31st January 1915

On leave days, many of the Battery's men took the opportunity to explore

the surrounds of Mena Camp, including the Pyramids. In the above photo,
Bombadier Alfred Maxfield (left), Driver John Dawson Rich (seated), &
Gunner George Albert Shields (right), of "A" Sub-section of the 7th Battery,
pose astride an ancient statue beneath the Great Pyramid in early 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00117.046]

Mena Camp

Sunday January 31 1915

After stable hour there was church parade so I went to this and went to the Church of England services; it suits me as well as any other.  Half holiday this afternoon and 20% leave given to the battery.  I told the Sgnt to put my name down on the leave list; but when I went up to the office I was cut out as the Sgt Maj. said I couldn’t have it as there has been too any names in for it so that put an end to e trying to get over to the L.H. Camp.  I stopped back and cleaned and stained my leggins and boots etc.  There was a bit of fun this morning.  The Sgt put a horse in the water cart and was going over to the tap to get it filled and the horse bolted and went round and round the tents and lines at a gallop but did no damage and was pulled up after an exciting chase.  There is a route march tomorrow and we are to be up first thing and get everything packed.  Had a great fill of fruits, dates etc.

Sunday 31st January

I dodged Church Parade this morning. Had to make sketches of Bivouacs and letters to write. Wrote Nell and the three boys. Had a sleep this afternoon. Tent very hot. Train Wagons left in our lines in preparation for tomorrow’s March.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

30th January 1915

"The moving picture show on the hill" (top left), where Billy would have watched the "Wolf of Quebec" (below).

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C01784]

Mena Camp

Saturday January 30 1915

Stopped in camp today and we all got to cleaning the lines and tent for there is going to be a general insp. at 11 am.  At 12 noon there was a court marshall and the whole Brigade were formed up in a square and about 8 or 10 prisoners were brought in and the Colonel told them off.  One chap began to snivvel, they were all discharged from the forces in disgrace and were to be sent back to Aust.  Had half holiday this afternoon.  I went up to the moving picture show on the hill and it was pretty good.  Wolf at Quebec.  Sent some P.C. home.  The second Contig. is supposed to have landed at Suez.

Saturday 30th January

Remained in camp. Horses resting. Colonel inspected lines at 10.30. All very satisfactory. Went into Cairo late in afternoon re printing. Fitted coat at Davies Bryan. Called at Turf Club and obtained particulars re "Zealandia" and Charley’s appointment from Navy list. Started Prior on Bivouac sketches, and prepared syllabus of work for ensuing week. Received Divisional Order calling for Route March on Monday morning at 9 AM, the 3rd F.A. Brigade leading. On Brigade parade I discharged men to return to Australia for misconduct.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

29th January 1915

Horses returning to Mena Camp from watering, 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - PS0803]

Mena Camp

Friday January 29 1915

Went out with the horses to the guns, hooked up to the guns and I was told to take coverer of the Firing Battery.  It was very hot and dusty out there today, and at watering up time the skipper told another chap and I to go down to the pumps at the Nile Valley and pump the well full for our teams so we went down at a gallop and when we get there there was a few other chaps there had it full so much the better for us, bought our guns back with us and I am doing a cobbers picquet tonight as he is a bit off colour.  He wanted to give me 40 piastres but I told him not to be silly as etc.  We have to fed up three times during the night now.

Friday 29th January

Again good day’s work on training area, in taking up positions and engaging all nature of targets including Cavalry. Pow wow with Officers in the evening.

 

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]