Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 1 - Part 4
18
December 28th 1914
Went on again, N0. 2 - medical –chiefly pneumonia – going to remain there for a
while – note from Percy, written 24th – nothing special today – dressmaker came
about my aprons and dress, 3/- each to make aprons – 12/- dress.
December 29th
Went into Cairo – bought some more grey for dress – aprons – white calico for aprons
– sent to Mrs. Campbell, dressmaker.
Mr. Oldong – Mr. Newmarch met me – made me go back to Continental Hotel for aft.
tea - then came home in the car with them – about 50 miles an hour – lovely drive.
Mr. Green came along to see me at 8 – looks thin though he says he is well.
Went with Sr. Marshall, Dr. Kay and Dr. Hassell to Sphinx by moonlight –
glorious sight. The Sphinx looks as though he knew so much, probably does after
all these centuries. The shadow on it is weird – they say the feet have all been
covered with sand – as light as day tonight and you can see for miles – sand and hills
look so soft in the light.
The great Pyramids towering far above everything. The dark and dismal well places
and Temples look wonderfully strange – it seems wonderful to be here in this spot
and see these sights – so old – makes one wonder what sort of people lived in the old
days to do the work etc. and have the idea of burying themselves so far down and so
carefully covered up.
After all these to find that another face is gazing upon them and
turning them out of their resting places – they must want to get up and fly at
them, I should think.
December 30th
On all day today – alone – several pneumonia. Morton, who came in last evening –
very ill. Bad turn about 5pm, collapsed. Major Millard came when I sent for M.
Officer – order hypo-morphine – seemed easier after having it – still very ill.
Several of his friends and officers came to see him, who knows him and can write and
tell his people – afraid he cannot do much good.
Capt. Strachan came along – very sorry I was on duty alone, so could not take him
along for aft. tea – will have to wait for another aft. – have promised to go along
tomorrow and have tea with them.
Nothing new here – Sr. Johnson of duty for days sick. Sr. Lempriere also off
since Monday last – Srs. Ramsay and McNab also been off.
Do hope I keep well and do not have to go off duty or a minute, all the time I am
on Active Service. The year is nearly over now and I wonder where I shall spend
next – very satisfied here - but hope to go to the Front soon
19
December 31st 1914
Several bad pneumonias – still doing duty here – ½ ward, like it very much – very old
fussy woman from Adelaide in charge (Graham) - twice as old and fussy as
myself – if that could be possible.
A very nice boy – good by I'm sure – only 21 – Sgt. Morton – Light Horse (451 C.
Squadron) 29th afternoon – very ill when I went on 30th – died 4.20am New Years
Day – was so good and patient – we were all so sorry to see him die but we could not
save him – he left it too long. I gave him a little bunch of violets and sister put them in
his hand after he died – I sent a few flowers that Sr. Marshall gave me and they were
put on his coffin with the Union Jack. The Officer of his Unit is going to write to the
boy's mother, he told me. They live in Victoria.
January 1st 1915
New Years Day:
No Church last night – nothing to do after duty, so went to bed and not say
farewell to the old and welcome the New Year and make myself fresh promises –
anyway, did see both, for the soldiers were making such a noise going home. Band
playing in the distance and singing Auld Lang Syne etc. and "We Won't Get Home
Till The Morning". They woke me up – I was glad - woke the whole house I
expect.
January 2nd
Same duty - several new cases of pneumonia – some very ill – I can't think what
would have happened to our men had they gone to England in the winter, when this
place plays up with them so.
Dressmaker came and fitted me with 2 dresses – others getting shabby already – 6
aprons, very good fitting, 12/- each for dresses – 3/- for aprons
January 3rd
Sunday: Off this afternoon - went into the Zoo, 4 of us – went all around – had tea
with Mrs Bonhote, whose husband is sort of head caretaker – I went home in the train.
Marshall and I walked back, 6½ or 7 miles, 5/30 to 7/15, such glorious evening and
enjoyed the walk very much – not a bit tired – dinner 8pm – hot bath and off to bed.
