Diary relating to the First World War Service of Brigadier General, Harold Edward 'Pompey' Elliott, 15th Brigade - Part 4

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
AWM2018.19.94
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 13

3 April Monday. Remoed Draining Sorted Field & tavies for niglst in wart discipline. Field want & reng 4 Airie Tuerday, Quet Day. Fraining s Dpret Wedhesday, More ield wanting to Resign told him he must get mike if he want t do so. He is very slack will give then a lecture night on Adminutration & Arganization April. Lecture a pecess last night I think. Instructions from Hertisior on Fraining 7 Spret Fridoy. Sent 59th Batto take enpduly at Terry poot. Promotions of Gellikand Slarprd & other are out hut not mine I wonder why? It is apparant I think 8 Bril Saturday. Rather warm today Wothing deing 9th Hrid kindly Nothing doing 18t Mril Monday, commucid samig in Routs Barching. Out port Fraiy, fe Dischpline. Went to Cairs for confintion of Adminion E t. Ms 11 Tet. Tuesday, Returned from Carro found Tulton wanted at 1Nw Had storiy interovew thereor with wajor ths. Received ordess t tot Gr overrond lin nor tercy
12th April. Wednerday, I hodeout to Front lin with Field & Horris to arrange to take over the Front dine for Gevey Nothing material lepel except thatshy old Horse Darkly sheed at a Camel & nearly threw me, though woldt her pretty crovely. Wt was a hard were 7 miles to railkend about 6 mites round the left wing of his area & 7 miles lock to Coms Karter at 7.30 on got lack shotly often pr, 13 April. Thursday. I rode out to Front line with Deviso thewart to ne over right balf of Tintline & arrange for relief it dreadful day. Dust such that you could sandly seg one yard in front of you & & but for the telephon live I don't think ve could have found our way lack at all 14 Hprie Friday. Cl. Wogolofo wajor kin examined our U.C.S.s expiersed therroelres as greatly pleased thereat moved 2 loys 60th & 2 loys 58th to pomt lie today tlote ove atdearcedPorte from StBrigad 15 April Sattuday. Marched Brigadeont tkewer ferbcion B of Frontli
from General Levey 8t Bde. I have now under me I Regt Le t th8thunder LCol. Maygan V.C. Kloy J.t under Wajor Mtarrdee Broop Bskaneer Camel mgode pclo lorps 8 Field Amhilarce & signal Eym Had new tday of a nice little bery just out io I wond. The Turks had on advanced port of at a Place called Bis (well), giff gaffa. Major H.W. Seves 9S.H. paro 58 bof enadnkefles) was C Ltt detailed with $00 men of his regonins, with a few men of the 8th Light Hore f which are under me here tack as guides gef gaffa is about 50 miles out. The raid was guite a mecers. Coipl Monaghan of tt8t Light Howe was killed and a comple of Horis wounded. Two mountedt Tark escaped only of those who held the post 6 liks wvery killed & 34 captured 4 of whon were wounded. Included to the prisoners was an churtrian Lieutenant of Engineers Corps Commander corgratutated Scotton able agallant feat of Arms. That is very good 16th (April Sunday. Went for ride pound Left Flank this morning I stdy porb found it most instructive & inmeting terrial improenent the effected tafiest cercular memo to hat lnd
17 April Monday. Rods round Righowing the morning. Tried to follow schlore of defence. Found it on whole good. Wantts M.S. positions fixed. Two new pedoutts requised on South& North of Houp Pato Barbed were between "Soup Clate" & Round Hill wants getting on with also Baited were a "Bwadmadows & in port of "The Wallow. Positios or soutt of Sphian rent of alarm. Water Reportent the occupied wme selan short at Mn Light Howe attached to Right or ing. General Chustian called confined on position 18th Mril Hot Teuesday. Rode a mileor so right out in front of No 8 Outport boy to ree what the place looked like from the enemys point of veew. I could not see very much except is me or to places careless observers wairly Had my teeth overhouled by Arony Dentert Parred all eorrect. 19th April. Wednerday. Sent for S.S.O.I Cloel wagotal to discurs difpcclti of deferce Prother will his He arried at 8pr & rode round with him. Emprence 20 Anl Thursday. Rose round with Major Murdey Enginen of peer to difcurs situation of new works
