Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 2 - Part 9

54
January 21^st 1916
Several here from Sydney that I know since I went away. Holle's friend and girls who
were trained with me.
Jan 22^nd 

Went to duty 6.45 am breakfast - not feeling well - bad chest, no voice and dreadful
cough - taking all care I can - would hate to get any chest trouble here - you get
pneumonia so soon.
36 officers (3 nurses - 1 special) not enough work. Brig. General Wallock recovering
from eneteric - has a "special" night and day.
I think of many, many of my poor men who never had a "special" night and day.
Then - the wards. There is not one single man seriously ill. 103o highest temperature.
Maj. Legge came in two days ago. Maj. Bath  amputated leg - nearly gangrene all
over. Done in November.
When I tried to write a report yesterday, the names in the book - half not spelled
properly. Nearly all patients were in Cairo - could not ask them their names, so
did the best and asked night nurse to count them when they came back. Men's ward
appears the same.
I don't grudge anyone their rest and feel they ought to have it but I do think they

should put them by themselves and the sick men only in wards.
Still feeling bad - rotten cough, asked for day off tomorrow, they get one here. Told I
could have it.
Jan 23^rd
Did not get up for breakfast - some bought to me. Suppose I'll have to drag down
tomorrow or go to Sick Nurses Room which I am not going to do.
Feel a bit better for sleep and getting warm - had small rigors all day yesterday in the
draughty hall and marble floor. Just escaped pneumonia, I firmly believe. Sister
Sorley brought some food a couple of times, also some dinner.
That fiend woman Gould came up and gave me such a scolding about eating in
my bedroom and getting food carried up. Bad example and she would have
everybody wanting it etc.
She said she would send me to The Sick Nurses Room. Told her I would not go. I was
not sick - I only wanted a couple of days in bed in the cold part of the morning and
afternoon, to get rid of the cold I'd got here. Told her they were not busy and did not
know what hard work was, which made Nellie FOAM. She has left me alone since.
Everyone here gives her a terrible name and I believe it.
They say it's the greatest fun. The Principle Matron rings up - "Tell Miss Gould the
Principal Matron wishes to speak to her" - she answers "The Acting Principal
Matron" - "I am the Principle Matron".

55

January 24^th 1916

My first day of leave.

Have 3 days off – at least I asked for 3 – sent note to Miss Cougers with S. Dickson

– Dickson on duty O.M's office.

I got 9 letters sent on from "Assaye" English plum pudding –  chocolates sent to

me –brought some Egyptian work, sent to Alice, Alice Pinkerton –Godfrey – Johnson

– Jones – Wearne – Alice Pocock –Ethel – Lil –Holden – Short and Johnson and 

children – kindergarten.

Jan 25th

2nd day of leave.

Stayed in bed till about 8/30am. Sister gave me a cup of tea and I had nothing till

11am except a good rest and was ready to tell Nellie to go to BLAZERS where the 

man told the Col.? to go.

Went into Cairo m.day – got some letters – Mr. Hoggs. Delighted to see him –

looks ill – had been of R. Station duty ever since last Feb. – going to Luxor for a

couple of weeks, then on to his regiment at Suez. Saw Ellis, attendant from

Gladesville – is on Hospital Train going for sick at Ismailia – also another atdt. at

Ismailia when I went on Thursday.

Met N. Calvert and Lowrey. They expect to go to England for duty.

Jan 26^th

3rd and last day of my leave I suppose.

Stayed in all day – bed most of the time, except when I had to go for some food. –

have had a frightful cold. For 8 years have not had one like it – better today, a little –

no news.

All sisters from hospital at Mudros still here –no orders for them – am going to as to

go on the Hospital Train tomorrow to Ismailia, for the sick.

A man, officer, told me today that when Kitchener came here, inspection, went to

the Canal.

All generals there, of course, everybody. He saw all they were doing – fortifications

etc – asked them questions, what they were doing? They said "Guarding the Canal

and so forth" He asked "Are you guarding the Canal or is the Canal guarding you?"

