Thursday Weather has changed to cold and wet, played football this morning and chess this afternoon Walking this evening
The War Diaries have almost less to say than Percy does about these days of waiting. “Routine,” says the 14th Brigade Diarist. (1) “Nothing of importance,” says his counterpart at the Divisional HQ. (2) The 13th Brigade Diarist reports today that the medical officer has classified all the men, following their recent medical inspection, as requiring either a short or a long board when they reach England. (3)
Men in good condition will be given a “short board”; only a brief medical history will be recorded. Men with medical problems and the expectation of a government pension will be subject to a “long board”: any disability or lingering health issue will be explored and details recorded. Some will see specialists. (4)
Another hopeful sign of imminent departure is that all leave to destinations in Europe is stopped. (3)
***
The photograph of the medical inspection of Australian recruits comes from the 
Australian War Memorial AO 3616. Chest measurements were also recorded when Canadian soldiers attested.
(1) War Diary of the 14th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. Vol. 27: 4. April 24, 1919 Library and Archives of Canada.
(2) War Diary of the Fifth Canadian Divisional Artillery. Vol. 27: 5. April 24, 1919. Library and Archives of Canada.
(3) War Diary of the 13th Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. Vol. 27: 8. April 24, 1919. Library and Archives of Canada.
(4) Carman, FA. “Demobilization.” Canada in the Great World War: An Authentic Account. Vol. 6. Special Services, Heroic Deeds, Etc. Toronto, 1921. 250.
Percy's War 