We got no regular meals

TCD MS 3416 page 64

TCD MS 3416 page 64

[June 1916]

After this we received no more food of any description till 2.30 p.m. the next day 23rd, and only the same allowance of water, and when we complained of the prices, were told we could have that or nothing. That night we got bread only and a little fruit at exhorbitant prices.

On the morning of the 24th, a junior Turkish officer who had arrived with the other echelon of officers from Kut, prevailed upon the sergeant to allow us to wash, so we were marched to a stream where we washed ourselves our clothes and cooking pots in the presence of numerous interested spectators: this was the first opportunity for washing we had for 2 ½ days, although a stream was handy. We got no regular meals and lived on what we could buy off the soldiers and on the remains of the bread and cheese left over overnight. A line of sentries was placed 150 yards from the door of our house and we were allowed to light fires so that those who were fortunate enough to possess such luxuries as soup squares or tea were able to cook them. There was no wood, so we had to collect refuse and cattle dung to serve