Thursday 1st July, 1915

Sea very rough all night, had difficulty in loading wounded to be taken to hospital ship, managed to load them on a water barge about 1 a.m. and they were towed out by steam pinnace, pouring rain all the time, tremendous downpour.  Off duty 7.30 a.m. sea has calmed down and it turned out a lovely morning.  Wrote some letters after breakfast and at 11 a.m. turned in and slept till 3 p.m. when I got up and went down for a swim, sea pretty rough again this afternoon, very strong breeze.  Not been much firing today, can hear battleships doing a little down at Cape Helles.  On duty again at 7.30 p.m. sent about 60 men, wounded and sick away to-night, mostly sick.  Got them away about 9.30 p.m.

Friday 2nd July, 1915

Only 4 wounded, all slight, during night since sent last lot away at 9.30 last night.  Strong breeze and sea still very rough this morning, but pretty warm.  Off duty 7.30 a.m.  Spent morning reading some English papers I picked up in hospital, enjoyed them quite a treat.  Had couple of hours sleep this afternoon.  Our battleships are continuously bombarding to the south of us, can see their shells bursting over the enemy quite plainly.  The Allied troops coming up from Sed-el-bar have advanced considerably this week.  On duty 7.30 p.m.  Had about 90 patients to get off on to boats to-night most of them are sick, managed it by about 10 p.m.

Saturday 3rd July, 1915

No patients brought in during night.  About 11 p.m. last night I was taken with violent pains in stomach, also with vomiting and retching, was like this all night in great agony, about 5 a.m. saw one of our doctors, gave me some medicine and sent me to my dugout.  Pain contined till about 10.30 a.m. when I dozed off to sleep till 12 noon.  Felt better when I woke, but awfully shaky.  Kept quiet all day, never had anything to eat as it was a touch of Ptomanic poisoning I had got.  Sat in sun for about an hour this afternoon and saw one of our battleships come out of harbour from Island of Embros which we can see plainly and shell Turks on our left flank.  

Sunday 4th July, 1915

Did not go on duty last night as I was to weak and shaking.  Went to sleep about 9 p.m. and had good night's sleep as I was thoroughly worn out.  Woke up this morning feeling much better, just a little shaky.  Had a very little oatmeal porridge and mile and cup of tea for breakfast.  Sat in sun all morning reading a book I borrowed.  This afternoon a French transport was torpedoed by enemy submarine off Cape Helles, fortunately troops had all disembarked, hear transport did not sink but was run aground and will be saved.  Two battleships of our squadron came up late this evening and heavily shelled the enemy's trenches on our right flank.  Did not go on duty to-night.

Monday 5th July, 1915

Had good night sleep and woke the better for it, feeling a bit weak and shaky naturally as I have had practically no food for two days.  Had a little dry biscuit for breakfast and then spent morning reading and looking out over sea, where our ships and destroyers are moving about with unceasing vigil.  Turks opened up fire with an 11" gun, must have brought it up during night, opened fire about 8 a.m..  Fired about dozen huge shells, about 8 of them burst in water sending up a column of water about 50 feet high, the others struck top of hill on our right doing no damage but covering us with dirt.  Gun was spotted after second shell and our destroyer soon silenced it.  Had a little stew for dinner, felt new man after having a little substantial food, went on duty at 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday 6th July, 1915

Sent about 90 patients on to hospital ships about midnight last night after which things were very quiet.  A lot of the patients were sick, these men had been accumulating all day.  Destroyers were shelling at intervals during night.   Off duty at 7.30 a.m.  Having breakfast outside my dug-out when enemy sent a few shells rather close, one burst in a dug-out about 20 yards from me, a chap was sleeping inside.  The shell burst all the earth away, filling in the dug-out and burying the man, started at once to dig him out, expected him to be dead when got him out, he had not got a scratch.  Very quiet during rest of day, went on duty at 7.30 p.m.

Wednesday 7th July, 1915

Got our patients away on boats last night about 11 p.m., after that only had five cases come in during night.  Turks burst four shrapnel shells over us at dressing station about 6.30 a.m.  Off duty about 7.30 a.m.  Spent morning in writing as the mail goes from here tomorrow.  After dinner did little more writing, then went for swim, very hot day.  Went on duty at 7.30 p.m.  About 8 p.m. Turks heavily shelled with high explosives a portion of our line known as Courtney's Hill, killed number of our men and badly wounded a lot more, also buried some on the place where they blew the trenches in, got all our wounded away about 9 p.m.

Thursday 8th July, 1915

Had a very quiet night after the shelling on Courtney's Hill last night.  Turks fired a single shell about 5.30 a.m. landed in bag of flour on beach close to our dressing station.  Off duty 7.30 a.m. spent morning writing letters in dug-out.  Enemy shelled us from 9 a.m. till 10 a.m. fairly heavily, most passed over my dug-out, but one or two landed unpleasantly close, one bursting not more than 6 yards away.  Had swim just before dinner.  Improved and cleaned my dug-out this afternoon, then had quiet read for an hour after which had another swim.  About 5 p.m. Turks heavily shelled the beach and water round about a small pier that the engineers built.  Hit steam pinnace, put hole in but did not sink it.  On duty 7.30 p.m.

Friday 9th July , 1915

Three wounded men brought in during night to our dressing station, so was not much doing.  Came off duty 7.30 a.m., fairly quiet this morning, enemy only putting an occasional shell over.  Heard this morning we are to be inoculated against cholera as it has already broken out amongst the Turks.  Slept from 11 a.m. till 1.30 p.m., then had dinner and lay down again till 4 p.m. when I went down for swim.  Weather is keeping very hot and water is lovely.  Few shells came over us for about half an hour after tea.  Went on duty at 7.30 p.m. got what patients we had in, away to ships about 9 p.m. nothing doing afterwards so slept all night.

Saturday 10th July, 1915

Had to sleep fully dressed as we were on duty if needed.  Woke about 5 a.m., tidied dressing station up, few early morning shells came as usual.  Off duty 7.30 a.m.  Loafed the morning up till 11 a.m. away in the sun, then went for swim.  This afternoon received my first inoculation against cholera.  The warship Agamemnon came up this afternoon and heavily bombarded a hill just inland and to the south a little of Gaba-Tepe.  Went away about 5 p.m. and H.M.S. Chatham took her place firing very heavily.  Was in for swim about 4.30 p.m.  Observation balloon and aeroplane reconnoitred this evening.  On duty at 7.30 p.m. at dressing station.