Feeling so awfully well, I'm glad to say.
January 4th
No change, pneumonia stationary – some 105d others 104d – all seem to be doing
alright though feeling very ill.
Capt. McCauliffe round very often – still the same pleasant, pleased to say, person.
20
January 5th 1915
Nothing new – Johnson asked me to go into Cairo and show her round this afternoon
– did not want to go much, but went – took a car with 4 others, 2/- each (10 Piastras)
Lovely ride in –had tea at the Hotel (Shepherds)
Did some shopping – returned about 7pm.
Letter from home dated 1st December – Capt. Buchannan called for a few minutes –
Capt. Callaghan and one orderly. I was out when the latter called.
Miss Gould paid me to today, I got 9 Pounds but I have plenty of money for months,
thanks for taking a good sum along.
January 6th
Everything much the same – 110 patients in hospital today. Very windy and dusty for
the first time today.
Matron leaving for Alexandria Saturday – very sorry she is going – hope the other
two behave better than they did last war, for I suppose I must remain attached to
the for good now, unless we are split up to go to different stations – less if the
Turks give any trouble – if so we may not get to France.
Anyway, if I see Active Service anywhere, I don't mind but would love to go on to
France and Germany.
January 7th
General Ford, the man who is the head of the Medical Division in Egypt came
round today – when he came to my ward – looked all round – spoke to some of
the men, then caught sight of my ribbons – he ha'ed and hummed, then said
"Oh, you're an -oh" then stopped suddenly. I laughed and said "Oh yes, General
, I am an old warrior" such apologies and talk. All his staff staring at me – A
sister to dare to say to General "Oh yes General, please go on, a really old
warrior"
January 8th
Aeroplane with Frenchmen and 1 Britisher went up at Suez, located the Turks
yesterday, the say.
Wrecked ?the lay out all night but searchlights of "Minerva" found them.
Do not know whether this is true or the usual rumor . They all seem to think that the
Turks are ready for action on the Canal.
Just rumored "that Bean" the S.M.H. Correspondent has wired to N.S.W.
"Action with the Turks, imminent". You will see that before us though.
21
January 9th 1915
Day off today – wrote letters, stayed in bed – no one to go anywhere special with, so
rested – wrote home – S. Horts – N. Godfrey.
January 10th
Sunday: On duty all day – very busy day alone – 2 orderlies, 29 patients in ward,
several new bad pneumonia – others improving.
January 12th
Nothing new – went into Cairo with Sr. Newprior – went to Museum for an hour –
most historical Mummies – statues – jewels and all sorts of things.
A Chariot of King Pharaoh's - the body of his father in law and mother in law – the
faces nearly black but skin, hair, fingers, nails, teeth and body wrappings, quite
perfect – King Tuiya.
Most lovely costly jewels, beads, all kinds of ornaments that were buried with these
kings – Queens etc. Taken off Mummies and shown in large glass cases.
Crowns, things a good deal the same as now – all watched by 3 0r 4 men (same as
The Tower of London jewels, a bit).
A Guide will tell you all the history of these but one cannot remember all these things
- it is such a pity to forget it.
January 12th
Went to Kodak shop – bought a camera – hope to be able to get some photos 2
Pounds 15/-. Had tea at Hotel Continental – wrote several home letters.
January 14th Went to Cairo – paid remainder owing on camera.
January 15th
About 60 sisters arrived from Hospital Ship for day –Scobie – Nellie – Hell –
Llewellyn and many others.
January 16th
Nothing new – went into Cairo – bought the Maltese collars I promised the A.M.C.
Orderlies on board ship.
January 17th
On all day again – Matron short of sisters she says.
Letters from Lil and Alice – Sr. Mitchell – N. Robertson – no news of any importance
– in fact we never have any reliable news and the papers here are just so much waste
paper really.
22
January 18th 1915
Letters from Lil and Alice – all well – am satisfied about them now.
