Diary of Frederick Trouton Small, September-December 1914 - Part 3

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
RCDIG0000251
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 11

405 100 12th Month 1914 December (i4 to 1s) 14 MONDAY (31S-i7) Did faligue in the lones on the early parade + spent a rotters morning up in the oand marching & forming yours in the hot own. In the afternoon had some fore rifle work in the shed. There was also a barney over the AM. having the handling of the Callowance & the short weight bread the sappirs are right after every perny & every ownce they can get. Checked the tools BTUEDDAT 13170 in the Quwarland sections carks., this occupped all day, involved plenhs of not feeling at an good. Often wonder yf poor work old wick is still falive. I do wish Ho would write perhaps she has I6 WEDNESDAY 1350-15) got ready fir a Clanid nifles+ reul march We started of a 18dm but before leaving Clope read out estracts from his private letters refarding the Wate of things at the front. This little act was much appreciats and is typical of our Capt. Well we marched along the main read from the Pyramids. This is is beautiful streets covered b the deacia shris which ar growing on ener nid We halfed by the way sids for dinner which convirted of a tin of sardines beliefen two mon, a loaf of buad betwee 5. We tihens turned on to the first own? which is a raised readway pringing the bank of one of the mam vrrigation canals fon the Rocality of the Mile. This road tifortid turned in all sorts of directions & on two occasoions we parred thro' native villages. These villages covered about s airis & had over 5000 inhabitants. The horins are bbuilt of mud cucks, face in all directions. The "sreets are about 3 jeet wide + are feltty. all the dunnage is put into a bloppy pool in the read & as it fills up it is carted off & worked into the soil. These peots are right in pont of dwcelings. Brange to say there are some fine houses in the trdst of these human . The odowr + fillt as well as the general appeariance of the place disguits the while man who worders why there is not more disease chan there is goodness onl knows there is enough of it. 101 17 THURSDAY (35I-14) (i7 to 20) December 1914 31 Dugs Heard great news SMn Exeenng, we are to leave for in a weeks wize. The service on the Canabing Wing Augham to be in the check means we will by the p Had an interining tecture with biogie or loot cart drilb its. He also head intereiting extract on the war from his Mothers b Had a half holiday in the afternoon made for carro by tram, We met Clogie by the G.P.O. & about 5 cab loads of sappers went or an enteresting towe (logre look us to "Jacks an ort shop; here we had cofpe & turkert delight provided by fack. We shent a interesting hour inspecting beautiful bedten bearswork + siths. We made a purchase or two & departed to Cohens - a comilar shop we ther, wender our way to the sent shop enjoyed Cloyes ways ommensely. Dennyr was then the next atemmwhec we had at ite New shedival, Hotel? The small waiter caught on eye. We then walked carro, at 9.30fm got inti a lasi te home. This driove was not the least intersing part of the trif for we had a race with five others for home & came lart Physical drill at 18 FRIDAT 1352-731 the early parade imbeyD. & marked clothes at the 9 parade. PM Wyrn is absont without leave so something ought to be doing spent afternoon bedding pump on to loot cart- Went up to see Cfl Hunter in B Coy of the 9th Old Inft. Mroli 1. Con Malir 19 SATURDAY (353-12) Cambridge Michaelmas Term ends Lavio to load minin Went into the barracks gear on to 3 peontion a aggons. saw the Maruum almgnde but was unable to go thre it allhowgh we (room i hurried the job along. Had dnner as the Gordhers Cafe in the gardens. The meal conniteg of a Holt bullir 3ets, bacont as well as a cup of cofpe for 3 piartres (7½) Went around the toun + caught train home arrived in camp & found letters from Con & the Pater Cairo is a wonderful place & terribly wicked. To day it is one mars of flags for Encland has broken her away from secters, hom cos, & Pater the surkist yo Re. 20 Sunday4in Advent 10s4-I1 Paraded with the sick on account of a cold + then stent the mornon making up Depcient sheets for the Loy. Iintinded going over the pyramids but thro' a misunder. standing was prevented. In the afternoon Chast climbed the by pyramid that was The view from 475ft is great & the mars of stone, beneath us will give great food for reflection in the future. We were. about an hour away altogether & then I got on to the hoy sheets. Youm went into Cairo to see 1rs Roe at the Citadel. Poorold Dick reems very near me toda
