Diary of Staff Nurse Christine Erica Strom - 1917-1919 - Part 6

c̅ the Bulgar (verbal of course) [[?]] Blythe's
watch but it wasn't ready. Bought a fez for
Wally at Turkish bazaar but couldnt beat
the man down from f8, unfortunately. The
Turks are a jolly side more independent
than the Greeks. Took 2 snaps. Got lift
home in K. Stepnot transport, her A.S.C.
car - landed back midday worn &
weary & well laden. Bed & to sleep. McColl
& P. had a fierce row, - M. & I got the
giggles behind our scree but restrained
ourselves c̄ difficulty & tact. McC. is great
we call her, "Tradge" for obvious reasons.
They all went for a picnic this a.m. &
didn't return till after I did. Letter from
Greliza from Malta. My supper night!!
Tuesday. Same routine. Get very sleepy
there early a.m. & doze judiciously -
my comfortable armchair beside the stove
between les heures 2 -4. Windy - the
wind goes "wooopl" against my bell
tent & surprises & worries me! Am very
happy indeed these days & nights, wonder how long
it will last - days of rosyhue never happen
for long at a time, somehow. W.J. & Sgt H.
my very present helps in time of trouble - they
are quiet, all of them. Orderly in 9 a W.O.
reported the lads for not being up at the
proper hour this a.m. - fortunately the
Sgt. has sense of humour & when he
asked "What's all this about?" & Louie said
"He's cross 'cause we wont play c̄ him"
there was great joy in the land. Made an
appeal for [[?]] anent Little & N.D. -
can't stick M.G's O. much longer.
Wed.   French at 4 - Mamoiselle found us
after much enquiry - we left a note for
her - our old tent pinned on the tent pole.
Had a lesson in bed - she on the chair
between us. Took several snaps this a.m.
of Mel. in pyjamas & she of us. McC &
P. don't speak - the estrangement we tell
her gives us lots of pain! Bumper Mess
meeting last night we are something like ₤100
in debt to the A.S.C. - since we've been allowed
only so much (1/10^d) field allowance instead
of so much more (3/-) Great excitement
& much argument & this on the part of the
xxx Treasurer (our N.S.) & others! We are to

be paid at once & and all must [[have?]] ₤2 odd!
Much talk at supper anent these things. I
regret to say I felt hopelessly bored. Cpl. Searle
dropped in en passant. Developed photos.
c̄ Sgts assistance - good too. Not nearly so
cold tonight. Photos. from Barber- beauties.
Thurs.  Had to get up at 12 midday to be paid
28^th - struggled into coat & shoes  & staggered
up to the mess room - got paid ₤8 & went
back to bed & wake next moment to see
Edmonds c̄ the tea - such is life! Paid all
my debt & have about ₤2 . 15/- left - What a
hope! A trifle, sleepy tonight but very happy!
Last day of Feb. - how the months go.
Thursday  Same old round - we arise only
in time to dress at leisure for dinner
& off to duty. Quiet nights - cool. Supper the
same old adventure & yet how different
from Hortrack - we miss the hills most
& the stars against the hills. Same old
collection of lights on floor of Supper-tent.
The waiting oil lamps flickering solemnly in
a [[rude?]] semi circle always remind me of
so many faithful dogs all each patiently keeping
one watchful eye on the master's every
movement ready to do his bidding at the
slightest sign & ever c̄ his pride of clean
glass & trimmed wick radiating widely from
him - the dulled, smoky eyes shine
dimly but no less steadfastly. Same old
O.C. risk of losing ones clean lamp & of
finding a secondrate one in its place!
We cart down c̄ us a campstool, cup,
and an appetite as well as the lamp.
Friday. Cool grey day - windy at night
- Letter from Gilligan Photos. (for
passport) out - most hideous. I am
a perfect old hag.
 

