At sundown re-embarkation commenced, and at daylight the following day the ships drew out from Bukoba pier, and lay to, waiting until the outlying pickets were gathered in. When they put out from shore and were taken aboard, we steamed away northward to get back within our frontier, while most men lay down anywhere and slept, for there had been little rest since we had landed three days ago.
On the 26th June we were again in Kisumu, and were given a joyous reception by the natives, who showed extraordinary interest in the affair.
Three days later we were back in camp—back to the bush, and the routine of frontier patrols.
To give some little idea of the ordinary days of life in a frontier encampment the following notes may serve:
Maktau, 20th Aug., 1915.
Fortifying camp, taken over yesterday. All day on trench construction. Gangs of our fellows working well and cheerfully. Hearty jokes among themselves constantly brace them against their trying labours in the excessive heat.
Patrol attacked near camp this morning by enemy party trying to mine the railway. One private killed, three wounded. The enemy scattered and cleared off as soon as the first surprise shots were over. They attacked from hiding cover in the bush, whence they had viewed the approach of our patrol down the bare straight line of the single-track railway.
Maktau, 21st Aug., 1915.
On trench work all day, same as yesterday. Dust-begrimed and filthy. Hope for opportunity to wash and change to-morrow.
Last night an Indian sentry was shot by enemy who crept up to the camp entrance in the darkness.