Page:Suakin, 1885.djvu/57

 heat was tremendous, and I lay all night with the perspiration pouring off me. The first part of the nights were generally very hot, as the wind which blew in from the sea during the day dropped altogether. Towards morning it became quite cold, and one was glad to get under a blanket

The next morning we were up before light, and out and about getting everything into its place. We generally had a cup of hot coffee or cocoa at half-past five or six o'clock, and then breakfast about eight, when there was more soup for those that liked it; but I am thankful to say we had brought plenty of sardines and potted meats with us, so there was an alternative.

At this time the force was composed as follows: The 70th (East Surrey), who were encamped about half a mile to our left front and close to the Right Water Fort; their camp, like ours, being completely isolated from the rest of the force. To our right front and about a mile away lay the 49th (Berkshire), and behind them were the Royal Marines and a battery of Horse Artillery. Further in rear still was the Headquarter camp, and between us and them lay the Medical Staff camp at "H Redoubt"

The Indian Brigade was on the south side of