Sunday 11th July, 1915

About midnight Turks exploded a mine under one of our trenches, about 20 wounded were brought in from this part, mostly slight.  All night beach parties were busy landing more reinforcements and stores, also a large 4.7 naval gun landed ready mounted for field work.  Came off duty at 7.30 a.m.  Turks shelled beach this morning wounding about a dozen of our troops.  Had sleep for couple of hours before dinner.  After dinner had rest and then went for swim, an awful hot day.  About 6.30 p.m. H.M.S. Doris came out of harbour at Embros and took up position in Anzac Cove.  Observation balloon was up giving range, like sheet of flame broadside after broadside at enemy on left flank.  On duty 7.30 p.m.

Monday 12th July, 1915

Sent patients away to hospital ship at 9 p.m. last night, no more wounded brought in during night.  Off duty at 7.30 a.m.  About 9 a.m. could hear fierce firing for about half an hour, shortly afterwards about 30 wounded were brought in and they told us that a party of our troops had charged the enemy at one point and captured a trench also inflicting severe casualties on the enemy.  During morning enemy tried some long shots, with long range guns, at the mine sweepers, but without the slightest success.  Our ships heavily bombarded enemy to the south of us and I believe our troops from Sed-el-bahr have made an advance.  On duty at 7.30 p.m.  Getting awfully hot.

Tuesday 13th July, 1915

Seven wounded brought in during night, our troops here kept up a sham attack all night to keep enemy busy here so they could not send reinforcements against the Allied troops who were making an advance from the south.  Star shells and searchlight going all night, made things look like fire-work show.  Off duty 7.30 a.m.  Slept from 9 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. then went for swim.  A bit of an artillery duel taking place to-night, enemy have shelled our trenches about 6 p.m. causing us a few casualties.  On duty 7.30 p.m.  More casualties about 8 p.m. some severe, kept busy till about 10 p.m.  

Wednesday 14th July, 1915

Quiet all night after 10 p.m. last night, so managed to sleep most of night.  Received six letters to-day. Took up new duties to-day and am now acting as orderly to Captain Dawson, my new job has been quite satisfactory to-day.  Heard good news from south to-day, the Allied troops there are reported to be almost in command of Achi-Baba, a fortified hill which has caused much trouble and is the cause of our delay.  Had swim this afternoon.  Enemy put shell on beach this evening wounding 4 men, two severely, one Captain Campbell, Registered Medical Officer, 8th L.H. both legs blown off at knees, not dead, other foot blown off.  Turned in at 9 p.m.

Thursday 15th July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m., beautiful morning.  Did my round of duties during day.  Duties consist of drawing rations for Captain Dawson, airing his blankets and sleeping bag and any little thing he wants done, will also have to look after his horse when it is with him.  Only two shells came on beach today, one man hit slightly.  Aeroplane up this morning, enemy fired over 30 shells at it, did not hit it.  Large cruiser appeared this afternoon and shelled over by Achi-Baba very heavily for about an hour, observation ballon was also up.  Went for swim this afternoon has been a very hot day.  Saw W. Hill and A. Milne this evening.  Turned in 9.30 p.m.

Friday 16th July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m.  Turks shelled beach very heavily nearly all morning but very few of our troops were injured.  Had nothing to do today as Captain Dawson has gone on board hospital ship.  We have heard heavy gun firing all day down Achi-Baba way.  This afternoon our monitor came on the scene and at intervals put some heavy shells inland at the enemy.  Another four gun battery of 5" howitzers was landed here during last night.  Had swim this afternoon also one this evening, both interrupted by shrapnel from the enemy.  Turned in about 9.30 p.m.

Saturday 17th July, 1915

Yesterday afternoon the Admiral's motor came ashore with Admiral De Roebuck and staff, General Birdwood met them on the pier.  Up at 5.30 a.m. this morning, about 5.45 an enemy aeroplane flew over and dropped two bombs, one exploded in the water and the other did not burst so no damage was done.  This morning a French General and his staff came ashore and were met by General Birdwood who escorted them off to see the trenches.  Our aeroplane was up this afternoon.  Enemy put a few shells on the beach today, did no damage.  Things been fairly quiet, am getting excellent tucker now, turned in 9.30 p.m.

Sunday 18th July, 1915

The 12th Sunday and exactly twelve weeks since we arrived off this coast, up at 5.30 a.m. and commenced my duties.  All day long the enemy have been shelling the beach with shrapnel and high explosive shells.  Our casualties on the beach must have been not less then 30 of whom at least 4 were killed out-right and others seriously wounded, our guns have also been busy shelling the enemy.  Had narrow escape myself sitting on sand bag watching shells burst, one burst very close and I moved about a yard away into cover, as I moved a bullet from a shrapnel struck bag I had been sitting on not 10 seconds before.  Heavy firing all day to the south of us.  The heat is getting awful and the flies terrible.

Monday 19th  July, 1915

Very hot all night, up at 5.30 a.m. started my duties.  A lot of work going on on beach, two more piers being erected, supplies coming in in barges and being unloaded by fatigue parties, batteries of British howitzers and men have been landing these last three nights, 20 howitzers 5" altogether I believe.  Bathing has been prohibited after 7 p.m. and before 7 a.m..  The sea has been a blessing to our boys and has no doubt been a great help against sickness  and disease.  Heavy artillery fire both from our guns and from Allies to south, also from warships.  New monitor came today, 2 x 14 inch guns mounted only fired one shot, our other monitor put a good few shells into the enemy.  Not many casualties today.  Turned in about 9.30 p.m.

Tuesday 20th July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m. commenced my duties.  Piece of shell went through Colonels dugout and through his water bottle, also piece went through our adjutants (Captain Finn) dugout, fortunately both were out at the time.  More artillery and men coming ashore each night.  Aeroplane made long survey over enemy's trenches, great sight to see aeroplane flying along with little puffs of smoke appearing all round it, which are the shells fired by enemy to try and bring it down.  Greek parliament should meet today.  Was provided with a respirator for use against poisonous gases, it is like a bag fits over the head with a piece of gelatine to see through, bag is soaked with a chemical.  Turned in about 9.30 p.m.

