Thomas James Richards, Diaries, Transcript Vol. 4, 9 November 1916 - 31 May 1918 - Part 22

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
RCDIG0001489
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- 202 - Maggie is a toe dancer of some note by her photos. Lunch with Harry Wellington at Stuckeys and back to Henbury followed by a walk over the Downs. A very high point overlooking some pretty scenery. At night we went to the "Bing Boys" and enjoyed them ver much though the frayed hosiery of the chorus girls was quite an exhibition. November 25th. Sunday. I good long walk in the morning down amongst the remount camps to Avonmouth. It was jolly fine, the weather being sunny and cool for walking. Joan and I went to "The Nook" in the afternoon and met the folk there as merry as usual. After tea at "The Hollies" we chatted with Miss Baker and turned in about 10.30 t0 a soft bed with a water bottle in. November 26th. Monday. A good breakfast and unto Bristol by 11 a.m. met several old friends at the Liberal Club. Lunch with the Sims. Annie came down to the station and saw me off at 5.50 p.m. and I rushed into the Hospital by 9.30 after a very pleasant week- end even if it were a bit quite. November 27th. November 28th. November 29th. Thursday. I have this day been before a Medical Board and was gran- ted by them 2 weeks convalescing followed by 2 weeks leave, which will put me over Xmas Day and give me all the holidays that I require. My arm is just healed over, but is yet a little tender. Both of my shoulders are stiff the result of past injuries I doubt if either will be good enough to throw bombs with. November 30th. Friday.
- 203 - Have arranged with the Bank for £20.0.0. which even with the 14/6 per day, will make me go slow in the spending line to see the Xmas out. Dinner at the Trocadero with lo lst Devision men was all right in its way, but yet to pay 12/- for a dinner was a little bit warm you know. The Trocadero is quite a pretty dining room; while up stairs the tea-room in the afternoon is a remarkable sight. I went out to Paddington station at 9.30 and just got aboard the 9.50 train in time. ecember 1st. Saturday. Arrived in Penzance at 8 o'clock this morning put my suit case in the cloak room and went out for a walk. Finally putting up at the Union Hotel. I walked down the Esplanade picked up with a girl and en- joyed my walk much the better for it. In the afternoon I went out to Gulval met the Corin folk and came back to Penzance about 7.30 where I met Willie Tregon- ing and in the Union Bar we chatted a good deal. Getting to bed by 10.30 p.m. December 2nd. Sunday. Tom Osborn rang up for me while I was having a bath and wanted to know whether I would come out motoring for the day. He called for me later and after picking up Willie Tregoning we went to the Coach and Horses Hotel and met old friend Herbert Rodda my timbering mate from Africa. He was very excited and pleased. After a hugh English dinner, goose and a heaped up plate of vegetable such as one sees in no other country. At 4 o'clock we motored down to see Charlie Glasson another African mining pal and got back to the Hotel at 10.45
- 204 - and into a comfortable bed. December 3rd. Monday. A fairly quite day: but a walk to Newlyn was interesting but not so animated and full of fishing life as in years gone by. The navy now seem to monopolise it. The language peculiar to the Cornishman I find more broad and strange than I expected it to be. I had forgotten just how thick it was. December 4th. Tuesday. I am sitting in a Doctors waiting room reading the "Daily Telegraph," the leader of which annoys me considerably. For three years our Ministers have been taking victory for granted and no one but a fool could dream of the "Central Powers" having a chance at all: now they have the cheek to preach (Lloyd George says Our problem is to organise victory, and not take it for granted. And there are 50,000 aircraft and muni- tion workers on strike at Coventry. The railway men were on the verge of downing tools and coal miners have actually left their work. This is a disgusting state of affairs, and to think that in puny Australia they are fighting the conscription issue as though it were life and death. Conscription Australia to help in a war which England has not yet learnt to look seriously upon when air-craft factorys can come out on strike and its in the air that our best chance of winning the war lies. Conscript Australia to help England to acheive in a war while she, herself looks helplessly on while the factories scarce work. The Doctor has put the "wind up" me over my blood. December 5th. Wednesday. I went by rail to Turo this morning to see the market
