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March & April 1916
30 Thursday
Fearfully hot. On Cooks Fatigue. Hospital tent being erected to receive 156 patients as result of the march. We are expected to move 9 miles out to Rail Head tomorrow but will most likely be delayed on account of patients.
31 Friday
Still hot. Digging rubbish pit. Swim in Canal. A road & railway line runs out for about 9 or 10 miles into the desert from Ferry Post. The 5th Division is now being concentrated here. Saw Day from Shadler St Mosman go past, also [sherring?]. On Guard at night Cigarettes issued
1 Saturday
Hot still. On Guard. Met Colin Smith. He is in hospital with our unit knocked up as a result of the march. Fun at Canteen when we pinched the glasses. Concert in the tent at night. Circus band camped next to us.
2 Sunday
Moved out 9 miles to Rail Head I was with the advance guard & went on an ambulance waggon the [?] but the camp in the desert. The rest marched in about 6 o'clock, slept out.
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April 1916
2 Monday
Very warm day Sorting A from B stores as we are going in two different directions. transport to remain at Rail Head also headquarters. Moved off from Rail Head at nearly 6pm and marched about 3 miles then we struck unmade road. Bivouaced for night.
4 Tuesday
Warm still 6 of us left behind as guard remainder moved off. We followed in afternoon. Camps of 31st & 32nd Batt. Huge water tanks
5 Wednesday
Hot Carpentering all day. Heard that when 31st &32nd Battalions arrived here the N.Z. gave them all their water. Re-arranging tents in camp to make it look neat.
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April 1916
6 Thursday
Hot. Nothing unusual happening In evening Bill Burdon set off on bike to Ferry Post. We went out to meet him. Night to be remembered.
7 Friday
Still Hot Stacking timber for engineers carpenters who are here to build new mess hut. Cases of Brandy pinched at Head Quarters
8 Saturday
Very Hot. Went with party of 10 to sort out contents of kit bags. Universal bags to be stored Went Ferry Post for swim. Traveled by Anzac Desert Railway. Saw French Aux Cruiser Letetia pass
9 Sunday
Church Parade in morning Nothing else doing that day
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April 1916
10 Monday
Colours given out Chocolate, oblong shaped, Worn on end Concert in the tent at night. Hot day. Building new Cook house, mess shed & Sergeants mess. Dysentry very bad in camp. Football match
11 Tuesday
Warmer still, Carpentering most of the day & Carrying stones from Road Head on Camel Camel Ride, pretty rough, especially when he sits down suddenly. Gave Gypo 1 piastre, borrowed his whip & went for a gallop.
12 Wednesday
Very Hot. Funeral of cheese Ours was chained up till after tea then given a funeral. Dust storm, hanging on to ropes for hours inside tent. Storm blowing with terrific force Camel Ride
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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