Unit Diary - 5 April 1916 - Letter to Major Smith

Athol writes to Major Smith with a routine report concerning the activities of 2nd Camel Company.

This letter is not in my collection but forms part of the 2nd Camel Company Unit Diary available at the Australian War Memorial collection at page 12 of this document:

https://www.awm.gov.au/images/collection/bundled/RCDIG1014812.pdf

Sollum

5-4-16

Major Smith,

Since my last letter nothing of any importance has occurred. We .... daily two patrols  each with one NCO and six men. One about 4 miles out on the Barrani Road and the other about 4 miles out on the Tobruk Road. These patrols leave camp at 5:30am and return at 6:30pm. This is the only duty we perform at present.

There seems to be no chance of any fighting at all unless the Senussi make the first move.

The camels appear to be picking up in condition. We exercise for two hours daily and groom three lines a week. They were watered on 29-3-16 and 2-4-16. They get a small period of grazing during exercise and the 14 camels on patrol get a good day grazing so they get about one day’s grazing each week and a pick every day. A few good feeds of … would be just the thing if it can be got.

On Monday last we started Company cooking in conjunction with a new daily routine. Reveille 5am, feed 5:15, parade, 5:45 for foot drill, rifle exercises etc, for two hours. Break for 8. Orderly Room 9, parade ….10, feed 12, Dinner 12:30. Parade 4-6pm. Tea 6pm. Lights out 10pm.

On 30 inst. the …. detachment left and I took over four riding camels and 4 baggage all with saddles etc.

There are 13 men in hospital also one of the natives, Abdullah.

Strength 4-109.

This morning I remanded one man for ….. for insubordination and insolence and …..

If any regimental funds are available, I should like to have some as there is a good canteen and we could vary the men’s food a little from Bully Beef etc. We get a daily issue of good bread.

Yours sincerely,

Athol G. Adams