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Page 36
April 1916
17 Monday
Beautiful Day. Swimming parade which we converted to Ismailia trip. Rode in on Amb waggons which were being returned to Ord. Face to face with Prince when stepping off punt. He was with Gen. Murray, holding a thermos flask. Good look round Ismailia including native quarter. Bought set of post card views. Met [Spoggie?] Cameron W.O. 5th Div A.S.C. missed train. Rode home to crossroads on limbers then from these to our camp on LH. horses bareback. Thrown off. Saw Prince on camel.
18 Tuesday
Water fatigue. Fine Day
19 Wednesday
Lovely Day Making sand-bag pit in morning. Route march in afternoon. Playing draughts at night. Shortages of uniform to be made good immediately on account of our prospective early departure for France
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April 1916
20 Thursday
Very Warm Mail Day, Carpentering at mess sheds. Wrote few letters and played cards. Peaches & cream before going to bed
21 Friday
Glorious day. Parades cancelled except church. Names taken for dentist. Reading. Mails delivered. Colonel gave opinion that we would be going to Eng with 8th Brigade
22 Saturday
Warm. On Cooks fatigue Writing letters. Route march for others. Playing draughts & reading.
23 Sunday
Fairly hot. No Church Parade Sports meeting for Anzac Day More mail
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April 1916
24 Monday
Hot. Carpentering & Lecture in morn. Enemy aeroplane flew over the other day dropping bombs not far from us. At Serapeum a few were killed.
25 Tuesday
Anzac Day. Carried patient appendicitis to Road Head. A.M.C. comforts given out Biscuits Pineapples, Lollies, Sauce, 2 Parcels from home. Sports. Banquet & Concert. An unqualified success
26 Wednesday
Hottest day since we arrived here. Put door on Cook house. Lecture. Too hot to do anything in afternoon
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April 1916
27 Thursday
Visited Dentists at Rail Head. Broke filling off as soon as I came out. Very warm day. Foot inspection in afternoon then dismissed
28 Friday
Weather beautiful. On water fatigue. Camel ill so had to carry the water. Joke we returned on Corp Brady about water for Q.M. Mail arrived at night
29 Saturday
Hot. Carpentering in morning Lecture on Billets in France. Rumors that we leave on 9th May Carpentering in afternoon
30 Sunday
Lovely morning. Church Parade.
Page 40
May 1916
1 Monday
Fine Day. Rail Head on Dental leave. Finishing off mess shed. Notice up prohibiting admission to sergeants.
2 Tuesday
Fine. Orders read out about Townshend surrendering with 2900 B & 6000 Indians. Squad & stretcher drill. Practicing carrying wounded. March over desert for sand bags. Infantry using bombs
3 Wednesday
Fine. Cooks fatigue. Called in for private consultation by Capt Mollison made boss of stretcher squad. Information from Secret Service Intelligence Dept of Turks coming on camels Attack expected in day or so about 4am