The personal diary of Leonard
Leader Brereton 1917
2nd
Lt. 3/5 Bedford Regiment, [attached] 7th Middlesex
Regt.
Officers Mess,
11 Calverley
Park Gardens,
Tunbridge Wells
Civil
Engineer in South Africa.
Through
German SWA Campaign 21 April 1915 – 7 August 1915
Feb
19 1916 left Kaged (?) Gorge Camp, SA en route for England.
Mar
11 sailed from Cape Town
for England
on RMS Garka
April
5 1916, arrived Plymouth
and travelled to Bedford
June 29 gazetted 2nd
Lieutenant in 3/5th Bedford Regiment at Halton
Camp. North Tring Buckinghamshire.
Sept 19 orders for France,
while at Elstow, cancelled
Nov
4 1916, order for Egypt,
cancelled.
Nov
22 1916 order for France,
cancelled.
Nov
24 1916 orders for Egypt.
To join 7th Middlesex Regiment at Tunbridge Wells
with the 7thMiddlesex.
Dec
11 1916 [comment; message written in Greek to escape the
army censors, as with many other words throughout the diary]
Dec
23 1916 at Tunbridge Wells.
Monday,
January 1st 1917:
The first day of the New
Year. I, 2nd Lt. L.L.Brereton of the 5th
Bedfordshire Regt. am at Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
attached to the Middlesex Regt but having no duties to perform
am waiting to take a draft of Middlesex to Egypt
and from there to join my own Battalion at Suez.
The morning I spent once more in the High
St. and at the Tudor. A life
of enforced idleness is surely a punishment far greater
than some people think. I sent a few appropriate remarks
on woman to P. with that hope that she will learn by them.
In the evening to pictures
– Even they almost fail to interest me. I must be
getting in a queer state. I would give a good deal for the
sun and freedom of Africa.
Tuesday,
January 2nd
The whole day with nothing
to do as before. I have never been able to make friends
quickly but the loneliness of this town passes belief. In
all the wide spaces in Natal
when quite alone, I have never felt like this. For all that,
I will not make friends with these chaps. We are widely
separated. Some offend me by their vulgarity and appalling
lack of ordinary manners. They ape the Gentleman so that
it becomes ludicrous rather than amusing. The CO and Adams
are real good sorts but the latter has his own attractions
in the town. Guest Night.
Wed,
January 3rd.
Today passed as the others
before it. I actually had a companion, one Burrage, this
P.’s prophecy as to the use of the Antipon [comment;
a drug?]. In the evening I went to the Opera House. Among
other turns was a sweet little elfin girl of 15, she could
not have been more. Of all commonplace things she played
the concertina through she did it well. I remember hoping
she would smile but she never did. And so, as Pepys would
say, to bed with a mind content but a soul of loneliness.
Thurs,
January 4th, 1917.
No change whatsoever in
the dull routine. Holts inform me that I am 6 pounds overdrawn.
I can easily understand how it has come about. I have spent
over or nearly 10 pounds on these absurd journeys on which
I can claim no compensation. The morning I spent in the
Town and in the evening went to the Pictures. This is the
first I have heard of it as the mails are all overdue. The
Durham
must be lost.
Fri,
January 5th.
Tunbridge Wells and the
same dull daily round. I am getting very hard up for something
to do. Stokes tells me that my claim for the 10% reduction
in my fare (Gaika) will not be allowable having already
received the Civil Servant Reduction. Its rotten luck as
I was counting on it very much. Things being in their present
state.
Sat,
January 6th.
Tunbridge
Wells yet again. This eternal solitude and loneliness is
the limit. However like the Parrot, I think the more. I
have bought Compton Mackenzie’s “Sinister
Street”. It describes
the forming of a boy’s character from babyhood upward
very well. I think I must perforce make some girlfriend
in the town although Tunbridge Wells seems a home for the
aged and inform only. The Opera House again to-night to
relive the monotony. “Courage
Camarade le diable est mort”.
Sun,
January 7.
Time
hung very heavily today. Morning Johnstone and I went for
a long walk. Afternoon it rained so stayed in Mess and read.
I found myself longing for a friend to whom I could talk
intimately. I have never yet unburdened myself to a soul
and I would give a good deal for a friend with whom I have
everything in common. I would prefer a friend of the other
sex: one, whose mind is fashioned after my own apology for
one.
Mon,
January 8.
The
daily round without the accompanying task. Was in the town
in the morning and evening. Rumanian seems just about done
in now, Braila
has gone. That means that war lasting another two years
at least and being in khaki if alive, for about another
tour.
