Diary of Evelyn Davies, 18 May 1915 - 20 [July] 1915 - Part 3
17th.. Nothing much happening, passed
several boats which caused great
excitement. Weather is almost cold today
such a marked difference from the Red
Sea & Canal Lecture by Col. Jamieson
on Enteric Fever. pretty stale. To bed early.
Am fearfully sick of Ship meals.
18th.. Cool again, Quoit competitions, but
Evelyn's still sitting. Lecture by Dr. De
Crespigny on Pneumonia most of the
nurses were asleep & don't blame them.
Wrote letters & P.cards fifteen in all, don't
suppose they will all reach their
destination.
19th.. Did some washing & a little sewing
in fact had a busy morning.
In the p.m. sports were held on this
side & also amongst the troops.
Enjoyed the latter most, the pillow
fighting was very good. Had Chalking
the pig's eye over here strange that both
Captn. & Mrs Waugh chalked exactly in
the right spot. The Brother Bob event was
awfully good. So was the whistling race.
After dinner we passed Sardinia &
Corsica, there was a revolving light but
not close The Soldiers had a Concert
impromptu the French men also sang,
it livened things somewhat. Am pretty
home-sick, it might be 2 years before we
return. Golly!
20th Sunday :- In Gulf of Lyons, fearfully
rough was most awfully sick worse than
ever, in fact several people were sick,
slept until about 3pm. Wakened by Lucas
to see the Cliffs, it was awfully pretty
the greyish white jagged cliffs, a church
perched right up on a high Point / afterwards
discovered it was the Notre Dame of
Marseilles. Passed the inner side of a
huge break water which however had
several large gaps in, after proceeding
slowly to the Wharf found we had
to retreat to make wait for room as another
steamer was shortly to go out, it was
disappointing to steam right out again
as several passengers had planned to
catch the 6pm train overland.
It was after 6pm when we eventually
landed at the wharf. The French sailors
disembarked amid much cheering from Our
Boys, They sang Tipperary with great Applause.
Several passengers left the Boat to proceed
overland before leaving the Boat the
Consul had to be interviewed in the
Smoke room, other passengers who wished
to land but who were continuing remaining on the
Boat had to get a Pass signed by
the said Consul well the crush was
terrific, (Fleet time was nothing to it, men
are gallant creatures where nurses are
concerned) after the crush we found
it was not at all necessary even
for Private passengers to have a Pass.
Had a very funny' dinner then
went on shore it was then after 8pm
Took a tram (Electric) to the City, for me
it was crowded, men were hanging on
the outside like flies. no one seemed to
mind, some sailors were near us
off a Dutch ship & talked broken
English, they unswitched the light at
intervals which caused great commotion
to the Tram. men. The odour was
terrific (Fowl-house, Stale-fish. etc, etc)
when we reached the City we created
quite a sensation, being in uniform,
the people took us as a great joke.
It was weird, the verandahs of the
Cafes extended right over the pavement
there were small tables & chairs thronged
with people we sat down (4 in number)
and ordered ice creams the man
fussed round & placed grid iron
arrangements under our feet. after
much waiting the ice creams
arrived, they were beautiful, (strawberry
flavoured). It was 9.15 pm by the
time we had finished, so we
hired a carriage to take us back
we again raised a crowd in trying
to make the Coachman understand
We reached the Boat at 9.45 or
thereabouts, resolving to make an
early start in the a.m. Coaling
not to start until 7 a.m.
21st Wakened at an unearthly hour by
people next door Old Poll has a Pal there
Miss Bett (who had Herpes) she was moving
her out, Poll was anxious to air her
French somehow she does not look the
'Gay Parisienne more of a 'Breezy Ann'
as Miss Young calls her. However four of us
set out somewhere about 7 a.m took
car into Town car had as many
hanging to outside as inside, we sought
out a Dentist but it was too early
Miss wanted her plate mended.
Saw a flower stall there was Golden
Wattle (Mimosa the French girl
named it) we bought some & adorned
our persons, it was like a whiff
of Home. Had Coffee &. Rolls at a
Resteraunt the Rolls were like Pastry.
We gazed at the shops then took
a carriage to the Notre Dame Cathedral
(the Church we had seen from the Boat)
The trees in some of the streets were
beautiful, tall and green. The side streets
were intensely narrow & the buildings tall with
a string of Washing hung from window
to window along the wall, pants blue
or brown socks of various colours
and an apron or two on most.
The Carts were mostly drawn by
Donkeys or Mules. The approach
to the Cathedral was surrounded by
most beautiful trees. We discovered that
to reach the Cathedral we had to ascend
a steep incline in an Elevator there are
two worked by Hydraulic power one goes up
while the other comes down. One gets a good
view of Marseilles and the Port; but it
would be fearful if anything broke. Went
into the Cathedral there was a Confirmation
Service progressing, only about 6 Confirmees
the Children's singing was awfully sweet
but the Service did not appeal to me.