necessary io my openion to adoguately deped this portio from attack, Reciived large Balch) renfricement fning prigade slightly on stren Reamed calle from Piolet t neet her at Post said sralle t do so wred to that ifpet 21st April Good Friday. Shurch Parade can Late wde out in Font of Left wing to reconnortry pooitio from Themys point of teen Carridlamels Hung Hill found that Light Horse Patrol was not doing its gol. Were not as frout on the irce supposed the Had all thei poire of mabled + appeared I have no on prperly told off to watch 92n April Saturday) Rod out foom Hago Back part Large H. Spection Hill it to Aeronant Ridge when I found Light Horse Patiol. Hlo not doing its gol kodeoo M Bold o ther to M. Observation find no sight Horre ther as supposed th pode Bock na santion long nontied Copt Hutcherm L.H. Commande ther of thort coming of his Palioes
T sme further detals have bee reseived of the fighting & the Rotes district (a) Anlonjlry of the Royal Scots put of a good fight against or ottack 500 Turks at DOEIDAR. The Rojol Scote were reinforced by the 5th AlH. & the durks ir ditrer off i a S.F -direction, leaving many casnollied It is thought that thes body of Turks may have give to BOR, CC SEFEIR (9) Thr squaction of Feomanry (under balrel Wiggn crendtakg an enjedition against BRR. al Mageibra from Natra at the teme. t force felt fack from the DAR.SN and after 24 hours wardering th bulk of them got to Ro WAN14 (o) our garrion at RA.T1Ai attacked s ell pack after 15 Morrs lagagenent. It is not quite certain hort for they lave come lock ed the garrior at ROMASI was also attacked by it is rejorted 6000 men; but this figure is ofvrously incorrect our Hersplanes imprised 23h Mul Sunday Summored all aounted afpaly & made reconneance a for as MSovervation where we d tg L H. Por yous established but not get entalluses communioation with camp, aeoreed the Kared hove. Horses rester lpt beetheo unhurt, Parred Wholes Back. On wlisholes Rioe my have fell with me thoke away Permed by Capt OBner & recorered Exammathe proved that my collor lone was pactoried but not Stadly. Beartty muvance 24 Apiik Monday. Rode round right any Shoulder pretty sore if I trocled or caniered but all right at a wolk. Not pleased with tentry forts. Noo casual by Far. Ireceed circular memo thapng everytody concerves. Received important desporet how Derroin (see conyothe hdl atrrarged for desposet of P.H. palirt at 4 a lomorrow to recomnoity route 25th April Tuerday. Angae Day. Red & Blin riftor wold tore as laving been at landings also or the Pennrula. Vlist wentons as directed at 4 am. Reports received from it at 0820 & 0846 but
th Turk as Katra while Holeep & enflicted doo carrollie with Boonb and machire gun the PNEA.C mounted Heriow 2n L.H. Bde & N.2 M.R Bd) is or its way toward R.AF1A and RO.WANI not atterwards until it returned about 8pn. Reported no Turk blowd here & further point reached about so mile out Heary sand ane the way. Water in one well but undunkable 26 Arill Very not. Stoyed is Camy all day, the doctor having shropped of my arn very tightly + uncomfortatly. Whots t Kate 27t Mpl Thursday. At you very warn Stayed in cany. Army very uncomposably cranped up, lapt Fullto 60t Balto transferred This was a great disappointent tme. 28 Aprel Fraday. I rode round the port with Capt Boogr Kofoffeger 5 Der & poinled hem out the different- hills it visible from heve the had an old Sheik with him but as I expected thlalte could give there sardhells no pecifi nam but guit a general description name th couple of hurdredm of them. Was instructed to send the cir whom I could naned an oBrecomning thoroughlytly upon as mitall Balt Colimonder. I rent in Major orks nae but proterted would re on weer calamity
29t Hril Saturday. Replied to correspondence mainly. Cal Wagstaff attended barragge for Monday inspection 30h April Sunday. weste a numberg letters 1st May Mondby. General Godley cnspection teday. Rode round with him Dud shap not any great shakes 2n May. Tuesday. Comfined Fenvenal Manseri today in which 60 p acted as enemy for the purpose & the 8t Bode with two confanies of the 59 acteda our troop. I did not getout myself but prigude mayor Reports that watters wentor all right 3rd May wednerday. Do is afor yesterday 4 May 5 Muty 3 & May. L. 7th May 3 & May M. Levo Bns 14 pregade reported & toot wersector o 9t May ? Mored Brigade H.Q. to Hogs Backlany 10th May W. General Mclay impected libe 1 May Thursday, General Murray 6ir C inspected time with General Erdley & McCog. Approved of enything but I have gravd doubts of the junilit of the live with Gayell Heighths