I
am curious to know what I’ll do afterwards; I shall
write to Mr Mason and find out what chances there’ll
be in East Africa. I’m
afraid its going to be a wanderer’s life for me if
I’m not careful. I should like a civil post somewhere
in the new places.
Tues,
January 9, 1917
Today
I went down town as usual and at about 12, I met the Adjutant
who told me that the Draft is to go tomorrow at 9.30pm.
So at last I shift from this place and glad I am to go.
At 3.30 I went with CO and inspected the Draft. 19 men,
1 sergeant and 1 Sergeant Major – Sergeant Major White
of C Coy. The presence of the last named will make things
a thousand times easier. In orders Parade at 7.30 pm in
Great Hall. 120 rounds to each man. 6 days pay in advance
and ammt due to each man.
Wed,
January 10
Spent
morning in Tunbridge Wells. Paraded at Great Hall 7.30pm.
For a wonder most of the men were sober but Sergt. Rushbrooke
was very happy. Marched men down to LB &SCR at 8.15
and train left for Paddington at 8.55. After a noisy departure
we arrived at Victoria
10.30 and went by Tube to Paddington. Here we obtained tea
and refreshments which all were needing fairly badly. At
midnight our train went off for Devonport. It was a miserable
night and I hardly slept a wink. From other officers were
in with me of the Royal West Surreys and two others (Northampton?)
whom I forgot. And so sleeping in train: (Capt. Brackett,
Lt Thomas, Lt Partridge, and Lt Williams.
Thur,
January 11.
We
reached Exeter
at 4am and managed to get hot tea. My boys are behaving
very well and seem a decent crowd, they are all young. Eventually
very tired and unshaven and dirty we made Plymouth
at 7oclock and got on board the Ceramic, a White Star Liner,
Australian service I should think. By midday 2000 troops
were on board all ostensibly for Egypt, at 1.30 we were
towed out in to the Sound and are now at anchor 5pm. The
ship’s adjutant has taken ten of my men for Orderly
Room Guard, ten from twenty is absurd. Four in my cabin
inoculated for Cholera.
Fri,
January 12.
Sailed
at 8am during breakfast. T.B. 60 as our escort and another
transport with escort behind. There are over 2000 men on
board and they are horribly cramped down below. Towards
midday the weather became cold and choppy, all my men were
sick and the conditions between decks were disgusting. For
myself, beyond a headache, I was quite alright. My stable
companions are 2nd Lts. Boddington, Thomas and Vyvian. Thomas
is a South African. The presence of TBD 60 is very comforting
but I hear she will leave us after a time. We have one gun
on board and that right astern. I went to be feeling very
fed up and unwashed. The accommodation is bad.
Sat,
January 13.
Today
dawned much calmer but this boat rolls badly having no cargo.
TBD 60 left us at 10am so that comfort has gone. Parade
at 10.30 until 12; simply standing about the deck, no boat
station has been allotted to us. I have seldom seen worse
management than on this boat. I hear that the Adjutant has
never been on a boat before in his life, and so with many
of the others. If we are attacked I tremble to think of
the confusion that will follow.
A
glorious evening but sea still rather choppy. Should reach
Gibraltar about Monday.
We have taken a large detour to the west.
Sun,
January 14.
A
miserable uninteresting day. In the morning the usual parade
at 10.30 and at about 12 a submarine alarm. In the afternoon,
I was in the saloon censoring letters when a terrify row
from our 6” gun. Rushed on deck with wind up badly;
alarm went and we went to our stations, only a little gun
practice and boat drill. Judging from the confusion it will
be a bad day for us if a torpedo does come. I sleep well
in my cabin but we are too crowded and the air is foul in
the morning. I always have a bad headache on waking up.
Very sunny all day.
Mon,
January 15.
Another
very fine day and perceptibly warmer. Blue sky, sea and
a blazing warm sun, what can equal that. Censored men’s
letters and wrote to Mother and P. Two sub alarms in the
morning, the confusion is giving way gradually to some kind
of order but God help us if a torpedo does come. 3000 men
and 78 officers and about 300 of the crew helps disorder.
We should reach Gibraltar
tonight and hear that we will get an escort from there on.
Tues,
January 16,
Sighted
land early in morning, north coast of Africa and arrived
at Gibraltar at 11am. Rather
cold and raining. Gibraltar
is not the imposing sight I expected. It is not like a Table
Mountain.
