Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 4 - Part 12
100
September 20th 1919
Saturday: Took Sr. Calvert to Dr. and Miss Sinclair's to tea – then we all went to the
Welcome Home for the Returned Soldiers. Very nice evening – concert and dancing
later. Dr. and his sister came home in car with us down to Lawson. He also sent the
car for us.
The man got the large bunch of daffodils from Mr. Pitts' garden for me. They were
given to me on the station on Sunday night as I got into train for Sydney, lovely
things, the Sinclairs were so good and very kind, poor fellow, he looks ill, had a
break-up at the front – lungs very bad. They are both awfully good, had a nice time
with them.
The boy took my luggage and self to train in the evening, could not wait till train
came in – no porter – not a soul to help - had 4 things and the flowers made 5.
No brute of a man offered to help carry any little thing. However I dragged
everything all along the platform – crowded train, to where I saw a guard who told me
train was full up and bundled me into 2nd class car. There was room, certainly – but no
light – glass broken. So we rattled off to Sydney in the darkness. Nice people in the
carriage, though you could not see one another, except flying past a station
Changed at Strathfield – got a porter to send on the flowers to Mrs. Dick, which she
got safely and fresh so I hear from Margaret.
September 22nd
Monday: Went to Randwick – could do nothing, only to give me till Thursday and
wait for my M.O.'s day to come round.
Went to Barracks, got our 20 Pounds for expenses.
September 25th
Thursday: Saw Dr. Brearly at Randwick 8.45am. given me another three weeks
treatment - go daily, or operation – drain duct through nose –I said NO, I would not
have him operate on me. Will just go this week and then get 2 weeks – go up to see
Fred.
September 26th
Been buying some silk etc, doing a little sewing. Went to see Chriss and the children,
very nice kiddies – but tired from journey – will get them some dresses or something
– also give Chriss something – gave her 5 Pounds.
October 8th
Wednesday: Got 2 weeks more leave after going to M.O. at Randwick to report –
asked for my board at end of time.
Have been going to Dr. Brearly several times – not done me much good – nothing
special doing – very quiet at Cavill House, sewing – seeing Chriss and the children
several times a week.
101
October 8th 1919
Left this morning by 8.20am for Milton to see Fred. Arrived at Nowra about 12.30pm
– car meets train and arrived Milton about 4/30 or 5pm – very pretty drive – dry and
windy – found Fred grown very much – good position – sorry he did not get to
England or Egypt instead of having to return when half way there. The boys
must all have been terribly disappointed – wish he could get some way of travelling before
he settles down. I'll see old Eric (Sinclair) he may be able to do something for him,
though I'm afraid it is too late.
Thursday Night: We went round to see Sgt. Calman's place – nice evening.
October 10th
Friday: Diggers dance- really very nice -returned boy made speech –I was
included. These speeches, I don't like much, it makes you feel that you have not done
anything to merit it.
October 11th
Saturday: Hot day, did not go out until evening, then spent evening at school teacher
Redferns – very nice kind people.
October 12th
Sunday: Fred got a car and a couple of his returned friends – we went for a long drive
and a beach. The boys, all but one, went for a swim and they seemed to be very
happy.
I enjoyed talking to the returned boy, other driver, very much
Got back about 6pm – did not go to Church today.
October 13th
Monday: Nice day after the heat of yesterday afternoon, though very cool at night.
October 14th
Raining since last night – lovely and fresh.
I leave here about 9/30am by car, train from Nowra, reaching Sydney they say about
6pm. Board due on the 16th at 9am Randwick.
Fred has asked for 3 days leave from Thursday – hope he gets it – will meet him in
Sydney.
Letter from Randwick asking for donation to give Miss Ennis a present at the
A.T.N.A. Welcome Home to Returned Sisters.
October 15th
Arrived safely in Sydney about 6.45pm – very nice journey al the way. Got to Cavill
House about 7/30 – some letters.
102
October 16th 1919
Thursday: Up about 6am. Saw Dr. Brearly and got my board. Saw Col. Hood and
O.C., papers signed. Went to Pay Sgt. Who kept my Pay Book and said they would
need it for six weeks. Saw everyone connected with one's papers – numerous – all
very kind today, really.
Filled in form for Pension – say I am medically unfit for further service. I'm as
fit as ever, was only my eye. However, the people tell me I'll get a Pension on the
strength of it.
Went to see Chriss and the children - dear little kiddies and so good now, poor mites.
October 17th
Went to see Col. S. – tell him about leave and when I can go to Gladesville, after I get
this 14 days, I get 5 weeks from the Mental Dept. and go home. Will send all my
luggage out to the cottage before I go home.
Everybody very good to me at the Buffet where I had to go at 10/30m to report. Gave
me a pass to Newcastle – say I can get another to Junee. Think I'll go.
Will go to Maitland tomorrow if no wire from Fred, wish he could get down about
30th.
Go to Scobies first, then Dicks, will only have about a day for each.
Fred rang up when all ready to go to Maitland. Is down for 4 days. Met him at railway
station about 10am. – out all day.
