Monday 3 August 2009

December 15th - 18th 1914

December 15th Tuesday

Off guard at 9.00am. Had a rifle inspection 1 hour later. Could do as we pleased for the rest of the day. So made a tour of the town and shops.

December 16th Wednesday

Same guard as before. Nearly all 3rd Batt men are Prisoners baggage guard. 200 cartloads came in. Sure sign that the Navy is still knocking about. Rained hard during the night and got drenched to the skin. We are worse off than the prisoners who have better food and beds.

December 17th Thursday

85 Prisoners, Germans, Turks and Austrians brought in, but majority are Germans off a liner. Have got the Commander and some of the crew of the ‘Exden(tbc)’ here. Unlucky again, not relieved till 6.00pm.

December 18th Friday

On at the usual guard at 9.00am. Am quite used to my post on gate now. The English people here lend us newspapers. A characteristic Eastern evening, myriads of stars, lovely and cool.