Water
From the very start, fresh water was scarce on Lemnos. New wells were dug during March, boosting supply from local wells, and large amounts of fresh water were shipped from Alexandria.
A partial solution was a large condensing (desalination) plant. Something of an engineering feat, the British built it in West Mudros in July–August.
It did not completely solve the problem; the shortage almost forced the closure of 2ASH. Matron Grace Wilson recalled the torment of leaving men, ‘begging to be washed’, in their blood-stained clothes.
The shortage was a challenge for hygiene, including maintaining clean sheets and clothes. Fresh water was an ever-present issue.
‘Bathing is carried out by the officers at 7am at the South Pier ... [in] the Outer Harbour waters. It is also carried out in the Inner Harbour along our frontage. There are areas for the NCOs and men, also the officers, and a place for Sisters.’
– Lieutenant Colonel James Dick, ‘3rd Aust. General Hospital’, 18 Aug. 1915
‘I cannot get my washing done. There is too little water.’
– Sister Betha McMillan, letter, 28 Aug. 1915