October 19th
Sunday: We went down to thew Zoo in the afternoon – nice day – saw Mary Scobie
and the Roberts family and Lindsays – had tea with them at their picnic.
Very nice to meet Mary – St Stephens Church in evening and some tea at station,
then home.
October 20th
Monday: Met Fred early – saw me off to Maitland by train, arrived about 9pm. Mike
met me. Fred left by 5pm train for Milton.
October 23rd
Thursday: Went to Newcastle to Mrs Dick – Garden Party at the Bishops in
afternoon – tea on beach at night.
103
October 24th 1919
Friday: Left for Sydney 9am. Jean coming also on way to Camden. Went out to see
the children at Dulwich Hill – Chriss not gone home. No train on Saturday, so must
go to Junee tonight – tired but very nice time anyway.
October 25th
Saturday: Arrived at Junee 8.30am – had some tea and lay down. Went down town in
evening – met some people.
October 26th
Sunday: Major McKenzie came up this A.M. interesting to talk over Gallipoli etc –
Church tonight.
October 27th
Monday: Message and invitation to Welcome Home tonight – very nice to me.
Presented men with Medals and me, bunch of sweet peas. In afternoon asked to the
C.P.S. House meeting of Red Cross Ladies – Mayoress etc.
Back to dinner at station and train 6.50pm. for Sydney. Very nice time all through.
Arrived in Sydney about 7am. Went??
Tuesday: Went to Dulwich Hill – all well.
Wednesday: 29th: To the Barracks about Pay book. Buffet about discharge.
October 30th
To Randwick – saw Registrar re finalisation etc – fixed everything up at both places
and Bank today and yesterday got Badge. Took Lil Attwater to Gladesville, Welcome
Home to men, unveiling Tablet, super and dance. We left about 10pm.
October 31st
Did some shopping etc and left for home by 10-05 train. Arrived at Macksville
9/30am on 1st, then motor to Grafton form Coffs Harbour.
Saw a few people in Grafton. Arrived home 4/30pm. Tuesday 4th, everything very
dry.
6th: Nothing new.
November 12th
Nothing new – hot – sore throats about again.
November 15th
Saturday: Beautiful heavy thunderstorm, everything fresh for a time, hope we get
more but so thankful for that.
104
November 16th 1919
Sunday: Lil and family over – cool day –I stayed in bed, bad throat, very sore still.
November 17th
Monday: Close – not so hot, hope more storm – wrote to old Dean re report – land
and cash to stock it.
Went over to Lil for a few days, got all my trunks repacked, resorted – very hot and
dry.
November 27th
Boxes taken into wharf – booked for Sydney – went back home.
November 29th
Saturday: Left home for Grafton with Alice to a picnic on Susan Island, given by Mrs.
Smith and Wicks for me – very nice, great many there. Gave me Silver Tea Service –
clock and a silver backed book.
Took Al to see Dr. 30th, says she must go to Sydney.
Left Grafton Monday 1st for Sydney. Arrived 9am.
December 2nd to 5th
Gladesville about 11am.
Commenced duty Friday 5th after 5 weeks leave.
Things much the same. A good deal of rain here - not so hot.
Saw Dr. Armstrong and Lister to arrange for Al to come down next week.
End of diary: England to Australia - 10th October 1917 – December 2nd 1918
Copyright: Margaret Heather Pocock and Margaret Pinkerton Sharpin 2006.
88
Jun 5th 1919
Left this morning after breakfast – they say all but 2 or 3 of our men on board safely.
Very heavy gale and rough in Table Bay before we get to sea at all – rough all day.
Of course I was sick as any other cat – worse after having had 3 beautiful days
ashore too, I suppose. Anyway the S.M.O. and many officers were just as bad, so that
was cheering. These men always tell you that you don't try to eat or get up, unless
they are sick themselves. I could touch nothing of course, not even water for 2 days.
Waves washed over on top deck. I thought she would really turn over, very often
– some of the poor men below very sick too - No better for several days.
June 8th
Sunday: Up on deck a little today – pretty miserable – weather smoother now –
though great rolling.
June 9th
Monday: Fine day – feel better. Sr. Albert won sweep again today – each sister has
won before – no luck for me, so as I've put in about 1 Pound in shillings daily – not
going in any more. Going to play in a Bridge Tournament they have got up this week.
1/- entrance, sisters like to go in for all these things, just to be near the men, run
round after them – I can't understand it.
June 10th
Cold, but brighter today, not so much swell on –able to keep some food down the last
2 days.
So thin now, that only for my sleeves, my clothes would fall off.
No work in hospital for sisters – 4 orderlies on board S.M.O. tells me. Measles better
– no fresh cases of any kind. Sisters just go down daily to see if they are needed in
turn.
June 16th
Nothing new – dull and raining a good deal – very windy - rolling very much for
some days now, really, ever since we left the Cape. Nothing to see but some
albatross – beautiful graceful things flying all round with us.
Message by wireless to say we do not go to W.A. but on to Adelaide – reach Sydney on Wednesday next week
Nothing for sisters in hosp. – few small things which S.M.O. says is orderlies work.
