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Page 46
May 1916
22 Monday
Cool. Big Div day. Roused out 2am. Went as advance guard with 8th Brigade "A" sect only. Aeroplanes flying overhead Whole Div moved into battle order. Brassards on our arms. No tunics on. Badly beaten on Pack Drill for not turning out early.
23 Tuesday
On Piquet. Infantry packs, belts & webbing equipment issued. Lucky to get new set.
24 Wednesday
Printing photos most of the day. Otherwise nothing doing. Aeroplanes still moving about all day. These machines are the ones that having been annoying the Turks lately.
Page 47
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
Page 48
May 1916
29 Monday
Another march with packs. Expecting to move for Alex in a few day preparatory to embarking. All Cameras to go home, none to reach France. All boots to be laced up in one way. Guy [Turner?] in Corps
30 Tuesday
Given out in orders that the 8th Field Amb. marched well on the 28th Saw graves of victims of the big march near by. Other graves further away. Good proof of previous rumours
31 Wednesday
Route march with packs up through Nefische. Arabs following. Swimming parade in evening to lake, 15th Brigade came across. Letter writing temp received
Page 49
June 1916
1 Thursday
Route march with packs up through [Nefische?]. Kit Bags emptied Only to carry heavy uniform. Blanket & weatherproof also to be carried. French matters referred to in list of advice. Tommie visited us Gave them 4 bags socks
2 Friday
On Picquet. Hand, Foot & S A parade. These are held 48 hours before leaving Egypt so we hope to be going on Monday Sing long at night. Circulars handed round camp Birdwoods message Kitcheners message.
3 Saturday
Windy. Squad drill in morning. Our tent taken. Waggons packed prep to leaving Now quartered in mess hut. Concert at YMCA.
4 Sunday Doing nothing all day. Everything is ready to leave on Wednesday Writing letters.
Page 50
5 June 1916
Monday
On Fatigue work all day Taking patients across to the Tommies Stat. Hospital Prep. for tomorrow's inspection Cleaning harness & oiling waggons to late at night.
6 June 1916
Tuesday
On Cooks fatigue. Inspection by Gen. McKay in morning. He says our turnout was the best he had seen in Egypt. Doing nothing in Afternoon. Rumour that we are not going tomorrow Canteen riots
7 June 1916
Wednesday
March with packs up. Notice given out that mails are open again till further notice. Lecture by Capt. Lind about entraining, embarking etc. & duties on board ship. He says we wont be going for perhaps 7 or 8 days. Gas helmet practise Service at YMCA in evening.