Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 1 - Part 6
35
February 9th 1915
Everything going smoothly - sisters have been most agreeable and happy together -
so far, no trouble - except Major Powell - not very nice or thoughtful about us.
Does not seem to have recovered from the shock of finding that we were to work at
the hospital he had charge of. 1st M.O. I've struck, so rude that way, he says his
orderlies and themselves quite competent to run the whole show.
I'd be sorry for the poor men who were nursed by them. Some of them had only 3
weeks in the Adelaide Hospital helping, just before leaving and he compares them
with women who have been nursing for years and in the best of hospitals.
February 10th
Madam Berry came to see hospital and about Red Cross material, asked for me - the
leading lady here in Ismailia - an awfully nice woman - French - was in France 3
months ago and says everything is dreadful there.
Will give us some of their supplies if we need anything, also some new stuff for
many tall bandages for chests of wounded men. Told her, while I was not busy, I
would help them sew for their French wounded, if they needed help.
Maj. McKenzie came along today to see his men - very interesting - says he will take
some of the sisters to see where the "Engagement" was, or about it. We want to go
very much - was good of the man.
Count ...... comes a couple of times daily to see the wounded boys from H.M.S.
Harding - all very interested in the wounded men.
General ...... came this evening - I did not see him - I was with some patients in another
ward.
Major Powell, could and should have sent for me, but he never does.
Every other man in the service lets the Sister in Charge know.
Miss Gould has never answered my 3 letters and 1 telegram re sister's money which
she told them and myself she had before we left Cairo. She has not the cheque cashed,
she said but would send it to me.
Did not even answer my Registered letter or telegram - some people do business in a
very queer way.
These nurses are worrying me to get their money - I offered to lend them all they
want - but they will not have it - just want their own.
Sister Marshall says she has a lose tooth and wants to go to Cairo tomorrow. I do not
like them wanting to leave their work, going about like that.
Sr. Radcliffe wants to see a brother, so both go. I do not approve at all, for I am sure it
is just to see other things.
36
February 11th 1915
Col. Robinson came - says if we care and are ready by 2pm, we may go with him
to see where the battle was fought on the 3rd, when our men were wounded.
A lovely launch, owned by the Telegraph Dept. which goes about, took us to within a
mile of Serapeum.
Saw where the Turks came down bank of Canal, launched their galvanised iron boats
and got across. Also pieces of the boat that had been blown to pieces.
There were 16 on the jetty. We started from where all were battered about - so we
broke little pieces off where the shell had ripped them up, taking them as curios.
They had 25 boats they say, altogether.
Also showed us fresh pieces of sand which he told us was where they had buried
many of the enemy.
We went about 1 1/2 hours journey in a very quick launch. The Canal is all trenches
etc. all along - some Engineers and many Indians guarding and making trenches and
places for guns - probably machine guns. Two other officers came, 1 belonging to the
128 Pioneers, who knew very much about the engagement - was most interesting and
most kind.
Got home about 5/30 and gave them some tea, which all enjoyed, as it was very cold,
but a glorious sunny afternoon. We flew through the water very quickly - 4 of us and
3 officers.
The Colonel has been most thoughtful and kind to us ever since we arrived.
He and Col. Burden chose this house and arranged all preliminary, before we came up
- makes a lovely hospital.
Had torpedo boat destroy all those boats that the Turks crossed the Canal in - very
nice man indeed, most interesting.
A Naval Officer, Leiut. Commander Palins came in today - was wounded in groin -
came out at the back - was on French gun boat till today - seems very well.
Col. Robinson tells me that his wife was a nurse and wants to begin here - that he told
her I would put her up, he was sure.
All pneumonia patients doing well now - Taylor and McEwen who were so bad -
delirious - are going to Cairo tomorrow.
Hart who was shot left side of head and ear, bullet coming through to back (was cut
out here and given to him) is also going to Cairo - so well and an extremely nice boy,
not 20 yet - from England.
Rust and Austin do not seem so well today - am so afraid that both will die - after all
this time it seems dreadful to think that they not recover.
Only 15 men in hosp. today and 4 officers - 1 officer going out, none very sick.
Major Powell operated on 2 men for hernia and the other for appendix.
37
February 12th 1915
3 more men admitted today - chest trouble - I supposed appendix - going to operate
tonight - op.9pm - Broome - New Zealander.
1 officer - skin trouble.
Went to Indian Red Cross Stores today. Capt... gave me many useful and nice things
for patients.
W.S. Harding, appendix case, Broome, very well - quite right again - very nice boy -
so glad he got well. All nice friends, his chums in Regiment, many only boys.