103 102 1914 31 Days 24 THURSDAY (358-7) (24 to 2r) December 21 MONDAY (355-10) 12th Month 1914 December (21 to 23) PAID t wto Cai to artern elegrafts Office toleave all day, oo motnd Frefr Sa 84. Thomas, Ap. tocable home& then to the Marcum. He were greatly struck, with Michaelmas Law Sittings end the statuary & enamel work of the ancients. We Had a first rate Spirt most of the day making out Toil cart lists lwrch at Baults. The food was excellent. After lwnct we journeyed 10 the Citadil & saw the Mosque of Mahomed Gooms al out At night was up long after lights making This place is manitteris. Marvellons in its 270 feet of hight, marrik in its alabarter composition, its beautiful carpits, its thousard cut pay sheets of elictric lights, its ancient hirtoy, the ornamentation on contd from Tussday 24 of solid silver glorious dengr pact everything connected with it! The stone was carlid s wonderfully mann. Thate was one lamp that was from te neat pyramid. The guide told us the heriory Tho next morque was that too heavey 13 sift with ore hand the Hored & then gave us a glimpre of cairs from the titdil of nellip Kanals. Here we did not wre slipters as it was not being walls. The pyramlds were plainly ossible so was the dead sured. The place was lombarded by Maptiors + there is a cannor City. We nixt vnted the Royal Morque here were magnificent ball still in the wall. One of the doors here is inlaid with domt of Sultan Harsan his three wires, sone & daughter gold&siher & cort $53,000. the guide told us that the archited had The sonlb of the daughted cort$30,000 & was made of Mahogony his tis arms cut off by a Sullan so prevent him constructing a rimilar clony + odndal word intaid with gold, ripr. T others were of Mosgue; this buuldly wwas over 600 yearoold. Hhe dove tailing of the nine the ffinest marble. At the foot Tis of nroblim Tea al New Bhidinals Pichedah aoml Egyin isa ients spent nigh at cs wi the 25 FRIDAY 1359-6 22TUESDAY 13508) 9 darted 15 make Uf as usual & at CHMISTHAS DAT Quarter Da up the L.C.S. slif + to check the pay sheets. In the afternoor What a Christmas! Housed at for unlidy lines Iarted a letter to con but as usual, was interrupted & dirly rifles. Made to clan everything up. Cof leave by the cry-Sapper Small which of course put at 10 an, & after lolling in the lint for an hour & at stot to my writing. Off I went surveling with sgt chewing Turkish Delight Norry, Dwice & I went into Crocker who had to make a plan& contint of the the big Pyramid. We had t take our boots off as firt dilch as well as the biench which we were attacking the passages every slipery from polirt. We crawled fom. It seems to me that I am to be a clerk inread of down about +0 feet & ut 200 into the Kings Chamber a sapper, so I am getting out of te jot by going on with the rest of the unlanders at 10 p ll 1 the Here were huge blocks of polisted granite 158455 feet wrting when I would be checking It is jmply marvellous how it was got there. On reaching home we found, some mail awailing us por White on shift one of the sentris in the "lines" fired a shat Home. My word it is fine hearing from home again + after the cly half & guards turn out we heard mans as if someletly had received a pelles; noword from yo no news of poor Dick. Xmas Dinner rerm o the crenid Daw In Dorkin alout my f2 rotter. The crowd gotin on the vegetables & rabbit but kindly went to the 200 where Durack was sunired left as a "sensation of meet & duff. Never mind we got letter ohrtead 26 SATURDAY (360-5) 23 WEDIIESDN 1351-8) and slept in till Came of shiff at 4 am St. Stephen, M. Boxing Day. 10 am. The first sleet in rince leaving home shke to Bank Holiday Ment out to Hilopolons will Novrs Dwrie clogie while he was inspecting the twrick about the & Bill. We were greatly struck with the archelicture dichrhip. He told me I was to be clerk of the section when magnificunt t thebuildings. Came horre in It was detailed ay by itself. I wuld thr be pay the motir & narly had a mast. clery rection 8 M sergeant. I printed out chat I wirhed to be inche check of it & he told me I could Had one with done rest amued on that point. 27 Sun—1 aft Christmas (361-41 St. John, Evan. Wentors to have my lieth seen to. One woth pevolic. Write 10 Con & Bern His birthday today
