Friday 1st October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade at 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.   

At 10 a.m. paraded and each section was paid, we received one pound each.  First general pay since we landed at Gallipoli, dismissed after pay till 11 a.m. when paraded again and went for short route march under Captain Jeffries, arrived back at camp for dinner.  During route march had splendid view of  Lemnos harbour absolutely full of vessels of all kinds, a wonderful sight.  During afternoon did some more writing and a little reading till tea time.  After tea played football till 6.30 p.m. when paraded for roll call, dismissed and sat talking in tent till bed time.

Saturday 2nd October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Am on ration fatigue today.  At 10 a.m. paraded, after roll call all fatigue parties were dismissed to their various duties.  At 10.30 a.m. went to Army Service Corps and drew rations which we carried back to camp on stretchers.  Just getting same rations as when on peninsular except little more fresh meat.  After dinner had to go to Army Service Corps again and bring up firewood on stretchers, after this put rest of afternoon in writing letters.  Had tea then an hour kicking the football about.  Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m. and into bed about 8.30 p.m.

Sunday 3rd October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and parade at 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. then breakfast.  After breakfast at liberty for day unless anything occurs.  23rd Sunday since landing at Gallipoli and 41 weeks since leaving Melbourne.  Spent the morning writing letters also was writing all afternoon.  Things are very deadly here, the weather is beautiful but nowhere to go and nothing to do, no news very little to read.  Will be glad to get to the front again.  Have not got any reinforcements yet so our corps is still very small only 14 privates in our section and when fatigue parties are taken out I have seen only 5 privates on parade.  Parade 6.30, turned in early.

Monday 4th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m., instead of physical drill before breakfast, tidied up and made camp clean and respectable as expecting inspection by a French surgeon General.   Had breakfast and paraded ready for inspection at 10 a.m., were dismissed shortly afterwards as General did not put in an appearance.  About 11 a.m. had to do a bit of carpentering for the bettering of camp, kept me going till dinner time.  Mail came in about dinner time and I received 9 letters.  Hooray!  After tea we had a practice at Rugby football, 3 of our Captains and a Major joined in, enjoyed it, pretty rough and weather rather warm.  Paraded at 6.30 p.m.  Turned in about 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 5th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. then breakfast.  Am on water fatigue, 3 trips to do today.  Have received cricket set and some quoits so after breakfast cleared a patch and made a fairly good cricket pitch also a quoit pitch.  Kept us going till dinner time.  After dinner went for water then went to football ground where we had a practice game of rugby, played a scratch team of New Zealanders and Maoris.  Had energetic game and managed a draw.  Major Clayton, Captains Jeffries, Welch and Furber of our corps played for us.  Hear British are doing well in France.  S.S. Olympic in harbour here, 7000 troops aboard, also other large transports.  Parade and roll call 6.30 p.m.  Turned in 7.30 p.m.

Wednesday 6th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  About 7.45 a.m. saw one of our airships, a Parseval airship after style of Zeppelin, passed over the island.  At 10 a.m. we paraded and marched off, joined our Brigade and the New Zealand Regiments of our division and the whole division was inspected by Major General Godley who is in charge of it.  After dinner, our (A) section played B section of our corps at cricket and defeated them.  I was not playing but was a barracker.  Also did some writing during afternoon.  After tea formed a male voice choir and had a practice.  Paraded at 6.30 p.m. for roll call then dismissed.  Weather lovely.  Turned in 9 p.m.

Thursday 7th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  At 10 a.m. paraded, had half an hours drill as for a ceremonial parade, then went for short route march under Captain Welch, arrived back at dinner time.  Notices have been read out about some of troops committing sacrilege in churches and offenders if caught will suffer severely.  This afternoon our section played C section at cricket and defeated them, was not playing, did some more writing.  After tea kicked the football about for an hour, paraded for roll call 6.30 p.m.  At 7 p.m. had a choral practice till 8 p.m.  Been beautiful day, had yarn and went sleep 9 p.m.

Friday 8th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Parade at 10 a.m. and general fatigue work till dinner time.  Striking some tents and putting others up in their places, bell tents and hospital tents, were kept going hard till 12.30 midday.  After dinner were paraded again at 2 p.m. and more fatigue work, some very solid work making roads and drainage trenches, getting plenty of pick and shovel work.  Worked hard until 5 p.m. then knocked off for tea.  Paraded for roll call at 6.30 p.m.  About 7 p.m. a storm broke over the island, thunder, lightning, wind and torrents of rain, was still going when I went to sleep 9 p.m.  Three of our bell tents were blown down, occupants got ducking.

Saturday 9th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m. with physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  On ration fatigue today.  Paraded for roll call at 10 a.m. and then was dismissed.  At 11 a.m. went with ration fatigue party to Army Service Corps and drew rations for our corps carrying them back on stretchers.  Our bread and eggs issue have been stopped this last four or five days.  Just having ordinary rations as on peninsula.  This afternoon our corps played New Zealand Medical Corps at cricket, our side made 108 first innings N.Z.M.C made 21 and 37 respectively in two innings, so we had a comfortable win.  Did some writing this afternoon.  Major Clayton and Captain Jeffries went to Alexandria today on leave.  Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m.  Had yarn with S. Cohen this evening, turned in 9.30 p.m.

Sunday 10th October, 1915

24th week since Gallipoli landing.

Reveille at 6.30 a.m.  Had to go on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.  15th Battalion sick parade at 7.15 a.m. foments and dressing to be done.  Hurried breakfast and then patients breakfast after which Captain Finn went round patients, about 20 of them, sent worst cases to No. 3 General Hospital.  At 9 a.m. 13th, 14th and 16th Battalions sick parades, admitted some to hospital, more dressings and foments, kept going till 11 a.m. then cleared hospital out, disinfected it and generally cleaned it up, took us till dinner time.  At 2 p.m. finished at hospital for day so settled down and finished my writing for tomorrow's mail.  Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m.  Turned in about 9 p.m.