I was inoculated a couple of days ago, to be done once again (influenza).
Gave Mr. Allen (Sgt. Major) 1 Pound of cigarettes and 12 cigars for concert & band
men
89
June 19th 1919
Nothing new, got reply from my wireless home last night, very quickly – only sent it
the night before. Glad to know it arrived safely.
Sometimes play Bridge at night – they all seem to be mad on it on board, at least a
great number, sisters still. Concerts and band concerts.
Feeling much better now – raining and dull – cold. Nothing to be seen for days except
a few seabirds flying around us.
Orders now, the Captain says , are definitely from Albany. Don't expect to be there
long.
13 men to get off there for different parts.
No cases in hospital sick. Few old dressings for orderlies – one man who has had bad
arm – M.O. thinks it is tubercular, which is very painful, poor fellow, gets off at W.A.
June 20th
Nice smooth sea, though we still roll very much – raining now and then, not much
sunshine.
Sat. Night 7.30 pm.
Arrived in Port Albany – not going to wharf.
Sunday: Ship got fresh water etc, here. Customs came aboard, apparently only to see
ship's goods – ones not asked for.
Health Officer, everyone lined up on deck – T taken – looked at hands (for smallpox)
T. of all to be taken daily from now to end of voyage.
I must be inoculated tomorrow, should have been done today but O.C. wants to be
done tomorrow.
Left Albany about 1pm – out in the ocean again by 2pm. – very narrow passage to go
through but very pretty shore – rugged rough hills – little islands cropping up behind
the shore look very pretty. Not any growth or anything – seems just barren.
Salvation Army sent some cases of fruit for men O.C. told me – otherwise no one
came near or bothered about them.
13 men and Padre Harper got off here.
June 22nd
Gave 3 telegrams to a trooper getting off at Adelaide, hope he sends them – home, Lil
Attwater, Dr. McDowall.
June 24th
Monday: Q.M. sent to oranges and 2 apples each to us. Suppose these are some of
those given by the S. Army yesterday.
37
June 5th 1918
Had our whist drive for the patients 7/30pm – got Capt. Shaw to give the prizes – did
it very well – was very tired by the time I got to my quarters – I had not had a minute
all day – Miss Lahey visiting Queensland men – had lunch and aft. tea also – I asked
Frank E. Hanson and Horace H. Saunders to aft. tea. Got them a cake and nice tea
then could not have it with them as these concert people came and I had to go.
Home sister looked after them for me – nice boys – went to school and C.P.S. Office
with Fred at Goulburn.
June 6th
Thursday: Received 2 Pounds 10/- from Regt. funds from Sgt. Davenport – busy day
– still got the two Flying Corps boys – they are getting better – much bruised still –
but will be safe.
Asked Mrs Windeyer – niece of Miss Windeyer I knew in Newcastle – is driving
the motors here with several other men being taken away – nice girl, but merry.
June 9th
Took Sr. Cowly and Miss Morton to Southall Gardens – both sick – went up in car –
nice drive through London, about 2 hours – had tea – left for home - chauffeur, Mrs
Sowns, called at her mother's – awfully nice home in city. We had some more tea
got back about 7pm.
June 11th
Capt. Bowtell left for France – some new sisters came – very nice whist drive for
men.
June 13th
Went to Bexley Heath to see Col. Shellshear's wife and home – got nice flowers –
had some of the M.O.'s, Miss Turner and sisters to aft. tea – went to concert – much
better than they used to be.
June 14th
Went up to H.Q. Sister Martin gone to St. Edwards to relieve Sr. Dwyer for furlough.
I met Mrs Robinson at the Club – had tea – it rained a good deal then got fine again –
Mrs. P..came in same carriage.
June 16th
Sr. Menhennet off 2 nights sick – has a bad cold T100 – ripper, after 2 days leave, too
unwell for duty today – got O.C. – decided to send her to Southall Gardens - she is
really not fit to be out here – says she was at the hotel (Dean) all the time.
Some sisters came to aft. tea – several officers – I went for a while – very noisy with
Major Brown and billiard table, winning and losing pennies, roars of laughter, shrieks
etc.
BESSIE IN FRONT OF HER COTTAGE AT GLADESVILLE SYDNEY
MATRON OF GLADESVILLE MENTAL HOSPITAL 1911-1914
RETURNED TO GLADESVILLE AFTER DISCHARGE DEC 1919 -1924
photograph - see original document
'ISMAILIA'
BESSIE'S HOME IN BEACONSFIELD ROAD CHATSWOOD SYDNEY
NAMED AFTER ISMAILIA IN EGYPT WHERE SHE WAS IN CHARGE OF
TEMPORARY HOSPITAL FOR THE WOUNDED AT THE SUEZ CANAL
THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918
ON MARCH 1ST 1924 BESSIE ESTABLISHED "ISMAILIA" AS HER OWN
PRIVATE CONVALESCENT HOME - RESIDING THERE TILL SHE
RETIRED AT THE PUNCHBOWL – STOCKYARD CREEK WITH HER
FAMILY
photograph - see original document
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