The Road to Chunuk Bair » Suez Canal

Wednesday 24th March 1915

lynley — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:00:32 +0000

Brigade exercise in outpost work along banks of Canal, about 2 miles march from Camp. Very shady and delightfully cool.

Sunday 21st February 1915

lynley — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:00:57 +0000

A cold morning but indications of there being a very hot day. Church Parade was held at 9.30 a.m. the 5^th Battery Field Artillery being present. No’s 2 and 3 platoons were given an hour and a half’s pack drill in the afternoon for not having their lines tidy by 8 a.m. It was a boiling hot afternoon and I think the punishment will be an effective deterrent to a similar thing happening in the future. The men are having to go on outpost every other night which is proving rather strenuous for them as they are only allowed the afternoon off. An application was made today to see if the number of groups could not be reduced. The outpost groups tonight were found to be quite alert and all well acquainted with their instructions. We are allowed every facility for bathing in the Canal and very pleasant it is too. It is hard to believe when one looks back to ones Geography class at school that we should one day find ourselves using the famous Suez Canal as a swimming bath.

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.)

Wednesday 27th January 1915

lynley — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:00:08 +0000

There was no reveille this morning. We were all awakened very early 4 a.m. by heavy firing from the Canal about a mile to our front followed by gun fire. Men in the bivouac stood to arms and a platoon was sent out to get touch with Otago Battalion on our right. The firing continued intermittently for quite an hour. Reveille was timed for 5.30. We had hot tea and Bully beef for breakfast and paraded at 9 a.m. whence we marched to the trenches on the West Bank of the Canal. Our section of the line we found in occupation of the 2^nd Battalion 7^th Ghurka Rifles. We were delighted to find ourselves in touch with another 7^th. They moved about 800 yards up occupying ground to our right. We found some 400 yards of trench all ready prepared along our section of the defence, which merely required a little deepening being built for Ghurkas. We were all immensely taken with the Ghurkas. They are compact little soldiers and one would feel delighted to have a company of them. All is quiet (11pm) along our front so far. A strong post guards the position on the Eastern Bank of the Canal in front of our position. It was the position attacked last night by the enemy and they expect further trouble tonight. Our Regiment has about 4 miles of front. We have 2000 yards. There are strong posts held by Indian troops in our front on enemy’s side of Canal. Being the nearest troops to the post on either side we shall soon know if anything is doing.

Tuesday 1st December 1914

lynley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:21 +0000

A foggy morning. Still anchored in one of the lakes. Got started again at 10 a.m. An interesting day going through the Canal. Reached Port Said about 3 p.m. A very picturesque place. Numerous French warships in port also H.M.S. Swiftsure. Coaling commenced on arrival. Natives kick up terrific noise all night. Rest of ships arrive about 5.30. No leave.

Monday 30th November 1914

lynley — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:00:08 +0000

A much cooler day. Wind cold. Everybody putting on winter clothes. Arrived Suez at 5 p.m. Received our orders to disembark at Alexandria. Started up the Canal at 7 p.m. A glorious sunset. First view of the Desert. Passed numerous posts manned by Indian troops. Had to anchor during night for fog. Armed guard roused at 11 p.m. in case of sniping. Staff officers depart for Cairo.