25th October 1916

 

It was only about half an hour after I arrived back in camp that reveille sounded and it took pretty well an hour to then get the boys together and have a roll call. We then assembled in front of the YMCA tent from where a lecture was given to us by the Church of England Chaplain. This did not last long and after a few prayers had been said we left our old camp in none of the brightest of spirits and marched to Marrickville Road from where special trams conveyed us to the ship. The trams took us right down to the wharf and we were there lined up in our respective units to answer roll-call and receive our embarkation cards. This took up a good length of time and when it was finished I fully expected that we would be dismissed to go back and say goodbye to our loved ones who were waiting at the gates, but as no order was given, I became anxious and asked our officer about it. He informed me that we would not see them again until the boat was pulling out. My feelings can easily be imagined for I had not said goodbye to Mother, Bertha, Glady, Frank and Jim, expecting to see them all at the wharf. From where we were there was no chance of getting back, so I had to give up all hope of seeing them.

 

Soon after this, we began to embark and this was a frightfully slow procedure as the gangway would only hold one at a time. As soon as our kits had been dumped in the place allotted to the artillery, Harry and I came on to the deck and found that we were then about to pull out and people had begun to gather on the wharf. I saw Eadie, Millie, Glady, Jim and Frank and although I looked everywhere I could not see anyone else. (I saw Uncle Walter as the trams were coming through the crowd, and although I shouted could not make him hear me). The boat pulled out almost immediately into midstream and anchored there. I here received a parcel from my Mother and one each from Aunt Kate and Millie, which had been brought from the gates by one of our men.

 

When we again came on deck several launches crowded with relatives and friends of those on board were circling about us. I then wrote some letters and gave them to Mr Woolridge, our old OC to post when he returned to the shore.

 

Mr Woolridge and Mr Wilkinson from “The Warren”, had both come aboard to hand us over to the present OC Mr Heath. When our old officers were returning to the shore we gave them three cheers and they in turn wished us all kinds of good luck. It was about 12.30 when we began to pull out and the launches came out as far as the Heads. The people sang and cheered until we were out of hearing and it was only then that I seemed to realise fully how much a soldier leaves behind – his all - his loved ones whom he may never see again. I was indeed downhearted to think that I had been parted from my loved ones without even a goodbye. No matter how I tried to reason that it would perhaps be better for them and they would not feel the pangs of parting so keen, the thought that I’d not said goodbye would not leave me.

 

Harry was much the same as myself for his people were on the wharf also and he did not see them.

 

We watched the coastline until nearly dark and then being very tired set about preparing our beds for the night.

 

The artillery should have occupied the deck where the saloon had been before this ship was turned into a transport, but their number was 75 short of its sleeping capacity so were unfortunately put into quarters below the aft well deck. This place is no more than sixty feet square so it is easily imagined how crowded the place is with over 200 men. We have to both eat and sleep here. The tables are fixtures with forms on either side and each holds from 14 to 20 men. The hammocks are swung right over the tables and their hooks are only about 14 inches apart.

 

26th October

 

This is a fine morning and the hammock bed was not so uncomfortable as I thought it would be. We each have two blankets and my air cushion came in very handy. When all the hammocks are swung you are almost touching someone on both sides, this is of course very uncomfortable in such stuffy quarters.

 

Harry and I had a good stroll over the ship and spent a couple of very interesting hours.

 

No land was visible when we got up and by ten o’clock it was raining heavily. The sea was very tough and towards evening a great number of men were very sick. The “Bombala”, making her way to Sydney, was passed and she reported by wireless bad weather ahead. This we ran into a few hours later and it gave our ship quite a lively time. I sent a message in a bottle this evening.

 

There are in all about 1700 troops on board and we are in charge of Lieut. Colonel Markwell. They are comprised of Infantry Engineers, AMC Cyclists, Signallers, French Mortars and Artillery. The boat has a crew of about 150, so with ship’s officers, there is about 2000 on board.

 

The boat is of the blue-funnel line and has a speed of about 13 to 17 knots. She was one of the first transports and also conveyed troops to the Dardanelles.

 

27th October

 

The sea has calmed down considerably this morning but there is still a great swell on. We received a lecture from Mr Heath at about 10 o’clock, and there was a practice fire alarm in the afternoon. Every man has to turn out with a life-belt on to the place allotted to his unit when ever this alarm is given. Several boats were passed today including a hospital and sailing ship. Cape Otway was sighted at about 3 o’clock and we were in close enough to discern the lighthouse.

