Diary of Staff Nurse Christine Erica Strom - 1917-1919 - Part 2

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open to contributions
Accession number:
RCDIG0000968
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

Sa cheerful distie evhrbarring boyed Enti sub. by name Stacey- Smith, Had ippedary uee, & much cheerfue conneiation at suppis. visibed me Kadak Shap & our films - & were home by Saclock. an eminently respectable hair. Vly wain out he street -espenally on in - summery fair. sat & wrote letter i destabilly i our rooms - M I inveded the fourth floor territory of – desnone saying farewell. It warpolly pod pli to boke He has back to work toworrow early a.m.- take about a day or more to seturn to the More riles & reputations out longll. friing line. we have denided that we won't be able to affor cans, comeeing all this to. ho wowg a 2o move on at mostly weilt - very deit sat. July 2151 1917 wrste more letters. Went opto Khedinal 111a.-. - were pai £5 - Eppta money. The Inperiel people are giving on girls a felly rath tine at Khedwalone the asked us why we hadng come before - a we has at tined stried. Had cholea ioculation at Rhed. 3p.i: &uvsequently weeb to muse Chub thas a deligttoue afternoon tea for 36. & arrange all about ou dresses st Madame Isapilles. The club is opento all auises, there are many Iuperial meubers there - & a qmost chaiming Pand leog is charge - te speaks sich delicifl English, Twasevery gead tus all pe are not allowed out afte Op. becans Ramadan, a festival of the 8/yptians which is how on, & which lasts sways -we are also debarrw, fro specking to infiil officers go from having anything do o Apusted tans of lome rank than me are - we are glat the orde came out today + not yesteday? Then are a good many Husmaliansof about - but sot as many as her expected - mey are bonze + always balute vo so cheerily, to quites bricks waup. The rpenaly don't gcouse take he shthest notice oe us. She shap goe most, forciating here - native Heney a few outhict, but mostly ? Frinnch attended ORI I Welvilly & Hormosd & Iment to 22 Sunday St. Hndrews chrinch tho a Presbyt. Dear Mchanner Hli Square. It was quat. The church is a smeil one - me ascended steps to get into if - & it was half military mer & pey dressed muise full They always refo tus the praypees. it make such a difference. After church we walked down to the see wail + ashed out at the blue, blue Weditaprea, but the sea tskin & som were two daybut wee walked home slowly - brying postcan a juide bosk awoupt or the way us. He shaps are mostly open or Sundays here - there daesn't seen to be the state o affairs much different on the Sebbath here - garries & hams malon are as nonal - Crowds sit or the ope an cafes, on the pavements. Had a sesk afte luch - Thort thik be are much good - wee felt so much worse after it eve afternoonted diont revine wn a bit went wa iiding afte y down to Vicloria t back. Parsed Mosgue (Sadi Babry?] Chaptry, Onnneron Cemebrics Sar Stephano o fiz poves, native quarter thigs - the sea was a ar sort blue glong most f the way, or our left. a lake Glinewr or the right. We saw sN.S.W. boy at the Hospital there (No 17. Britise Hospitse, hears so had to see & fellow country na do't we appreciate the feeting. over mere t Hustations then among all moge Englishy Tonmuen, – the n8to, boywas was heartily sick been there of weh i arl coming bad 100.
AUS7 we rode or the top storey of the first class - we military travel 13t clas + half fare on the tam! & ft a vied o a breeze. After sn set the tups are most lovely went tobut early. wee are dog tired ronytt is shapped this 2n - Honood neert Monday 23. Tghe deatisto - Welville + I bought much &bubed up a great dear money most successfully. Bought articles for the home paicel - lets hopeit arrives safity. on the afternoon went to the Calumn of comply - & me cataconts unde it an most ententancnl true. We hat some difficulty - gillet there - asted geveral Hust. Soldrens & paila prosperous drech merchart directed us. The tran was selutro ous - most Ibe were not ableto tranel just class. The distict. which are silnabed these interested relies (guide back) is one the most typical natine, quarters wene see But, dust & disorac - I commnt sum it of more concirely tha that. We were met at the gate of the edvoure by a frerceeyed all guide ( aras)] with an official batte on my am & a stick which he used to demonstrate the was greatly incensed when asked hr ghid teil us everything about everything he demanderd whey me thought he was presented by the Gort & a goot balp. one wees not competent to gct as a gride, - &so -tso on. ke tk arfirst to the puiar & hurp cah of Francle stoll nno are aboutit - then all the excavarion hear be pillar - gecint bithe, &c - there are tho sphixes - male oenale - the fenale has hai fradiating streaks of plaster) dow be back of he hear, we visie the Calacombs - accompanied to our ferocion guide & slowmoing pleanste lanter buge who on kind instructor told us was foot. Boid & therefore we entible only to small – what you say lp divil me Indd 9 Day. 3p. for all know are about tas while he, the freee eyged one was dependent on us & our like for susteance - hevee huffsed. We got the hopeless oHis down underound, anong the catecomly. The mendness the sitnation – the light bearer shead the light consister of a ti frame containing two cardly Hutlered - the pince erged old scamg, which stickers the monders of this what piece. g ware mnoning us the hole wherei were deposibed far expoundint o the descased - - one case contaning the aske be shower us a cuphoard which he said contain a whale family – hee styled it a faily (an cxphacer but tedions videreand so waont shocker. If we ungered, behind a trifle - as we did now safe that we night contral our miith, o some exbest, bewone now the radies - all keep long tome euda roptho, don't be afraid - Ia reponsible for you which scause had a most dularity-producing effect on us – and when he noticed an entie for behind laggard - Buly &I were inguint on ont occasion, emitting noarse chucbles fom time to shiil - ned came alogg take an am the kidest possible manne with words reassurance, - we werenot loitere a second time! We told usheras Davis, fate G M. Col. Courtreng baballion - where he was interpuse staundryman a mt sriccess. We fave him 1p, each (220) & left he or the wey to escort a second party round - we heard bi sa as hee macked gate-ward Now the ladye, don't he afaid – are whethe - fallow me! One gnng about afypt not, struck us fauoavery – the snall lips wat giffice very - DB (th pleases a man no end - while for 1p. We will bow & smile & hie count doing all sot ti5 he most checeful manner. Taney gin onr weten at home a penny tip. went back to me hatel by carry scalled for our photos. an route - some of the sals are good - other fin - lats in all? - are faitures, Adrress P.C. by the hear of afhin at the Savoy - a two, stor most impopular a all – &cn apinicement that we leave Alix. toorrow night that tomnrow me must needs report hand. Guet constinelia awoupt all hands. Has a Moalta limonade & cakelets from Grapprs sipfe +ismosd waing timg canceing the t. ot. the morrow.
Tus. 24. This morning me were grecked on an appearing garbed for out of daors, by the news that all leave a stapped - we are not to ventuee outride hehstet door until further notice. me were confaunded - vision arost befor iig an drisses at Madame's - on pands vesent - Melvieles Watthe at Givyo, myhadeh at the depot - foally we were aclowed out for one now - sdrow ae make vill of it?. After ld -Hormory leave was apn granted wil It I mest a welvills to fi the wrane of he broher Law - went to Base Records - then to thatk &to about 8 cemetives but werenot able to find the Aust. military cemety. An aach task onto th afiptia police office safte apest deel & trouble thy found at what we wanted ssent a pdicenc & wo bedirect us - bt he task us to the Butil Military temeby which of counse me diont wait. It was guite a small enclosing t such Arknown 5 - same supposed I trafe numbe B.S.C. -H.M.C. - some not even that. One muses grai there. We had to get deack to town af y, & covld spend no moretime there - caught the Kanley ya mark - past parks slovely gree mes + lank will built hase, also a status, which Ir forotte. Had afternan tea at the sanry &reported to the He. ofH. We like to see he may they care the waiters, new a lond hand clip bout wishes a native post haty +agl andiety. We do it ouisch occasionarly tne the cakes tin out before on appetites. After tip tesk or parcels don low woulht seeeral them, en voute-to met i to the weik first to Base 1.0. - swen duucted to the censors office which we found after some difficed They were very good tous - shared in what to 00,& statped our pacels for i, & sent in or on wrey rejoring. Spenk a lot of money at tann caws -most delightful shop &aibsequerk had as at the club & carle for ou dresses or the man home. Wrate litter after dinne & packed sbather - at 1930 the ambitances arrived & we a all ame off to the Station, there was nit much room & great dday was accasioned white seats wer procures eventually are efforts on the pat & our military heat to able an entee carriage for us, failed owe were got into the wa - somehow horwns 2hus 26th Melviele & I ocasich -? post ch. 200. This is a much more nomely port of boat he Moolte, because smarre & sipfro. The captan delightful - a genial Irishmen. Onr a hi bo saloike. He beas me iclude personalities trist hit Friday he are all getting Htiff nech Hn sp hard olds. Cosl & pest all day. Twis more destroyers & intough. The sea a blue. has a most entertaining time & our fapanise Stew and tonight - We asked hi to return to us ap article ship cabi puniture in dispensable for the comfat spear, mind of such persons as Melville &me w had been removc in the a.c. nnot returnd the wa prnzles. Now you spell it? he said (for mart of a litte he selt it word - for this marnot one of you uptdehe Mosltan benns - which were an everlastry annoy ance, Iremende) he tayed into spece – we were all - fit of faughte sever our solemn Jap iggled - with he nope odenving -spiration On sp see he said. He ment - me warter emploded eve savon an wer made preparations bor, the night wher lo! appeaed our fap. o something he hang – dstriemph, or his face. Te trid t put or the right to show us but o cousse me all trancl - We dark these nights, so Hormesst &c pessnades to bdioit, when he did, very unwillingly – The wll saw that the object he was sodeviows of showing mark any Enthif - dat behad lasked in. We are dictioary lanper ftaughed scauhed - the parly, departed to lask for the secons steward & at last returnad & the rcquired article whereupon me applanded in londly sray & haded in back hi doe-a men thanks. They are thinkers, there Gaps. Sat. July 28th Passer crowds of islands all day-locky baven waites apparently - one ar two had a house or truo visitle E General Cawson's Plasses. Cosl and very wndy me zigzeg all over the map. Sunday 29. Charch parade his 9.on Tpe Geverel read the sevice - we all gaig me nymns - We soldiers wert here. We archored - the sheltes o Seips Island Knoor since it istwo late to get to salonike tonight - neve ne leave hell late sfet there – the caly aon sailet afain 5p.m.
Ivelvitl Trice lucky - we had a single aat to anslat & cinled up, ha weded compartment omadies o soperflor closng, & opend arme widows possible &hut the dear - & kept off on Noed. 25th July. There mere several officer outside our carriage - we wene the ladt comportment - they were ryig a, thei haggage or the palforn + corria owe heard te native condinto care te severl times, apparently - connection & then charging 9 stations. We heard one gay, cheerfully and resignedly as he settled biself for me wt lire- it's ateenible was !t. We cossed the Nile at 4a.i- Anis. dayliht ttanked into Cairo 5.30 – tumbled out of the tre ito nol ambularies - we more - the now adays soff todoe hold (Mena Woter) for breakfast. We wishet wer could non seer more I cans but o couse I wast possible. The t a carp place - i more the- its breckfort van ha me eve wih to see ao thieg every where - Yompters Scambling ove camothy the stregts to pick relies out b the dunt pn surgeping the servants mien into the Streets!! Heben of us for fom well - post cuolea soculation Back - the wc 7a.- of t rost said. We weretoo the long fields of waving steepy to apprecate it all, grea the narives at mort C donkly, or camel or over, the swamps, the strange buildings - nalie vielape onegotarion. Passer, through Iel-et -Hebir, Ishnalia Kartara (not – mat orde) & seneval others Iforfel comps & more camps -, sand & sand, & more sand wills of dayli sushcy shadeless sand & campo Crowds, of HusWalians - some mperials, Some BW.1.3 hout strygs f Canel Corps. Wee passed along the Canal banks for several station – very blue, & the gree trces snadownt parts git most dvid. Camps guarder case or bort sides: arrive at Port Said 12 middan taken by aubulance to baat - a board 12.3 5.S. Gorgon, quite a small passaps steame- oun SS.Co. Very havelike. H. M.B. & I have a deck cab awougt ua. Sailer S.3op. -The rest, g no I. non are anote boat havelting ous. once are doubly convayed. mined + early - beds fearfully haid pillosclike bullets. Incellent ford hereon Zapenex Stewards & crews - we are the first passenges Ed the wa. We are of course danger your - Hcarry lifebilts everywhere cn ttea gee de Cid have 1 Auy 1 2/9 Monday July 30th Cane into harbous this a.m. – frrst i low rocky coastliie, very enterdine ih hear one trits o wabe, Sky, &land merging into one andther are pastet shades nearer in me passed f fishny, bast; Groys – apparently dividing Py - clark baiques. the harbour -: mines Hospital ships + niwer on othe creft - some decided forcyn - some, suite familiar. The land or nearer, sight lookes more inviting. It is very hilly - te town is appaiently localised hear the port,. There is a lack of free on acesh hills - a few trees round houses - high whit tomes, free ald battlements old mails, what task like forts. Came, right into wharf - first to Sier Frenantte. Hear that he paw old Maslban was mind - slate that ale hands were saney It came very near Tou then - the submanne 11 dangers through which we had passed. Our man for France, & bngland would o course be lost. We were dimen from the wharf a ambulances - throgh y city struets - such as they were - &up the dusty road. toward the hilts – The durst was dreadful - the heavied diest I'd we seen and continuous for about 15 m till me left me dusty roads bemnd & were ip the hills. The hospital connits Cterks -Crowe of then - our Quanters separato - great tenk, If in each. Normood, Melvilly &I fous ara Dislen empty tent spt beautifully cettles. The rest of the day an enbertai men deyger a py Order wait on us in he wesstent. Shiik way thoup coursts. The lumon in teyI struck or crowd pound afterward that ned eafer are toworrow morry our cups are tyfe enamel vasing breakfast about spits & wolpope they neve get in cap the capertyg the vaans puit ou capacit these days. splly beef - breed & fam & were we hungry. subsequest roll call & lectures anterys bedding, candle & vestomal t mosguitopetting & hosp, remed to bed t sleep very lite. Slept a early bit the fround - our macutosp undo no -+ it has han. Hnt the casl lovely eve deneteped into a mppy fesnih seall surpuises, the onpenbl early. Cable Cost 10.65 drat. C. Paun