Wednesday 21st July, 1915

Up at 5.30 started my days work.  Heavy gun fire was going on to the south evidently our warships and field artillery also enemy's.  Had second dose of inoculation against cholera.  Sounds of firing died down about 10 a.m., very quiet since then.  Reported that Turks have received 100,000 reinforcements this last day or two and it is expected that they will make an attack on our position.  A cruiser and our monitor have been keeping within sight all day and about 6 p.m. the monitor let go with her guns, shortly afterwards the cruiser which was lying 4 or 5 miles south let go her guns and for a short while poured in salvo after salvo, our destroyers also opened out this evening.

Thursday 22nd July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m., beautiful morning, hardly a shot could be heard.  After breakfast I put in the morning writing letters.  Special orders issued today that every man must carry his smoke helmet and respirator with him all the time, must be expecting enemy to use poisonous gases any time.  Went in for swim this afternoon, after being in about 10 minutes I came out in a hurry, enemy started shelling beach and one shell burst in water before I could get out not more than 20 yards from me.  Shells burst all round our dressing station and hospital but did not injure anyone, expecting attack by Turks any time now.

Friday 23rd July, 1915

Woke about 1.30 a.m. by sound of heavy rifle fire and our destroyers shelling enemy, lasted about half an hour.  Turks did not attack as expected.  Up at 5.30 a.m. started work.  Pretty quiet up till dinner time.  After dinner two of our monitors came out from Embros and shelled the enemy somewhere inland for a couple of hours, also a small cruiser put some shots in.  Four large monitors and the small one that has been here some time now are in the harbour at the island of Embros which is right opposite to our position and which we can see plainly.  Also saw large French battleship go in this afternoon.  Had a short swim before tea and turned in about 9 p.m.

Saturday 24th July, 1915

Was up at 5 a.m. this morning everything quiet.  About 10 a.m. enemy put shell on beach at waters edge, burst among about 60 men, a lot bathing, only one man slightly wounded.  At 12 noon another shell fell about same place, followed by a second, these two shells wounded between 20 and 30 men, some seriously.  The first of the two shells wounded most, the second only hitting a couple.  Assisted to carry these men in on stretchers.  Turks continued shelling beach all afternoon.  Saw Neville Anderson killed by shell, he died instantly, was standing about 20 yards from him, shell burst in front of him, did not hit him but concussion fractured base of skull.  5 men killed outright and about 50 injured on beach today. 

Sunday 25th July, 1915

Three calendar months since we came to these shores (13 weeks).  Up at 5.30 a.m. lovely morning, everything quiet.  Turks shelled our trenches fairly heavily on left flank this morning.  After dinner they turned their attention again to the beach.  Every part of our position here is dangerous as shells land all over it and the pellets from shrapnel fly all round you as you do your work and one marvels that he is not hit.  One burst just ahead of me this evening and the bullets kicked up the dust all round me yet not a soul was hit.  A shell burst in the gully where we are camped at 7 p.m. this evening and killed one of our sergeants (Sergeant Gordon) of South Australia and wounding Sergeant Nixon of N.S.W. in the thigh, pellets went right through.

Monday 26th July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m. commenced my duties.  Everything very quiet till just after breakfast when Turks started shelling beach pretty heavily.  They have got our range and position to a nicety and have made things pretty warm on the beach these last few days.  The first shell which landed on beach this morning burst about 30 feet above my head, I was standing on the hillside, did not touch me but the men at the foot of the hill caught it pretty badly.  Eleven were hit altogether from the one shell, a poor chap about 15 yards below me had his right leg blown off just above the knee, he died, other shells fell and within 5 minutes we had 5 killed and about 20 wounded.  Shells fell at intervals all day.

Tuesday 27th July, 1915

Up at 5.30 a.m. started work.  The heat is excessive and is very trying to the boys.  Turks put about half dozen shells on beach about 10 a.m.  I was in Captain Dawson's dugout, shell burst right by it and cap of shell went right through water can I had just put down, was about 2 yards from me, made hole about 4 inches diameter and pulverized the tin.  Another shell burst above the dugout and a bullet (shrapnel) passed between a friend of Captain Dawson and myself as we were sitting talking, but a miss is as good as a mile in this game.  We are getting very short handed as a lot of our men are away sick as well as the wounded.  Enemy shelled beach all day at intervals, turned in 9.30 p.m.

Wednesday 28th July, 1915

Enemy shelled our portion of the beach at 1 a.m. this morning, kept it up for about half an hour.  Lieutenant Onslow, A.D.C. to General Birdwood was killed instantly, have not heard of any other casualties.  Up at 5.30 a.m., was just going in for swim when shells began falling on beach and in water so postponed till later.  Beach was heavily shelled at intervals all day , about 40 casualties on beach, some slight and few severe and about eight killed, assisted in getting some of them in to dressing station.  Warm work, never know where next shell is going to fall, although we can hear them coming.  A four gun battery of 60 pounders was landed after dark, the largest guns we have here, have range of 11 miles.

Thursday 29th July, 1915

Woke at 6 a.m. this morning, started duties, learning another chap my job today as I have to go back to work at dressing station, can't be spared from it as six of tent division are away sick only leaving six with myself here, very short handed.  Turks been very quiet today only fired two shells on beach this morning wounding one man slightly and two this evening did no damage.  About 7 p.m. an enemy aeroplane flew over our lines, dropped two bombs, one burst at waters edge doing no damage other did not burst, the aeroplane got away very quickly as one of ours was seen coming up from the south.  Makes one think when enemy plane above you dropping bombs.

Friday 30th July, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and went for dip, water lovely.  Have had day off and am going on duty at 7.30 p.m. tonight, work all night until 7.30 a.m. tomorrow morning.  Enemy fired about half dozen shells on beach this morning, wounded about 6 men.  More 5" howitzers were landed last night, now have between 80 and 90 guns here.  Just after dinner a French cruiser appeared to the south and 3 monitors bombarded enemy for  about an hour, about 5 p.m. an enemy aeroplane flew over us (Taube) dropped two bombs, both fell into sea doing no harm.  Went on duty 7.30 p.m. attended to few sick cases and about couple of wounded up to midnight.

Saturday 31st July, 1915

Nothing doing after midnight, very quiet.  About 5.30 a.m. enemy aeroplane (Taube) flew over our lines again, dropped three bombs, fell somewhere other side of hill, don't know if did any damage.  Landed more field guns during night and at intervals shelled the enemy.  Enemy very quiet all day today.  Went for swim this afternoon, very hot day.  Heavy bombardment going on down south, hear big guns roaring all day.  Our aeroplane made long survey over enemy's lines this evening and dropped a couple of bombs which we heard explode with a loud crash.  Went on duty at 7.30 p.m.

