Item 10: General William Holmes diary, 23 August 1914-22 February 1915 - Page 17
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[Page 17]
Tuesday - 11th August 14:
Visited Royal Agricultural Society's Grounds at 8-45 a.m., and took over the grounds and buildings for used by the Contingent, and made arrangements for Brigade and Regimental Offices etc.
At 2-0 p.m. the applicants for service who had been enrolled and medically examined at the Victoria Barracks began to arrive, and during the afternoon 330 men were duly attested and handed over temporarily to certain Company Officers.
As no arrangements had been made for sleeping accommodation or messing, the men were allowed to return to their homes in the evening, but were directed to report themselves at 9-0 a.m. the following day.
Major MacNaughten, who had accepted the position of Adjutant and commenced duty, informed me about 3-30 p.m. that he desired to relinquish the position as Colonel McLaurin desired him to accompany his Brigade with the larger Expeditionary Force. This I approved, and Captain C.H.D. Lane, Militia Adjutant, 21st Infantry, was appointed temporarily to the position.
I was advised personally by P.M.O.Col. Fiaschi that Major N.R. House, V.C. would be detailed as principal Medical Officer for the Expedition, the three officers to accompany him being -
Captain Macguire F.A.
Captain Donaldson G.E.
Captain Pockley B.C.A.
Major House immediately afterwards reported for duty and commenced the work of organising the A.M.C. Unit at Victoria Barracks, which I arranged was not to report itself at the Agricultural Grounds until the morning of Thursday, 13th August 14.