- 205 - with Tom Osborn. There were some 200 head of cattle a lot of sheep and pigs. The cattle were young and undersize, it seemed a great shame for them to be going to the butchers. The cattle, before entering the selling yard, stood in a crush weigh bridge and the large clock dial registered their weight, seldon did any animal go more than 10 cwt. and many down to 7 cwt. Prices ranged from £25 to £35. It was so strange to see the buyers crowd round to feel the beasts ribs and condition as it came into the ring, the poor beast just allowing them to climb all over them. An Australian cow would have killed many men. December 6th. Thursday. I stayed last night with Tom Osborn and caught the mid- day train for London, where I put up at Bernard Street. Tom Osborn has 3 splendid children and keeps a governess for them 2 girls, 1 boy. His wife looks splendid; but I fear they don't live together arguments and little troubles as, in my presents Sarah showed up a nasty air of decension. They keep up a nice home anyhow. I met a number of Cornish farmers yesterday and they are a hard headed lot to deal with. December 7th. Friday. The Doctor at Harley St. fixed me up and sent me early to bed this night. I got quite a shock but will fight it off alright. I put up at 49 Bernard St. an old haunt of mine. scember 8th. Saturday. I went out with Helen Wilson to "Grovehurst" and will remain with them for a week or so. They have a very nice home and as there are only Mother Father and the two girls things go a little slow at times.
- 206 - December 18th. Monday. I have come into the Craven Hotel from the Wilsons where I have been staying since December 8th and where I had a lovely time, quite yes but very delightful. December 19th. Quesday. December 20th. Wednesday. Craven Hotel. Thursday. December 21st. Frday. December 22nd. Saturday. December 23rd. I left the Craven Hotel this morning and went to "The Nook" at Bristol. Dinner at Dunlops with Stan. Elsie and Phylis Lowther. Stanley is a wonderful example of the real Englishman in manner and customs. Other than that he is over generous and allows himself to be imposed upon he is splendid. December 23rd. Sunday. I cycled to Bishopston saw the Sims and Archie Powell and got back to "The Nook" for dinner which I enjoyed immensely. After dinner the table looked a perfect and wonderful picture littered with fresh and preserved fruits nuts and sweets and wine, with tulips and lily of the valley with violets scattered amongst the flimsey table center, there were also cigars and cigarettes. The usual party called early and eat the desert and drank the wine and chattered and giggled about nothing at all. We all went down to Lowthers for supper and taxied back to "The Nook." December 24th. Monday. The morning broke wonderfully clear and bright. The clear air and pretty sky showed up the woodland about and cheered my old heart with its splendid picture. At noon with Doris and Stan we went into Dunlops (met "Guest" Holman) and had a good
- 207 - lunch. After lunch I went off to the Sims and stayed there the night. December 25th. Tuesday. A good Xmas dinner and a long walk over to Bishops Knoll. Hospital with the Sims. December 26th. Wednesday. Lunch with Archie Powell and dinner with the family at Ashgrove of which I could write much and a pathetic story too it would be. I stayed the night in Roy's room. December 27th. Thursday. I left Bristol at 7.45 a.m. for London saw the Doctor and put up at the Craven Hotel. Mrs. Lother came up with me and brought a brown card-board box and a dog "Pip." What awful people the world possesses came home to me. December 28th. Friday. The Medical Boad have left me stand over until Monday. I saw when "Knights Were Bold" to-night quite a good show and "Bluebell in Fairyland" in the afternoon. December 29th. Saturday. I wet foggy day. I had lunch at the famous old "Bakers Chop House" with Ruf Thompson and Bob Marriot, it is a quaint old place probably the oldest house in London. December 30th. Sunday. Lunch and dinner at the Somerset Hotel with the Wilsons. I have been there a number of times lately. The weather is cold and wet now and time seems to hang at other than theatres, which are awfully expensive.
- 208 - December 31st. Monday. The Medical Board gave me 14 days leave to-day which is might good of them. But at the same time General Charlie Ryan would have let me down even after promising to give me extra 14 days but for Major Wilcocks. It was very mean of him. New Year's Day. January 1st. Monday. Stayed the afternoon in bed. Received presents of gloves tie and handkerchief over Xmas from Sister Hickey. January 2nd. Tuesday. I saw "Chu Chin Chow" again to-night. It is the best show I've seen in London. January 3rd. Wednesday. January 4th. Thursday. Lunch at the Craven Hotel and spent the afternoon and evening with Sister Hickey and John Vant. It was a very fine time as they are so easy to get along with. Met some fellows and talked football until l o'clock in the smoke room. January 5th. Friday. Went with Muriel and Helen to Bakers' Chop House. Had afternoon tea at the Bluebird. Each having a toasted bun lollies fruit salad and two sweets with tea and they charged 13/-. Went with A. P. Sims to "Carmenetta" at night. 6th. Saturday. Januar We have had 5 or 6 days of jolly cold weather lately. There is a little snow on the streets of London but it soon wears off. I am feeling the cold rather much I fear, and am glad to have my big fleece lined coat. I am still spending money freely and getting very little for it. The Theatrers mostly annoy me, and whether or not its poor compensation for the money and time spent over them, when one goes to them regularly.
