Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 1 - Part 7

44
February 28^th 1915
Cont:
You go down on entering, like going down into a dark cellar. No boots on for you
would slip. The granite which covers the stair case being so smooth, that your feet
simply slide till your toes or heel catch in the little cut out space, about 1 yard apart
and stops you from going to the bottom.
There are 2 0r 3 turnings which look dangerous - then you begin to climb up in the
same way. 1 spot where you put both fingers and hands into a part cut out for them -
step up about 4 feet, then turn your whole body round. Then after a few more steps up
this wonderful stairway, you reach the King's Chamber. On this landing you look up
many, many feet to the ceiling again.
March 1^st
Monday: 5 sisters went for camel ride - had photos taken at Pyramids - hope it turns
out well.
March 2^nd
Tuesday: Went to Military Stores Citadel, bought bag for rugs etc. Saw Anderson
Bey, the man in charge (British Military man).
Showed us all over some parts of the factory. The most interesting things - the way
they are made is astonishing - all kinds of things - table, chairs, everything in the way
of beds, tents and the leather things officers and soldiers wear.
The Fez, Egyptian cap, is wonderful - first, Australian wool - knitted, joined,
shrunk - combed with a certain thistle to remove surplus wool - put on a shape,
steamed, pressed and coloured red - then blocked and the tassel put on. The most
wonderful bit of work and so quickly done. Every man in Egypt wears one and the
Egyptian Army.
This is an Egyptian Store and the Col. in charge - so he wears a Fez.
(Srs.) Radcliffe -King and I)
The Col. gave us one each, of course not lined - made while we were going round -
no tassel on, but it was only a few minutes from the time we had seen the wool - the
leather pouches, belts and all that sort of thing - all pieces put together under a piece
of iron and one touch and the rivet is firmly fixed, which holds all together in a
second. The button holes of great coats also worked beautifully in about 2 seconds.
All men - the only few women there were the wives of soldiers who had lost their
husbands. Their girls, one a smart little girl, only 6, who was so quick joining the
knitted pieces together, which go to make the Fez. So beautifully done that you can't
tell where the join is - never raised - is as smooth as velvet.
The Colonel told us that when they can do so many in a day, they get so many stripes
- 1-2-3 and so on. This child had 2. A holiday now and again - pictures etc - only
about 6 women we saw. They are paid also.
 

45
March 2^nd1915
Cont:
Badges of all sorts made - for all Regiments etc. - he gave us one each - those made
for the Bodyguard of the Sultan, which is lovely to have - written on it is HARRAS
E/. SULTANICH in Turkish, which translated is Bodyguard of the Sultan.
He then showed us a room , of his own - a perfect treasure house - the most beautiful,
costly and unique collection of Egyptian things, like those of the Museum. They must
be very valuable - enormous elephant tusks, ivory - the costly things from all these
animals - skins - tusks - horns - hoofs of elephants mounted beautifully - figures of
alabaster and so many other beautiful things brought from Sudan -Tripoli and other
places.
How I would love to have some of them. The old chap has been here for 15 years, so
has had an opportunity of collecting some priceless things, of course, thousands of
years B.C. as well as the early years of A.D.
Has asked us to go again before we leave and see them better, for which we will be so
glad. We were in such a hurry as we were due back at Mena. Had to take a car,
were 15 minutes late and old Nell told me so, for which I could have smacked
her. Made me feel sorry I had been honest enough to tell her I was late.
It could not matter for no one suffered by our being behind time a few minutes for our
lunch.
Bought our helmets - 14/- ...ordered our beastly capes - another 13/-. We are ugly
enough without the latter hideous arrangement too.
March 3^rd
(Page missing) Forgot that there are many trained nurses waiting to do the work -but
they all want a share in smoothing Tommie's brow, but they are not so keen about
seeing the floor etc around Tommie's bed is well cleaned.
Nothing fresh today.
March 4^th
On duty all day from 8am. till 8pm. then back to Heliopolis for dinner - very late -
very tired - hot bath and bed - very, very, long day - we were all foot sore and weary,
walking about the stone floor wards al day.
March 5^th
On duty all morning - home to lunch 6pm. after, went back with Sister Jarcoe to
native quarters bazaars, took guide - bought some silk - brassware and kimono -
shoes for Dorothy. Spent about everything, though not too dear - takes a lot of money
- then to see the Mosque of a Sultan 's wife - great large place - her reading table and
huge black table, made to hold The Koran - inlaid with mother of pearl all over -
carved walnut is used in the stairs leading to the Pulpit.
 

