The Road to Chunuk Bair

Our first Sunday in camp passed quietly and a number of visitors from Wanganui turned up to visit the camp. There was Brigade Church Parade in the morning and in the afternoon some company training.

The company remain[sic] in camp and drew their kits and kit bags from store. Capt M McDonnell arrived in camp and took up his duties as adjutant of the Regiment.

Our second quota of men from Wanganui arrived during the day in charge of Lieut. Watson and formed a welcome addition to our strength. The Battalion paraded at 9am and was inspected by Col. Johnstone[sic] the Brigadier and then marched to the Golf Links for Regimental Training. The O.C. visited Capt. Cameron and found he [...]

This morning we had our first regimental parade Lt Col himself being present, and he gave the various detachments a good shaking up, and told officers, N.C.O’S and men some plain home truths. The Regiment then marched through Palmerston North to the Hokowhitu Golf Links where Squad drill was carried out, the Regiment returning to [...]

Lieut. C.B. Menteath reported into camp and received a hearty welcome from his fellow officers. The day was devoted to squad drill as until the full complement of men arrived in camp the Company could not be properly organized. Our first Adjutant Capt. W.R. Robinson departed having given up his duties at the earnest request [...]

Major W.H. Cunningham and Lieut F.K. Turnbull left Wanganui by the 7am. train and reported in camp at midday. They then learn’t of the misfortune which had over taken Capt. Cameron the previous day. They found plenty of work awaiting them in the way of organization which had to be tackled at once. S.M. B. [...]

A Fine morning. Company drill in the morning. 5th Regt. men returned to Wellington. Capt Cameron was taken suddenly ill with appendicitis and was immediately ordered into Hospital at Palmerston North where an operation was performed successfully.

Fine morning. Church Parade. Afternoon again wet. Squad drill –

Squad drill. Nothing of importance happened. 35 men from 5th Regt came into camp and were temporarily attached. Weather cold and showery. Saturday night 10pm. 20 men arrived from Taihape.

During the night of 13-14th it rained heavily and the morning was cold and bleak. The first morning in camp was more than usually uncomfortable. Doubling parade before breakfast. The rest of the day was devoted to settling down and fixing camp. Section Drill.