They said "We guard the Canal". Then he said "why are on this side, the Canal is

guarding you – get the hell 10 miles back and guard the Canal, not let it be in front,

guarding you.

They were all on the Egypt side of it, of course the enemy could come right up to

the other bank.

If he was here of in France the Germans would not get much.

56

January 27^th1916

Sent on train today for Ismailia, dull day, raining a little – left 7/15am arrived

11/30am. Brought about 108 sick – reached Cairo again about 6pm.

2 cerebal spinal menin. Cases, very sick poor fellows. Hope they get along well.A.

Maher from Sydney No 1377 Parramatta. S.J.Wood from New Zealand 5/745, but

relatives in England. No other serious cases – officer, Major Gibbs, S.WaBorder

Australian – very bad ear trouble. Painful but not serious.

Major Graham came up with us – I had forgotten him –very nice –was very good to

me on the Canal in February. He was much surprised to see I had forgotten him. Told

him I only asked to go down that I might see the Colonel, says he will tell all about

me, is in Suez today. His wife is in Cairo so he was snatching a night off to go and see

her, poor old chap. I.M.S. man

Would like to have seen Madame Biret, but could no let her know Gladesville Att.?

spoke to me, he says that there are two of them there, that Mr. Lewis has been made a

Major and old Eric a Colonel!!

Jan 28^th

Off duty today – train tomorrow, got up 8/30am, no breakfast, cup of tea sister made

me at 7am.

Went into town, try and get dress made – no hope, these people too busy making

fortunes.

Saw Mr. Webster – had long talk, so glad to one another – he has been to

Gallipoli, 8 months in trenches chiefly. Coming to tea on Sunday and going to bring

his Colonel he says.

Also saw Col. Rolt? Up from Telaviv for day, is very sick about things, some men

got everything etc. I told him he was like me – I got nothing and have been slaving

ever since I came out.

You want to be the favourite of some horrid man who has influence and you get all

you want – senior positions etc.

7 letters today –Mr. James ?, P&O, Cooks, Alice, Scob, card from old A. McDonald

– Tait – found case handkerchiefs at "Savoy Base" which should have gone to Cooks.

Jan 29^th

On duty, train to Ismailia – 74 patients only -Baird, Armidale boy, very bad throat,

diptheria?.

Buckingham, Tasmania, pneumonia 105.6o, very sick, sponged, feeling easier but

temp still up – morphine give, others not serious so far.

Major Graham came down with us.

2 men who had come over on the "Argylshire" came and spoke to me, both well.

57
29^th Jan 1916
When I came back some of the girls congratulated me on being made Matron of
Mena, Nellie had read it out at dinner time.
She has the R.R.C. wish I had it but I could not do any more than I have. No
matter what I did or did not get and I don't want to do my work for
SOMETHING, only I would love to have the R.R.C. that my friends would feel I
had done well.
When I asked Nell what work I had to do tomorrow, she said I would not be on duty. I
could pack up to go to Mena on Monday am, had been made Acting Matron there -
Here they are to be R.A.M.C. and British troops.
30^th Jan
Off duty today - went to garden in afternoon - bought some nice roses for sick sister
who was very kind to me when I had such a bad cold.
Saw Mr. Griffiths - hand very swollen, had it opened up again - gave him some roses
also.
Capt. Pym much more cheerful - eye seems better, also rheumatism.
Rumour Egyptian Reserve Army stoned Yen. Birdwood Light Horse called out -
armed. 400 Egyptians arrested. Australian Hospital moving from "Mena House"
equipment - wagons - escorted by armed soldiers. R.A.M.C taking over Mena
hospital.
Another story Egyption Army Camel Corps. struck. Went to the Sultan twice (food
and pay) Light Horse Armed called out. Some Egyptians killed - some wounded. No
further trouble so far, evidently.
Jan 31^st
Packed up again - very glad - left 10am, arrived Mena about 10/30am.
Left Shrizireh? For Mena hospital. Relieving Sister Davidson who has not been here

for some time. About 25 min. in motor car.
54 sisters left for Abbassia m.d. al No. 3 General Hospital returned from Lemnos -
had been put up here for few days waiting orders. Miss Davidson left 2pm.
I take charge - 20 sisters including 2 masseuse - Miss Lowe and Dillon.
76 patients - very little work - nearly all convalescent. All British - 4 officers.
Feb 1^st
8.30am. nothing new today, 14 men admitted - 2 officers, none very ill. Received 2
cases from Savoy Base - sisters fixed up dispensary very nicely - seems to be no
orderlies about here.