t will - all the Enflish sister are re, but we are unde ony Victoria matio arelad o it. There is a Greck vislage. i ehill - The are staunch Rogants rale erefore not healther. The relage is out of bound. course - done hall fres there sans a fur. he evenins here are very toolly ston Tuesday July; Yot rowed, & shifted ftom ong ent Tthey said it was he store tent sout way -earth they diont tell us before. But we are il wather aga - only the time we are blesse We additional o my elstwhile caby make s is widee on enigine. spent the day frien up. The Victoria Red peass, sent out a bundle Ler Cross loods to each muse met te might, use it for her patients - we dront know at first hat be were stended for us & some trips . is apppintment apfeare ill mation dmnounces that we might openten & take for er our use, anything not woned come i nendy hich we did, ssuch a conflomerana. We set urroundedo all sorts & condition of gasks like toon baston bazan but most o the things me send, h do the fany podmothr E, at some forture sbe stewed bully weex a dinne - we aretomeet - all to mosds apparently before we stop nation censors an letter - the which me don't, apfre for abovow reasons. We had rathe if has en someone who divnt know us, or of us. persony ly. However. Sent a cable home. We are allowed go into the town (about 15 miles, away, they say se in every tres morthr, and then, & cound ot alone. Enld. Huput st. More cules & regulation out – me are getting sepled, by depres. We are cantione inst teling familior & the patients ar treatrng the ordelies S equals. fa doing, anything that night cause to lose caste,, - te gye these R. A.M.C. iek. It will be very hard aftr onr Husttian On duty Mn G.on. There are ay presled 3statt muise one ask on mill waids - the pshets nave not fa arrige but some come shortly. One cioned me ta evenint- Was some Conada hospital ad browned, fally Plaskins chaps. We made beds np Mosginto netting, and tidied things up, severally re ae two, orderlie po warne eacalised welps & the musing - one iinerent who wandes & da add pb. They ay a danger withal - safte all te gil have 1 m Mn chenful owitling We are starving women these days – Dioned eat a horeze. Fried bread for lunch. nights out of p.m. -we tuk it early but we uprise at 5.30! hence we scrambly my birtday had nation office er Thus, 2.8. from the noble eitht - good old stieks they are. Thoriong mornings at 5.30. on our at 7 - along rong day &a tring one. her are offon 1-5 or hore I out, since wa exblnds fromm 1.15 - 1.45 & afternoon too is at 4. so it contails the afteroon some more shayhtemnt & bests - never maninly co sping up. We foto bed longht kot w wondry whe will it a marb for home Heard that Mosttans carw & mais were all saved - whieh, is has undees. & preparation-eneed Friday. 3.8.17 more fining pariets roughti a convoy. is somefet enpading cases and stack and thim Icrenspony her vawog departments. The bog declare me B.H, is hadly snapages, they all compla lack of sufficient food Two delightfed tortose creeps round tonight - dag sedt encaser, spatty independent little daps snakey hears + wicked black. e weot cap, issuld today -worse such. Sat. 4.8.17. If we get uplate we have no apport go -awashing: there is taomuch compelity niter at the bathnoon door - we wise our facs,c our mcb washer - kept niady wet gnad the event of such continulicin, for the watt of the night begore. Tus a yr dis justing g course but then you are! Uisa Majoy & wnor, here - they are letting as familia as her southern, loss which haly vry a/o, as affead she place is geving as your - the red cape, fre yu dale, the everlasting idicting State Chaos the anecessary wordin delay. H men ay most dissatisfied about me foods- about everythin prove. We have cupsnow. Hapeshingfly pretty olue himner crpss bub oh! foran prompathetic blue bowle, i thei capacities. It looks so bad to be constantly or the refill Sturt Sunday S.8.1Y. Daenil, sen like Frday, weear nt able to athens chirch paiad too Carly. Pable- Cost. 10.85 drad. E. Paun
AUS yor a for be fanily 2 douppose bey art arrive all will. Sindey here makes no, encept that we got cake for afterson toe. Weren Monday 6.8.17. They publish a paper here the Burish Army Salonyke, Ta supposedto be she only pape published fore members of The B.E.F. & considenng all the difficultion it way it is quibe a creditable proauction. The news is neve by any weans recent - sometim they publish werelesmesseges but mostly its acase Lonton - Weoresday my safcion orderly remarked, they don't say which Weconesday sfon enternal evidence namely - from Hewspapers publehed - ponda & received three weeks late by hi - he prove that then - formation acriver, by the samepost, But are honour to me editor wers makes a pape out & ssbitto natural - we wove his poems & ssent two home Tuuesday. Each day here is a repect orde of the day before. Hove the Pomyies due got - M ward. Theyie been through such a est, - some, o that are great. carrell says Iil be dreawfully dis appointed - Fng I monde. They arent hearly as Karryda enpected then to be -and the do hal the, B.H. not that & specially blame then, for that - & not particularly keen on it myself. The K.A.M.C. is suc a ut dashert, resttakism – Itrought onr H.H.MC. has had enough, There are men well 10 ye more, some, oen, soldiers, IStieb Brivekes. A cause its then fault, some of them - but equally of courst - it isn't that o others. The things dree alway thought about, he army. The, ideals diee had about y star daids thereofs. some of the girls have bee going into Salonike or the mapt car sback – we after son, - some many get brivew ars. They day things ar dreadfully dear, & that the lip is not rgally worth it. But me want D/o to see the noting t very something nice to ear. ednesddy. Now ration day : butly & biscuits: such Ihard biscuits, fask well, but most udinteresting. The me are surpuised Dfind wehave an iron, ratie day bey have of course. Task some, onaps of the boys. H peycant parsone along to take ar aw nen affan be see. long letter tonigl – apparently o Mr Maslban Kunan a larp ar raw, doe hondon but us alf ill heas silly perlian very high The sils thare been qqualle Great nows today urs our cass tgo to Sae, &consequently age leave to Sel. harbeer stoppes, until further notice. Scott 5 Fare having a day off tomorrow & were lasking forward so much to a trip in. Iwas eve thin. The few spore the while ming for the many Bnd also. some few day afte our ainnual Mation gave her consent to our going out o the M.O.s, having ther here to afternoon ue, wisiby thei mero For a few days all ment well - parties o sister went out c an Mr.O. or two &visited all sorts of places otherwise out of bounds, everythin has professing fanourable when Co! some one reported that sistes & Mrs had beer meeting surreptitionsly wher they has permission tomeet openly - had heer sheaking rand corners roult one more lecturethe. The &sefort- fires are foals to make themselves so cheep - Some of the M.D. are great chaps, but some are not particular hesuable - & of course, any man (almost (wel goas bs as the Gilf lets him. Af the flanour of the whale mig is spoilt. There are wars & rumours of wais were our very midst, Laundry came back riday me sent it a week afo. Two weeks drove a small every much ove bindened donkey up to the nesstent doa The burder was on laundry - all mixed up. The oily Greek who bove the brindle into the misstent, & duimifed tinto the corne on the floor (much to on honor for S. Pritchard told unto keep to out &f be waie giive Stock on the clothes) repetted,& an expressive shing a stance at the marting group G Hustaliam - hav The thing were, ale mix-ed - he was ber sorry but the writing be coved not read. Tee scollected our nariou belongings - the belts unstand me dreases batty cioned, the caps the limpest, eve. hung then carefully uphar - in case. So bay our Reorst fears, du infounded. Melville & Sestt I rsited the cautter tonight - & tost our way owandered musigh the orderlies mess. The stok wosl entersive. We bought trmng curried foul - and chacolabe +nste pape & bonand maith mallows of wonderful flavan there. Te caulen m. The canteer orderly w is open D side.S. Mess-meeting tonight. They most palite & sbliging. propose to levy an addition at 12/- pe nead – makeg 5/-pe head pe neexk – which considering hefor & geo, medoul Will is right. Siely we Gork can feet w propely without our payg act Homese. B course we here to par that.
AUS) 100c mnce the staw camed the mation callers an the charged 1/6 for a meal – 9t for afternoon tee. There are conds a Ereeks round here – too many for on likg. They are tresterous brbes - +me are not allowed out unexcorted and a course most especially Afterdaik. They drive their mules Wonkeys slong the oity roads - & tp the inwercifully if they mon't go. The miiles - - fact are then annuls & espencely the foats, have libtle bell a thei pecks that trutile musicarly, accont us. There to a schast for bombig hall that behind is The norse tey make sometimes! Nortrack is he Roplist vill ap& monde o waste th iblet its Forday Aupust 10th, way off. sleep in for once. Scett sI breekfashed - he tent - bredd f a bacon & curried fowl & jan & paste &condenced mick & tomatces ? t copions draughts of tee naafed all day wil aftenoon te time, dinbl up he hill alew of caup after tea. Gloron views of lakes on one side - he see away to the SW. and blue hills are roin. There any many camps & many hospitals - we could all the red crosses, or the bround afar off, The grand was concrede lasse racky fragment - Tese will bere lask so ald oscarid a backs. Came down before sunset - watched he hone answering a lette call - poor devils. Fire in Hortiack Sat 11.8.17 off half day. went up to Hortiack E M. & H.B. & Other & 2M.O.S. H.M. &3 were escorted by a delightful Scatch M.o. - most cute tening. The billagh is quaint indeed. The streets have as set fornation but iun - are directions & are, stoney and rough a little streamlets (? gutters runnn dow thei certies making the stones a tuble more Kidde the people lask very stippery, Lad duty. It was the Sabbact + my men pribably a wifle more idle than vonal. There men about a score of an people corpegeate rand the Church - receiving rations of coon - laskes like crubed marze, – which hey ate a the spot out of their hands or from narkerchief. hever intome churcer – it is very dot and contain some many glass candetabra, quant sacied pactures a long thin war candle & incerse was bruming in two or then vessels - he whole place smelt of scense & failic + te ceree atmosphere reminded me of Randy & Me Temple there. Te priest drow seey to mind us visiting the chuct aball. Round the streets m came anons dube children then pips seab - sifer jast & mules eats streaket fouls hckens There is an abviow lack of sanitation. The street are so uncertai as to duection sternoration that me several times landed into teack yards of dwelting places without reluing if - for there are fences faind only some of the nomes. several, nough sold maker sponts staad at intermes trough the village. at one place an aw woman was meshing t a mick suck - put as me saw then mashing – Dombay + colonbs. There were a few Shops but ho where cond one buy dicet teads. &a few wine capes poper air statls. Apod number of Trench about - Twas the French convalescent home that we buint last night - it was still: Smouldering - parts; bey have bo adequabe made supply for such dimp. The children teed, out their hawds & asked, for bucksher of which we know the mans very well. Some very fing trees - one hea the church a large plane -+ most of the haie had window boxes- more or less gay. Many of the undows mere barred. On the way up me passed through? an ald orchard a net tried + cherry tree. A few marze climps - very Stunber, Blackberries - not yet rifee- slee berrie a frett blue but fearfully son & astnfert heept a good view from the village of the hospial sofowr quarters. Passed an old wall (? Roman) a fine old vadict, uide which we macket. The goab herds &cows have such a variety of bells. me devised schemes for the annixation &e few of the chorcest musical specimens, but they fell through for lick of opportuniny. From a distance me villape losks most pichesque, pershel high above us, amost its green, but at close quartes one realise tt in perfection. They are prnitive betsan, these Graks, Eight Enflish deroplanes frew one, tonight - very-row. They make a lowd. Whirring have but one coved noe forfet, and lasked like great birds as they passed us oflen off loward Salonika. Ruon of mait coming algo that the rest of the Vic. unit will arrive were next Monday They are pulling up more terts. hei re tied tonight