104 12th Month 1914 December (2s to 30) 28 MONDAY (362-31 Innocents’ Day All excitement today for we were to get off to We practsed mebolising all Buiz tomorrow day & at the ersd were told that we, were not wanted fr a week 28 TUESDAY (363-2) 1 Our Coy orderly Coy for the whole camp but was detailed of on the water scheme on account of aiction duties was unable to go your Lindsay liok my place. Norn in charge of the roads & plati-laying gang 30 WEDNESDAY 1364-I) One half of Our troops marched part Sir C Red today Pay duties kept me bury. Form on plate laying Our rection wentton Guard at 6 for Heard we will leave for Briz on Sunday sure; of course this means Monday or Tuusday 105 3I THURSDAY (365-0) (31 to s) Dec & Jan 191415 31 Days Noum not too well so did not parade Pay dulies & section clock work kept me bury Thir crowd marched part Bv. C Red todayf. 1 Jan FRIDAY 11 -364) 1915 Circumcision. Bank Holiday, Scotland. Holiday, Stock Exchange. OCh 2lm p.M. (Greenwich) 2SATURDAY 12-363) 3 Sunday—Zalt Christmas (3-362)
105 1 JANUARY, Cash Account. Br. Allar Wilson Hamp gor Cash 15 Egaretlis 28 Frquhar 24 Mers 2 6 28 P Tobacco Balana 6 Beir &Be Cash Havicnt 6 Tobacco 0 6 Heopei Jack Dinclair Bill 510 Cart Cast (14 menscards) Ca (15 poert evening 20 wart Cigaullio 21 cast 15 22 Cash 29 Tobacco 2 Mess 6 Beer Samps BC 0 Cast Bal 10 6 12 12 12 14 19 21 22 28 29 20 2 2 Or. 13 10 10 2 10 12 0
105 FEERUARY, Cash Account. B1. Hudson C has 9o Cast 10 Ber 323 Bill Far 28 Port card 15 29 Cast 16 8Bec Cigaritlis 19 Samp 21 Cart 23 east 23 eer wlh rovember. Sump 16 $28 Cash EEgel daigo 0 0 23M Earh Egarttes 16tiris 12 Chanter & Wilsons Durack (Elleett) Farquhai Linclaii 19 Hudson HOOPOT 20 Durack 21 Sinclair 6 Norm Farguha 22 FHoSpvE& Anderson Baiky) Hadson Or. 12 10 6 0 Dr. Contd Forward 8M Cash Mors Bur Cash 10 12 Dardonis 14 t Stin Ham 15 2hoourt Cash 17 A gantti 20 Cash 21 Cigardh 22 Clsh 25 big 28 Mess Beer 1De Cart Agarettis MARCH, Cash Account. Hoopvt Fred com alr page 10/5 Forward Cash Cash 17 28 Balana 10 Wart 0 5De Hnd cart 10 2 0 0. + 6 6 4 16 2 16/18 5 16 Or. 213 3 10 60 decembe
Or. APRIL, Cash Account. Dr. Dr. for 7 mer A/ Bev Fred H. Leigus Jack. Any 31 Tollis Bill. Chas. Allan Allar 8070 Chas Tergus Fred Bill Hudan 31 Book Hooper Jack 2 Balanie 31 Sart 26 M Cast Feigus 00 2 16 Mes 0/28 100 Cast H. Chief Cegarellis 21 31 0 10 6 Bal Boak E8 Mess 6 14 5 14 Mers 10 l. Cash 1C garettes 2 H chief 2 31 smps SockS Bill Baile P.C Eash 31 Faward 226igwrittis MAY, Cash Account. Feil Snt Shuipte 40. Cast Sinclairs a Cash 2 Herbert 0 Fergus Cast 8No 8 Dansdono Shas East 0 pronsen Cpt. 3 10 Cast Or. 2 16 3
Br. 31 Forward Cash S0a cr Cast 6 15 Hamps Poot cards 17 Portcards 31 H chief Fir Pen 31 Waich glo Tooth pay Soat SuessorsO 31 Matches JUNE, Cash Account. Che Jonlave 17 0 5 0 om Cash 11 17 ipem 6 3. 77017 Mess 20 Iam Cash 6 8 Or. 0 144 10 E 19 20 21 25 27 31 31 001 o 31 31 Br. Oocks Port card sap Eat Wash 1 Cart Cash Trous. Twip Jewel Irereser Potcard soat Noti CB JULY, Cash Account. oope Cash 18 Cash 29 58 Sok Cash 3 2 0 2 210 0 May ll 2 6 fom X Yanm 11 Eash 6 Serd Crockin Cast 11 yor Eart 6 0 Allar 6 & 2 Or. 5 23 2
October Br. OOE Cash Account. 116potter 4 18 Cridit Wilson 16pUFFET Fergus 1F7 1A77I 20/1 lin peef Hoope 6 Small 3 6 1e0 Powels Sunclair 22/2Piris FiSh 28.10 Bell 26/11177 8917707 4 Hudson 1po1 SavCe 4 Novm saidines Andersr 9 31ins fist 27 25 2 Forward 1 Boxin Sve 6 1 lek Brawn 6 29 2 pabmon 2 2 pst 30 10 31 2 Iam Seisser&O Matches 6 1Nod Brawn pat 8 yam 10 Dalmon AWatt 0 88 4 Salmon + Bardones Kip Hevrings soat 6 Bal & Her 10 Etens Jam 3 p meat. 6 1910 2 Or. 4 19 10 Or. SEPTEMBER, Cash Account. Dr. Or Farqua Fance 22 Mers CpAd. Cook (lif) 24 23 Peach y 81 E Chanter 30 24 Wibson 10 25/2tens, am I Small 10 26 2 28 of Dinclave 10 Heop 5 lin 29 10 T. Durach 3.0 2 4 116 bulle. C Dunsdon Hudson 10/10 Tooch 1010 590Cf Presentat 102 Tim 17 MESS. 71 Bailer Hinch 2 Hinch Mr Watt MNat 0 2 Bethuwn 2 Bethwen Tergus. 10 Telegram Cash Cash 19 S Walt 210 M Walt 2 Belhuen Bilhin