58
Feb 1^st 1916
My cold seems worse today - is a nuisance - not much work to do. Wrote to mother -
Lady Douglas. Lady Carnarvon, Major. Crossthwaite, Mr. Rigby, Fred, N. Paton,
Alice, Miss Oram, P&O Agents.
10 admissions - 1 enteric - Jackson, sent to Shonbrah? They do not keep sick men
here
Officer, Mr. Prince, 5^th Manchester, enteric?
Prepared another ward - 2 beds - made half myself.
Hospital to take 150 beds only, orders so far.
Cold seems pretty bade - bad pains head and neck. Went to my room, lying down all
afternoon, do wish it would get better - have not been ill since I've been out here. Do
not want to get ill now. Have not had such a miserable cold since I was in Newscastle 6
or 7 years ago.
Feb 3^rd
Staying bed today - not much to do.
Feb 4^th
Nothing happened today, a few came in, a few sick ones sent away - they do not keep
sick men here.
You hear funny stories about the Australian soldiers. They tell me today that one
colonel went round a couple of times and no notice was taken of him. At last he said
to a "Tommy" - "Do you know who I am? - I'm a Colonel" - "Well old chap, stick to
it, you have an easier job than mine". - He was polishing up his trim? they say.
Another time a man came round with an eyeglass in one eye - putting it on when he
looked at them and as usual it fell out, each one.
Next day when that man came, they all had their identification disc in their eye for
eyeglass - and same next day.
Then the man let his fall out, slung it into the air and caught it in his eye, properly.
(I've seen them do it) Then he said "Now you all do that too" - they said - "we can't"
and laughed "but you're a sport and you will do for us alright" - he said "and you'll
do for me boys" - they are not shy.
Nothing new today - no letters, no mails in they say. Cold still awfully bad, just going
round and doing as little work as I can - really nothing to do.
Posted letter to Major Crossthwaite about the Sister's expenses while in London in
November. He should have sent me on the paper to sign the morning after we left.
They should really have had it ready for me to sign before leaving the ship. I gave
them the particulars, both the Major and the Officer.

59
Feb 4^th 1916
The girls say the General Birdwood used to go round in his shirt sleeves and lots of
funny things were said.
Some of the Australian boys wanted to hear what he and a Turkish Officer were
saying or looking like when the latter came to ask for an Armistice.
So one boy went into the General's tent, pretended they did not know him from an
ordinary "Tommy" and said "I say old Cock, have you seen my Mess tin?" I wonder
if they ever said or did these cheeky things - good fun if they did.
Feb 5^th
Everything the same - feeling better - went in to get my dress fitted on - not feeling
too grand yet - came straight back and went to bed early.
Sent a cable home. Received handkerchiefs - sweets - sister Mitchell - splendid.
Hope mother well - love to everybody - ship finished - Matron Mena. They will get
it on Tuesday the man said.
Sister reported some man interfered with their shutters and looked through their
windows at them at night. The windows open onto the Desert. Can never be kept open
at night very well. Told the O.C. He at once said we would move them, so chose front
rooms above theirs - thought they would be warm and comfortable.
Masseuse Dillon and Lowe informed me most coolly they would not move - would
go to the O.C. Martin asked to be recalled etc. if they moved. Imagine all others being
left in unsuitable rooms to please them.
Captain Elliot really picked out best rooms in the house for them too. I just said all
must go tomorrow, I cannot divide such a small staff, so went in and explained to
Matron in Chief they have been doing nothing for more than 6 or 7 days. The
impudence of some of these people - only out here about 2 months, if that much.
Feb 6^th
Splendid sunshine day again - all as usual - gave some of the handkerchiefs to these
patients. They will write to some of the children, which will be very nice.
Sister Dickson came out this afternoon.
Told sisters they will be moved away from this side of house, opening on to sand.
Feb 7^th
Staff Nurses Baillie and Bows say they have not been well for weeks. O.C. told them
to stay in bed.
Told others they must pick their rooms and let me know where they want to sleep in
new wing.
Miss Dillon - Masseuse only been here in Egypt for about 2 months or less, said she
was not nervous - would not move from where she was.