Sunday 1st August, 1915

Between midnight and 1 a.m. this morning we expoloded a mine in a sap under Turks trench on right flank, our men then charged and captured two lines of trenches, heavy firing went on for a couple of hours, about this time enemy put half dozen shells on beach close to our dressing station, killed a Lieutenant and wounded about 10 men.  We landed about 20 more guns during night (18 pounders).  Fourteenth week here, fairly quiet during day, had good sleep, went for swim about 4 p.m.  About 6 p.m. enemy aeroplane flew over us, half hour later two of our planes went over Turks lines.  One of our planes was a Taube captured from the enemy at Cape Helles, mistook it for enemy plane at first.  Went on duty at 7.30 p.m.

Monday 2nd August, 1915

Three wounded brought in during night, one died.  Six hundred reinforcements (Australian) landed durng night, also about 150 Indians with about 250 mules for transport work.  Off duty at 7.30 a.m.  Some officers just landing about 10 a.m. when enemy put couple of shells over, one officer hit just as he stepped off boat on to pier (hard luck).  Three cruisers (British) appeared a few miles to the south of our position and cruised about all day, shelling the enemy at intervals.  Very quiet with us all afternoon.  About 7 p.m. an enemy aeroplane flew over us, dropped a bomb in the sea close to hospital ship, did no damage.  Our fire drove him away.  On duty 7.30 p.m., still very hot.

Tuesday 3rd August, 1915

Very quiet night, no wounded brought in.  A number of English officers (Headquarters staff) landed during night, also large quantities of timber and barbed wire for entanglements.  Notice posted up, beach has to be cleared of all men tonight and two following nights except those on duty.  Think they are going to land a lot of troops, hope so.  Did little writing today.  This afternoon enemy heavily shelled the foreshore, one shell hit a steam pinnace and it had to be beached, will put it right again tomorrow.  Enemy aeroplane flew over about 7 p.m.  Could hear our warships bombarding in the Dardanelles all day, could see three cruisers down coast.  On duty 7.30 p.m.

Wednesday 4th August, 1915

About a dozen wounded brought in during night and a few sick troops.  About 8,000 British troops (Kitchener's Army) were landed during night, also about 1,300 Australians, returned wounded and reinforcements.  One Britisher (a Warwick) was killed by a bullet as they were landing, also one wounded.  About 6.30 a.m. an enemy plane (Taube) flew over our lines, dropped several bombs and darts, have not heard of any damage.  Stores and fodder being landed in large quantities all day.  Wrote some letters this morning and had short sleep after dinner.  Enemy heavily shelled beach again this evening but did not manage to do any damage.  Went on duty 7.30 p.m. very quiet all day.

Thursday 5th August, 1915

Not very busy during night, another large body of troops landed during night.  I hear about 10,000, also some Australian reinforcements.  We have now got Warwicks, Gloucesters, Wiltshires, South Wales Borderers, North Lancs. regiments here as well as Colonial troops, disembarked without slightest hitch expecting to make a great attack on Turks in few days.  Off duty 7.30 a.m.  Fairly quiet all morning here but heavy gunfire going on to the south.  Enemy heavily shelled beach this afternoon, hit another steam pinnace, had to be beached.  Commander Cator in charge  of navy men ashore was killed while giving orders from pier also one of his Lieutenants was wounded.  Cator had been promoted from Lieutentant Commander to Commander just about 48 hours previously.  On duty 7.30 p.m.

Friday 6th August, 1915

Had word last night to be ready to vacate our dressing station by 8 a.m. this morning.  Had very solid night, two operations, one amputation of hand also numberous other cases and we also had to be packing our medical panniers an stores.  Turks attacked portion of our trenches about 5 a.m. and we had a run of wounded, nearly 200 men, passed through our hands during night sick and wounded, feel bit done up this morning.  Great number of troops landed during the night, some Ghurka's.  Turned in for spell about 9 a.m.  Slept till 1 p.m.  Had word to move to left flank at 2 p.m., leaving greatcoats and pack behind.  Moved round at 2 p.m. about 1 1/2 miles and are right among our own artillery.  Warships bombarded enemy today.  Something doing tonight, orders to be ready to move again at 4 a.m. tomorrow.  Walkers Ridge on left flank.

Saturday 7th August, 1915

Was awake most of the night, warships bombarded the enemy and our men attacked.  Also more British troops were landed north of our position at Anzac Cove.  We are right in among our own artillery.  Was put on guard over our water supply at 6 a.m.  At 7 a.m. went about 3/4 mile round beach to get a wounded man, we were sniped at all the way.  Got him safely in.  Moved away carrying everything about 9 a.m., went right through to where Turkish headquarters had been the day before, our boys suprised them.  Fixed dressing station and worked till 10 p.m., was told at 10 p.m. to get a sleep till 1 a.m.  Plenty to do, have made a great advance but casualties heavy.  Are situated about 3 miles from our dressing station on beach, which has been taken over by 2nd Field Ambulance.

Sunday 8th August, 1915

Our dressing station was riddled with shrapnel.  Was called out at 1 a.m.  Any amount of work, feel stiff and sore from previous days heavy work of carrying all our gear.  Worked hard all day, only had a cup of tea about 9 a.m. and some fried bully beef, biscuits hard as iron, about 1 p.m. with water.  This afternoon our dressing station was heavily shelled, one of our patients killed and a stretcher bearer wounded.  All around us men fell and we had to work at top speed.  The Royal Irish Rifles suffered most, also some of the Dublins.  At 5 p.m. word came for us to advance and so without anything to eat we had to move forward about a mile and half.  Was told off about 11 p.m. to turn in, feel real done up. 

Monday 9th August, 1915

Slept in bit of a hollow in ground till 7 a.m.,  got up and had breakfast - tea without sugar, biscuits and bully beef.  Feel stiff and sore all over from heavy carrying, bullets flying all round us, have lost about 10 of our corps (wounded) this last couple of days, things are very solid.  Attended on patients in open till 5 p.m. when engineers had made place for hospital tent.  We only dress wounds and perform urgent operations, sending patients on immediately afterwards to clearing hospital to be put on ship.  We have got through some hundreds of wounded already, some of the wounds are awful and the men suffer untold agony.  A battery of our artillery is only about 100 yards away and behind us so we are under fire constantly, both rifle, bullets and shell, our hospital tent is riddled with bullet holes, have got to stay up all night.