Sat.  Rained today, cool & dull - some mud
(of course!) Letters from home – Nate
Elsa, Sister M.P. on the warpath - there
are new rules out daily, nor do the old
ones disappear.
Sunday Wet all day - lots of mud everywhere
Did not get up for afternoon tea,
Edmunds obliged. Letters (mostly from Vic.)
up to Dec. 20^th - Books from Clifford at
night. N.O. in A9 cannot manage A8 & A9
on her own, I do A9 - c̄ the assistance
of two of the lads - different one daily
whom I rouse about 5.15 c̄ cocoa & a
cheerful word! Rumours anent the destination
of the I.B.'s.
Monday Went to Salonique in p.m. -
most delightful trip, [[?]], sat on front
of car - driver capable cheerful &
altogether charming - drove us everywhere
& didnt grouse Went ordnance [[?]]
Y.M. (where we had tea & biscuits &
delicious butter) [[Timpel?]] Alley & Venezeloo St.
got home about 12 & straight to bed. xxx very
sleepy in the evening. Letter from Hal.
Tuesday Same old round. Melv. has sore throat
& doesn't sleep so well this [[?]]. Cpl. Searl visits
us c̄ provisional supplies at intervals. J. & Sgt.
H. going out on Monday, how I'll miss them.
Wed.  Rained all day - Mam'selle didnt come -
which we hardly regretted seeing our exercise
was imperfectly learnt! Beaucoup de mud!
Wore Walley's cape & Gilligan's cap cover &
felt dressed for the occasion. Rows about the H.S
Thurs My supper night. Melv.. & I walked down to
the J.M. across country - a great deal of
mud. Get cigarettes &c. & hear of the S.H.'s
opinions concerning Australians. [[?]] back
&felt a [[?]] Tues - jolly hard work pulling
[[?]] thro' the mud. Air raid alarm
9. 30pm - Just when 9's N.O. & I were starting
supper [[?]] - a wee mouse
sprang off the tray of bullybeef pasties- I jumped
too. & orderly laughed ("like anything" as
Walley would say). Lights out for about an hour
we blundered round & fell over tent pegs & into
trenches - that seems al a hospital consists
of at night - plus, of course the inevitable
mud. Searchlights wonderfully vivid, Lads mostly
awake - went into the three wards and installed
lanterns McC. in A9 unusually wideawake -
concerned (so he said) about Hulbert!!
Friday. McCall & I went into malle the corsetiere's -
such a bonza adventure. Set off all
macintoshes about 9 am. - of course it rained -

walked c̄ speed & swank & swish - got picked up
by motor lorry at 910 Coy - & were driven right
to malle's door Everybody eyed us askance
but c̄ a twinkle. Malle's charming - & the house
a series of chattering smiling & suddenly
appearing Frenchies - as we went upstairs
we did the Romeo act under the xxxxx
porch. Walked further toward Sal. searching for a
muslin shop - found a lace shop kept by a
Greek hunchback who spoke broken English - bought
medallions & elastic. Waited outside for car &
had sundry adventures. A cart passed - which will
live in our memories. Got picked up by a RANC.
H.Q. officer - & whirled along - dropped at the 80^th
Rd. which was handy for we were going to E.H
bought matches & biks Got picked up by a motor
lorry - & driven (tho' out of the driver's way) right
back to Red Cross - very kindhearted cheerful chap
in charge. Tobed - at the double. Met Bob- S.B.
gave us tea, which rejoiced our hearts Splashed c̄
mud. very sleepy nocte - Wally gave me
math. problem which kept me awake all night
most successfully, Rain, rain, mud, mud.
Sat.  Early to bed - & slept well. Still raining
N.O. in 9 nearly set the place on fire c̄ the kero
heater. Fired photos. had another shot at Wally's
problem but went to sleep over it.
Sunday. Mel. went to Church 9.30 a.m. - I felt too
sleepy & so went to bed - conversation c̄ McColl
anent many things. Cool day - rain has departed.
Developed photos at night. Sgt. H. & Josh go out in
the a.m. - Pressed Josh's coat but could not get
 

the creases out very well. Wrote notes to each of
them. Woke them c̄ coffee at 5 a.m. poor dear
old chaps. Took a photo of them c̄ [[Tumber?]].
Monday  Much farewelling - they went out 7.30
& left an emptiness. Cooperson & [[?]]
also went out. Cool days, xxxx sunny.
Very quiet on duty this evening - &
Peycart & Josh's beds - ! Walley stepped
into the breach & nobly too. Sgt of Jack's
battery admitted into A7. Washed in a.m.
[[?]] Cohen Letter from Pito
Tuesday Washed - a.m. Sunny day - did
some developing at night but it aint the same.
Stanlake to 43^rd - have a new orderly who
is fairly hopeless at present. Melv. up or
down alternate days - She does indeed need a
strongly anti-blue pal on these occasions -
am afraid I don't do, altogether. Letter from Hal,
Jack, Nicholls, card from Bob.
Wed. Sunny delightful day - Mamselle came
paid her 12.50 each. New pay Sgt -our old
one going home. More rumours about the
[[Chapies?]] - quite unfounded, we learn later
Thus. Went down to Y.M. at 4 o'clock &
bought cigarettes &c. Walk most delightful
very sleepy at night all the same.
Friday. Another mess meeting – another debt!
- Row c̄ Cohen - very fierce one! Cold night,
some rain. Mel. down to Navy blue again!
Saturday. And as before - Melv. Still ultramarine
Sunday. Church in a.m. McCall Melv. & I went - M^c
Sat between us & jogged me in the ribs when the padre
spoke anent the habit of using bad language - whereupon
I grinned & blushed - less from a sense of shame than
from a Sense of humour - McC. having the cheek to [[?]]
me in ribs when – but comparisons are odious
always. New padre & great chap. Had tea in mess tent
subsequently c̄ Gal. & Male. & others, & retired late.
Sunny day. Melv. more cheerful tonight.
Letter from Josh. 