- 209 - uary 7th. Sunday. Jar I had a walk around the Row this morning there were a fair number of riders out, but it is difficult to say if they could reasonably enjoy themselves with so many spectators pre¬ sent. In the afternoon we went to Westminster Abby as to-day is the day set aside for prayer for peace, but unfortunately we could not get into the crowded building proper and so we sat with hundreds of others back behind where we could neither see or hear anything and outside it was raining heavily. January 8th. Monday. I went out to the A.I.F. Kit Stores this morning but could not trace my valise. In the afternoon I motored out to "Grovehurst" with Muriel and Helen and stayed there over night playing bridge until 11 p.m. January 9th. Tuesday. I spent the day with Sister Hickey going at night to "Aladdin" at Drury Lane and enjoyed it so very very much. January 9th. Wednesday. I bought a sleeping bag for £1.5.0 and a shirt for 15/6 at the A.I.F. stores Horseferry Rd. I paid the Dr. £26.0.0. and all is now clear and well. January 10th. Thursday. I went to see "The Boy" last night after dinner at the Craven Hotel. Helen and Muriel and myself enjoyed it very much. January 11th. Friday. I slept at the Craven Hotel last night. I have stayed at the Craven for 8 days now at 7/6 for bed and breakfast with bath tea etc. extra my bill for that period was £5.4.0
210 - It's an awful price to pay for so little; lunch was 3/- dinner 4/6. I took the 11 o'clock train for Bristol where I had lunch at the Liberal Club. I found a girl waiting for a taxi at the Bristol station so I let her share mine. She was pleased, and quite amused. Stayed at the happy old Nook. Coombe Dingle. January 12th. Saturday. I went into town in the morning returning in time to help with the re-turfing of the lawn. There was the usual hungry tired crowd of girls about, good girls yes but, oh!! I cant explain here just what I mean.-- Dinner at Dunlops as is Stanleys custom every Saturday and a motor back to "The Nook" after staying at Guest Holman's. January 13th. Sunday. I wheeled some barrows of earth onto the tennis court before breakfast at 10.30. I then cycled to Wellingtons and found then splendid. Young Joan is lovely. Tea with a crowd of women at "The Nook" and supper at Harold Lowthers Va squres place). Roy showed his lantern slides which were excellent. His coloured photography slides are the first I've yet seen and they were so good. We motored back in a slight snow storm and to bed at 11.30. Warminster. January 14th. Monday. There was a beautiful snow scene out of my window this morning but when I got outside it was sloppy and thawing. But the 2 or 3 inches of snow was splendid. A wonderful picture. I had lunch with Archie Powell and left by a 4 o'clock
211 - train for Warminster where I was soon fixed up and to-night I find myself a soldier again sleeping on 3 planks raised 6 ins. off the floor. January 15th. Tuesday. The "revielle" woke me this morning from amongst my blankets in my humble quarters. I was a command to get out of bed and make myself busy. It was a bit of a jar right enough; but as I was prepared for it the bugle call did not come so very hard; though it certainly proclaimed to end of my freedom, and announced that I was a soldier once again after 3/½ month of ease. Parade at 8.40 in the intense cold. I enjoyed the physical drill in the hall. I find my condition very poor indeed. It rained so heavily in the afternoon there was no parade. This camp seems very comfortable all things considered. January 16th. Wednesday. I have just come in from a concert given by Australian soldiers. It was very good but I return to-night a little homesick as the stage had for a background a picture of Sydney Heads from Middle Head. A Manly ferry boat filled the fore-ground with several small sailing boats. It was splendid but it gave me many reminders of home and peace. Over the top of the stage was painted a large waratah with a bunch of Xmas bells flannel flowers and wattle, with two laughing jack-asses on one side and a native bear and a cockatoo on the other. I am quite homesick to-night. I can remember my last glimpse of Sydney Heads 3; years ago and oh!!

