Tuesday  22nd December, 1914                                                                                            

We broke camp at 10 a.m. and marched to the Broadmeadows Station where we entrained for Port Melbourne and boarded the S.S. Berrima which is to take us to our destination which is unknown to us at present.  We left the wharf at 5 p.m. and steamed till 6.30 p.m. when we dropped anchor off Sandringham where we remained for the night.   

Wednesday  23rd December, 1914   

We raised anchor and steamed away at 5 a.m., reaching the heads about 7.45 a.m., after passing which we dropped the Pilot and took in tow the Australian Submarine AE2, continuing our journey in pleasant weather with no further events of note for this day.   

Thursday  24th December, 1914   

I forgot to state at first that the bugle sounded lights out at 9 p.m. when every man is supposed to be in his hammock.  I woke on this morning after a lovely night's sleep at about 6 a.m. and on getting on deck found we had lost some time through the hawser which connected the submarine to our boat parting at 4 a.m..   This had been fixed up and we were off again but at 9.30 a.m. the same thing happened again and we had to heave to for a couple of hours while it was fixed up again.  I started this morning to give a hand in the hospital at meal times.   The hospital is splendid and we have at present 6 cases, all minor.  The food has been splendid so far and this afternoon I was told to have my meals and to sleep in the saloon along with the rest of the tent division, up to now we had been sleeping below with the other men.  We had a concert in the evening and there were some very good items.                                                                                                                                              

Friday  25th December, 1914   

Xmas day on the water with a church service at 10 a.m. which I could not attend as I was on duty in the hospital.  We are somewhere in the Australian Bight.   I had a splendid dinner pork and plum pudding being the chief items.  The afternoon and evening passed away quietly with nothing else worthy of note.   

Saturday  26th December, 1914    

Boxing Day, we sighted a steamer which we think is the Ulysses, it has been in sight all day.  I have been assisting all day while Captain Dawson has been vaccinating the troops.   

Sunday  27th December, 1914   

Sunday very quiet, everyone busy writing in case we touch Albany tomorrow.   

Monday  28th December, 1914       

Anchored outside Albany this morning about 6 a.m..   Moved to within half mile of wharf about 10 a.m.   No chance of getting on shore.  We finished the vaccin. this morning.  A lot of the boys have been fishing over the side and have caught a lot of Mackerel, I had no line.  We had a Patriotic Concert tonight.   

Tuesday  29th December, 1914   

Still at Albany, nothing doing.   Steamer Port Macquarie at wharf on fire but nothing serious.   

Wednesday  30th December, 1914   

Still at Albany, everything quiet.   Wish we would get a move on.

Thursday 31st December, 1914  

Left Albany 9 a.m., very quietly.   It seems to be a quiet place.   Still have submarine AE2 in tow.  

Friday 1st January, 1915

New Years Day.   We have a general holiday and have a sports meeting in the afternoon.   I am now doing duty at the dispensary, giving any assistance I can at the sick parades which are held at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and any bandaging that may have to be done.  The sports were fairly successful considering the circumstances under which they were held, we have about 1200 men on board.   I did not enter for anything.   There are 17 vessels in our fleet and they are steaming 4 abreast with our steamer the Berrima leading by about half mile, they look very impressive.   We were stopped for about a quarter of an hour about 12 noon and were told afterwards it was because there had been a burial on the S.S. Themistocles.  The day came to a close with a beautiful night.

Saturday 2nd January, 1915

Awoke this morning about 5.45 a.m., a splendid morning.   We had 98 men on sick parade this morning, none serious, mostly colds and effects of vaccination.  The submarine AE2 cast off this morning and went scouting round on her own, we don't know what is the reason.  I hear 2 of the transports have broken down, anyhow they have dropped right back.  We finished the sports this afternoon, the A.M.C. won the relay race and reached the semi final of the tug of war but were beaten by the Railways.  We had a lecture at 4 p.m. from Capt Dawson on rolled bandaging and also a little practice, it is very interesting.   This was the tent division of A Section only.  Am just going to have a smoke and then turn in, weather still lovely and tucker good.  

Sunday 3rd January, 1915

Jumped out of my hammock at 6 a.m. and got cleaned and dressed in my uniform as it is Sunday, feel quite smart again after wearing my blues, did not get to church parade as I was busy getting ready to dress vaccinations when church parade was over.   I joined in some of the hymns while I was working and could see and hear everything through the porthole in the dispensary.  We had 98 men on sick parade at 7 a.m. and after church parade were very busy dressing arms (Vacc) till dinner time.   I lay down on one of the beds in the dispensary after dinner as there was nothing doing.  We had news that Major Stewart of C Sec. 4th Field Amb., who is on the S.S. Agana, has contracted Typhoid, don't know if it is serious or not.  We hove to at 4 p.m. to take in tow again our baby Submarine AE2.

Monday 4th January, 1915

Donned the blues again this morning and went on duty at dispensary for sick parade at 7 a.m.   We had over 100 on parade but none serious, most of them had practically nothing wrong with them, they seem to walk up if their fingers ache.  About 10 a.m. the Chief Engineer showed me how to work the ships sterilizer and then I started to work to sterilize some blankets and hammocks which had been used by men with an infectious or contagious disease, was busy at this till about 4 p.m. except for my dinner time.   I then went and laid down till the sick parade at 5 p.m. at which I was on duty again.  After this I had a good tea and then settled down to read some yarns in a magazine.  Had a good salt water bath at 8 p.m. as it is beginning to warm up, we are entering the tropics now, am just going to turn in.

Tuesday 5th January, 1915

It was pretty warm today, but I suppose we must expect it now.   I did some more sterilizing today, it kept me going till 2 p.m. then I had a lie down for an hour in the dispensary, at 4 p.m. our section was paid.   This is our first pay on board.   We are only paid 1/- per day while on board and the balance is paid to us when we reach our destination.   I received 14/-.  Went on duty at sick parade at 5 p.m., not much doing, plenty of patients with very little the matter with them.  Had word from the Agana about 9 p.m. that Major Stewart was nearly dead, also they asked us if we had a female nurse on board who could be transferred to them to look after the Major. 