There were several Soldiers at the Cathedral.
On the Spire was a huge gilded image
of the Madonna & Child which showed
up marvellously well, Coming down in the
lift was worse than going up; we drove
back again & then meandered around
Miss Young bought fruit, at a wee shop.
Oranges were 1d each Apricots 1d Cherries
5d a lbs. Had an ice-cream the others
had Wine it made them feel queer
they only had a little too. Went back to
Boat to find that it was not sailing
until 1.30pm had luncheon then
discovered that we were not sailing
until 4 pm. so a party of 7 decided
to do the Circular drive the car was
fearfully slow. we passed a party of
Dutch prisoners being made work on trucks
at the bayonets point such stupid
stolid looking men. There were several
parties of Sf Sihks on the Piers
& doing duty at various other places.
The French soldiers wore Slate coloured
Blue top coats and all-coloured uniforms
very few alike, there were plenty of
young men idle about the Streets despite
the war. Several women mostly young
were in black and had large streamers of
Crepe from their heads have never seen
" used in such quantities before.
Miss Reid who was one of the Party
could talk & understand French
we hired two motors, four in one &
three in another. Well we tore along
regardless of pedestrians equestrians
or trams really it was thrilling
what we saw of the scenery was
fine. The blue waters of the Bay. White Cliffs
& the most beautiful green of the trees.
There was a Military Hospital in a garden
sloping down to the Beach the tents showed
up very white in amongst the trees.
The Car went within a few inches of the
edge of the cliff but the driver didn't
mind. He wasn't 'Fussy'. He would
barely miss other vehicles & trams but no
one minded at all. We reached the Boat
just a few minutes before 4 pm. Two
Sisters arrived after the gang way was taken
down & had to board by way of the
Coal hole. Several small girls very poorly
dressed sang Patriotic songs in French
on the Pier until they were quite hoarse
The Sihks applauded greatly as the boat left.
Didn't go to Dinner, lights were dimmed
& Port holes screened over with curtains.
Tuesday 22nd . Day is hot. Compulsory Parade of
Sisters at 10 am., Warrant Officer drilled
and otherwise gave instruction in etiquette etc.
for about 30 minutes. Had orders to have
luggage packed and all in readiness to
disembark within 30 minutes should
the necessity arrive, at Gibraltar, needless
to say the order brought forth many
conjectures as to further movements, but
of course no one knows definitely until
we reach Gibraltar. Met the Quartermaster
at 12 md. re baggage etc. In the afternoon
had lecture by Col Stowell on nervous cases
from the Battlefield, really he is a wonderful
man and has such a nice idea of
nurses. At 4 pm had life-belt Parade
in the Music Room and orders 'That when
the alarm'. was sounded whether night or
day the Sisters in what-ever dress they were
in, were to assemble, with life-belt on, in
the Music Room. Passed several Boats with
mast-head light, and also light houses.
23rd .Wedens. Much cooler. Land in sight
long Range of Rocky looking mountains
two Peaks were heavily capped in snow
which glistened in the sunlight. Several
Porpoises followed the boat and leaped quite
high. Compulsory drill for Staff-nurses
at 8 am. quite enjoyed it too. We are
still in sight of land. At 1 pm. quite near
the Rock of Gibraltar exactly as I pictured
it as to shape etc. at 3 pm. we were alongside
Dock Pier after a little delay we
were allowed go on shore one Tender
going & only one returning 2/- return.
Four of us went at least Miss Barron
Luc & myself but we were joined
at the landing place by Sister Young
she was able to come at last minute
As usual Carriages Ad. Lib. with noisy
drivers accosted one they however were
soon hired (Phaeton-like conveyances holding
four uncomfortably, & drawn by one
horse). We had to show the Pass certifying
that we were British Subjects, to an
official then drove up main streets.
Cobblestoned and very narrow and winding
in parts with tiny shops whose eager
vendors came right onto the road-way with
their wares. It was fearfully hot and the
glare was trying, we were accosted frequently
by men & boys with Strawberries (beautiful
and large) in baskets for 6d and 1/-
also Apricots; Oranges, Cherries, and Filberts.
Boys had Post Cards mostly highly coloured
but not dear. Walked up ever so many
steps into some Gardens it was really
too hot to enjoy although the shrubs
were fine, and trees beautifully shady.
Passed a statue of M.
and obtained a fine view all around.
Rejoined par vehicle and drove still further
passing through gateway with Spanish Coat
of Arms also British on opposite side,
A Cemetery in which were graves of heroes
of Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson's grave.
Right into Spanish territory a British Sentry
was on one side of gate and Spanish on
the other. A Red Cross Hospital was perched
right up in the Cliffs behind which was
a still larger Hospital. The Dry Dock
was a Huge Affair a British Man of War
was undergoing repair, also other vessels.