 

28th October

 

Nothing eventful happened today, except that a wireless message was received and read to the troops. It was an account of Hugh’s speech at Newcastle and Jacka V.V’s cablegram re conscription.

 

29th October

 

No land is sighted yet. Church parades are at 11 o’clock, but we have no priest on board. All the RC’s congregate on the fore boat deck where the officer says the Rosary and we sing a few hymns. There are about 200 Catholics I should say on board. The Salvation Army have a representative on board and with the YMCA man they had quite a lively sing song, in which all who wished to join may do so. The Church of England have a chaplain on board and he held service this afternoon.

 

A rumour has been set about that we are to call into port so we all set about writing letters home to be prepared in case this be true. A piano was brought out on our deck this evening and we had a lively singsong. I met Jack Murray today and he told me that Sid Morris and Jack Corcoran were also on board. He has been very sick since leaving.

 

30th October

 

Up to today we have had hardly any drill but the colonel addressed us on Saturday and said from this out we would have to work hard in order to be fit when we arrived on the other side. We can do nothing but physical drill. Reveille is at 5.15am and we parade from 5.45 to 6.15. Breakfast is at 7 and the next parade is from 11 to 12. Dinner is immediately after and the next parade from 2 to 3. Tea is at 4.30. In all we work only 2 ½ hours each day. There is so little deck space that the different units have to take their turn on the decks.

 

31st October

 

As Cape Leeuwin was passed at a good distance off this afternoon, it does not look as if we shall call at any Australian port. We watched the last of our dear old land until it was invisible.

 

1st November

 

There are 16 men at my table and we each pay two mess orderlies 1/- per week to do the job until the end of the voyage. It is easily worth this to get out of the work. The Lieut. Colonel, Adjutant, Doctor and one of the ship’s officers, inspects the whole of the ship each morning and a prize of £5 is to be given for the best kept table for 16 days, and a £10 prize for the cleanest mess deck for the voyage. The competition for these prizes is very keen and the men work very hard in cleaning up everything.

 

A concert was held down our end of the ship tonight from 6 to 8, and it turned out very fair.

 

2nd and 3rd November

 

A wireless message was received on both these days about the war news in general, the coal strike, Darcy’s disappearance and the referendum result.

 

4th November

 

One of our men got up a sweep on the Melbourne Cup. The first prize is worth £5, the second 30/- and third 10/-. I drew Polycrates, and had a 1/- bet at 20 to 1 about Torbane. I do not suppose we shall hear the result for some time. This is Saturday and as there are only two parades I decided to do some washing. It is an awful job for there are no conveniences and you have to do it all in the basins. There are no lines, so you tie them on to anything and watch until they dry, if you do not do this someone will surely pinch something. It is strange that when men are going to fight side by side they will stoop so low as to steal from their mates. I have not missed anything up to date, but other chaps have lost many things. I forgot to mention how surprised I was one afternoon when we went to have some cake and found it all gone. I had eaten half of it before and planted the rest but someone evidently found it and left only the empty tin. Harry had a tin of biscuits and although they were also put away safely someone helped their selves to the lot.

 

The food up to date has been very fair but they give us the same every day. The dry canteen sells all kinds of tinned fruits and fish. Biscuits and drinks are also to be purchased. A good concert was held tonight and attended by the Lieut. Colonel, Chaplain Chimes and several officers. When the Colonel was leaving he slipped off the hatch and sprained his ankle badly.

 

5th November

 

Sunday. Another quiet day for we have no parades on Sundays. I attended and said the Rosary and other prayers on our deck. The ship’s guard consists of 63 men, but the Artillery only strikes it only every 10th day, as there are such a number of infantry men on board.

 

Our three officers are I think, the best I have so far met, especially Mr Wharton. He is down here with us nearly all the time playing cards or talking and the men have taken to him so well that I am sure that at any time he …. at once sees to it, so we are indeed fortunate in having such an officer.

 

6th to 15th November

 

Throughout the whole of this time there has been the usual everyday occurrences with just a few exceptions. Sports are to be held on board shortly, and we are now preparing in order to pick out the best men to represent the Artillery. There is boxing, relay racing, single sticks, tug-o-war, etc, each day and this helps to put in the time well. Our tug-o-war team is a splendid one, and I am sure of it carrying off the ship’s prize. We also have in the 5th Brigade a very good 9st boxer. He has had three fights now, and has decided three knock-outs to his credit. The concerts go on as usual but are now very tame. Land was sighted this morning (15th) but a heavy mist prevented us from following the coast line. The Lieut. Colonel addressed us today, and said we were nearing our first port of call – Cape Town, and told us if the authority there would pass the ship, he would grant us leave, or a route march.