Wednesday 6th January, 1915

Up early again this morning, it is beautiful weather if it was not so hot.   We hove to about 10 a.m. and lowered a boat and our Colonel, his orderly and Sergt Draper, who is an old R.A.M.C. nurse, were transferred to the Agana to look after Major Stewart.   It took our boat about 2 hours to get to the Agana and back as we were about half a mile apart and although the sea is not rough to us on our boat, it bounced the boat with the Colonel in about a good deal, in fact sometimes we could not see it at all.  After dinner I was vaccinated along with the rest of the tent division and so I spent the rest of the day except for sick parade at 5 p.m. in lounging about.  It is getting hotter.

Thursday 7th January, 1915

I awoke this morning about 4 a.m. and noticed that the ship had stopped.   When I got on deck I saw the Sub AE2 had cast off and was going right away from us and on inquiry I heard that a steamer had been sighted and would not answer our signals, it was rumoured to be a warship, but turned out to be a tramp steamer and some misunderstanding had arisen out of the signalling.   The AE2 came back after visiting the steamer which was about 10 miles away, and was taken in tow again by us.   It only took the AE2 3 minutes to be absolutely ready for action after the alarm had been given.  I was given the duties today of looking after the venereal patients, all the cases are Gonorrhoea.   I have to give the patients their medicine and see they keep themselves clean.   35 of them.

Friday 8th January, 1915

I awoke this morning and prepared for my duties in connection with the venereal patients.   They are all isolated and of course I take every precaution for myself.   I visit them at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., it takes me about an hour each visit.   I give each man his medicine to take and mix up their solutions for bathing and syringing purposes.   I do not think there is much danger of catching anything as long as ordinary precautions are taken.  I have not given up assisting at the dispensary at the sick parades as (Although I could do so if I wished to) I am learning a good deal and thoroughly like the work.   I saw Captain Dawson inject into a patient some anti Diphtheria serum this afternoon.   He took this precaution as the patient shows every sign of having Diphtheria.   He injected about 10,000 minims.   It has been and still is sweltering hot.   It is now 8 p.m.

Saturday 9th January, 1915

After I had done the rounds of my patients this morning I was told off to assist Capt. Jeffries, who along with Capt Dawson started to inoculate the troops at 10 a.m.   We got through about 600 men up to 12 o'clock noon when we knocked off for dinner.   We did not do any more after dinner as there was a boxing tournament on and everyone wanted to see it.   Capt Dawson was timekeeper.   There were some very good bouts and if it had not been for the intense heat would have been a really enjoyable show.  I was on the sick parade at 5 p.m. but there was nothing of any consequence occurred.   Lime juice was given out today, 1 bottle to about 18 men.

Sunday 10th January, 1915

Did not put my uniform on today as it was too hot and my duties won't allow me to go to church parade.   It happens at a busy time for me.  We are supposed to cross the equator today.  Capt Jeffries performed an operation today which I witnessed for Haemorrhoids or bleeding piles.   He operated and took them away very successfully.   It was very interesting to watch and of course seeing it means so much more experience.   I am getting on well at the dispensary too, all the little odd jobs being of great benefit to me.  I had a sleep this afternoon as I have had a slight headache all day and have also been quiet tonight.   It is just boiling and everyone is lazy.

Monday 11th January, 1915

I visited my patients this morning first thing after breakfast and then went in to assist Capt Jeffries to do some more inoculating till 12 noon.   I was inoculated myself by Capt Dawson on the left breast and it is a little sore and stiff tonight but it is a very simple operation.  The crew rigged up a large canvas bath and we had Father Neptune this afternoon.   All those who had never crossed the line before were supposed to go through it, the officers first and no exceptions were made.   One Lieutenant refused so they sent a party and carried him from his cabin and ducked him. 

Tuesday 12th January, 1915

Went the rounds of my patients this morning and then started to do some more sterilizing.   Capt's Dawson and Jeffries were inoculating again this morning but I was too busy to assist.   I can hardly feel anything of my inoculation today, it seems to have gone.  We had the final bouts of the boxing tournament this afternoon and after tea I visited my patients again.  We expect to be in Colombo early in the morning so everyone is writing tonight myself included.  The heat has not been so trying today.

Wednesday 13th January, 1915

Anchored inside the breakwater at Colombo about 9 a.m. this morning and were immediately besieged by numbers of small boat loads of natives who wanted to change money with us of course, all to their advantage.   Later in the day some of the natives got on board and we had some fun, we got the boxing gloves out and put a few coppers in for two of them to fight.   It was funny , they have absolutely no idea how to fight with fists.   We were not allowed to go ashore which was a great disappointment but a lot slid down ropes over the side of the steamer and got the natives to row them ashore.  

Thursday 14th January, 1915

We were still in Colombo when I got up this morning.   It is a beautiful day and the native boats are all around us, a lot of our men have come back who got off last night and I believe there were nearly 200 off our boat alone.   They have all to parade as defaulters but I don't think they will get it very hot.   Any amount more have been dodging off all morning, I was very unlucky not to be able to go myself with a pass, but I was disappointed.   One or two fellows fell into the water while getting down ropes, but they all got out.  We moved out of the harbour about 3 p.m. this afternoon and are now anchored about a mile out.

Friday 15th January, 1915

Still at anchor when I got up this morning, a lot of native boats were round us and the natives were diving for money thrown into the water.   Some of their boats are very crude being merely three planks lashed together and they kneel on these and paddle with pieces of board.   They never seem to miss any of the money thrown in.  We raised anchor and steamed away about 10 a.m. and are now bound for we don't know where.   I have not seen anything of an escort except for the submarine but we hear there are 4 or 5 Japanese destroyers and cruisers somewhere about.  We did a little more inoculation this morning.   Everything is pretty quiet tonight.

Saturday 16th January, 1915

Did the sick parade and the round of my patients this morning and at 11 a.m. Capt Jeffries performed an operation, it was a circumcision and went off quite well.  We are somewhere close to the coast of India and by the chart seem to be going there, but of course we don't know.   We have seen the smoke of several vessels during the day but don't know what they were, might be our escort.   We also saw what we thought was the coast of India but were not sure.  The men who broke ship at Colombo have been fined 10 days ships pay (10/-) and 1 days field pay which means 5/- and 6/- in some cases, this is privates.   N.C.O.'s are to be court martialled.  It is very hot.

Sunday 17th January, 1915

This is our fourth Sunday on the water, everything seems very quiet.   I visited my patients this morning and again this evening and during the day did a little reading.  It was busy in the dispensary while the church parade was on, but as it is held just outside the door, I can see and hear everything.   The singing of all the troops sounds fine when you are on the sea and the men seem as though they are giving vent to their feelings when they are singing.  We had a church service this evening which I attended and enjoyed very much and I was almost sorry when it was over.