As a result of the inspection the following Order was published or Dir Order for 10 May para 310.. The Commander a Chief L.L.t. thes morning inspected a porten of Rsont line hold by the Serroson and was pleasure to express his great satisfaction with the amount and character of the work done there, and with thowray in which "the troops are performing their duties. The G.O.C Division desired that all ranks should be aware of the appreciation and especially the 15th Brigade, whih has recently been in occugation f the front line. 12 May. Feelig tied &as it was a hotday I did not go outof cany atall 13d May. Rode sound the left Flank now occupied by the 54th & 56 Battalins with General Melay of the 14th Brigade attached to me,& settled on a plan of Defence for the locality. Received a drafty 75 cast op from the 14 Brigade to bing usuy to strength In theorder hecenedt day there is a comment on the severety uptt which crines are dealt with in this prigade & the lemency with which it is treatur it others & all a ou faror.
We received word late this evening that we were the relieved for a sitlyth balance of the 14h Brigade. Aloo all leave to cano or Ismailia stopped which looks like an early sart for France. I wrot mu wilne to get some silks ao present tKater as it todm as i) we sall n thare any further thance of getting to Cano now. General McCaytold me he had notmy name on t Francefor promotion to Brg General. Vay Hot day 14 pay. Met Cl Pope O.C.14 Bde & look him along the Front line today. Very Hot Foo of our Battmn more lack at 6 an. tomorrow morning & two on Tuesday at same time. 15 May. Mored back to Ferry Port with 2 Ballalion. Dreadfully pot doe men stood it well. Rathes a contrabl to 1 Brigade who went out to it. Had coference with Serl McEors Kaffon Farnng hours 10h May Rode out to meet two remaining Bhelations of Brigade coming in this marched well. aother rcorcuing not day. Te paper of the Book is burning not under me land as I wield at little trouble at railsead onntabyehaly gelley bnd
17 May 16 Had a Brigade mnercireteday General McCay present. Priticired enercise. We did fourly well sreadfully Hot 18 may pivisional teheme laid down for stoday cancelled owme to sept. this ty indonked a gleat lengas thimner were getting kprocked out the men were thereforegiven a Holiday I sent dosn for a mm. at May. Charge Hloker walher to day. Ded pnscoral Scheme without hoops. Think we did all right Billettong – Heard today that Col Field's illn is rother given 20 may asttanded criticion of Shem yesterday Fighld defonitely envolided. I am vorry for him but it is an inestinabl Kloving for his Regiment & for in 21 Way. Sunday 22nd Pay Monday Tuerday. Had Lunch with Genl Grdley 23 Mpy Wednrday 24 Way Review by Commander in Chil 25t May General. Mursay. General remarked was pleased Inday Kenneth Henderm 28th a tirst ofpecal news of allis more to France received
Senton Field's Revignation on the ground of I Healt. 278 May Saturday 28t May Sunday theered of much by a litterpor Baaly 1shews from Home for long tink. 8th Brigademored to Moasear. 29 May. Monday. Getting very warm again contenued Training, Murketry & Bombin 8 prgade rather vercrely criticised fo their waich disceplive1. Had night warch in evening 30 May Tuerday Flhining continued. Very Harm day. 14 Brgadecame in 3rd May. Wednerday. Heard we are to more to M.CASRHR Ferday morning Went, t Cours 1gune. spent t caus. cloded Geent pedding palaccis but could not waith gets gue Friday warced to Moascar Beade marded will. lomg left cean. Little undere now at Percille guve Saturday. Had on earyday do yo Sunday Rode round Ismiles 5 gune. Mondaly Serpotited Adrance Party
Slar Capt Major Layh & Lt Harri& 2N L Tayt Marseillert achas Drementio a Entrainny opeas for Brigads o arrival there. sawd AD. M.S about getting nd of our Karonic Crocks. 6 June Suurday, General McCay injecten Brigade Harver the moming. our pregalle voted fert of the Deriskin, oor Bn lestof Brigad. Will roon for imro coturded Denner with Major Genll McLay was enjoyable. News received that our Deartent portnnd 7t Jane Wedneday. Eroporal for Sport hibmitted Drnnit antdno 8 give Thurday Freday 9th gune bntendary. Had Sport priale today 10 ome 11 gie Lean to go blarrd today for almo to M.M. towno night returning Tuerday morning Telt Very off color on journey. Vcolent headaltee. Wentioted i arreval as Watione Hotet dosed my relutt Aperin. Felt better after Sleez visited Mrs Crawford at Meade 12th Jure M Shes Fellan & Mrs Milne. Afterward to Mamnit Lodge & admitted M.N 13 June Retunned to Jonailia, Very Hot memorial prom ordered, Sport portponed until tomorrow morning lenvor Man

