Diary of Gerard Henderson Cowan, January - April 1917 - Part 3

Monday 12/2/17
During morning parades had more instruction
on gass.  I had a gass helmet on for the
first time to day, it gives one a sufficating
feeling for a few minutes but soon goes
off. Also all N.C.O's were under a separate
instructor for special instruction.
Two more of our fellows went to the hospital.
again Rod and S.BO.
Had a letter from Gracie today, saying that
the money cabled had arrived safely.
It is warmer today a thaw has set in
and made everything very muddy.
Tuesday 13/2/17
More instruction this morning on gass and
V musketry.
At fall in this afternoon men who were L's
personal friends were called out for pall
bearers and firing party. I and sergt Wilkins
and 12 others constitute the firing party.

All the afternoon up to dismiss has been spent
in practicing the special ceremonial drill
used on these occassions.
Friel and I walked into Dur Durrington this
evening for tea, We mad a feast of ham
and eggs bread and butter and strawberry
jam. The place we go to is just a private
house where meals are sold, they are
served in a nice warm little dining
room and the people are very decent.
Two more of men from this hut went
to hospital today. Lang & O'donnel. Lang
had mumps.  Hounsham returned from
hospital this evening.
Several fellows from 21/11 have come into
this hut and I believe. I'm rather sorry as
I would sooner have our own fellows
especially as I am at present hut.
commander. At the for  I moment of
 

writting, the fellows are discussing the best
manner of getting up a temperature so
as to get a spell at the hospital. One has
just suggested taking a mouth full of
pepper.
Wednesday 14/2/17
Had orders to go without our over
overcoats but such a cold wind
sprang up that most of us put on our
overcoats the afternoon.
Usual routine of extended order drill
and musketry this morning.
At smoko this afternoon the firing
party fell out for more instruction
and continued till dissmissal. 5pm.
Another half hour has been added to
our drill. We dismiss at 5 pm instead
of 4.30 pm.
A concert was held here at the lecture 

room tonight. The performers coming from
London. It was very good indeed, especially
the Violinists.
Today has been as clear as the usual run
but a very cold north east wind has been blowing
Saturday 17/2/17
Since last writing I have changed my quarters
I am now laid up with mumps at Park House
and will be here tl till the 15^th of march.
On Thursday we ^ the firing party dismissed from morning parade
early and at 1p.m. the fell in and marched
to Fargo we passed a funeral on the
way ^ and at stood at the present while it passed.
On arrival at Fargo a gun carriage was
brought up and the coffin placed on it.
We led were leading, the gun carriage and
pall bearers bringing up the rear.
We marched to Durrington and there the
coffin was taken into the church. It was then
 

placed on the gun carriage again and taken 
to the cemetry, where after the burial
service had been read and the coffin
lowered into the grave three volleys were
fired and we then stood at the present
while the last post was blown. Then each
man went separately and gazing his last
at the coffin saluted and turned away.
On the march back the band played
spirited airs ^as is always the case I suppose to banish all sorrowful
feelings as much as possible.
On Thursday night my jaws became very
swollen and painful and guessing I had
mumps gathered up all my kit and reported
sick. I had them, so after handing in every thing
except shaving kit and the clothes I stood 
in and drawing some rations I went to
the dispensery to awayit the Red cross car
to Park House. It arrived about dinner
time and we started immediately.

On arrival at Park house I we had to hand
in all our clothes and don the hospital
bulies bluyis, which though not much in
looks are very warm.
As all the huts were full we were sent to
I and a chap called Missen were sent to an
empty hut with only just the beds in and
told there were no mattresses or blankets
but they would do their best for us
A Red cross orderly brought in coal and on
getting the fire lighted felt more cheerful
Presently fine thick soft mattresses and rugs
appeared and we were soon very comfortable
There were two in here yesterday evening and
now the hut is full.
Today I have slept read written and eaten
but although the food is very good the cold I
have has spoilt my appetite

