July 4, 1917
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The sports came off to-day in dull weather and proved a great success.
The men engaged were awfully keen, the spirit of competition shown being the best recommendation possible for the spirit and morale of the troops. The drill was excellent and worthy of the Guard, although very little time was given to prepare for it. A party of 150 men of the Brigade gave an exhibition of physical drill under an English instructor, and it was one of the finest exhibitions possible. Our Ambulance did not win, chiefly through lack of interest. The wagon was faulty, the work being left to a couple of men, and no brassards were provided for the men.
The drill was very even, we lost on the wagon and also the tent, although the judge’s decision on this latter was open to dispute; we won the First Aid, actually our only victory, so I reaped somewhat of a reputation altho’ the men being proficient was the cause. It taught us a lesson, which will probably be forgotten, however, that to win a competition of this description nothing must be left to chance. The A.S.C. turnouts were wonderful and could not be excelled by any coach builder. General Birdwood, of course, was well to the fore, chatting to the men, etc., and it showed what the men think of him, that when he is seen speaking to the men the onlookers always say “there goes Birdie slinging in the kid stakes again.”
He has a great reputation of kidding to the men, and there is no doubt he does a lot of it, at one time this being the secret of his popularity. If ailed to get the commission in the Artillery. A reply came back saying that no such commissions were granted outside of the Artillery itself, but added that if I wished I could proceed to a class for a commission in the Infantry. I turned this down, however, as the shock would be too great at home.
My recommendation read “Sgt. G. is well educated and in every way suitable for a commission, etc. He has shown himself adaptable and capable in every branch of the military service, etc., etc. I consider his talents wasted as Sgt. Dispenser in this unit.”
NOTE: The next diary entry is July 7