1st June 1916

The H.M.T. Haverford, during her previous life with the American Line - the men of

the 4th Division Artillery, & more importantly those of the 11th Field Artillery Brigade,

boarded her in Alexandria (below).

[Courtesy of First World War Journal]

We reached Alex at about 6am and did not take long to remove all our gear on to the transport Haverford. The train ran right on to the wharf where she was berthed. A scanty breakfast and then it was a wait. The only other Units on board the transport besides our 11th Brigade - were a small section of the A.M.C, A.S.C and the 15th Battalion I was fortunate in getting a cabin between with our own Sergeant Major in the 1st saloon and as you can imagine it tended to make the trip which was to follow very comfortable. We did not leave the wharf that night but next morning at 7.30am the engines throbbed and it was not long before we steamed off.

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

June 1st.

Embarked on H.M.T. "Haverford"

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Thursday 1st June

Completed packing up. Handed over maps, camp etc. to Lord Exeter. Capt. Richards now to be Brigade Major. He accompanied me by midday train. Reached Alexandria in the evening the stayed the night at the Majestic Hotel.

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

31st May 1916

A decidedly empty looking Serapeum Camp, early June 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H03757]

1st May to 31st May

Very busy on ordnance work at Serapium. Equiping a Brigade is no easy matter.  Will never forget harness and other items. Captn Tuckett paid me the compliment before General Rosenthal of being the only Brigade QM in the Artillery

31 May

At last the day of our departure from Serapium had arrived. For the past few days it was all running about for this great Finale. I was feeling a bit fagged over the work. Our train left at 8.30 PM and it did not take long to get the horses & gear aboard. I was very glad of when the shriek of the whistle gave us warning that we were off & Once more we were on the move. I do not think one of us was sorry to leave the Desert behind and face towards Alexandria. It was an all night trip and one after another our chaps dropped off to sleep on the seats. Fortunately I was in a 2nd class carriage and it was not so bad but the lads in the 3rd class carriage must have had a very hard bed. There is one thing I can never forgive our Military Authorities over and that is making  all ranks lower than a Sergeant travel 3rd class. Going to Town you would have to put up with some dirty Egyptian Waller rubbing up against you on the seat. You had no option of your company. The least that could be done would be to let those who desired travel 2nd class if they wished to pay the difference. The 1st class was reserved for officers & civilians who could pay the fare.

At the different stations enroute to Alex the noise of the Wallers you were rudely awakened by the awful noise of the wallers selling cakes or such articles. It will be a long time before one loses the forgets the persistancy and cheek of the Egyptian Street Seller. We arrived at What shameful bargainers they are and remind one of the  Chinamen who generally ask double treble the value expecting to receive

[Will Sparkes' diary entry under the 31st May runs into a couple of

days - for clarity, it has been divided up over the coming entries]

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - William Sparkes diary]

May 31st.

Brigade entrained at Serapeum West and proceeded to Alexandria.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 11th F.A. Brigade]

Wednesday 31st May

Made sundry purchases during the morning, obtained continuation pay book from Pay office. During afternoon went out to see the Zoological Gardens. Took Mrs. and Miss Christian also Mrs. King. They showed me round. Returned to Serapeum by 6.15 PM train. The 11th Brigade took its departure. All arrangements worked smoothly.

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

30th May 1916

Lord & Lady Exeter in Egypt, 1916, met by Gen. Rosenthal below.

[Courtesy of Stamford Town Council]

Tuesday 30th May

General straightening up of Camp during day. Had map finished showing our Artillery disposition which I will hand on to Lord Exeter of 237th R.F.A. Bde. With him and Capt. Malleson of 60 pr. Battery interviewed Generals Cox and Ward re permanent position of 60 pr. Battery. No decision arrived at. Left for Cairo by evening train arriving there at 2 AM, two hours late.

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

29th May 1916

Part of the Infantry defenses on the outskirts of Serapeum, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - B02914]

Monday 29th May

Final shooting of 10th Brigade. Capt. de Low did very well in his series. Officers from 4th East Anglian Bde. called to make arrangements for Batteries coming in tonight. Arranged for messing of officers with our Brigades.

Two British Battalions moved in this morning to take over from our Infantry. Review in afternoon by Commander in Chief. Very hot day. I turned out nine mounted batteries, and 6 dismounted batteries also D.A.C., about 2000 strong. All made a good showing better than I expected.

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

28th May 1916

A British R.F.A. Gun Crew, similar to that of the 4th East Anglian Brigade

mentioned by Gen. Rosenthal below - the next day, the 4th East Anglian

Brigade would be redesignated as the 173rd Brigade R.F.A., coinciding with

their move to Serapeum.

[Courtesy of Invisionzone]

Sunday 28th May

Slept in for a change. No shooting. Also evaded Church Parade. Getting packing done prior to departure. Officers of the 4th East Anglian R.F.A. Brigade called on me. This Brigade is to take over our work in this Sector. Lord Exeter commands. All stayed to lunch, inspected camp site and returned to their position. Received orders for 1st Flight. The 11th Brigade first to move. Capt. Forrest left with Advance Party.

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

27th May 1916

Defenses along the Suez Canal, opposite Serapeum Camp.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - A00975]

Saturday 27th May

Attended Brigade shoots at 5.30 finishing at 10.30 AM. Planning alteration re Brigade Major. Arranged for Capt. Richards to take over. Wrote final Egyptian letters during afternoon and evening. Inspection of Division ordered for Monday afternoon. Much cooler weather.

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

26th May 1916

The Australian Training Camp at Tel-el-Kebir, 1916.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H12873]

Friday 26th May

Finished up scheme at about 6 AM Pow wow afterwards. Gen. Cox pleased with role played by Artillery. Visited training Depot at Tel el Kebir and so missed Brigade shoot. Work at Depot progressing satisfactorily. Addressed 4th Div Artillery men.

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