I think he is a damned fool

24th November 1915

Warmer night and morning. Another bally Brigade Field Day on the Monastir road. It is the Brigadier’s look out and not mine but I think he is a damned fool to have these footling field days that do nothing but stale the men. He had his precious Brigade pretty stale leaving England and the rest and change got it into fine form when they came here. In a short time they will be as fed-up as ever with the game. It is an awful mistake.
Cornwall’s Light Infantry reported to have landed here today. That will be the 27th Division – Georgie Clancy’s lot. Must keep an eye on it.
Sad shortage of rumours. Orderly Room had one this morning that there was a big mail coming in but so far I see no sign of it.
The precious Brigadier this morning wanted a trial parade of the kit worn with the haversack on the back in place of the pack and some men did not obey the letter of the orders as to putting in cardigan jackets etc. The C.O. therefore ordered a parade of every man who had not done so, after our return to Camp today. We returned at 5.30 and Anderson then distinguished himself by ordering a parade of the whole Company under Platoon Commanders at 6.30 am tomorrow. That, after a long pow-wow yesterday on tact in dealing with the men!
Everything quiet. I turn in early as usual at 10.30 pm