MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 207
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[Page 207]
She is about the biggest vessel to date to go through the Suez Canal, the Ceramic being next.
About 20 NCO's & men left today for "A" details Moascar on leave to England. They get a months furlough on full pay & 6/- per day sustenance allowance & reembark for Australia on completion of leave.
We were only notified of it a couple of days ago & as I have slipped twice already & we are going home in a day or so, I would not take it on.
Up till a month ago I was extremely anxcious to go to Blighty but now would not take it on. Only 10% were to be allowed to go preference being given to men whose homes are in England or who have near relatives there.
There are a fair number of "Pommies" in the Sqdn and as I only wanted to go for pleasure probably would not have got a look in against them.
Have had several good swims in the Canal during the past couple of weeks but the water is a little on the cold side as yet.
During the last couple of days have received