Monday 11th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. shaved and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.   Went through with 15th Battalion sick parade before breakfast, fixed up all their foments and dressings.  After breakfast had other sick parades at 9 a.m. very busy with foments and dressings until 11 a.m. when tidied up hospital tents before dinner.  After dinner cleared up and finished my shift at 2 p.m.  Went to village close by this afternoon to try and buy bread, have not had any issued for few days and biscuits are pretty hard, could not get any bread, had to have biscuits for tea.  Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m.  Choir practice at 7 p.m. and into bed about 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 12th October, 1915

42 weeks since leaving Melbourne.  Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.  Sick parade and dressings before breakfast.  At 9 p.m. further sick parades and dressings, foments, etc., kept very busy until after 11 a.m., fairly large number of sick today, most of them have large sores like barkoo rot on limbs and body, some of them are in a very bad state, not having been attended to early enough.  Clear up in hospital tents then dinner for patients and ourselves, finished duty at 2 p.m.  Spent this afternoon reading until tea time, been very nice day.  Fell in on parade for roll call at 6.30 p.m. had choir practice at 7 p.m.

Wednesday 13th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on duty in hospital at 7 a.m.  Sick parade, foments and dressing before breakfast.  At 9 a.m. further sick parades and dressings, kept going till 11.30 a.m. after which we had a spell till dinner time.  At 12.30 midday gave patients dinner then cleared up finishing my shift at 2 p.m.  After being relieved settled down and wrote three letters before tea.  Our corps played 1st Australian Field Ambulance cricket this afternoon, our side was defeated by 18 runs, scores being 111 and 129.  Rather windy today and quite chilly.  Had tea and paraded at 6.30 p.m. for roll call.  Sat in our tent all evening yarning and turned in about 8.30 p.m.

Thursday 14th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m. at hospital.  Sick parade, foments, dressings, etc. kept us busy till 8.30 a.m.  Breakfast for ourselves and patients and more sick parades at 9 a.m.  Lot of men from our brigade on sick parade today, kept going two of us till 11.30 a.m. with dressing etc.  Patients dinner at 12.30 noon then cleared and tidied the hospital tents and finished shift at 2 p.m.  During afternoon wrote a few postcards then had a bit of a game at cricket with some of our boys, ground very rough so gave up after getting couple of good cracks on arms.  Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m.  Choir practice at 7 p.m.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 15th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.  Sick parade, dressings etc. till about 8.30 a.m. then breakfast for patients and ourselves at 9 a.m. more sick parades kept busy till 11.30 a.m.  Have at least 40 to 50 dressings of different kinds, mostly hot foments, some inhallations, rubbings for cramp, rheumatism etc. have not a minute to spare before dinner.  At 12.30 noon patients dinner after which we got all cleared up for 2 p.m. when we finished duty for the day unless called out.  Lay in the tent all afternoon, felt very dull today, things are so dead here.  Had tea and paraded for roll call at 6.30 p.m.  Turned in for night at 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 16th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on duty at hospital at 7 a.m.  Sick parade, dressing, etc. till about 8.30 a.m. after which breakfast for both patients and ourselves was on.  Only keeping about 10 patients in hospital, but have any amount of out patients who come up for foments and dressings three times daily, also some who come up for diet.  After breakfast more sick parades, dressings, etc. till about 11.30 a.m. then got cleared up by dinner time.  Off duty at 2 p.m.  Was writing all afternoon up till tea time.  Our cricket team played 16th Battalion this afternoon and after a good game our corps won by about 40 runs.  Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m.  Turned in early, have headache.

Sunday 17th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m.  Our week of hospital duty is over, so on parade at 7 a.m. with physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Do not feel too well today, have had bad headache for 3 days.  At 9.30 a.m. paraded and were marched off to church parade, first since we have been here, such a crowd of soldiers I did not even see the chaplain never mind hear him.  Were dismissed about 10.30 a.m.  Wrote a letter this afternoon then lay down and kept quiet till tea time.  Has been showery all day and very cold, weather is turning cold now, the wind being particularly sharp.  Had a few biscuits for tea and paraded for roll call at 6 p.m.  Turned in 7.30 p.m.  Keeping good hours.

Monday 18th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade at 7 a.m.  Feel alright again today.  Saw Captain Finn and got note to see dentist as I want one or two teeth filling, not troubling me but are chipped.  After breakfast set out for No. 3 General Hospital to see dentist, great crowd waiting to see him or them.  Waited about 2 hours and then succeeded in getting an appointment for Monday next at 2.15 p.m.  Left No. 3 General Hospital and went with a pal to see a friend of his who is sick in No. 2 Stationary Hospital.  Stayed talking to him till 12 midday, the hospital he was in was splendid and clean and patients all looked contented.  Spoke to sister in charge of ward, practically first woman spoke to since leaving Melbourne 10 months.  Reading all afternoon.  Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. went to bed 8 p.m.

Tuesday 19th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30  Breakfast at 8 a.m. Am on water fatigue today so immediately after breakfast went down to the well and filled my two dixies.  Were issued with new puttees this morning for the winter.  After dinner did another trip for water then went for walk to the recreation ground where the sailors off the warships play football.  I had a game with some of our troops against some sailors off one of the destroyers and we lost by two goals to one.  After tea had to go to well again for water.  Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m.  Choral practice at 7 p.m. in bed at 8.30 p.m.

Wednesday 20th October, 1915

Was up at 6.15 this morning and at 6.30 a.m. set off with four other to train for relay race in some sports coming off on Saturday.  Got back for breakfast and at 10 a.m. paraded and drilled solidly till 11.30 a.m. when dismissed and were all issued with a new pair of riding breeches which I badly needed.  At 1 p.m. had a final choral practice till 2 p.m.  Did a little writing this afternoon.  Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m.  A concert was held at 7 p.m. at the Y.M.C.A. organized by our corps.  It was a great success, hundreds sitting on grass outside tent, the sides being taken down.  About 3000 were present including a number of officers and our Brigade Major Lieutenant Colonel McGlynn.  Our choral party gave four items.  Concluded about 9.30 p.m.