- 202 -
Maggie is a toe dancer of some note by her photos.  Lunch with
Harry Wellington at Stuckeys and back to Henbury followed by
a walk over the Downs.   A very high point overlooking some
pretty scenery.
At night we went to the "Bing Boys" and enjoyed them very
much though the frayed hosiery of the chorus girls was quite
an exhibition.

November 25th.   Sunday.

I good long walk in the morning down amongst the remount
camps to Avonmouth.   It was jolly fine, the weather being
sunny and cool for walking.
Joan and I went to "The Nook" in the afternoon and met the
folk there as merry as usual.   After tea at "The Hollies" we
chatted with Miss Baker and turned in about 10.30 to a soft
bed with a water bottle in.

November 26th.   Monday.

A good breakfast and unto Bristol by 11 a.m. met several
old friends at the Liberal Club.  Lunch with the Sims. Annie
came down to the station and saw me off at 5.50 p.m. and I
rushed into the Hospital by 9.30 after a very pleasant weekend 
even if it were a bit quite.
November 27th.
November 28th.
November 29th.   Thursday.

I have this day been before a Medical Board and was granted 
by them 2 weeks convalescing followed by 2 weeks leave,
which will put me over Xmas Day and give me all the holidays
that I require.   My arm is just healed over, but is yet a
little tender.   Both of my shoulders are stiff the result of
past injuries I doubt if either will be good enough to throw
bombs with.

November 30th.  Friday.
 

 

- 203 -
Have arranged with the Bank for £20.0.0. which even with
the 14/6 per day, will make me go slow in the spending line to
see the Xmas out.
Dinner at the Trocadero with 10 1st Devision men was all
right in its way, but yet to pay 12/- for a dinner was a little
bit warm you know.  The Trocadero is quite a pretty dining
room; while up stairs the tea-room in the afternoon is a
remarkable sight.
I went out to Paddington station at 9.30 and just got
aboard the 9.50 train in time.

December 1st. Saturday.
Arrived in Penzance at 8 o'clock this morning put my
suit case in the cloak room and went out for a walk.  Finally
putting up at the Union Hotel.
I walked down the Esplanade picked up with a girl and enjoyed 
my walk much the better for it.
In the afternoon I went out to Gulval met the Corin folk
and came back to Penzance about 7.30 where I met Willie Tregoning 
and in the Union Bar we chatted a good deal.  Getting to
bed by 10.30 p.m.