3rd April Monday. Resumed Training 
Sorted Field & Davies for neglect in 
march discipline. Field wants to resign 

4th April Tuesday. Quiet Day. Training 

5th April Wednesday. More Field wanting to 
Resign Told him he must get sick 
if he wants to do so. He is very slack 
Will give them a lecture tonight 
on Administration & Organization. 

6th April. Lecture a success last night I 
think. Instructions from Division on 
training. 

7th April. Friday. Sent 59th Battn to take up duty 
at Ferry port. Promotions of Gellibrand 
Glasford & others are out but not mine 
I wonder why? It is apparant I think 

8th April Saturday. Rather warm today. 
Nothing doing 

9th April Sunday Nothing doing 

10th April Monday. Commenced Training 
in Route Marching. Outpost Training; Fire 
discipline. Went to Cairo for confirmation 
of Admission & F.M.'s 

11th Feb. Tuesday. Returned from Cairo 
found Fulton wanted b4 4  Div . Had 
stormy interview thereon with Major
Griffiths. Received orders to take  
over Front line from Tivey

 

12th April. Wednesday, I rode out to Front 
line with Field and Harris to arrange 
to take over the Front Line from Tivey 
Nothing material to tell except that my 
old Horse "Darkey" shied at a  
Camel & nearly threw me though 
I watch him pretty closely. It
was a hard ride 7 miles to railhead 
about 6 miles round the left wing of 
this area & 7 miles back to Camp . Started
at 7.30 am got back shortly after 1 pm. 

13th April, Thursday. I ride out to Front 
line with Davis & Stewart to see over 
right half of Frontline & arrange for relief. 
A dreadful day. Dust such that you 
could hardly see one yard in front of you & 
& but for the telephone line I don't think we 
could have found our way back at all.

14thApril Friday. Col. Wagstaff & Major King 
examined our N.C.O. & expressed 
themselves as greatly pleased thereat 
Moved 2 Coys 60th & 2 Coys 58th to Front 
line today to take over Advanced Posts 
from 8th Brigade. 

15th April Saturday. Marched Brigade out 
to take men further down "B" of Frontline

 

from General Tivey 8thBde. I have now 
under me 1 Regt L. H. the 8th under 
Lt Col. Maygar V.C. 1 Coy F.E under 
Major Sturdee 1 troop of Bikaneer Camel 
Corps 8 Field Ambulance & Brigade Doctor, Signal Engineers 
Had news today of a nice little foray 
just out in Front. The Turks had an 
advanced post at a Place called 
Bis (Well) Jiff Jaffa. Major H.W. Scott
9th L. H. (late 58th Inf Essendon Rifles) was
detailed with 100 men of his regiment 9th L.H
with a few men of the  8th Light Horse from
which are under me here to act as guides 
Jif Jaffa is about 50 miles out. The 
raid was quite a success. Corpl Monoghan 
of the 8th Light Horse was killed and a 
couple of Horses wounded. Two mounted Turks 
escaped only of those who held the post 6 
Turks were killed & 34 captured 4 of whom 
were wounded. Included in the prisoners was  
an Austrian Lieutenant of Engineers 
Corps Commander congratulated Scott on able 
& gallant Feat of Arms. That is very good 

16th April, Sunday. Went for ride round 
Left Flank this morning to study position 
Found it most instructive & interesting 
Several improvements to be effected. 
Drafted circular memo to that end.