 

There is a great deal of sickness on board and the Hospitals are all filled. Besides mumps and measles there are also two cases of meningitis.

 

16th November

 

Land is quite visible today. We passed a troopship and although a good distance off, it was a very cheering sight, for we had not seen a ship for nearly three weeks. Towards evening we are in quite close to land and there seems to be sandy beaches right around the coastline. The foreshore is almost barren there being only a small shrub of one species growing there. Immediately behind the coast there are towering ranges of mountains which are absolutely barren and appear to be nothing more than a solid mass of granite. There are a number of lighthouses distributed at intervals right along here. We are to enter the port (Table Bay) of Cape Town tomorrow morning so Harry and I decided to sleep on deck in order not to miss any of the sights that may be seen.

 

The Artillery are to act as an advance and rear guard of the march if it takes place and I am among them and have to be dressed by 6 o’clock.

 

17th November

 

I was awakened this morning at about 12.30 by the glare of a powerful search light which was playing on our ship and just found that we were at the entrance of Table Bay, and only awaiting to be passed by the authorities.

 

The lights of the city which nestles in between the towering mountains was a beautiful sight. These mountains rising up from the sea to such a height appeared to be clouds. We had to anchor until daylight and whilst waiting the troopship passed yesterday, came in and went to the wharf. Our ship is allowed to go in at about 5 o’clock, and we are flying the yellow flag which means “quarantine”. Whilst we were drawing alongside every man had to be in ranks and stand at attention and the band played. (This has to be done whenever the troopship is passed or passing a battleship). We received three cheers when close enough from the other troops and we responded with the same. The only other people we could see about were the natives who were coming to coal our boat.

 

Page missing

 

 

18th November

 

We set off at about 9 o’clock and to our great disappointment took exactly the same route as yesterday, and came back again to the recreation ground. We halted here for about two hours to what their reason was for this procedure none of us know, but it made things very evident that there was to be no leave. Although we were all boiling about this shabby treatment the 60 men who broke through the guard acted very foolishly. Had they arranged for all to go, it would have been alright, but their action only made things bad for those who remained. There was a general roll-call, and we were marched back in the direction of the ship. But again something happened, and we wheeled around to Sea Point once more. We were then taken back to Three Anchor Bay (a distance of about 5 miles) and halted there for a while. We passed many beautiful homes along here and all the white people seem to be very comfortable. The main streets were wide but the cross ones very narrow. Again we were treated with cigarettes and oranges. It had been a hot day and many were dead beat when they arrived back at the boat. All who wished went to the concert again that night and whilst marching down many more broke ranks and bolted. The consequence was that there were pickets and sentries everywhere about town and they were catching men and bringing them back to the ship all night.

 

It is the general opinion that the Colonel is absolutely at fault for us not getting leave and this is the only case in which the men have not been given leave at this port.

 

 

19th November

 

There is another transport in the harbour this morning. A great feeling of unrest exists among the men, and all are ready to hop overboard when the ship begins to leave the wharf. The colonel was counted out several times. Anchor was dropped in midstream where we are to await for a boat which is bringing us a gun. It is very evident that they are afraid of us taking “French Leave”, for it would have been much more convenient for them. Two cases of meningitis were put ashore just before we came out, they will have to return to Australia. One was an Artillery man. We have a grand view of the city from where we are, and it makes us wish all the more to see through it. Mr Wharton, who had been through the town, told us there were many buildings as grand as those in Sydney. The mountains are indeed beautiful, and there is a tram line right around Devil’s Hill and Table Mountain. The next is called Signal Hill where there is a fort and you can see the huge guns and wireless station. This must be an excellent place for the purpose it is used, for it commands the whole harbour and miles of sea. The other mountain which is the highest point of all is called Lion’s Head. There are tobacco plantations on its sides.

 

20th November

 

We are still at anchor and do not expect to go alongside until tomorrow.

