Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 4 - Part 11
90
June 25th 1919
Tuesday: Neuralgia badly – did not get M.O. – bad day
June 26th
Wednesday: Better – Concert and prizes given to troops 25 Pounds collected from
empty bottles (ginger ale) one penny on each bottle for soldiers widows and children
– cash given to band by troops – Officers collecting for same today.
I gave them another 1 Pound for cigarettes.
One suspicious case today – influenza? – I hope not, just now at the last days.
June 27th
Thursday: 12.45 am. Left Adelaide again – arrived at Port Melbourne about 5/30pm
on Sat. 29th – very windy – ship rolling terribly all the way.
Left the ship on Thursday evening about 4 pm by train for Adelaide – very quiet,
didn't like it much. Three sisters and myself, they of course always want men with
them. T. took us to dinner at the S.A Hotel – pictures after – returned by 10-15pm
train to ship – takes about 1 hour – slow trains. Took all troops free, no tickets needed,
which was very nice for them. Bought nothing – saw no one of interest. Miss Graham
was with some others, but not anyone I know.
June 29th
Saturday: Leave till 12M.N. Major Haywood took sisters ashore. I would not go
tonight. It is rather a comfort to be away from some flighty people for even a few
hours.
Glad the journey is nearly over – am so tired of many things.
Letter from Al – pleased all well – so very sorry poor Miss Mitchell died – awfully
sorry.
Matron-in-Chief came aboard – got report – nearly 400 troops and officers get off
here – very cold, strong wind here.
June 30th
Sunday: 7am. Left Port Melbourne for Sydney – ship still rolling a great deal. Very
rough always here, they tell me and until we get past Wilson's Promontory – then, not
so much swell on
Expect to be in tonight – get off in the morning.
July 1st
Monday: Up at 6am – breakfast 7/30 – left Transport Ship 8.45am. – on ferry boat for
Woolloomooloo – put in car and taken to Domain Buffet?
Board ordered me to be at Randwick 10am Tuesday.
91
July 1st 1919
Lil Attwater met me – great luck to meet me in that crowd – also Nurse Wearne and
Janet. George could not come – in bed, cold.
Went to see May Mitchell – so sorry about sister's death. Glad Ethel did not risk
coming – now too much influenza.
Saw Miss Ennis 2 pm. She knows nothing about me – does not seem to know much,
really.
Lil came with me to see P.M.O. who was not in till tomorrow.
Went to see George at the "Grand" – he seems better, but heavy cold, wish he would
tell Ethel he was sick – hope he gets fit quickly and gets home.
July 2nd
Tuesday: Went to see P.M.O. 9/3o – says I am to go back to Gladesville if I want
it. To finish with Military and then see.
Took me along to the Barracks with his car.
Then sent me on to Randwick – saw Miss Cooper and the ACT.S.M.O. Am to go
again at 9am tomorrow to have my eye seen to – nuisance.
Went to see Mrs. Bennetts in the afternoon – much the same – poor Arthur had
influenza – looks better.
Went to see George on my way in – says temp. is still normal. M.O. said he could get
up tomorrow. I told him not to get up till I saw him, though I think he is alright.
Back to Club, College St., for dinner – tired tonight.
George left on Friday night for home – hope he gets there safely – looks ill but is
better at home.
Letter from Claude saying George is in bed, but arrived safely Sat. morning.
July 7th
Sunday: Went to the Cathedral – did not care much for the service – long way back –
To St. James in evening – unveiling a Tablet to S/N Ruby Dickenson who died at
Southwell Gardens while I was at Dartford – very nice service.
July 8th
Monday: Went to Dr. Brearly – probed my eye a bit, at least the Lacrimal Duct.
To go again Wednesday.
July 9th
Tuesday: Lil came in – I did not go out today - windy and dusty.
Some sisters I had at Dartford arrived today.
Dr. McDoual rang up – says they have much influenza – many deaths on men's side.
92
July 10th 1919
Wednesday: Went to Dr. Brearly again – same eye treatment – to go Friday, 12 m.day.
A boy named Garling there asked the attendant where he came from. He might be
poor Major Garling's brother. If I had heard his name before, I would have spoken to
him.
Have asked Lil and Ilma to come to lunch with me at Farmers tomorrow, if fine.
Nothing special – each day lately to Dr. Eye sore after for some time.
Letter from home – also Mrs. Richards and Mrs. Robinson, (Mrs. Edward's friends)
came to see me – both very nice. Will go and see them later when I feel like going
out. Dr. McDoual came also this week to see me. Has no news of Gladesville – expect
me back sometime.
July 15th
Going to see Procession Saturday, from Saluting Base – hope I get a decent seat –
maybe someone I know. Sister Powell called – looks very well – much younger
looking – I/C of Officers Convalescent Hospital near Manly.
