16th January 1915

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

the surrounds of Mena Camp, including the Sphinx & Pyramids. In the

above photo, Sergeant Richard Defaur Alcroft (left), Sergeant Charles

Henry Galliott (centre) and Battery Sergeant Major Douglas Frederick

Handford (right), of the 7th Battery, pose on camels in early 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00117.050]

Mena Camp

Saturday January 16 1915

We didn’t go out manouvering today but in the morning we struck our tents and aired our kits etc. then got our guns and harnesses cleaned.  Had half holiday in afternoon.  Got a Xmas card from Mater and a letter from Mater and Flo dated 18 Nov 1914.

Saturday 16th January

On training area for a short time this morning. All units in Camp, cleaning harness and guns. Interview with Chaplain Richards and McPhee re Sunday Services. Arranged to have weekly parade for 2nd and 3rd F.A. Brigade, 4th L.Horse and D.A.C. at head of 3rd Brigade lines.

Night alarm – Turned out the whole Brigade. Checked time in which units got ready and also checked all harness, stores and equipment of all units.

I turned in again at 2.40 AM.

Wrote to Nell, the three boys, Father and Mother and John Halford. Very cold night.

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