October 1915
 
 


Friday 1st October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade at 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m.
At 10 a.m. paraded and each section was paid, we received one pound each. First
general pay since we landed at Gallipoli, dismissed after pay till 11 a.m. when
paraded again and went for short route march under Captain Jeffries, arrived back
at camp for dinner. During route march had splendid view of Lemnos harbour
absolutely full of vessels of all kinds, a wonderful sight. During afternoon did some
more writing and a little reading till tea time. After tea played football till 6.30 p.m.
when paraded for roll call, dismissed and sat talking in tent till bed time.

Saturday 2nd October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Am on ration
fatigue today. At 10 a.m. paraded, after roll call all fatigue parties were dismissed to
their various duties. At 10.30 a.m. went to Army Service Corps and drew rations
which we carried back to camp on stretchers. Just getting same rations as when on
peninsular except little more fresh meat. After dinner had to go to Army Service
Corps again and bring up firewood on stretchers, after this put rest of afternoon in
writing letters. Had tea then an hour kicking the football about. Parade and roll call
at 6.30 p.m. and into bed about 8.30 p.m.

Sunday 3rd October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and parade at 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. then breakfast.
After breakfast at liberty for day unless anything occurs. 23rd Sunday since landing
at Gallipoli and 41 weeks since leaving Melbourne. Spent the morning writing letters
also was writing all afternoon. Things are very deadly here, the weather is beautiful
but nowhere to go and nothing to do, no news very little to read. Will be glad to get
to the front again. Have not got any reinforcements yet so our corps is still very
small only 14 privates in our section and when fatigue parties are taken out I have
seen only 5 privates on parade. Parade 6.30, turned in early.

Monday 4th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m., instead of physical drill before breakfast,
tidied up and made camp clean and respectable as expecting inspection by a
French surgeon General. Had breakfast and paraded ready for inspection at 10
a.m., were dismissed shortly afterwards as General did not put in an appearance.
About 11 a.m. had to do a bit of carpentering for the bettering of camp, kept me
going till dinner time. Mail came in about dinner time and I received 9 letters.
Hooray! After tea we had a practice at Rugby football, 3 of our Captains and a
Major joined in, enjoyed it, pretty rough and weather rather warm. Paraded at 6.30
p.m. Turned in about 8.30 p.m.



Tuesday 5th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. then breakfast.
Am on water fatigue, 3 trips to do today. Have received cricket set and some quoits
so after breakfast cleared a patch and made a fairly good cricket pitch also a quoit
pitch. Kept us going till dinner time. After dinner went for water then went to football
ground where we had a practice game of rugby, played a scratch team of New
Zealanders and Maoris. Had energetic game and managed a draw. Major Clayton,
Captains Jeffries, Welch and Furber of our corps played for us. Hear British are
doing well in France. S.S. Olympic in harbour here, 7000 troops aboard, also other
large transports. Parade and roll call 6.30 p.m. Turned in 7.30 p.m.

Wednesday 6th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. About 7.45 a.m. saw
one of our airships, a Parseval airship after style of Zeppelin, passed over the island.
At 10 a.m. we paraded and marched off, joined our Brigade and the New Zealand
Regiments of our division and the whole division was inspected by Major General
Godley who is in charge of it. After dinner, our (A) section played B section of our
corps at cricket and defeated them. I was not playing but was a barracker. Also did
some writing during afternoon. After tea formed a male voice choir and had a
practice. Paraded at 6.30 p.m. for roll call then dismissed. Weather lovely. Turned
in 9 p.m.

Thursday 7th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. At 10 a.m. paraded,
had half an hours drill as for a ceremonial parade, then went for short route march
under Captain Welch, arrived back at dinner time. Notices have been read out
about some of troops committing sacrilege in churches and offenders if caught will
suffer severely. This afternoon our section played C section at cricket and defeated
them, was not playing, did some more writing. After tea kicked the football about for
an hour, paraded for roll call 6.30 p.m. At 7 p.m. had a choral practice till 8 p.m.
Been beautiful day, had yarn and went sleep 9 p.m.

