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