Diary of Evelyn Davies, 18 May 1915 - 20 [July] 1915 - Part 1

Just a little book to Keep
a record of your doings
with Good Wishes
from M.B.W.
18-5-15
Evelyn Davies
3^rd Double General Hospital
D.R.L. 3398 (3rd - 5)
 

May 18^th :- Said Goodbye to all and
it was a horrible ordeal so will
not dwell on it.
Sat on deck with Nurse Mawson
until nearly 6 pm when it became
awfully rough as we were nearing
The Rip, then sat in the Lounge
N. Mawson disappeared suddenly
not to return again that night.
Went to bunk early. My Cabin mate
was fearfully ill, I slept fairly well
not sick. Letter from Treg after we were a bit out.
May 19^th.. Sick to begin the day, and
also to finish, to make matters
worse was inoculated for Typhoid.
May 20^th.. Slept fairly well not sick, but
we were at anchor off Adelaide
nearly all night. Feeling fit, arm
a little 'sore', had a good breakfast
first meal in saloon did enjoys it
too. Had a letter from Mum Dear
Old mum had written on Tuesday I
think, I felt so homesick wished to
 May 20^th. go home as usual for week-end
Wrote to Mum, Miss Walker, Lucie
(Dear little Lucie) and Ida. & Treggie
At about 9.30 am we set off for
Adelaide, took train at Outer Harbour
part of the way the train ran
down the main street it seemed so
peculiar to us. At 10.15 am. we reached
Adelaide, first we walked down the
main street King William Str I think
it was. The streets are beautifully wide
the buildings are not lofty like
in Melbourne but very solid.
We then made our way to St Peter's
Church the warden an aged man

with benevolent face and brown curly beard
welcomed us (I was the only one in uniform)
but took us down-stairs unlocked a massive
door, inside a small room was a
massive chest which he also unlocked
and took therefrom a case which contained
a crook heavily jewelled with all jewels
of Revelations he informed us, it was a
magnificent thing, beaten silver and 

May 20^th. the gems were so large, endowed
by Lady some-one; he also had several
communion cups & platters.
The atmosphere was fearfully heavy
too much like our Cabins for comfort.
He then took us into a room also
in the basement where the Choristers
donned their robes which were of
purple also their surplices.
Then we proceeded upstairs to the Church
and inspected a banner of Archangel
Gabriel (he took 7½ years to be made)
we were informed and " just look at
his toe-nails" sounds rather obstetric,
we then inspected and lavishly admired
several works of art, Chancel cloths for
different occasions. two were soiled "These
will be sent to smaller churches we
couldn't use soiled ones here".
Then very coyley he produced a case from
his breast pocket and a letter wrapped
in well worn newspaper, a long service
medal was in the envelope case
(he was an old army veteran) and
 May 20^th the letter was from the Governor's
deputy duly presenting the medal.
N. Mawson said he ought to be proud,
he became stiff & said no! he set his
mind on Heavenly things and couldn't
feel proud of earthly things for! me, he
was bursting with importance too.
We made our way onward and came
to the Children's Hospital we rang and
were ushered upstairs by a Sister found
N's Gawler & Leach there, the Sister-in-

charge was most effusive in her
welcome, sat down to a sumptuous
morning tea, cake - biscuits, fish sandwiches

also of egg, beautiful coffee too.
We were then escorted over the Hospital
the Wards are beautiful but really
few patients for a Children's Hospital
The Sisters 3 in number were awfully
nice we stayed to Dinner then retired
to Matron's sitting Room, wound some
wool then departed in a Taxi accompanied
by a sister to the Laboratory at the Adelaide
General Hospital, we drove through the
(matron & sisters were most hospitable awfully good to us) 

