Diary of Percy George Rupert Parkes, 1915-1916 - Part 1
1915 JANUARY
1 FRIDAY
2 1 SATURDAY
Report at 2nd Div Hd Qrts cannot get to Company
without reporting to Base details. That can
wait till tomorrow as I cannot get kit from
cooks.
3 2 SUNDAY
Report at Base details no sleeping kit. Unable
to find Artie or Stan
JANUARY 1915
4 3 MONDAY
Report for duty at Camp composed
of men mostly from Hospitals
Tents very scarce, make the
most of sleeping on the
ground. Mess with the
Officers of 1st Div. Both camps
are on the Banks of Nile. The
1st Div Camp is 200. yds further up
Camps very unhealthy some
cases of Nile Fever has broken out
5 4 TUESDAY
Very little work is done in Camp
Short Route marches morning
& afternoon for A & B class
Rain has been falling through
last night & today very unusual
for Cairo. Also very cold can
hardly keep warm at nights
despite the warm blankets
6 5 WEDNESDAY
Another cold bleak night
warms up during the day.
March out to Giza Gardens
& break off for half hour &
return to Camp. Officers here
a hard lot evidently have not
got over Xmas yet. The Camp
is too slack. The meals are
fairly good
1915 JANUARY
7 6 THURSDAY
Camp Orderly Officer for both
Divisions today. Morning visit
all Guards, also Agricultural
Hall a large space of ground
with large sheds & show
buildings used by Australian
& New Zealand forces to stow
all Kit for Oversea Forces.
Scores. Each afternoon for an hour the
bridges of the River are closed to allow
the boats to pass through. All bridges swing
8 7 FRIDAY
Nothing much doing except
route marches. Saw Dr & got him
to put me on Class A for full duty
Guest night at the Mess, about
a dozen Australian & Canadian
Nurses invited. Singing
indulged in after dinner
9 8 SATURDAY
Stayed in Camp until 6 p.m. Had dinner
at St James' & went to Kursall after.
Very good show - French & Italian
singers very good.
10 9 SUNDAY
Visit Zoo this morning. Some beautifully
islamia birds are to be seen. Footwalks
paved with pebbles like mosaic work.
JANUARY 1915
11 10 MONDAY
Took parade this morning
& went to Gardens for march.
In afternoon men drew their
Kit bags from Stores at
Agricultural Hall
12 11 TUESDAY
Hear of evacuation of Cape
Helles with very small casualities
Something has been accomplished
without a bungle evidently in
connection with Dardanelles.
13 12 WEDNESDAY
Nothing doing
1915 JANUARY
143 THURSDAY
Saw Major Lynch about getting
to Tel-Eel Kebir. Suggests that
I should wire my C.O. to send for
me which I do.
154 FRIDAY
Usual march today
Guest night again.
165 SATURDAY
Have 25 men & march to Brewery to
guard it about 1½ miles from Camp.
Pass through very dirty village.
Road to this place is very dark &
not at all pleasant to go along.
Go into town after & meet Flett
176 SUNDAY
Church parade. First I have been to since
leaving Peninsular. Visit Col Knox in
Hospital. Find Art gone to Tel-El Kebir
JANUARY 1915
187 MONDAY
No Officers to rejoin Units
for some reason or other.
Much disatisfaction arises
among those who want to get back.
198 TUESDAY
Usual march to Gardens. Whilst
there visit Zoo which adjoins
them with another Officer.
Go through the Grotto
2019 WEDNESDAY
Take Troops into Cairo station one
hours march for them to proceed to
Tel. El. Kebir.
Got word that all ranks might
rejoin at any time.
1915 JANUARY
2021 THURSDAY
Things only middling in Camp.
Heads have been strafed &
a little bit of organisation is
being done. Chap in my tent
has developed Tonsilitis so am
acting nurse. Hope its not catching
All Officers leave stopped for
some reason or other
2122 FRIDAY
Re-allot men to Units.
Slight hope of rejoining Units
I think they are making up 2nd Battalion
& keeping Active Service Officers
back to train reinforcements.