th Sunday, 12. Two months since melbouine! Rotin happens her differently on Dusday. I had morning hors. - he had cehe for afternoon tis 1 seventie of my Tommies went out - we do hate to see ther go - and after their departure the wards sum strant & unfamiliar & dewd till new boysavrine & fiel the empty Spaces. Spentnearly an hawr making Jock the departy seaforth Richlande 5 a Craving for a blonemange - som concoction, more or lss delectable; or the nams, & afte nearly blown te article – Question into them the best. am e the operan senge a te wee pantyy. air tr Jock demslished the result of the, strenrious forty minutes labor (in nugh he shared as chief Stake) nevhot, just or he hawr for new trial, parafe,, and yeowed it t was fine but whethe his mabe chiwaley tromphed such an appreciation or whithe the resultant mass was reaily palatable, shall, neve know. The occuparts, of aur best have meblires tonight - H. only a wafe but Mis real naving & diist confess to veing at least ustiamane. It. the sames every Sabbath, evening Monday 13th upirt from 60. came tiday - about 30 of ther - they are probably opening her wards byre Rumours that a mail witry come Oseat meeke th next batch of sister. Off this afternoon & wert to sleep one a lette home. It is sohet were days - our terts - the afternoons. Broyday - convoy -c 17 stretche cases for Wr & 6 for V2 -mine. consequence of all the skippes round some weeke, mee are all tired wonight. Twed gils are going on to attend to the casking, and two for batien for the bents. They will be ushentles. I will do a month & wonth about. Tuesday 14. The dist sheeps were some presple this a.m. - after the influx of ner cases yetediy The M.O. & Smen - a most trying taugled beiftea and milk and chicken arets, iste D. corrested my order sheets and in stughed the M.O. (thank goodpess hept it tso Jasth the conrectness, or otherwise of his erties. afte shed gone - he sighed profoundly & lasked of sicpes t he said, The not going tolda any mote tese charts just now. -soing to so very srowly our to my little bent - and trust into tears. The picture of my immaculate, so very Fnglish M.s. dissalver - this – his little purt blsaded bent was altogethe todmuch for my sense of humour - Inearly had hyptencs apter he had departed for some brew ofan &lie, wne he said he had some hopes woued wuick his ups. No 66 BO.H. on the morning after the night fore Thus Howard & I spent half our afternoons pleases rene off fixing upne bent. They laid ou carel today - farewell, a, long faiewell ball, our Witte & dust, & othe unpleasantneases, We shifted, the beds & wre real, peared - case the others disapproved - not that it would mather wuch - the long ven, but wedont faver even womentary friction this here bent. However all is well - so are have no new to exect ou persansive influen Wormasd o I entracted colores plates from, masag herein - I have "Sunlight Saap - she has such, an appetising " a Terfert Consom me collection of delightful viands! and othe cheerful and improving pictures that lighten on pace considerable. If only our family coned see our effort toward, decoration effect some of the boys ame down, from the Convaledat Camp - Jock called & chente as,a he delightful ococh avecdotes of life i that quarte; Very broy day , and more sick patients one of the Convor boys asked me today, of Iknew where Cromby Spare me days Hallom St. Victoria was has been appointed - pecta of terts. For reason which are not pemithed to wavel out of the tent short, we chaskle) we are distibly, amusedt a very case this morning - the vreeze at Wer. August 15.5.30 a.n. seemed straight off she hills. Nor wasd & metvite have days off tody. Our M.O. hosjone -bee transfereed to, some othe nospital - we are all forloon ig out his refresting by checifsl remarks, Te men dperl ramest his departure. The met, writs me third variety of army biscuits this day: The first were omagl & neat, about 1s x3, as hard as the ladies hearts perfectly flasonless - they did not even pretend to contac - their composition more than there flor wwate - we tackled thene all cheufules but soon checked are undey enthusason: The the natural secons nanety follower me frrst. mese, men, about, 2t2 3 events Co ere suttably inscribed wih a large C
AUSTR 00 wrot tot o their midst Beleassme, us, nit suppose, that they really are brscuits + not gesloficie spenmen peculie to these parts – we haven't decided yet whether no or ho.I have the greator, hardness - we tried then fan + gravy, Hall ere vende rare convnged that they are me knd that know no saftening. The hind slast valiety & which we were confronted are arge and spotty -these aude dinkum army biscuit - About 32x3 2a and sort of aatmealy, tendency byb oh! They ie hard. we found that the beat day to treat men was to split then amude & a knife scerled at one corne, but a slip of the knife opels deaste too our fige tip. how that we know, all the brscuits oftby heart, maybe they'll let us have bread for a whill. The casking & tent - glaff are getting into workig order now: we are hoping for an increase I diet anon - a rather for a greate vanety for our fixe babiets pe week. went o a wark, after 5 OHormood, Biily & two naval officers from the voat - Sal. harbou - one near from O Hustialia - St. Kilda, Seant remembe his name. M. I very namblie thet P.n. -adgemg care what happens or what becoues of m. There are rumours &afloat that we may go to the canadian (4th on the coast - but we know rumones of ald. It to very depressing when M. gets the navl blues, for te atmosphere dropsseveral depees - & when ever & comes, she sinks intebed ssight profoundly H. &I get the siggle & act the giddy ox till fruthe notice. Maniow & Home Soter did the tent rought a a bullaeye - I why - countiig heads. we lave up anr beds today owen issued a camp stretthers. Put ap our our tertdaor "tod bless our hane, Thurs, August 16. Tweo firls went for a short walk up he rad last evening - Billy & takens - met tro m.P. of course by accidert slaty, met matio - they mea back in side half an hour & well - bed by 9t. when the head counti shirt starbed. The am. we near taks of the ths sister who were out rost night- there were men about - & I just going to wait ber til they came back – Ther our P.M. Sts a lot of dashed, lot - they will snece- making the fire thoroughly revellious na to being conterbed – No quitt out of the question. he are triated - the most redumon manner like kide g 12, sacl sort of construction but on anr every acrior. Very, main today. + so ar me - a indignation. Friday Adam of days. Underta sumoureon to a netimate detiation -&whenareday at op -0 H.M.S.B. &I walkedalon to me lalge beautiful walk not a bit too wain, me, road por + the view at the end doion. Wesat o the vocks for some triue owatche the takes - the old house on te edge for beron, the smalle woing from the fre stending a kang of bushfirenes the dir-he bill all coung ibelos every aad, tte golofical Spenvens for12 ed a let ticallection from the rocky ground. We rook a conpie of shap - odo hope they is had onge Hornesag & I walked a vit fout of the others hres,. ore the pars we say a a trench & at the imagrary enemy below wonde whis built the trench & when & why, I short cub to on. rents torgh the baidto wire & fouend, of joy a howandfolt + more! letters111 ther were spread , on my bed + dadnl, we gloat ove then & rush cound & tell te other wave & talk + at down fally outideto enjoy ten - & many a terruption from cach ome. Had letters from Mate, asta, Nell, Cliffor the brothe Room, Majps, Sylvia & Boyanton & we thik well gt more tonorrow. Snge excitement & overwhelming joy, every where, Mr. Get the Hustoalanae our pnoto.- has hearly fadler spiece altolethy now c somch enanation. hights out half a now pave tonight (9.30) we lf steep well. Letter from Hus. apt jure 28th The rumone grow schange their Sat. 18th Aunst monds. & driection hourly, he head tuday (at that we are not for some Stil tlt not me go about trust wbeen (o) bat we dl go at all dd that Mation goes & we dont e) that wee all go fot they same are choser and some are left (9) wit S. Tutchad returns anow. sall mondy of we are all doubting Thomases oire: the Turkish Quarte lanight & Salomke - dense smshe slate a led glow filled he western sky. onedf 1 caught fire his afternoon. bento (waid. cause. sueat sretement & perhubation the vouae, friss all round. We enpect someone yffe it or at least will be susp at dayn talked bat lengt by the P.M. wao daily frometh move strang sundcontable. The en a p affais. Wrots to norr & sft lifford. No more letters to
Mrat Halland on night duty – which means Sunday like littlomill me ccip and out lest hee sporl her draning: off Sp.L. & lopfed swisto t Mags & starter a letter home. Me same aw Sunday. Salonike is very nadly bruunt - are goot, building have fne the post office - we hope our littee wer saved! and nouses & streets phip even. They say ita providenteb for the conditions oe not our clears or sanitariu therein. ane trape. hasheen stoppes, + all entias stopped also. They say refugces witl be te next tlem. some rumbris about dur cary for not wing. Wat npting thery so meke of these Kigs, to beome! They were Law of aecask pour Thes dan Dova puddng & me staff pew desperate & were resigned to bregd ahamalade for a finther del inilo period when one of the orderliel a discousat alely kickig some dubbid, out of the wax Joy Ide. wnearthed o vay of pill- and oiice for the pridny course & continueth tell fruthe, notice, wight severy right ho bully for wich - we are daily becoulg more unmanfgecbly, as to appetite. Got a little tnight Berb - posted the night before we left Bombay & chaving around ene mie, S great letter, ideed. They are heav a were someto it bucked welip. Had a bot affe is pastmbed wthe- & post suppe we all wax i tho maies & wee p Mondag. Nothing do hide sudd at Za.2. & pl up alaoked a the stars. Consequebly very Sleepy all day-& year me a wiflet coss or occasions. 101.3 wks toda pewitle has + had sice we came ane pary 2t ppert n to ese Mate, sore. off tonight. M Rassen tosk some of our filivn to denelly then - it to vern sporty of hi tdo it. Tackes a not and diont do much oning the evesing. - weab yat The cantlen a Mervilly Mep. & bakend - he orderly gome me 4/ shot - chanp - Horwoad change sdion holict be deficiercytill, Ireturned went back to te conteey - uphat hill, afait an best to refoi tat bniel ws lost. The orderly had gone off ie one - charf of my pliftt doaid gan the day orderly fo 26 insted 9 for 4f pelle we chang said this delichfully chivalious English siste gentleman - in that case you ll have to have dnothe she fave it to me then & here, & waved are 245 further explanations asido. The these English Womasd & I had a most enterlannt srppe rabe of the evening tee brought remonade (botble 3) the canteer (Welville Hew, for if - more shawe to bo & we state some bread fror the dinner table & Vine gave is a cipg salmon - there you are! Mr. twind larly & H. & sost or my bed but the cip of Salvow – the mundst of my tedish and att doark & were merry: bread salmon Flenovade is a ideal combiation for a supper bubdion Idraa subsequestly. nights out nert - the middleg ou suppr, & peed douged the big some minuter take whe we heat wrat wee thought ws oince he resonably the P.M.s ovice, appreaching supposed, that ther.M.s Gostly foom wovld inddit very ouddenly tny sollor her voice frished the feast the dark; For ration day tonorrow heconesday. Og above: noting renaikable happened. o i the afferndon & slept for 2-4 but manit i proved at all the had morning hours. Knnowes that Islian have had great ouccesses, that we have bomber Beil to sometyme,, that the Rnosian have advence, C.Hc. Brocuits afa - very wee oney we havent has before - hot, so adamanline, in the other brands There, we procured a prippy today- Jack ment up to the bt where they were, & seleezed eblack one because, be baid,, ter dont show he dirb as much bes it or rebvit. (shades of the OC.. as a white: We & gave if a cylle batt (Dack dipped, hi weelint the wasngup bucket - containing the clean make all a readiness for the post - much wash if 11 they declared the dnimal had a fewe & acald, batt was mecine but I vouned hed get Dnennonia. subsequently he was dreed on my best duste -well, inestigated for any defkulter that were i present without leave? They are, mthat the cylli waspostrong + hat torgrow hell have a head likead MAs - whese back lot Jack the imprissble Stre lle a helsgraph, says. Shape the

