August 5th, 6th and 7th 1914 - Early Days -

August 5^th Wednesday

Clark, Saunders and myself, do Platform guards and Patrol.  Remainder do all fatigues and carry rations, but Walker is very kind to us, sent us plenty of apples etc.  Train after train comes through to Borden Camp with Reservists from all parts, also Artillery and Cavalry are rushed through to Southampton.

 

August 6^th Thursday

A big batch of recruits and ex-service men arrive to reinforce us, also Capt Hamilton.  A Reserve Territorial Officer.  We have been living on Bully Beef biscuits, kippers and cheese up till now.  But tonight a supply of meat and bread arrives.

August 7^th Friday

6 others and myself are moved further down the line to S. Bule’s Nursery.  Came under Capt. Lloyd.  Took up our duties right away.  We spent our night on a bundle of hay in the hayloft.  Then it commenced to rain and of course I got wet through whilst on Sentry.

August 3rd and 4th, 1914

August 3^rd Monday

Major Burnett then spoke to us and said that serious things had occurred and in consequence, we should be confined to barracks.  Then we all laid down to sleep on some coconut mats, making ourselves as comfortable as possible under the circumstances feeling tired and hungry.

In the morning we were told that we were mobilized and were given 100 rounds of ammunition each, and also had what little food there was to be had, which was a leaf each, ¼ pot of jam and water.

 

August 4^th Tuesday

 Shortly after 12 midnight we marched through the city to Waterloo Station again with as much secrecy as possible, but still crowds of people lined the streets to see us depart.  We entrained at 1.30pm and were sent off in different directions, batches of men being dropped at each station en route to a distance of 60 miles. 

I was put off with some 50 others at Bentley Hants, about 45 miles S.W.  There 5 finished that nights rest on a platform seat.  We took over control of the railway at 8.00am.  Sentry groups and outposts were sent out on trolley cars as far as Alton (M line) and Borden (B line) I had to stay on the station and do guard over Property.