8 January [24 to 26] 24 MONDAY [24-342] 1st Month 1916

Fine bright day - Ploughing going on near Fort. F.C. makes inspection but I escape his clutches by calling my 6" Gun Detachm to 'shun, clicking my heels & smartly saluting. Very weary of loafing around but much cheered by letter from Ada. The Welsh lad James brings me into his confidence - Spend evening cramming Moore on BC's Correction Table - & packing up - as ordered to West Blockhouse - A pity to be separated from Walker

25 TUESDAY [25-341] Conversion of St. Paul Walk thru to West Blockhouse, having to go around the heads of the Creeks (on Pills) as tide was high. 70 men, Capt. Forbes & 2 young subs Kelway & Williams - Capt. Forbes old navy surveyor & very keen on his job here - Concert by talent from PD - 5 young ladies of sorts - one, a very pert miss wins great applause from the Tommies by concentrated fire on Forbes & myself in I was a good little girl until I met you. Afterwards supper & cigarettes -

26 WEDNESDAY [26-340] 715 am with Capt. Forbes check dials with P.F. Parade 915 squad drill with rifles (Portuguese mausers made in Germany) - Men very sloppy - very far from smart or well set up - Spend morning with Master Gunner overhauling 9.2 Guns - Afternoon surprise visit from tin hats - Gen. Triscott & Staff Capt. Little battery drill & feverish activity on the part of the crews. Send ordnance map off to Lieut. Jno Young

BC Archives, MS-0392 FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS

Box 1 Diary and enclosures, 1916. Volume 5