& a cheerful, idiotic entertaining, boyish, English
Sub. by name Stacy Smith. Had Tipperary ices
& much cheerful conversation Giappi's, visited the
Kodak shop with our films - & were home by 5 oclock - 
an eminently respectable hour. Very warm out in
the street - especially in our un-summery garb.
Sat & wrote letters in deshabille our rooms - Mr
T. invaded the fourth floor territory 6pm - desirious
of saying farewell. It was jolly good of him to bother.
He goes back to work tomorrow early a.m. - it
takes about a day or more to return to the
firing line. More rules & regulations out tonight
We have decided that we won't be able to afford
Cairo, considering all things. No word of a
move on yet.
Women of Egypt mostly veiled - very dirty
Sat. July 21st 1917. Wrote more letters. Went up to
Khedival 11 a.m. - were paid ₤5 in Egyptian
money. The Imperial people are giving our girls a
pretty rotten time at the Khedivial - one of them
asked us why we hadn't come before - as if
we had not tried & tried! Had cholera inoculation
at Khed. 3 p.m. & subsequently went to Muse
Club & had a delightful afternoon tea for 3p.
& arranged all about our dresses at
Madame Isabelle's. The club is open to
all nurses, there are many Imperials
members there - & a most charming
French lady is in charge - she speaks such
delightful English, & was very good to us all.
We are not allowed out after 6 p.m. because
of Ramadan, a festival of the Egyptians
which is now on, & which lasts 5 days - we
are also debarred from speaking to English
officers or from having anything to do with Australians
of lower rank than we are - we are glad
the order came out today & not yesterday! There
are a good number of Australians off about - but not
as many as we expected - they are bonza &
always salute so cheerily, it quite bucks
us up. The Imperials don't of course take the
slightest notice of xxx us. The shops are
most fascinating here - native, french &
a few English, but mostly with French attendants
Sunday. 22nd . Melville & Horwood & I went to
Church near Mohammed Ali Square. It was
great. The church is a small one - we
ascended steps to get into it - & it was half
full of military men & grey dressed nurses.
They always refer to us in the prayers -
it makes such a difference. After church
we walked down to the sea mall & looked
out at the blue, blue Meditanrean, but
the sea & sky & sun were too dazzling &
we walked home slowly - buting postcards
on the way - & a guide book amongst
us. The Shops are mostly open on
Sunday here - there doesn't seem to be
much difference in the state of affairs
on the Sabbath here - garries & trams
& motors all as normal - crowds sit on
the open air cafés, on the pavements. Had
a siesta after lunch - I don't think they are
much good - we felt so much worse after it -
down to Victoria & back. Passed Mosque
(Sidi Babur?) Chatby with numerous cemetries.
Saw Stephanos in fig groves, native quarters
all sorts of things - the sea was a
blue glory most of the way, on our left -
a lake glimmered on the right. We
saw xxx a N.S.W. bot at the Hospital
there (No. 17 British Hospital) he was
so glad to see a fellow countryman &
didn't we appreciate the feeling. There were
6 Australian there among all those
English Tommies - the N.S.W. boy has
been there 9 weeks & is heartily sick of
it all. Coming back
 

