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[Page 157]
Octr 1916
1st/6th – Practically no advantage gained for men in coming to Hill 70. Horses getting fresh water that's all. Many disadvantages chief of which is dirty sand. All supposed to be doing 4 hrs drill in addition to ordinary work every day. Our men doing stretcher exercises which from a practical or drill point of view are no good to us excepting for physical exercises gained. May mean a move away or may mean nothing.
6/10th – Busy getting ship-shape, into E.P tent etc. made an E.P. into a surgery & put i/c – 8 days leave to Port Said commenced. Turned down first opportunity of going 21 new horses brought out from Moasca. Advice re Alex'da leave being granted. 1 officer & 25 O.R. Told I was one of first selection
11th – All on leave paraded mounted at B.H.Q. at 6am. Arrived at Kantara at 8.30. Got light snack at N.Z.M.R. Rest camp tent. Train left 9.30 & we arrived at Sidi Bishr (not city beach) at 5pm. Camp near line. Standing orders etc read out, at some of which our men laughed at the Tommy Officer & his orders. Tommies there did look & stare. However the T.O. seemed fairly sensible amp; took no notice of him. Made up a tent of Strachan Bowry Douglas Bourne Fatum Wecker & self no drunks allowed in it.
12th – Inspection & a lecture in Albert Hall in A.M. also swim. During period of waiting for the lecturers, one Aust. hopped on to stage & played the piano. Good lecture by M.O. & seemed to be appreciated by all.