2 more officers admitted today. 1 sore on leg, T100.8.
February 13th
Mr. Mckenzie came 9/30am. to arrange for us to go up Canal - he had to go to do
some work.
I took 2 night nurses and nurse Hartrick. Went to Serapeum, went ashore - also at
Toussum - the latter where the Turks got in - most fighting there.
Some Turks were in our trenches before they knew, although they had seen them
out in the desert, a long way off for 2 days.
One of our signal men went ahead of the torpedo boat to try and see the enemy, got to
a trench and found men in it, which for the first minute he thought were our own men.
Then found out it was Turks - He said he flew back - they fired many times but
did not hit him. He told the Commander of the torpedo boat S43, who had 9 men
with him.
He came along and fired the guns himself until he was wounded in the groin and the
bullet came out the back. Then his men took his place.
He was nursed by 2 French Doctors on the French war boat "D'Entucaseau" for
some days and when out of danger, he came along to us.
The Commander, Palins, an awfully nice man - very quiet - never talks of what he
has done. Hear today that he has got the D.S.O. and his men the D.S.M. - Everybody
delighted.
(A big tug boat "Mansonia" was also close by here at the time, but had no killed or
wounded, though so near the shots and shell)
Received pay from Cairo from Miss Gould - sent by the nurses who were down,
Srs. Marshall and Radcliffe.
Letter from Major Owen, who is now a Brig. General Comm. Some of the Artillery -
Aust. and New Zealand - says he is coming down to see me. Do hope he does.
Most awfully interesting day - got several Turkish cartridges - piece of shell - pint
pot - all off the field. Major McKenzie so good - walking all over and explaining
everything - landing so that we might have a good view.
38
February 13th 1915
Cont: We left here 10/45 and returned at 4/45pm - a poor dead Turk was lying on the
edge of the water going up - some of them say. I was glad I did not see it. They say
that he must have been buried in a shallow grave - such a number of graves.
A cross (wood) marks the grave, higher up the bank of a German Officer.
A large Italian Cruiser came in past us - anchored in the lake here - close to us. There
is the French boat - some small ones and "The Star of England" came through the
Canal as we came home - the light - beautiful shades of purple etc. most lovely on
the sand hills, coming home.
One of the places where we went ashore, the Canal bank high, - other view across the
desert was grand. The miles of sand and small hills of sand with the sunshine and
lights from clouds, was a most magnificent sight.
Behind us the row of lovely green trees - camp and soldiers with the sweet water
Canal running on all the way to Ismailia.
Mr. McKenzie is the Officer in Charge of the water supply for troops all along the
Canal, so has a very interesting work and sees and knows a good deal of the
movements of everything - consequently, he saw someone to speak to at each wharf
who could tell us a little of the battle.
February 14th
Another appendix admitted - operation today - a couple of pints of fluid escaped as
soon as peritoneum was touched. T.B? - seems pretty sick. Wood who was done on..?
seems much better tonight.
Major Webster - R.A.M.C. came tonight - two officers to tea with him. Will take
these sisters out for a picnic in the launch one day. Is very kind and nice - both men
and sisters seemed to enjoy themselves.
Just heard that there have been 3 spies taken here. Were thinking of or
suggesting blowing up the railway line. They say they were employed on the
railway.
Could speak Arabic - Italian and French well and manage railways perfectly without
any British help. Probably knew all the British were doing, if this report is true.
(Reported true)
Brig. General Lyndall Biscoe (been in St. Africa) admitted today - malaria?
Just heard that about 24 sisters came back from Port Said - going through - if we had
known we could have seen them at the station.
Major Powell just told sisters that they were not wanted badly there and were going
back to nurse smallpox at Mena - there was 1 case there before we left who was
terribly bad with it but is alright now.
39
February 14th 1915
Cont:
Major Millard said in his note to Nurse Dickson. Nurse Dickson and Nurse Cawood
are 2 "Coast" nurses and were nursing the smallpox before we left. Really only sent
the man into Cairo 2 days before we came here.
7 sisters sick at Mena, they say - some with measles. Do hope we get enough work
to keep us here for some weeks, that I may not have to go back to Gould and
Johnstone.
I would dearly love to go back to Mena to see the Pyramids and a few places of
interest before leaving Egypt. Someone laughingly said we would go to Syria.
Letter from General Owen - says he is coming down - hope he can.
Returned pay sheets and wrote to Miss Gould.
February 15th
Went to see Madam B'eret this morning - very nice woman - lovely home - 3 dear
little kiddies. Took her some things for her Red Cross work. She is coming to the
hospital 10am Wednesday.