2223 SATURDAY
Go into Heliopolis to C see Major
Baird. He is going home so Batt
will miss him very much.
Dine at Shepherds Continental
2324 SUNDAY
Church parade & letter writing
Visit Lieut Brath at Ghezireh who
has just lost his leg
JANUARY 1915
2425 MONDAY
Orderly Officer. Both Camps
inspected by General & Colonel
Had a busy time following
them round first inspected
the troops then the Camp.
Very pleased at the cleanliness
Am offered position on 24th Battn
Am waiting word from
23rd first.
2526 TUESDAY
Route march to Gardens.
Go & say good-bye to
Major. B. Tells me Col Knox
is trying to get me back.
Had long talk over matters
2627 WEDNESDAY
Ordinary routine.
Sergeants of Overseas Base
given Concert & Dinner for
Anniversary of Australia Day.
Patriotic Speeches etc. Very
pleasant evening, except for
half dozen hoodlums outside
1915 JANUARY
2728 THURSDAY
Word received that myself
with others Officers march
out tomorrow destination
uncertain whether Tel. El. Kebir
or Zeitoun, to join unit
later on.
Busy equiping 500 men.
2829 FRIDAY
Leave Camp with 500 men & 7
Officers at 9.30 to march to Zeitoun
Arrive at 2.15 after long but
pleasant march. All were a bit
soft for such long march.
Do not know how long we shall
be hear. Have a hard job
organizing 260 men with everything.
In command of "C Coy". Shortage of Tents
The Training Battns across road seem
very comfortable.
2930 SATURDAY
Finish up reorganizing, find
I have men from 4th 5th & 6th Brigades.
3031 SUNDAY
Church Parade with New Zealanders
Word come from Cairo every one to stand to
arms ready to march. Egyptian Reserves rise up
FEBRUARY 1915
131 MONDAY
Cause of Reserves rising because of
Pay. This was soon put an end
to by calling out some Troops.
Draw pay & pay Company.
Hold my first Orderly Room.
Remainder go for route march
21 TUESDAY
Take over extra 40 men just
marched in from Malta.
Equip men with Rifles ready
to march out. Col Knox sends for
me to rejoin at once.
23 WEDNESDAY
Reading orders this morning find that I
am to rejoin. Pack up quickly to catch 11 AM
Train to Tel. El. Kebir & arrive there at 1pm. &
walk to camp about 1 mile from station.
Find Battn ready to march out that night
so quickly get my marching Kit ready. Am
2nd in Command D Coy. Leave Camp & entrain 8.30pm
& arriving at Ismailia 10.30. Detrain & march
out to other side of Canal. Had 1½ hours sleep
whilst throwing Bridge across Canal arrived
at our first camp 5.30AM. Thursday
1915 FEBRUARY
3 4 THURSDAY
Up at 7AM after 1½ hrs sleep. I having no
blankets or sheet very cold. Very heavy
nights march we had. Rested until
2.30 pm & start on 2nd stage of march.
Our stores are carried by Motor Train.
Arrived at Rail Head at 4.30 where
Train stops & last part of very heavy sand
Bivouac for night. My Valise arrived
& able to get blankets etc.
4 5 FRIDAY
Start at 9.30 for our task in front of
us each in full marching kit across
the Desert. The sand is awfully heavy
to march across. D Comp have 5 men fall
out but 24 Batn in front of us have dozens
absolutely blown clean out. Camels are
used to carry stores etc. The last mile
seemed harder than the rest put together
Never forget it. Nothing but sand everywhere
Arrive at our position of Defence 3.30
5 6 SATURDAY
Going to sleep last night every
thing was calm but heavy sand storm
arose during night & the sights this
morning were very funny. We were
all half buried in sand. Blankets
kit & everything chock full. Set to
work & erect Tents taking things easy
after our awful day yesterday.
7 6 SUNDAY
Our first church parade in the Desert
The Brigadier was present. Afternoon devoted
to erecting Tents
FEBRUARY 1915
7 8 MONDAY
D Coy on Outpost. 2 Platoons marched out at 08.30
to Outpost line No 1. 83o & No 2 52o about 1000 yds
out No 2 being further. Remainder of Coy 2 Platoons
to stay in Camp under arms to move out
to any position under myself.