2 6 10 12 13 19 20 21 25 27 27 51 B1. 31 OCTOBER, Cash Account. Or. NOVEMBER, Cash Account. 100 Credit C216bH? 116 Chcese 8 9032 lens far 18 116 pOFFOT A Wilson 3 pmeat Hoopei 28 0 4 10 8 AAnderson 116 pUHeT 1 herrings Hudson WTarouha 116 pUHO) 2 yar 12 10 Wilsn 511 4 aM 116 potter D Anclair Bonclavi 13 3 216 potter 2pmegl + Lloyd Small Dronks BardITICs 4 Durack 14 Small 116botter T Hoope 2 Pmeat 2 7 Durack 111 boFPe7 1.15 Farguha 2lins Jam 10 + 116 BUIC) C. Audson 5 p meal 2 " 4 116 1 21 E. herrong Crayhirt 9 Carried forward bosand Cheese 0 16 I lens far 10 k bulter 1t p meat 2 21pbUHer 1r Dance 115 " 19 Sance 9 0 DAvash 6 E9gS 2 20 Bardines 0 Jam7 Beap B3UHeT Pance 22 Baking Sda 6 farr 23 Iam 10 Hoopee Dance 9 Bardines McTaulane Cash 2 6 0 Cash 25 Hevrings Gul Sarchjnes Sll Sance D.D. Pendair 28 Cash 11 pr Towel 2 6 Paste Ser Hchiefs H.Ook 30 Or. 2 2 6 6
Dr. DECEMBER, Cash Account. Coffee Balance 29 Hudson Sardines 3C Sloyd Sardinoe small Coffee strato Durack Soraines Sinclair COFfEE Heoper 19777 5 6 Andersn TomolOe 8 10 Tarquhar Sam Wilson SOOp SOUCC 11 6 10 Elins 1977 124 Or. 1 6 6 6 6 6 136 FCull Fc. D. Sigh Weller S.C. Moss Pike L.C. efCounce Mr Buzz1 Bird Parliament. House Burtane. M Lloyd PC H.W. Prioshy. Yams S. Privsllns 6/ Sin Court Golden. Some London EC or Hosidli. Trinton on Bea essist N Morcom Tarringbn" Alderly. PC. Prof A.J. Telson Uniiceity of Dland HH Pruest 1 TC. Small I.R Norlhampbn Lns. Blackalt Mrs Calt PC S. Wells H. 98 a Wertbury S. East St Kildad LH Foote pC.pc Crie Franus, PCL Kunrgs Col. Mariiy PC. Morman Hoyd 1PC Mis E PreatonRC.R1 or 12.3.A.SR6.7.PCLCPC Mr Hoyd 1. PCLIPC PE Bern 1MC.DC M Les11.
ANNUAL CASH SUMMARY. Br. Balance from last year Balance from last year January January February February March March April April May May June June July July August August September September October October November November December December Balance carried forward alance carried forward Or. Head Offices: British Engine, Boiler 12. King St, Manchester Branches: and Electrical insurance London, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Dundee, Edinbursh, Glassow, Company, Limited. Newcastle, Nottinsham, Plymouth, Sheffield. Chief Engineer: MICHAEL LONCRIDGE. M.A., M.L.C.E., M.L.M.E. Secretary: H. F. TAYLOR. insurance of inspection with GAS PLANTS, DYNAMOS ENGINES, MOTORS, LIFTS, &c. BOLLERS, Correspondence lnvited. BRITANNIC BRITISH GENERAL ASSURANCE CO.,Lt. INSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED. ESTABLISEED IRR. Head Office: 66, Cheapside, London, E.C. INDUSTRIAL AND ORDINARY BRANCHES. DEPARTMENTS: LIFE. ENDOWMENTS. FIRE, BURCLARY. SICKNESS, ACCIDENT. HOUSE PURCHASE. DRIVERS. MOTOR CAR. HORSES. Total Funds exceed 23,300,000. THIRD PARTY. LIETS, PIATE CLASS. Claims Paid EOSOOOOO EMPIOVERS LIABILITY. The Britannic has openings for energetie LOSS OF PROFIT. FIDELITY CUARANTEE. Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom. PRUPERTY OWNERS INDEMNITY. J.A. TEFFERSON, FLA. Secretary. Chief Offices Managing Director: NORNAN M. WALKER. Broad Street Corner, BIRMINGHAM. ROYAL LONDON NORWICH UNIO MUTUAL LTE OFFICE Insurance Offices, because of its Reyal London House, Finsbury Square, AGE, MAGNITUDE, RESERVE STRENGTH, E.C. PROFIT VIELD,ALERTNESS S ECONOMY, The Outstanding LIFE (industrial & Ordinary), FIRE, British BURGLARY Life Office. and GENERAL INSURANCE. Head Office: NORWICH. BTAMINEOR, APENDESMEN PISHACOMS. 335 Branch Offices. Mbwr. Suwf IreH 120. Established in the Year 1815 FOR MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE. The Society will this year complete its First Centrry of Public Usefulness. Its past record is in many respects unigue, and those wishing foll information regarding Actual Results to Policyholders and the Outstanding Advantages of Membership are recommended to Write for the Centenary Prospectus. HEAD OFFICE: S, ST. ANDREW SGUARE, EDINSURGH. LONDON OFFICES: 28, CORNHIL, E.C. 5, WATERIOO PIACE, S.W.