Thursday 21st October, 1915

Up at 6.15 a.m. turned out 6.30 a.m. had a brisk walk and a short sprint, training for relay race on Saturday, back at camp at 7.30 a.m.  On ration fatigue today.  At 10.45 a.m. our party went to Army Service Corps, drew rations and back for dinner.  After dinner had an hours choral practice, then read and played draughts till tea time.  After tea went down to the well and did a little washing, arrived back for parade and roll call at 6 p.m., been very windy today and very cold, have got a pretty bad cold and do not feel quite up to mark.  The cold these last few days has laid up a few of our fellows.  Choral practice at 7 p.m.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 22nd October, 1915

Very wild and stormy night, wind howling and shrieking, threatening to bring the tent down all night.  Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade at 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.   Wind still blowing strong and very cold, threatening rain.  At 10 a.m. paraded and were drilled, going through various movements till 11 a.m. when we started doing stretcher drill and kept going till 11.45 a.m.  Started raining about 11 a.m. and kept up in showers the whole day, bitter cold.  At 1.30 p.m. had choral practice till 2.15 p.m.  Spent the rest of afternoon writing.  At 6 p.m. we paraded for roll call and at 6.30 p.m. we had a choir practice.  One of the boys out of our tent took sick a few days ago, has got enteric.  Another one took sick tonight, don't know what is wrong with him yet.

Saturday 23rd October, 1915

Terribly stormy all night, raining and blowing, had to fix the tent up couple of times during night to keep it from blowing down.  Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Not feeling too well today, have been a bit off colour for a week, have got a cold.  Am on water fatigue today, went for water for cooks after breakfast and just before dinner was issued with new pair of boots, pair of socks and cholera belt.  After dinner went for water again, then kept warm and spent the rest of afternoon writing.  After tea went for more water.  4th Brigade sports today, should have run but not well enough.  Parade and roll call 6 p.m.  Turned in about 7.30 p.m.  No rain today but very cold and windy.

Sunday 24th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Showery this morning, wind blowing strong and very cold all day, at 10.30 a.m. received orders to fall in on parade ground for compulsory church parade, marched off and joined the battallions of our 4th infantry brigade and instead of church parade it proved to be an inspection by General Godley, commander of our division, he made a speech, said we had done well but not done enough and that the war was going to last another three years, at which the troops all laughed.  Some 750 reinforcements arrived late last night were present.  Spent the afternoon writing.  Another of our tent mates taken away today with pleurisy.  On parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m. in bed 7.30 p.m.

Monday 25th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  A beautiful day today, sun shining and quite warm.  On parade at 10 a.m. and had solid drill, the new infantry drill platoons, etc. till 12 noon.  Captain Furber was drilling us.  After dinner set out to keep my appointment with dentist at No. 3 General Hospital at 2.15 p.m. where I had three teeth filled.  Afterwards looked round for my cousin J. Rick 5th Manchester Regiment who had undergone an operation for varicocele in No. 3 General Hospital.  After a lot of searching I found him in the Lowlands Comvalesence Camp, almost right again.  Arrived back at camp for tea.  Parade and roll call at 6 p.m.  Choir practice at 6.30 and in bed at 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 26th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade at 7 a.m.  Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.  Fairly cold again this morning, dull and heavy sky.  Am on ration fatigue today.  Paraded at 10 a.m. and fell out from drill to perform my duties.  At 11 a.m. went with rest of fatigue party to Army Service and drew rations before dinner.  Was to have played 13th Battalion at soccer this afternoon, match fell through so we played a team of navy men off one of our battleships, just come from China, made a draw no goals being scored.  After tea paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. and turned in 6.30 p.m.  Not feeling too well, am a bit run down.  Very windy day again today.

Wednesday 27th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m.  Fell out after roll call and went on sick parade for the first time since joining the forces.  Not feeling really sick but have got a bit of a rash and am chafed which makes it rather painful to march.  Captain Furber examined me and put me off duty, to give me chance to pick up.  Bathed and dressed my soreness with ointment.  During morning our boys were inspected by C.C. Munroe who has taken over command of Mediterranean Forces from Vice General Sir Ian Hamilton.  After dinner settled down to write till tea time, have kept fairly quiet all day.  Parade and roll call at 6 p.m. turned in about 7.30 p.m.

Thursday 28th October, 1915

Had a restless night, the rash I have got being very painful.  Was glad when reveille went at 6.30 a.m. and parade at 7 a.m.  Fell out after roll call and went on sick parade again as am unable to drill and so was put off duty.  Took things easy all day, did some writing till dinner time.  After dinner orders issued to embark on Saturday unless anything occurs in meantime so packed my kit and did some more writing as mail goes today and we might miss Sunday's mail.  More clothing issued today for the winter.  Same daily routine for our corps.  About 8 p.m. Acting Lieutenant Cosgrove arrived back from Alexandria and brought about 40 reinforcements and details for us.