60
Feb 7^th 1916
Then a couple more said they would rather keep their windows locked, than move.
Patients who were in the rooms had T.B. Thought I would have some trouble so told
the O.C. I would go and see the Matron in Chief. She told me to do just what we had
decided to do, all must be together, so I was satisfied.
Sister Shearer told me later that they thought T.B. was in the rooms. I said I did not
mind where they were, so long as they were upstairs and did not think the O.C. did -
for her to go and look at both wings. They all did and consequently chose the one we
did.
They have not enough to do - do not know the want of a clean comfortable bed and
room all made ready for them. Anyway M in Chief rang up during afternoon to say
send Misses Dillon & Lowe to station tomorrow 8am. Catch ship - transport duty -
Australia. Plenty massage to be done on the way. I would not like to be sent back
when only 2 months away. She said in the morning that if I moved her she would go
to Col. Martin to be recalled to Matron in Chief. Must have felt small when neither
were needed.
These people should never come out here, never worked since I took charge 31st -
till yesterday.
Feb 8^th
Masseuse Dillon and Lowe to go home. Sent to train 10am to catch transport to
Australia. On duty going out which Miss Dillon informs me she can't do, as she is
such a bad sailor.
These women should never be allowed out here. They will not work or help - always
wanting to be off duty seeing MEN AND PLACES. Really, there are so many of
them who spoil the other good girls and have rules and regulations made that would
never be needed by hundreds of good hardworking, nice women. They should all be
weeded out.
They come for and try to get - do get, for they take it. Cooks all round Tours with no
duty. MEN, pleasure and every amusement going and the government paying them
all the time for doing it.
I hope these two never get out here again to do the same.
I can never understand how women of this sort get so many men to foo their time
away with them. They have scores of men friends they tell you.
Feb 10^th
Staff nurses Baillie and Bows left for Abouket, Alexandria. Both very frail looking
and delicate.
Captain Elliot thinks both should go home.

61
Feb 11^th 1916
Got 3 letters posted over a year ago, one from Lil. Went into Cairo - got my dress
fitted - left coat to be altered - to cost 10/-.
Trains blocked, one ran off the line, took 2 hours to come out.
Feb 12^th
Nothing special today - several admissions - 2 men pretty sick - chest trouble.
4 letters from home, 2 Alice, 1 Lil, 1 Claude - glad all well.
Mother better - wrote a very good letter - again able to use her hand.
Feb 13^th
Nothing special - full no. patients - only 3 very sick ones, Baker, pneumonia - very
ill yet. Burus - pneumonia, very ill also.
Church 4.30pm not such nice service as other Padre Services I've been to. Must tell
the Padre. Men like the others better too, afraid he is very high Church and I hate that.
Feb 14^th
Nothing new - no changes. O.C. in room all day - has a weak heart - going home
later on.
Major Roberts asked me to have dinner as he had 3 or 4 ladies coming out.
Mr. Olding and Capt. Callaghan came out to see me - the former just returned from
England - was ill. The latter had been in hospital at Cairo - not very ill.
Feb 15^th
Several men left today - train, to join ship to England.
Lady Douglas rang me up from Alex. Asking had we any 42^nd men to send her - had
15 empty beds. Tried to get the O.C. to send some last week.
Feb 16^th
Went into Cairo - dress does not fit well - too short - left it to be altered. Girl said she
would send it out tomorrow.
Report:
Captain Elliot says that any day we may leave here. All English staff to be taking
over. He is to go to Luxor for a rest.
Saw French teacher, cannot come out to Mena - takes too much time - 6 sisters want
to go too - first lesson on Saturday.