 

21st November

 

Another ship came into port this morning. The “Miltiades”, which we are waiting for draws in at about 11 o’clock and we follow shortly afterwards. We have to again assemble and stand at attention whilst coming alongside and the officers being frightened of us clearing out would not let us go down to our quarters until the ship was under way again. I had two letters written and could not even get them to post.

 

The “Miltiades” is conveying British troops to Mesopotamia, but they are going first to Colombo to be climatised. They appear to be a well trained body of men and the officers look everything that is smart. As soon as the gun and two naval gunners are put on board we leave, and the crowd of people on the pier cheer as we pass out on our voyage.

 

22nd November

 

The same routine is continued and the sports are again going on. Some of the boys who broke ship got from 7 to 21 days detention.

 

23rd to 30th November

 

Although the break in our journey broke the monotony to a certain extent we are finding it very tiresome. We came into the real tropical weather on the 28th and although there are awnings up everywhere the decks are burning hot and as for our quarters they are almost unbearable. There is not a breath of air and the sun is a scorcher. It is awful sleeping below so when ever I have a chance bring my hammock upon deck. The boat deck has now been taken away from us because it is required by the Submarine Guard. This guard consists of about 50 men, whose duty is to keep a constant lookout for submarines. The gun which we have on board is a 4.7 and they had two practice shots at a target dropped overboard. Nine of our men have been detailed to work on it. I am glad that I was not one of them for they will now have to work four hours on and eight hours off for the rest of the journey.

 

The tug-o-war contest was decided yesterday (29th) by an easy win for our team. This event has been the most interesting item on the sports programme. We treated our team to a bit of an entertainment last night. The food is becoming a bit off for they still give us the same old stuff each day.

 

We are to enter another port tomorrow (1st December). This is Freetown the capital of Sierra Leone where I think we shall await a convoy.

 

1st December

 

We passed two small fishing boats at about 5 o’clock this morning and sighted the coast shortly afterwards. When the sun rose it revealed a beautiful foreshore on which is growing beautiful bright trees and shrubs of all description.

 

It is about nine o’clock when we draw in and passed a big boat on the rocks near a lighthouse. I was told by a sailor that this vessel has been here nearly six months. As soon as the bend was rounded we could see that the harbour had about 20 vessels in it. There were also three cruisers and an auxiliary cruiser. When we had advanced about half a mile or so up the harbour a shot was suddenly fired from the harbour fort across our bows and lodged in the water.

 

I suppose our captain had advanced further than he should have. Seven transports could now be made out lying in midstream and another which seemed to be in difficulties at the Heads. The cruisers turned out to be the “King Arthur”, “Donnigal” and “Swiftshore”. The auxiliary cruiser the “Ophir” which was one of the old Orient liners commandeered in the early part of the war. Besides these there were ten merchantmen of all sizes. We were surprised to see so many war boats and assumed it was our escort, but afterwards found out that they were stationed on this coast and that this place is now a naval base. Sierra Leone is under martial law, and no boats are allowed out or into Crow Bay between sunset and sunrise. Although this bay has a very wide entrance from the ocean there is only a certain space through which big vessels can enter, on account of sand running almost right back across, and at low tide you can see the water breaking over it for about a mile. Through the skipper of the “Port Macquarie” not knowing of this danger he was right on to the bank before the lighthouse could signal them and she had been there for two days when we arrived. All the troops and cargo had to be taken off to the shore and she was not set free until this afternoon at high tide.

 

Freetown does not appear to be a very large place and I am told the inhabitants are all black with an exceptional white here and there. There are of course a good number of garrison men for a good lot of tents are visible on a hill near the fortress. Dozens of canoes and small sailing boats with the most hard case sails I have seen are everywhere. The scenery of this harbor is most beautiful, for there is nothing that can equal the grandeur of tropical trees. There are coconut, date plum and mango and numerous other trees whose names I do not know growing all over the shores and surrounding hills. The inlets and small bays are perfect and it seems a great shame that such a beautiful place should be so infested with the dreadful malaria fever.

 

The Colonel, Captain and Doctor were rowed ashore in the afternoon and returned about dark.

 

2nd December

 

The natives are all around us today selling fruit from boats and canoes. It is a great treat to eat coconuts just picked. The bananas are excellent and the oranges although green in appearance are not too bad. I love to see the canoes gliding through the water, the natives handle them so well that you could not but admire them.

 

Another three funnel cruiser the “Highflyer” came in this afternoon. This is the boat which sank the German raider. “Kaiser Wilhelm de Grosse” was sunk soon after the outbreak of war. It is very hot today and we feel it more so on account of the boat not mooring.