 


we rode on the top storey of the first
class - we military travel 1st class &
half fare on the trams! & got a view &
a breeze. After sunset the tints are most
lovely. Went to bed early - we are dog
tired tonight.
Monday 23rd. Shopped this a.m. - Horwood went
to the dentist's - Melville & I
bought much & busted up a great deal of
money most successfully. Bought articles for
the home parcel - let's hope it arrives
safely. In the afternoon went to the Column
of Pompey - & the catacombs under it -
a most entertaining time. We had some
difficulty in getting there - asked several Austn
soldiers & finally a prosperous French
merchant directed us. The man was salubrious -
most! & we were not able to xxx
travel first class! The district in which are
situated these most interesting relics (guide book) is one
of the most typical native quarters we've seen.
Dirt, dust, & disorder. I couldn't sum it up
more concisely than that. We were met at the gate
of the enclosure by a fierce eyed old Guide (?Arab) with
an official badge on his arm & a stick which he
used to demonstrate he was greatly incensed when
asked him if he'd tell us everything about everything
- he demanded why we thought he was presented by
the Govt, c̄ a Govt. badge if he was not competent
to act as a guide - & so on & so on. He took
us first to the pillar - a huge column of granite 
& told us all about it- then all the excavation
near the pillar-ancient baths etc- there are two
sphinxes - male female - the female has "hair" (radiating
streaks of plaster) down the back of her head. We visited
the Catacombs - accompanied by our ferocious guide &
xxx a slow moving plegmatic lantern bearer, who our
kind instructor told us, was Govt. paid & therefore
was entitled only to a small - "what you say
in English "tip - (didn't we
know all about that!) of say 2p. for all -
while he, the fierce eyed one was dependent on us & our like
for sustenance - hence nuff sed. We got the "hopeless
giggles" down underground, among the catacombs. The
weirdness of the situation - the light bearer ahead -
the light consisted of a tin frame containing two candles
which flickered & fluttered — the fierce eyed old scamp
expounding on the wonders of this & that piece while
showing us the holes wherein were deposited jars
containing the ashes of the deceased — in one case
he showed us a cupboard which he said contained
a whole family — we styled it a fairly large cupboard
but he didn't understand so wasn't shocked. If we
lingered behind a trifle - as we did now & again that
we might control our mirth to some extent, he would
exclaim in a low tone - Now the ladies - all keep
together, don't be afraid - I am responsible for you"