December 2nd. Sunday.
Tom Osborn rang up for me while I was having a bath and
wanted to know whether I would come out motoring for the day.
He called for me later and after picking up Willie Tregoning
we went to the Coach and Horses Hotel and met old friend
Herbert Rodda my timbering mate from Africa.  He was very
excited and pleased.  After a hugh English dinner, goose and
a heaped up plate of vegetable such as one sees in no other
country.
At 4 o'clock we motored down to see Charlie Glasson
another African mining pal and got back to the Hotel at 10.45
 

 

- 204 -
and into a comfortable bed.

December 3rd. Monday.

A fairly quite day: but a walk to Newlyn was interesting
but not so animated and full of fishing life as in years gone
by. The navy now seem to monopolise it.  The language peculiar
to the Cornishman I find more broad and strange than I expected
it to be.  I had forgotten just how thick it was.

December 4th. Tuesday.
I am sitting in a Doctors waiting room reading the "Daily
Telegraph," the leader of which annoys me considerably.  For
three years our Ministers have been taking victory for granted
and no one but a fool could dream of the "Central Powers"
having a chance at all: now they have the cheek to preach
(Lloyd George says Our problem is to organise victory, and not
take it for granted.  And there are 50,000 aircraft and munition 
workers on strike at Coventry.  The railway men were on
the verge of downing tools and coal miners have actually left
their work.  This is a disgusting state of affairs, and to
think that in puny Australia they are fighting the conscription
issue as though it were life and death. Conscription Australia
to help in a war which England has not yet learnt to look
seriously upon when air-craft factorys can come out on strike
and its in the air that our best chance of winning the war
lies.  Conscript Australia to help England to acheive in a
war while she, herself looks helplessly on while the factories
scarce work.
The Doctor has put the "wind up" me over my blood.

December 5th. Wednesday.
I went by rail to Turo this morning to see the market
 

 

- 205 -
with Tom Osborn. There were some 200 head of cattle a lot of
sheep and pigs. The cattle were young and undersize, it
seemed a great shame for them to be going to the butchers.
The cattle, before entering the selling yard, stood in a
crush weigh bridge and the large clock dial registered their
weight, seldon did any animal go more than 10 cwt. and many
down to 7 cwt.  Prices ranged from £25 to £35. It was so
strange to see the buyers crowd round to feel the beasts ribs
and condition as it came into the ring, the poor beast just
allowing them to climb all over them.   An Australian cow would
have killed many men.

December 6th. Thursday.

I stayed last night with Tom Osborn and caught the midday 
train for London, where I put up at Bernard Street.  Tom
Osborn has 3 splendid children and keeps a governess for them
2 girls, 1 boy.  His wife looks splendid; but I fear they don't
live together arguments and little troubles as, in my presents
Sarah showed up a nasty air of decension.  They keep up a nice
home anyhow.  I met a number of Cornish farmers yesterday and
they are a hard headed lot to deal with.

December 7th. Friday.

The Doctor at Harley St. fixed me up and sent me early to
bed this night.
I got quite a shock but will fight it off alright.
I put up at 49 Bernard St. an old haunt of mine.

December 8th. Saturday.
I went out with Helen Wilson to "Grovehurst" and will
remain with them for a week or so. They have a very nice
home and as there are only Mother Father and the two girls
things go a little slow at times.
 

 

- 206 -
December 18th. Monday.

I have come into the Craven Hotel from the Wilsons where
I have been staying since December 8th and where I had a lovely
time, quite yes but very delightful.

December 19th.  Tuesday           )
December 20th. Wednesday.    )
December 21st.  Thursday           )                  Craven Hotel
December 22nd.  Friday              )
December 23rd.  Saturday          )

I left the Craven Hotel this morning and went to "The
Nook" at Bristol. Dinner at Dunlops with Stan. Elsie and
Phylis Lowther. Stanley is a wonderful example of the real
Englishman in manner and customs. Other than that he is over
generous and allows himself to be imposed upon he is splendid.

