Major E.B. Sheppard’s Diary, 1st - 6th March, 1916

March. 1st. Wednesday.

Found when it was daylight our camp was quite nice place, with two fig gardens quite close. Started 8.30 a.m. and had really a nice trek of about 16 miles into Dabaa. The wild flowers were lovely, likewise the day. Collected quite a lot of specimens of the flowers which I pressed in my pocket book. Arrived Dabaa about 4 p.m. where Pitt & Steve met us. We found our camping ground was a long way from water &c., ¾ miles E. of Coastguard station. Dined with Pitt. Received orders to march with column after a day’s rest. Much dissatisfaction.

March 2nd. Thursday.

Rested.

March 3rd. Friday.

Started at 6 a.m. and had long weary march of 38 miles to Alamein. Self and guns arrived in pitch dark about 7 p.m. to find water truck had been sent empty. Luckily had sent on Squadrons so they got the reserve supply at Post and by ‘phoning got supply sent up by train from H.A.C. but did not arrive till 11.30 p.m.

March 4th. Saturday.

Marched 28 miles to Hammam arriving at dusk. Part of road very bad for transport and guns. Camped on old pitch.

March 5th. Sunday.

Marched to Very uneventful.

March 6th. Sunday.

Marched to Camp “A” Alamein across Salt lake at Mex. Quite like old times in Essex farm lanes at one time floundering in mud. All dined dirty & travel stained as we were at Savoy but looking fittest crowd imaginable after 10 days bivouacking and marching 180 miles.

“B” & “D” Squadrons were left at Alex. to fit out. The former to act as Divisional Sqaudron to 11th Div. and the latter to 13th. in Mesopotamia. “A” Squadron , Headquarters & Machine Gun Section despatched to Mena for 54th Squadron.