The harbour was full of ships and others were continually
arriving and departing. Later the weather cleared and we
were able to gain a good view. We lay in the Bay all afternoon
and left late at night. As an Empire post, Gibraltar
is a magnificent example and give one the impression of
strength bluing hid, there is no rugged magnificence.
Wed,
January 17.
Catalonia
Came
on deck this morning to see a fine view of the Spanish coast,
we are within a mile of the shore, rugged snow capped mountains
in the background and steep hills and cliffs at the waters
edge. Dotted along the coast are white square houses with
flat and coloured roofs. Little hamlets here and there connected
always by magnificent roads, some betraying Engineering
triumphs in bridging and grading. Vines cover the lower
slopes of the hills but away from the house the country
is desolate and without vegetation. We followed the coast
thus until nightfall.
Thurs,
January 18.
This
morning we were off the N coast of Africa
about five miles out, the country seems well wooded cultivated
and populous. In the distance are huge snow topped mountains
while the sea coast is rocky and formed of undulating hills.
Houses, village, towns everywhere and the presence of good
European civilisation. The houses are white faced with red
roofs and look very pretty and neat. Passed Algiers at
10am. A very large modern town with big houses after American
style, the scenery very beautiful along here and reminiscent
of South
African Coast
with krantzes etc. In sight of coast all day.
Fri,
January 19.
Still
off the coast of Africa
but now about 6 miles out. The country is bleaker less hilly
and sparsely inhabited. We passed Tunis Bay
about midday and then but for a few small islands passed
out of sight of land. In the afternoon we overtook two French
transports escorted by a petrol patrol launch. We should
be at Malta
early tomorrow morning. I was O.O today with very few duties
to perform. We are now in the worst submarine danger spot.
I hear we will stay at Alexandria
for several days perhaps. I hope so as I want to see something
of Egypt.
A dull day, cloudy with intermittent rain.
Sat,
January 20.
Outside
Malta
early this morning. We had to wait until the channel was
swept of mines and consequently did not reach our moorings
till midday. We were kept on the boat all day for some unknown
reason. Malta
is a small island and Valetta the main port a large and
very interesting town the houses are built one on top of
the other in tiers. Numbers of large and exceedingly old
forts surround the entrances to the harbour. The houses
are square with roof balconies and one built of a white
yellow stone; the whole is very picturesque. The harbour
consists of a number of deep inlets able to hold a great
deal of shipping. We are at Somerset
Wharf
the naval dockyard and …
Sun,
January 21.
Malta.
I went ashore at 11.30 in one of the quant gondola boats
and had a fairly good time. Valetta is a surprisingly large
town and very picturesque. The streets are narrow but clean,
the houses large and well built. The people are olive complexioned
and not bad looking, some of the women are pretty. Some
of the buildings are very pretty and of historical interest
stretching as far back as the Egyptians in 2000 BC. Roman,
Moorish and Norman buildings figure largely. We took the
place in 1800. Went to the Westminster Hotel for meals.
To the Opera at night and saw Madame Butterfly and was disappointed.
Back by 12pm.
Mon,
January 22.
Malta.
Went
ashore at 12pm and had lunch at Westminster.
In afternoon went to English tea rooms where it was a real
treat to hear crisp English spoken by English girls. Afterward
by cab (or Gharri) to Hypogeum’s [comment; an underground
cavity or burial chamber] or Catacombs of the pre Phoenicians
period and dated at 3000BC. They consist of an underground
temple and Holy of Holies granaries tomb and a well. They
are hewn out of solid rock (sandstone) by flint implements,
the marks of which can be seen on the walls. The ceilings
are painted in two of the chambers and the paint is still
fresh, dinner at the Westminster
and back to Ceramic at 10pm.
Tues,
January 23.
Malta.
On
board all morning reading OC. Went ashore at 5pm. Met Williams
& O.C.N.N.G. and to Marichs and there heard interesting
news of Salonica. These Maltese speak a language all their
own sounding rather like Italian but derived for the most
part from Arabic. Nevertheless one and all speak English
and it is really a wonder that the others have not fallen
into disuse. Strolled up and down Strada Reale (Kings Way)
until 9pm when I went aboard once more.
Wed,
January 24.
Malta.
Went
ashore at 11.30 saw museum, very interesting – full
of Egyptian relics. Megalithic relics also very abundant.
They possess remains of every period including Roman, Greek,
Norman, Saracen, Phoenician, Carthaginians and Templar.
