2nd Camel Company move west

This is an extract from the Unit Diary written by Captain Parker to Major Smith. The file with the full Diary covers the period January to August 1916 and is held at the Australian War Memorial (Ref: RCDIG 1014812).

Captain Parker wrote the first diary account whilst in Sollum on 25 March 1916. It covers the period where the 2nd Camel Company traverses across the north west coast of Egypt from Mersa Matruh to Sollum as part of the Western Desert Force. He notes in the opening of his letter that from 6 March to 25 March the company had been 'continuously on the move'. These notes outline their progress in the first week.

6 March 1916 – Moved out of Matruh (far right of map below) at 6:45am. Camped at 6pm. Halted 3 hours midday.

7 March 1916 – Formed rearguard to Cavalry Brigade. Grazed camels from 7am to 9am. Halted at ...….

8 March 1916 – Advanced guard. Halted at Zowiat Shamaas.

9 March 1916 – Convoyed transport camels.

10 March 1916 – Convoyed transport camels. Arrived Birrani. Drew rations etc. (This is noted at Sidi Barrani on map below).

11 March 1916 – Rearguard.

12 March 1916 - Advanced guard. Arrived Baq Baq at 6pm. At 10pm ordered to move out early to Bir Angerin and report G.O.C (General Officer Commanding) South African Brigade and convoy ambulance camels. 

(Bir Angerin appears south of Baq Baq and appears to be the point at which one heads up the Median pass and onto the plateau above.)

Map ref: http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/maps/palestine/WFF.jpg