31st March 1915

Another sketch of the area surrounding Mena Camp, completed by

2180 Gunner George Courtney Benson.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - ART03605.007.005]

Wednesday 31st March

Parades in hands of Battery Commanders. I went into Cairo during the morning re horses and spent the afternoon with Col Hobbs. Benson prepared a most excellent panoramic sketch of country for tomorrow’s operations.

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

  

30th March 1915

Conference of Officers after 1st Australian Division manoeuvres - General Bridges

in the centre with Colonel M'Cay facing him, March 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C00035]

Tuesday 30th March

Brigade Scheme. Practising Communications using new Telephone cart. Very hot and trying day.

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

 

29th March 1915

Men of the Field Artillery pass the saluting base during General Sir Ian Hamilton's

review of the 1st Division at Mena Camp, on the 29th March 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C00035]

Monday 29th March

Our troops at Mena reviewed in morning by General Sir Ian Hamilton. General Godley also present. He invited us over to Zeitoun in the afternoon to see a review of the New Zealand & Austn Division. Major Burgess, Browne and Hughes accompanied Jopp and myself.

We had lunch at the Continental and then motored out to the review. It was a great sight though the dust rather spoiled the effect.

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

A mounted parade of Artillery and Light Horse, charging forth across the

desert on display for Sir Ian Hamilton, 29th March 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - PS1017]

 

28th March 1915

The Bishop of Jerusalem getting onto his bike at Mena Camp,

after providing his Sermon to the Australian Troops, 1915.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P08481.010]

Sunday 28th March

Church Parade at 9AM. General Birdwood present also Staffs and Colonel Hobbs. Marched past after Service.

The worst day we have had in Egypt. Dust and sand in abundance. Stayed in the mess tent which was the only reasonably clean place.

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

 

27th March 1915

Brigadier-General Charles Cunliffe-Owen.

[Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery]

Saturday 27th March

Lecture by Gen Cunliffe Owen at 9.30AM. Very interesting accounts of early part of war. Cooperation between Artillery and Infantry forcibly illustrated. Worked on Telephone detachment and instructed them.

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