Friday 8th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m.
and general fatigue work till dinner time. Striking some tents and putting others up in
their places, bell tents and hospital tents, were kept going hard till 12.30 midday.
After dinner were paraded again at 2 p.m. and more fatigue work, some very solid
work making roads and drainage trenches, getting plenty of pick and shovel work.
Worked hard until 5 p.m. then knocked off for tea. Paraded for roll call at 6.30 p.m.
About 7 p.m. a storm broke over the island, thunder, lightning, wind and torrents of
rain, was still going when I went to sleep 9 p.m. Three of our bell tents were blown
down, occupants got ducking.


Saturday 9th October, 1915

Reveille 6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m. with physical drill till 7.30 a.m. On ration fatigue
today. Paraded for roll call at 10 a.m. and then was dismissed. At 11 a.m. went with
ration fatigue party to Army Service Corps and drew rations for our corps carrying
them back on stretchers. Our bread and eggs issue have been stopped this last
four or five days. Just having ordinary rations as on peninsula. This afternoon our
corps played New Zealand Medical Corps at cricket, our side made 108 first innings
N.Z.M.C made 21 and 37 respectively in two innings, so we had a comfortable win.
Did some writing this afternoon. Major Clayton and Captain Jeffries went to
Alexandria today on leave. Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m. Had yarn with S.
Cohen this evening, turned in 9.30 p.m.

Sunday 10th October, 1915

24th week since Gallipoli landing.

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. Had to go on duty at hospital at 7 a.m. 15th Battalion sick
parade at 7.15 a.m. foments and dressing to be done. Hurried breakfast and then
patients breakfast after which Captain Finn went round patients, about 20 of them,
sent worst cases to No. 3 General Hospital. At 9 a.m. 13th, 14th and 16th Battalions
sick parades, admitted some to hospital, more dressings and foments, kept going till
11 a.m. then cleared hospital out, disinfected it and generally cleaned it up, took us
till dinner time. At 2 p.m. finished at hospital for day so settled down and finished my
writing for tomorrow's mail. Parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m. Turned in about 9 p.m.

Monday 11th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. shaved and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m. Went through with
15th Battalion sick parade before breakfast, fixed up all their foments and dressings.
After breakfast had other sick parades at 9 a.m. very busy with foments and
dressings until 11 a.m. when tidied up hospital tents before dinner. After dinner
cleared up and finished my shift at 2 p.m. Went to village close by this afternoon to
try and buy bread, have not had any issued for few days and biscuits are pretty hard,
could not get any bread, had to have biscuits for tea. Parade and roll call at 6.30
p.m. Choir practice at 7 p.m. and into bed about 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 12th October, 1915

42 weeks since leaving Melbourne. Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at hospital at
7 a.m. Sick parade and dressings before breakfast. At 9 p.m. further sick parades
and dressings, foments, etc., kept very busy until after 11 a.m., fairly large number
of sick today, most of them have large sores like barkoo rot on limbs and body,
some of them are in a very bad state, not having been attended to early enough.
Clear up in hospital tents then dinner for patients and ourselves, finished duty at 2
p.m. Spent this afternoon reading until tea time, been very nice day. Fell in on
parade for roll call at 6.30 p.m. had choir practice at 7 p.m.

Wednesday 13th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on duty in hospital at 7 a.m. Sick parade, foments and
dressing before breakfast. At 9 a.m. further sick parades and dressings, kept going
till 11.30 a.m. after which we had a spell till dinner time. At 12.30 midday gave
patients dinner then cleared up finishing my shift at 2 p.m. After being relieved
settled down and wrote three letters before tea. Our corps played 1st Australian
Field Ambulance cricket this afternoon, our side was defeated by 18 runs, scores
being 111 and 129. Rather windy today and quite chilly. Had tea and paraded at
6.30 p.m. for roll call. Sat in our tent all evening yarning and turned in about 8.30
p.m.

