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 31
Indexed

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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.

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
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Complete

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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.

Last edit about 11 years ago by twofruits
Page 33
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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

Last edit about 11 years ago by twofruits
Page 34
Complete

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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

Last edit over 7 years ago by Lenore
Page 35
Indexed

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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

Last edit about 11 years ago by twofruits
Displaying pages 31 - 35 of 119 in total