100

December  14 MONDAY  1914

Did fatigue in the lines in the early parade &

spent a rotten morning up in the sand marching

& forming fours in the hot sun. In the afternoon

had some fine rifle work in the shed. There was

also a barney over the QM. having the handling

of the 6' allowance & the short weight bread

The sappers are right after every penny & every

ounce they can get.

15 TUESDAY 
Checked the tools in the Queensland

section's carts. This occupied all day & involved plenty of

work. Not feeling at all good. Often wonder if poor

old Dick is still alive. I do wish Flo would write —

perhaps she has.
16 WEDNESDAY
Cleaned rifles & get ready for a

route march. We started off at 10 am but before leaving Clogie

read out extracts from his private letters regarding the state

of things at the front. This little act was much appreciated

and is typical of our Capt. Well we marched along the

main road from the Pyramids. This is a beautiful street

covered by the Acacia Atrees which are growing on either side.

We halted by the way side for dinner which consisted of a

tin of sardines between two men & a loaf of bread between 5.

We then turned on to the first "bun" which is a raised

roadway fringing the bank of one of the many irrigation

canals in the locality of the Nile. This road twisted &

turned in all sorts of directions & on two occasions we passed

thro' native villages. These villages covered about 5 acres

& had over 5000 inhabitants. The houses are built of mud

bricks & face in all directions. The "streets" are about 5

feet wide & are filthy. All the dunnage is put into a

sloppy pool in the road & as it fills up it is carted off

& worked into the soil. These pools are right in front of

dwellings. Strange to say there are some fine houses

in the midst of these human honey comb cells. The odour  &

filth as well as the general appearance of the place

disgusts the white man who wonders why there is not

more disease than there is & goodness only knows there

is enough of it.
101
1914  17 THURSDAY  December
Heard great news - we are to leave for 

service on the Canal in a weeks time this 

means we will be the first Australian to be in the thick.

Had an interesting lecture with Clogie on tool cart

drill etc. He also read interesting extracts on the war from

his Mother's. xxx Had a half holiday in the afternoon 

& made for Cairo by tram. We met Clogie by at the G.P.O. &

about 5 cab loads of sappers went on an interesting tour

Clogie took us to "Jack's" an art shop; here we had coffee

& turkish delight provided by Jack.. We spent a interesting

hour inspecting beautiful beaten brasswork & silks. We 

made a purchase or two & departed to Cohens - a similar shop

We then wandered our way to the Scent shop & enjoyed Clogies

"way" immensely. Dinner was then the next item which we

had at the "New Khedival Hotel". The small waiter caught an

eye. We then walked Cairo & at 9.30pm got into a taxi

for home. This drive was not the least interesting part of

the trip for we had a race with five others for home & came

last.
18 FRIDAY 
Physical drill at the early parade

& marked clothes at the 9 parade. QM Wynn is

absent without leave so something ought to be "doing"

Spent afternoon bedding pump on tool cart.

Went to see Cpl Hunter in B coy of the 9th QLD Inft

Wrote to Con Mater
19 SATURDAY 

Went into the barracks at Cairo to load mining

gear on to 3 pontoon waggons. Saw Museum alongside
but was unable to go thro' it although we (Norm Jim & I)
hurried the job along. Had dinner. as the Soldiers' 
Cafe in the gardens. The meal consisted of a Roll butter
3 eggs & bacon as well as a cup of coffee for 3 piastres (7½)
Went around the town & caught train home Arrived
in camp & found letters from Con & the Pater.
Cairo is a wonderful place & terribly wicked. Today it
is one mass of flags for England has broken her away from

the Turkish yoke. Letters from Con & Pater
20 Sunday
Paraded with the sick on account of a cold & then spent
the morning making up "Deficient" sheets for a Coy.
I intended going over to the pyramids but thro' a misunderstanding
I was prevented. In the afternoon Chas O' 
climbed the big pyramid. The view from 475 ft is
great & the mass of stone ^that was beneath us will give
great food for reflection in the future. We were
about an hour away altogether & then I got on to
the pay sheets. Norm went into Cairo to see Mrs
Roe at the Citadel. Poor old Dick seems very near to me today

 

102
December  21 MONDAY  1914

Spent most of the day making out Tool cart lists
At night was up long after lights out making
up pay sheets
Contd from Tuesday 24 |→ of solid silver glorious design
& wonderfully massive. Thare was one lamp that was
too heavy to lift with one hand. The next mosque was that
of Sultan Hassan. Here we did not use slippers as it was not being
used. The place was bombarded by Napolean & there is a cannon

ball still in the wall. One of the doors here is inlaid with
gold & silver & cost £13,000. The guide told us that the architect had
his two arms cut off by a Sultan to prevent him constructing similar

Mosque; this building was over 600 years old. The dove tailing of the stone
is a problem, Tea at "New Khidivah" Picked up some Egyptian
students & spent night at circus with them

22 TUESDAY 
Up as usual & at 9 started to make
up the L.G.S. slip & to check pay sheets. In the afternoon
I started a letter to Con but as usual I was interrupted
by the cry "Sapper Small" which of course put 
a stop to my writing. Off I went surveying with sgt
Crocker who had to make a plan & contour of the

fort & ditch as well as the trench which we were attacking
from. It seems to me that I am to a be a clerk instead of
a sapper, so I am getting out of the job by, going on 
with the rest of the Queenslanders at 10 p.m. till 4 & then 
resting when I should be "clerking".
While on shift one of the sentries in the "lines" fired a shot
& after the cry "halt" & "guards turn out" we heard moans 
as if somebody had received a pellet.
Saw Ltnt Dorkin about my £2. Norm & the crowd
went to the Zoo where Durack was Lionised