46
March 5^th 1915
Cont:
A very high ceiling which is all gay with every colour stained windows and the guide
says the ceiling is all gold painting I suppose.
He says, it is real gold.
Built by this or for this woman in the 16th century. Lovely marble and granite pillars and floors.
You have slippers put on over your boots.
They want money for every comer - great robbers.
We were passed off as officer 's wives - so we got in for 1 Piastre, which is equal to 2
½d of our money. Otherwise we would have to pay double.
Officers, their wives and soldiers, get in half price. The poor nursing sisters pay
full.
(No entries or page lost between 5^th to 9^th March 1915)
March 9^th
Bought a small dressing case to take daily to Abbassia with cap etc. 1 Pound 3/-
Saw about French lesson - Cooks, for sending home box.
March 10^th
Wednesday: Another dreadful day - on all day - nothing new.
March 11^th
Went to town - had my lesson 3pm. Met Sr. Robinson at 4pm. Shepherds for aft. tea.
Some news - she says - they, I and some others are going to do Hospital Ship
work...Ships to go - nothing known - though don't think they can be sure of
anything.
Do hope I may get away again with a few - and away from Nellie and a few rotters.
Don't think I would be very keen about Hospital Ship duty - would like to go
near the fighting line on land.
March 12^th
Friday: Letter from Ismailia - Maj. Hogg - 2 from home, enclosing Sr. Gray's from
England - all well - letter from mother too.
 

47
March 13^th 1915
Saturday: Went for my 2nd French lesson - did very well as far as remembering a bit -
but very slow I thought - the lady said, good though. Got my skirt, black serge from
Sicurels, 34/-. Think I will have to get a coat for it too.
Motor car comes for now and takes us to Abbassia to work - much easier. Those hot
days last week and gales were dreadful - waiting in the sun - standing all the time.
Very cool today - such a change - want all of your warm clothes again.
Town, full of people - thousands - hundreds of military people all running round
enjoying themselves - very, very, gay.
Dance this evening, gay. Also the pictures - Kursaal? And Casino where the dancing
and fun only begin at midnight, last till morning. Officers get home in time for
6/30am duty only. Then in motor, flying to get in on time.
One man swore that even a Clergyman in uniform of his unit was happy with a
little French girl on each knee, having a real good merry time.
That is considered nothing here - quite the right thing for officers to do.
The Australians have never had such a good gay old time, I'm sure.
I had tea with a Colonel and his wife and even he, the quiet. Stern, cranky old
scamp. Went off to speak and make merry to a girl - told me there was no harm
in the dance - they were very enjoyable.
I would love Kitchener to come along and see them. I am quite sure he would pack
them off to the Front somewhere.
They all say they are going to have a short life, so may as well have a merry one
and the gay little French girls make it so for them.
March 14^th
Very hot day - on duty all day. 7 admissions - bad cases in Ward 1. Man - Sparrow,
N.Z, 104.8 - several pretty bad - pneumonia - awfully tired by 8.15pm (from 8am)
Got back to this rough and tumble place for dinner, as they have dinner at 1 on
Sundays. We got nothing but a thin shredy slice of cold brawn - rotten management.
I think the housekeeper or Matron should see that there is a bit of hot dinner for the 5
of us who work at Abbassia. They don't seem to me to care as long as they have their
own comforts. meals and beds - the best.
We have stretchers, coloured blankets and black towels. I hate it all here and will be
glad to get away from this Heliopolis and No1 people.
I am glad to say that I am very happy with my work at Abbassia - like the Matron and
M.O., very much so.
Can't be too unhappy as I only just go - swallow the food given me, or as much as I
can swallow - clear up, get my bath and off to bed.
 