17 men to mind now for some days – no extra nurse, night nurse makes 6 0r 7 beds
for me to manage quite well. Got all the balcony myself now – have managed to get
out the one patient N. Graham had there – don't mean to let her have another, if
possible – hope she is moved and not return – Supposed to be the Supertdt. Of South
Australia – like 2 tabbies, rolled into one – sick to death of telling me that she
has too much work to do and does not approve of me, because I work too much.
Thinks we should not do it here etc.
I do it because I love to feel that I've made some poor devil more comfortable than he
would have been had I left him to the orderlies to look after.
I do 17 men and she has only 12 beds to do and another nursing sister with her
always.
I am glad to say, neither trained in N.S.W. — The other relieves me when I am off
every other afternoon – My men told sister that they were the great unwashed when I
was not on duty – they never got fixed up at night – sponged or anything – temps. 104
and over too – one rel. sister asked these two tabbies what cases I sponged etc. when
she was sent in – they sad "Oh, Sister Bessie does the whole darn lot herself" –
this girl said "Does no one help her? And two of you here for 12"
January 19th
Luggage of about 100 sisters arrived today – they come tomorrow I believe, which
will make some changes here – No.1 and No. 2 Hospital are going to get into their
proper places now – everybody.
We are No. 2 and remain here, they say. Everything very quiet – the usual daily
march – Infantry – Artillery etc out for their days march – miles in length. They
look lovely and must make a great impression on the people here, surely.
Rumours daily about. Some say they are going to Suez. Others to Africa and other
places.
Letters today from Holly – Nurse Johnson. 20 sisters all arrived – Scob – Tait from
Parramatta. N. Hill from Lister and many others – about 84 I think. Do not know what
they will find to do here unless the Turks come along.
The professor at the Excavations today told me that they were being led by 3000
German Officers –so perhaps they may mean a fight – if so we will have heaps of
wounded men no doubt.
Wish they would attack and be done with it, for the men seem to think that they
will be easily beaten.
January 21st
Nothing fresh – still in the ward – Matron wanted to take me out to organize canvas
tent hospital but I told her I would be sorry to leave my men who are so sick, so says
she will not take me. Nurse Chisholm came to my ward with 1 other girl, so will not
have so much to do.
23
January 22nd 1915
Called on Mrs. De Reisner whose husband is a Professor at the Excavations here at
Mena. A German Dr. really with the most awful twang I've heard – very kind though
and going to show me over the place where they digging up all these treasures.
Hope it is interesting and that I get some sort of curio.
Case of smallpox upstairs where I had measles. Patient and 2 sisters in isolation.
A wonder they did not put them under canvas. The Hotel will have to be much
disinfected before tourists.
5 admissions today – on all day – 4 sisters in am and 3 in afternoon.
1 special party with patients McKay, who is seriously ill. 37 patients tonight –several
dangerously – in a small ward we have 4 mental patients – don't know what stage or
why they are here. 1, supposed epileptic fits I think.
January 23rd
Went into Cairo with Miss....? German governess of Dr. Reisner's child – walked to
some native shops in the poor quarters – many soldiers – officers all about too but not
nervous.
Through such a rabble and dark alley etc, you never know what you were going to
see. Men sitting on some sort of platform sewing clothes – embroidery etc. Looked
half blind bending over their work –poor things - Lots of curios, but too dear to waste
money – bought two caps for the boys – Fez, they call them – red cap with black
tassel, the natives wear here.
January 24th
Sunday: Went over Excavations with Professor Reisner. Dr. and Mrs. Sinclair
came – took Sr. Richmond – had a most interesting afternoon. The wonderful carving
on the wall of Vaults – the man or woman cut out of the stone wall, the sons and
daughters.
His slaves, carrying food. Figures and Hieroglyphics telling how many estates etc. he
had. The skeletons of some – dried bones looking just as if they had been there a short
time – the position these people seemed to be buried in facing the east and the Nile –
apparently lying on left side – knees just touching chin position – so the skeleton
remains today – the bones lie just so.
