MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 176
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[Page 176]
lately regarding demobilisation & the method they will adopt. We are all firmly of the opinion here that they will get us out of Egypt as quickly as possible owing to the great amount of sickness among our troops.
Roughly there are only about 15,000 Australians here & as we will be taking no horses back it ought not to require many transports to take us home.
I heard that the 1st Bde alone are shooting 700 horses at least 25%. This comprises all old horses & those worn out. The remainder will in a all probability be sold in Palistine or Egypt while some will be used for food.
Tis rumoured here that the Anzac Divn at present at Ludd will all be across the Canal by the 29th & that on the 27th the "Ceramic" will sail for Australia with a full compliment.
A lot of reinforcements came here yesterday - Nearly 700 & went into isolation. They had been on the water 8 weeks & looked very bad indeed. About 200 are in hospital & several deaths occured from meningitis.