23 WEDNESDAY
Came off shift at 4 am. and slept in till
10 am. The first "sleep in" since leaving home  Spoke to
Clogie while he was inspecting the trench about the
clerkship. He told me I was to be clerk of the Section when
it was detailed away by itself. . I would then be pay
clerk & Section QM. Sergeant. I pointed out that
I wished to be in the "thick of it" & he told me I could
rest assured on that point.
103
1914  24 THURSDAY  December
PAID
Got leave all day, so motored into Cairo first to Eastern Telegraph Office
to cable home & then to Museum. We were greatly struck with
the statuary & enamel work of the ancients. We had a first rate
lunch at "Saults". The food was excellent. After lunch we
journeyed to the Citadel & saw the Mosque of Mahomed Ali (100 yrs)
This place is marvellous. Marvellous in its 270 feet of height, marvellous 
in it alabaster composition, its beautiful carpets, its thousands
of electric lights, its ancient history, the ornamuntation in
fact everything connected with it. The stone was carried carted 
from the great pyramid. The guide told us the history of 
the Koran & then gave us a glimpse of Cairo from the Citadel
walls. The pyramids were  plainly visible so was the dead
City. We next visited the Royal Mosque ^45 yrs here were magnificent
tombs of Sultan Hassan his three wives, sons & daughter.
The tomb of the daughter cost £30,000 & was made of Mahogony
Ebony & sandal wood inlaid with gold & silver. The others were of the 
finest marble. At the foot of two of the tombs were
25 FRIDAY  
What a Christmas! Roused at for untidy lines
& dirty rifles. Made to clean everything up. Got leave
at 10 am. & after lolling in the tent for an hour &
chewing Turkish Delight Norm, Durie, & I went into
the big Pyramid. We had to take our boots off as
the passages were slippery from polish. We crawled
down about 40 feet & up 200 into the Kings Chamber
Here were huge blocks of polished granite 15 - 4 x 5 feet
It is simply marvellous how it got there. On
reaching home we found some mail awaiting for us from
Home. My word it is fine hearing from home again
No word from Flo ∴ no news of poor Dick. Xmas dinner
rotten. "the crowd got in on the vegetables & rabbit but kindly
left us a "sensation" of meet & duff. Never mind we got letters
instead
26 SATURDAY
Went out to Heliopolis with Norm Durie
& Bill. We were greatly struck with the architecture
& magnificence of the buildings. Came home in
the motor & nearly had a smash.
Had one tooth done
27 Sun
Went to have my teeth seen to. One
tooth pivoted. Wrote to Con 21 & Bern 3.
His birthday today. 

 

104 
December  28 SUNDAY  1914
All excitement today for we were to get off to
Suez tomorrow. We practiced "mobalising" all
day & at the end were told we were 
not wanted for a week
29 TUESDAY
Our Coy orderly Coy for the whole camp. I
was detailed off on a water scheme but
on account of section duties was unable to go
Jim Lindsay took my place. Norm in charge
of the roads & plate laying gang.
30 WEDNESDAY
One half of Our Troops marched past Sir G Reid
today.
Pay duties kept me busy.
Norm on plate laying
Our section went on Guard at 6
Heard we will leave for Suez on Sunday for 
sure: of course this means Monday or
Tuesday.
105
1914-1915   31 THURSDAY  Dec & Jan
Norm not too well so did not parade
Pay duties & section clerk work kept me busy
Our crowd marched past Sir G Reid today. 

 

Dr.   JANUARY, Cash Account    Cr.
 

Allan Wilson
15 Stamp     1 Got Cash   13  3
17 Cigarettes   1 3 28   1 0 0
24 Farquhar   1 6          
28 Mess   2 6          
  P. Tobacco     9          
      6 1   Balance 1 7 2
  Bar   4 3 8 Dec Cash   10 0
  Haircut     6          
  Tobacco   1 0          
  Hooper   1 6          
                   
Jack Sinclair
12 Bill   5 0   Cash   10 0
12 Cash
(14 mess cards)		   2 6   “   5 0
12 Cash
(15 mess evening)		   2 6   “   2 6
14 Cash   6 0 20 “   10 6
19 Cigarettes   1 3 21 “   5 0
21 “   1 3   “   4 6
22 Cash   15 0 22 “   5 0
  Cash   5 0 29 “   12 6
28 Tobacco   1 0   “   2 6
  Mess   2 6          
  Beer   4 3          
29 Stamps     4          
2 Dec P C     1          
  Cash   3 0          
  Bal   7 10     2 17 6
    2 17 6          
 

Dr.   FEBRUARY, Cash Account    Cr.
 

Chas Hudson
10 Beer     3 9 N Cash   12 6
“ Bill Farq     3 23 “     9
15 Post card     3 28 “ 1 3 0
16 Cash   2 0 29 “   2 6
19 Cigarettes   1 3 8 Dec “   10 0
21 Stamp     1          
23 Cash     9          
25 Cash   1 6          
  Beer   4 3          
  Cigarettes   1 3          
  stamp     1          
  Cash   2 1 16 November      
  Cash   9 6          
  Mess   2 6 Eqel Cash 3 0 0
  Tdargo   1 0          
23 Nov Cash 1 0 0          
                   
                   
Cigarettes
17 Chanter & Wilson✓   2 6   16 tins 1 0 0
  Durack (Elliot) ✓   1 3          
  Farquhar ✓   1 3          
19 Sinclair✓   1 3          
  Hudson✓   1 3          
20 Hooper✓   1 3          
21 Durack✓   1 3          
  Sinclair✓   1 3          
  Norm ✓   2 6          
22 Farquhar ✓   1 3          
  F Hooper ✓   1 3          
  Anderson (Bailey)     1 3          
  Hudson     1 3          

Dr.   MARCH, Cash Account    Cr.