Friday 29th October, 1915

Had very bad night, up nearly all the time, could not sleep or rest at all.  Reveille at 6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m.  Fell out after roll call and went on sick parade.  Captain Furber wanted to send me to General Hospital but persuaded him to give me another day to see if I could improve.  Altered my treatment from Mecurial ointment to Lead lotion which I applied about 10 a.m. and got almost instant relief.  Could feel myself improving all day and am greatly pleased, all the same took things easy.  After dinner went down to well and did some more washing in case we leave tomorrow, but don't think we will.  Routine just as usual today.  Feeling splendid tonight.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Saturday 30th October, 1915

Had splendid night's rest.  Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.  Fell out after roll call went on sick parade.  Great improvement in my condition this morning.  Not leaving today.  About 10 a.m. told to expect to embark tomorrow, can't be sure as things are a bit upset by various things, viz:- 4th Brigade reinforcements isolated for mumps, measles.  2nd Brigade isolated, Diptheria broken out pretty strong also Enteric and Mediterranean Fevers are fairly prevalent, also other illnesses.  After dinner got orders to pack up and march to wharf at 5.30 p.m.  Loaded panniers, camp stores, etc. on G.S. Wagons during afternoon and our men marched out of camp about 6.30 p.m.  I stayed behind and acted as brakesman on G.S. Wagon.  Arrived at wharf and unloaded wagons on jetty.

Sunday 31st October, 1915

Bivouaked round jetty last night.  Two of us squeezed in a small wooden hut about 4 feet square.  Up about 5 a.m. had some bully beef and biscuits for breakfast and then loaded our stores on barges.  Left jetty about 11 a.m. and went on board the fleet sweeper Newmarket.  Just a small boat, little larger than trawler, about 600 troops aboard so not much room.  Before leaving harbour saw the destroyer Wear collide with a barge, destroyers bows bent a little.  Left our anchorage about 4 p.m., while moving out we collided with barge putting a big dent in her side.  Our boat mounts 2-12 pounder guns manned by naval men, sharp lookout kept for submarines.  Not room to lie down so crowded, cold windy night, just had to make best of it.  Nearing Cape Gaba-Tepe almost ran down trawler, so near could have stepped aboard her.  Dropped anchor off Anzac about 11 p.m.  We were in dead darkness, all lights being out.

Monday 1st November, 1915

Could not land during night as sea too rough so about 6 a.m. heaved up anchor and steamed into harbour at Embros, three large monitors were here each mounting two 14" guns, the Havelock, Abercrombie and Raglan, also three or four smaller monitors.  Some supply ships, destroyers and half a dozen battleships among them the Swiftsure, sister ship to the Triumph, were the ships in harbour.   Remained at anchor till 5 p.m. when we ran close in and disembarked, thought to be too rough to land at Anzac tonight.  Had been ashore half an hour when received orders to go back on board Newmarket, did so and steamed across to Anzac and after some trouble and knocking about were landed at jetty by Walkers Ridge at 11.30 p.m.  Sat down on beach to await orders.

Tuesday 2nd November, 1915

About 4 a.m. received orders to move from beach to a gully close to Waldon Grove which we reached at 5 a.m.  Close to the position we left when we went to Lemnos for our rest.  Lay down just as I was utterly done up and slept till about 7 a.m. when I was woke and had to go with others to the beach to unload our stores from barges.  Worked hard all day just like a wharf labourer till 4.30 p.m.  It has been a hot day, strong wind blowing making it most uncomfortable.  Tired out, dirty and hungry, we arrived back in our camp about 5.30 p.m.  Have not had a meal since Saturday, just a bit of bully beef and biscuit when could snatch a minute or two.  Not had a wash or shave since Saturday and so utterly exhausted, undressed and turned in about 6.30 p.m.  Not needing rocking.

Wednesday 3rd November, 1915

Woke about 7 a.m. this morning.  Cruiser putting few shells in to enemy being the cause of my waking, got dressed and went about a mile and a half for a wash and to fill my water bottle.  Arrived back, made some tea and had breakfast, have to cook for ourselves at present until settled.  After breakfast were told not to leave camp as might have to move any time, so lay down and rested.  Our artillery is fairly active today, also the Turks keep putting one or two over.  At 2 p.m. orders read out the B section move off at 8 a.m. in the morning, A and C sections wait for further orders.  Seven reinforcements arrived for us today.  Nothing further of note, been very fine day, turned in about 6.30 p.m.

Thursday 4th November, 1915

Up about 6.30 a.m. and went down to well for wash and water for breakfast.  Wind has risen during night and dust is blowing in clouds.  After breakfast some mail was brought up and I received several letters and a parcel, first letters from home for nearly a month.  At 8 a.m. B section moved off to form an advanced dressing station.  Nothing much doing during day, little fatigue work, cleaning camp, etc.  Went to No. 2 outpost to see if any more mail this afternoon, was none, came on raining about 3.30 p.m. so shifted our kits to another dugout and made it rainproof, wind blowing very strong.  Sharp rally of rifle fire and bombs with an occasional shell from our destroyers at 6.30 p.m. was in bed at the time.

Friday 5th November, 1915

Up about 6 a.m. went down to well for wash then had breakfast.  After breakfast helped to clean up camp and about 10 a.m. went round to Waldon Grove along with a fatigue party to get ready to take up position there.  Went back for dinner and at 1.30 p.m. took our kits round to Waldon Grove and took over from 7th Field Ambulance.  We had 12 men in hospital.  This is the same position we left when we went to Lemnos for a rest.  Enemy shelled over us during afternoon, some shells falling very near us, only 10 and 20 yards away.  Was working till 7 p.m. when I got a dugout partly made and turned in about 8 p.m.

Saturday 6th November, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Sick parades etc. kept us going all morning.  Our bearers got us two large hospital tents up during morning and we moved our patients into them shortly after dinner.  Believe we are going to act partly as a stationary hospital as well as a Field Ambulance.  Working hard all day getting hospital fixed up properly and panniers and medical stores unpacked.  Twenty seven patients in today.  Saw one of our aeroplanes up, something evidently went wrong as it came down very quickly and alighted in the sea close to Cape Suvla, picket boats got to it at once.  Off duty about 8 p.m.  Turned in about 8.30 p.m.