May 20^th  of which we caught a glance
only. The laboratory is a wonderful
place and practically in charge of
two sisters who prepare vaccines.
examine cultures and even prepare
culture tubes, really they must be

brainy, we visited their museum in
which were numerous specimens some
wonderful. especially one of a Kidney
which must have been about 10 inches by
 5 inches, to be hoped it didn't secrete urine
accordingly. We then visited the animal
pens, lop-eared rabbits are used because
of the space in the ears for operations
Sheep and a horse are also kept on the
grounds for bacteriological purposes. We eventually
departed and proceeded to the Art Gallery
on the way we passed the University
rather broad stolid looking buildings
In the Gallery were some beautiful pictures
one Evening Reflections was very fine
some by Heysen very like some in our
own Gallery, several beautiful pictures
also. When there picked up N's Lucas & 
May 20^th. Gilliland we all bent our footsteps
to a Cafē and had some tea &
scones which was very nice; then
on to the Station where we met two
other Sisters from the C. Hospital
also saw some District nurses who
looked very dowdy., straw larged crowned
hats blue band with red cross worked on
blue cloaks with red hood at back.
Arrived at Boat, rather wet weather
but fair crowd, the Sisters were not
allowed on board, shame too. 18 nurses
from Adelaide embarked, uniforms not
as well made as the Melbourne ones.
amused ourselves watching & criticising
the people, still it is sad to see
partings; don't want to go through it
again myself.
Appeared at dinner ate like a horse
don't suppose I'll do it again for a
bit. Sat on deck with N. Lucas then
came to write this.
Had a letter from N. Anstey, Ida and
Lucie Poor child, never mind! her exam
is over, but she doesn't understand.
 

May 21^st.  Slept well but as usual felt
sick after the bath, had breakfast on deck
and have felt terrible all day although the
weather has really not been rough.
Fire drill on board this a.m caused a
good deal of excitement- Coolies, steward
most wildly excited. Dr. Helen Sexton is
on board, she seems so kindly, wish I
had her brain power. Haven't seen any
of the others excepting S. Grewar this a.m
she looks fit, bet Lucas will swear she hasn't
been sick. Nothing doing! - Lecture at 3 pm,
May 22^nd.
Sick again Dinner on deck and
then overboard later. that's all! - 
May 23^rd..  Beautiful day feel fit.
down to Breakfast. Church parade 11 am.
Nurses & Sisters in Uniform (Red capes)
Officers Kahki Steward played the
organ, Captain read the service it was
most impressive Captain sounded
such a dear old reverend chap, the
hymns made me feel rather homesick

Sat on upper deck, wrote letters
most of day. Sick a bit but went to
Dinner, was fearfully rough in
the evening saw The Lewin light house
a twerligig arrangement, sat on deck
pretty late.
May 24^th.. Empire day, but what is more
to the point we are landing in
Freemantle. Had breakfast; about
9 pm Customs officer came on board
ċ great pomp. Landed at Freemantle
about 10 am. went to see sights, a dirty
smelly place it is too. struck a
Café had some refreshment, posted
letters, then took car to Marmion
a barren looking place with a Cemetery
 

25^th. at the end, what took my fancy
were the Date palms growing wild
& numerous grass trees we gambolled
round & plucked some gum leaves. Went
back, had some dinner in a
'stuffy' place then back to Boat.
Had great fun watching the crowd.
The streamers were beautiful really.
Felt terribly 'blue' in evening Gosh! it
was awful leaving Australia right again. behind.
Went to bed early very 'pippy'.
26^th Getting off the bunk got my hair caught
in electric fan gave me a shock, stopped
it but had to get nurse to cut me out.
Inoculated again, arm is awfully 'sore'
reacting well may-be. Had lecture.
26^th. Nothing doing, took & developed
photos not very successful one of
Grewar is good that's all 
27^th.  Sick a bit this a.m. Inoculation
I think everyone pretty sick too.
Poor N. Mawson is awfully sick with
her Vaccination. Concert over the
way, went early had a good seat.
Must Some items were very good
some were rather tame two chaps
couldn't recite much. Pte Hammond
was awfully good sang impersonating
Clara Butt also played. Wound up with a
foolish farce everyone tired of. Went
to bed on returning, tired & hot.
28th Hot, oppressive and 'muggy'
not a breath of cool air anywhere.
rained fair amount in a.m, drank
hard all day, not much eatng done
wrote some letters to Mum, Lucie
Miss Walker but really it is hard to
write knowing the Censor will read
all the letters, however one must
make the best of it. Took a snap of
We Bobbie, The girls, Gillie snapped
one with myself in, too hot to develop
At 11 am. had life belt drill it was
 