Fred Hooper
Contd from July page        
  Forward 1 10 5   Forward 2 13 0
8 Nov Cash   2 6   Cash 1 0 0
  Mess   4 6 17 Cash   4 0
  Beer     5 28     10  
10 Cash   2 0   Balance 1 6 7
12 “   1 0   To start December
14 Sardines     4       1 6
  P Meat     2 5 Dec Hard Cash   1 6
15 2 tin jam     10          
  1   “ p meat     2          
  2   “ herrings                
17 Cash   4 0          
20 Cigarettes   1 3          
21 Cash   2 0          
22 Cigarettes   1 3          
25 Cash   4 0          
28 Cig     6          
  Mess   2 6          
    2 16 4          
  Beer   4 3          
    5 16 10          
    2 16 4          
    3 0 7          
1 Dec Cash   1 0          
5  “  Cigarettes     2          
                   
 

Dr.   APRIL, Cash Account    Cr.

Beer A/c for 7 men
Bill. Chas. Allan. Fred H. Fergus Jack Andy        
8 Nov Chas   1 0   Allan ✓     5
  Fred   1 6   Fergus  ✓     5
            Bill  ✓     5
            Hudson  ✓     5
            Hooper  ✓     5
            Jack  ✓     5
      2 6       2 6
                   
Fergus                  
10  Nov   10 10 28 Mess   2 6
21  Cigarettes   1 3   Cash   1 9
28 ”     6   Bal   10 0
  Mess   2 6          
      14 3       14 3
  Cash   10 0   Cash   10 0
  Stamps Cigarettes     2          
                   
Bill Bailey  ✓                
Forward     2  0   Cash   3 3
22  Cigarettes   1 3          

Dr.   MAY, Cash Account    Cr.
 

Neil
31 Lollies   1 0          
                   
Ltnt Thurkle ✓                
31 Book   2 3 40 Cash   2 3
                   
Jack Sinclair ✓                
31 Balance     2   Cash     3
  Stamp     1          
Herbert                
26 Nov Cash   1 0          
                   
Fergus                
31 H’Chiefs   1 6 8 Nov Cash   1 0
  Soap     7   “   16 6
    1 0 0          
  Mess   4 5          
                   
Chas Dansdon ✓                
31  2 H’Chiefs   1  0   Cash   4 0
  Socks   3 0          
                   
Cpl Townsend ✓                
31 P' C’s     3 10 Oct Cash     3
 

Dr.   JUNE, Cash Account.    Cr.

Cpl Sinclair
31 Forward   17 4     8 0 0
  Cash   2 9          
  Soap     7          
Nov 1 Cash 3 0 0          
“      6 “   5 0          
“     15        “ 1 0 0          
  Stamps     2          
Norm✓                    
17 Post cards     11 17 Cash   14 4
  Post cards     7          
31 H’Chiefs   M dem          
31 Ftn Pen   8 6          
  Watch Gls.   1 0          
  Tooth Pste   1 3          
  Soap     7          
No 17 mess✓                
31 Scissors & C   2 9 20 Jam     10
  Matches     6   Cash   2 5
                   

Dr.   JULY, Cash Account.   Cr.
 

F Hooper
19     1 0 18  Cash  2 7 0
20     8 6 29 Cash   3 0
21     2 0 30 Socks      
25     2 0 3 Cash   3 0
27     2 0          
31     2 0          
31 Socks   3 10          
  Post cards   1 0   See May.      
  Soap     7          
Oct 1 Cash   2 0          
  Wash & Cash   3 0          
7 Cash   2 6          
      1 19 5 serg Tomm hom 2 13 0
31 Trous.    5 11 31 Cash   9 11
  Turps   1 6          
  Towel   2 6          
                   
Sergt Crocker ✓                
  Trousers   5 11   Cash   6 0
                   
Jim ✓                
      1 6   Cash   2 6
  Post cards   1 0          
                   
Allan                
31 Soap     7       1 1
  Note bk     6          
 

Dr.   AUGUST   October, Cash Account.    Cr.
 

18 1 lb butter   1 4   Credit     1
  1 lb butter   1 4   Wilson   4 6
  1 tin jam   1  1   Fergus   4 6
20  1 tin beef   1 6   Hooper   4 6
  Tea towels   3 6   Small   4 6
22 2 tins fish   1 8   Sinclair   4 6
26 1 tin salmon   10 10   Bill   4 6
  1 bot sauce     4   Hudson   4 6
  sardines     4   Norm   4 6
27 3 tins fish   1 9   Anderson   4 6
28 2            “   1 2     2 0 7
  1   “       “     7   Forward     9
  Boxing Glove   4 6     1 19 10
  1 tin Prawn   1 6          
29 2  “ salmon   1 8          
30 2  “ Fish   1 2          
31 2  “ Jam     10.          
  Scissor & Oil   2 9          
  Matches     6          
1 Nov Brawn   1 6          
  soap     8          
  Jam     10          
  Salmon   1 8          
28 McWatt   5 0          
4 Salmon   1 8          
  Sardines     4          
5 Kip Herrings   1 4          
  Soap     8          
7 Sal & Herrs   1 6          
8 2 tins Jam     10          
8 3   “ P meat     6          
    1 19 10          

Dr.   SEPTEMBER, Cash Account.    Cr.
 