July 17th
Went out to Randwick – saw Dr. Brearly – got 3 weeks more leave – order for glasses
– ordered them from Paxton, Castlereagh St.
Went to afternoon tea with Lil Att. To Farmers.
July 18th
Friday: Called to see D.S. to make app. Told them to send me in to see him now. Very
nice about everything – does not advise anything in Military - not lasting – advises
to go back to Dept. if I don't want leave they owe me, can have the money.
July 19th
Got to the Official Stand at 9/30 – seats only for patients, wounded and sisters – great
many – we were just at Saluting Base.
Great many men – very pathetic, some parts, particularly the halt of a few minutes
after the band played the hymn ("For Those in Peril on the Sea") then the "Last Post".
Great number of women in the march – all in white, alike – war workers. Lasted about
1 ½ hours altogether – some Decorations rather pretty.
Went over at night to Neutral Bay – Mrs. Woods, friend of Miss Cox here at the Club.
Saw the War Ships beautifully lighted up – fireworks etc. Got back about 10/30pm.
93
July 20th 1919
Birthday today: Lil gave me ½ dozen linen handkerchiefs, very good of her – feel
very old – have done since 16th birthday. Hope I will be able to work up till the
last. Hope I'll have enough to keep me in comfort if I'm unable to work.
Wish I had the good luck to get an acre of ground when I first came to Sydney. No
good wishing now though.
Saw the clerk at S.Y. office – they have been paying in the amount of my salary
which I left behind, thank goodness I left some. Makes my account at Govt. S. Bank
1,200 Pounds - perhaps more.
Also went to bank of N.S.W. to see about my Fixed Deposit due in Dec. Put in the
draft from London (AMP Insurance) 253 Pounds.
Lovely day today, Sunday - going to Church tonight - staying in, A.M.
Going out to Cavill House Conv. Home for Military Sisters on Wednesday.
Must go home about end of August and back to work. Hope and pray I'll keep fit and
get on well – not feel it is too much for me.
Also hope I'll get Alice some fixed good appointment later on.
July 23rd
Left the Club – arrived at Cavill House about 5pm – only about 20 min. from city to
out here.
July 24th
Very comfortable here so far. Not a very grand room, but am alone. Plenty of
draughts – no door, only curtain. Bad for my neuralgia. Paid 1 Pound 7/6d per week.
One penny for each bath. One shilling for visitors' afternoon tea – twopence for each
phone call – soon mounts up - plenty of hot water for bath here, one blessing.
July 26th
Saturday: 2pm went to St Andrews Cathedral - Clyde Attwater's wedding, then on
tho the Hotel Wentworth – very nice breakfast – just the relatives and Clergyman –
Mrs. Miles – very quiet, but slow and nice.
July 27th
Sunday: Spent the day at Parramatta M. Hospital with Matron Tait.
July 28th
Monday: Got 2 tickets for Harry Lauder Entertainment to Troops. Took Tait. We both
enjoyed it very much.
94
July 29th 1919
Saw Clerk – The Superannuation Fund at Govt. Office, he fixed it up
As far as I understand I pay 32 Pounds for 4 years, which entitles me to 2 Pounds
annually for life.
Saw Major Bean – just the same – awfully good but a bit strange – is giving up his
Army Med. and taking up Theology. Asked me to go to dinner with him, so I told him
I wanted him to meet Tait. He asked me to bring her also, for which I'm glad. Am
sure she will like him.
P.M.O. met me - took me along to get money fixed up.
July 30th
Wednesday: Went to see Dr. Brearly about my eye – seems much the same. Then, on
to the Barracks for my pay book from Mr. Johnson.
Now must wait till I am demobilised, before they can pay or fix up my account.
August 1st
Friday: Went to the Oculist – did not do anything – said it was not doing any good.
Sent me to Dr. Marks – nose and throat man – he probed and said he pushed the little
bone up a bit – might make a difference, but says there's nothing the matter with me
at all that he can find out – thinks the probing of the tear duct should be quite
sufficient.
Could not go to dinner with Major Bean – too tired and eye uncomfortable.
Tait could not come in either – I'm sorry – wrote and told Major Bean – hope he will
not mind – don't think he will care really.
August 2nd
Saturday: Went to Granville, spent the day with Lil and her family – Harry, a bad
cough and rather miserable – nice day.
August 3rd
Sunday: Went out to Watsons Bay to Mrs. Richards, met the daughters, very kind,
stayed for tea and then one girl came along to St. Stephens with me. Is coming to
afternoon tea with me on Tuesday.
I go on Wednesday with the mother to see, or rather hear Harry Lauder again.
August 6th
Wednesday: Went with Mrs. Richards to hear Harry Lauder – very good.
I took her to Farmers for aft. tea after. She seems very kind.
