Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 4 - Part 10

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April 6^th 1919
Nice day now – going out to gather violets for Mrs. R. Hope I meet the Trelawneys
again sometime. Went over to Mrs. McLaren's daughter – a lovely old home and
acres of grounds and gardens – 3 nice children and seems very nice.
April 8^th
Mrs. Parker-Jervis, her brother and his wife came to tea today. Sorry I did not let them
know where I was. Would like me to go down – father not well lately, aged very
much, Pearlie said. Swynfon not very well either – shell shock trouble, am very sorry
– is Col. of his regiment. O.C. – that makes more for him to think of – hope I see him.
Went out to the Headland Hotel to lunch with them today – Newquay – very pretty
spot on hill overlooking the ocean.
April 10^th
Left Perranwall for London – sorry – have been very happy with Mrs. Rogers – been
out somewhere every day. Arrived 5/30pm Paddington – nice day.
April 11^th
Went to see Mrs. Edwards, took some eggs and a little butter for which she seemed
very grateful – also Mrs. Bullock, the same – both loved the flowers.
Went to Kensington Museum for some hours – very interesting.
April 12^th
Lunch at Club with Scob. – N. Stobo did not turn up.
April 13^th
Sunday: Went out to Finchley A.M. Lovely morning – glorious hot sun – returned
about 3pm. – storm came on – got coats and went to Mrs. Turpins, Mr. McCooks
relative - ver–nice. Remained to supper, left about 9/30pm - got bus, just sat down –
Scob's hat flew off, had to go down stairs – I was on my hands and knees looking
for under the seat, also my umbrella which she took. She sent the latter back by
bus girl.
I, in meantime, forgot the bus was going on quickly, so did not get out to go
with her. So worried all night about her.
April 14^th
Saw Scob. she got home by next bus – found her hat a long way back. I had to ring for
about 15 mins. at the Club before anyone let us in – the 2 old ladies put their noses
round the opening and when they found it was not a burglar let me in. All doors
locked 10pm. This was only about 10.40 but of course I did not tell them I should be
late.
Horrid person in my room – her "corney" toe still the theme and one has to look
at it every few minutes – also smokes in the bedroom. I hate that, asked to be
moved, but they have no room.

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April 15^th 1919

Went with Scob. to lunch then to St. Dunstans Hospital – blind – could not talk to our

boys as they were at work, which was very trying. So she left the money she had for

Sr. Duff to give them when she came on.

I went to the zoo for a while – came on a great storm of rain, so came home again –

to cigarettes and sore toe of course and the window shut. So I said I did not mind

if she would open the window – 2 of them smoking – she and her visitor.

April 16^th

Went to Red Cross to get Mrs. Hood's telephone number – she was here so I was glad

– had a good long talk to her – Lady Robinson came in and she introduced me –

seems very nice - she had just had a letter from Mrs. Rogers. She told me to go to

Bedford Place for a week, that I need not mind because they had just been given some

thousands of pounds of our money for the home.

Went an engaged a room from 24^th to 1^st.

April 17^th

Left London today 17^th for Boscombe and Em. Thousands travelling so I was pushed

out of all places and finally, just before the train moved out, was pushed into the

guards van with about 40 other people. Officers and 1^st class as well as 3^rd  class, but

the guard fixed up the luggage for us to sit on and we had quite a pleasant trip – more

room than if we had got in first. Waited till taxi returned to station and then came on

to Southbourne – 3 shillings. Em and Edgar look much better.

April 20^th

Easter Sunday: Very lazy – slept in and had a quiet day – nice weather – not so cold.

Chris and Mr. English gone. Arranged to take 40 yards linen from them. Government

seems to have got it all for war purposes, now probably want to sell it.

April 22^nd

Going to Mrs. Bolitho's for afternoon tea today – Em coming with me.

Lil Elliot rang up to say they want me to go to Fareham. Will go on Thursday, hope

I'm able to go the Isle of Wight also.

Currants and raisins from Lil Attwater in parcel – sugar, biscuits, soap etc. In another,

lovely rich large cake. One parcel with C.S C.S. do not know who sent it – no letters.

4 letters from home, got my cable – glad. My leave nearly all up, sorry to say – now

would like to know what is going to happen next – duty – or off on some ship.

Sent hat pins and buttons to Mrs. O'Hanlon and Mrs. Porter.

I liked Mrs. Bolitho very much – wish I could have seen much more of her - would

like to have another week down there.

