"Came Out In Spots"

On 22nd February 1915, Private Sydney Fuller noted in his diary that he had to report 'sick.' 
"I had been feeling queer for some days, but had managed to keep going. This morning however, I came out in spots so thought it wisest to find out just what was wrong."
After an examination by the MO (Medical Officer) he was found to have German Measles, and was promptly isolated in a separate ward facing Abbey Field from where Sydney and his other incapacitated colleagues, could watch the Battalion drilling, and getting stronger and more soldierly, by the day.
Sydney was to remain there for almost three weeks until his illness had passed. His contracting of measles was not uncommon to the 8th Battalion that winter. With a vast influx of men being pulled in from all corners of the country to form the 8th Battalion, coughs, colds and flu were becoming more frequent in the ranks.
In the time he was laid-up, his colleagues were issued with their khaki uniforms and new leather equipment. Sydney would get his soon, and be back training with them in early March.

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