 

17th April Monday. Rode round Right wing 
this morning. Tried to follow scheme of  
defence. Found it on whole good. Wants M.G. 
positions fixed. Two new redoubts required 
on South & North of "Soup Plate". Barbed wire 
between "Soup Plate" & "Round Hill" wants 
getting on with also Barbed wire in "Broadmeadows" 
& in front of "The Wallow. Positions on South of Sphinx 
to be occupied in event of alarm. Wales Regiment 
Post at McAlpinesMcAllisters  Light Horse attached 
to Right wing. General Christian called conferred on position. 

18th April Monday. Tuesday. Rode a mile or so 
right out in Front of No 3 Outpost Coy 
to see what the place looked like from 
the enemys point of view. I could 
not see very much except in one 
or two places careless observers mainly. 
Had my teeth overhauled by Army Dentist 
Passed all correct. 

19th April. Wednesday. Sent for G.S.O I 
Colonel Wagstaff to discuss difficulties 
of defence Problem with him. 
He arrived at 3pm. & rode 
round with him. Conference 

20th April Thursday Rode round with  
Major Sturdee Engineer officers to  
discuss situation of new works 

 

necessary in my opinion to 
adequately defend this position 
from attack. Received large 
Batch of reinforcements bringing 
Brigade slightly over strength, Received 
Calls from Violet to meet her at Post Said 
Unable to do so. Wired to that effect. 

21st April Good Friday. Church Parade  
9 a.m. Later rode out in Front of Left 
Wing to reconnoitre position from 
Enemy's point of view. Passed Camel's 
Hump Hill. Found that Light Horse 
Patrol was not doing its job. Were not 
as far out as they were supposed to be 
Had all their horses off saddled &  
appeared to have no one properly told 
off to watch. 

22nd April. Saturday. Rode out from  
Stag's Back past Danger Pt. Spectrum 
Hill etc. to Aeronaut Ridge where 
I found Light Horse Patrol. Also 
not doing its job. Rode on to Mt 
Bold & then to Mt Observation found 
no Light Horse there as supposed to be 
Rode Back via Desertion Camp 
notified Capt Hutchinson L.H Commander 
there of shortcomings of his patrols

 

I  Some further details have been received 
of the fighting in the Katia district. 
(a) One Company of the Royal Scots put up 
a good fight against an attack by 
500 Turks at DUEIDAR. The Royal 
Scots were reinforced by the 5th A.L.H. & 
the Turks were driven off in a S.E 
direction, leaving many casualties 
It is thought that this body of Turks 
may have gone to BIR, EL JEFEIR 
(b) Three squadrons of Yeomanry 
(under Colonel Wiggan) were undertaking 
an expedition against BIR el 
Mageibra from Katia at the time. 
Their force fell back from ABU DAREM 
and after 24 hours wandering the bulk 
of them got to ROMANI 
(c) Our garrison at KATIA was 
attacked & fell back after 1 1/2 hours 
engagement. It is not quite certain 
how far they have come back. 
(d) The garrison at ROMANI was  
also attacked by it is reported 6000 
men; but this figure is obviously 
incorrect 
(e) Our Aeroplanes surprised

 

23rd April Sunday. Summoned all 
Mounted Officers & made reconnaissances
as far as Mt Observation where we had 
found L.H. Post just established - but 
not yet established communication 
with Camp. Arranged this. Started 
home. Horses restive Capt Legge thrown 
unhurt. Passed Whales Back.  On 
Heliopolis Rise my horse fell with me 
& broke away. Pursued by Capt O'Brien 
& recovered. Examination proved that 
my collar bone was fractured but not 
badly. Beastly nuisance