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April 23^rd 1919

Nothing special – nice time – Amy Gale washed all my things – Em marked them –

both so good to me – shall be very sad leaving – it is just like home.

April 24^th

Left by 10am train for Fareham to see Lil and Mrs. Dowling – arrived safely – Lil met

me – all well. Mr. Dowling very strong, 88, and gardening. Lil looks much better and

is still taking some sed. – not much. Told her I want her to stop altogether.

Walter, Jean and Eileen came to tea this afternoon – very glad to see them all.

April 25^th

Left by 9am for Lee-On-Solent, Jean's home – arrived about 11am – went for a walk

– lunch and then train at 2.10pm to connect for London at Fareham. Lil got my large

suitcase out and met me there, so I had not to get anything. I got my ticket at Lee-On-Solent through to London.

Arrived London about 6pm - drove to Bedford Place as arranged. Met me and sent

me on to Russell Square. I had booked the room before going on to Em.
An old lady saw me – thought she could not take me in and so forth. Showed her the
paper I got from the Supt. at B. Place, saying the room would be kept for me on that
date. Said she could only give me a lounge in drawing room. I said that would do
and then give me a room as soon as she could. So she took me and showed me the
drawing room.
Then another smart lady came along – simply glared and said "come to the office,
Sister" of course I picked up my luggage and went.
She said there were no beds and that there was no such things as keeping rooms -
there were too many – no rooms to be got and many other rude things.
Then sat down and rang up a couple of places, then turned to me and said "You can
go to Paddington – the Great Western, there is a room there" – I looked at her for a
minute and said "I have arranged to have the lounge and wait for a bed, I am too tired
to go out again tonight" – she flared up and said "why didn't you tell me that before I
rang up?" – I said quietly "You did not tell me you were ringing up and it is already
arranged" – then she took me up and showed me the same old rooms etc till I said "I
have already seen these places.
I told the first lady that a friend of Lady Robinson told me I should come here – there
would be no difficulty" – she was very decent –said she was sorry but of course it was
not here fault – I knew it was not and told her but she was civil – I said I'd put up
with the sofa and hope to get a room soon – anyway the other one calmed down in the
meantime, sent for me and said I could go into a room with another sister – she had
arranged with a sister to move – I was very firmly declining, so she had to insist on
my taking it. 
So I got a bed instead of a sofa. 

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April 26^th 1919
Sent for again this morning – given a room to myself, so I suppose the mention of
my friend put her on guard. The room I discovered was empty all the time, the
sister having left the Hostel early in the day. If this is the way the sisters are
treated on their arrival, I think it is shocking.
Lady Robinson told me that I should come as our Red Cross had just again given

them some thousands towards the upkeep of their homes. Their Miss Fitzpatrick

simply glares at me as she passes.

April 27^th

Sunday: Went with Scob to the Museum, Kensington – raining – spent afternoon there

and on coming out found a great snow storm raging. Real blizzard – we walked such a

long way in it – deep snow, 5 or 6 inches in some places – terrific gale.  Several people

falling about. The snow was blown with such force that it would almost cut one's

face, you could not keep your eyes open.

April 28^th

Monday: Fine day after the storm – sunny and cold. Tried to get a dress but not

suitable. Gave order for coat and skirt – cheapest 10 Guineas. Bought flowers for Em

and sent them. Sent Mrs. Rogers brass jug and Mr. R. tobacco jar made from shell.

Hope they go safely and they like them.

April 29^th

Out all day, Lambeth, then on to Doultons work. Took Scob. Very interesting, could

not see all but have a card to go to the other departments another day.

Returned to dinner. Tickets sent from St. James for sisters, (10) I went – "Eyes of

Youth" weird, but well staged. I would have liked some pretty musical thing best, had

I any choice.

4 letters from home, Em sent on – all well.

April 30^th

Wednesday: Reported to H.Q. Asked if I wanted to go home? I said I would sooner

work for another couple of months here.

Would like Italy, but no hope – told me to report again tomorrow. I am to go to 

Dartford she said and finish up.

May 1^st

Reported to H.Q. to know time of departure for Dartford. Miss Conyers said she had
decided to send me back to Australia and not Dartford.

I could have 2 weeks leave, might be three. Report to her when I knew where I was

going to spend the first week.