Monday 18th January, 1915

We are still having lovely weather it seems nothing short of marvellous for the water to be so still.  I did my rounds this morning and then helped Capt Jeffries to inoculate some of the troops for the second time, everyone has to be done twice within 10 days otherwise the inoculation against Typhoid will not have the desired effect.   We were at it till midday when we knocked off for dinner and resumed again at 2.30 p.m. keeping going till 5 p.m., when I had to go and attend the sick parade with Capt Dawson before having tea.  I fixed my patients up after tea and then had a few games at Draughts and turned in.

Tuesday 19th January, 1915

Attended sick parade at 7 a.m. then had breakfast after which I visited my patients.   I then had to assist Capt Jeffries to do some more inoculating.   We were at it till dinner time and I was inoculated myself for the second time.  I took things easy this afternoon till 5 o'clock sick parade when Capt Dawson took our photo's in the dispensary and also outside with the men who were reporting sick.  I was not feeling too good myself about this time from the effects of my inoculation but it seems to have worn off again this evening and I feel alright now.  It is four weeks today since we left Melbourne.

Wednesday 20th January, 1915

Attended sick parade at 7 a.m. and afterwards visited my patients and then we did a little more inoculating which lasted till close on dinner time.   I have not felt any effects of my inoculation this morning or at all today and all that can be seen is a little swelling on the left breast where the needle was inserted.  We are keeping as we have done all the trip except when we have stopped to provision the submarine, about a mile ahead of the other transports, sometimes we go ahead and lose sight of them altogether.  Rumours are afloat on the ship that our section is going to England to train in the hospitals at home.

Thursday 21st January, 1915

Went into the dispensary at 7 a.m. for sick parade and just as we finished a man was brought in who had a bayonet accidentally stuck in him, it was not serious.  Attended to my patients after breakfast and then Capt Jeffries performed two operations very successfully.   One was for Haemorrhoids and the other a circumcision.   This kept us going till dinner.  We all had to turn out on a general parade in full marching order, when we were inspected by Major Baker, the O.C. of the ship.   This is the first parade I have been on since embarking and it lasted till tea time.  We sighted 2 steamers today which looked like cruisers through the glasses, they were painted the same colour, they turned out to be transports with Indian troops on board and are still with us tonight.

Friday 22nd January, 1915

Attended sick parade at 7 a.m. and after breakfast visited my patients.   I received instructions from Capt Dawson today to take them their medicine 3 times daily, which means I must visit them at 2 p.m. as well as 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. but it is not much trouble.  Things were very quiet this afternoon so I lay down and had a read till 5 p.m. sick parade after which I had my tea and then did my 7 o'clock round.  We expect to reach Aden tomorrow and everyone is hoping for a chance to get ashore but I don't think it is any good hoping, they made a bad thing of it when they broke ship at Colombo.  

Saturday 23rd January, 1915

I forgot to mention yesterday the result of the Court Martial of the N.C.O.'s who broke ship at Colombo was announced.   They were all reduced to privates and have to do 14 days fatigue duty as defaulters and I understand they have been fined as well.   The result was announced publicly and their stripes were cut off in front of all the troops on the ship.  We reached Aden this morning and anchored outside the harbour.   The men did a little bargaining with the natives and I bought 2 singlets for 2/-, they are only cotton but very easy for the hot weather.   We were to have steamed out this evening but unfortunately our anchor fouled a submarine cable and broke it and then the steel hawser which we tow AE2 with got tangled round one of our propellers and we will have to stay till it is fixed up.

Sunday 24th January, 1915

The rest of the fleet steamed away without us yesterday evening and we have had the divers working on our propeller all night and they are still at it.   We moved into the inner harbour about 9 a.m. to give the divers a better chance and found 2 Indian transports at anchor, one of them has 8 guns mounted which we can see and also some quick firers or Maxims.   We have been besieged with natives trying to sell fruit and other things all day.  I wrote 6 post cards and 1 letter this afternoon.   Some of the fellows are fishing but only catching very small fish.  We left Aden at 5 p.m. and passed a mail steamer about 7.30 on her way to Australia.

Monday 25th January, 1915

Visited my patients this morning and after breakfast we did some more inoculating till dinner time, we passed a cargo steamer about 11.30 a.m.  Capt Dawson took another photo this afternoon of 6 of us in front of the dispensary.  After tea I visited my patients and then went to have a quiet time in the dispensary.   I hardly got settled when 6 men were brought in with severe pains in their stomachs.   This was the start and I sent for Capt Dawson.   We worked till 11.30 p.m. about 6 of us and we had to use the stomach pump on about 20 men, it appeared that they had Ptomaine poisoning but we could not get to the cause of it.  I turned in about 12 p.m. sleeping in the dispensary with 30 others, but odd ones kept coming in sick during the night.   They were all sent to hospital and from 7.30 to 6 a.m. Tuesday 26th we went through 102 troops suffering.

Tuesday 26th January, 1915

After a broken nights sleep I got up at reveille 6 a.m. feeling pretty tired.   We went through the sick parade at 7 a.m. and we had a very large number of the troops who were suffering slightly from Ptomaine poisoning not so bad as the night before.   We tried to find the cause of the poisoning through the day but could not.   A good many of the men were feeling very seedy, but I was quite well and must have been fortunate enough to leave the cause of the poisoning alone, although I did not know it.  We got wireless news of Admiral Beatty's victory over the Germans and of his sinking the Blucher, also that the Turks were sniping along the Suez Canal.

Wednesday 27th January, 1915

Usual sick parade and round of patients this morning.   Then I went on to the boat deck with Capt Dawson to assist him as we had a medical inspection for all the troops on board.   This kept us going till midday.  After dinner we had a general inspection of all troops on board in full marching order and with entire kits as for disembarkation, by the O.C. of units,   Capt Dawson being our O.C., as the Colonel is on board the Ulysses.  We passed 5 boats during the day and expect to reach Suez tomorrow.  We had some news that the British forces were driving back the Germans. 