Sunday 7th November, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Breakfast for patients, sick parades and cleaning and tidying hospital, went the rounds with Captain Welch, about forty patients today.  Very busy all morning, sick coming in continuously and one man shot through the thigh.  Not quite so busy after dinner.  Enemy shelled over our way again today but destroyers and a cruiser soon silenced their guns.  Admitted few more patients, our tents almost full up now.  Could hear a sharp rally of rifle fire again this evening.  Gave patients tea about 5 p.m. and fixed them up for night, going off duty at 7 p.m. turning in shortly afterwards.

Monday 8th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. on duty at 7 a.m.  Patients breakfast about 7.30 a.m., tidy up ready to go round with doctor about 9 a.m.  After this sick parades, foments, dressings and giving out medicines keeps us going till dinner time about 12 noon.  Dinner over and cleaned up by about 1 p.m. then foments, dressings, medicines, etc. after which we are not quite so busy till tea time about 5 p.m.  Tea over and cleaned up by about 6 p.m. after which we give out medicines and make patients comfortable for the night finishing duty at 7 p.m. when night shift takes over.  The weather still continues to be splendid.  Turned in about 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 9th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  The same routine with regards to hospital admittances and discharges.  Our tents full and four more hospital tents been put up this morning.  Enemy put few shells over, our battery soon quietened them.  A battery of our 5" howitzers are not a 100 yards from us and do some good work.  A bullet went through hospital tent during night, passed through sleeve of a patient, just grazing the skin and drawing blood.  Major Clayton and Captain Jeffries arrived back from Alexandria.  Very nice day but gets dark early in the evening, about 5.30 p.m.  Very busy all day.  Off duty at 7 p.m. and turned in 8.30 p.m.

Wednesday 10th November, 1915

A small sortie was attempted by a few men from 16th Batt. during the night, have one man wounded.  Was up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Hospital was full up about 50 patients, all inclined to get worse or to be serious we send away.  Got breakfast, cleaned up, went rounds with Major Clayton and went through sick parade, foments, dressings, etc. keeping us busy till dinner time.  Cleaned up after dinner and then wrote some letters.  Turks heavily shelled our Divisional Headquarters during afternoon, situated at No. 2 Outpost, we had a few casualties.  Finished my writing after knocking off duty at 7 p.m. and went to sleep about 9 p.m.

Thursday 11th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Patients breakfast at 8 a.m. got breakfast of and then thoroughly turned hospital tent out and cleaned it, before 10 a.m. when Major Clayton did his rounds.  Sick parade followed by foments, dressings, etc. keeping us flying round till dinner time.  Cleaned up after dinner then had it fairly quiet till tea time.  During morning Turks shelled No. 2 outpost again, few more casualties, we are situated further on than the outpost, shells passing over us.  Posted my letters as mail leaves today for Australia, supposed to be Christmas mail.  Off duty 7 p.m.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 12th November, 1915

Rained a little during night and as I did not wake I got a little wet.  Was up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Got breakfast, washed up, then turned hospital out and thoroughly cleaned it.  About 9.30 a.m. went round with Major Clayton and the corporal, could not send any to Casualty Clearing Hospital as they are moving, were blown out of their position yesterday by the Turks, high explosive shells.  Very busy till dinner time dressings, foments, medicines etc.  Washed and cleaned up after dinner and then things were a bit quieter, about 4.30 p.m. Turks guns and our own started firing fairly vigorously.  Off duty 7 pm.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Saturday 13th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m.  Breakfast, washed up and cleaned hospital right through.  Went round with Major Clayton and the Corporal, one or two discharged well again and some sent to Casualty Clearing station to be sent to base.  Sick parade followed with a number of admittances and numerous foments, dressings etc.  About 80 on sick parade this morning, kept very busy till we got dinner over, then gave medicines out did foments and dressings took temperatures till tea time.  Few shells fired today by both sides but nothing of consequence.  Been fine day, off duty at 7.30 p.m. and turned in 8.30 p.m.

Sunday 14th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. had breakfast and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  29th week since the landing at Gaba-Tepe.  Breakfast for patients and cleaned out thoroughly.  Sunday is just as other days with us here.  Went round hospital with Major Clayton and Corporal tents quite full up about 48 patients, but they take some feeding and looking after.  Sick parade and dressings medicine etc. filled up the morning till dinner time.  Have not a second to spare during mornings.  After dinner a little slack so did some writing and improved my dugout a little till tea time.  Been fairly nice day.  Few shells exchanged.  Off duty 7.30 p.m.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Monday 15th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. had my breakfast and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Got patients breakfast and washed up cleaned hospital out then went through sick parade with Captain Furber our acting Adjutant.  About 30 on sick parade, some admitted to hospital and some sent to base, others just treated and sent back to lines.  Dressings etc. kept us busy till dinner time.  One of tent division has fallen sick with jaundice.  Very windy day all afternoon.  Heavy bombardment of our ships down Achi-Baba way, also, about 5 p.m., our batteries and ships round our way  bombarded enemy a little to our left known as hill 60.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. and turned in 9 p.m.

Tuesday 16th November, 1915

Very wild and windy night.  Heavy thunderstorm and vivid lightning but my dugout stood it well and I slept well and was up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast and cleaned up hospital then did sick parade with Captain Welch, afterwards medicines , dressings etc. till dinner time.  One of our brigade came in wounded, told us they sapped under Turkish trench on knoll 60, placed a charge of explosives and blew it up, taking possession of the remains without any loss at all last night.  Wrote some letters during the afternoon, also received a letter from D.H. this morning.  After tea did some more writing.  Has been a lovely day since daybreak.  Turned in 8 p.m.

Wednesday 17th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients then cleaned thoroughly out.  Went through sick parade with Captain Furber, then medicines dressings etc. till dinner time.  During morning enemy shelled over our way pretty consistently, a huge lump of a 6 inch shell passed through our hospital tent tearing gaping holes and missing a patient by about a foot, we kept the piece of shell in hospital as a memento, it weighs about 12lbs, just a big jagged piece of the shell case.  Fairly quiet during afternoon, wind rising very strong, dust being so bad hardly see, like a fog.  Commenced rain about 7 p.m.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. in bed 9 p.m.

