camp being known as Sarpi camp. After the Battalion area had
been pointed out, canvas was issued and the camp pitched. The only
canvas available at the time consisted of a large number of hospital
marquee tents which were to accommodate the men and about a dozen bell
tents for the use of officers.

The baggage which had been sent off from Gallipoli a few days before the
evacuation was found on our arrival at our camp, or rather a proportion
of it. It was found that a considerable amount of it had been pilfered,
and we were informed that the rest of the baggage had been sent direct
to Alexandria.

Life at Mudros was a great change and a great relief after our months on
the Peninsula. We were able to live above ground and walk about freely
in the open without any fear of drawing the enemy's artillery fire. It
was difficult at first to realise that we were out of the fighting for
the time being, but it did not take long to accustom ourselves to this,
as after all it is the more natural life.

The weather on the whole was good, the days being bright and warm but
intensely cold at night, with a certain amount of frost. The opportunity
was taken to issue new clothing and in connection with this it may be
mentioned how the Army Ordnance Corps unconsciously gave us a little
amusement. Two of the battalions in the Brigade were kilted, and the
other battalions wore trews. The Ordnance people seemed to forget this
and issued to all four battalions the usual winter under-clothing which,
as far as the lower garments were concerned, was not exactly suited to a
kilted battalion.

While on Gallipoli the Commander of the 8th Corps, General Sir Francis
Davis, had organised a Football Tournament for teams representing all
units in the corps. The Battalion had been very successful in the
preliminary rounds and had reached the final by the time of the
evacuation. The team which they had to meet in the deciding round
represented the Anson Battalion of the Royal Naval Division, and it was
decided to play the tie while we were at Mudros. The day was an
unfortunate one as it was blowing hard, with the result that the
football was not of a very high order. The Battalion team did not
succeed in beating the Anson Battalion, but it was a hard game and there
is no doubt the better team won.

Those who played in the final match were, Pte. E. Hammil, "A" Company;
Pte. J.B. Smith, "B" Company; Pte. A. Jardine, "D" Company; Sergt. D.
Smith, "D" Co