I spent a very interesting morning. Back at 2.30 and at
3pm tugs arrived and commenced to take us off so we are
going at last. Leaving at 3.20. Cashed cheque for 5 pounds
at Anglo Egyptian Bank. Clear of harbour at 10 minutes to
4. T.B.D’s 69 and ? are our escort. The sea a bit
choppy and very stuffy down below owing to closed ports.
And now for Egypt.
Sent Post cards to P. and Mother.
Thur,
January 25.
A
beautiful sunny day with sea and sky a deep blue dotted
with milk white clouds, our tow escorts are still with us.
Paid Beesley 2/6 for acting Batman while Brain in hospital.
My partner Elder and I in the Quoit tournament have a very
good chance and are in for the semi-final. At night we changed
escorts for a light cruiser and she succeeded in nearly
getting herself run down. Our siren went and everybody rushed
for lifebelts, quite exciting while it lasted.
Fri,
January 26
A
beautiful day but if felt so ill that it was quite spoilt,
elder and I managed to be runners up in the quoit tournament
thereby winning 6 shillings each. Comes in useful these
days. They say we should reach Alexandria
tonight or early tomorrow morning. However, we are not out
of danger yet. Slept on deck tonight and last night. The
stench and air down below is too horrible.
Sat,
January 27
In
sight of land at 8am later it proved to be Alexandria
so I have come to Egypt
at last. We were in dock by 11am. Had lunch on board and
marched for Egyptians Base Depot Mustapha. Got the men and
self in tents by 6pm. Am sharing a tent with Elder. No news
as to when we move on but it should b very shortly. Alexandria
is a very large but dirty and uninteresting town. The people
are mixed French, Arabs, Copts, Jews and all manner of divers
races. The poor are a pest and the buildings unpretentious.
Sun,
January 28
Church
Parade at 9.15am. C.O.s inspection and parade at 11.15 until
1pm. We have to obtain a number of deficiencies oc(?) for
the men. in afternoon went into Alexandria
with Elder. Not knowing the place we were rather lost but
walked around and saw the town. Beyond a few fairly fine
buildings it can boast of nothing. The people are disgusting
in their mixture of East and West. Saw some fine Egyptians
but the majority do not appear at all well to the Western
eye. I have heard that Alex was this kind of town.
Mon,
January 29
Heard
today that I am to be sent off to my unit on Wednesday.
Bother as I had hoped for a week in this place. Alexandria
improves greatly on acquaintance though there is still a
lot to be desired. Stayed at Mustapha all morning and went
into town early with Elder, Cree, Russel and Lines. Went
to Union Club Ordnance and divers shops in town. Bought
Egyptian curious, Crux Ansata [comment; an Egyptian Ankh].
Afterwards
to French cinema. Hear that we leave from Sidi Gaber [comment;
a train station in Alexandria]
and that the unit is at Suez.
Tues,
January 30
Into
town in morning with Robson [comment; an Officer in the
Middlesex Battalion] and wired for extension of leave. Got
my kit all ready, as much as I have, by 4pm when I went
to town with Elder. Spent a lot of time in Bazaars and divers
interesting shops. There is a lot to be seen if one looks
for it. I still regret that I have not been to the Museum
so will try tomorrow. Boddington and Mackay are going with
me. I wish and hope my leave will come in time as I want
to see more of Alex, besides my kit is not complete. Wrote
to Mother, P., R., B., JA.
Wed,
January 31
The
Adjutant brought me before the C.O. for sending that wire
without consulting him. I was ticked off badly although
I sent the damm thing without knowing it had to go through
those channels. At all events the 3rd echelon
have given me three days in which to obtain my kit and I
have practically everything by this evening. It is a rotten
shame as I would have liked to have gone off with the others.
Went into town in afternoon and managed to rake in most
of my belongings. To “Church Mission“ meeting
in evening.
Thur,
February 1.
As
my kit is ready today I informed the Adjutant and he tells
me I may be off tomorrow. Well I hope so as after my row,
an unusual thing to happen to me; I have been very wild
and anxious to get my own back which spoils blissful peace.
Afternoon I helped shift my men into new tents; from the
way the Adj. issued orders to the officers attached to me
I conclude I am no longer I/C of my draft. They are a decent
lot of fellows and I am sorry to say goodbye. In evening
to Alex with Robson and had a very good time. To skating
rink and home later. Here’s to my departure tomorrow
and the old life of sand.
Fri,
February 2.
Saw
the Adjutant this morning and he says as I am ready I may
go tonight, apparently to el Kantara. I am to take up 56
men who I believe are details; that is rotten luck it is
always an unenviable job. To town in morning and bought
a few necessaries, I believe I have everything I now want.
