Item 01: William Sparkes diary, 9 June 1915-5 January 1916 - Page 35
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[Page 35]
the orders to-day. It was rather amusing and contained a lot of news to the effect that all our ships had now deserted us and it meant utter perdition for us as we would be unable to get stores water etc. We were called upon to surrender to avoid further bloodshed and the proclamation assured us we would get well treated.
It is needless to say that we treated the invitation with derision.
I have said before that this war life is an animal one – it's not only the killing part but living like rats in holes often one comes to consider it is wonderful the patience shown by our lads in staying un under the existing conditions. You can well understand that a number are chafing under the confinement and want to make a forward attack movement no matter what the sacrifice might be but of course that is impossible just now until the Imperial Forces link up