Tuesday 10th August, 1915

Bullets coming over hill and falling all round us.  Gradually losing our men.  3 Reinforcements arrived for us yesterday.  2 wounded today.  Have been on duty all night and was relieved at 8 a.m. this morning, am pretty tired, been very busy all the time, had about 40 wounded since 12 midnight, mostly serious cases some hopeless.  Shells burst all round us and bullets came through tent for about an hour this morning, one of our men was wounded, are terribly short handed.  Sharp rifle fire been going on all day, also artillery fire, both our own and the Turks, our fleet was busy with their guns also.  Been assisting off and on all day as wounded have come in, believe our boys are pushing forward, our Sergeant dispenser got a bullet in his shoulder this afternoon while helping with the wounded in the tent.  We are in an awful position.

Wednesday 11th August, 1915

Very busy last night, our Colonel did six amputations last night (legs and arms) all between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. this morning, also had lot of other wounded in, was on all night till 8 a.m.  Some terrible wounds, will be glad when it is all over.  Saw one of our aeroplanes chase a German plane (Taube) but it got away.  Received some letters and papers today from home.  Things seem to have been somewhat quieter today, not so many wounded brought in and the firing has not been so heavy, although we are still getting a fair share of bullets over our way and we are all most remarkably lucky to have escaped being hit so far, our hospital tent is like a sieve, full of bullet holes, they are whistling by all the time.  Went on duty for night at 12 p.m.

Thursday 12th August, 1915

Fairly quiet all night, only three wounded brought in, one English Tommy and two Indians.  The Indians were wounded by shrapnel bullets only 20 yards from our dressing station.  Off duty at 8 a.m. and turned in for sleep.  Have not had wash for seven days as water is not too plentiful and beach is some distance away.  This afternoon climbed top of hill at base of which we are camped, could see our firing line also enemy's.  Watched our shells bursting on hill 971 which our boys are attacking, could see Turks blown into the air.  Another of our corps badly wounded today.  Still having hot weather, makes it difficult to sleep in day time.  Practically living on biscuits and bully beef with 2oz jam daily, not very fattening, biscuits as hard as iron, sometimes make bully beef into stew by adding water and boiling and sometimes have it fried, but it is still bully beef.  On duty 12 p.m. midnight.

Friday 13th August, 1915

Very quiet not a single wounded man brought in all night, just a little rifle fire going on and an occasional boom from one of the monitors as she puts a shell among the enemy.  Off duty at 8 a.m.  This morning went to beach about 1 1/2 miles away and had a swim, a bit risky as there are snipers about, but I simply had to have a wash somehow, also washed my socks in the sea.  Had a bit of sleep this afternoon, but too hot to enjoy it.  One or two wounded came down during the day.  Went up the hill this evening to watch our shells bursting in enemy trenches, sharp rifle fire commenced while I was up and had to keep down in an old trench as bullets were hitting all around us.  On duty 12 p.m.

Saturday 14th August, 1915

Not a wounded man brought in all night, would be having a good time if we could get some decent tucker.  This morning went to our advanced dressing station close to firing line, had to be very careful and take advantage of all cover.  Sickening sight, men and mules lying dead all the way and the stench from them awful.  Very quiet all afternoon, now and again a gun speaks.  After tea went up the hill again with telescope and had a look over the country.  Could see the dead lying thick between the firing lines, mostly Turks.  Saw two of our ships bombarding around the town of Annafarta which was burnt out a couple of days ago.  It is a grand but awful sight.  On duty 12 midnight.

Sunday 15th August, 1915

Sixteen weeks today since we came here.  Quiet all night again, two wounded men brought in, one a hopeless case.  Rumours that our boys are to attack and advance on hill 971 tonight, if so be plenty of work for us.  Had to shift our position this afternoon as a mountain battery wanted our position.  Moved about a quarter of a mile to a spot a little more sheltered, although we are still surrounded by our own artillery.  There are between 20 and 30 guns within about 300 yards ofus, so our position is not too good.  Our Colonel was promoted today to the position of A.D.M.S. in place of Colonel Manders who was killed.  Major Meikle becomes Officer commanding 4th Field Ambulance.  On duty 12 midnight.

Monday 16th August, 1915

The rumoured attack did not take place so we had another quiet night, no wounded coming in to us at all.  Off duty 8 a.m. went for walk up hill to see if anything doing, nothing doing only an odd shot from either side.  Very hot, not a breath of wind, flies very troublesome.  Any amount of hard work when we shift our position, digging in, pick and shovel.  Went for swim about 3 p.m., walk of a mile but water lovely.  Sound of heavy rifle fire to the north of us this evening.  Turks put a few big shells over us this evening, did no damage, burst nearly a mile behind us, made a terrible explosion.  Our artillery put a few shots in in reply.  On duty at 12 midnight.

Tuesday 17th August, 1915

No wounded brought in till 5 a.m. this morning when one man was brought in shot through the head.  A fatal wound, was unconcious when brought in.  Off duty at 8 a.m. had breakfast and we all had to fall in on parade at 9 a.m. when the roll was called and a few orders issued.  Spent morning reading some English papers I borrowed from one of our boys.  Very hot day again, went for swim after dinner, just got back to our camp when enemy commenced shelling the beach.  Just after tea received word to move camp as artillery want our position.  Got to work, packed up and struck hospital tent ready to move at 5 a.m. tomorrow.  Enemy plane dropped bombs a little to north of us.  On duty 12 midnight.

Wednesday 18th August, 1915

Had two wounded during night, sent them straight on to clearing station.  Roused the camp at 3.45 a.m. had an early breakfast and moved camp to our new site about 1/4 of a mile north.  Plenty of hard digging, pick and shovel to make place for our hospital (operating) tent, got it fixed up and then had to dig dugouts for ourselves.  Hands covered with blisters and sore.  Did sufficient to make a dugout fit for tonight at any rate by dinner time.  After dinner went for swim which I much needed, freshened me up considerably.  Stew was little better for tea, had a potato or two in it which made it seem a luxury.  no sugar in tea yet.  Two enemy planes dropped bombs not far from us this evening.  On duty 12 midnight.