 

3rd December Sunday

 

Nothing startling happened to day and I attended and said prayers on the boat deck as usual. Several merchantmen passed in and out.

 

4th December

 

Two of the transports in the harbor are from New Zealand and another two from Cape Town conveying Kaffirs to France. (These I mentioned when writing from Cape Town) These four together with the “Borda” one of our own transports left this afternoon escorted by the “Donegal”. We were a good deal disappointed in not being taken along also.

 

The “Port Macquarie” was a good deal damaged when they examined her and she also went away today. One of her propeller blades had been broken and as there is no dock here I assume she has gone to Accra a couple of days sail from here to be repaired.

 

Her 1200 troops have now to be distributed among the transports as they come in. About 70 came on to the “Ascanius” – they are mostly Tasmanians.

 

We are notified tonight that there is a chance of us going ashore if permission will be granted.

 

5th December

 

It is quite alright about us going ashore, and we are to be taken over in barges and lighters tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. This news puts us all in good spirits and set about cleaning up for the trip.

 

The niggers are charging 30/- per lighter each way and this will work out at about 6d. per man. This we have to pay and for such a trip of course do not mind.

 

6th December

 

We were all astir early getting ready and had breakfast at about half past six in order to be ready if we could get away any earlier than was arranged.

 

The natives did not arrive until nearly 12 o’clock, their reason for the delay was that they could not get out before. We lost no time in getting into the barges which hold about 250 when all are packed like sardines and in this manner 9 boatloads travelled to Freetown. It was a quarter past one when we were dismissed from the wharf and were told to be back again in ranks at 4 o’clock. We at once dispersed in all directions eager to see as much of the town as was possible in such a short time. Clifford Boyd and myself kept together the whole day. All the hotels were closed on account of the troops being over and not even one decent drink was procurable. I believe the drinks are not much good and a charge of 3/6d. is made for a buffalo dinner which you are just as likely to eat alongside a big nigger as not. Most of the streets we passed through are well kept but the whole place smelt like a pole cat. There are a good number of large grocery stores which are run by white people. All the other businesses are run by Indians or natives.

 

Some of these blacks are very well educated and their English is perfect. Most of the goods on sale in the shop have a second hand appearance and I did not see anything worth buying. The markets have nothing but a medley of blacks, fruit, rotten fish etc, and the smell about the whole place I shall never forget. We visited the park and although it is not well kept the time spent there was quite interesting examining the different flowers and trees. Some beautiful gardens were also passed, all growing fruit in profusion. I next visited the convent and brother’s school which are adjoining. All the little black children were then coming out of school laughing and playing and glad that their day’s duties were over. I spoke to one of the sisters and asked her where the church would be found. She directed me down a number of streets and as the day was drawing on hastened away for I thought it a good opportunity of going to confession. I had to go round to the back entrance and found out from some boys that both priests were away, but they would get one of the brothers to see me. Another one of our chaps had by this time come on the scene, and when the brother heard that we had no priest on board said he would see if the bishop would hear our confessions. He returned saying that we would go into the church and the bishop would be there soon. It is a quaint old place inside but it is fitted out in quite modern style, with one exception it has a stone floor. The bishop is a very nice old man and after hearing our confessions said that he would have a mass said on board the boat if permission would be granted and give all a chance of going to the sacraments. The sisters, priests, brothers are all of different order.

 

It was about half past six when we arrived back at the boat and although the day had been an interesting and novel one, I do not think I would go ashore and see the town again. If it were possible to go up on the mountains and get away from the natives one could get a good deal of enjoyment from the excursion, but I have smelt enough of Freetown to last a lifetime.

 

7th December

 