48
March 14^th 1915
Letter from Dr. Webster, Ismailia - all miss us very much - no hospital been there
since we left.
March 15^th
Day off today - got up about 8.30am. Sister brought me a cup of tea, some bread and
jam - our staple diet food here - was very thankful - went into town - French lesson
at 10am.
Could not arrange with Cooks to send on my luggage - few curios under 30/- or 2
Pounds, so left it for a time. Will try and send it on by transport with someone.
Got car - went for drive - about one hour to Barrage where Nile is dammed. They
open the bridges - let boats through and let the water through - rushing through at 2
or 3 places.
Actually raining, so we could not get out to see any of the works etc. Drove about -
very pretty gardens - called at house and I got some flowers from an Arab.
Thought it was a Public Garden - just then the lady of the house came along - I told
her what I had done - she did not seem to mind. Made us go in and gave us a big
bunch of flowers and a real lovely afternoon tea. A lovely little home - many
beautiful Egyptian things in it. Her name is Mrs. Marr, her husband is Engineer in the
Irrigation Service at the Barrage delta. Both very Scotch and very nice - poor man
seemed to get quite a shock when he came in for his afternoon tea and found 7
Sisters there, eating up all his things - no room for him at his own table - they both
seem very nice people - look young. Have 2 boys at school at home in Scotland.
She only returned back here after 7 months at home - were really very nice to us.
Then we came back to Cairo and out nearly as far as Maadi - about 10 miles from
Cairo - lovely fields - views of Nile with sailing boats - native villages very dirty.
Large houses, avenues and grounds all so different and all at different places, so close
together, it is wonderful.
Then the hundreds of natives you meet - all riding camels and donkeys , already
very heavily laden with all sorts of things - oranges - green fodder and everything
that goes to make up an Egyptian household. Leading and driving goats - cattle, sheep
etc and at times on heavily laden poor animals -sitting on top - all fascinating and
interesting to any stranger.
I love it and the strangeness and age of things.
Saw the Hospital and place where the Turkish wounded and prisoners are kept  -
several hundred, they told us.
After the heat of past few days, is raining a little, very cold tonight - had a very happy
day - the 7 of us - all very agreeable - seemed to enjoy themselves - very glad, for I
got the car and suggested it.
5 letters for me tonight - AI - Rube - Claude - Georgie and Mrs. Fitzsimmons - says
she gave all the patients my message at Gladesville.
 

49
March 15^th 1915
Rumors that Nellie and Johnstone are going on Transport Hospital Ship and all others,
except for a few, to be left here.
Another rumor, that The Principle Matron cannot leave her staff like that, so that
will stop Nell's gallop.
I don't care much what happens really - only if it were possible to for me to get
away on my own, I'd do well.
March 16^th
Very heavy day again - very tired by 8.15pm - Sr. Robinson -Mr. Crosby, came to
see me - Mr. C wanted me to go to dinner with them all at Sheppherds - could not go
- to late - off duty and tired.
March 17^th
George's birthday - Lil's on the 14^th. No time to think of birthdays much - hope  mine
would not come round for a few years again.
Letter from Lil today, dated 30^th January - very long time coming.
Capt. McCauliffe came for a few minutes - says he gave my last box to a Priest going
to Sydney with his 2 nieces - you should get it by now.
I am sending a few curios to keep for me in a box, care of a Sister Gwyn, I think.
Trust you get it alright too.
Quaint Palace this, all the girls bring their own cup, plates, knife etc - poor beggars -
they are not very happy though and a few old Tabbs get everything, as far as I can
see.
My faithful old Arab tries to get me a few things to eat and eat off, so I don't do
too badly - bags and serviette too and sometimes, another name on it. Saw him bring
someone's dirty one yesterday - said nothing, but did not use it. Deliberately took it
away from another girl's place and her own, too - you just lay low and watch - it'd
funny, this Egypt, for many things.
Ma died under anaesthetic today - very sad - very slight operation - conval. Patients
- haemorrhoids - great trouble. I did not know him, being in Medical Ward - so far, I
think the first death here since I came to Abbassia. They say one died in the same way
a short time before.
March 18^th
Message came to Matron (midday) to send 3 sisters for Special, out at once.
Marshall - King and Radcliffe went. Still, I'm here, which looks as if I am to be left.
Glad if I do not go in the same lot as Marshall - she is too fond of married men,
the idiot and quite old enough to know better - nearly a sold as I am. She
disgraced us before, making eyes at the wretched creatures.
 