Sentrys were placed at intervals all
along the Route. Spanish people Men
Women & children also passed continually
Men sometimes women on Donkeys with huge
packages on each side as a matter of
fact it was often difficult to see the
poor beast of burden. Mules and donkeys
were greatly used and both seem very
strong. Posted a letter to Mum, also some
P. Cards. Waited for some tea at the Hotel
Cecil but tired of waiting so walked round,
bought some P. Cards. & fruit, had some
Lemon Squash at another Hotel and
walked back to Boat. gave up Pass to
official and then boarded the Tender.
Everyone seemed tired, each one laden
with either Cigarettes, fruit or parcels, it
is astonishing how much money one
can spend in each Port & very little to
show for it. On its way back to Boat saw
a Hydroplane, and a Destroyer
Back in time for Dinner then gazed at
the mountains for some time whose whose violet coloured
tints showed up well against the lemon
coloured sky behind, Later the twinkling
lights all over the Rocks practically and the
clusters of lights in the Town, and on Boats
in the Harbour. Every now and then the Search
Light would play and make the Harbour in
places as light as day. On the Boat Aft,
men were very busy installing a Gun which
meant an awful amount of work. Large
Gas torches they had which lighted up the
whole place excellently. for drilling holes
both in wood and iron they had a powerful
Electric Drill. it was a great business, a huge
Iron Plate had to be bolted down on to the
Deck for the Gun to rest on; it took several
men until 12 mn to fix it and they were
experts. Went to bed fairly early as was tired.
24th Dull day. Left Gibraltar very early as we
were fairly on the way at 7 a.m. and turning
takes no small time. The Mountains are partly
obscured by clouds and there is a haze over
the water. Paraded at 8 a.m. after which
Matron spoke a few words re. Uniforms, Caps
etc.. Yesterday we had a great work altering
Bonnets there was much discontent because
we all had to conform to the N. S. Wales.
pattern, however amongst a large company
especially women there is bound to be
discontent and professional jealousy; still we
are all here to help the men and will have
to sit on our feelings and pride a great deal.
24th Left Gibraltar at an early hour we
were well on the way at 7.30 am. a gun
was fired from the fort as we passed;
we could see the coast for some time.
In the afternoon had a lecture from
Dr. Jamieson on 'The Ideal Nurse', it was
rather amusing he spoke of a nurse's duty
to herself & said each nurse needed
a sleep in the afternoon if she could
possibly manage it. Matron was sleeping
just at his side, & several nurses were
also asleep. I could hardly help laughing.
Felt sick & went to bed early.
25th Cold day. Drill as usual. Saw whales
spouting in the afternoon. Lecture by Dr.
De Crespigny on Rheumatism & Pneumonia
went to sleep. After dinner paced the
deck the water was smooth as glass
with a beautiful mother-of-pearl tint the
sun was quite warm until 8.15 pm.
then when sinking was a blood red colour.
it was twilight until 9. pm one could
hardly believe it possible. We saw several
porpoises leaping.
26th Wakened 5 am with water pushing in
Porthole didn't do much damage. Slept
until 7.30 had to hustle in time for drill.
Sick a bit, but had breakfast, went to
write but was sick so crawled downstairs
& stayed until pm. Lecture by Dr De Crespigny
on Cerebro Spinal Meningitis & Tetanus it
was wonderfully interesting. Packed up
ready for the a.m. In more private clothes
to be worn. Expect to Disembark in the
a.m at Plymouth, no knowing when I'll
be able to indite a few lines here again. Two
Destroyers skirmishing round Boat all night,
Boat zig-zagged most of time. Luggage all
out ready for a.m excepting of course apparel
27th Wakened to find Boat at anchor
The greenest of hills & gray stone buildings in
the vicinity. A cold, wet, miserable morning
being Sunday Church bells were ringing.
Great activity in Boat, Soldiers & luggage
everywhere. Breakfast 7 a.m. everyone
expecting tips, It was after 10 am. when we
left the Boat yes 'The Mooltan' and oh! weren't
we pleased; fancy 6 weeks. One of the Sisters
James by name was fearfully ill, from inoculation
looked on the verge of collapse. Landed at Great
Western Railway Station crowds thronged the
Cable office, also the Refreshment Stall, it
was some time before we really obtained enough
to keep us going. After 12 md. we were drafted
into train, had to climb up on small steps.
Saw crowds of wounded soldiers who had
come over from Malta & other places in
the Mediterranean, poor chaps they were on
their way to Military Hospitals. A few Australians
were there. Were simply ravishing so called
a paper boy & commissioned him to purchase
sandwiches & chocolate after much delay he
arrived with the 'shabbiest' of sandwiches
truly hefty.