Letter from Mrs Morgan - says the Captain's arm is pretty well, although in sling
still.
February 16th
Took some pictures with my Kodak of the house and grounds - also a group of sisters
and General - not too good - moved.
4 of us called on Mrs Lyddal, afternoon - met several officers - couple of other
women friends of hers.
February 17th
Major Clyston came for us at 10.30am - took us to Serapeum in his launch - pointed
out all places of interest - got shovel - cartridge and cases - Captain of launch dived
for some.
We arrived home about 4pm. Col. Robinson came in to afternoon tea - is coming
tomorrow to meet Madam B'eret. She wants to come here tomorrow for me to show
her some hospital ways of doing things - she sews for the French Red Cross people
and forwards something each month.
I sent her some things which pleased her very much, she says.
There have been several bodies of the Turks found in the Canal. They seemed to
be floating at the usual time in spite of the heavy loads the carried, poor things,
it makes your heart ache. War is dreadful - the sadness of it.
40
February 17th 1915
A French warship here - "King Henry V" they told us. Such quaint square funnels (2)
And a flat deck, only a few feet above the water. Very old style, the Major says.
Aeroplane's report says over 200 new graves and many camel, oxen, mules etc,
dead on desert, some mules out.
The last of the wounded and sick, they could not be taken on, poor things.
February 18th
Madam B'eret came in to see hospital etc. Showed them dressings etc. General
Lyndall Biscoe went out - says he is coming back to see us and wants one of the
snapshots where he is in the centre of our group.
Major and Mrs Clogston came in this afternoon - going to Port Said with 2 of the
"iron boats" that were taken from the Turks on the 3rd, to ship to England for the
Museum.
Nothing new today. Several people came in this afternoon. Mrs. Lyddon came kin to
tell me the N.Z. concert was fixed for Monday, 22nd.
February 19th
General and Mrs. Watson came in - the latter was down from Cairo - other General
bought her along to see me - very nice man - Commander Artillery here.
(Some little frocks for the Belgian children, Madam Be'ret sent along. I promised to
help her with. Will try and get some of these sisters to help me, as we have very little
to do just now in the wards.
February 20th
Lt. Mumford went back to regiment, Mr. Webster, Maj. Hogg took 4 sisters to the
picture "Crowded House". Everybody seems to go - never begin till 9/30 here,
consequently, you get home about 12.30am, though only 3 mins. walk - no other
amusement, so they make a night of it.
We have only 17 patients, so sisters are very free. 4 officers altogether (21). As all
worked very well indeed at the beginning, do not mind their being lighter now -
offered to give them 24 hrs. off, 2 at a time - so far no one will take it.
Had to buy an electric iron to do the clothes - cost me 15/-. Major Powell said he had
no funds to pay for it. Could not have pillow cases etc, rough dry on the beds.
February 21st
Sunday: Aeroplane flying about everywhere today - looks lovely in the blue sky - so
white and free and beautiful, sailing about. Everyday almost, they are flying about
here sometimes, too.
41
February 22nd 1915
Major and Mrs McNuim - Maj. Clements - Maj. Hogg - Dr. Webster - Mr. Kenny
Levcock and several others called, afternoon tea. Maj. Coullant, owner of house came
- went round - very nice old man - only speaks a few words of English. Pleased with
everything - is coming to afternoon tea with us on Thursday.
Went to N.Z. concert - very good - 3 officers took the girls. Mrs. McNimmis - Mrs.
Hubbard and their husbands sat with us also.
She was an actress in "The Belle of New York" has been pretty - young still, bought
her little daughter - spoiled child. Mrs. McNinnis helped nurse the Indian troops
when wounded...is not a nurse - has asked us to dinner, 5 on Friday and the rest in a
couple of days. Want me both days. I do not care for her, but suppose I'll have to go.
No fresh news, a great many troops left. General Lyndall Briscoe and Capt. Thomas
Rame, usual family party for afternoon tea.
More troops leaving this week - expect to go soon now.
February 23rd
Tuesday: No change - usual day.
February 24th
Usual day - Col. Robinson came late, had tea and told us he had just had news to
send us on to Cairo this week, closing hospital - does not know where we are to
go yet. General Babtie coming tomorrow.
February 25th
General came round 8.30am today - very pleased apparently - said he was, anyway -
awfully nice to me - jolly - spoke of Sth. Africa - told funny stories.
I told him I wanted to go where there was plenty of work - asked many questions
about work and hospital - went everywhere. Hope he is able to give me some
interesting work. I do hope, not back to Johnstone and Nellie - but feel there is
nowhere else to go.