It is very strange looking down into this dark hole with the dried bones snuggled
in that position and all sorts of strangers looking on.
All these places the same – the figures on the walls cut out of the stone – lime and
sandstone the professor told us. Little holes where they could watch the body or spirit.
They believed that they should feed the spirit of the dead, so bought food and wine –
(The Dr. says beer) – bread etc. –dishes and cups made for these, so the Priests get
smaller ones made –the tiniest things – put these in with a couple of teaspoons of
wine – they kept all the rest.
We got a cup and a little plate – pottery, just as it was dug out –some that had
been damaged – I also got a big one – he can read it – it's very wonderful.
24
January 24th 1915
Cont: These things date back to 2800 BC – imagine it? Everything most interesting –
they all enjoyed themselves very much – I loved it and the Dr. was very good
explaining – he knows so much. They leave on Wednesday for Sudan – more works
there.
Went up to see the Sphinx by the beautiful moonlight – glorious moon – but not
right light on the face. It is a most mysterious face and it makes me feel that I
want to go and see it every day to ask it some of it's thoughts, for it looks just as
though it were gazing on the whole world and knew quite what the whole world
was thinking of.
Tent hospital (22) opened today – supposed to be for convalescents – Scob. there –
several others – she says there are some very sick men there – wish they would send
them up. I sent them 10 out of my 39 men who were getting strong slowly – hope they
will be alright.
Matron busy – changes on the board – Sr. Austin – Matron – old Graham sent to
Heliopolis – Sr. Knowles also who came over with the 2nd here – do not know
whether she is going off duty.
Hospital Ship supposed to be going back on Wed: Several sisters they say they say.
They are asking for volunteers to return – that there is not enough work to do for all
here – some say they do not like it.
Can't imagine such people really.
All will be anxious to know who if going for fear they have to go.
Men think they may have to go to Ismailia this coming week to the Canal – 1st of
everything – do not suppose they will send any of us if there is fighting – I hope
they would send me.
January 26th
Capt. Springthorpe still worrying me about his old charts – thinks more of them than
just ordering his treatment and then clearing out of the ward himself and letting me
get it done and the patient made comfortable.
I leave him now and also answer him back or only give him one of my black
looks and do not answer him at all when he is more silly than before and I don't
know which hurts him most. I don't seem to be able to make him feel he is a nuisance
- everybody else knows he is, pts .and all.
No one wants to know why they get sick or which organs may or should become
involved – so long as he helps to cure them.
Just told Major Millard that he will probably drive me to drink etc. he only
laughs – Capt. Clayton also.
Capt. Matheson gone – awfully sorry – such a nice man to work with – a new lot
taking over, Drs. Nash, Sydney – Capt. Clayton – S.M.O. and others – very, very
sorry to lose him – also Major Millard – just told him that my heart is broken once
more – it makes such a difference when you have good men to work with.
25
January 26th 1915
9pm. the Major came along –wanted Matron Grierson particularly – she got up and
came to him – Miss Gould was speaking to him at the time about 10pm.
Miss Grierson came to my room – great excitement – get ready – pack up – you
are leaving here tomorrow for Ismailia great shock – great happiness – going in
charge – making hospital – no sisters there – 10 going – Sisters Marshall – Dickson –
Gordon – King – Radclife – McNab – Green – Robertson – Hancock – last 4, Dr.
Birds Sisters from Melbourne – not Army.
Packed up – bed 2am.
Great anxious time – Matron arranged all with Major Millard and S.M.O.fficer. Miss
Gould said she would not allow her staff to go because she had not been consulted
etc. So I was worried for fear that she would keep me back – anyway it all came right.
At breakfast she read out our names and said Sister Pocock in Charge – she
could not help it. She has been fighting terribly with Matron – treating her much
as she treated me in South Africa. Has not bee agreeing for a few weeks –says she is
Principle Matron and the other the Imperial, was put there before her.
I like Matron Grierson very much and as she was leaving, I was doubly glad to get
away from Miss Gould and that dreadful Johnstone. I like her less than ever.
