Most days the maximum temperature has exceeded 120°.

TCD MS 10516 folio 4 verso

TCD MS 10516 folio 4 verso

Wednesday: July19th: 1916: Nasiriyah

For seven days I have made no entry in my journal, partly owing to the absence of anything of interest to record in these long changeless days, but mainly owing to the lack of inclination even to put pencil to paper in this insufferable heat. the latter has been intense, killing all physical and mental energy and making existence almost an intolerable burden. On most days the maximum temperature has exceeded 120°. The wind has veered round to the South. It is a gentle zephyr laden with moisture from the steamy Gulf and provides but little relief. During a lull one simply gasps for breath and feels as though one’s head would burst.

Have had a mild attack of jaundice but am almost well again. Everybody gets ill here with either