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Contemporary copy of diary (12 December 1916-16 May 1917) made by John Gordon Bennett's wife, Dorothy, which was then circulated to family members in instalments (existence of original diary unknown) with two letters written in 1917 from Harold Lewis briefly commenting on the diary. Notes and annotations added later by Antony Bennett. The diary covers the period of John Gordon Bennett's service as a chaplain with the Young Men's Christian Association during the Mesopotamia campaign of World War One.
Diary begins on-board SS Ellanga having left India for the 'Gulf' and active service. Describes life on-board including conducting religious services, organising entertainments, weather, fellow passengers, etc, before disembarking at Basra [Iraq]. Describes Basra and those he meets there as well his digs, organising and attending entertainments and his religious duties. Describes Christmas Day in detail - rugby match, service and evening party - as well as being unhappy about some drunkenness.
At start of 1917 moves on through Amara [Al Amarah, Iraq] to Shaik Saad describing his journey by road and river there as well as the military activities and units (including Chinese and Egyptian labour corps) he sees in the aftermath of the recent battle. At Shaik Saad discusses fellow officers, etc, (including an old friend from Louth [Lincolnshire], Kit Ingoldby), a cholera scare, conversations with medics, prisoners of war, religious duties, etc.
He next moves to just behind the front at Sana-i-yat [Sannaiyat, Iraq] continuing to discuss those he meets and recounts their experiences, as well as commenting on the weather, organising entertainments, military activity (including shelling), his religious duties, the injured and the deaths of soldiers & colleagues he knew. Follows, a few days behind, the advancing army across the Shurman pontoon bridge (describing the aftermath of the recent battle) and after camping for one night nearby returns to his previous position due to a lack of available transport towards the front.
Travels by narrow gauge railway to Sinn [Es Sinn, Iraq] to provide pastoral care for the injured and tours the surrounding area describing the effect of the war. Sent on to Azizieh [Azzizyah, Iraq] describing the impact of the war on the local population and settlements that he passes through and then his pastoral work supporting troops (supplying additional rations, entertainments, etc). Comments on the poor condition of Turkish prisoners of war and injuries to colleagues. Travels by boat to the recently captured Baghdad describing the local countryside and signs of the recent conflict.
Reaches Baghdad towards the end of March and comments on the populous, relative lack of damage and military organisation. Set up YMCA canteen and recreation room but evening curfew limits entertainments. Describes the market, religious sites, church services, entertainments, weather, current location and health of friends, Easter, and the structure of the YMCA.
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