was no possibility of
ascertaining their names. It often struck me that this might account
for some whose whereabouts were unknown.

While swimming, the opportunity was taken by a good many to soak their
pants and shirts, inside which there was, very often, more than the
owner himself. I saw one man fish his pants out; after examining the
seams, he said to his pal: "They're not dead yet." His pal replied
"Never mind, you gave them a ---- of a fright." These insects were a
great pest, and I would counsel friends sending parcels to the
soldiers to include a tin of insecticide; it was invaluable when it
could be obtained. I got a fright myself one night. A lot of things
were doing the Melbourne Cup inside my blanket. The horrible thought
suggested itself that I had got "them" too, but a light revealed the
presence of fleas. These were very large able-bodied animals and
became our constant companions at nighttime; in fact, one could only
get to sleep after dosing the blanket with insecticide.

My little dog Paddy enjoyed the swim almost as much as I did. He was a
great favourite with everybody but the Provost-Martial. This official
was a terror for red tape, and an order came out that dogs were to be
destroyed. That meant that the Military Police were after Paddy.
However, I went to General Birdwood, who was very handsome about it,
and gave me permission to keep the little chap. Almost immediately
after he was reprieved he ran down to the Provost-Martial's dug-out
and barked at him. Paddy was very nearly human. One day we were down
as usual when Beachy Bill got busy, and I had to leave the pier with
only boots and a smile on. I took refuge behind my old friends the
biscuits, and Paddy ran out to each shell, barking until it exploded.
Finally one burst over him and a bullet perforated his abdomen. His
squeals were piteous. He lived until the next day, but he got a
soldier's burial.

TURKISH PRISONERS

We saw a good many Turkish prisoners at one time or another, and
invariably fraternised with them. They were kept inside a barbed-wire
enclosure with a guard over them; but there was no need to prevent
their escape--they would not leave if they got the chance. On one
occasion twelve of them were told to go some distance into the scrub
and bring in some firewood. No one was sent with them, the idea being
to encourage them to go to their lines and persuade some of the Turks
to desert to us. But they were like the cat