Monday 26 January 2015

26th January 1915


Men doing their laundry at the washing troughs, Mena Camp. 
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P00702.007]


Mena Camp
Tuesday January 26 1915

Cooks mate today so stayed in camp, helped with the fires and water.  Washed 4 prs of socks, under trousers and 2 towels.  Got 2 letters and card.  Letter from Mater dated Xmas evening and letter from Flo dated 27 Dec.







A letter from 1655 Gunner Ian Godfrey McKinnon of the 7th Battery, to his
mother, posted from Mena Camp on the 26th January 1915 (below).



Mena
26th January 1915

Dear Mother,

As you see by the heading we are still at Mena; it would be useless my telling you the rumours which prevail for the censor would certainly eraticate them, we know nothing other than is printed in the newspapers, ie: the British had a brush with the Turks, 20,000 of whom are supposed to be advancing on Egypt + we are here to oppose them.  Ere this reaches you the Turks in all probability will be squashed.

Enclosed you will find an account of how I stand which will enable you to get what little is due to me, if it is my luck, or misfortune to go under; it is just a precautionary measure.

I am on piqueat tonight, it is a [illegible] windy night + the wind is laden with sand.

Love from Ian


Tuesday 26th January

At work on manoeuvre area on tactical Schemes. Engaging targets from map. Very instructive work to all batteries. Lecture to O.C.s batteries in my tent in afternoon. Received Confidential instructions today to have 3rd Section of B.A.C. ready to move off at a moment’s notice. Instructions issued accordingly. Major Hughes, Capt Waite and myself invited to dinner at Mr Pengelley’s house tonight. Had a very pleasant evening. Returned to camp at 11PM.









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