24th April. Monday. Rode round right wing 
Shoulder pretty sore if I trotted or 
cantered but all right at a walk. Not 
pleased with Sentry posts. Too casual 
by Far. Issued circular memo keeping 
everybody concerned. Received important
dispatch from Division (see copy other side) 
Arranged for dispatch of L.H. Patrol 
at 4am tomorrow to reconnoitre route 

25th April Tuesday. Anzac Day. Red & Blue 
ribbon comes to me as having been at 
landing & also on the Peninsula. Patrol 
went out as directed at 4 am. Reports  
received from it at 0820 & 0845 but

 

the Turks at Katia while Asleep
& inflicted 200 casualties with
Bombs and machine guns
(f) The ANZAC mounted division 
2nd L.H. Bde & N.Z.M.R Bde) is on
its way towards KATIA and 
ROMANI.

 

 

not afterwards until it returned  
about 8pm. Reported no Turks 
between here & furthest point reached 
about 20 miles out. Heavy sand all 
the way. Water in one well but undrinkable 

26th April, Very hot. Stayed in Camp all 
day, the doctor having strapped up 
my arm very tightly & uncomfortably. 
Wrote to Katie 

27th April Thursday. Again very warm. Stayed 
in Camp. Arm very uncomfortably cramped 
up. Capt Fuller 60th Battn transferred 
This was a great disappointment to me. 

28th April Friday. I rode round the 
front with Capt Braoc Staff Officer 
5th Div & pointed him out the 
different hills it visible from 
here & he had an old Sheik with 
him but as I expected the latter 
could give these sandhills no specific 
name but just a general descriptive 
name to a couple of hundred name 
of them. Was instructed to send the 
name of an officer whom I could 
thoroughly rely upon recommend as suitable 
Battn Commander. I sent in Major 
Taylor's name but protested his loss 
would be an utter calamity. 

 

29th April Saturday. Replied to correspondence 
mainly. Capt Wagstaff attended to arrange 
for Monday inspection 

30th April Sunday. Wrote a number of letters. 

1st May. Monday. General Godley's inspection 
today. Rode round with him. Our 
show not any great shakes 

2nd May Tuesday. Combined Divisional Maneouvres 
today in which 60th Bn acted as 
Enemy for the purpose & the 8th Bde 
with two companies of the 39th acted as 
our troops. I did not get out myself 
but Brigade major Reports that matters 
went on all right. 

3rd May. Wednesday. Do as for yesterday 
4th May 1. 
5th May 7 
6th May. 6 
7th May. 5 
8th May M. Zero Bns 14 Brigade reported & look over sector N 

9th May I moved Brigade H. Q. to Hogs Back Camp 

10th May. w. General McCoy inspected line 

11th May Thursday. General Murray C. in
C. inspected line with General 
Godley & McCoy. Approved of everything 
but I have grave doubts of the junction of the 
line with Gazelle Heights. 

 

As a result of the inspection the following 
Order was published in Dir Order for 11th May 
Para 310. "The Commander in Chief E.E.F. this 
"morning inspected a portion of the front 
"line held by this Division and was pleased 
"to express his great satisfaction with 
"the amount and Character of the work 
"done there, and with the way in which 
"the troops are performing their duties." 
"The G.O.C Division desires that all 
"ranks should be aware of this appreciation 
"and especially the 15th Brigade, which 
"has recently been in occupation of the 
"front line." 

12th May. Feeling tired & as it was a hot day. 
I did not go out of Camp at all. 

13th May. Rode round the left Flank 
now occupied by the 54th & 56th Battalions 
of the 14th Brigade attached to me with General McCoy &
settled on a Plan of Defence for the 
locality. Received a draft of 75 cast offs 
from the 14th Brigade to bring us up 
to strength. In the orders received to 
day there is a comment on the scarcity 
with which crimes are dealt with in this 
Brigade & the leniency with which it is treated 
in others & all in our favor. 