Its rotten leaving civilisation again as I know exactly
what I am going to and I don’t fancy it, particularly
the sand. I parade at 8pm and off at 9pm. Met Guise wearing
GSWA ribbon. Should arrive Kantara 6am.
Sat,
February 3.
Awoke
to see Suez Canal on our
right. We arrived at Kantara at 8am. A large collection
of tents a few houses and the inevitable Church Army huts.
I marched my men to Detail camp, reported to Administrative
Commandant and got orders to join my unit at once. Of course,
this is sandy desert with a little scrub and palm trees
at the oases. Got ESR train at 12.50am and shared my carriage
with a lot of Australians. Reached Romani at 4pm and found
Battalion. Met Yarde, James, Ferguson,
New, Keith, Waterton, Smith (W.E. and R.L.) Mander and Lt.
Col Brighton.
The C.O. seems alright. Bivouacked for night.
Sun,
February 4.
Romani
Woke
with my things damp with dew. Brekker at 7.30am and Church
Parade at 9.45am the rest of the day I spent fixing up a
dugout and getting comfortable generally. The desert is
very sandy but with undulating hills. There are wire netting
roads for marching but the sand makes very heavy going.
The Battalion is 850 strong and seems a fairly hardy crowd.
Hucklesby turned up today. 30ibs of our kit is to go by
camel (valise) and the remainder goes to Detail Base Camp.
The officers seem a cheery crowd but this is not roughing
it by any means and is a picnic to GSWA. Cold at night and
in morning.
Mon,
February 5.
Romani
Battalion
with exception of 25% went over to sea (4 miles) to bathe.
I stayed behind with Mander, Keith and some other officers,
but we are to go on tomorrow. I am in C Company under James.
J. T. Yarde is Adjutant. It is quite like coming home to
meet all these fellows again. Hucklesby, Maner, Keith, Jolowizo
and I were left in camp and had nothing to do all day. This
military railway is very well laid and graded for this desert
and was laid by the Royal Engineers. It is a 4’8”
gauge and ESR Rolling Stock, Battalion returned at 4.30.
Well its good to be back at the old life although this is
luxury in comparison.
Tues,
February 6.
Romani
Today
those of us who stayed behind yesterday marched 5 miles
to Mohamadiel and had glorious bathe. The beach as all sandy
without rocks but the surf too calm to be really enjoyable.
We spent the best part of the day there happy as sandboys
and marched off back at 3.30. The march in the sand was
rather trying. We found tents erected for us when we got
back. I am in with Ferguson
and Hucklesby; we are very comfortable and things going
well. Hear that things at El Arish are very quiet. The country
is more fertile and we are likely to be comfortable. Got
a mail today. P. engaged to Vic Quary.
Wed,
February 7.
Romani
Early
morning parade at 6.30. We are moved out of tents and back
into bivouacks so I am again with Beckett. This ink is changing
colour for some reason, probably to do with the heat. I
don’t know what to think about the Bedford
news. It is rather like the end of everything as far as
some things are concerned. It seemed to me to be likely
but hardly possible. At all events, I am back to the old
life with lots to take up ones time. I have a presentiment
it will not last but who knows – wrote to Mother,
Jean P., Slater and K Prendergast. Will keep to the old
saying of when I come back as it has been between us.
Thur,
February 8.
Romani
Early
Parade at 6.30. Marched out at 10am with Coy, and practiced
Aeroplane alarm while on the march. A very useful move and
effective. In afternoon wrote to P. and B. and received
letters from P. and L.C. that is a curious person and hardly
worth answering. Hear we are moving on tomorrow, but only
an advance of about 6 miles. The advance seems to be taken
slowly although we have a long way to go to El Arish. I
hope I’m going see something in this country, I want
lots to do. What on earth is going to happen to me after
this war?
Fri,
February 9.
11km
March Katia
After
breakfast we started striking camp and were all ready by
10am. Hear we are to move off at 2pm and have only a 6 ½
mile journey to make. My valise goes by camel but my pack
is a godless weight, another casualty by the wayside perhaps.
XXXXXXX (Greek). A brass band playing down near Romani Station
sounds very well. Battalion moved off at 14.08: my pack
was the devil of a weight and for the first hour I suffered
somewhat but afterwards save for shoulder worry was OK.
We marched 9 kilos and in shirt sleeves owing to heat. Bivouacked
for night by Rly at 50 kilos (katice?) [comment; this was
by the Railway at the 50km marker] We are to move off at
8.25.
