Notes from a Doctor's Diary

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume VIII, Issue 2, 1 April 1915, Page 85

Notes from a Doctor's Diary

We have been allowed the privilege of making some extracts from the diary of a New Zealand doctor m Egypt. He gives a vivid description of the trip to Egypt, and the excitement on board the transports when, on November 9th, the " Sydney," which was on our port-side, steamed away West, at 6 a.m. Later the "Ibuku," and " Melbourne " went over to the West, but not out of sight. The " Sydney " was soon lost to view, and conjectures were rife. During the night we had passed the Cocos Islands, which were about 57 miles to the West. These Islands are where the Ross family reigns, and the father used to be known as the King of the Cocos Islands. About the middle of the day a message was sent to the " Minotaur," which was still within wireless touch : " Enemy beached herself to save herself from sinking — ■ am pursuing her merchant collier." Later : " ' Emden ' beached and done for. Casualties, 2 killed[and 13 wounded on ' Sydney. ' There was great satisfaction that the " Emden " had been disposed of and also that the new Australian Navy had made such a good beginning. Arrived at Colombo. As we entered harbour were passed by the :< Sydney," which did not show any signs of having been m action, except two or three wounded wh^> were under an awning on the after deck. No demonstration was allowed as she passed us. It is reported that there were 200 killed and 30 wounded. The Captain and Prince Oscar (nephew of the Kaiser) were saved. The prisoners are being taken to England divided among the fleet. The harbour now presents a great sight with all the transports and men-of-war : the " Sydney/ " Melbourne," "Hampshire," " Ibuku " (Japanese), " Yarmouth," and " Askold " (Russian). December 7th- We are wondering what our future prospects are. The chances of a clash with the Turks, who have been reported to be considering a raid with a large army, are very remote. I am afraid the passage of a large army with the impedimenta of a modern army across a desert of at least 160 miles, will deter them. All the walls have been destroyed by the British.

December 20. Sunday, and the day of the proclaiming of the new Sultan. The holy day of the Mohammedans is Friday. We went m m the morning, and saw the performance. The streets were lined by the Colonial and English Territorial troops. In the procession were mounted Territorials and Egyptian troops^; the latter looking very smart with their flash uniforms and glittering pennons. The new Sultan appeared to get a good reception from the people, who do not cheer but only clap. December 23. The day of our procession through Cairo . The Territorials had paraded some time before. Ours consisted of the whole New Zealand Expedition, including guns , transports , etc . , and also of the Australian Light Horse. It was meant purely as a demonstration of force, and the appearance of all arms has been commented on very favourably. We passed through the chief thoroughfares firsthand these were densely lined with .people who looked on stolidly, and gave no expression to their sentiments, whether hostile or friendly. We then passed through some of the poorer streets, which had quaint little shops all the way. These were also, densely populated, and no doubt if , was intended to impress the class of people who lived m these quarters, and probably are more prone to disturbances than the better class. As before everyone looked on stolidly. Altogether it was an excursion full of interest, and one felt pleased to be taking part m it. Dr. McLean tells of the various sad occurences, beginning with the death of a' dispenser on the " Ruapehu," and the accident and death of Dr. Webb, who when taking part m the proceedings to celebrate the crossing of the line, dived into the tank from the top of a horse-box and broke his neck. He was operated upon at Colombo, but his case was hopeless. There was alsQ the sudden death of Dr. Bell .from cerebral haemorrhage, and the death of an injured trooper from septicaenia. These sad deaths , and the illnesses of others point to the advisability of having had as the Australians did ; some nurses with the troops, who could at least have done something towards mitigating the sufferings of the sick. , - ,