Such luck I never had in my life – I'm happy as a Queen – getting away.
Poor Matron came to my room several times up to 2am. to tell me her troubles and
what Miss Gould said to her, after all her work and was going into her room to tell her
what she thought of her actions etc. but I advised her to wait till morning and before
she left to give her Ladyship a piece of her mind and ignore Johnstone altogether.
Everybody will be awfully sorry and miss her very much.
Thank heaven I shall be away from them and I hope and pray I may be on my own for
the rest of the Campaign The girls I have with me, I like and are all good workers and
nice girls. 2 are Major Millards' staff nurses from the coast – 2 are Tasmanian and 4
Melbourne – Marshall and myself.
January 27th
Saw the Major this morning – said good bye – he told me I should always believe in
prayer after this – for I was praying for a change at 8/30pm. He bought the news along
at 9pm - with all his quiet teasing ways – I think he feels that I work hard and try to
do my best for everybody and certainly for my patients.
Said good bye to all my sick and spoiled ones – all of whom say they are terribly
sorry –a couple of the very sick ones feebly telling me how they would miss me and
good luck. Think they will all live though –I hope so –anyway I should not be there to
lose them.
Sorry to leave dear old Scob and a few of the girls. Two or three came after me and
asked me to try and send for them.
STATIONARY HOSPITAL No 2 General Mena 28/1/15
THEATRE
4 hypo syringes 1 box catheters
1 record " 11 bottles carbolic acid
6 reels Pagenstecher 3 tins carbolic soap
1 box assorted catgut (unprepared) 2 tins meth spirit
3 boxes catgut (cylinder in each) 2½ lbs Tinct.Iodine
3 Aseptic cylinders 4 yds rubber tubing
3 nail brushes 6 rough towels
18 pairs rubber gloves in loose packets 2 small coloured towels
6 pairs rubber gloves in boxes 5½-7½
6 cotton gloves (pairs) 9 soft white towels
4 bottles Chloroform 2 Pkts double Cyanide
Gauze
8 " Ether
1 closed Ether Inhaler
1 box of silk, horsehair &
Silkworm Catgut
5 drop bottles 3 tubes Morphia
3 masks 2 tubes Altopine
1 mouth gag 2 tubes Strychnine
1 tongue forceps 5 pkts absorbent wool
1 box local Anaesthetic 2 hair clippers
1 tin tabs for ligature 6 Scalpels
1 tin Mercuricome—iodine 3 Razors
20 needles 4 pairs scissors
1 bath thermometer 1 needle holder
6 tube pants 1 Com ? catcher
3 reels silver wire 1 Howard clamp
19 forceps 1 set Trocar & Cavilla
6 dissecting forceps 1 amputating knife
2 tooth forceps 1 Tracheotomy tube
1 pair long forceps (tooth) 2 flexible probes
1 saw
6 silver catheters
Footnote: Some of these items Bessie's handwriting was difficult to
decipher.
STATIONARY HOSPITAL No 2 General, Mena 28/1/15 Page 1
RECEIVED FROM S.V.P.
191 bedsteads - 8 taken upstairs
79 mattresses
66 bolsters
72 pillows
134 blankets – 65 soft flannelette
6 tables (enamel)
52 lockers
7 spittoons
10 sheets plus 72
20 sheets unbleached
12 pillow slips
419 towels
4 bath towels
13 hooded gowns
65 dark blue aprons
7 white gowns
68 Dr's aprons small
21 nurses aprons
12 cotton caps
66 woolen caps
98 cotton pants
104 cotton shirts
3 bath gowns
1 table cloth
72 table napkins
2 bags
2 belts
2 ½ dozen lengths Butter Muslin 3 lengths short Holland
2 yds unbleached Muslin 1 length towelling
10 pieces material short length 1 small piece Linen
5 pieces material coloured 2 yards Muslin
15 lengths Calico (20 yds)
3 short lengths
6 lengths Holland
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