Thursday 19th August, 1915

One wounded man brought in to us during the night, shot through abdomen.  Heavy rifle fire a little to the north of us all night, about 7 a.m. could see some English troops advancing, enemy poured shrapnel over them but could not stop their advance, they were about a mile north of us advancing over the open, along edge of salt lake.  One of our boys got bullet in left hip today.  Our cruisers hovering round putting in a few shells now and again also desultory rifle fire, most of it on our left.  Went for swim this afternoon, have to cross mile of open country to beach, after bathing had to lie between sand hills as enemy were heavily shelling open country between us and our camp.  Waited about 1 1/2 hours till shelling eased.  On duty 12 midnight.

Friday 20th August, 1915

No wounded all night, but had five sick men in.  Bullets whistled fairly frequently round our tent but only one came through during whole night.  Off duty 8 a.m.  During night our greatcoats and other belongings were brought up from Anzac by mule transport, so I was able to get a clean change of underclothing which I badly needed having worn the only shirt I had with me for fifteen days, practically never being undressed it was not too clean.  It is also fifteen days today since I had a wash in fresh water, don't know when I am going to get one, getting enough to drink and for our cooks but none to spare for washing.  Had a swim this afternoon, been pretty hot, pretty quiet this evening.  On duty 12 midnight.

Saturday 21st August, 1915

Five patients during night sick, none wounded.  Off duty 8 a.m.   Very little firing all morning, great number of men reported at our dressing station this morning sick, sent them straight on to clearing hospital.  About 2 p.m. two cruisers moved into position just off from us and observation balloon went up at 2.30 p.m.  The cruisers and our land batteries which are situated all round us opened a terrific bombardment, the shells bursting in and around Annafarta township, at 3 p.m. gunfire ceased a little and our troops, mostly English, about a mile to the north of us, started to attack the enemy, could see them advancing quite plainly.  Plenty of work, wounded started coming in about 6 p.m., going for all we're worth.

Sunday 22nd August, 1915

Turned in about 9.30 p.m. last night and was up and at it again at 11.30 p.m.  Kept very busy all night, dressing wounds and carrying stretchers.  Administered two anasthetics during night.  Fighting been going on all night, heavy casualties.  Treated at our dressing station about 130 wounded from 6 p.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. this morning.  Bad night for us 6 of our own corps being hit, one killed outright, 3 seriously and 2 slightly wounded.  Told off for rest at 9 a.m.  Went on again at 12 noon worked hard till 6 p.m.  Off for spell from 6 p.m. till 12 midnight.  On again 12 midnight for the night.  Between 6 p.m. last night and 12 midnight tonight over 400 wounded have passed through our hands.  Our section (A Section) only have 11 bearers left out of about 50 to 60, some killed and others wounded, few sick.

Monday 23rd August, 1915

Rush of wounded eased off considerably after midnight last night, only had few in but was kept going till 8 a.m. this morning when came off for spell.  Two days ago after the bombardment I could see where scrub had caught fire from shells. learned since that number of troops, mostly English wounded, were caught by the fire and burned to death.  The 5th Australian Brigade 3rd Contingent landed a couple of days ago and some of them took part in this late action.  Some of them had not earned a very good reputation, especially 8th Battalion.  They suffered fairly heavily but seemed to have lost all heart, hope they will redeem themselves.  Gave hand with few wounded this evening, turned in 10 p.m.

Tuesday 24th August, 1915

On duty 8 a.m. this morning, had been fairly quiet all day, little bit of sniping by the enemy and few shells from our batteries just to keep things going.  Had a fresh water wash today, appreciated it.  Also had some letters from home, learned my brother Harry has enlisted, did a little writing this afternoon.  A good number of men came down sick today, sent some away for rest, kept some here who will be right in a couple of days, could hear our battleships bombarding at Cape Helles and inside Dardenelles, this evening very heavy firing.  Off duty 8 p.m.  Turned in 9 p.m.

Wednesday 25th August, 1915

Up at 7 a.m. and on duty almost immediately, have had a lot of work lately so O.C. has decided to give us a change and let C Section do our work, which is now over till next attack and we are to have a rest and take in medical cases which are not severe enough to be sent away, we are to look after 15 patients, 5 of us night and day, sounds like a rest.  Worked hard all morning, shifted our medical stores.  After dinner had to go in to Anzac about 3 miles away for more medical stores, did not get them, got back to our camp about 6.30 p.m.  Heard Russians given Germans hiding in Baltic, also Italy declared war on Turkey.  Hear heavy firing by our ships in Dardanelles.  Off duty and turned in 9 p.m.

Thursday 26th August, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Have been fortunate with regards to weather so far, had about a dozen spots of rain during night.  Have about sixty patients in two large tents, none serious, mostly men needing a rest as they are completely done up.  Meal times are the busiest for us and it takes us some time to get the meals over.  Fairly quiet all morning, just few shells.  Went for swim this afternoon and our camp was inspected by the A.D.M.S at 4 p.m. (our late Colonel).  Was getting ready to knock off at 7 p.m. when 50 more patients arrived, had to feed them.  Lightning very heavy tonight, looks like a storm.  Seems to be a small engagement on tonight, rifles cracking sharply.

Friday 27th August, 1915

Woke up about 6.30 a.m.  Had light shower during night but managed to keep dry.  On duty 7 a.m..  About 50 patients, things were fairly quiet all morning, went for swim after dinner.  At 4 p.m. our ships and batteries started bombarding enemy's trenches, shelling continued till 5 p.m. when Allied troops made a charge and drove the enemy back capturing three lines of trenches, hope they can hold them, during attack Turks bullets all came our way falling in and all round our camp.  Captain Kenny of C Section and two of our boys were wounded.  Off duty at hospital about at 7 p.m.  About this time wounded started to arrive and as we are very short of stretcher bearers another chap (a pal) and myself turned out at 8 p.m. and carried wounded until midnight when the rush was over.  Bullets were lobbing all round us while we were carrying.

Saturday 28th August, 1915

Up about 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Still full up with patients, as fast as any are discharged others come in.  Things seem fairly quiet again this morning, now and then a man who was wounded in last night's attack is brought in.  This afternoon Turks put about sixty shells , mostly shrapnel, over us, they all burst about 100 yards behind us, good job for us they did not shorten their range a little.  Our batteries and ships replied and eventually the enemy's guns ceased firing.  Heard one of our batteries put one of enemy's batteries out of action.  More patients came in this evening, have had to sleep some in open.  Have got about 150 between us (A Section) and B Section,  Off duty 7 p.m.

