OUR SOLDIERS

The following Essendon boys:-Lance Corporals C. J. Richards and R. A. Smart, and Privates F. D. McKenzie (sic), R. G. R. Parker, J. Wade and Brick Stone - send greetings to this paper in a letter from Salisbury Plains, dated 22-12-16. They had had a very decent time since coming to England, having had four days' London leave, and had a good look round the great city. They had a fine trip over from Australia, and hope they will be able to return on the same vessel. They were to leave for France on 23rd December, and after three weeks' training there were to proceed to the trenches. Enclosed in their letter was the following:

DAILY ROUTINE OF A SOLDIER'S LIFE TOLD IN A FEW SIMPLE HYMNS.

6.15 a.m., Reveille.-"Christians Awake."

6.30 a.m., Rouse.-"Art Thou weary, art Thou languid?"

7.15 a.m., Physical Jerks.--"Here We suffer Grief and Pain."

7.45 am.,  Breakfast.--"Meekly wait and murmur not."

8.45 a.m., The Commanding Officer.--"Lo! He Cometh."

9.30 a.m.,  Manoeuvring and Skirmishing.- "We plough the fields and

                  scatter."

12.30 p.m., Dinner.-"Come, ye thankful people, Come."

2 p.m,       Route in Summertime.-"As pants the heart for cooling streams."

4.45 p.m., Dismiss.-"Paise God, from Whom all blessings flow."

5 p.m.,      Tea.--"What means this anxious throng?"

5.45 p.m., Lecture of Officers.-Tell me the old, old story."

6.30 p.m., Names for Passes.-"Oh, Lord, how happy we shall be."

7 p.m.,      Out of Bounds.-"'We may not know; we cannot tell."

9 p.m.,      Return from Canteen - "Lead, kindly Light"

10 p.m.,    Last Post.--"All are safely gathered in."

10.15 p.m., Lights Out-"Peace, perfect peace, perfect peace."

11 p.m.,    On Sentry -"While Shepherds watched their flocks."

12 Midnight:-"The Day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended."

OUR SOLDIERS. (1917, March 1). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74601844