95
August 7th 1919
Thursday: Very dull day – several letters – no news much, have not been to Dr.
Brearly this week yet.
19 people here today – they go and come so often that you do not know half of them –
always seem to be new people.
August 8th
Saturday: Went into concert St. James Hall – Caledonian Society – very good – Sr.
Calvert came. I took Miss Stephens, V.A.D.
August 9th
Sunday: Went to Mossman to see Miss Holings and Mrs. Towers, both very well now.
Poor Miss Fletcher died a few months ago – suddenly – poor old soul – I'm sorry.
August 10th
Monday: Went and paid Lil's insurances 11 Pounds 5/3d, so she is done with that for
another year. She gets 200 Pounds at 60. I got my 250 Pounds at 55 – the other due
when I am 60.
August 11th
Saw Miss Ennis today – she says she can't tell me the year the Army Nursing was
formed. Will have to ask old Gould.
Lady Cullen has asked her to a Garden Party and to bring some nurses and Matrons.
16 are going. She asked me to go, I don't want to go much but perhaps I may see
someone I know.
August 12th
Tuesday: Went to town, met others -16 - at wharf for Mossman, the Cullen's G.
Party. Great many – Mrs. Norrie, their two daughters - I did not know her when she
spoke to me – looks just the same. Not many I knew. Had afternoon tea with Sr.
Foster – great talker – Dean Talbot who I don't like very much. Anyway I had a nice
tea – talked to a few people and then came away.
As I was passing the house, some people were going in off the veranda. One nice
gentlemanly looking man, instead of going in, came down the steps and talked to
me.
Saw my medals of course, was very nice – talked quite many minutes. I did not know
him but knew he was nice and one of the guests at the Host. He congratulated me
etc, said I was a walking Museum. Had anybody as many medals as me? And
how many more had I to get? I told him 3, and I hoped one from the Sultan for
Egypt and my long services. He laughed and looked greatly entertained.
96
August 12th 1919
Continued:
Wish I had asked him who he was before I left. Of course there were crowds all round
about me.
I asked a lady after I left, who was the gentleman to whom I was speaking and
she said His Excellency, The Governor General, thinking I should have known. I
had never seen him so how could I know? Hope I did not look too haughty
looking. At first I always feel that way at the beginning, then I could talk for
hours.
Asked old Nellie – she looks a wreck too, about A.N.S. – says the first eff? Class
was held in May 1899 – but she was asked to form it in Feb. 1898.
That's all I got out of her – the old cuss – wonder why I irritate the old Tabby -
because she irritates me so terribly, no doubt.
August 13th
Sent in my application again for Medal – returned again 20-8-19 – say not in orfder –
will have to see them tomorrow.
August 14th
Went to Town Hall, farewell concert to Admiral Jellicoe, Governors etc there. Very
good music etc. Reserved seats – took Lil Attwater.
August 17th
Sunday: Went to see Miss Morton – she could not come here - both very nice and glad
to see me. Had some friends to tea all ready for me the day I landed – thought I would
be there, but of course I could not as I had not heard or known what my movements
would be.
August 18th
Met Lil in town – tea at Farmers, (also Claude and his wife last week for tea). She told
me they had just heard that Clyde's shop had been burgled and 90 Pounds taken – a
great loss. Called at Grace's and saw Audry – they are all very upset about it.
August 19th
Went to see Dr. Brearly, says I can go away. I really don't think there is much change
for the better in my eye, so may as well go away. Will go and see Dr. McLeod later
on.
Was to have met Mrs. Dick but she did not come, so concluded she did not get down.
Am to go to Randwick to see Dr. Brearly on Thursday. Given me leave till Sept. 30th.
Glorious days – dry and dusty, of course. Hope rain comes soon to the country.
97
August 20th 1919
Lovely day again – nothing new or special – everything very quiet.
August 21st
Thursday: Saw Dr. B., gave me till 21-9-19. Says I can go home. Went to Registrar,
who sent me along to other places. I wanted to go to the mountains for 2 weeks, also
to get pass to Clarence River. They would not give them till I was leaving, so could
do nothing but get my railway pass renewed.
August 22nd
Got my passes for Summer Hill. Not going to Dr. again. Went to Miss Ennis, says I
can't go so far away while having treatment. Must be back for a Board and then at the
end of 2 weeks for demobilisation. So have given up home. Will have to take leave
from Gladesville after.
August 24th
Sunday: Mrs. Robinson came to see me, brought me some flowers and jam. Very kind
old soul, asks me to go and see them on Saturday next. I shall be away to', must write
and tell her.
August 25th
Monday: Met Sr. Crabbe at Jone's, gave her some tea. Holly could not leave Mrs.
Murray. I was sorry to miss her – rang me up.
