Monday, 4 January, 1915
The very salt beef reappeared as hash at tea tonight, but as we are now getting South a bit again, no one complained bitterly.
It is extraordinary what a difference this makes on our dispositions. If we are at a stand-still everyone feels despondent and some are actually snappy, whilst a two hour wheel seems like four hours, but if we are steaming rapidly southward then everyone is good-tempered and contented. Sir Ernest alone is always cheery and optimistic be the weather what it may. He is the life and soul of the whole party; his presence amongst us puts new life into us, his absence leaves us doleful. Setbacks are his veriest instigation to renewed endeavours.