Monday Nothing much doing - letters from Pete, Clifford,
Nell - dated Jan. the middle. Rumours
that we are going to the 61^st.
Tuesday. Glorious a.m. did some [[?]] round about
- dug up a huge bulb c̄ with the aid of the [[?]]
walking stick & repotted our plants. Mrs Cohen
successfully squashed for all times! O.C. prancing 
round 11.30 p.m.
Wed. great excitement this a.m. Sanson, Reid 
Hutchison found all their goods raided this a.m.
Sanson's trunk quite emptied & hardly anything
of value left – & the others all had money taken
and Hutch, her camera & films. We all went to
see matron en masse. [[?]] p.m. - we
werent as fast as usual, being extra sleepy
headed. My supper night - the same old stuff
but it grows easier. Maynard & Howarth went
out today – Sent letters to J. & Sgt H. by him
Thurs We expected to find our corner raided this
a.m. but nothing happened – we were considering
the advisability of take our suitcases &c
down to the ward c̄ us. Entire guard on
we hear that other robberies have occurred elsewhere
Friday. Melv much happier - A9 is going to close up
soon. Bob & Blythe on the mat - great rows &
probability of more to follow. Bob told me all
about it subsequently - Some place now, A9! A
coat &c was taken from officers' ward – by person
or persons unknown - More excitement. S.
Maloney back - thank goodness! Have a cold
approaching - took quinine Gr. 10 & asp. Gr 20
& Mg. (12. 4. 8) & felt pretty thick all day
Sat. In status quo- only more advanced. Felt
exceedingly "crook". Rumours & more rumours
canent this [[photomatic?]] boat. More rumours also
about robberies here & there. Depressing war news
Sunday Mel. went to church but I to bed. Glorious
moonlight nights. cool not cold. McCall off
N.D. & Swan on. M^cC. & Payne made it up before
McC. came off - we sang, "Praise God from
whom all blessing flow" when the news was
reported to us. Thieves [[?]] at 43^rd - one of
the Sisters noticed a Sister in her tent who did
 

not look exactly dinkum - & on closer investigation
found it to be a Gk. boy dressed up as a Sister.
Great excitement. He was hauled up, and, on being
threatened c̄ annihilation told them of the name &
addresses of the other members, c̄ the consequence
that they were all caught. We hope that there are
no more gangs buzzing round.
Monday Picnic to [[?]]. Mel. & I, Sister Rowe
Billy & Malcolm went. Bonza cool drive up -
grew dusty as one nearer left the city - went
by shorter road (returned by longer) Stopped at
H. Village -  picked blossom & took 2 snaps of old
woman c̄ pig &c. - returned to aqueduct - went
up Crk. leaving car there & lunched under the shadow
of the hill - behind the French ammunition place
whatever it is, that fired several brisk rounds, &
put the wind up us – tho' we didn't let on! Took
more snaps c̄ both cameras. Old site of 66^th
Strangely familiar & unfamiliar - Some tents thereon
Melv. & I rode in front returning - very dusty
& some breeze - probably caused by some pace. Got
back at 12.30 - very sleepy, dusty & thirsty! To bed
at the double & slept well! Melv. Severe headache
4 p.m. - duty a bore! War news still very
blue - poor, poor France! We are dong nothing
here practically - it does seem waste of time
in a way. Developed photos. They were
not all good by any means. Busy night but
had a very greatly needed 40 winks between

