Definite orders arrived for our move tomorrow. We go to the West Bank of Canal above Khubri. A great part of the day was taken up with orderly room. The men who were found in Suez received 10 days detention each. Fortunately we were able to send them all away to Abbassia barracks today so [...]
We received word today that we would after all move out to the trenches on Wednesday. We regret having to leave our comfortable quarters but it is unavoidable. The only consolation is that if there is anything doing we stand a good chance of getting into it. The General today asked for a full report [...]
Between midnight and 1 a.m. we were awakened twice by heavy bursts of firing from the direction of El Kubri post. Men were quickly in their trenches on the look out for a likely target, but again we saw nothing. At 9 a.m. the Company marched to Campimento siding. Nos 2 & 3 platoons and 23 [...]
Today we finished a new trench on the South side of Gare 152. It was a windy day and the dust was very unpleasant. At 7.30 pm. orders came out that we were to move tomorrow. Otago Battalion taking over our trenches. 129 men & 4 officers of our Company proceed to Suez as Garrison, [...]
A quiet night – and daylight found the trenches fully manned and everyone waiting for the enemy which did not arrive. It was a calm bright moonlight night, in great contrast to the rest of the day (27th) which was windy and rainy, quite a typical Wellington day. The men were keenly looking for a [...]
A warm cloudy morning. Other regiments moving out ahead of us, judging from noise in their lines.
Tuesday January 26th 1915. At Kubri, 8p.m. We paraded at 6.45 a.m. 240 all ranks including attached, and proceeded to Palais de Kubbeh station about 1½ miles. We entrained at 8 a.m. and train was dispatched at 10.30 for [...]
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 [...]
Left Aden about 8 a.m. A calm day. Coast visible on all sides. An interesting days sail. It became known here that orders were awaiting us at Suez and our ship and the Orvieto pushed on ahead of the rest of the convoy.