19 December 1915: Won't Abdul get a shock

A deserted camp.  Only a very small body of men left behind and the silence can almost be felt. 
It’s a bit uncanny to think of the handful of men spread out at long intervals and firing off their rifles rapidly to make the Turks think nothing unusual is happening.  All the dugouts are left with their coverings on so as to deceive hostile aeroplanes and the boys when marching away have their feet muffled. 
Everyone is feeling lonely and high excitement prevails.  Would not miss this experience for worlds.  
This time last year we were on board the Persic lying out in Sydney harbour. 
Reg left last night.
Won’t Abdul get a shock when he finds us gone. 
​J. A. Graham