Thursday 28th January, 1915

Did my rounds again this morning and then we did some packing of medical utensils in the dispensary.   We were at this till dinner time.  We passed a small pleasure yacht about 8.30 a.m. quite close, it was flying the Egyptian flag.   We saw land all day today and about 4 p.m. sighted the rest of our fleet at anchor at the mouth of the Suez Canal.  We were packing all afternoon in case we have to disembark at Egypt.   We anchored alongside the rest of the transports about 6 p.m. at the mouth of the Suez Canal.   Just as we anchored a small gunboat passed us, it was about as big as the Edina and had 2 guns.

Friday 29th January, 1915

Port Suez looked lovely this morning from the deck of our steamer.   It is the prettiest scene I have seen since leaving Melb.   We got a move on about 11 a.m. and entered the canal, it is a wonderful piece of work.   We passed a cruiser the Ocean just inside the canal, they gave us a rousing cheer and early this afternoon we passed the cruiser Minerva and the Indian transport Himalaya which has a lot of guns on and has been turned into an auxiliary cruiser.   They were all 3 moored to the bank of the canal ready to defend it against the Turks.   All along the banks of the canal are soldiers entrenched ready to defend it, most of them are Ghurkhas, so far as we have seen today they are very lively and cheered for all they were worth as we passed.   They seem to be in a very strong position.

Saturday 30th January, 1915

We anchored last night in one of the lakes in the canal called the Bitter Lake and we got under way again about 10 a.m. this morning.   We passed lots of troops entrenched on the banks, most of the way up the country is just sand.   We passed the Orsova on her way to Australia and also an Indian transport full of Indian troops, taking them up the canal to where the fighting is expected to be more severe.  We anchored in another lake about 2.30 p.m. and a small launch came off from shore where there is a small town called Ishmaeli, towing a pontoon on which were some Australian Engineers.   As they came closer I picked out a couple of them, W. Hill, my fiancee's brother and A Milne.   I was agreeably surprised to see them, we threw them tobacco and cigarettes and tucker, they came quite close and we learned the Turks were not far away and already there had been a slight engagement.

Sunday 31st January, 1915

We hoisted our anchor about 10 a.m. this morning and moved away from Ishmael.  We saw troops all along the banks of the canal ready entrenched, waiting for the Turks.   Our men looked well prepared for any attack that might come.   We also saw 5 or 6 aeroplanes flying over Ishmaeli keeping an eye open for the Turks.   We passed some more British and French warships one of ours being the Swiftsure.   We also passed an Italian cruiser the Calabria, she saluted us and all her men stood at attention as we passed.   Then we passed a French passenger steamer and the passengers were very enthusiastic.   We had to tie up for about an hour and a half to let about a dozen ships pass us.   We then got a move on and reached Port Said about 7 p.m. this evening.       

Monday 1st February, 1915

Woke up this morning and found our ships anchored about 50 yards from the wharf at Port Said.   We remained there till about 4 p.m. this afternoon when we steamed away for Alexandria.   Port Said does not look bad from the water but I believe it is very dirty behind the front street.   The natives tried to get fruit up to us but we had a guard on to keep them off, instructions were issued to the troops that they were to buy nothing on pain of being put in the guard room, also one of the ships boats was lowered and military police put in it to keep away the natives boats.  Some red cross nurses were rowed alongside who were stationed there.   They were from the Alfred Hospital, Melb.

Tuesday 2nd February, 1915

Six weeks since we left Melbourne.  Anchored at Alexandria about 8 a.m. this morning and we moved alongside the wharf about 12 noon.   We were not allowed to go ashore.   The wharf was crowded with natives trying to sell fruit etc. but we were not allowed to buy, although some managed it.   An elderly white gentleman was on the wharf and he bought dozens of oranges and got some young chaps to throw them up to us, he was a real sport.  Some of the East Lancashire regiment (English Territorials) came down to the wharf and had a yarn with some of them, they have been here about 5 months.  Some of the troops off our boat disembarked tonight.   I have been packing most of the day in the dispensary.

Wednesday 3rd February, 1915

I was busy packing all morning in the dispensary.   I have finished with the venereal patients.  I got a letter posted ashore by one of my pals who got off.  At 10.30 a.m. we paraded for rations for disembarkation (tinned beef and biscuits).   At 11.30 a.m. we paraded with our full kits and left the ship and entrained for Heliopolis near Cairo.   Our train which was alongside the wharf left Alexandria at 12.30 noon.   We reached Heliopolis about 7.30 p.m.   Heliopolis is about 110 miles from Alexandria.   Our kits were taken to the camp from the Station on motor lorries and we marched about 3 miles.   We were allotted tents, 10 in ours but we had no lights.   They then gave us some tea and stew after which we were each given 1 blanket.   We then went to our tents and laid down, but were called out 10 minutes after to unload some wagons after which we turned in for the night.

Thursday 4th February, 1915

Reveille was at 6.30 a.m. this morning, but we were not called out till after breakfast.   We then went on parade and were detailed off in sections for fatigue duty such as putting tents up and unloading wagons.   I was with a section with 12 men and we had to put a large double marquee up, for the officers mess, it took us till dinner time to fix it up.   After dinner we were unpacking waggons and doing general fatigue duty to get the camp straight.   Just before tea we had another blanket issued and were told that general leave for the camp was given every night from 5 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. to go into Heliopolis, but if we wished to go to Cairo we must apply for a special pass, otherwise we would not be allowed to go.   I went into Heliopolis this evening.

Friday 5th February, 1915

Reveille at 6 a.m. this morning.   Parade at 6.45 a.m. with physical drill till 7.45 and breakfast at 8 a.m.   Parade again at 9 a.m.   I was not on this parade as I was assisting to unpack instruments and drugs and to get the dispensary in order.   I was on this work till tea time after which I went into Heliopolis again to have a look round.  It is a fine looking place, the buildings being very noticeable.   I had a look at the Grand Palace Hotel, which is now turned into a base hospital, it is a very large and magnificent building.   The natives are all along the streets hawking goods of all kinds but mostly cheap goods and anything I wish to buy I have to argue and bargain as they invariably ask about four times the value of their articles.   I had a donkey ride for fun, cost a piastre, 2 1/2 pence. 

Saturday 6th February, 1915

Physical drill again this morning till breakfast time after which I was at the dispensary again till dinner time.  I applied for a pass to go to Cairo and was given one so along with 3 pals we went to Cairo about 2 p.m.   It cost half a piastre 1 1/4 pence in the electric car from Heliopolis to Cairo station.  Cairo is a fine looking place and seems fairly busy.   We had a look round some of the main streets and I was impressed with some of the buildings.   We had tea at a restaurant ham and eggs (3) and stuffed tomatoes which cost 8 Piastres (1/8).   We then hired a carriage and pair of horses to take us to a suburb called Gamrah, where one of my pals had a friend.   It cost us 2/- for the drive and we did not find the place we wanted, so went to some pictures.   Arrived back at camp about 10 p.m.