February 25th
Mr. Coullant came again today to tea - is very nice old man. Delighted his house was
useful for sick soldiers. Mjr. McKenzie also came - 7 or 8 others - felt tired of some
of them. Thank goodness they went for walks after tea.
Packing up hospital things today - own luggage - must be at station by 1pm
tomorrow - we leave here by 9.43am train for Cairo. So far, Orders are for
Maadi, but think that must be a mistake for sisters.
42
February 25th 1915
Took Madam Be'ret her Belgian garments this evening. Everybody called today and
this evening, afternoon tea. Monsieur Coullant - Maj. McKenzie - Maj. Murray
coming to take family group tomorrow.
5 letters and the A.T.N.A. journal today.
February 26th
Great excitement over our going away - everybody coming to see us and telling us
how sorry they are that we are leaving Ismailia. Madam Be'ret came 10am. - very
grieved at us going so soon - says that when I return to Australia, to be sure and let
her know - she wants to come down to Port Said to see me.
Major Graham - Major Clements also came in - packing up gradually - all ready to
leave tomorrow.
Farewell tea party this afternoon - all seemed to be happy, although family so large.
Enamel mugs were in great demand.
Col. and officers of 5th Gurkh'as - Maj. Cosby - Reg. Major Nightingale, very nice
men - about the nicest men we have met for some time. About 20 altogether - had to
ask Major Powell, as we were going to be photographed on the last day - though he
didn't deserve it.
February 26th
Sisters took tea in the front garden today - had a group taken in the garden after. Hope
it turns out well - they have promised to send us 3 each and 1 large one - hope we get
them before we leave Egypt.
February 27th
Patients all put on train - luggage etc. to leave 9/43am. Several of the people we knew
down to see us off. We felt that we had been very helpful and popular. They were all
so ready to tell us so. - Left 10am. - I was really very sorry to leave Ismailia - the
Col. said we had made a great name for ourselves in Ismailia.
Also in a letter he gave the Major this morning, that he hoped he would let the Matron
know how much they appreciated her work, which was awfully nice.
Surgeon General Babtie also said that he knew there was a woman about the minute
he looked at the wards. We were all flatted when the Maj. Told me this.
One great blessing is that every man connected with the hospital in Ismailia was
satisfied with my work and management and we all worked together peacefully.
They were far and away miles before the Sth. African men M.O.'s to whom we were
attached at No.1 Stationary.
Mena, Egypt. c.1915.
Sister Mary A. (Bessie) Pocock, Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS), with
a camel handler and his camel in front of the sphinx and pyramids. Her nurses
coat is draped over the camel's saddle.
Bessie was fascinated by the Sphinx and loved to visit "her"
Photo - www.awm.gov.au P01840.010 - refer to original document
43
February 27th 1915
Cont:
I can always look back on this and feel it one of the happiest months of my life. I
know the sisters were happy also to be so near the battle ground - hear the firing
so plainly - shells falling within 150 yards of our hospital - going over where the
action was - seeing graves and everything after an engagement a few days
before.
Mr. McKenzie explaining all to us - picking up cartridges - shells etc - getting the
wounded men - and all this was a great experience and a great privilege.
We were the only sisters to be near the place of engagement and get the poor men so
soon after. I do wish I could work the whole campaign through with R.A.M.C. India
Service men, instead of the men we sometimes get from the Colonies.
Everybody seemed to work just the way I liked and to like my management. The
sisters all worked well and happily. I did no work of course, but was always about,
which is just as tiring.
February 27th
We arrived at Cairo at 2pm. - Mena about 3pm.
Orders were for us to go to Mardi? With the No. 1 staff, but they did not expect or
want us, so we came out here.
I am glad really, for we are going to move off I hear in a few days and would rather
not go away with the No. 1 A.S.H men if I can get any others I like better.
P.C. from Lil Elliott - no news - no address or what she is doing.
February 28th
Went to Pyramids on a camel - had photo taken (with guide) climbed nearly half
way up big Pyramid - too windy and dusty to be of any use going further.
Could not see, as clouds of sand prevented everything. The people say that this
month will be all the same.
Went inside big Pyramid, saw the coffin of King..? who was buried. I believe
3000BC. Great thick granite and deep. This box like thing that the body was placed
in, it lies in a large chamber, I should say about 20 feet high - a little wider and
longer.
All granite, huge blocks of stone, apparently all in one piece, for ceiling,
Granite walls covered with names of people who have visited it from time to time
- written in chalk - wished I had had a bit also to write mine - it is so very dry
there, that anything remains just as it was in the beginning - air shaft go down in a
few places to let fresh air in now.
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