Thursday 14th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m. at hospital. Sick parade, foments,
dressings, etc. kept us busy till 8.30 a.m. Breakfast for ourselves and patients and
more sick parades at 9 a.m. Lot of men from our brigade on sick parade today, kept
going two of us till 11.30 a.m. with dressing etc. Patients dinner at 12.30 noon then
cleared and tidied the hospital tents and finished shift at 2 p.m. During afternoon
wrote a few postcards then had a bit of a game at cricket with some of our boys,
ground very rough so gave up after getting couple of good cracks on arms. Parade
and roll call at 6.30 p.m. Choir practice at 7 p.m. Turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 15th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on duty at hospital at 7 a.m. Sick parade, dressings etc. till
about 8.30 a.m. then breakfast for patients and ourselves at 9 a.m. more sick
parades kept busy till 11.30 a.m. Have at least 40 to 50 dressings of different kinds,
mostly hot foments, some inhallations, rubbings for cramp, rheumatism etc. have not
a minute to spare before dinner. At 12.30 noon patients dinner after which we got all
cleared up for 2 p.m. when we finished duty for the day unless called out. Lay in the
tent all afternoon, felt very dull today, things are so dead here. Had tea and paraded
for roll call at 6.30 p.m. Turned in for night at 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 16th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on duty at hospital at 7 a.m. Sick parade, dressing, etc. till
about 8.30 a.m. after which breakfast for both patients and ourselves was on. Only
keeping about 10 patients in hospital, but have any amount of out patients who
come up for foments and dressings three times daily, also some who come up for
diet. After breakfast more sick parades, dressings, etc. till about 11.30 a.m. then got
cleared up by dinner time. Off duty at 2 p.m. Was writing all afternoon up till tea
time. Our cricket team played 16th Battalion this afternoon and after a good game
our corps won by about 40 runs. Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. Turned in early,
have headache.




Sunday 17th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. Our week of hospital duty is over, so on parade at 7 a.m. with
physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Do not feel too well today, have had bad headache for 3
days. At 9.30 a.m. paraded and were marched off to church parade, first since we
have been here, such a crowd of soldiers I did not even see the chaplain never mind
hear him. Were dismissed about 10.30 a.m. Wrote a letter this afternoon then lay
down and kept quiet till tea time. Has been showery all day and very cold, weather
is turning cold now, the wind being particularly sharp. Had a few biscuits for tea and
paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. Turned in 7.30 p.m. Keeping good hours.

Monday 18th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade at 7 a.m. Feel alright again today. Saw Captain
Finn and got note to see dentist as I want one or two teeth filling, not troubling me
but are chipped. After breakfast set out for No. 3 General Hospital to see dentist,
great crowd waiting to see him or them. Waited about 2 hours and then succeeded
in getting an appointment for Monday next at 2.15 p.m. Left No. 3 General Hospital
and went with a pal to see a friend of his who is sick in No. 2 Stationary Hospital.
Stayed talking to him till 12 midday, the hospital he was in was splendid and clean
and patients all looked contented. Spoke to sister in charge of ward, practically first
woman spoke to since leaving Melbourne 10 months. Reading all afternoon.
Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. went to bed 8 p.m.

Tuesday 19th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 Breakfast at 8 a.m. Am
on water fatigue today so immediately after breakfast went down to the well and
filled my two dixies. Were issued with new puttees this morning for the winter. After
dinner did another trip for water then went for walk to the recreation ground where
the sailors off the warships play football. I had a game with some of our troops
against some sailors off one of the destroyers and we lost by two goals to one. After
tea had to go to well again for water. Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. Choral practice
at 7 p.m. in bed at 8.30 p.m.

