A queer mixture of men

Diary of J.D. McLeod Posted by one of his Granddaughters.

[johnduncanmcleod]

17 May 1916

Another hot day, temp reaching 124°. Some stragglers are still turning up from yesterday. Made pea soup from tablets in parcel. Over 30 men have collapsed from heat. Repaired telephone wire this evening

[johnduncanmcleod]

16 May 1916

Into canal yesterday for swimming Parade, today marching out to trenches. Very hot today and many fell out on the road. Tea provided half way as In afternoon “A” and “B” Companies suffered a good deal from shortage of water. Camels did not turn up till 8pm. Men had to go on outpost at night. Nearly crazy with thirst but cooks made welcome drink of tea as soon as fantassies of water were unloaded. Several men carried into camp in state of collapse. The track to “A” Coy’s post is strewn with equipment, packs and rifles. Our O.C. worked hard for the sick men. Heard many are delirious and out of control at ”A” Co.

“fantassies’ was a term for a 10 gallon (50-70 L) water container, usually carried in pairs on a pack mule.

[johnduncanmcleod]

11 May 1916

Parcel from home cont. 9 soup tablets, tin milk, meat extract, sweets. Sent March 22nd. Route marches every day lately. Many falling out

[johnduncanmcleod]

7 May 1916

Shifted to Railhead

[johnduncanmcleod]

28 April 1916

Divisional Field Day at Railhead

[johnduncanmcleod]

27 April 1916

Heavy firing to north near Ismailia.

[johnduncanmcleod]

24 April 1916

Easter Monday - lost 10/-. Bombs dropped at Kantara

[johnduncanmcleod]

Easter 1916

Visited Virgin’s Well at Matariach, Cairo.

[johnduncanmcleod]

10 April 1916

Parcel in mail for home value £4. Rumoured that some of the 1st Division were torpedoed in Mediterranean, also that 2nd Div. had big casualties in France. Also that one Bde got lost on road to Serapeum, and several died from thirst and heat.

[johnduncanmcleod]

2 April 1916

Drew draft of £10 (less 70 piastres) at Anglo Egyptian Bank. Bought camera.

[johnduncanmcleod]

31 March 1916

To Cairo for School of Instruction.

[johnduncanmcleod]

29 March 1916

All Inf. Bdes have now left here except 13th and 15th. Some have been leaving daily during the week for Serapeum per boat. Camel transport and barges on canal used for baggage, as next formations had no horse transport. 49th Bn leaving tomorrow. Some long route marches during the week to get fit.

[johnduncanmcleod]

23 March 1916

Serg Grith given Commission, also Stewart, Smith and some others from the L.H

[johnduncanmcleod]

22 March 1916

Saw Prince of Wales, who inspected camp and rode through lines at dinner time. Got a good welcome. Looked boyish and rather nervous. Hear advance guard is leaving tomorrow, so there is another shift on.

[johnduncanmcleod]

21 March 1916

Bn inspection by Gen Cox, who said we are for France in 6 weeks

[johnduncanmcleod]

20 March 1916

Bde sig. School commenced. Helmets and puggerees being issued.

A puggaree is a fabric band around the crown of your hat. The colours denote your unit.

[johnduncanmcleod]

19 March 1916

On Brigade telephone. Capt. Plantaway to 6th Bde as Bde Major to Col. Jellyband.