SISTER SCOBIE (SCOB.) - VERY GOOD FRIEND OF BESSIE WHO
SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918
SITER SCOBIE WAS AWARDED THE R.OYAL RED CROSS IN 1918
Photo-see original document
 

 

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May 2^nd 1919
Friday: Ordered coat and skirt and on to Thompsons to order uniform and getting
them to make my evening dress. Bought hat 2 Pounds 2/-, Scob came with me.
Letters from home – 9. All older than the last I got. Sent Amy Hale a blouse from
Liberty's.
May 3^rd
MARCH PAST – MAY 3^RD – 1919
Saturday: Took my silk and material to Thompsons to be made.
Went to B.P. – saw the King hold Investiture, then on for some lunch and back to B.P.
at 2pm to see March Past of overseas troops. Had awfully god seats – saw all the
Royalty come and go just past our chairs. Then the King and Queen came out in an
open carriage and we saw them smiling and bowing all round.
Beautifully fine and sunny. 24 or more aeroplanes overhead all the time.
Air balloon rose and then sort of saluted to the King – bobbed up and down, hovering
around. Australian men did not step as well as the Canadian men –I was sorry.
Went to the Club – Norfolk House to dinner, Scob and Mrs. Sawyer. Got home about
10pm.
May4^th
Took Scob down to Fred Elliott's at Weybridge – perfect day, lovely scenery and
flowers. They gave us some beauties to bring home. Champagne dinner. The same
kind, awfully god people. Mrs. Hansberg came to see me. Fred will take me over to
Horticultural Gardens there if I can get another day. Went home with Scob – had
bacon and eggs in her room – nice tea.
May 5^th
Monday: Reported to H.Q. – now she says I am to go this week – sickening after
thinking I had a week –she told me I had 2 weeks. I went to Bourne and
Hollingsworths and got my coat fitted –looks well.
Went and got my old pay book at H.Q. – Saw Col. Millard for a minute, said
goodbye. Asked him how long one was a Temporary Matron before being made
Matron. He said, depended on vacancies. Told me I was taking troops.
Conyers said the "ZEALANDIA" and she was sailing from Devonport – 3 sisters
– I asked in the Transport office – they say she goes via south Africa with 1337
troops – can find out nothing more.
Called at Institute – told Scob I would be going any day. Went to see Mrs. Edwards,
took her the flowers I got at Fred's yesterday. She is awfully good – would take my
boxes and keep for me.
Got back to Russell Square for dinner – tired, lovely day, though hot. Do hope I don't 
go until the end of the week or later.2 letters from Mrs. Rogers and 1 from Amy Gale.
Must try and write some letters – am so busy running round now. 

(Photograph - see original document)
THE 'ZEALANDIA'
BESSIE LEFT ENGLAND ON 11^TH MAY 1919 ON THIS TROOPSHIP
SISTER IN CHARGE – ARRIVED HOME – SYDNEY 1^ST JULY 1919
THUS ENDING A DISTINGUISHED ARMY NURSING CAREER
THE BOER WAR 1900-1902 THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 

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THE FOLLOWING ENTRIES WERE WRITTEN IN INDELIBLE PENCIL
AND DIFFICULT FOR MARGY POCOCK TO READ AND COPY
May 11^th 1919
Sunday: Supposed to be 1037 troops –3 sisters, so hope we don't get any epidemics.
General Birdwood came aboard, very nice to them all – men all look very fit.
May 13^th
Feel rather sick – several men and officers sick.
May 14^th
Wednesday: No change – numbers sick the M.O. tells me.

May 15^th
Not much Better – 1 case of measles, men – mild.

May 16^th 
Friday: Major Haywood says 2 more cases measles T104 – says they are alright and 

he does not want the sisters yet, unless a further outbreak, that the men are not very 

bad cases.

May 17^th  

Saturday: Arrived at les Palmas about 7am for water, hot morning.  Natives soon 

round in their boats selling various wares –everything really – fruit, oranges, small 

cherries – bananas.  Dogs – monkeys, parrots, canaries – flowers and all sorts of drawn 

thread work laces. Very costly and some, no good at all.  Probably made in India or 

Japan – England.  I got some lace by the yard – 15 shillings for 2 pieces – 7/6d for 

tablecloth.

Ivory, coral beads, cigars, all sorts of things for sale in these boats and the noise of 

these bargainers terrific.  Great amusement though and a break in the monotony of the 

past week.

No drink aboard which is a great blessing – all quite happy so far.

Only Captain of ship and O.C. of troops went ashore. Wish I had been able to go and

see it and have a run on dry ground for an hour but could not expect to.

I miss my walking so much, have walked so much daily. Left about 5pm again.

I felt very faint and sick again today – terribly faint. Got the S.M.O. to give me a tonic

–strych. etc. – vile stuff but trying to take it.