Sunday 7th February, 1915

Paraded this morning at 7 a.m. and was busy erecting tents till breakfast time after which I went to church parade which was held close to our camp on the desert.  After church parade we had a march past the Brigadier General and then went to  our tents.  I spent the afternoon in writing letters home and I also had a visit from J. Brownell who I knew in Crewe, England and who is with the 2nd Stationary Hospital at present stationed at the Grand Palace Hotel, Heliopolis.   We had a short talk about old times.  After tea I went out with another young fellow for a walk round the town, we paid a visit to Luna Park and found it very up to date.   It is only open on Sundays and I only saw about 6 females there, although the place was full of men.

Monday 8th February, 1915

Reveille at 6 a.m.  Paraded at 6.45 a.m. and put some more tents up for the officers.   After breakfast we were on the same job and the same again in the afternoon till 4.30 p.m. when we were told off into different tents.   The same lot of fellows who were in my tent got together in our new tent so we were alright.   We got fixed up in our new tent and had tea and then 4 of us went out for a walk.  We went to the American Mission and I wrote a letter to my brother Harold.  The Mission was crowded with soldiers and a man was playing the piano and the men were singing.   After a short time an officer came in and started a mission service, he spoke in a splendid manner and gave some of the very best advice.

Tuesday 9th February, 1915

Reveille at 6 a.m.  Physical drill at 6.45 a.m. till 7.45 a.m.   After breakfast I was told off with 5 others to assist the Quartermaster.  We went to the Army Service Corps and loaded 8 wagons with fodder for our horses and brought them to our lines and unloaded them.   It was dinner time by the time we had done this.  After dinner we went on the same job only it was for tucker for the men, we were at this till tea time.  We had a little trouble at tea time owing to short rations being issued, we all got up from the mess tables and paraded before the officers and they promised to have the matter fixed up.  I did not go out after tea just stayed in and went to bed early.

Wednesday 10th February, 1915

Reveille at 5.45 a.m. this morning and paraded at 6.15.   We were dismissed after being told to get ready for a full days march in full kit.  We had rations issued at 7.30 a.m. consisting of a piece of bread about 1/2 lb and about 1 oz of cheese also a 7 lb tin of jam was taken for A Section.  This had to do us for dinner.  We moved away about 8 a.m.   All the 4th Brigade was out and of course we are the A.M.C. for that Brigade.   We had to march to Abbassea, a suburb of Cairo about 5 miles from Heliopolis and there we met the 1st Exp. Force who had marched out to meet us, it was a general concentration of the Australian troops and they looked well, I don't know how many their were.

Thursday 11th February, 1915

Reveille at 6 a.m.  Physical drill at 6.45 a.m.   Breakfast at 8 a.m.   After breakfast we fixed up a marquee for a hospital tent for A Section and it was arranged I should go on duty from 3.30 p.m. till 11.30 p.m. with two other men.   I went on at 3.30 p.m. and found 9 patients all suffering from colds, slight influenza.  We were paid about 4.30 p.m.   I received 16/- in Egyptian money.  After tea was over for the patients we arranged for two of us to go out for an hour or so to Heliopolis while the other stayed and looked after the patients.   One of the other boys and myself went out and we met 3 others out of our tent so we went to Luna Park for an hour and enjoyed ourselves.   It is marvellous that there were no women or girls at such a place, I did not see a single one, just soldiers.  Was back at camp before 9.30 p.m. and stayed in the hospital till 11.30 p.m.

Friday 12th February 1915

Did not have to get up for parade this morning after working late on the hospital.   While we are on hospital work we don't have to attend parades, but as the D.G.M. General Williams was expected to inspect us we were told to be on parade at 9.15 a.m.  We paraded but were told to fall out, so we (3 of us) went into Heliopolis to have a hot bath which we did not get as there was no hot water till 4 p.m.   We had a walk round and went to the American Mission where I bought some post cards and posted them, also wrote a letter.   We then had dinner after which we went to the Grand Palace Hotel which is now a base hospital and had a look round it.   It is lovely from the outside but it is wonderful inside.   It cost 3 million pounds to build and 75,000 pounds to furnish.  We were back at camp at 3 p.m., ready to go on duty at 3.30 p.m.   Same 9 patients in hospital, nothing to do only feed them and give them medicine every 4 hours.

Saturday 13th February, 1915

Got up about 7.30 a.m. and spent the morning in having a good clean up and rearranged my kit.  At midday we (5 of us) got passes to go to Cairo.   From Cairo we took a taxi, cost us about 1/6 each to Mena, there is a large camp at Mena also the Pyramids.   Arriving at the foot of the pyramids we took a guide cost us 1/- each, to take us round.   Our guide was the man who acted as guide to Sir A. Conan Doyle.   He took us round the pyramids and explained things as we went along.   The first pyramid which is the largest is 451 ft high and was built 3,700 B.C.   The stone was brought from a quarry 18 miles away and it took 100,000 men 33 years to build it.   We had to take our boots and leggings off to go inside.   We entered through a small opening and followed our guide, it is just a small tunnel running right into the heart of the pyramid.   A good distance in it branches off into 2 tunnels each leading to a stone chamber, one of which was the tomb for the King (Pharoh) and the other for the Queen.   The pyramids are simply tombs.   The sides of the pyramids are now just like steps, but at one time they were covered with plaster or mortar which has worn off with time except for a little at the top of the 2nd one.  We had a look at the Sphinx and were in the temple of Shefron.  They are at present digging out an underground city, but we were unable to get in.  The pyramids are called, the pyramids of Charep, Shefron and Mancaro.  We were back at camp just after 10 p.m.

Sunday 14th February, 1915

We had a very quiet day today and I was glad as I was very stiff after climbing round the pyramids yesterday.  I came on duty at 7.30 a.m. and was on till 11.30 p.m., which is two shifts, this is on account of the other fellows doing my shift yesterday so I could get a day off and so I am doing the same for them today.   I have 8 patients, one of whom is a suspected Enteric Fever case.   He is to be sent to the base hospital tomorrow.  I had to miss church parade this morning, but it was held close to the hospital and I could hear as much as if I was there.  It has been a long day 16 hours on at the hospital, but things were very quiet and I wrote a couple of letters in the evening.  Gen. Sir Ian Hamilton was here today and inspected our whole division.   I believe he was very pleased with the troops.   Our division is composed of New Zealand and Australian troops, combined, the Australian part of it being the 4th Brigade of which our corps is a part.   I was not on parade at this inspection as I had been on duty all the night before and had today off to get some sleep.