August 26th
Tuesday: Met the Baily girls at Farmers for tea – seems to be wrecks, both of them –
sorry. Went to Red Cross, Mrs. Wesche, for room at Lawson Home for Sisters.
August 27th
Raining and cloudy – windy and unpleasant day – tired – did not go out. Arranged to
got to Lawson on Saturday m.d. for 2 weeks.
August 29th
Friday: Went to see Dr. B. had gone out, very sorry, wanted to ask about leave etc.
August 30th
Saturday: Left Summer Hill 10am. Sydney 12m.d. for Lawson. Arrived about 2/20
pm. – nice day.
Got to "Dalmerney" Sisters Cottage about 3. Seems comfortable, very quiet, which
will be nice – only 3 others there. Run by V.A.D. and 1 cook.
98
August 31st 1919
Sunday: Did not go to Church – quiet day – hot in day – cold at night – Consumptive
Home – Matron asked us to afternoon tea and dinner to welcome home a Digger who
had been a former patient and away for 5 or 6 years on service. Very nice evening
really. Got back about 9pm – they drove us home – have asked these boys to tea here.
September 2nd
Rather heavy storm – nice rain this A.M. – hope other people get some too.
September 3rd
Wednesday: 6 patients and Matron came to afternoon tea. Had a very nice afternoon –
took some snaps – got some cakes etc. from the Stores, which came beautifully.
September 4th
Thursday: Matron Joan asked me down to dinner, all the patients away for day at
picnic, so only she at home. Saw all over her home and private farm etc.
Asked me to dinner on Sunday to meet the Trustees, Judge Ferguson and Mr. Curtis.
Says they are very nice.
Letter from Major Bean asking me to tea yesterday - wanted me for something.
Wonder what it was.
September 5th
Friday: Raining hard all day – hope it rains in the country.
September 7th
Went to Medlow Bath yesterday – train from here – saw Picture Gallery, had some tea
and returned by 4/30 train – very nice day.
Went to lunch at Hazelbrook Hospital – met Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and Dr. and Mrs.
Sinclair there also – very nice day. Came back by car – very cold.
Can go the Caves from here by car 8 Pounds-10/- for 4 of us return – extra for board
and seeing Caves.
September 9th
Tuesday: Dr. and Mrs. Sinclair and Miss Murray came to afternoon tea.
September 13th
Saturday: Nothing new – very windy – gales and unpleasant – no one out since
Wednesday. Some went to a picnic with Mrs. Sulman, I would not go. Went down to
tea to Matron Joan. Stayed til 10pm – very pleasant evening.
99
September 14th 1919
Sunday: Asked Matron and her sister to tea, about 8 people here now.
September 15th
Monday: Arranged to go to the Caves tomorrow, hope it is a nice trip – wind gone
down very much today, though still a good breeze and cold.
Leave by 8.30am train tomorrow for Katoomba en route to Caves. Will have to
arrange a return to Sydney on Saturday – too many travelling on Sunday.
September 16th
Tuesday: Arrived at Katoomba 9.15am, car called at Carrington Hotel, picked up 2
Diggers and at Mt. Victoria for 3 others. Lovely morning – good car and driver –
beautiful scenery all the way – great hills. You can not see the bottom of many along
the car route. Morning tea at a halfway house and arrived at Caves House about 12.
Got room and lunch and then saw one cave in afternoon. Another over the Devil's
Coach House at night and a walk through the Gorge.
Dinner, hot bath and bed. So very many steps. This Cave House Hotel just down in a
little valley. All these hills just rising from the very doors of the house – most
wonderful.
September 17th
Wednesday: Did Orient Cave this A.M. – 2 hours – about 1500 or more steps – most
wonderful formation – the water trickling through limestone, making all kinds of
beautiful figures, patters and colours you can imagine. All sorts of figures, statues,
animals etc. – marvellous.
Car and same chauffeur back at 1/30 and got to Katoomba 4.45 and train for Lawson,
most lovely 2 days, just tired, this climbing up and down steps and walking all the
time.
September 18th
Went down to Matron Joans to tea and a concert - very nice - given by old patients –
good voices - only 4 but very good indeed. Got back to Dalmeny about 11pm.
September 19th
Went for car drive to Mt. Yorke 3pm – a gorgeous, beautiful views of hills and valleys,
had afternoon tea, boiled billy and got home about 6/30pm. Car sent by Mrs.
Waterhouse. Matron Joan asked for it, her friends.
September 20th
On Sunday before leaving, went to lunch at Hazelbrook Hospital – Sr. Calvert and
another Miss Thompson. Miss Joan, very good, sent us home in Trap.
Loretta CorbettThis transcription item is now locked to you for editing. To release the lock either Save your changes or Cancel.
This lock will be automatically released after 60 minutes of inactivity.