Major Reginald Lee Rabett of the 2nd Battery, 1st
Field Artillery
Brigade, doing his rounds on a donkey at Mena Camp. During the
early days at Mena camp in December 1914, the Artillery horses had
not yet become sufficiently hardened after their sea voyage to warrant
daily use - hence, the Artillery Brigades pressed local donkeys into
service. Standing on the far right, holding a pipe and riding stick, is
Chaplain Alfred Charles Plane.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02592]
Brigade, doing his rounds on a donkey at Mena Camp. During the
early days at Mena camp in December 1914, the Artillery horses had
not yet become sufficiently hardened after their sea voyage to warrant
daily use - hence, the Artillery Brigades pressed local donkeys into
service. Standing on the far right, holding a pipe and riding stick, is
Chaplain Alfred Charles Plane.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02592]
Friday 18th December
Early start with Signallers. Lecture to whole class from 9 to 10.30 on "Reconnaissance duties". Officers mess fairly going. Major Rabett and Col Johnstone called on me. Horses all looking very well. Jack very much scared of camels. Mess Kitchen erected. Materials to hand for store and cooking trench. Engineers will assist us tomorrow. Arabic class commencing tonight. Interpreter Mr Suki attached to us. French and German classes commencing at Headquarters. Regret I know nothing of the languages and therefore it is useless to attend with those who already have a fair knowledge. Lecture tonight by Major Burgess on "Employment of Artillery in War" in conjunction with other arms. Good discussion.
Major Nicholson called in to listen. Rabett and Lloyd called this afternoon. I strolled into 1st Brigade lines. Saw Callaghan. Arabic class commenced tonight after lecture. Hope to learn to speak fairly well while here. All officers given a start tonight with verbs, nouns, sentences etc.
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