Monday 12 April 2010

January 1st - 9th 1915

January 1st 1915. Friday.

Nothing to do now. Appealed to Major Parr, but he said, the list had been send in to headquarters and could not be altered. Swore that Sergt Risley had dropped me for this, had an awful row with him and wished him to the devil and nearly got put in the guardroom over it. Down in the dumps.

January 2nd. Saturday.

Life with a new battalion. Relived at 4. My last dealings with 4th. Fell in with them but then got slung out and said goodbye to all, many cheers. They marched off at 6:30, destination unknown. Felt heartbreak. Were told we would be eventually following them, then home in a fortnights time, am doubtful. Marched to St. Georges at 5 and reports to 2/4th. Met one of two old 4th fellows that I know. Found out that 2nd, 3rd and 4th batts had left. Had to sleep on a stone floor, with no bed.

January 3rd. (Saturday, Crossed Out) Sunday.

Hanging around the barracks all day. Were treated rotten and got hardly any food. Slept on floor again, but with two blankets this time.

January 4th. Monday.

Medical exam. Passed fit for service. Had argument with Major Parr. Appointed to our companies, I go to 'B' under Capt. Parkhouse, an 1/4th Officer who was left at home.

January 5th. Tuesday

Served with new equipment and arms, also a bed. Col. Dunfee spoke to us and said we were to behave as gentlemen, thus practically insinuating we were rogues. Put in room B4 and soon settled down.

January 6th. Wednesday

On barracks once more. Very easy time for us fellows, as the new lot are not so far advanced as we are. Easy time, nothing new. Having much better food though!

January 7th. Thursday

Room cleaning, off all parades. Inspection at two then finished. So passed time away, writing letters home.

January 8th. Friday.

We have a new instructor. Buch (?) Cox R.G.A. Under him all day for bayonet fighting and physical exercise. Rather strenuous work.

January 9th. Saturday.

Early morning exercise under Cox, rest of morning under Capt. (?) and Lieut Edwards, who were left behind with us. Paid 8/6. Then took all the fellows to Valetta.

Tuesday 26 January 2010

December 26th - 31st 1914

December 26th - Saturday

We all have thick heads, did not get to bed till after 1am. Mounted guard at 6 again till 9. Did not feel up to it. Head is spinning, I am half asleep.

December 27th - Sunday

A strong rumour about leaving Malta for England. Off guard at 09:30. Went to the Dublin Bar with our Irish friends. Lieutenant Long treats us to 1/- each. Had a real good feed followed by a sing song. Got back to barracks at 10:30pm.

December 28th - Monday

Told to pack our kits before mounting guard, on the usual post at night. Relived by 1st Batt. at 12:30. Had dinner and then marched off to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay at 2:30. Had own tea on arrival, were examined by Major Parr and passed alright. Happy as sandboys.

December 29th - Tuesday

Handed in our drills and helmets. Everybody is completely rigged out in (can't read due to smudge) and small kit. Big Xmas mail in, was fairly lucky about 10 letters and parcels.

December 30th - Wednesday

Marched to St. Georges and handed in old equipment and arms. Done over 20 miles. Taken before Major Parr when I got back with the other fellows and we were told we could not go. No exam.

Would not accept it, made a complaint and had awful row that night with Gen. Sgt.

December 31st - Thursday

Checking stores all day, tables, forms, lamps, tents, blankets & accoutrements. Others handed their kits in, I were out away, mine refused. Felt miserable & wild & vicious in turn. Went and appealed to Capt Saunders but he could not help me.