Three Australian officers at Gallipoli, identified from left to right: Lieutenant Roy Kernot of the 1st Division Engineers; Lieutenant Edward Stanley Whitehead of the 3rd Field Company Engineers and Lieutenant Louis Willyama Avery (later MM) of the 1st Division Engineers. The three friends were all associated with the Silverton Tramway Company in Broken Hill and survived the war. image courtesy Australian War Memorial P00244.001
Avery, Louis Willyama – April 1916
April 4
Medically examined today & have been discharged as “fit for active service”. Hell, I could have told them that a week ago. Drilling & marching has helped to harden me up. But desert training will be the test & the rations.
April 5th
Left Alex. at midday for the Australian Overseas Base at Giza, near Cairo. Am not anxious to remain here long. It is the dirtiest camp I have been in yet. Fine dust everywhere. Situated on the banks of the River Nile. I wonder if the Pharaoh’s daughter is anywhere about.
April 7th
Have been taken on the Orderly Room Staff, & will work in the Records office. Did not think I would ever take to pen pushing, but it is better than drill just at present. Have been on leave in Cairo. What a change. It is very quiet now & very few Australians are to be seen.
April 11th
Left Giza (or Ghezireh as it is correctly spelt) for Australian Base Details at Tel-el-Kebir in the desert. That is the historic battlefield where General Gordon defeated the Bedouins in 1882. Trenches & mounds can still be seen & relics have been dug out. Good old sand, sun & flies.
April 13th
One of Egypt’s famous Khamsins is blowing, not dust but sand. What a country. Becoming very hot now.
April 25th
1st Anzac Day. Attended a sports meeting. Indian Cavalry were very impressive & displayed excellent horsemanship.
April 27th
Paraded sick. Was sent to the camp hospital.
April 28th
Transferred back to No 3 Aus. Auxiliary Hospital at Heliopolis to be boarded for Australia. This does not cause me to feel even hopeful.
April 30th
Feeling better & went visiting again in Heliopolis.
