Churchill-Smith, James – March 1916

March 1
… Bert Hewish now my batman, Evans resigned. Been a good kid…

March 4
Very hot day.   Drilling all day.

March 6
Received nice parcel from Mum. Warm day.

March 7
Nothing doing except training.

March 8
Noel’s Birthday. Had fairly good night.

March 9
Left by 7.25 am train for Cairo.  Doing mess business all day…

March 10
Zoo during afternoon with Capt Seager, & Herbert 2/Lt Didan…

March 11
… Caught 7.15 pm. train back to Tel–el–Kebir; arrived at about 9.15 pm.

March 13
Orderly Officer up to 5.30 pm. Warm day. Recd letter from Mum dated 27th Decr

March 14
Men’s Blankets out airing all day.

March 15
… Inoculated against Typhoid & Para–typhoid. – arm a bit stiff…

March 17
Recd letter from dear Mum, Kate… Sore throat, arm still crook, bad head during morning, but better in afternoon.

March 18
…50th Bttn. inspected by Gen. Cox – I was introduced to him & shook hands. Arm aching.  Bed early. Recd nice parcel from my dear Kate.

March 20
… Heard Capt \Major/ Shaw left as Advanced Party to 3rd Bgde to France.

March 22
… Prince of Wales & Gen Birdwood & Staff arrived by special train at about 10 a.m.  Inspecting during morning. Rode passed our lines at 10 mins. to 1 o’c, took 2 photos; men gave him rousing cheers…

March 24
… Inoculated again (2nd) against Typhoid. Initiated 2/Lts Gore, Dridan, Thompson, Auld, English, Hoggarth & Beresford into 50th Mess.

March 29
Long Route March with full marching order on, about 10 miles. Started at 7.30 a.m. & finished at 11.45 a.m. Very hot day – scorching. I finished up not feeling too good, likewise many others.

March 30
Very severe duststorm at about 10 00 a.m. Cleared up and sun shone out very hot. Packing up to move tomorrow morning.

March 31
Reveille 4.30 a.m.– up soon after. Left Camp at 6.20 a.m. and set off on route march for first stage. Nice cool morning – nice marching.  Arrived Mahsamah at 11.30 pm. & bivouaced.