In Islington’s Gallipoli we blogged the 1/11th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (the Finsbury Rifles’) War Diary. We followed their often heartbreaking daily log, charting their experiences in Gallipoli.
In December 1915 the Battalion left Gallipoli on HMT ALAUNIA. The next two years would see them visit Egypt, Palestine and Syria, experiencing new cultures, facing extreme conditions and brutal campaigns.
On this page you will find a twice weekly blog, through which we will follow the Finsbury Rifles’ journey and chart their day to day experiences.
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This week’s blog charts the manoeuvres taking the troops from Gallipoli to Alexandria in Egypt, marking the beginning of this new campaign.
Date: 12. or 13.12.1915
Camp cleaned up during morning and at 1245 Battalion fell in. To NORTH PIER. At 1430 embarked on HMT ALAUNIA. Battalion on duty all loading and unloading fatigue provided. 3 men to hospital.
Date: 14.12.1915
Transport sailed at 1600. Routine parade and inspection during day. Uneventful night.
Date: 15.12.1915
Arrived MILO at 0800 and remained in harbour until 1230 when voyage continued. Routine as before. I man to hospital.
Date: 16.12.1915
Battalion on duty and nearly whole strength required for ships guards and fatigues, routine modified accordingly. At dusk news of a submarine in neighbourhood received and MG Officers remained by guns all night.
Date: 17.12.1915
Quiet day and night. Routine as usual. Practised alarm during morning.
Date: 18.12.1915
Arrived at ALEXANDRIA at dawn. Disembarked at 1230 and proceeded by road and train to SIDI BISR where remainder of day spent in preparing camp.
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