3.30 & 4.30 a.m. Got more bulbs from H out. today.
Tuesday More H.S. rumours which we are
about accustomed to nowadays, Presented W.3 the
G. which was refused - argued per pen & ink &
delivered same nocte. Cpt. Callender goes in a.m,
he came over & did all the H.S. charts tonight
had cocoa & cheerful conversation also. How
we shall all miss him. Rumour that the 66^th
have gone to France. Letter from Maynard.
Cool dull moonlight, night. Supper in bell tents now.
Wed. Rain cool, - increasingly cool, rainy
very windy nocte. Mam'selle came despite
all this. We definitely go to me 61^st next
week - tout ensemble. Lawson told us
at afternoon tea time & so caused quite a
flutter in the dovecote - [[?]] still
fluttering c̄ the rest. No further war news.
Melvs [[mad?]] closer - She goes to N.Z. Kia ora [[?]]
out - patchy in quality c̄ appalling [[?]] sketch
Letter from Josh - also card from Ryde, also
letter from Cooperson - also most delightful
"reprisal" from No. 19. Very windy night & wet
My orderlies are washouts completely -
dashed arses in fact. I spent a moist
5 minutes fishing eggs out of A9's "footbath"
whence tomorrow's breakfast supply had fallen
in - Colins when I told him him merely said that

a good job they fell in the water & not on
the floor - I nearly boxed his ears c̄ with my
hands wet c̄ (water & beeftea & eggs & coffee
& pepper & soda & salt) - all of which
had found their way into the f.bath - but
remembered my rank & position in time! Cpt.
Rutherford our new M.O. - he does seem a
queer dry old stick. Bob tries to mend matter
anent the N.S.

Thursday. Snow this early a.m. - cold, cold
night - windy & wet until 4 a.m. The
M.O. fired up my kero. heater, in the B.N. - 
pulled it to bits & put it together again - the 6ft.
of M.O. on the floor along with the kero
heater (dismantled!) was more than my [[?]]
could stand! Wonderful clear night. Dashed
off into bed this early a.m. - minus baths
the night staff certainly get the best of it
last these snowy days. Snowed all day, off
& on, but not heavily. She old order of gum
boots again. Clear night - c̄ the moon obscured
& a weird unearthly light, nearly as light
as a pale moon sunless winter afternoon.
The wards [[?]] & smoke filled - & smelly
When will the orderlies learn the necessity
for effective ventilation! Thawed during
the night - snow left only in trenches
- one [[?]] distinguished them for the ordinary
[["land"?]] Very patchy effect in a.m.  Cold.
Bob's efforts concerning the evacuation
of Collins failed lamentably. Oil supply
very short - consequently I froze. Took
a snap of Walley & his [[?]] in the
a.m. -
 

Friday.  Good Friday Mel & I stayed up
& went to church 9.30. Bonza
service - but only 39 ns there. Took
several snaps subsequently and retired
late - after tea of 10.30. Paid tonight by
new Sgt. - got ₤8.00 & paid a good bit
of it away immediately. The snow has
practically disappeared: The war news
very depressing, but dreadfully vague.
Developed films - not much good
Sat. 30^th  Same old routine, Went down
to the Y.M.C.A. p.m. & spent
about 16fr. - it doesn't seem possible to
save money here, somehow. The delightful
Scottish House man still there - as cheerful
as ever. Rumours anent the departure
of the H.S. - wind up. Collected pay books
which weren't needed. Rivington as volatile
as ever: Fixed photos for Walley in the a.m.
Sunday 31^st Church in a.m. Padre Dick &
2 other officers there - very good
service. Bonza padre. Sunny day - cool.
The H.S. goes definitely in a.m. - [[?]]
we miseram! Letter from, Maynrd.
April 1^st Monday. H.S. departed this a.m.
- at least the boys went
away! Walley rose at 5 & helped me make
beds as of yore - which was absolutely
characteristic of him, dear old brotherly Walley.
Collected my goods - & distributed "comforts"
for the troops & went breakfast ward very
woebegone. Took a snap of A8 & A9
9 a.m. Melv. & I on our way to Sal. -
said farewell to the lads & hated it
all! Walley's farewell characteristic
and admirably suited to the occasion!
And Patsy assisted materially. Went
into Sal, "by our wits" - could get no
films & no nothing much. Had tea
at J.C. teashop. Saw the lads being put
on boat the A.S. - but not our boys (the
49^th) Took 2 lots of photos of the H.S.
from the main road. Waited for our convoy
but it got too late. Got a lorry home -
passed our convoy near train terminus -
saw Thornborough, Winter & others Tumbled
into bed def tired but couldn't sleep- felt
too fed up! A9 closed up this p.m.
Went on duty at night prepared to be
forcibly reminded of past joys, but
met the blue devils full force. Bob &
Blythe closing up A9 - Bob fearfully
fed up- went down & talked c̄ him concerning
the doings of the day, & received the notices
and numbers saved for me - Bob gave
me the glass of milk saved - shade of
G.L.W, & staff! - and afterwards Walley's
message [[?]] after the [[?]]" which
put the cap on things most efficiently!
A9 half full of [[?]] boys - new &
strange. jolly tired - couldn't keep awake
& for once didn't care a hang but slept
unashamed most of the night! Quiet a.m.
all the lads more or less subdued
and the night sister quite apparently
bored stiff I'm afraid! Rivington helped
c̄ the beds - Hulbert as cheerful
Patsy as delightful & sympathetic
and boyish as ever. What a fearfully
long day yesterday was. Melv. & Moyle
off N.D. took them breakfast c̄ Swan.
Slept badly - washed in the a.m. Melv.
[[?]] me up c̄ news that I was off
N.D. - Cantwell on. Went down &
collected my food from wards & said
farewell. Rivington said 'Give us
a [[?]] Sister! Patsy made
 

