction. H.M.S Jupiter also passed in Port Said direction Football match. Amusing to Victorian

9 Sunday

On guard. Big steamer Marwarri sailed down towards Suez

Last edit about 11 years ago by twofruits
Page 8
Complete

Page 8

January 1916

10 Monday

[crossed out section] Jack knives issued. Off duty

11 Tuesday

Digging trenches & dugouts Still suffering from boil

12 Wednesday

Light duties. Result of Boil Rumours that war would only last 60 days and that we will be back to Sydney under 6 mos. (Like all other tales) Preparation round Canal advancing rapidly

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
Page 9
Complete

Page 9

January 1916

13 Thursday

On guard all day & reading

14 Friday

Route march along Railway line short lecture in afternoon Fall in 7 pm. Finding wounded in the dark. Carried 2 12 Stone weights Stretcher drill Heard cable was received at home.

15 Saturday

Lecture on Morphia Inoculations and use of Iodine Afternoon off. Writing letters Beautiful day

16 Sunday

Church Parade. Very good. Chaplain Beveridge wishes us to drop his rank because he considers he isn't entitled to it. General Wilson came down Canal in motor launch. We were lined up on the bank. Train landed on opposite side of Canal. Hunting for curios of last fight

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
Page 10
Indexed

Page 10

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

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
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