Item 01: Eric Susman war diary, 1 January 1915-4 April 1916 - Page 119
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[Page 119]
Monday 5 April 1915
Once again we have had the pleasure of one of those enjoyable dust-storms. This time however, the dust was twice as bad as last week's little blow, and there were no locusts. Sand and dust everywhere – in the tents, in the food, it even penetrates through solids and gets into your water-bottle. I was on picquet to-day – duty in camp to see that the naughty little soldier-boys did not violate hygienic principles by drinking out of the tap and that they did not waste the water! Dam farce, these red-tape picquets! At any rate, I got my full share of the dust but not as much as those who had to go on parade.
Rapid moving of the battalion was practised. The men, at short notice, packed their kit bags, rolled up their blankets and waterproofs, and were ready within a very short time to march off with full pack up. We are now hourly awaiting embarkation orders. And I am right when I say that ninety five percent of the troops will be glad to quit this infernally dusty hole.