MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 174
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[Page 174]
All the 1914 men are down here now awaiting embarkation any day for Australia.
This afternoon a party of about 20 returned prisoners from Turkey arrived here in camp. They have had a pretty rough time in captivity. Some being taken on the Peninsula & they look aged & was worn as a result of their treatment.
They said that they only had 2 meals a day - grain - & that only for parcels & money from home could not have existed even. They are very anxious to get home & will be sailing in a day or two with the '14 men.
15th
The 1914 men & prisoners of war sailed today from Suez leaving here last night. There are about 1,000 in all.
20th
A lot of 1914 men were given the option of furlough in England instead of going home immediately. A batch of 50 left here this morning to embark for England via Italy.
We are not going & I think we must have missed altogether now. Was on guard some days ago (24 hours) at the Venercal [?] compound. There are about