 

We received word late this evening that 
we were to be relieved for a rest by the 
balance of the 14th Brigade. Also all 
leave to Cairo or Ismailia stopped 
which looks like an early start  
for France. I wrote Mrs Milne to get 
some silks as presents for Katie as it looks as if 
we shall not have any further chance of 
getting to Cairo now. General McCoy told 
me he had sent my name on to France for 
promotion to Brig General. Very Hot day 

14th May. Met Col Pope O.G. 14th Bde & took 
him along the Front line today. Very Hot 
Two of our Battns move back at 6 am.
tomorrow morning & two on Tuesday at same 
time. 

15th May. Moved back to Ferry Post 
with 2 Battalions. Dreadfully hot day 
men stood it well. Rather a contrast
to 16th Brigade who went out to it. Had 
conference with Genl McCoy & staff 
Training hours. 

16th May. Rode out to meet two remaining 
Battalions of Brigade coming in, they 
marched well. Another scorching 
hot day. The paper of the Book is 
burning hot under my hand as I write. 
A little trifle at Railhead on my object of evidently getting drunk 

 

17th May '16 Had a Brigade Exercise today 
General McCoy present. Criticised 
exercise. We did fairly well. Dreadfully 
Hot. 

18th May Divisional Scheme laid down for 
today cancelled owing to heat. This 
step admittedly a great blessing as 
the men were getting knocked out The 
men were therefore given a Holiday 
& sent down for a swim. 

19th May. Change Cooler weather today. Did 
Divisional Scheme without troops. Think 
we did all right Billetting - Heard today that 
Col Field's illness is rather severe 

20th May. Attended criticism of Scheme of yesterday 
Field definitely invalided. I am sorry for 
him but it is an inestimable blessing 
for his Regiment & for me

21st May. Sunday. 

22nd May Monday. 

23rd May Tuesday. Had Lunch with Genl Godley.

24th May Wednesday 

25th May. Review by Commander in Chief 
General Murray. General  
remarked was pleased 

26th May Friday Kenneth Henderson 
Called. First official news of 
move to France received 

 

Sent on Field's Resignation on the  
ground of Ill Health. 

27th May Saturday 

28th May Sunday. Cheered up much by a 
letter from Barby. 1st news from Home  
for long time. 8th Brigade moved to Moascar. 

29th May. Monday. Getting very warm again 
Continued Training, Musketry & Bombing. 
8th Brigade rather severely criticised for  
their march discipline. Had night 
march in evening. 

30th May. Tuesday. Training Continued. 
Very warm day. 14 Brigade came in 

31st May. Wednesday. Heard we are to move 
to MOASCAR Friday morning 
Went to Cairo 

1st June. Spent in Cairo. Attended Jewish 
Wedding Palaceis intended not 
want for fete.

2nd June Friday Marched to Moascar 
Brigade marched well. Camp left 
Clean. Little undue noise at 
Reveille. 

3rd June Saturday. Had an easy day. 

4th June Sunday - do.

5th June. Monday. Rode round Ismailia 
Despatched Advance Party of 

 

Staff Capt Major Layh. & Lt Harris & 
2nd Lt Lay to Marseilles to act as 
Disembarkation & Retraining officers 
for Brigade on arrival there. Saw 
A.D.M.S about getting rid of our 
Chronic crocks.

6 June Tuesday. General McCoy inspected 
Brigade Horses this morning. Our 
Brigade voted best of the Division. 57th 
Bn best of Brigade. Still room for improvement 
Attended Dinner with Major Genl McCoy. 
was enjoyable. News received that our departure postponed

7th June. Wednesday. Proposal for Sports Submitted Divisal adrdivision

8th June Thursday 

9th June Friday. 

10th June Saturday. Had sport trials today 

11th June Leave to go to Cairo today for admission 
to M.M. tomorrow night returning Tuesday morning 
Felt very off color on journey. Violent  
headache. Went to bed on arrival at 
National Hotel. Dosed myself with 
Aspirin. Felt better after Sleep. 

12th June. Visited Mrs Crawford at Maadi 
Mr & Mrs Gillan & Mrs Milne. Afterwards 
to Masonic Lodge & admitted M.M. 

13th June. Returned to Ismailia. Very Hot 
Memorial forms ordered Sports postponed 
until tomorrow morning. Censor stamps

 

 


    

 

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Jacqueline KennedyJacqueline Kennedy
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