Whilst Company on Outpost 2nd in Command must
be Orderly Officer. This comes every 4 days.
Position is 22nd on our left & 24th on Right 23rd in rear
is Brigade Reserve about ¾ mile. This forms a
Aifile in Brigade line. B & D Coys of 23rd are to man
trenches which we will build called "Youlong Hill"
8 9 TUESDAY
Heavy rain last night & terribly dark.
2 Platoon not on Outpost yesterday home drill.
Afternoon whole Company goes out to dig
our trenches. Very hard to keep trenches from
falling in as it is sand. Continually will
have to clear them out. The reason our trenches
in rear because of enemy attack on part of line
each Battn on either side can enfilade them.
Orders are that 23rd must not retire from trenches
if attack without orders. Main trenches to be
called the Citadel
9 10 WEDNESDAY
Take Company out & teach the musketry under
platoon Commanders in morning.
Afternoon continue trenches & clear
foreground. Reminds me very much same
work as Queenscliff just same sort
of sand but not trees or bushes. Only
vegetation is Camel Grass here & there.
Very cold at night
1915 FEBRUARY
10 11 THURSDAY
Training is to be carried on as well
as protecting Canal.
Have the Coy out at 07.30 for 5 hours route
march in full marching order.
This is to be indulged in to make men
fit. Send out Adv Gd & march toward
Hogs Back rear 22nd Battn. & down towards
21st Battn. eventually reach Rail end.
Halt for ½ hours & start back under Flank
Guard. Get back about 1230. Men pretty
tired after trying march of about 7 miles.
11 12 FRIDAY
Outpost Company. Up at 0430 to get them away
Enemy Patrols are seen 5 miles in front of
our position. Reinforcements just joined
Battn nos to & keen in their work. Cases
when found asleep in the Group & smoking
Firm measures are to be taken. Early this
morning sentry over Camp discharged rifle
accidentally. Jumped out of bed to see
what was happening. While getting back
thought a terrible loss & wished him many
things
1213 SATURDAY
We had a meeting last night to buy
sporting stuff for men & reading matter.
1 Officer & 2 men sent into Cairo to purchase goods
Had our first concert tonight. Some very fine
talent in Battn. Enjoyable evening spent
13 14 SUNDAY
Church parade & rest of day off. B & D Coy
have football match in afternoon.
Heavy showers of rain
FEBRUARY 1915
14 15 MONDAY
Trench digging. We have received
material for rivetting in shape of
hurdles. 6ft long & 4 ft 6' wide covered
with matting made of rushes. These
are fastened along trench by wiring them
to stakes driven in ground. 8ft in front of
trench called anchors. One header &
one stretcher sand bag on top.
When its windy working in sand
plays up with the eyes.
15 16 TUESDAY
Our turn for Outpost Company. Marked
improvement when on duty by men.
From Intelligence Reports Enemy patrols
seem to be in vicinity. All the
wells seem pretty full after last rain.
Air Agents report Turkish Troops at
several camps 180 miles away.
Brigadier rides over tonight & gets the
Battn to stand to arms about 2100. Done
smartly & is pleased with them
16 17 WEDNESDAY
Rest for D Coy this morning. Company
coming off Outpost has next morning off.
Half holiday for Camp this afternoon.
Football & soccer matches played
Capt Kennedy goes to Cairo on leave.
Capt Mal Smith returns with
Major Brazenor. Attend Field General
Court Marshall at 22nd Batn. Consists of Major
Harris 21st Capt Andrews 22nd & myself. 4 Cases
dealt with & one more to be tried.
1915 FEBRUARY
17 18 THURSDAY
Trench digging. Terribly windy
day. Sand blows in as fast as
it is taken out. No more material
available for today. Afternoon devoted
to musketry. All Reinforcements very
backward in this work. They taken
them all through are the worst I
have seen. A noticeable change is
seen now though being with older
men who have seen service.
18 19 FRIDAY
Called to 21st Battn to finish F.G.C.M today.