Friday 23/2/17
Have not written anything up since
last Saturday, there has been very
little to write about.
For a few days I felt very sick and
my temperature went up to 114.7^o
it down again now and I a
feeling more like myself again.
Have had two letters here but no
Australian mail yet.
Weather has been much warmer
this last week but to day has been
colder, it has also rained on and on during
the last few days
Monday 26/2/17
Nothing to write home about happened
since Friday.
Wrote about 15 letters for the Australian
mail which leaves tomorrow
Received a letter and two snaps
 from Miss Wilson snaps are not half
bad, also a letter from Aunt Bertha.
While round at Canteen last night I
met two of our fellows, who had come
almost straight from Fargo to Park
House, they told me that there are
about 10 of our fellows here among
them being young Jim perly who went
to Fargo Hospital with German measiles

some time back.
No Australian mail arrived for me yet
though it is about time it arrived.
Cold to day but bright and sunny
it is clouding up tonight and is warmer
so looks like another fall of snow
managed to wash four handkerchiefs today
its a treat to have something clean
 

Tuesday 27/2/17
Missen and I have been mess orderlies today, this
ought to just about see us through, both don't think
we will strike it again while here.
Met several 22/11 fellows today while drawing
dry rations, they all look fairly well on it.
Had a very bad billious headache this afternoon
but it is better now thank goodness.
No Australian mail arrived yet. Received a P.C. from
Gracie.
Fellows coming into camp with mumps so fast
that they are bunking them on the floors
of the huts and in the drying room.
Worte a letter to Bill Broadhurst today, hope
it will find him.
Friday 2/3/17
Have not much to write up since ^Tuesday Thursday as things
are extremely quiet here.
I received a letter There is an artillery man
laid up with mumps in our hut and I found
of out from him that the reinforcement, that the
two Styles and Warren Brown transferred
into, had arrived in camp about a week ago
The artillery camp is about 300 yds from
here so I sent a note across to W Styles.
As luck would have it the two Styles hearing
that some 22/11 men were here, came across
to see them in the evening, not knowing
I was in they did not look me up so I missed
seeing them, however I hope to be able to get
across to the artillery camp and see them
before I go back.
No Australian mail yet. I am beginning to have fears for its
safety.
Men still coming in every day with mumps
I guess I'll soon loose my comfortable bed a
couple of fellows have already had to bunk on
the floor and give up their beds to newcomers.
I indulged in a hot bath yesterday it was great
 

also while round at the bath washed a few handkerchiefs,
handkercheifs are a -  nuisance.
Wednesday and Thursday were decent days with
a fair amount of warmth and Sunshine
but today is cold and misty and there
is almost a continuous drizzle of rain. Afraid
the parade ground will be beastly muddy
when I get back to camp.
Saturday 3/3/17
Jack J Stiles came across from the Artillery
camp yesterday evening to see me he
had received my note so came across
We had a good yarn over old times.
He also told me he had met Sgt
Coleman at Durban, Both transports arriving ^at the same time
W. Stiles has been transferred to the
Seige howitzers and J hopes to be
with him soon, as the elder brother
can claim the younger.
Had our medical sheets taken today
and had hopes of getting back
to camp tomorrow, but are not going
back till Monday now.
Hounsham and Davies came round this evening
and yarned for a while they will not
be going back to camp for some time
yet
Sunday 4/3/17
W Very cold, a strong March wind
blowing from the east.
A ticket arrived for me stating ^that there was a
parcel at A.M.C. post office for me.
I went round but office was closed.
However Hounsham and I were going
for a walk and as we passed the post office
one of the men came out I went across
and as I am leaving for camp tomorrow
he let me have the parcel it was from M^r
 

and M^rs Burges and contained two warm
waistcoats, which ought to be very acceptable
during this month,
Were issued with blankets and tent & xx
no 4 hut were we only have the hard
floor to sleep on, as no more fresh
cases have been sent in Missen and
I are sleeping in our own beds.
Reported that a million beds are ready
for the wounded from the big push
in spring.
Monday 5/3/17
Managed to keep our beds last night
had to turn out early this morning
get our clothes and return blankets
and all hospital stuff.
Left Park House in an ambulance at
9 am and arrived back in camp about
9 30 am or thereabouts. After reporting to
B.O.R, and and our company orderly
room, and drawing my hut I had the
rest of the day to myself.
Wrote some letters also attended a
lecture tonight given to N.C.O's by the
O.C. training.
Found my Australian mail waiting for me
on my arrival in camp.
Afraid my chances for week end leave are
very poor as the hut l am in is isolated
for mumps.
Tuesday 6/3/17
Reported to the doctor and was given three
days light duty, however light duty for an
N.C.O is practically no duty at all. I had
to report several times but they could
not find anything for me to do so
I have had an easy time.
Went to Y.M.C.A. this evening and
 

