None of that joyous shouting nor those ringing English cheers

TCD MS 10515 folio 10r

TCD MS 10515 folio 10r

[Feb 28th 1916]

we are full of work. There is an air of suppressed excitement about everyone, yet all are filled with feelings of pleasure and a sense of determination. We fell in on parade at 11am. and marched shortly afterwards. The strains of “Tipperary” in the band and the cheers of the men help us on our short march to the station. But there is not the British enthusiasm about the departure; none of that joyous shouting nor those ringing English cheers are to be heard amongst the people of the East. The train left at 2pm. We had a goodly concourse of friends to see us off. We started in good time. Handshakes, loud cheers and swelling bands sent us gaily out of the station. At Nowsheera we met the 1/6th Gurkhas on their return from the Dardanelles and saw many old friends. Dinner