25 men arrived in camp from 3rd Field Co. from Imbros attached to No. 1.
Month: Mar 2016
Thursday, March 30th, 1916
Major Harrison with a party of six sappers and Sergt. Benthall returned from Salonica where they had been making survey and taking soundings for pier at Cassandra. This work will proceed almost immediately.
Mr. Nixon with Commander Lambert of H.M.S. Adcoon went off to the buried temple, N of the windmills. Nixon got back about 7 with several old Greek coins he had bought.
Made the draw for men to go on leave to England with next draft.
[not sure about name HMS Adcoon – any suggestions welcome]
Monday, March 27th 1916
Six men and Sergeant and Major Harrison left in Destroyer Arno for Stavros. In afternoon the military cemetery adjoining Greek Church at Portzanos was consecrated by Bishop Price – a very impressive ceremony. Owing to pressure of work the detachment of 25 from Engineers could not attend. All units were represented as well as Marines and bluejackets from battleships in harbour. Mrs Doughty-Wylie who provides a hospital here at her own cost, was present with some of her sisters. The leading Greeks from the village with a number of the smallest children from the school were also present. Two little girls carried a big wreath of laurels etc. Which was placed in a prominent place during ceremony.
The general with his staff, and Admiral Christian with his staff – Bishop Price with his Chaplain and the Greek priest in his full robes were also present. After the ceremony the leading Greek made a speech and the Admiral handed him a written reply. All round the cemetery were large numbers of the native Greeks who must have been impressed with the dignity of the service and the precision and discipline shown by the troops. The Q.M. took several snapshots with my camera which I hope will turn out alright.
A hostile aeroplane flew over and dropped bombs near E. Nucdros.
Saturday March 25, 1916
Rode to village by windmills with Nixon, Padwick, Primrose and Capt. Murray joined us. Bought lace. Mail arrived – 2 letters from M.B. Initialled character written by Major.
Friday March 24, 1916
To E. Nucdros [Mudros] to see pile driving work at Australian pier. Divisional Orders gave scheme of reduction in strength of Naval Division – “Engineers to be reduced in strength” but no details.
Thursday, March 23rd 1916
Lieut. from T.B.D. had lunch – explained the joke in naming of hills on chart of Nucdros [Mudros] Harbour.
Told us he was excavating an old Saracan (?) temple he had discovered in the hillls N. of E Nucdros.
Sunday, March 19th, 1916
News that Naval Division is going to be reduced in strength and Engineers cut down to one and a half companies. All wondering what will be done with rest of men.
Saturday , March 18th, 1916
With Nixon, the Q.S.M. and Corpl. Taylor rode to village near the nine wind mills, went into several of the houses and bought lace (3/6) and native slippers. In the evening Major French had concert. The mail arrived from England – double mail.
Sunday, March 12th, 1916
With Q.M.S., Serg. Edgar and Corpl. Taylor road to Castro [Myrina] a magnificent (word unclear) and thoroughly enjoyed the devious raide over the hills which altho’ very rugged and bare are very beautiful. Some of the views from the tops of the hills are magnificent – notably one looking east in which you can see the Nucdus harbour and beyond the mountains at Samothracia [Samothrace] – rugged and covered with snow, and the isle of Tenedos. Later a beautiful view through valleys to the bay at Kondia. Castro the largest town in the island is more modern than any of the other towns – good large houses which in summer are occupied by people from Alex., Cairo etc.
The chief feature is the castle built by Venetians on a rocky hill by the harbour – at the top are thousands of solid cannon balls. Saw a gun with Arms and King Philip V stamped on. In distance could see the peak of Mount Athos covered with snow and shining in sun rising out of clouds round base. Standing up out of perfectly blue sea – a most beautiful site.
Streets very narrow and irregular – crowded with Greeks Turks etc. in the quaintest costumes. Had quite a good lunch at Hotel de France.
During week carried on as usual – chief was hut building etc. at depot and stores – building magazine – pile driving at pier E. Nucdus – gun emplacements for anti-aircraft guns – building bdy. wall to cemetry etc. etc.
Saturday, March 11th, 1916
Surgeon Padwick* joined No. 1 Co. mess – with George.
Y.M.C.A. hut opened by Genl. Paris – concert very good indeed.
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Surgeon Harold B. Padwick - source http://digital.nls.uk/british-military-lists/pageturner.cfm?id=92017366&mode=transcription
Lieutenant James Brierley 