which of course had a most hilarity-producing
effect on us - and when he noticed an extra far
behind laggard - "Billy" & I were lingering on one
occasion, emitting hoarse chuckles from time to
xxx time - he'd come along & take an arm xx in
the kindest possible manner, with words of xx
reassurance - we were not loitering a second time!
He told us he was Davis, late of L.Col. Courtney's
batallion - where he was interpreter & laundry man c̄ much
success. We gave him his 1p. each (2½d) & left him on the
way to escort a second party round - we heard him say
as he walked gate-ward — now then ladies, don't
be afraid - all together - follow me! One thing about
Egypt that struck us pleasurably - the small tips that suffice
here - ½p. (1¼) pleases a man no end - while for
1p. he will bow & smile & even run round doing all sorts of
things in the most cheerful manner. Fancy giving our waiters
at home a penny tip! Went back to the hotel by
garry & called for our photos. en route - some of the
snaps are good - others fair - lots - alas! - only
failures. Address p.c. by the head of affairs at the
Savoy - a two star most unpopular with all - & an
announcement that we leave Alexa tomorrow night.
& that tomorrow we must needs report hourly!
Great consternation amongst all hands! Had a
Mooltan lemonade & cakelets from Grappi's supper,
& discussed many things concerning the H
of A. & the morrow.
 