50
March 18^th 1915
"Town and Country" from Gladesville today - account of Canal fight, but no
sisters or hospital mentioned - perhaps Bean, the War Correspondent may put
something in about one hospital.
March 19^th
Went for French lesson - no fresh news - everything as usual - 31 patients in my
ward - have Sister Todhunter from Sydney with me - men not very sick, only one
boy, Wilde, 105 and do not know what is going to happen to him yet.
Letter from Mrs. Bullock.
March  20^th
Nothing new - Sister Eyesone and 2 others left for Troop Ship (back to Australia)
duty - do not know whether they have left Egypt - never know.
My box was not ready, so she could not take it. I thought she might not be going
straight to boat - you never know here and it may have been a bit of trouble.
Wish I could get it safely out to Sydney.
March  21^st
Sunday: Nothing new - Ward very quiet - off this afternoon. Went to bed for few
hours - slept - got up - had hot bath - did a bit of washing and ironing - wrote letters
and was rested.
Very tired sometimes - feet so sore - otherwise, so very well. Use my electric iron.
March 22^nd
Patients all very well today. Wilde, the 105 boy seems better - rash gone. Don't know
what they are going to call his disease symptoms - observe yet.
General Godley sent motor, hospital, for sisters nursing N.Z at Abbassia, to go and
see the March Past.
Gen. Maxwell and McMahon reviewing.
I and 6 others went, also the Matron. Lovely sight, but we got the dust on the side the
Saluting Base was on. Mighty clouds of it. You could not see horses or men actually
opposite - only as they rode forward and after they passed.
Then we all changed over for the Gallop Past. No dust and everything beautiful.
General Owen came and spoke to me. We left Hospital at 9.15am, got back after 12 -
lovely morning in spite of the heat and dust.
On duty all day - just told that all Sisters must bring their own cup, plate, knife etc.
Most awfully badly managed meals etc. - no comfort.
 

51
March 23^rd 1915
Breakfast woeful - scramble- just like feeding the bears at zoo and the clash and
feel of enamel - aluminium - knives etc - was appalling - lunch and dinner just the
same.
The usual half hour wait at 1 for us. Miss Knowles said we must not come till 1/30, so
I just told her what I thought of things. Said they made it 1/30 for we Abbassia
Sisters, which was a confounded lie. She told me herself , the reason at the time - the
Arabs could not get the washing up done if the first lot would just take a little less
time over their meals, the Arabs would be quite ready at 1pm.
One does not mind how one roughs things - in tents - on the desert etc, but when you
come to pay so much - live in a Palace, you expect to have more than a horse or
donkey outside - these really get clean straw etc. for a bed occasionally.
I have never had a clean sheet or towel since I came here - wash them myself.
Some of the girls have had none to wash.
Make our own beds and everything before we go.
I told Miss Knowles it was rotten management, so I suppose she will tell her
beloved master, Ramsey Smith.
I have told all our girls not to say anything, but tell Gould (Nellie) when she comes
to pay them.
She is not much better, certainly, but I think a bit above this. Everybody carries
her things to eat with about with her - washes it up in the bathroom , for if you leave it
downstairs, you will lose it.
French lesson this afternoon - met Sister Robertson. She wants me to give her a letter
(reference) from Ismailia.
Had to buy another trunk today , 37/- - 5/- extra for writing name on it.
March 24^th
Wednesday: Nothing special today - still the same grab for meals - worse than
being at a dozen wool sales.
Letter from Lil Elliott - Mrs .- Miss Mitchell - Al.
March 25^th
Miss Gould came to Abbassia - paid us - I only got 4 Pounds and 16/-, of course, I
left so much at home.
Nell says don't attend any of the meetings or squabbles about the food here, that we
shall have to pay, but not more than salary and allowance given for the purpose.
Went out for a drive to Gizeret - called at Anglo-Egyptian Hospital - saw McNab and
Green - had some tea - got an armful of the most lovely roses from a garden coming
home - awfully pretty drive. Called at Abbassia and put all in water - Gassy? For the
3 of us - 6/- for afternoon - had a really delightful time.
 