December 23rd. Sunday.
I cycled to Bishopston saw the Sims and Archie Powell and
got back to "The Nook" for dinner which I enjoyed immensely.
After dinner the table looked a perfect and wonderful picture
littered with fresh and preserved fruits nuts and sweets and
wine, with tulips and lily of the valley with violets scattered
amongst the flimsey table center, there were also cigars and
cigarettes.  The usual party called early and eat the desert
and drank the wine and chattered and giggled about nothing at
all.
We all went down to Lowthers for supper and taxied back
to "The Nook."

December 24th. Monday.
The morning broke wonderfully clear and bright. The clear
air and pretty sky showed up the woodland about and cheered my
old heart with its splendid picture.  At noon with Doris and
Stan we went into Dunlops (met "Guest" Holman) and had a good
 

 

- 207 -
lunch.   After lunch I went off to the Sims and stayed there
the night.

December 25th.   Tuesday.

A good Xmas dinner and a long walk over to Bishops Knoll.
Hospital with the Sims.

December 26th.   Wednesday.

Lunch with Archie Powell and dinner with the family at
Ashgrove of which I could write much and a pathetic story too
it would be.  I stayed the night in Roy's room.

December 27th.   Thursday.

I left Bristol at 7.45 a.m. for London saw the Doctor and
put up at the Craven Hotel.  Mrs. Lother came up with me and
brought a brown card-board box and a dog "Pip."   What awful
people the world possesses came home to me.

December 28th.   Friday.
The Medical Boad have left me stand over until Monday.  I
saw when "Knights Were Bold" to-night quite a good show and
"Bluebell in Fairyland" in the afternoon.

December 29th.   Saturday.
I wet foggy day. I had lunch at the famous old "Bakers
Chop House" with Ruf Thompson and Bob Marriot, it is a quaint
old place probably the oldest house in London.

December 30th.   Sunday.
Lunch and dinner at the Somerset Hotel with the Wilsons.
I have been there a number of times lately.  The weather is
cold and wet now and time seems to hang at other than theatres,
which are awfully expensive.
 

 

- 208 -
December 31st.   Monday.
The Medical Board gave me 14 days leave to-day which is
might good of them.  But at the same time General Charlie Ryan
would have let me down even after promising to give me extra
14 days but for Major Wilcocks.  It was very mean of him.

January 1st.   Monday.                                New Year's Day.

Stayed the afternoon in bed. Received presents of gloves
tie and handkerchief over Xmas from Sister Hickey.

January 2nd.   Tuesday.
I saw "Chu Chin Chow" again to-night.  It is the best
show I've seen in London.

January 3rd.   Wednesday.
January 4th.   Thursday.

Lunch at the Craven Hotel and spent the afternoon and
evening with Sister Hickey and John Vant.  It was a very fine
time as they are so easy to get along with.  Met some fellows
and talked football until l o'clock in the smoke room.

January 5th.   Friday.
Went with Muriel and Helen to Bakers' Chop House.  Had
afternoon tea at the Bluebird.  Each having a toasted bun
fruit salad and two sweets ^lollies  with tea and they charged 13/-.
Went with A. P. Sims to "Carmenetta" at night.

January 6th.   Saturday.
We have had 5 or 6 days of jolly cold weather lately.
There is a little snow on the streets of London but it soon
wears off.  I am feeling the cold rather much I fear, and
am glad to have my big fleece lined coat.
I am still spending money freely and getting very little
for it.  The Theatrers mostly annoy me, and whether or not
its poor compensation for the money and time spent over them,
when one goes to them regularly.
 

 

- 209 -
January 7th.   Sunday
I had a walk around the Row this morning there were a
fair number of riders out, but it is difficult to say if they
could reasonably enjoy themselves with so many spectators present.
In the afternoon we went to Westminster Abby as to-day is
the day set aside for prayer for peace, but unfortunately we
could not get into the crowded building proper and so we sat
with hundreds of others back behind where we could neither see
or hear anything and outside it was raining heavily.