Monday 15th February, 1915

I stayed in camp all day today, I was resting and reading till 3.30, when I went on duty in the hospital.   Only have three patients in today and one who is our own Corps is convalescent.   One of the others is suffering from Dysentery and the other has a very bad cold, so none are serious.  I was on till 6 p.m. by myself as the other fellow who should be with me is doing some carpenting.   He joined me about 6 p.m. and we had a quiet night till 11.30 when we turned in.  I wrote a couple of letters and read a little.   Made a cup of cocoa and had some bread and butter before we turned in, just to warm us up as it is very cold and chilly tonight.

Tuesday 16th February, 1915

After breakfast this morning I had a walk into Heliopolis with two other chaps.   We went to the America Mission and read some of the English papers which are of course not up to date, but still very welcome.   I was playing the piano while my two friends were writing and the lady missionary gave me a small book of the Gospel according to St. John.   We stayed and had a cup of tea and sandwich and a cake each, instead of going back to camp for dinner, it cost us two Piastres 5d each.  We returned to camp at 3.30 p.m. and two of us went on at the hospital, only one patient in today with slight Ptomaine poisoning so not much to do, everything went of pretty quiet and we turned in at 11.30 p.m.

Wednesday 17th February, 1915

Went on the hospital at 7.30 a.m. this morning.   We only had one patient to start with, but had nine when I knocked off at 3.30 p.m.   There was nothing of interest happened while I was at the hospital.  I went for a walk in to Heliopolis this evening along with two of the fellows out of our tent and a friend of one of them out of the Light Horse.   We were back at 8.30 p.m. and had a little sing-song in the tent for half an hour after which I made my bed and turned in.  I was up at 6 a.m. this morning, as a new order has been issued to the effect that everyone must turn out for roll call on the 6.45 a.m. parade except those working all night.

Thursday 18th February, 1915

Was on parade for roll call at 6.45 a.m. this morning.   Went on the hospital at 7.30 a.m.   Five of our patients were sent to the general hospital.  I had to go into Cairo after breakfast to get some quotations for copper tanks for Capt. Dawson.   I tramped all over Cairo but was unsuccessful.   I arrived back at Heliopolis about 3.30 p.m. and had a look round.   I bought a small vase, gold inlaid to send to my fiance while I was in Heliopolis.  Arrived at camp about 4.30 p.m. thoroughly tired out.   After tea I just lay down in the tent and yarned with three other of the boys who did not go out and I turned in for the night about 9 p.m.

Friday 19th February, 1915

Went on at the hospital at 7.30 a.m. this morning and as I heard there was to be a march I asked Capt. Dawson if I could go and he said certainly.  We set out from camp at 10 a.m. taking our midday rations with us, bread, sardines and jam.   We marched through Heliopolis and then turned off into the desert.   All the troops were out from round here, engaged in tactical manouvers.   We marched about 5 or 6 miles from camp and then sat down about 12.30 noon and had dinner.   We stayed where we were till about 3.45 p.m. and then had word from Headquarters to start for home which we reached about 5.30 p.m.   The Colonel complimented us on our march and dismissed us.  I did not go out after tea, just stayed in the tent and yarned with the boys.

Saturday 20th February, 1915

On again at the hospital at 7.30 a.m., only had four patients to day.   We the 4th F. Amb. and our camp was inspected at 10 a.m. by Inspector General Battie V.C. who I believe is the head of the entire Australasian A.M.C.   I have not heard yet what the outcome of the inspection is.  This afternoon I played for the 4th F. Amb. soccer team against the East Lancashire R.F.A. on the Heliopolis sports clubs ground.   After a good game we won by one goal to nil.   This is our first match and I played centre-half.   I enjoyed the game very much, but was a little tired at the finish.  I came straight back to camp and had a cold shower before tea.   After tea I lay down in my tent and had a look at the letters again which I received last mail.

Sunday 21st February, 1915

On parade at 6.45 a.m. this morning and went on the hospital at 7.30 a.m.   We had four patients when I went on but one was discharged fit for duty and the other three were sent to the base hospital leaving us without any patients at all, so we cleaned up the hospital thoroughly ready for inspection by Major Meikle and Capt. Dawson.   After inspection we made a cup of coffee and settled down for a read.  After I was off duty at 3.30 p.m. I went to the Heliopolis Post Office to register a parcel to be sent to Melbourne and to post some letters.   The Post Office was closed and I could not send the parcel, so I returned to camp and had tea, did not go out to-night, stayed and talked war with the boys.

Monday 22nd February, 1915

Had a medical inspection to day.  On parade at 6.45 a.m. this morning and went on the hospital at 7.30 a.m.   We had no patients at all in today so I wrote three letters and talked with the other two orderlies till dinner time.  After dinner I went back to the hospital as we had to stay there even though we had no patients.   We had everything clean and tidy and at 3.30 p.m. we were relieved.  I immediately went and had a shower bath as it has been pretty warm today and then got dressed and went to the Heliopolis Post Office and posted my letters and a book of views, also registered a parcel containing a small Egyptian vase which I was sending to my fiance.   Returned to camp for tea and did not go out again.

Tuesday 23rd February, 1915

On parade 6.45 a.m. for roll call and was on at the hospital at 7.30 a.m.  We received four patients during the morning.  One of them was one of the boys from our own tent and he was sent during the day to the base hospital.  His case was queried Lumbago and he seemed pretty bad.  None of the other three were very sick, just slight colds.  After dinner we had a grand parade and were inspected by Surgeon General Williams, head of the A.A.M.C.  He passed some comments on our not being fully equipped and as we were dismissed he complimented us on our general appearance and behaviour during inspection.  He had a look round the hospitals and seemed quite satisfied.  I did not go out of camp this evening and turned into bed about 8 p.m.