28th very terrifying to see people
careering round in life-belts.
One gentleman took a snap in my
camera of three of us in our belts, oh
yes, we had other things on too.
In the evening assembled dressed
'like one of these' for. a concert observed
after sittg over 1 hour in the Music
Room discovered through lack of
performers the Concert was not.
The Dresses were unique 'Brisket' was
arrayed in an embroidered muslin
dress handed down from Great Grandmother
which she hasn't altered
hence - Poll was arrayed in

ninon & looked just as if coming
from her weekly washing!
Another Coy little lady was attired.
in a bright green shoulder cape like
unto 'The Follies'
Another hefty lass was attired in a
Red Ninon Blouse, with a skirt just like
paper round a lolly stick # so in
colours of red brown & yellow. 
28h. Miss Kyarra had very little in
the way of blouses on.
went to bed early fearfully hot
29^th. Wrote letter mostly, fearfully
hot, (not the letters) Euchre party in
evening, Slept, on deck, but nothing
doing. Saw flying fishes
30^th Sunday rose extremely was rudely
awakened by Sailor man after
waiting nearly an hour for a bath
dressed and came on deck.
Listened to Bugle calls being explained
to Officers (most interesting).
Dinner time Steward slower than
ever, got cross when head waiter
made heavy jokes about it; think
he'll be put off those duties.
Evelyn's not a success.
Parade this a.m. Sisters attended in
hats and gloves; singing not good.
Very hot, wrote more letters. Watched
flying-fish. for a while, they glistened
in the sunlight. Slept on deck
with N's Norte, Lucas. & Mawson 

31^st.. Crossed the equator today didn't
seem different from other days.
The sea is a beautiful blue today but
the sky is fearfully pale so different from
our skies. Saw lights of a passing Boat
last night, it seemed quite nice to feel
we were not alone (we passed 3 boats
they tell us probably 1 troop ship and 2 Japanese
Cruisers) Expect to reach Colombo early on
Wednesday morning, but not to stay long.
Visited the Barber's shop today a most wonderful 
place anything from Sweets to men's shirts
curios ad, lib. laces and all sorts. N. Gilliland 

in bed all day very sick had Cal jr ii poor
Child. Did drill today quite enjoyed it.
Lecture on eyes by Dr. Lockhardt Gibson was
very interesting, had some bandage for attaching
dressing to eyes (Hepburn ?) was adhesive to
self but not to skin. Dance tonight
Had great fun looking on.

Slept in cabin, fearfully hot

1^st xxxxxx Gillie has boils on face

& is fearfully 'off colour', went to Barbers

shop made a few purchases. 
2^nd..  Boat at anchor off Colombo numerous
natives in open boats also cargo boats at ship's side.

such jabbering and gesticulations, crowds of gaudily

clad natives tinted singlets & gaudy skirts almost to

ground were in large covered in cargo boats. N Mawson

threw in a penny such a rush and noise, well

that started people throwing all sorts of money

some of the natives had mouths full of pennies

then when things were slack would transfer them to

pouch arrangements in their skirts. After much delay

emboarded a launch belonging to P & O we were handed

on board by very important personage with 1 eye the

wore an eye 'flap' which was mostly on his forehead
he also wore a wide black & red sash across his

bosom clasped with a huge P & O. badge about 4 inches

square, white coat & white skirt (directoire)

Kept us waiting so long we transferred to smaller

boat then had to come back as others were

leaving much to the disgust of men they were

cross. On landing we changed smoney into Indian

money, then we are positively overwhelmed with 

Rickshaw men, motor men also men in Victoria

carriages and funny skinny horses, each one 

warns you of the others. 

