The Road to Chunuk Bair » J A Cameron

Saturday 27th February 1915

lynley — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:00:59 +0000

The morning was spent in cleaning up Camp and rearranging Company Lines. The reinforcements were inspected and proved a fair lot of men. In the afternoon there was general leave, everyone making a straight line for Cairo. In the evening the Company officers had a dinner party at Shepherd’s. Those present being Major Cunningham, Lieuts Cross, Bryan, Turnbull, Menteath and Hardie. Capt Cameron owing to his being on duty was unable to attend. We were all glad to meet Hardie on our arrival back from the Canal, and the men of the reinforcements were pleased at being absorbed into the Company, as they were today. They will thus have a chance, some of them, of getting into the first draft at war strength.

Saturday 20th February 1915

lynley — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:00:16 +0000

The day opened disastrously. The O.C. visited the outpost groups between 4.30 and 6am and caught several groups not standing to arms. A crop of severe punishments followed. It is very noticeable how many men on duty are continually asking for concession to their own personal comfort and convenience, the inevitable result being that the men get slack on their duty and serious breaches occur. Captain Cameron left today on urgent private business in Cairo. A Camel Corps with a backing of other troops is proceeding out today to see if they can discover anything of the whereabouts and intentions of the Turks. Absolutely nothing has been seen or heard of them for three weeks. Life on the Canal is getting somewhat monotonous. Nothing but digging and drill.

Wednesday 17th February 1915

lynley — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:00:59 +0000

Our move to the Canal was carried out quietly and successfully. We picked up the rest of the Company at Khubri. There was the usual trouble in getting our kits and blankets to the same place as the men but everyone has now learnt to be philosophical at the temporary loss of or non arrival of kit or rations and we don’t worry. Shifting about is excellent training and a Company soon becomes perfectly mobile. We occupy 2500 yards of front north of Khubri Ferry on West Bank. For convenience of administration the Line is divided into A section 1&2 Platoons Capt Cameron, and B section 3&4 platoons Lieut. Cross. Our ground is very rough. High Banks and steep. There is much can be done to improve the trenches and communications.

Friday 5th February 1915

lynley — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:00:05 +0000

This morning we received news of very heavy fighting yesterday on the Canal in the direction of Kantara and Ismailia. Through towards Suez everything is perfectly quiet. Capt Cameron returned to us tonight though not yet fit for duty. The day passed quietly. Had an interview with oc. Native Coy detailed with ourselves for defence of Suez. (Major Cook 24 Punjabi.)

Monday 1st February 1915

lynley — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:00:53 +0000

The beginning of another month. Our friends the Ghurkas have gone and we now have the 24^th Punjabis on our flank. They are tall black bearded fellows and a contrast to the little Ghurka. Today we constructed another 60 yards of fire trench on the South of Gare 152. In the afternoon most of the officers paid a visit of inspection to Post No.2. commanded by Major McLeod of the 7^th Ghurkas. It enabled us to inspect our own trenches from the enemy’s side and to note how best to assist the post with fire in the event of an attack being made upon it. Tonight No 1 Platoon moved to ElKubri Station as a Reserve to Lieut.Col. Malone. Capt Cameron went to Hospital today. Lieut Cross taking charge of a Section of line occupied by Nos 3 and 4 platoons. Coy Headquarters have been shifted tonight to Gare 152 to spot today vacated by Regt. Hqrs. The mosquitos here are simply villainous. The officers visited post No2. this afternoon which is occupied by the 7^th Ghurkas. The night passed quietly except for the incessant attacks of the mosquitos.

Sunday 31st January 1915

lynley — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:00:57 +0000

As the men were standing to arms at 4 a.m. 4 or 5 shots rang out in quick succession and in a few minutes men had scuttled in from their bivouacs and manned the trenches. After this however all was quiet. Enquiries located the firing opposite one of No.3’s trenches and apparently one or more of the enemy’s snipers had crept down to the bank and could not resist the target offered by a careless sentry. The day which was extremely hot passed quietly. Officers took the opportunity of visiting the length of Canal occupied by the Regiment and for the purpose requisitioned pack horses and all manner of mounts. Capt Cameron who was indisposed yesterday continues unwell. Nothing of importance took place.

Saturday 23rd January 1915

lynley — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:00:48 +0000

Parades under S.M’s at 8 a.m. Meeting of officers at 8.30 a.m. Address by G.O.C. Capt. Camerons birthday. Leave in afternoon.

Thursday 24th December 1914

lynley — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:00:05 +0000

Christmas eve. Battalion parade as usual though company training in orders. Lecture by Brigadier. Orders changed. A good days work. Officers dinner Shepherds 8 p.m. Present Majors Cunningham, Young, Capts. Cook, Hume, Cameron, Acton (1^st Batn. Royal Irish), Gledhill (2^nd Battalion ditto), Lieuts. Turnbull, Menteath, Baddeley. A pleasant evening and great cordiality between ourselves and officers of the allied Regiment.

Wednesday 28th October 1914

lynley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:41 +0000

We arrived at Albany at midday. There we found the Australians, their large convoy of transports presenting a very fine sight. The ship tied up at the wharf and the company were sent ashore for a short march under Capt Cameron. Major Cunningham proceeding to one of the other ships for a Board of enquiry.

Saturday 10th October 1914

lynley — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The Regiment marched with the division to Lower Hutt for inspection by the G.O.C. A vile day of wind and dust and the most uncomfortable time one could have. We were glad to get back to our cabins out of the wind and stones. No one fell out on the march which was done in good time. Capt. Cameron rejoined the company in place of Capt Watson struck off as medically unfit.