Home of the Infantry Regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire
War Diary
Detail
1917-08-29
| Regiment | 5th Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Mesopotamia, Abu Khamed |
| Entry | Hon. Lieut. Qr. Mr G Rumsey M.C. rejoined from Field Ambulance 2Lt. G.L.S. Lightfoot and Concert Party rejoined from Baghdad, only 2 O.R's rejoined 4 having gone to Field Ambulance sick at Baghdad. After taking over the ABU KHAMED position on Aug 13th all ranks were very busily employed an improvements to line, erections of shelters etc. Much digging was done and very little time was available for training. Specialist training was carried out in a small way. Signallers, Lewis Gunners and Bombers parading morning and evening. For the first four days, there was no sickness in our new positions, but on Aug 18th a wave of Sandfly fever spread over the Battalion and 118 B.O.R were evacuated sick to Field Ambulance up to the night of Aug 24th. The average number evacuated sick to Ambulance from 13.8.17 to 31.8.17 was 10.77 per day. Towards the end of August the fever showed distinct signs of abatement. As a preventative measure Vermijelli was used but unfortunately it could not be procured in very large quantities, in its place paraffin oil was utilized with good effect. A.C. Marlowe Major. Comdg 5th (S) Bn Wiltshire Regt. The Field 1.9.17. |