 


Tues. 24th.  This morning we were greeted on our
appearing garbed for outdoors, by the
news that all leave is stopped - we are not to
venture outside the hotel door until further
notice. We were confounded — visions arose before
us of our dresses at Madame's — our parcels
unsent — Melville's watches at Zivy's, my Kodak
at the depôt — finally we were allowed out for one
hour — and didn't we make use of it! After lunch
leave was again granted till 4 p.m. — Horwood &
I went c̄ Melville to find the grave of her brother in
law — went to Base Records — then to Chatby
& to about 8 cemetries but weren't able to find the Aust.
military cemetry. An Arab took us to xx an Egyptian Police Office
& after a great deal of trouble they found out what we wanted
& sent a policeman c̄ us to direct us - but he took
us to the British Military Cemetry which of course we
didn't want. It was quite a small enclosure c̄ such
a terrific number of "Unknown" x - some supposed
A.S.C. - A.M.C. -some not even that. One nurse's
grave there. We had to get back to town at 4, so
could spend no more time there - caught the Ramley
tram back - past parks & lovely green trees
& large well built houses, also a statue, which I've
forgotten. Had afternoon tea at the Savoy & reported
to the H. of A. We like to see the way they call the
waiters here - a loud hand clap & out rushes a
native post haste & all anxiety. We do it ourselves
occasionally when the cakes run our before our
appetites. After tea took our parcels down town
I bought several items en route to put into them)
went first to the Base P.O. - and were directed to the
Censor's Office which we found after some difficulty
They were very good to us - showed us what to do, &
stamped our parcels for us, & sent us on our way
rejoicing. Spent a lot of money at[[ H]]
- most delightful shop & subsequently had ices at
the xx Club, & called for our dresses on the
way home. Wrote letters after dinner & packed
& bathed — at 10.30 the ambulances arrived & we were
all driven off to the station - there was not much room
& great delay was occasioned while seats were procured -
eventually all efforts on the part of our military
heads to obtain an entire carriage for us failed,
& we were got into the train somehow - Horwood
Thurs 26th.  Melville & I seasick -? post ch. inoc
This is a much more homely sort of boat
the Moulta, because smaller I suppose. The
captain delightful - a genial Irishman. This is his
first trip to Salonika. He begs me include personalities
in my diary.
Friday  We are all getting stiff necks from the super
hard beds. Cool & fresh all day. Two more
destroyers c̄ us tonight. The sea is blue. Had 
a most entertaining time c̄ our Japanese steward
tonight - we asked him to return to us an article
of Ship Cabin furniture indispensable for the comfort
& peace of mind of such persons as Melville & me
which had been removed in the a.m. & not returned.
The man was puzzled. "How do you spell it?" he said -
We spelt it "T_i_n" (for want of a better
word - for this was not one of your up to date
Moultam basins - which were an everlasting annoyance,
I remember) he gazed into space - we were
all in fit of laughter & even our solemn Jap
giggled - with the hope of deriving inspiration
"I go see" he said. He went - we waited and
exploded ever & anon as we xx made preparations
for the night when lo! appeared our Jap. with something
in his hand - xx triumph on his face. He tried to
put on the light to show us but of course we all
travel in the dark these nights, so Horwood & I
persuaded him to desist, which he did, very
unwillingly - & then we saw that the object he was
so desirous of showing us was an xx English-Jap.
dictionary - he had looked up "tin". We all
laughed & laughed & laughed - he finally departed
to look for the second steward & at last returned
c̄ the required article, whereupon we applauded him
loudly & long & handed him back his dicy with many
thanks. They are thinkers, these Japs.
Sat. July 28th.  Passed crowds of islands all day- rocky
barren wastes apparently - one or two had a house or two visible
with General Lawson's Glasses. Cool & very windy. We zig zag all
over the map.
Sunday. 29th. Church parade this a.m. - the General read
the service - we all sang the hymns - the soldiers were
there. We anchored in the shelter of Scios Island 12 noon
since it is too late to get to Salonika tonight - hence we
leave here late & get there in the early a.m. Sailed
again 5 p.m.
 

