October 22nd - 29th 1914

October 22nd Thursday

Paraded at 7.30am for route march and officers experiments in map reading etc. Marched as far as the Victoria Lines and then came back via the coast and over the h.lb. Back at 12.00 noon. Finished for rest of day. Done 10 miles.

October 23rd Friday

Went over the hills towards Melleha Ridge and had instruction in judging distances up to 800 yards. Aiming drill all the afternoon. Paid 7/- and had a tuck in.

October 24th Saturday

Plenty to do this morning. General Revision. Parts and care of arms, aiming drill and judging distance. Went for a walk over hills after dinner.

October 25th Sunday

Church parade at 6.45am. Went to bathe afterwards. Had some photos done on the rocks. Bought some more lace and silks for the folks at home. Then messed about for the rest of the day.

October 26th Monday

Musketry instruction all day. Learnt all there is to be taught about the kneeling positions. Stayed in all evening to write letter and send my silks home.

October 27th Tuesday

Instruction in the lying prone position. A mans legs must be stretched out so correctly behind him, and yet they tell us to make ourselves comfortable.

October 28th Wednesday

Practicing sniping and snapshooting, also we are told to use our eyes and notice anything that is uncommon.

October 29th Thursday

Instruction in trigger pressing. This appears to the casual onlooker to be the simplest thing, but if you do not take great care you will pull your shot off target.

October 15th - 21st - The Heat

October 15^th Thursday

A chap in ‘H’ Coy is knocked over.  His head is turned by the sun.  Later on he is sent to England.  Eyesight is ruined.  Came out of Hospital and put on light duty. 

October 16^th Friday

Am feeling much better now.  Resume duties tomorrow.  Busied myself with cleaning my bayonet up which is now rusty.

October 17^th Saturday

Lost my purse with 6/6 in it, also the pair of gold cuff links that Annie gave me before the war.  Wild as a devil.  It is raining cats and dogs.  Parades impossible.  Got swamped out, mud and slosh galore.

October 18^th Sunday

Church Parade at 6.30am.  As I was practically broke to the wide, it was no use for me to go out.  Stayed in Camp all day and wrote more letters.

October 19^th Monday

Started to be instructed in the new Army Musketry Course by Sergeant Instructor Stacey (Royal Marines).  First thing we learn is Standing Position. 

October 20^th Tuesday

6 hours instruction on parts of a rifle and care of arms.  This is much more interesting and preferable to drill. 

October 21^st Wednesday

Adjutants Parade at 6.30am.  Then went on the Naval Range and had instruction and visual training that is finding hidden objects representing snipers