Went to Grand Oriental Hotel, most beautiful place
palms, and fans ad. lib. in lounge. Went to
huge room for breakfast, waiters had white coats
Kahki facings white skirts combs like a coronet on 

head hair long & in a knot at back, most
dignified. Had a beautiful breakfast most delicious
coffee, bananas were small and really not as nice.
as ours. Cost us 5/- worse than having a tooth drawn
then met boys, who were hot & hungry, so
arranged to meet at 1 pm. & take motor to Mt
Lavinia, so five of us skirmished round the
streets, found Chemists shop got Gillie's prescription
made up, went into shop bought blouse after much
argument same with everything, have to beat them
down. N Mawson & I bought some Tussa silk
20yds for 18/- & a pair of silk stockings for 2/-
Took snap of native girl and wee baby ought to
be good. The beggars were many and fearful
patting their stomachs and cringing. Went for
Rickshaw ride but men wouldn't run for us
& then demanded fourshillings, N. Mawson
called up an Englishman who spoke sharply
to them, went to native quarters but were
stopped by soldiers, took snaps of girls 
in Rickshaws hope they are good, men
took us back & demanded shillings only
gave 1/- all the same. Then just walked round
General disturbance in Colombo great riots, among
Moors, Mahhommedans and Cingalese, great many
shops closed trams stopped groups of excited
natives everywhere, & everynow and then came
across houses being bombarded, the Australian
boys were in the thick of it you may be
sure. Soldiers in Kahki with Knicker baggy
pants & quilted Kahki helmets, such manly
chaps, each with a baynoted rifle.
Met some of our escort at 1 pm. waited until
1.25 then they got impatient and some of
us went off in one motor, most interesting
spinning through the native quarter, children
dressed in silver chains, men and women
very smelly, through rioting the houses
were smashed and contents thrown into the
road, excited groups everywhere. We were
held up several times by soldiers and
native police. Spun past temples and
magnificent houses. The native quarters
were terrible a jumble of low houses 

crowded with people, workshops crowded with
men and women. The fruit stalls were
the same low places, bananas, breadfruit 

and dirt.
Took snaps of some beautiful houses
built by natives who are very rich.
Reached Mt Lavinia Hotel a beautiful
place nestling amongst trees and palms
saw a wee babe if about 6 months with a
helment on and its black nurse took a
snap. Were escorted to a beautiful
kiosk in the grounds had a beautiful
view of breakers. Several vendors of
jewellery besieged us, we all bought
moonstones some were rather nice.
then were ushered into a large cool room
with Several palms and electric fans
going, had fruit and Lemonade
bread fruit was something like water melon
pine apple was beautiful, was awfully funny
the waiters piled our plates up as we ate
then brought flowers & pinned in all
our blouses & boys coats, then present
the 'check' after each one payed the man  

took round the plate again for 'gratuities'
one boy gave 10 cents 'ah no not enough
so we all had to give 6^d.
Then we came back, excitement was
intense soldiers everywhere each with fixed
bayonets. When nearly back car was
commandeered but was allowed to take
us right back first.
Trotted round a little then the boys
had to 'fall in' so we came back
in an open boat, fearfully swelled
headed creature in the boat 'girled' us
all the way & played to the gallery
when near the boat, our small boat
was jammed between two others, the
excitement of the boatmen was intense
talk about 'scalded ants' the creature
'girled' us still more told us not to get
excited, he was more perturbed than we
were; however we arrived landed settled on the boatd
in due time. Talk about excitement the
jabbering was deafening, saw a boat
with a funny sail simply swarming with
natives in most vivid colours.