Other substitutes were preserved or desiccated vegetables, which were
found quite unpalatable and quickly refused by the Quartermaster.

Of the groceries, the issues of tea and sugar were insufficient for the
occasion. The Australian tea-drinking habit (amongst others) had not
then spread through the army. The Canadian cheese was excellent, but
the jam lacked in all three essentials--quantity, quality, and variety.
Bairnsfather has placed on record the soldier's feeling in this regard.

Certain other articles of importance were issued weekly. These included
lime juice, rum, and tobacco. Rum was a new experience to many, but its
value as a stimulant for tired troops was soon appreciated--even by the
teetotallers. The virtues of rum and condensed milk were extolled. The
precious liquid was contained in earthenware jars bearing on the outside
the letters "S.R.D." The popular interpretation of this legend was
"Seldom Reaches Destination," from the belief that, small as the
authorised issue was, it was either reduced in quantity, withheld, or
weakened with water by those through whose hands it passed between the
supply depot and the people for whom it was intended. Instances were not
lacking which gave foundation for this belief, and an incident is well
remembered in which a member of one formation regaled himself for two
nights on his company's share and finished up the carouse by giving the
"alarm." He left for Australia shortly afterwards. The Battalion made
the acquaintance of tobacco and cigarettes of many brands and as many
qualities. In some cases the name on the package was the only indication
of its supposed contents. Some of the issues were at the cost of the
Government and others as a result of gifts by soldiers' aid societies in
Australia and England.

It has already been said that water was scarce. A few wells existed, but
were quite unequal to the demands made upon them. It was therefore
necessary to carry the water for some distance. Two-gallon petrol tins
were used for this purpose by special fatigue parties. Larger quantities
were carried in "fantassies"--10-gallon tanks borne in pairs on
mules--and delivered to the Quartermaster, who was responsible for the
distribution of all supplies and stores. Not always was it possible to
secure sufficient for ablution purposes, and at one time--during
November--the issue was restricted to quarter gallon per diem per man
for all purposes. At the Apex, whilst water w