Terrell, Leopold Frederick – May 1916

1 May
… 6,000 Indians, 1,900 British have been taken prisoners in Mesopotamia.

2 May
Wrote a letter to Mother … received letters from Arthur Gordon, Mother, & 2 from Clara.

3 May
Wrote to Clara, … put in the day signalling, and went to bed at 8.30 P.M. we have a long day rising at 4.30 am and knocking off at 6 oclock all told we work 5½ Hours resting from 10.30 to 4 pm.

4 May
Very hot turned out at 4.30 was vaccinated again today, but I think it is a waste of time doing me

5 May
Had a good day, am getting on as well as can be expected at signalling. Knocked off at 6 P.M feeling pretty tired, and worn out.

8 May
…we are expecting to move any day now

9 May
All hands had their clothing fumigated to kill all the vermin which is very prevalent

10 May
Had signalling in the morning. Had afternoon off did a bit of writing.

11 May
Was pretty crook. I broke out in the Hives a very unpleasant thing…

12 May
Woke at 4.30 a.m feeling little better for the night. Our battery are having shell practice this morning.

14 May
Had church service it is extremely hot

15 May
The 45th Battery had their first shoot this morning and proved themselves fair Mounted guard at 6 P.M. at Serapium station

17 May
Turned out at 4.30 am to take telephone to 47 Battery, and did their signalling until 9.30 when I had breakfast and had Brigade drill after in intense heat.

18 May
A nice cool day put in the day signalling Wrote a letter to Mother

19 May
Another nice day had a go at indirect firing, this kind of work is very interesting

22 May
having a very busy time. Having a lot of firing practice. starting early in the morning and finishing late at night

24 May
Out firing advanced practice this morning. Swimming parade the last perhaps we will have here.

26 May
On Observation work again this morning we are having plenty of practice.

27 May
Had half a day stand easy, on account of moving off shortly.

28 May
had very busy day, went to church in morning. fatigue all the afternoon

29 May
Turned out at 4.30 a m all very busy, making final preparations for an early departure. Had very heavy day.

30 May
received letters from Clara 30/3/16 and also Mother. having very little to do as we are in an uncertain position expecting to go shortly.

31 May
Turned out at 4.30 with almost certain orders that we are to be gone tomorrow night.

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