Wednesday 24th February, 1915

On parade 6.45 a.m. and on duty at the hospital at 7.30 a.m.  We had no patients today so Captain Dawson gave us permission to go on a march with the stretcher bearers.  We marched through "Zeitoun" to the native village of "Matarich" about 4 miles from our camp.  We had a look at and a drink from  the "Virgins Well" which is at this village.  It is the well Joseph and Mary with the infant Jesus rested at and drank from in their flight from Jerusalem to Egypt.  The tree under which they rested is also alongside the well and is 2000 years old, it is dead now and is propped up to keep it in place.    We also went inside the church adjoining which was built in 1904.  It is lovely inside and has 6 beautiful paintings on the walls, 3 each side, of the flight from Jerusalem.  They are about 6 feet square.  

•             1st. Massacre of Infants

•             2nd. Warning to flee

•             3rd. Flight from Jerusalem

•             4th. Resting on the Banks of the Nile

•             5th. Resting under the tree alongside the church

•             6th. Entering old Heliopolis.

It was a most interesting trip.  I added my signature to the church book.  We were paid this afternoon.  I drew £1-8-0.  I went to Cairo as soon as we were paid, with 3 pals and we went and had a splendid meal for 2/6 each.  This was our main object in going.  We had a look around and returned to camp by 10 p.m., when I received a letter from Mother which I read and then turned in.

Thursday 25th February, 1915

On parade as usual for roll call at 6.45 a.m. and at the hospital at 7.30 a.m.  No patients today.  Received a letter from Daisy this morning, so set to to write to Mother and Daisy.  Nothing of interest occured today past the usual routine except for a kit inspection about 11 a.m.  Finished my letters after dinner and was relieved at hospital at 3.30 p.m.  Had a lay down in the tent till tea-time.  After tea I went to the American  Mission to get stamps and to post letters.  Was back in camp before 8 p.m. and did some more writing as I was by myself till I turned in to go to sleep about 9 p.m.  My pal is in hospital since dinner time with influenza.  Temperature is 92â in the shade.

Friday 26th February, 1915

Reveille at 6 a.m. this morning.  Paraded at 6.30 a.m. and had breakfast at 7 a.m. with orders to be ready in full marching order by 8 a.m.  This referred to everyone except A.Sec. tent division of which I am one and we had to look after our own hospital and B & C Sect. as well.  The reason for this was that  a number of New Zealand troops had been sent out to act as the enemy and attack Zeitoun about 1½ miles from our camp.  Another body of troops occupied Zeitoun to resist the supposed enemy and our men had to be ready in case they were needed to pick up supposed wounded.  Our men were all ready and lay about camp in full kit ready to be away at a moments notice, but they were not called on till 4 p.m. and 10 minutes before they could get right away the order was countermanded as they were not needed.  This is how we will be under actual war conditions.  Nothing of interest happened concerning myself at the hospital.

 Saturday 27th February, 1915

On parade for roll call at 6.45 a.m. and at the hospital at 7.30 a.m.  We only had two patients and we sent them to the base hospital and just cleaned up.  At half past one all our tent except one who is in the base hospital with Lumbago, set out for Heliopolis and we had our photo's taken - 10 of us.  We just had a walk round and returned to camp for tea.  It has been pretty warm all day and a fresh wind blowing the sand about made it uncomfortable to be out.  After tea four of us played euchre just to pass the time away until about 8.30 p.m. when we turned in and went to sleep.  Some of our fellows had a drink and were troublesome last night, we were paraded today and restrictions placed on our leave.

Sunday 28th February, 1915

On parade at 6.45 a.m.  No patients in hospital today.  Spent the morning in reading a book.  After dinner four of us went for a walk to the Virgins Well and the tree and church again.  Two of the boys had cameras and wanted to take some photos.  They took one of the church with two of us standing on the steps, one of the tree with two of us standing by and one of the Well with two of us standing by it.  I had another drink out of the Well.  On our way back we stopped a native cart with some natives and two of us stood by while the others got snaps of us.  Returned to camp for tea feeling tired, we had done about 10 miles.  Did not go out of camp again.

Monday 1st March, 1915

On parade 6.45 a.m. for roll call, had five patients in hospital today.  Captain Dawson asked me if I could mend some of our stretchers which were broken and as I could, he told me to get on with them.  Could not find any tools at all to work with but managed to improvise sufficient to take them to pieces.  I could not put them together again as I had  no bolts, so had to leave them.  After dinner I had nothing to do so started to darn a pair of socks which for my first attempt I considered I did well.  I also sewed some buttons on my clothes.  This kept me occupied till tea time, after which we had a short game of euchre and then I did a little writing before turning in.  

Tuesday 2nd March, 1915

On parade 6.45 a.m. and went for physical drill till breakfast time.  We marched into Heliopolis and had some physical drill on a square in the town then returned to camp for breakfast.  After breakfast I went into the hospital till dinner time.  After dinner we were all issued with sun helmets and puggarees.  I spent the rest of the afternoon in putting my pugaree round by helmet, it was a bit awkward at first but I eventually managed it to my satisfaction.  I did not go out after tea, so settled down and did some writing after which we all yarned in the tent till bedtime when we turned in early as we are expecting a long march tomorrow.

Wednesday 3rd March, 1915

Reveille at 5.30 a.m. this morning, breakfast at 8.30 a.m.  We marched off to take up our positions for the divisional manouveres.  We marched to "Abassia" and joined the rest of the 4th Brigade.  At 9.50 a.m. the light horse moved away and we followed at 10 a.m.  Our manouveres for today consisted of protecting Cairo, which was supposedly being attacked  by 30,000 Turks approaching from the Suez Canal.  Our forces moved very quickly and covered an extensive area from what I could see.  Our corps marched along the Cairo-Canal road for about 4 miles, then we camped and prepared to receive wounded as in real battle.  We had just got things ready when we received orders to move 4 miles further on, just got camp broke up when we recieved further orders to stay where we were.  Remained here till 4.45 p.m.  Arrived back at camp 6 p.m.  Did not go out again, went to bed early having marched about 15 miles.  I believe those manouveres were very successful.

Thursday 4th March, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. with no parade till 9.30 a.m.  This was to give us a little extra rest after our exertions of yesterday.  My shift on the hospital has been changed today and I am going on duty at 11.30 p.m. to 7.30 a.m. tomorrow so I have got today to myself.  I spent the morning reading till dinner time and after dinner I arranged for an interview with our Lieutenant Dentist who has only been with our Corps two days and who is to attend to the teeth of the 4th Brigade while he is with us.  I heard he was only staying with us three weeks so got in early.  At 3 p.m. he started on my teeth and filled one in the lower jaw.  I have to see him at 2 p.m. tomorrow about some more.  Did not go out of camp at all this evening.  Went on duty at 11.30 p.m.  Three patients in hospital so not much to do on our shift till 7.30 a.m. in the morning.

