Item 02: George R. Faulkner war diary, 16 March 1916-5 July 1916 - Page 38

[Page 38]

22/4/16 Saturday

Reveille at 5. am – Bagpipes & Band. General swimming parade at 6.15 am, I can say I have a record now that is to say I have swam from Arabia to Egypt. Very hot all day. I can see all the N.C.O.s being cut out of their stripes as I heard they have sufficient N.C.O.s in Camp already for 2 Divisions.

About 10 days ago General Irvine with 3,000 men set out across the Desert from Telekebar to here Ferry's Port – needless to say he was on Horseback – enough to say 400 men, marched in here, 21 died – 1 Lieutenant shot himself & the General is reported under arrest. By the aid of aeroplanes – the stragglers were located & it is on record that the New Zealanders done good work here in rescuing & suppling water.

About 8.30 am there was a general alarm, anti air Guns were regulated – Artillery men stood to their posts – Men grabbed their rifles & awaited further orders, we couldn't see any sign of the hostile ships with the naked eye & nothing eventuated, they say it is of common occurence