Thursday 18th November, 1915

Terrible night last night, did not undress, rained in torrents and wind most violent, threatening to carry the coverings off our dugouts.  Rain drove into my dugout to some extent so laid my oil sheet, put on my greatcoat, rolled up in my blanket and putting on oil sheet over all went to sleep.  

Woke at 6.30 a.m. very cold morning but fine.  On duty at 7.30 a.m.   Breakfast, cleaned hospital and did sick parade with Captain Welch, dressing etc. till dinner time. Turks put few shells over again this morning, few shrapnel bullets came through our hospital tent, no one hit.  14 shrapnel bullets went through one bell tent alongside our hospital, fortunately no one inside although our fellows working all round, quiet this afternoon.  Finished duty and turned in about 8 p.m.

Friday 19th November, 1915

Very cold night again, woke at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients and cleaned up.  Went through sick parade with Captain Furber, then medicines, dressings, etc. kept us busy till dinner time.  Not quite so busy during afternoon.  Enemy shelled our lines fairly heavily this afternoon also could see enemy's shells bursting on our trenches on Suvla Hills.  Our ships and batteries silenced them then shelled their trenches heavily.  Received news today of good work of Allies on all fronts, seem to be gradually breaking the Germans.  Enemy aeroplane dropped couple of bombs near us this evening.  Off duty 7.30 p.m. turned in 8.30 p.m.  Fine day.

Saturday 20th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Weather has got very cold at nights and in the mornings.  Did sick parade with Captain Welch, medicines and dressing occupying rest of morning, not so much to do during afternoon so read account of murder of Nurse E. Cavell by the Germans, would like to have hold of a few of them.  Our ships did some fine shooting yesterday, their target being a flour mill about 11 miles inland, scored direct hits at once and soon demolished it.  This afternoon our ships and batteries firing heavily again, don't know yet what target is.  Enemy aeroplane flew over this evening.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. turned in 8.30 p.m.

Sunday 21st November, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Has been bitter cold all day.  Breakfast for patients and cleaning up, then did sick parade with Captain Furber, afterwards medicines, dressings, fixing up newly admitted patients and discharges for those who are quite well again kept us very busy till dinner time.  Not so busy after dinner from about 2.15 p.m. till 4 p.m. but from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. when tea is over we are very busy and have plenty to keep us buzzing till 7.30 p.m. when we are relieved by the night shift.  Few exchanges of shells by our ship's batteries and enemy's batteries and a sharp rally of rifle firing this evening, don't know what was doing.  Turned in at 8 p.m.

Monday 22nd November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Very cold again all day today.  Did sick parade with Captain Welch and usual busy morning till dinner time.  This morning we had a gas alarm and all had to fall in with our gas helmets on just for practice, have to carry them with us always as enemy is expected to use gas.  Had welcome change for dinner little fried steak and spoonful of boiled cabbage.  Not much doing in hospital this afternoon so had a read, our batteries and warships doing good deal of firing enemy replying very weakly.  

Off duty at 7.30 p.m. and turned in 8 p.m.  Usually after turning in I read for an hour, have made a small kerosene lamp.

Tuedsay 23rd November, 1915

Was up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Very cold again today.  Did sick parade with Captain Furber, about 20 men being on sick parade.  Were a bit late and had to bustle in style as Captain Furber insisted on us leaving our work and falling in on parade at 9 a.m. and having half an hours marching and doubling up and down the track, seems ridiculous as shell might come anytime and in our close formation would pretty near wipe the lot of us out, it is very dangerous.  Just managed to get mornings work done by dinner time.  Very quiet after dinner, few shells exchanged and at 7.30 p.m. off duty and in bed 8 p.m.

Wednesday 24th November, 1915

Our ships heavily bombarding down Achi-Baba way all night.  Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Not so cold today but still slightly chilly.  Fell in on parade and had half hours marching at 9 a.m. then did sick parade which was a large one with Captain Welch.  Took us till 11.45 a.m. to get through it going our hardest, lot of jaundice going about.  This afternoon and evening was writing in my spare time.  Enemy shelled our lines fairly heavily, our ships and batteries replied and enemy shut up.  Our ships bombarding down south again this evening.  Sharp rifle fire on our left for about 1/2 hour.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. turned in 8 p.m.

Thursday 25th November, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Very cold and chilly again today.  Breakfast for patients then had to fall in on parade at 9 a.m. and had marching and doubling up the track till 9.45 a.m.  Had then to clean up and get ready for the doctor very much behind, all bustle and hurry.  Did sick parade with Captain Furber, kept me busy till dinner time.  Not much to do this afternoon, few odd jobs in hospital.  Have heard today that our batteries and men in trenches have received orders not to fire for 48 hours unless specially ordered, don't know what is doing, few shells from Turks but no reply from us, seems like some game on.  Off duty 7.30 p.m. turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 26th November, 1915

Enemy seem to be uneasy, put shells over last night, unusual for them after dark and have been doing some today, can't understand our silence, but our guns have not replied and our rifles are remarkably quiet.  Warships have fired few shots.  Up at 6.30 a.m. on duty at 7.30 a.m. breakfast for patients and on parade at 9 a.m. and half an hours marching up and down track.  Cleaned up hospital and did sick parade with Captain Welch, took till dinner time.  One of our boys hit today.  Turks shelled our lines this afternoon.  This evening heavy thunder storm, lightning and rain most violent.  Pitch black night, hill side slippery, hardly walk or climb, have to wait for lightning to see way.  Off duty 7.30 p.m. in bed 8.30 p.m.