Friday 5th March, 1915

Came off duty at hosital at 7.30 a.m. and after breakfast I turned in for a sleep till dinner time.  At 2 p.m. I attended again at the dentist and had another tooth stopped.  We had another full marching order parade at 3.15 p.m. and were inspected again by Surgeon General Williams.  Everything and everywhere in the camp was inspected and I think we shall be leaving here shortly.  After the Parade we were not allowed to take any of our kit off as we were under orders to move off on a march at any time Headquarters notified us.  We lay about our tents and about 9 p.m. rations were issued.  At 10.15 p.m. we had orders to fall in and marched off at 10.30.  We marched about four miles and bivouaced on the desert for the night at about 12 p.m.

Saturday 6th March, 1915

Our bivouac finished at 3.45 a.m. this morning when we had orders to get out.  It was a very cold night and I dont think anyone slept much.  We had no blankets only our overcoats.  Set out for camp at 4 a.m. and got back at 5.30 a.m.  We were dismissed and turned in for a sleep till 7.30 a.m. when we were up again for breakfast.  I felt pretty tired and as I have to go on at the hospital at 11.30 p.m. tonight until 7.30 a.m. tomorrow I spent the rest of the day lying down and reading.  After tea three of us went to Heliopolis and had a good hot bath cost us 5 piastres (1/0½) but was worth it.  Had a look round Heliopolis and called for our photos, which were not finished.  Was back at camp at 8 p.m. and on at the hospital at 11.30 p.m.

Sunday 7th March, 1915

Finished my shift in the hospital at 7.30 a.m. this morning.  We had no patients at all, so things were pretty easy.  I had a sleep after breakfast till dinner time.  After dinner I lay down and read till 3.30 p.m. when I went in the hospital again as we had changed shifts.  We had one patient who had come in during the morning.  During the afternoon I wrote some letters and after tea I settled down and had a good read.  We had practically nothing to do but still we had to remain in the hospital in case any other patients should come.  It has been a beast of a day fairly hot and a very strong wind blowing the sand about.  I finished my shift at 11.30 p.m.  

Monday 8th March, 1915

Was up at 6 a.m. this morning.  It has been a terrible day, the wind blowing a hurricane and the sand has been blowing along in clouds like a fog.  I am absolutely full of sand, it seems to get through the pores of one's skin.  I loafed the day away in my tent till 3.30 p.m.  It was too bad to go out and plenty bad enough in the tent.  At 3.30 p.m. I went on at the hospital, we have one patient who came in at midday.  He is a doctor and is the medical officer for the 16th Battalion.  His name is Captain MacGregor and he is suffering from a severe cold.  The wind dropped this evening and we are having a lovely night.  I wrote another letter after tea and finished my shift on the hospital at 11.30 p.m.

Tuesday 9th March, 1915

Slept in the hospital over night as we only had the one patient Captain MacGregor who has a touch of Bronchitis.  Was up at 6 a.m. this morning and after breakfast I lay down and had a sleep till dinner time.  Just before I went on at the hospital at 3.30 p.m. I had a good shower bath, it has been very hot today.  Still only the one patient so not much to do.  I was writing nearly all this afternoon.  Everything seems very quiet today, the only excitement being caused by the rumours as to when we are leaving here.  We were paid this evening and I drew 156 Piastres.  Could not go out tonight again and didn't want to, so did a bit more writing and turned in  at 11.30 p.m.

Wednesday 10th March, 1915

Slept in hospital again overnight, expect to get some patients today.  I received orders this morning about 9 a.m. to go to Cairo with Sergeant Henderson to do some shopping for the dispensary and for Captain Dawson.  We arrived in Cairo about 10 a.m. did our business and then had a good look round.  We visited the Citadel and it was most interesting, the walls are of great thickness and altogether it is a remarkable building.  We had a look through the armoury in the Citadel and saw some very ancient arms and armour, also all the rifles which were captured recently off the Turks on the Suez Canal about 1200 rifles.  We then visited the Sultan Hassan Mosque which is another remarkable building.  It was hit with 45 cannon balls when Napoleon conquered Egypt, some of the balls still being in the holes made and we saw them.  Napoleon robbed the mosque of most of its valuables, but there is one door which cost £14,000.  We also saw the chair which used to be the coronation chair for the sultans and in which Saladin of Richard Coeur de Lion's time was crowned.  Also we saw the Sultan Hasson's tomb.  The building inside is remarkable.  One floor being laid with fancy slabs of which no 2 are alike and the whole place practically is, or was, before Napoleon and in some parts still is inlaid with pearl and gold.  We searched all the shops we could find for presents to send home and returned to camp at 10 p.m. and I had to go on at the hospital  till 11.30 p.m.

Thursday 11th March, 1915

I was up at 6 a.m. this morning and after breakfast we had orders to strike our tents and load them and our kit bags on the transport wagons and to clear our camp ready to move off.  We had everything cleared and loaded before dinner time, we did not know if we really were going to move off or what we were going to do until after dinner when we were told it was only for practice and we had to fix up again.  We expect to move off any day now.  I came on duty in the hospital at 3.30 and we had five patients including Captain MacGregor.  It has been a very bad day especially for striking camp, the wind has been blowing very hard and clouds of sand with a very close atmosphere.  Things went on very satisfactory and I finished at the hospital at 11.30 p.m.

Friday 12th March, 1915

Reveille was at 5 a.m. this morning as there was a divisional march and manouvres on.  I did not go out as it was our sections day on at the hospital.  Our fellows marched out at 7.30 a.m.  I had a walk about Heliopolis about 11 a.m. and posted some letters I had wrote.  I had a look round for some presents to send home but did not succeed in getting them yet.  I arrived back at camp about 1.30 p.m. and went on duty at hospital at 3.30.  We have more to do now as the hospital routine has been altered today.  We have our three sections and each section has to take 3 days on hospital and 6 days off.  The 6 days we have to put in at the Wagon drill.  It means for 3 days we have 3 hospitals to look after instead of having one continually.  I am on A Section hospital today with 7 patients.  Turned in at 11.30 p.m.