22 Sauce     4   Cpt Farquar     7
23 Cook (lip)   5 0 24 Mess C’ p.H.d.   4 6
24 Peach Jm     5 30 E Chanter   1  6 1
25 2 tins Jam     10   “ Wilson     7
26 2   “        “     10   F Small     7
28 2 tin       “     10   J Sinclair     7
29 1   “        “     5   F Hooper     7
30 2   “      “     10   F Durack     7
  1 lb butter   1 4   C Dunsdon     7
      10 10   ‘   Hudson     7
            Gooch     7
                10 10
Jim Gooch Presentation                  
  No 17 Mess                
  Bailey   2 0          
  Hinch   2 0   Hinch   2 0
  McWatt   2 0   McWatt   2 0
  Bethuen   2 0   Bethuen   2 0
                   
Fergus                  
  Cash 1 10 0 6 Telegram   1 0
            Cash   19 0
    1 0 0     1 0 0
                   
  McWatt   2 0   McWatt   2 0
  Belhuen   2 0   Belhuen   2 0
                   
 

Dr.   OCTOBER, Cash Account.    Cr.
 

1 1 lb Cheese   1 0 5 G ½ lb bttr     8
  1 lb butter   1 4 18 A Wilson   3 0
1 1 lb butter   1 4   N Anderson   3 1
  1 lb butter   1 4   W Farquhar   3 1
3 1 lb butter   1 4   D Sinclair   3 1
5  ½ lb butter   1 4   J       “   3 1
  Drinks   2 0   F Small   3 1
6 1 ½ lb butter   2 4   F Hooper   3 1
7 1 lb butter   1 4   F Durack   3 1
8 1 lb butter   1 4   C Hudson   3 1
  1 lb     “   1 4   £ 1 8 4
  Cray Fish   2 0 Carried forward     1
  Cheese   1 0          
  ½ lb butter     8          
9 2 lb butter   2 0          
10 1 lb butter   1 0          
12 “   1 0          
13 Eggs   2 0          
  Jam   1 1          
  Butter   1 4          
  Baking sda     6          
 

£

 1 8 3          
      F Hooper        
19 McFarlane   1 0   Cash 2 7 0
20 Cash   8 6          
21 “   2 0 see July        
25     2 0          
27   D F Sinclair   8 0 0
27 Cash   5 0          
  “   5 0          
31 Towel   2 6          
  Paste   1 3          
  H’Chiefs   1 6 See June         
  N Book     7          
  Pipe   1 6          
                   


Dr.   NOVEMBER, Cash Account.   Cr.
 

9 Nov 2 tins Jam     10 10 Nov Credit     9
  3   “ p meat     6 28 Hooper   2 6
10 1  “ herrings     8   Hudson   2 6
12 2  “ Jam     10   Wilson   2 6
13 4  “ Jam   1 8   Sinclair   2 6
  2  “ p meat     4   Lloyd   2 6
14 Sardines     4   Durack   2 6
  P Meat      2   Small   2 6
15 2 tins Jam     10   Farquhar   2 6
  1   “ p meat     2          
  2   “ herring   1 4  

 

      
  2 bo sauce     9        
16 2 tins Jam     10          
  1   “ p meat     2          
17 Sauce     9          
19 Sauce     9          
  Squash   2 6          
20 Sardines   1 0          
  Soap     8          
22 Sauce     9          
  Jam   1 8          
23 Sauce     9          
  Jam   1 8          
25 Sardines   1 0          
  Herrings     8          
  Sardines     8          
  Sauce     9          
        9          
    1 2 11          
                   

 

 

Dr.   DECEMBER, Cash Account.    Cr.
 

29 Coffee   1 3   Balance      
30 Sardines   1 2   Hudson   1 6
1 Sardines   1 2   Lloyd   1 6
3 Coffee   1 3   Small   1 6
6 Sardines  Tomatoes   1 6   Durack   1 6
  Coffee   1 3   Sinclair   1 6
7 Jam     5   Hooper   1 6
8 Tomatoes     6   Anderson   1 6
  Jam     10   Farquhar   1 6
  Soap   1 4   Wilson   1 6
  Sauce     9       13 6
      11 6          
8 2 tins jam     10          
      12 4          

Dr Lightholler Q.C.       E Cribb PC
Miss Pike Q.C.
Rep Council.
Mrs Buzz 1
J Bird
Parliament House
Brisbane.
Mr Lloyd PC
H.W. Priestly.
C/o James & Priestly
Sin Court
Golden Town
London E C.
or
Hoscote.
Trinton on Sea
Essex.
Mrs Morcom "Farrington" Alderby. PC.

Prof A.J. Gibson
University of Q'land
H N Priest  1
G. C. Small  1 PC
Northhampton Dns
Mackall
Mrs Catt P.G.
Mrs E. G. Wells Q.C
98 a Westbury St
East St Kilda
Q H Foote  pc.  pc
Eric Francis PCL
Kings Col.
Master P.C.
Norman Lloyd 1 PC
Miss E Trouton PC, PC 1
Con 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. PC 6. 7. PC Lc PC
Mrs Lloyd 1, PC.1. PC  PC
Bern  1 P.C  Pc
Mrs Les  1.1.

 

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D CoatesD Coates
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