4th February 1915

Another of Gunner George Courtney Benson's sketches, depicting a

section of Mena Village beyond the Australians' encampment,

1915 (referred to below by Col. Rosenthal).

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - ART03605.007.002]

Mena Camp

Thursday February 4 1915

Went out to our entertainment on the desert today and it was blowing a cold wind all day.  I was acting No.6 on the gun.  A big hit was inspecting us, he had just come from the front in France and he said our manouvering or at least our way of coming into action was absolutely no good at all.  If we came into action in day time we would be wiped out before we got a shot off.  It is all done at night and airplanes directing the range.  Have a bit of cold in chest, went up and got some medicine from Doctor.  Went with a cobber to the Pyramid Cinema and the Military Cinema and it is just about lights out, I rather enjoyed myself but my eyes are a bit pricky.

Thursday 4th February

At work on manoeuvre area. Colonel Hobbs brought out R.F.A. Colonel, named Cunliffe Owen. He has been at the front for some months and has now been appointed C.R.A. for our Army Corps Artillery. He gave us many interesting bits of information regarding Artillery work in France. Benson of Head Quarters has been today getting some local studies for water colour sketches.

General instructions to sketchers of each Battery. No letters from Australia this week – shortage of boats evidently.

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