Wednesday 20th October, 1915

Was up at 6.15 this morning and at 6.30 a.m. set off with four other to train for relay
race in some sports coming off on Saturday. Got back for breakfast and at 10 a.m.
paraded and drilled solidly till 11.30 a.m. when dismissed and were all issued with a
new pair of riding breeches which I badly needed. At 1 p.m. had a final choral
practice till 2 p.m. Did a little writing this afternoon. Paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. A
concert was held at 7 p.m. at the Y.M.C.A. organized by our corps. It was a great
success, hundreds sitting on grass outside tent, the sides being taken down. About
3000 were present including a number of officers and our Brigade Major Lieutenant
Colonel McGlynn. Our choral party gave four items. Concluded about 9.30 p.m.

Thursday 21st October, 1915

Up at 6.15 a.m. turned out 6.30 a.m. had a brisk walk and a short sprint, training for
relay race on Saturday, back at camp at 7.30 a.m. On ration fatigue today. At 10.45
a.m. our party went to Army Service Corps, drew rations and back for dinner. After
dinner had an hours choral practice, then read and played draughts till tea time.
After tea went down to the well and did a little washing, arrived back for parade and
roll call at 6 p.m., been very windy today and very cold, have got a pretty bad cold
and do not feel quite up to mark. The cold these last few days has laid up a few of
our fellows. Choral practice at 7 p.m. Turned in 8 p.m.

Friday 22nd October, 1915

Very wild and stormy night, wind howling and shrieking, threatening to bring the tent
down all night. Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade at 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30
a.m. Wind still blowing strong and very cold, threatening rain. At 10 a.m. paraded
and were drilled, going through various movements till 11 a.m. when we started
doing stretcher drill and kept going till 11.45 a.m. Started raining about 11 a.m. and
kept up in showers the whole day, bitter cold. At 1.30 p.m. had choral practice till
2.15 p.m. Spent the rest of afternoon writing. At 6 p.m. we paraded for roll call and
at 6.30 p.m. we had a choir practice. One of the boys out of our tent took sick a few
days ago, has got enteric. Another one took sick tonight, don't know what is wrong
with him yet.

Saturday 23rd October, 1915

Terribly stormy all night, raining and blowing, had to fix the tent up couple of times
during night to keep it from blowing down. Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m.
Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Not feeling too well today, have been a bit off colour for a
week, have got a cold. Am on water fatigue today, went for water for cooks after
breakfast and just before dinner was issued with new pair of boots, pair of socks and
cholera belt. After dinner went for water again, then kept warm and spent the rest of
afternoon writing. After tea went for more water. 4th Brigade sports today, should
have run but not well enough. Parade and roll call 6 p.m. Turned in about 7.30 p.m.
No rain today but very cold and windy.

Sunday 24th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Showery this
morning, wind blowing strong and very cold all day, at 10.30 a.m. received orders to
fall in on parade ground for compulsory church parade, marched off and joined the
battallions of our 4th infantry brigade and instead of church parade it proved to be an
inspection by General Godley, commander of our division, he made a speech, said
we had done well but not done enough and that the war was going to last another
three years, at which the troops all laughed. Some 750 reinforcements arrived late
last night were present. Spent the afternoon writing. Another of our tent mates
taken away today with pleurisy. On parade and roll call at 6.30 p.m. in bed 7.30 p.m.

Monday 25th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. physical drill till 7.30 a.m. A beautiful day
today, sun shining and quite warm. On parade at 10 a.m. and had solid drill, the
new infantry drill platoons, etc. till 12 noon. Captain Furber was drilling us. After
dinner set out to keep my appointment with dentist at No. 3 General Hospital at 2.15
p.m. where I had three teeth filled. Afterwards looked round for my cousin J. Rick
5th Manchester Regiment who had undergone an operation for varicocele in No. 3
General Hospital. After a lot of searching I found him in the Lowlands
Comvalesence Camp, almost right again. Arrived back at camp for tea. Parade and
roll call at 6 p.m. Choir practice at 6.30 and in bed at 8.30 p.m.