January 8th.   Monday.
I went out to the A.I.F. Kit Stores this morning but
could not trace my valise.  In the afternoon I motored out to
"Grovehurst" with Muriel and Helen and stayed there over night
playing bridge until 11 p.m.

January 9th.   Tuesday.
I spent the day with Sister Hickey going at night to
"Aladdin" at Drury Lane and enjoyed it so very very much.

January 9th.   Wednesday.
I bought a sleeping bag for £1.5.0 and a shirt for 15/6
at the A.I.F. stores Horseferry Rd.  I paid the Dr. £26.0.0.
and all is now clear and well.

January 10th.   Thursday.
I went to see "The Boy" last night after dinner at the
Craven Hotel.  Helen and Muriel and myself enjoyed it very
much.

January 11th.   Friday.
 I slept at the Craven Hotel last night. I have stayed
at the Craven for 8 days now at 7/6 for bed and breakfast
with bath tea etc. extra my bill for that period was £5.4.0
 

 

-210 -
It's an awful price to pay for so little; lunch was 3/-
dinner 4/6.
I took the 11 o'clock train for Bristol where I had
lunch at the Liberal Club.  I found a girl waiting for a taxi
at the Bristol station so I let her share mine.  She was
pleased, and quite amused.
Stayed at the happy old Nook. Coombe Dingle.

January 12th.   Saturday.
I went into town in the morning returning in time to
help with the re-turfing of the lawn. There was the usual
hungry tired crowd of girls about, good girls yes but, oh!!
I cant explain here just what I mean.-- - - 
Dinner at Dunlops as is Stanleys custom every Saturday
and a motor back to "The Nook" after staying at Guest Holman's.

January 13th.   Sunday.
I wheeled some barrows of earth. onto the tennis court
before breakfast at 10.30. I then cycled to Wellingtons and
found then splendid.  Young Joan is lovely.
Tea with a crowd of women at "The Nook" and supper at
Harold Lowthers (a squres place). Roy showed his lantern
slides which were excellent.   His coloured photography slides
are the first I've yet seen and they were so good.
We motored back in a slight snow storm and to bed at
11.30.

January 14th.   Monday.                                  Warminster.
There was a beautiful snow scene out of my window this
morning but when I got outside it was sloppy and thawing.
But the 2 or 3 inches of snow was splendid.  A wonderful
picture.
I had lunch with Archie Powell and left by a 4 o'clock
 

 

-211 -
train for Warminster where I was soon fixed up and to-night
I find myself a soldier again sleeping on 3 planks raised 6
ins. off the floor.

January 15th.   Tuesday.
The "revielle" woke me this morning from amongst my
blankets in my humble quarters.  I was a command to get out
of bed and make myself busy.  It was a bit of a jar right
enough;  but as I was prepared for it the bugle call did not
come so very hard; though it certainly proclaimed to end of
my freedom, and announced that I was a soldier once again
after 3½ month of ease.
Parade at 8.40 in the intense cold.  I enjoyed the
physical drill in the hall.  I find my condition very poor
indeed.
It rained so heavily in the afternoon there was no parade.
This camp seems very comfortable all things considered.

January 16th.   Wednesday.
I have just come in from a concert given by Australian
soldiers.  It was very good but I return to-night a little
homesick as the stage had for a background a picture of
Sydney Heads from Middle Head.  A Manly ferry boat filled the
fore-ground with several small sailing boats.  It was splendid
but it gave me many reminders of home and peace.  Over the
top of the stage was painted a large waratah with a bunch
of Xmas bells flannel flowers and wattle, with two laughing
jack-asses on one side and a native bear and a cockatoo on
the other. I am quite homesick to-night.  I can remember my
last glimpse of Sydney Heads 3½ years ago and oh!!
 

 
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