Topic: Gm - Bk - 605 MGC
German 605th Machine Gun Company (MGC)
War Diary, 13 to 20 July 1916
605th Machine Gun Company War Diary, 13 to 20 July 1916
The entries
13.VII.16:
This morning the loads of the first baggage section were tested and in the afternoon those of the 2nd section. Rations from our German supplies.
14.VII.16:
This morning the baggage of the 3rd baggage section was tested. We moved off at 5 p.m. via Bir Lahfan to El Arish. We had a halt at Bir Lahfan from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
15.VII.16:
At 3 a.m. we left Bir Lahfan for El Arish whose we arrived at 7 a.m. Today was a rest day.Here each formation was assigned one well. There are many wells in El Arish but unfortunately they are all short of water. We received an Arab headman hire.
16.VII.16:
To-day our supplies ware made up to 10 days. We Germans got our supplies from a supply office provided for us, and the Turks got their supplies from a Turkish depot.
17.VII.16:
Today we received 5 days oats for the horses and camels. One of our Arab camel drivers moved away during the course of the afternoon and did not return by the time we left. We marched off at 6.25 p.m., halt at midnight for 1 hour, and then on to Bir Abu Tilul. From this date we only got Turkish biscuit.
18.VII.16:
At 3 a.m. we reached Bir Abu Tilul. There are 2 wells here which only yield bad water. It is impossible for men to drink it, and even animals don't drink much. We halted here till 6.30 p.m.
19.VII.16:
3 a.m. The wells here are very salty and bitter. From here on we marched with a point (advance guard).
20.VII.16:
Strength of company - 1 officer, 24 O.R. Germans, Turks 74, Arabs 21, horses 10, camels 52.
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Further Reading:
German 605th Machine Gun Company (MGC) , Contents
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 605th Machine Gun Company War Diary, 13 to 20 July 1916
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EAST
Updated: Wednesday, 15 April 2009 1:54 PM EADT