Tuesday 26th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade at 7 a.m. Physical drill till 7.30 a.m. Fairly cold
again this morning, dull and heavy sky. Am on ration fatigue today. Paraded at 10
a.m. and fell out from drill to perform my duties. At 11 a.m. went with rest of fatigue
party to Army Service and drew rations before dinner. Was to have played 13th
Battalion at soccer this afternoon, match fell through so we played a team of navy
men off one of our battleships, just come from China, made a draw no goals being
scored. After tea paraded for roll call at 6 p.m. and turned in 6.30 p.m. Not feeling
too well, am a bit run down. Very windy day again today.

Wednesday 27th October, 1915

Reveille at 6.30 a.m. and on parade 7 a.m. Fell out after roll call and went on sick
parade for the first time since joining the forces. Not feeling really sick but have got
a bit of a rash and am chafed which makes it rather painful to march. Captain
Furber examined me and put me off duty, to give me chance to pick up. Bathed and
dressed my soreness with ointment. During morning our boys were inspected by
C.C. Munroe who has taken over command of Mediterranean Forces from Vice
General Sir Ian Hamilton. After dinner settled down to write till tea time, have kept
fairly quiet all day. Parade and roll call at 6 p.m. turned in about 7.30 p.m.

Thursday 28th October, 1915

Had a restless night, the rash I have got being very painful. Was glad when reveille
went at 6.30 a.m. and parade at 7 a.m. Fell out after roll call and went on sick
parade again as am unable to drill and so was put off duty. Took things easy all
day, did some writing till dinner time. After dinner orders issued to embark on
Saturday unless anything occurs in meantime so packed my kit and did some more
writing as mail goes today and we might miss Sunday's mail. More clothing issued
today for the winter. Same daily routine for our corps. About 8 p.m. Acting
Lieutenant Cosgrove arrived back from Alexandria and brought about 40
reinforcements and details for us.



Friday 29th October, 1915

Had very bad night, up nearly all the time, could not sleep or rest at all. Reveille at
6.30 a.m. parade at 7 a.m. Fell out after roll call and went on sick parade. Captain
Furber wanted to send me to General Hospital but persuaded him to give me
another day to see if I could improve. Altered my treatment from Mecurial ointment
to Lead lotion which I applied about 10 a.m. and got almost instant relief. Could feel
myself improving all day and am greatly pleased, all the same took things easy.
After dinner went down to well and did some more washing in case we leave
tomorrow, but don't think we will. Routine just as usual today. Feeling splendid
tonight. Turned in 8 p.m.

Saturday 30th October, 1915

Had splendid night's rest. Reveille at 6.30 a.m. on parade 7 a.m. Fell out after roll
call went on sick parade. Great improvement in my condition this morning. Not
leaving today. About 10 a.m. told to expect to embark tomorrow, can't be sure as
things are a bit upset by various things, viz:- 4th Brigade reinforcements isolated for
mumps, measles. 2nd Brigade isolated, Diptheria broken out pretty strong also
Enteric and Mediterranean Fevers are fairly prevalent, also other illnesses. After
dinner got orders to pack up and march to wharf at 5.30 p.m. Loaded panniers,
camp stores, etc. on G.S. Wagons during afternoon and our men marched out of
camp about 6.30 p.m. I stayed behind and acted as brakesman on G.S. Wagon.
Arrived at wharf and unloaded wagons on jetty.

Sunday 31st October, 1915

Bivouaked round jetty last night. Two of us squeezed in a small wooden hut about 4
feet square. Up about 5 a.m. had some bully beef and biscuits for breakfast and
then loaded our stores on barges. Left jetty about 11 a.m. and went on board the
fleet sweeper Newmarket. Just a small boat, little larger than trawler, about 600
troops aboard so not much room. Before leaving harbour saw the destroyer Wear
collide with a barge, destroyers bows bent a little. Left our anchorage about 4 p.m.,
while moving out we collided with barge putting a big dent in her side. Our boat
mounts 2-12 pounder guns manned by naval men, sharp lookout kept for
submarines. Not room to lie down so crowded, cold windy night, just had to make
best of it. Nearing Cape Gaba-Tepe almost ran down trawler, so near could have
stepped aboard her. Dropped anchor off Anzac about 11 p.m. We were in dead
darkness, all lights being out.