all sorts of suggestions anent my
return & approaching the P.M. on the
subject. Smitt said "What about the
photo Sister?" Summerfield said
nothing - & the others all spoke according
to their several dispositions. Dear old
annoying beloved troups - [[?]] they
grey ones hair! Banke goes out in the
a.m. Went 'home' Slowly & thought hard.
Developed photos, which weren't all good -
retired late & slept well. N.S. brought down our
[[?]] - very good of her.
Wednesday.  Salonique in a.m. After we had
printed some of the photos. walked
down to the Y.H. & got picked up there by a motor
lorry transport which dropped us nearly to the D.F.
corner. Found that all the Gk. shops were shut
pretty well, & we couldn't buy much in consequence.
- accompanied the [[Mason?]] of our [[Tinpot Alley??]]
photographer & he said it was because of the
Passover feast - I said it was very inconsiderate
of them - the photgr. didn't savvy the English
well but an officer overheard & looked shocked.
Bought [[?]] at Ordnance & had tea there,
bought various odds & ends everywhere &
got another transport from the [[?]] - very
footsore indeed. The transport dropped us at
the tram terminus & a dear old GHQ staff
Colonel stopped his car for us & brought us
up at a [[??]] to be [[?]] corner where
we parted company. Sat outside our tent
after we got home and ate orange & biscuits (How the [[???]]
did French & tried on our boots, which
were fearfully stiff & hurt like — anything.
Mamselle came 4 pm. & gave us our last
lesson, we expect. We paid her up to date.
Lawson brought us down tea. Started packing
up — some job. Letter from Spr. Watts.
Thursday  Got up for brekker. Washed & wasted all
the morning, packed & did photos.
Went down to the beach after 2 o'clock &
met Padre Dick & Mr Davey - walked round &
ate chocolate & yapped a lot. [[?]] carried
my [[?]], and I forgot to get them back before
we returned - hence there was a great deal
of [[strategy?]] necessary to get them back without
falling foul of any rules and regulations. S.G.
sent them over by Ashworth - & be [[?]] to
Matron!!! - however, they arrived all well
eventually c̄ a note, hoping we'd got
[[?]] in the car in the a.m. Went to a
concert at the [[?]] & enjoyed it very much
Excellent coy. & not vulgar parts of it -&
especially the part of lunatics exceedingly
good. Got home late & to bed.
Friday  Our picnic off - S. [[?]] has a
headache - se we went into Sal. c̄ S.
Rowe and did some shopping, bought a
film, took several snapshots of various
soldiers & generals & things, & policemen
Got home on foot - warm day. Dozed in
the a.m. & did more packing. We are
all moving into the top tents. Developed
photos - p.c. - & overdeveloped two of three
films hopelessly - "Oh Christine, Christine, when
will you be wise?" On duty in the a.m. -
got our [[buttons?]] into place & retired to
dream of the past three days.
Sat.  On duty A7 - Bob and Alex there. Healy
& Moule in A8. Very happy day - off 5 p.m.
Moved up to Watts tent - carted trunks
& fixed our things up. [[Adments?]] & Bray trotting

round assisting everyone - poor ol [[Adments?]]
hands very sore. We got into a corner
of the tent & put our screens round & went
to be early. Row about the S.S.! & about 'But not standing up!
Sunday.  We ere the only ones on duty
today & crept out like mice to
brekker. Heard that the patients are
 