 


Melville & I were lucky - we had a single seated

compartment all to ourselves & curled up, having divested
ourselves of superfluous clothing & opened all the
windows possible & shut the door- & slept off &
on
Wed. 25thJuly  There were several officers outside
our carriage - we were in the best
compartment- they were lying with their baggage on the 
platform & corridor & we heard the native conductor call
them several times, apparently in connection with their
changing of stations. We heard one say, cheerfully,
and resignedly as he settled himself for the nth time - "oh
it's a terrible war!" We crossed the Nile at 4 a.m - almost
daylight & landed into Cairo 5.30 - tumbled out of the train
into more ambulances - we move in them nowadays-
& off to the hotel (Mena Hotel) for breakfast. we wished we
could have seen more of Cairo but of course it wasn't
possible. The hotel a large place- with more flies in
its breakfast room than we ever wish to see again-
flies everywhere - youngsters scrambling over each other
in the streets to pick relics out of the dustpans &
sweepings the servants threw into the streets !! Several
of us far from well -? post cholera inoculation-
Back in the train 7 am. - off to Port Said. We were too
sleepy to appreciate it all - the long fields of waving 
green- the natives at work with donkey, or camel or oxen,
the swamps, the strange buildings- native villages,
& vegetation. Passed through Tel-el-Kebir, - Ishmalia,
Kantara (not in that order) & several others I forget-

camps & more camps- sand & sand, & more sand-
miles of dazzling sunshiney shadeless sand & camps.
Crowds of Australians- some Imperials, some B.W.I.s
Long strings of camel corps. We passed along the canal
banks for several stations - very blue, & the green
trees shadowing parts of it most vivid. Camps guarding
canal on both sides. Arrived at Port Said 12 midday-
taken by ambulance to boat- on board 12.30-

S.S. Gorgon, quite a small passenger steamer-
Ocean S.S. Co. Very homelike. H.M.B. & I have a
deck cabin amongst us. Sailed 5.30pm. - the
rest of No 1. unit are out another boat just
beh travelling with us & we are doubly convoyed.
Turned in early - beds fearfully hard-
pillows like bullets. Excellent food hereon-
Japanese stewards & crew - we are the first
passsengers since the war. We are of course in
the danger zone - & carry lifebelts everywhere with us.
Monday July 30th.
Came into harbour this a.m.- first impression
one of low rocky coastline, very extensive, the
tints of water, sky, & land merging into one another-
all pastell shades. Nearer in we were passed
fishing boats, buoys- apparently dividing [[part]]
of the harbour - ? mines. - & large barques. [[T]]
hospital ships & numerous other craft. - some
decidedly foreign - some quite familiar. The
land on nearer sight looked more inviting. It is
very hilly- the town is apparently localised
near the port. There is a lack of green on all the
hills - a few trees round houses- high white 
towers, queer old battlements, old walls, & what
look like forts. Came right into wharf - first [[t]]
since Fremantle. Hear there the poor old Mooltan
was mined - & later that all hands were saved
It came very near to us then - the Submarine
dangers through which we had passed. Our mail
for France & England would of course be lost.
We were driven from the the wharf in ambulances - through
"city" streets - such as they were - & up the dusty road
toward the hills - the dust was dreadful - the the heaviest
dust I'd ever seen - and continuous for about 10 [[?]]
till we left the dusty roads behind & were up
the hills. The hospital consists of tents - crpwds 
of them - our quarters separate - great tents, 4
sisters in each. Horwood, Melville & I found a large
empty tent & got beautifully settled. The rest of the day
an entertainment - dinner a joy ! Orderlies
wait on us - in the mess tent. I think they thought
they'd struck a crowd of locusts .The rumour was
round afterward that we'd eaten all tomorrow morn
breakfast! Our cups are huge enamel basins
about 2 pints & we hope they never get in cups
the capacity of the basins suit our capacity
these days! Bully beef - bread & jam & were
we hungry! Subsequent roll call & lectures
& bestowals of lanterns bedding, candles
& mosquito netting & hoop. Retired to bed
early but to sleep very late. Slept on
the ground - our macintosh under us- &
it was hard. And the cool lovely eve
developed into a nippy freezing night -

were all surprised. The Imperial [[?]]
too early. Cables cost 10.85 drach. 8 [[?]]

 

Very nice - all the English sisters are
here, but we are under our Victorian matron
are glad of it. There is a Greek village up
the hill - they staunch Royalists & ar
therefore not healthy! The village is out of bounds
course - & one never goes there sans a gun.
The evenings here are very lovely & long.
Tuesday July31st. Got rowed & shifted from our
tent - they said it was the store tent but why
on earth they didnt tell us before! But we are
all together again - only this time we are blessed
the additional of my erstwhile cabin mate,
who is indeed an enigma. Spent the day fixing
things up. The Victorian Red Cross sent out a bundle of
Red Cross goods to each nurse, that she might use it
for her patients - we didn't know at first that they were
not intended for us & some tinges of disappointment appeared
till Matron announced that we might open them & take for
our own use anything that would come in hande -
which we did, such a conglomeration! We sat
surrounded to all sorts & conditions of goods - like
[[?]] Eastern bazaar, but most of the things we
tend to do the fairy godmother with, at some future
date. Stewed bully beef for dinner - we are to meet
in all its moods apparently before we stop. 
[[?]] censors our letters - the which we don't approve 
- for obvious reasons













 

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