At 2pm. made a start at which we were pleased.
The train sped on through the Town of Plymouth,
tall buildings with narrow streets: great enthusiasm
on part of villagers who hung out of windows
& wayed wildly. Once we left the Town it was
wonderful, green fields divided by the greenest of
hedges, with here & there Woods of beautiful green
trees & and a mass of entangled undergrowth.
& beautiful brooks & canals. At Exeter we had
a cup of tea & two ham sandwiches, also chocolate
we sped onward through most un wonderful country
some of the fields red with Poppies. others white with
Daisies. there were Fox Gloves & all kinds of
flowers. Near Reading we passed the figure
of a horse cut in the Chalk hills
it stood out well. Reached Paddington Station
about 7.15 pm. Saw Mrs Norris, Dr . Norris &
Dr. Featonly, how lovely to see familiar faces.
Sent to Ivanhoe Hotel Bloomsbury Str. W.C.
in motor buses. Driver pointed out places of note
en Route. Praed Str. , Edgeware Rd. Marble Arch
with Hyde Parke in back ground. Fashionable Park
Lane. Principal Shops in Oxford Str. Selfridges
Peter Robinsons and others, Bond Str.
Oxford Circus then 'Home John'. How pleased
were we to reach a resting place, & to have
something to eat. Saw Mrs Norris later again.
Am to have room with N. Yearman a N. H girl.
28th Wakened late call on Telephone Mrs Norris
couldn't go; but message to wait until called for
was left. About 10.30 a.m Mrs Norris called & we
went to several shops sales were on in Oxford
Str was struck with courtesy & attention of attendants.
Not the condescending Duchess-like air of the
Melbourne shop-girl. Went to Mrs Norris's Flat
for lunch (Upper Westbourne Terrace Paddington)
then went to St Pauls, on the way visited
more shops, & saw several 'sandwich men' in
the Streets (had often heard of them). In front of
St Paul's is a statue of Queen Ann with back to
Church & supposed to be facing a gin shop. Well
St Pauls is collossal the Dome is wonderful,
ceiling most marvellously worked in Mosaic.
The Statuary is perfect but much stained. In the
Crypt there was much to be seen. Wellington's Tomb
also gun-carriage a wonderful structure made from
guns taken in different encounters, the wheels
six in number were wonderfully worked
there were numerous rifles adorning the carriage, &
round about were names of various Battles
won by the Duke of Wellington.
The tomb of Nelson we also saw, these two are the
only ones not buried under the surface, but whose
bodies were placed in the rock itself.
Walls were 24 feet thick, a really wonderful place
& like the whole of London is full of History.
We saw the London Bank in Thread needle Street
an immense solid building with no windows, &
covering a whole Block. (A country lady was supposed
to be discovered sitting outside rather late one night &
she said she was waiting for "The Procession to pass")
On a bus we passed across the Viaduct, down Holburn
past Mudies Library, through Oxford Str. & home.
Had tea then back to Ivanhoe. (Letter from Buckham at Wimmereux)
29th Waited in until nearly 3pm to be paid, then
went to Mrs Norris's tea then went to Mrs Brahes (mMonday)
found her in bed Inguinal hernia giving her some
trouble wanted to put some strapping on it, but she
didn't want it. I wasn't sorry. Went home, starving
too, got some Bananas. Not struck on Yeaman.
! Tea with N. Hall Dr Fetonly & Dr Norris & Mrs also Mrs Brahe
then to Kensington Gardens, saw Dutch Gardens, Peter Pan
Statue, Penny Pond, also Serpentine Lake, Kensington Palace.
30th Up fairly early. Went to Waxworks (Madame Dusad's
with Nurse Leitch & N. Aitken (Queenslanders & nice girls)
Liked the place very much it was quite an
education to see what people really looked like
the Chamber of Horrors was very tame, two Opium
dens, plenty of Murderers, gallows & instruments
of torture, several tableaux effects showing the
evil of gambling & what it may lead to.
Had lunch on the spot like 'Melons' we ordered
Omelettes which took ten minutes to prepare &
as we had to meet Mrs Norris at Westminster
& it was late then. A Policeman directed us by
Tube to Westminster Bridge, we thought we'd never
get there, it was a fearful distance. When we
did arrive I took the Girls to Parliament House
& we were grandly marching in when a
Policeman asked our business on telling him he
grinned & said I'd come to the wrong place.
So we went over the way & found Mrs Norris
rather 'Put out' at our lateness She'd sent N. Hall
to ring up so we had further delay awaiting
her return. when we eventually entered the
Cathedral it was to find that we had very little
time before the service commenced in which to
Loretta CorbettThis transcription item is now locked to you for editing. To release the lock either Save your changes or Cancel.
This lock will be automatically released after 60 minutes of inactivity.