all being transferred tomorrow. Printed
photos c̄ Patsy & took several snaps
of Bob & Patsy & Wardman. Bob very blue
Taffy did his best to get him to take some
brandy & turn in on Taffy's bed - c̄ a
screen to protect him form the eyes of the
Charge Sister. Off fairly late  Wrote letters.
Monday.  Went on duty to find the ward in
a state of upheaval - all the patients
up and about - and awaiting developments.
Dull cloudy drizzly morning. Took a
few snap and have my farewells. It
did not nearly come up to the Hortiack
farewell for heartaches! As soon as the
boys had gone we started cleaning up % some
job it was too. Wind up about the equipment
I laughed a lot - told off for it too! Counted tools
and egg cups - scrounged and rid ourselves
(by various methods) of buckshee articles.
Folded bed clothes - and [[?]] a lot. Had
a bonza day altogether. [[?]] Davey called -
subsequently Bob was "told off" for daring to
say that he was surprised at me - & a very
enjoyable telling off it was too - while we
rolled blankets - 10 in a bundle & carefully
rolled too - on the floor of the marquee &

Alex [[tied?]]. Bob partook of stout - much
to our pretended horror - for the rest of the

day he had to put up c̄ all sorts of
unjust accusations! Dr Rutherford gave me
some geraniums & sweetpeas - I potted them
& the boys carried them for xx us - S.
Maloney xxx took them, while I minded the
house until the boys came back. Bob
helped me up c̄ my bundle of bucksheed
goods - done up c̄ Wally's macintosh.
Also 2 bottles of spirits, also 2
sticks - 2 wee buckshee dishes for photography,
dispensary supplies & so on. xx Craig came
up - didn't understand the night duty
situation or would have come before, he
said. Wrote letters & slept well. Wild
rumours about our destination & about
what will happen to us in the next few
days. Letter from Barker, Maynard.
Tuesday 9th  Rumours most likely anent us.
Matron told us to pack up the
ready to move at anytime, in case of necessity
They are thinking of moving us to the various
hospitals & billet xx us there until xxx our
new home was ready. Rumours & [[?]] rumours
all day. Packed up very thoroughly. Later
on got word that we are not leaving but
are staying here - probably in the mess tent.
Melv. & I wended over to the Y.M & [[E.F.C.?]]
got fags - was intending to take a snap
of the Y.M. c̄ the G.H. lad but he had gone
up the line - took a photo of the Y.M.
c̄ the dark chap. Sent the fags down to
Bob & Alan c̄ a note no breakfast in
bet. "Brekker" 8.30, lunch 12.30, dinner
6.30 dor all hands. Wrote letters some more,
Wed. woke c̄ feelings of great peacefulness
rose 8 a.m. & bathed properly at the bathhouse.
Wrote letters & printed photos, went c̄ Scott
down to Mrs. Jacksons in the afternoon. Got
tea - really homelike, spread [[?]] nicely set
white table! A S.W.H. woman there- also a
[[Mrs?]] [[Jerman?]] who was very entertaining
but not very intelligible. The G.W.S. sister
was very xxx voluble but we liked her
 

She told us about the Tommies' [[teas?]] & so on.
Mrs. J. just delightful. Got home about
6 p.m. Saw the Lusitania medal at Mrs
J's. Devel photos of xxxxx [[??]]
Thurs Went into Sal. in the a.m. - bought
grey stuff at ordnance, took it to
the sewing lady opposite Mrs [[?]].
last picked up by a delightful ASC chap
who took us all the way in and got
picked up by a Tin Lizzie, dropped at the
Red Cross tea room, and picked up again
afterwards & brought up to the corner - where
the car stuck, much to our horror! Took
several snaps of the town & its people.
Left a note at the [[?]] Coy. Noone on
the mess today - our turn tomorrow.
Developed photo's in Rowes tent c̄ the aid
of her lantern, and spilt a lot 
of water on the floor! Feeling
quite good. Letters from Nate, Elsa SG & Pete.
Friday. Melv. has a bad head ache.
[[?]] about [[?]] then came home late
from Sal. last night & [[??]] the
mess today for punishment. Pence Mel.
& I are not in it. Printed photos &
fixed them. Served. Washed. Letters from
Josh[[?]] Jackson
Saturday.  Wrote letters & served. We
all take a turn to [[fire up?]]
the [[?]] - mine today - hence much
sweeping. Louise in bed c̄ a cold.
The hospital is gradually being
moved off. Mel. & I went on to the
beach & served there. Returned
for afternoon tea. [[?]] came
- [[?]] entertained [[?]] for us -
very kindly! Took several
snaps of the sunset from the
mess window during dinner. Our mess day
tomorrow - arranged to be off from 2 p.m.
Much to the distress of S. McKenzie! [[?]]
to [[?]] Hammill. Sister.Got cocoa for
supper c̄ difficulty. Great excitement -
a large scorpion prancing round our tent
- chased it all over the place - the
barefooted members standing on beds,
and dropped an iron on it, which
did the deed, though he squirmed some
after it & necessitated two or three
applications of iron. Have a cold - d—n!
Sunday Our mess day. Served out the breakfast
& experienced great qualms
lest the porridge ran out, which it didn't.
Mel. served the bacon & eggs in great style
[[???]]. Both of us went
into Sal. to purchase fish, flowers & fruit
for the xxxx drinks Matron's giving tonight.
Got a lift in on a wagon - dropped at