Take horse & ride over, about 3 miles to their
position on our left near "Hogs Back".
Arrive back at 1700 & glad its over.
Can't help feeling sorry for some of these
chaps although Guilty. One chap bears
a good character with wife & 3 children. Uncouples
troop train he is in coming from Cairo therefore
dividing the train. May have caused a serious
collision. Found guilty & sentenced.
19 20 SATURDAY
Outpost Duty. Up at 0400 & take supports to
our Picquet line which is out further
now. Stand to till day break. Visit new
Picquet positions. Light Horse patrol goes out
to see if they can "dish up" any stray
enemy patrols. Go out & sleep with support about
10 at night after visiting picquet lines
21 20 SUNDAY
Capt Kennedy back. General Legge inspects
Battn this morning. More discipline lectures
as usual. France maybe out next trip.
FEBRUARY 1915
21 22 MONDAY
Another shift attached as 2nd in
Command C Coy under Maj Brazenor
Take things easy today. Company under
2 Officers are making cutting
about 2 miles in rear for the railway
line to come through
22 23 TUESDAY
C Coy duty company for Outposts
Up at 0400 & get them off
At night go up & bivouac with supports
about 600 yds in rear of Picquet line so
as to be handy in case of alarm.
Go round & visit Picquets & Groups at mid-night.
Managed to find them without
much bother, Coming back lost my way
for awhile but managed to strike the
supports. Very cold & heavy dew falling
23 24 WEDNESDAY
Instruction in Bombing, Musketry
& Bayonet charging all morning.
Anything in the way of bayonet work
seems to facinate men. While charging
from one trench to another bayoneting
sand bags some men would get
very excited. The thought must pass
one, that its imperative that we must
teach the men just how to bayonet a man
Afternoon holiday
1915 FEBRUARY
2425 THURSDAY
On the trenches at "Youlong". This
main trench is nearly finished off
The "Sheep Dip" & "Valley Post" have yet
to be done. Several of our Areoplanes
have gone over our front to the East
lately. Summary reports say Turkish
Army Corps are round about Jerusalem
Enemy Patrols have also been seen on our
front. 2 Arab Spies were brought in by our
Picquet yesterday. We are to have our
write march tonight.
25 26 FRIDAY
We started out at 5.30 as an etch Guard
towards White Horse Rang south of our Camp.
After an hour marching our Screen reported
troops in front. These were sent out before hand
finished up with air attack. We then made
our position into Outpost Company. By the time
Major & I selected our position for Picquet
it was pretty well dark. Left the spot
& returned at 2300. Company today on the
Railway cutting.
26 27 SATURDAY
Marchin Outpost duty
Have applied for Art transfer.
27 28 SUNDAY
Sp play Officers football in afternoon
Sp win 4.5. - 5.8
MARCH 1915
28 1 MONDAY
Trenches at Vally Post
Boxing Matches every night for
prizes donated by Battn
29 2 TUESDAY
Railway cutting
Visit the 17th Artillery Battery
position this morning with
Maj B. 2 Officers from Duntroon
in charge.
1 3 WEDNESDAY
Outpost Duty.
Go out to support at night have turn in three
hours sleep & then get up to visit picquet
about 11.30. Very dark & so mixed up.
Walk round a bit & then decided to make
sure & get behind Sentry groups to strike off
West. Missed support by few yards going
back. Eventually found them after
2½ hours walking.
1915 MARCH
2 4 THURSDAY
Pretty tired after last nights stunt
nothing much doing here. Turks
I think given it best for this year.
We hear of probable move soon perhaps
next week back to Perry Post.
Dur Sand Storm is coming on very
heavy.
3 5 FRIDAY
All through the nights & still
going strong the storm. Work
impossible. The hills have taken a
different formation on the tops. The
sand cuts into ones face like little
hailstones
4 6 SATURDAY
Storm has abated. Musketry course
final this morning. New Rifles to
be given for old ones which have
all been used at Gallipoli & about
finished.
Instruction in bombing this afternoon
5 7 SUNDAY
Outpost Duty
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