9th February 1915

The 1st Division Headquarters camp, Mena.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - J02189]

Mena Camp

Tuesday February 9 1915

I was Brigade Office Orderly today went on at 7 am and came off at 10 pm lights out.  My duties are to run with despatches and its up to the Div. H. Quarters.  Some Aust. mail came down today but none for me but the biggest bulk is not sort out yet and is up at the post office.  Came off at lights out and feel pretty crook.  The 3^rd Brigade went out for firing practice today and I believe it did pretty good.

Tuesday 9th February

All officers of 3rd Bde and many drivers as well as Headquarters watched shooting of 1st Brigade. Rabett and King’s batteries did exceedingly well – just what might have been expected from Howitzer officers – B.C. fired both series. Did not see 1st battery shoot. Went into Cairo at 5PM to get electrical fittings for signalling buzzers, returned to camp by 9 PM tram. Received big mail from Australia, parents dated 6th Jan, Chris Jun 12th, Alvord 4th and 10th Jan, and Nell Jan 10th. Made up for shortage of last week. Delighted to hear Alvord passed Educational and Medical exams for Australian Naval College. I feel sure he will pass the Interviewing Committee. Smallpox in camp.

All officers and men to be again inoculated and vaccinated. We start operations tomorrow, and will be staying in camp in consequence.

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