the corner of the [[??]] Street - walked
along & demanded the whereabouts of
the fresh fish but no one knew - got
some flowers which were very dear
also oranges. Got a lift from V. St. by
the A.S.C. officer who picked us up the
other day - he took us round the fish
market where we bought [[hake?]] & [[?]]
queer pink fish [[?]] - they wrapped
it up in insufficient paper & the
whole lot was deposited into xxx
my suit case, much to the joy of
the driver! We were driving up to
the H.Q. where we waited till he
went in & interviewed the 'eads (I took
snap of [[?]]) & afterwards
we flew home in great style.
 

Got back here 12.15 - brought right to
the door - Great swank. Served the dinner
in doublequick time. Made [[?]]
p.c. Davey came 3 p.m., & took us into
town - per great lumber wagon! We
are spoiled by A.S.C. cars I think!
Had tea at the [[?]] Frank tearoom,
& wandered up thro' the Turkish quarter
afterward. Took photos. Got a trifle
bored, I fear me. Caught a transport
wagon from the W.J. & breathed a sigh of
relief when we saw [[?]] back
disappear! Walked from E.J.C. - fully
tired. Wore ordnance boots & cursed
the necessity & their stiffness [[?]]
xxxx [[?]] from Dobson & Cpl Bristow.
Note from Craig. Cpt. [[Gordon?]] here - dear
old chap. Matron on the strafe. Saw the
squirrels of the [[?]]. Retired early
What a long day - and ain't I tired!
Monday.  Went out 9.30 - over to 52^nd. Saw Harrison
& Betty Andrews - also Josh working at the grass
plot. Couldn't stay long enough to talk c̄ him about
all things. Howard has a sprained ankle.
Met [[?]] at Y.M. at 10.30 - caught the
tram from terminus - visited church near
quay first - modern Gk. took a snap of
the interior, [[?]] St. Sophia - very fine paintings
therein, went up minaret - & shall not
forget it! The caretaker let us in at the
small door at the foot of the minaret
& we wound up [[?]] - Melv. got giddy
& we nearly tripped over the birds nests
which had been raked out of the [["]]
windows & were strewn all over the steps.
Good view from the top but the prospect of
the climb down rather damped even my
[[?]] enthusiasm, however I took one
snap of the upper town. Came down
more rapidly or less deliberately.
The caretaker's little girl brushed us
down on our arrival at the base.
Were very stiff indeed. Went to St. George's but

it was shut up - a French soldier helped
us to find the key & caretaker but found
only dog who barked wildly at us, and some
French men drinking wine who shrugged their
shoulders & said "[[?]] heures" - went to
the ordnance tearooms - got a transport but
found climbing up - especially climbing down -
a torture! Had lunch which cost 3 fr. & wasn't
worth it. Went a search for [[?]],
bought photographic materials in Rue Franch,
found the Church of the prophet Elias - c̄ the
assistance of 3 French soldiers, - a queer
very old little church, tucked away somewhere
in the back streets. Went afterward to St. Dunst.
went down into vault. All ruined - they are
preserving & copying the paintings. Went to
Church of Twelve Apostles - & is not permitted
to take photos. of the interior. Very fine
exterior - also old [[?]] & 2 bells thereon. Took
2 snaps. Went Venezelos St. - saw an old
mosque c̄ Turks worshipping. Caught lorry
home - left [[?]] shopping. Fearfully
stiff. Passed Davey in town but he didn't
see us. Matron out after [[?]] Sisters.
Tues.  [[?]] to stay in bed! Have a cold - a
beastly nuisance. Mel. [[Scott?]] & I went
over to 52nd. after lunch. Saw Howard &
Andrews - had afternoon tea & gossip. Met
Billy at [[?]]p.m. at 2.30 - Mel & I went to
dressmaker & were fitted. Met Craigie
on the way. Got transport wagon back.
Very tired. Letter from Taffy, Abraham.
Wed.  Thunderstorm in afternoon - the others
went round the churches & climbed the minaret.
Went down to Y.M. in afternoon - bought [[?]] &
biscuits. Darcy home when we returned.
Got tea for Craigie while Mel. entertained D.
but Craigie didn't come. Got rid of D. finally.
Beautiful sunset.
Thurs  Letter from [[?]] - Lee, Thornborough
- Rue - also Barker, later from
Walley - later still from Clifford,
 