No work for sisters yet - no more cases of measles so far.  They are ready if needed 

but M.O. does not seem to think them necessary yet.

86

May 18^th  1919

Sunday: Church Parade 10am.  Great many men – 4 of us – nice hymns and band – 

very hot – smooth – feeling little better now.

May 19^th 
Monday: Visited hospital A.M. nothing special in, not very sick – fine day, no more 

measles, 2 appendicitis – no sisters required.

Sisters inoculated (1, not done)

Sisters have come down before 10am. –seem to be going to do as "Orders". Gave 

them each "Orders" to read.

Miss Conyers "Orders" to send written report on landing.  Only to speak once to any 

sister – tell her – then she was being reported in Melbourne.

Hope I have no troublesome work like that.

Played in Bridge Tournament – lost by 500.

Patients' concert at night – very good – many men.

May 20^th  

Tuesday: Very hot day – quoits tournament – sisters in.  I did not enter, feeling a bit 

better – heart does not feel so tired and troublesome but still a bit heavy.

May 23^rd 

Friday: Terribly windy all day yesterday – still much the same today – Trade Winds 

Bright day, windy and hot, not the great heat of the past week.  Hope to reach the Cape 

on Saturday next.  No smoke room saloon or any place to sit on this ship, so it you 

can't stay on deck, you must go to your cabin - very hot.  suppose it will be cold after 

the Cape, but cold is easier to live in that heat.

No duty yet for sisters, Major Haywood says – 3 cases of measles better – last man 

up.  there is no way to isolate sisters, so hope nothing further happens – 1 case of 

mumps today – measles  cases better. Sisters having a good time – plenty of attention 

but keeping to hours etc.

Will try and send wireless to Lady Crewe – do wish I could see her at the cape.

May 24^th 
Saturday: Sports for men – asked sisters to join threading the needle – lighting 

cigarette.  Very nice but hot.  Men seem happy. Hope we don't have any trouble like 

the former troop ships – concert at night.

May 25^th

Sunday: Church A.M. very nice service again – warm – ship rolling a good deal – 

don't feel to well.  No sisters required for duty yet – only 2 men in hospital – both up.

Appendix man up – suppose he will keep it now until after we leave Capetown. 

Must write some letters soon – have not been able to write anything so far.

87

May 26^th 1919: 

Monday: Nothing special – sick better.

Tuesday: Concert for patients –no sick – Major says

May 28^th

Wednesday: Patients dancing – band – no work for sisters – everybody seems very

well on board – hope we get to the end of the journey without sick men. Think all

want to keep well till after they have a chance of landing at the Cape.

May 29^th

Fine morning, cool wind – much the same – expect to get to the Cape on Sunday 1^st

June.Making tablecloth, names of places I've been in since leaving Australia. 

June 1^st

8pm. Just arrived at the Cape – lying outside till morning. Wrote note to Scob, Mrs 

Edwards, Em, Jean, Lil and Mrs. Rogers.

June 2^nd

Went ashore this morning – lunch at Cartwrights – afternoon tea 2/30pm at Nurses

Club. Drove out Rhodes Monument and house, also Wynberg – lovely drive – miles

of avenues – firs, gums and other trees. Lovely red brick earth roads, beautifully

smooth for cars for miles – Car 3 Pounds for three hours – went very long way (5 of 

us) Dinner at Coghall Hotel Wynberg and home by train at 10pm – about 42 minutes

from town. Got ferry to Adderly St. and to ship. Met Sister Henderson, old S.Africa

sister, I did not know her, came and spoke to me. Says there is a Sister Johnson who

would like to see me tomorrow at Club.

"Watche" and "Borda" left this morning –we go tomorrow – dull and going to rain

today, I think.

June 5^th

Yesterday I went ashore in the morning with O.C. and S.M.O. – left them in town,

bought some flowers and took along to Club as they had been so good to us all.

Sisters did not come in till after lunch and then wanted to try and climb the mountain.

Only let them go on condition that Ellis's brother took charge of them.

I had a few things to get – bought some more boots.

Nice morning tea at the Club – Sister Johnson came in – I had never her S.A.

but she had heard much of me and known me through Gould and old Johnstone. Very

nice sort of woman, doing kind of district nursing at the old Castle, now soldiers

billeted and working there. Wives etc outside apparently. We had a most interesting

talk over old times etc – lunch at her hotel – afternoon tea and all over Castle. I could

not stay out late enough to give her dinner, I was sorry, for I told sisters to be home

early and I could not be late.