Sat,
February 10.
KIRBAH
12.5 km March
Left
last camp at 8.28 and after a very stiff march of 12.5 kms
over wire road arrived at Kirbah at 12.00. I myself was
dead beat and all the men were tired. I gave my mouth organ
to Gains and he played us tunes right up to the finish;
I could hardly talk yet he kept going like nothing on earth.
From beginning to end the men kept up their jokes and songs
(unprintable for the most part). And all the while grousing
like the good chaps they are. We bivouacked at Kirbah and
Woodman managed to get me some chocolate and tin pineapple
at the EEF Canteen. My pack is a dead weight but I think
I will stick it. Paid Woodman, my batman, 12.5 piasties.
Sun,
February 11.
El
Abd 10 kms
Rained
like hell last night and many of the chaps were soaked through.
My sleeping bag kept the wet out but I managed to empty
a pool in which had gathered outside. It seems out of place
to have heavy rain in the midst of the desert. The remarks
of some of the men at 1400 were rather humourous. At 0810
we set out again on a 10km march to El Abd. The going was
easier and the men in better spirits owing to the rain I
suppose. El Abd just the usual desert station with EEF Canteen
where I obtained chocolate and pineapple. Took a photo of
C. Company Bivouack. The country is more covered with bushes
and palm trees more frequent. Hear the wire road ends here!
Mon,
February 12.
Salmanah
10kms
My
22nd birthday. Last night it rained heavily again
but my good old kit valise kept me dry. A very uneventful
birthday. The wire road still runs along and thank heaven
and the Royal Engineers for it. Met walker of B.S (Shooting
8) (Bedford
school?). We bivvied on a slight hill and managed to get
a bath in my rubber portable and felt much refreshed for
it. Had a tiff with Capt. Cronin the fault lying with him
and the cause throwing weight about re: position of bivouacks.
Beyond this I am getting on well with the chaps here, my
platoon (no 9.) are a decent enough lot, altogether things
are going to the good.
Tues,
February 13.
Tilut
13.5kms.
Rained
a little last night but again kept dry. We had a colossal
march today of eleven miles; a great part of it was alongside
a large salt pan which seemed to stretch to the sea. I find
later that it is a large inland lake. We had no wire road
today and whenever we left the lake bed the going was heavy.
We reached our bivouack by 12.30 and it became very hot.
I am orderly officer today but the duties are not very strenuous.
Bushes are studded everywhere and there are mountains to
the South. Feeling fit as a fiddle and enjoying the marching
after a fashion. Flies are becoming troublesome. Killed
a snake.
Wed,
February 14.
Bir
El. Mazar.
Had
a dry night for a change. Tilut is the ideal camping spot.
Moved on 10 miles to Bir El Mazan. The going was fairly
easy but all were done up as the pace was heavy. Arrived
at Bir El Mazar at 11.30 and it had turned very hot. We
are camped on the bare desert about 1 mile from the station;
hear we may remain here some time, sniping is said to take
place and Bde. has provided 2 coys for outpost. Obtained
chocolate and fruit at Canteen. Received letter from R..
We are to receive tents but sleeping in open tonight. I
suppose we are destined to hold a line of blockhouses; we
cant push with the men we have; and so to sleep.
Thurs,
February 15.
Bir
El Mazar
Camped
here and likely to be so for several days. Tomorrow night
C Coy is on Camp
Outpost.
Just my luck. Had a mail letter from Mother and KP. Mother
tells me LC2 [comment; unsure what this refers to but may
relate to his brothers schooling or a Cadet unit] is abolished
and poor old V. broken hearted over it. C. is surely mad
to do things of this kind. How can one send one’s
sons to a place that is being turned up so. I never will.
So here is another worry for Mother. She talks of (his)
leaving at the end of this term of V. taking a post in London
till he can join an O.T.C. I feel for the kid, it must be
like the end all to him and Mother will feel with him. Damm
C.
Fri,
February 16
Inspection
of kit ammunition etc, men managed to get a bath, self ditto.
Tomorrow A & C Coys are to go out and hold an outpost
line. Myself with ½ my platoon to hold no. 1. Picquet. From
examination of map I notice that there are a great number
of ruins in this part of the world. I.e.: north of Sinai
Peninsula, I suppose they are Roman, Egyptian,
Arab. This is an ancient trade route and must have been
well guarded. We move out of camp at 1700 and I reached
my position by 1800 and pitch dark. A miserable night as
it rained from time to time and was very cold. V’s
troubles worry me.