Sunday 29th August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty 7 a.m.  Our batteries have been shelling enemy all night.  About 7.30 a.m. enemy aeroplane flew over us and dropped three bombs on other side of hill from us, little while after enemy started shelling, put about sixty shells over us, dropped on flat country just behind our position, trying to get our guns, four 60 pounders are about 800 yards behind us.  Enemy's shells did no damage at all.  Just before dinner did trip to No. 2 outpost with patient on stretcher as bearers were all out, shrapnel burst all round us as we went, got through, all serene.  After dinner went for swim, 6 shrapnel shells burst right over our heads while on way to beach, did not hit any of us.  Off duty 7 p.m.

Monday 30th August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. on duty 7 a.m.  Beautiful morning but developed into an exceedingly hot day.  It is beginning to get a bit cool at nights now.  During morning enemy put about 100 shells over us, most of them at our 60 pounders trying to put them out, did not do much damage, only saw a horse killed.  We are at foot of hill about mile from beach, land between us and beach is flat, ploughed land.  The country seems prettier as we see more of it, wild of course.  Had swim this afternoon.  This evening Turks put great number of shells on our No. 2 outpost, cruiser answered them with her guns.  Could see cruiser bombarding Achi-Baba away down coast, could see shells bursting on top of Achi-Baba.  Off duty 7 p.m.  Beautiful evening, have about eighty patients today.

Tuesday 31st August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. On duty 7 a.m. discharged about 30 patients this morning and took in 20 fresh ones.  Enemy plane flew over and dropped bomb about 2 miles from us, saw it burst.  Some canteen stores have been brought here for men about £35 worth chocolate, biscuits, smoke, etc.  Officers took about half, all of best stuff, and we were told we were compelled to buy equally of remainder.  Men objected so little trouble occured.  Officers have put back their stuff, except what they have used and left it to men.  On account of men's attitude they seem to be going to make it warm for us.  One officer our Adjutant was heard to say they could be nasty with us.  We have now got to be up at 6 a.m. and on parade at 6.45 a.m. also other irksome duties are to be put on the men.  Quiet day, off duty 7 p.m. had swim, been pretty hot.  To buy of stores equally will mean about 11/- per man, 5/- of which will be useless to most such as embrokation, piles of soap, also cigarettes will run out to about 27 packets per man, smoker or not.  Pretty rough on us.

Wednesday 1st September, 1915

Had to be up at 6 a.m. and on parade at 6.45 a.m. when orders were read out and we were dismissed to our various duties.  On duty at hospital at 7 a.m. about 45 patients to look after but not much trouble.  Cleared patients into open this morning while we thoroughly aired and disinfected tents.  After dinner did some writing and went for swim which had to be short as enemy started putting shells on beach.  Put patients back in tent just before tea.  After tea the Canteen stores were divided out, the officers having handed what they had taken back again.  We all took an equal share, value 9s/10d, pretty good value, easily sold what I did not want at same price as sold to me, to English Tommies.  Off duty 7 p.m. lights out 9 p.m.

Thursday 2nd September 1915

Up at 6 a.m.  On parade 6.45 a.m. orders read out, also little news, our submarines seem to be giving Turks beans in the sea of Marmora and all round their coast line.  Cleared patients out of hospital after breakfast and took down tents to let sun get at the ground, also told we were not allowed to smoke whilst on duty which means from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and any other time they like to call us, have not taken any notice of order today as it has not been read out in orders as it should be.  These are acts of petty spite on account of our stand against officers over canteen stores.  Also bread issue has been stopped since dispute, have to eat biscuits.  Put hospital tent up this afternoon and finished work at 7 p.m.

Friday 3rd September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. and on duty 7 a.m.  About forty patients today.  Just one of our ordinary days, hot, plenty of flies and our ordinary routine when there is no attack of importance.  Received a letter from England also parcel of writing paper and envelopes, also received news of torpedoing of "Southland" with portion of Australian 6th Brigade on board, she got into Lemnos under own steam, but lost some men, (reported slight loss) evidently through a little panic on board.  Among those lost was Brigadier General Linton who died after rescue.  Had swim after dinner.  Few shells came over but no damage done.  Off duty 7 p.m. 

Saturday 4th September, 1915

Up 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m. when orders were read out and on duty 7 a.m.  About 45 patients today a lot of our fellows are suffering from festering sores on arms and legs, they get very bad, it has earned the name of Barkoo Rot here although I don't know if it is the original disease, certainly they spread and are of a very disagreeable nature to the sufferers.  Heard of capture of an Austrian submarine in Suvla bay right opposite our position, one of our boys who was at Embros, saw it towed into harbour there two days ago.  He says our ships have captured six of them lately.  A cruiser put few shells in Turks trenches this evening.  Could see them burst right in trenches.  Off duty about 7.30 p.m.

Sunday 5th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. orders read out also little news of war.  Nineteen weeks today since the landing here.  On duty 7 a.m. about forty-five patients today.  Ordinary routine today with the usual amount of shelling both from Turks and by our own guns until 6 p.m. when cruiser, destroyer and two monitors put a number of shells into a Turkish trench on a hill above us and which is quite visible to us, the shells simply blew the trench to pieces, but enemy built it up again during night.  Went for swim this afternoon, rather heavy sea but enjoyable weather, very hot.  Off duty about 7.30 p.m.

Monday 6th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m. orders read out also information concerning a local success on knoll 60 on our left.  This success won by Connaught Rangers, Australian 4th Infantry Brigade, some New Zealand rifles and I believe 10th Australian Light Horse left knoll 60 in our hands and a complete gain of 400 square acres of new territory.  Fairly quiet during morning, few shells rather close about dinner time.  Another of our tent division sent away with Pneumonia today making total 8 away and 6 of us left, one of whom is a reinforcement.  Captain Dawson has also been transferred to Headquarters as acting D.A.D.M.S.   Have started today assisting the dentist Captain Finn who is attached to our corps, still have my other duties to do.  Knocked off work about 8 p.m.