52
March 25^th 1915
Cont: Driving home, passed the place at sunset where the native people say their
prayers - Face to the east and bow themselves to the dust. So religious, poor things -
such a dust too and streams of them.
March 26^th
Nothing new today - two new patients - Chest 103.4 Temp - pulse rapid - 27 now in
my ward.
Ward looked beautiful with all the lovely flowers - today, very hot - so afraid they
will be dead by tomorrow.
Tried to write a few letters and post cards today - not much done.
Rumors today that "Mena", instead of being closed, will go on and that another 100
beds are being put up and that we are all to return there as soon as the N.Z. Sisters
arrive - that they will be employed by their own Government and we return to ours.
I am very sorry for they are much nicer men to work with. Far more gentlemanly in
every way.
Some of our men and officers are rotters. The South African officers also, double
rotters. Why do they allow these kind things to come out and take salary for
doing what they do not do.
March 27^th
Took Garry with three and went to Mattareal where the Virgin Mary - Child and
Joseph were supposed to rest when they were fleeing away from Herod, I think it was
- so old - bent and carved in every shape at the roots.
Many names cut in it and the well where they took a drink was salt, but ever since,
fresh water pumped up by a wheel, with a little can fastened to each spoke of wheel.
Each can, but those upside down, filled with this clear, cold water. The rest running
into the well again as the cans turn upside down.
A poor cow walks round and round - blindfolded - turning the wheel that brings
up the water.
This place looks awfully old - just as it looked 2000 years ago or nearly so to now.
Then we went to the Obelisk , which is like Cleopatra's needle - all one piece of
granite, 63 feet high, all cut in one piece - writing on each side up to the top and
signs.
A most interesting afternoon.
March 28^th
Poor Spratley seems a good deal worse. Bright - ill, ever since I went there. Only 24
patients today (Sunday).
 

53
March 28^th 1915
Cont:
The Matron just been in to say that a message had come to her to tell the sisters that
the N.Z. would like to see them at Review and would send Ambulance motor car for
us at 1/30pm. Sir Ian Hamilton going to review them. I am going if all is well - hope I
see nice old Ian too.
March 29^th
Very busy morning - poor Spratley died 12M.N. - acute kidney case (Bright) - in a
fit.
(Anaesthetic in day room - Aldridge - teeth)
Went to Review 2pm. N.Z. and Aust. Troops - Ceylon Planters Corps marched
beautifully - fine looking men - about 600 Maoris. Very dusty.
Saw the General at a distance but he did not speak this time - did not get off or speak
to anyone.
Wonder what he thinks of the men he commands.
Went for a nice motor drive after - very tired tonight - too tired to do half or write the
letters I meant to.
Must go to bed - feet frightfully sore.
March 30^th
Very busy day again today - feet still painfully sore and tired - can hardly walk with
pain of them - feel so well myself, only for this.
8 admissions - nothing special - hot bath and bed soon as I had finished my dinner,
9pm. No letters.
March 31st
About 266 patients in Abbassia tonight - 158 medical, 108 surgical - told about 700
at Heliopolis.
Nothing special today. Dr. Bird came - saw Bonson - asp. Needle inserted rear base -
40z blood, stained fluid - frightfully offensive - cough and breath still smell terribly.
Old Birdie says he has gangrene of lung - must have had emphysema - told
everybody days ago about cough and breath ever since I came to ward.
Paid Messing account last week up to 21^st March. 153 Piastres. They have charged us
just as much as they charge the No. 1 nurses and they get their washing done here. We
have to send our out - sheets etc.
Miss Knowles told me when we came here that there was no, arrangement for out
laundry - that it must be sent out.
Ordered a coat to wear with my skirt in case I want it the next place we go to - afraid
it will be 2 Pounds 10/-.