62
Feb 17^th 1916
Everything the same - no news. Cold much better - feel better altogether. Sisters
Williams and Hubbard called to see me. Stayed to dinner - went around the Pyramids
- glorious moonlight - they caught a train
A parcel from Red Cross arrived.
1 lb corn flour
1 ¼ lbs cocoa
1 bag containing soap - toothbrush - plaster - needles
4 safety pins - 1 pin cushion and cotton
2 knickers - 1 mittens
1 writing pad - envelopes - pencil
1 fan
From Miss short - Holden - Johnson
6 linen handkerchiefs
12 coloured  "
1 roll writing paper - envelopes - complete
3 cakes soap
5 pairs socks
1 bag containing oddments - needles etc.
Feb 18^th
Sent Sister Pullar to No. 1 General to see Colonel Bardsley (to be examined) had had
bad cough for a long time.
Sister Ennis came about 5. Had her brother - stayed to dinner. Just returned from
England - came back by hospital ship "Dongola". Looks awfully well - away from
Miss Gould's unit now, going to Heliopolis tomorrow - asked for transport to
Australia. Will take my box for me she says. Nellie treated her just as she always
treated me. She is very upset about it.
I want to write to England for a song by Kipling "Follow Me Home"
Written to Lady Elliott to send it to me.
Feeling much better, cold nearly well, taking the greatest care trying to get quite rid of
it before any hard work or change comes along.
Seems so strange to be having such a quiet time after all the rush, anxiety and work
while at Gallipoli, although we generally had a rest going up.
When I think of all we have seen there - watched the men marching the hill into
action in August - heard rifle firing when they got out of sight. All the hundreds of
shells fired by both sides, shaking even the ship out in the stream. All the fascinating
horror of it all.
I can hardly realise it myself as anything but a dream sometimes - a unique privilege
to have seen it all so close.

63
Feb 19^th 1916
6 men left for Alex. Lady Douglas Convalescent Home 42^nd, sent her 27
handkerchiefs for men. Asked her to get them to send kiddies a postcard of Egypt.
Sisters Dickson, Cawood and Wakeford came out - had afternoon tea and dinner - no
news except that they are sending out many patients from Shezerih. The drainage
system is all wrong - say they might be leaving it.
Went in for one lesson today, French - to have 8 in month. Paid 1 pound for four the
other 1 pound to be paid after. Sister Shearer - Hall - Leinham and myself.
Feb 20^th
Capt. Elliott - Major Roberts had afternoon tea - the former going to Church. Nurse
Godfrey's two brothers came also - bad afternoon tea.
The secretary Australian Red Cross came to say goodbye. Found I was the wrong
Matron - he knew the former one. Was glad to see him, told him I had had only a few
things once from them. He explained very nicely about the things.
I still say that Red Cross goods should be for any soldier, no matter what he is - they
all to the same work.
Mr. Eyres two friends came to dinner. We all went for a walk to Pyramids Temple.
Then 4 of us went inside big Pyramid. Major did not go without me. I had been
before, was not worth it again.
Went into another place, had to crawl through.
Here is a Sarcophagus, the man was taken out long ago. I do not know how they got
him in the small space. Great marble or granite slab on top of the body or coffin
rather. Walls and roof of slid large blocks of stone about 15 feet long and 4 1/2 feet
high.
Feb 21^st
Had a bad night - vomiting etc - never slept one minute all night - had dose castor oil
5.30am.
In bed all day.
Feb 22^nd
Better today - got up about 10am. - feeling alright but weak a bit.
Major Roberts wants me to go and have my dinner with them, he has 2 ladies coming
and Major Halsey who will give me a horse for Sahara. They went for a ride, Miss
Holmes and Mr Eyre.
I went to the Pyramids. I could not go - had to wait till they all came back of course -
very nice though. They left about 10/40pm.
Miss Knox will lend me her saddle