Amy, Nell, Cross, & papers galore. The
strong - friend - necessity proposition a
growing reality. Nuff sed. Went down &
got our dresses - ^Δ19.85. Got transport
back. Craigie, Baldie here. Entertained &
was entertained! Walked round the compound
c̄ Craigie. Wrote Nell, Thornborough.
Friday  We are to move into the messroom on
Monday - & move out to Melati on
Wednesday - or so they say. We are a bit
dubious about rumour nowadays. Did not go
out all day - Melv. not well, [[Vomited?]] p.c.
Wrote letters to Roe, Nell
off & on all day - just enough to make things
sticky. xxx Temp orderly [[a/g?]] today 0 Some
dust when the broom [[waffed?]] Peter's broom
lost - great riot - we did not lose it but
couldn't help feeling responsible to some extent.
The 66^th are being split up among different
units. [[?]] from Dobson & [[?]]
Saturday 20th  Dull day - showering, went to bed
& wrote letters. Morning tea at 10, when Billy
& Norma came back from Sal. went back to
doss. At 11.30 word came that there were two visitors
for me! [[?]] up - rose & dressed c̄ alacrity
& many speculations - hopes that the visitors
weren't Davey & Co - Matron entertained them
meanwhile. M^r Bowen & M^cIvor! After much
frivolous conversation Mr B. suggested that
he should bring a car up at 2.15 to take
Mel. & me out for a picnic: a note came 
at lunch to verify the suggestion. Set out
2.15 c̄ the spirit stove - sorry lamp I
mean - in my suitcase, & the reinforcement
of spirits in my [[?]] bag.
Also my camera & a Jack Knife for purposes
of bulb digging. Capt. [[?]] - whom
we later did concerts [[?]] the O.C. of Bowen's
Coy. came also & most delightful he was
too. Went out near Sedes - descended a
sort of quarried out place, lit the spirit
lamp straightaway much to the amusement
of the crowd - and subsequently

gathered sticks afar & near & made a fire c̄
some petrol provided by Bennett. Bonzer &
jolly meal - too salty - Capt S. a fearful
wag & irrepressible - & nearly choked
me more than once over my [[?]]. I won a bet
of 5 leptos from Capt. S. anent the opening
sans mishap of six tins! After the meal
dug up bulbs - much to the horror of
Capt S. who appears a lazy sort of chap.
and doesn't approve of people rushing
round at picnics. Took a snap of
two donkeys & much [[?]] & two
[[?]] after dark. Capt S's 5 leptos
supplied the buckshee. Calledin at
Sedes village coming home - & took 2
snaps there [[?]] Saw a delightful
Serbian museum, and some charming
Serbs, & many models of all sorts of things
Found a [[?]] (Archie) which was
brought home carefully between my feet
and proved a great entertainment. Got
back 6 pm & regretted the end of the
trip. Davey & Mr Grant called - just as
the others departed. [[?]] goes up the line
tomorrow. Wrote letters subsequently.
Sunday  In the mess this a.m. scrounged
to save time, meatpaste sandwiches, wick
candles! Worked short = and hard in
consequence. Off 2 p.m. Melv. sick [[?]]
Craigie came 2.30  - went down to the
beach - saw Capt. B. c̄ some others - a
most unfortunate meeting! Back for tea -
Bowen there - also the Scott - Watt crowd.
Talked subsequently in the mess room.
Concert at 660, Bowen came c̄ a car at
7.20 - took Syd, Billy, Melv & me down.
Were too early and waited in their [[?]].
Capt S. there, as cheerful & cheeky as
ever. Sat between B. & S. & was well
entertained at the performance - the
concert itself being only a secondary
source of amusement. Capt S being a
side show himself. Post concert we had