Diary of George Loughlin Blore, October 1940 - September 1941

Diary relating to the Second World War service of VX16593 Corporal George Loughlin Blore, 3 Australian General Hospital, October 1940 - September 1941.

In the second of two diaries, Blore documents his remaining period of service at Milford and subsequent deployment to the Middle East. As with his first diary, Blore generally places a greater emphasis on detailing his exploration of places and extracurricular activities. Whilst based at Milford, he continues to write about activities associated with his Christian faith, and expresses frustration at "fellows who have no other object than to blaspheme, drink & consort with women." He also remarks on events such as concerts, his first white Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations in camp, and periods of leave spent sightseeing and exploring the surrounding country.

After speculating on the likelihood of a new deployment for some months, Blore details his departure from Milford on 16 March 1941, and his long and circuitous journey to the Middle East. He offers descriptive accounts of calling into the ports of Freetown and Cape Town, and remarks on defences dotted along the Suez Canal before disembarking at Ismailia in Egypt. Whilst based at Gaza, he notes outings to the beach and his exploration of the city as well as broader excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv. From June to September 1941, Blore increasingly attends to his diary on an irregular basis, largely remarking on the restructuring of his unit, request for a transfer, sightseeing, and social activities.

The diary also includes miscellaneous notes in the form of names and addresses, correspondence sent and received, and a selection of religious and musical references. Some of these notes have been recorded on a Young Men's Christian Association postcard deposited in the diary.