Tuesday 7th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m. orders read out also little news regarding some Russian successes.  On duty 7 a.m.  About 45 patients today.  After getting through their breakfast and going round with doctor Captain Jeffries, I assisted Captain Finn with his dental patients, 8 of them this morning, extractions and temporary fillings, kept me going till dinner time.  After dinner fixed up our patients and went for swim, have to cross nearly mile of open country on way to beach and in full view of Turks on hill 971.  Sometimes they put shrapnel over if a number of men go over together, it is too far to hit us with rifle bullet unless they are extremely lucky.  Enemy aeroplane flew over this evening.  Off duty 7.30 p.m.

Wednesday 8th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. orders read out and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.  About 45 patients today.  During morning enemy put some big shells over us, some burst within 200 yards of us, went over our heads, they were what we call Jack Johnsons.  Shortly after enemy aeroplane flew over but went away again very quickly.  Our planes were up during day making observations.  Have slight headache today.  After dinner did little writing. Cruiser and a howitzer battery close to us put a few shells into enemy's lines this evening, also cruiser a little further down coast and a monitor put some shells on Achi-baba, could see them bursting, must have been shells from their big guns by explosion and smoke.  Off duty at 7 p.m.  Was assisting dentist this morning.

Thursday 9th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. orders read out and little news.  On duty 7 a.m.  Shortly after breakfast enemy aeroplane flew over us at a great height and dropped two bombs, one dropped about hundred yards from us and other on flat country between us and sea, neither did any damage.  Assisted the dentist for about an hour this morning, took out few teeth.  After dinner went for swim then asisted dentist till about 5 p.m.  Could see cruiser and observation balloon to south, cruiser evidently shelling Achi-baba or its approaches, could not see shells landing.  Things fairly quiet on our front this last few days, just an occasional rally of rifle fire and few shells.  Off duty 7 p.m.

Friday 10th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m. orders read out and roll call, on duty at 7 a.m.  Forty-nine patients today, after breakfast assisted dentist for about an hour and helped in hospital till dinner time, after dinner saw to patients then went for swim.  Not quite so hot today but flies still troublesome.  Assisted dentist again for about half an hour this afternoon.  Light shower this evening so made my dugout waterproof in case of rain during night.  Off duty 7 p.m.  Smart rally of rifle fire about 7.30 p.m. on our left, also our batteries fired a few rounds.  I have heard today that orders are out for us to be relieved for a spell at Lemnos.

Saturday 11th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  After breakfast went round with doctor (Captain Welch) he discharged some and sent others to Lemnos, altogether we got rid of 15 patients out of about 48, from 11 a.m. till 12.30 noon I assisted the dentist to do some extractions and temporary fillings after which I had dinner.  Has been very quiet this afternoon assisted dentist from 4 p.m. till 5 p.m. then had tea.  About 6 p.m. a destroyer came close in and put few shells in enemy's trenches, enemy replied, almost hitting destroyer.  Cruiser put few shells in about 7.30 p.m.  Has been a windy and dusty day far from pleasant.  Is getting cold at nights now.  Off duty at 7 p.m.

Sunday 12th September, 1915

20 weeks since landing.  Up at 6 a.m. on parade at 6.45 a.m. orders read out to pack up and be ready to move as when final orders come only get 2 hours notice.  Think we are going away for rest.  On duty 7 a.m.  Packing up hospital equipment ready for moving, all day, still have 20 patients so did not take tents down.  Not much firing all day until nearly 6 p.m.  We had a church service at 6 p.m.  I attended, it was conducted by Padre from E. Anglican R.A.M.C, very nice service, all the time an artillery duel was in progress between our ships and batteries and the Turks, we were situated between the two lots of artillery and the shells were crossing over our heads, lasted till about 7 p.m.  Enemy's guns did no damage.  Was talking to some E. Anglican R.A.M.C men camped next to us, all privates, one was a minister, one from Cambridge University and the other a graduate from Oxford, very decent chaps.  Turned in at 9 p.m.

Monday 13th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m. orders read out viz:- to finish packing, clear up and to stand fast ready to leave any time though it was not expected we would leave till tonight.  After breakfast went round with doctor cleared all our patients but four, went on packing up till dinner time.  Just before dinner some order came and we were ordered to stand fast for another 48 hours, just after dinner this order was cancelled we did not know what we were to do so went for swim.  At tea time no one seemed to know what we were to do so we just stood by, till we were informed not moving tonight so turned in about 8 p.m.  Been very quiet day, few shells, nothing to speak of.  Rained sharply this morning for an hour but was lovely day afterwards.

Tuesday 14th September, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. on parade 6.45 a.m.  No patients today, all cleared out.  Took hospital tent down this morning and cleaned up all round.  At 2 p.m. we vacated our dugouts and took our equipment down to the track below, so that  the 7th Field Ambulance which is relieving us could get into our position during afternoon.  Sat down on our kits on track all afternoon, was lovely day and not much firing.  At 9 p.m. mule carts came and we loaded our panniers and medical comfort cases and stores and sent them ahead, then shouldered our packs and equipment and set out to Brighton pier at Anzac, through sapps nearly all the way about three miles or little over.  Arrived at pier about 11 p.m. and sat down in gully to wait for our boat. 

Wednesday 15th September, 1915

At 2 a.m. received orders to get aboard a lighter and we were towed out to a transport the Osmanieh which was already full of troops who had been relieved.  Eventually got aboard and had to stand in alley-ways between cabins below.  Got all our panniers  and stores aboard, then managed to curl up and get couple of hours sleep on floor of alley-way.  Ship did not get all stores on till 8.20 a.m., when we moved out and arrived at Lemnos about 11.30 a.m.  A river steamer the Waterwitch came alongside and took off all troops except those to unload stores.  I was left behind to help unload our stores and panniers.  Waterwitch alongside again about 8 p.m. when we put all stores aboard her and went alongside wharf.

Thursday 16th September, 1915

Slept on Waterwitch all night uncomfortable on a seat.  Up at 5 a.m. and commenced unloading on to wharf.  Sent some of our men to canteen ashore to buy something for breakfast, had nothing to eat hardly since leaving peninsular.  Finished unloading about 9 a.m. and left guard over stores, then set out for camp about 2 miles inland, about half mile from camp had to cross swamp of nearly half mile, almost up to waist in water in places.  Reached camp about 10.30 a.m..  No tents for us yet, rain poured down for an hour about midday, wet everything through, managed to keep my bed dry.  Met Stan Cohen of 5th Battalion after dinner, had various fatigue duties to do and then gathered some bracken to sleep on, to keep off wet ground.  Turned in at 7 p.m.

Friday 17th September, 1915