while having a drink of coffee a lance
jack of the signallers sat down opposite.
Just for luck I asked him if he knew
anything about . W Broadhurst. What
Bill Broadhurst from Cottesloe?
Yes!. No I have not come across him
since I have been here, but he and I
are old pals, we went to school together
at Scotch College. He also knew 
Clarence, Ted Roberts, and Cockshott
I told him Cockshott was with the 5/44
and Ted Roberts was with the 6/44.
Hearing that the 6/44 had arrived
in camp, we walked across and
after a little trouble found Ted Roberts
They had just arrived in camp that
evening so he was fairly busy. Ho
However we managed to have a good
yarn to him. . 
On our way back we called stopped
at the theartre Larkhall theartre the pictures
were rather good, there was also a
conjuror and a little girl who did
some very smart balancing feats with
sticks, plates, and umbrellas. They were
very good.
On coming out of the show we found
it was raining steadily and by
the time we arrived. in our own
camp we were fairly wet.
Wednesday 7/3/17
Nothing to do to day so have filled
in time by writting and reading.
Concert on tonight so went round
towards the end. Was not half bad
The party belonged to Madame
Clara Butt and had been seated
down by her.
To day very cold starting to freeze
 

again. A very cold biting wind
blowing nearly a gale from the
North East. Man
Managed to draw a £1 of my pay.
Sunday 11/3/17
Have not made any entries since Wednesday
Thursday, my last day of light duty, I was
collared for a job, while making inquires
as to my chances of mal getting into next
Lewis gun school, I have a chance of getting
into one in about a fortnights time.
My work in the orderly kept me busy till 12 noon.
In the afternoon I had an appointment to keep
with the dentist. When that was over I adjourned
to the Y.M.C.A. to drink coffee and write letters.
Friday I returned to duty and drill, a great
come down after 21 days loaf. Saturday after
parade Clements and I walked to Amesbury
and after having some afternoon tea and going
to the railway station to enquire about train fares
we returned to the village and spent a couple of hours
at the pictures. On return to camp, being to late
for tea we went to the Y.M.C.A and satisfied our
appetites there.
To day all by time church parade was over it
was dinner time. Spent most of the afternoon
in writing and reading. Had luck to strike a bundle
of Geraldton papers so had a good read of home
news. In This evening Clements, Cpl Ryan, and I went
to church in Amesbury. They have very decent
services in the church there. There was a girl sitting
in the pew in front of us who although only about
sixteen had a remarkably good voice both Clements
and Ryan remarked what a good voice it was.
After church we had a sp supper of tea, bread &
butter and cakes and then returned to camp.
Monday 12/3/17
Usual parade this morning. Another interview
with the dentist this afternoon at 1.30pm
 

but owing to a rush of work caused by a number
of men on draft on being sent ^ down for dental
treatment I was not attended to until about 8.30pm
He was only able to take out the nerve and put
in a temporary stopping and I have to visit
him again on Wednesday afternoon.
Was picked as section commander of No 10 section
in an emergency Battalion but owing to
having to undergo dental treatment I had to
get another Lcpl to take my place. Went to
join up my coy again, but finding they were away

and as it was nearly 4.30 am I returned to the
hut and let drill go.
Tuesday 13/3/17
To day we fell in in marching order
(but without packs) with over coats rolled.
The men were sized and divided off into
sections and NC0s placed in charge of
respective sections. I had no 8 section that is
 No 4 of no 2 platoon. The companies were
then formed up into a battalion and
we were put through some bn- drill
We were dissmissed had an early dinner
and fell in again at 12,30. We were 
about 4^th Bn in the Brigade which marched
from this camp. There was nothing to be
seen You could see the long line of kaki
winding along the road for about two
miles. We marched through Bulford
to a place about ½ a mile the other side.
Here we were drawn up with two other
Brigades making about 16000 men in all
After waiting some hours. Sir Newton Moore
arrived and with several other heads
inspected the troops.
The ground we were on was evidently
a favourite landing place for aeroplanes
as the they were continually coming