Saturday 27th November, 1915

An awful night last night.  Thunderstorm and rained in torrents, got washed out of my dugout and had to sleep in hospital tent.  Woke at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients and cleaned up, then did sick parade with Captain Furber, took till dinner time.  The mud is awful and am plastered with it, also very cold and raining of and on all day.  Our batteries gave enemy lively half hours shelling about midday.  This afternoon made my dugout little more secure against rain and made my bed up off the ground which is wet.  Finished duty at 7.30 p.m. and turned in about 8.30 p.m.  Cold again tonight.

Sunday 28th November, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. this morning, my 25th birthday and found about two inches of snow all over, looked pretty but bitter cold.  On duty at 7.30 a.m. and got patients breakfast.  The ground under snow all soft and up to knees in mud, hard to keep your feet.  Did sick parade with Captain Welch and was busy tramping about through mud and snow all morning, stopped snowing about midday but blowing very strong and sharp.  Not much doing this afternoon, trying to keep warm.  Toes feel nearly frozen off, not been warm all day.  Came off duty at 7.30 p.m. and turned in about 8 p.m.  Freezing very hard tonight and wind biting.

Monday 29th November, 1915

Very cold night, managed to sleep although not too warm, up about 6 a.m. and jumped about to warm my feet, ground frozen as hard as iron.  On duty 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients and cleaned up afterwards doing the sick parade with Captain Furber which kept me busy till dinner time.  After dinner was not quite so busy, so took a trip to some old dugouts and got a few sand bags and a couple of waterproof sheets for roof of my dugout.  Back in time for temperatures, medicines, etc. at 4 p.m. then got patients tea and finished duty at 7.30 p.m.  Been a very cold day with strong sharp wind.  Turned into bed about 8 p.m.

Tuesday 30th November, 1915

Very cold night again and frosty this morning when I got up about 6 a.m.  Went on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Patients breakfast, cleaned up and did sick parade with Captain Welch.  Heard today that several English soldiers had died from exposure this last day or two, also the Indians seem to be feeling the cold badly.  Turned out a lovely day.  During afternoon had quiet spell so put couple of hours in altering my dugout to stand the weather, also two Cruisers and battleship Agamemnon heavily bombarded enemy a little to the south of our position.  Enemy put few shells very close to us today.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. turned in 9 p.m.

Wednesday 1st December, 1915

Had a fire in my dugout last night and got it nice and warm before turning in.  Had good nights rest and got up about 6 a.m.   A little sharp and frosty again this morning.  On duty at 7.30 a.m. got patients breakfast, fell in on parade at 9 a.m. half and hour up and down track and then cleaned up in hospital and did sick parade with Captain Furber.  

The Ghurka's seem to be suffering severely from frost bite, numbers of them passing our camp on way to their hospital.  Believe 150 of them sent away today suffering severely.  Cruiser shelled enemy's trenches at Walkers Ridge this afternoon, could see shells bursting.  Off duty 7.30 p.m.   Lit fire in dugout and did some writing before turning in about 10 p.m.

Thursday 2nd December, 1915

A little chilly again this morning when I got up about 6.30 a.m.  Went on duty at 7.30 a.m. and got patients breakfast.  At 9 a.m. fell in on parade to hear orders read out then half an hours marching and doubling up the track, after this did sick parade with Captain Welch kept me going till dinner time.  Enemy heavily shelled one of our batteries between us and Suvla Bay, believe two of our guns were temporarily disabled.  This afternoon as things were quiet I had a glorius loaf, first since arrived back from Lemnos.  The sun came out and day was perfect so sat in sun and read all afternoon.  Finished hospital work after tea, off duty 7.30 p.m. and turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 3rd December, 1915

Much warmer last night, slept sound and comfortable and was up at 6 a.m. going on duty at 7.30 a.m., busy till 9 a.m. when fell in on parade and had usual exercise up and down track at foot of our position.  Then did sick parade with Captain Furber which kept me very busy till 3 p.m. as a lot came in today.  Few shells exchanged again today, weather turned good again and quite warm.  Saw some star shells burst over Walkers Ridge just before dark, early in evening for them, don't know what they were for at that hour.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. turned in 8.30 p.m.

Saturday 4th December, 1915

Beautiful mild night again, slept like a top and was up at 6 a.m. went on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Patients breakfast, cleaning hospital etc. till 9 a.m. when fell in on parade, orders read out and half hours exercise up and down track, then did sick parade with Captain Welch, finished just before dinner.  During afternoon made my dugout real waterproof, or I believe it to be.  Enemy put shells unpleasantly close today, one burst right in middle of our dugouts on hillside, luckily just missing all of them, about 10 yards from mine.  Our ships bombarded enemy to south of our position furiously this afternoon, guns making one incessant roar for about two hours, saw shells bursting.  Off duty 7.30 p.m. turned in 8 p.m.

Sunday 5th December, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. beautiful morning turned out lovely day.  On duty 7.30 am.  Breakfast for patients, cleaning up etc.  At 9 a.m. fell in on parade, orders read out and half an hours exercise up and down track after which did sick parade with Captain Furber, occupied till dinner time.  This afternoon enemy shelled No. 2 outpost with very powerful high explosive shells, could see every shell burst about 1/2 mile from us.  Little damage done except to No. 16 Casualty Clearing hospital which was wrecked, a good number of sick and wounded being killed and more received further injuries, believe it was an awful sight.  

Number of shells burst in our camp, one going in hospital tent, men blown in all directions, strange no one injured beyond bruises and being stunned.  Off duty 7.30 p.m. turned in 8 p.m.

Monday 6th December, 1915

Up again this morning at 6.30 a.m.  Splendid day again.  On duty at 7.30 a.m. patients breakfast, about 35 of them, and cleaning up.  On parade at 9 a.m. orders read out and half hour up and down track, seems ridiculous as shell might get us any time to say nothing of stray bullets.  Did sick parade with Captain Welch and few dressings till dinner time.  Had not much to do this afternoon so improved my dugout, made it very snug and comfortable under circumstances then wrote several letters.  Enemy shelled us again, not quite so close as yesterday.  Just before tea enemy aeroplane flew over but few shots soon sent it away again.  Off duty 7.30 .m. turned in 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 7th December, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. this morning and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Lovely day again.  Breakfast for patients and cleaning up.  At 9 a.m. on parade, orders read out and half an hours exercise up and down the track.  Then did sick parade with Captain Furber, kept busy till dinner time.  Not so much to do after dinner , sat in hospital and had a read.  Enemy aeroplane flew over this evening, also few shells landed rather close.  Our batteries and ships returned enemy's fire.  Sharp rally of rifle fire on our left about 8.30 p.m.  Off duty at 7.30 p.m. turned in 9 p.m.

Wednesday 8th December, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m.  Splendid morning again, I usually wake about 4.30 a.m. with going to bed so early and lie till about 6.30 a.m.  On duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients and cleaned up, then fell in on parade at 9 a.m. and had half hours exercise up and down track.  Afterwards did sick parade with Captain Welch, occupied till dinner time.  After dinner got medicines given out and then settled down and did some writing till tea time.  All afternoon two cruisers and a monitor heavily bombarded the enemy a little to the south of Cape Gaba-tepe.  Came off duty 7.30 p.m., turned in 8 p.m. and lay reading till 9 p.m.

Thursday 9th December, 1915

Out of bed again 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients, cleaning up, etc. and then on parade at 9 a.m. and had half hours usual exercise.  I forgot to mention yesterday received a plum pudding from Mrs D.D. Robertson, "Braeside", Bridge of Allan, Scotland.  Did the sick parade this morning with Captain Furber, kept me going till dinner time.  Fairly quiet after dinner, just medicines, foments, etc. and tea, then fixed up and finished duty at 7.30 p.m.  About 8 p.m. our ships in Suvla started firing very heavily, put in sixty shells in about 10 minutes to 15 minutes, rifle fire followed.  Went to sleep about 9 p.m.

Friday 10th December, 1915

Got from between the blankets at 6.30 a.m. and went on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast, cleaning, etc. on parade 9 a.m. and half hours usual exercise.  Then did sick parade with Captain Welch, large sick parade this morning just got through by dinner time.  About 10 a.m. H.M.S. Bachante, two cruisers and two monitors heavily bombarded enemy, seemed to be shelling the Lone Pine area, kept it up till 12 noon, one continuous roar of guns.  Quieter this afternoon, observation balloon up at Suvla Bay.  This afternoon a large shell burst about six yards behind my dugout making a large hole in the ground and covering us with lumps of earth.  Off duty 7.30 p.m.  Wrote some letters and turned in at 9 p.m.

Saturday 11th December, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. on duty at 7.30 a.m.  Breakfast for patients, cleaning up etc. and at 9 a.m. on parade and half an hours exercise up and down track, after which I started getting sick parade ready for Captain Furber, just then Colonel received dispatch, he immediately gave orders for all fatigues to cease, all patients to be evacuated and all our stores and kits to be got ready to move off.  Got through sick parade and was hard at work rest of morning packing drugs etc.  Shortly after dinner were ready to move off at an hours notice.  Enemy plane flew over about 4 p.m. dropped darts rather close.  Nothing else doing so into bed 8 p.m.

Sunday 12th December, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. this morning, had our breakfast about 7.15 a.m. and yarned about our prospects till 9 a.m. when on parade and half hours exercise.  After this got through a sick parade with Captain Welch and was doing odd jobs till dinner time.  We are all in the dark wondering what our move is to be and where we are going.  Nothing doing after dinner till 4 p.m. when got word pack everything ready to move off at once.  Worked hard till about 5.30 p.m. then told stand by for further orders.  Our ships been bombarding down south very heavy.  Orders at 8 p.m. to still stand by, nothing further heard at 10 p.m., so am just going to lie down for sleep as I am, dressed.

Monday 13th December, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. had my breakfast and then on parade at 9 a.m. and had half an hours physical drill after which I assisted Captain Furber with the sick parade and afterwards fumigated our hospital tents which we are leaving behind.  After dinner things were pretty slack so sat reading in the sun and watching shells burst, which our batteries poured into the Turkish trenches at Walkers Ridge.  About 4.30 p.m. got word to be ready to fall in and move off at 5.15 p.m. was altered to 8.15 p.m. when we marched out carrying everything, went to Walkers Ridge jetty, an awfully tiresome march through sapps and went on jetty about 3 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Tuesday 14th December, 1915

On jetty at 3 a.m. and went on board H.M.S. Carron a small despatch and patrol ship mounting two 12 pounder guns.  Put our kits down on deck and lay on them, fell fast asleep at once, tired out.  Ship heaved anchor and moved off about 6 a.m. went straight past Embros.  Had tin of bully beef for breakfast still sitting on deck, terribly crowded.  Smart lookout kept for submarines, ran into a fog about 10 a.m. and had to go slower, arrived at Lemnos harbour about 12.30 midday but stayed on board till 5 p.m. when Waterwitch took us ashore and we marched about two miles to our camping ground, dead beat laid our beds in open and turned in about 10 p.m.  Had to put tent up for officers.

Wednesday 15th December, 1915

Had a bad night as it rained fairly sharp at intervals amd my blankets were almost wet through by daylight about 6.30 a.m.  Very strong and bitter cold wind blowing, had to roll my bed up wet to keep it from blowing away.  Worked all morning putting up tents in proper position for officers, also got cup of tea, first hot drink since leaving peninsula.  After dinner allotted off in groups and given our own tents to put up, eleven being in ours, got it up and trenched then lay down for a spell, called out at 6 p.m. to take some tents down and while busy got sharp pain in back, have evidently caught chill in muscles when lying in my wet blankets.  Went to bed about 8.30 p.m.

Thursday 16th December, 1915

Did not have too good a night, tent so crowded and my back ached horribly and very painful if I attempte