We are still at anchor and there are no signs of moving. The unrest of the men and the intense heat is bringing on a great deal of sickness and the hospitals are more than full. Everybody is getting mumps and Harry and two of my other mates are pretty bad. They put Harry and the others in a hospital on the same deck as our quarters, but he could only stay there one day for the place was alive with cockroaches and smells as though it had not been washed out for months. One man who missed the barges when we were returning to the ship had to stay in Freetown the whole night and he is now down with malaria. Two more auxiliary cruisers are in the harbor. One is the old “    “ but I do not know the other ones name. The cruisers are on the move almost every day sometimes staying out for hours before returning. All the troops which left last Monday have returned after six days and this in itself is proof that the waters outside are not safe. Our only food rations have now been cut down and only a little fresh water is allowed. The colonel gave us a lecture about not wasting food, but this is not likely to be done now for there is barely enough to eat. The reason for it being cut down is that no one knows how long we’re yet likely to be on the water and the original stores were to see us through the trip only, there being no anticipation of a hold up like this. Porridge in the morning has been cut out, bread allowance has been two loaves to a table, jam only on every second day and pudding about three times per week. We could however be worse off, for I believe the poor fellows off the Lincoln who are camping near the garrison awning transport cannot get bread at all and are living on biscuits. You could not buy a loaf of white bread for H/- in Freetown. Two more cases of meningitis were taken ashore to the garrison hospital.

 

I managed to send some postcards to the post yesterday, but it was only for the novelty for I hope to be sending letters from England before they leave here.

 

12th December

 

Three more transports with Australian troops came in this afternoon escorted by the cruiser “Kent”. They were the “Marathon”, “Boonah” (this was one of the Germans captured in the early part of the war) and the “Argyllshire”. They are large boats and are crowded with troops and on the 11 transports now at anchor there must be nearly 20,000 troops.

 

14th December

 

All are in great joy today, for we leave this afternoon to continue our voyage. Both French cruisers went out at about midday and although they may not act as our convey will undoubtedly clear the way.

 

It was at 4 o’clock that the auxiliary cruiser put out and four other transports besides ourselves followed shortly afterwards, none of us sorry to see the last of Freetown.

 

Beforehand we received orders that we were to wear life-belts all night for the remainder of the voyage so we had to start wearing them as soon as the anchor was up.

 

The boats got into two lines about a mile from one another when they had settled down. The cruiser holds one line and is followed at an interval of about half a mile distance by the “Port Melbourne” and “Pulissos”. The “Tofua” is opposite the cruiser in the other line. We followed and then comes “Ballocks” in order. The “Tofua” and “Willochra” are carrying New Zealanders. We start again tonight with an absolute dark ship and anyone caught showing a light after dark will be put in cells until the voyage is ended.

 

15th December

 

It is a very hot day today for we are travelling due west instead of north. There are to be no more parades as we could not very well do drill with life belts on.

 

16th December

 

Last night a convoy of six vessels was passed going south which proves that we were not the only boats up here.

 

A strange looking boat was sighted on the horizon this morning and by the manners of the cruiser she must have been a bit uneasy about her identity for she swung around between the transports and the stranger and each boat had its gun traversed in its direction. Fortunately, however, the boat turned out to be a Norwegian trader and was allowed to pass after the cruiser was satisfied as to her identity. I am sure should the occasion arise for an engagement with the enemy we could fix the lot with her off beside the cruisers guns (which number 8’6”) each transport is carrying one.

 

17th December

 

I am on shield guard today but do not mind for it is a beautiful day. It is getting quite cold now the ships are going north again. The ships guns consist of 80     increased to 60 the latter have to do night duty now as well. Food has again been cut down and we are now in the real military ration. Things procurable being tobacco and boot polish. It is for nothing else I am looking forward to getting in soon in order to get a decent meal.

 

18th to 22nd December

 

We have now been zigzagging for two days and this of course will put us back some days, but we are all in hope of getting in on Boxing Day. The weather is getting very cold and we have started to put on some warm clothing. It is raining today.

 

XMAS Day

 

How different this Xmas to that spent at home last year. No preparations whatever have been made to keep up the festival and one would never know that the day was passing. Our dinner was boiled meat, beans that you could not eat and a bit of jam and plum duff without sauce. I would have loved to have been in England in time to send a cable home before today so as to set your minds at ease as regards to my safety and to try to brighten the home up for I realize how anxious you must be not receiving word from me. I can easily picture you all at home today and hope with God’s will we shall all spend the next Xmas together. Yesterday I pictured the little ones all with expectations of what Santa Claus would bring them tonight and this morning saw them again comparing their gifts with one another. Little did you think I was spending the same day on this old transport, yet even with you in thought. We are only about 100 miles from England now and all going well they should descend Thursday morning. A convoy of destroyers are expected today and we all hope they are not behind time for the sooner they come the sooner we will arrive home. It has been raining today and there is now quite a fog on.

 

Boxing Day

 

I regret to say that the death of a Tasmanian was one we picked up at Freetown occurred today. The cause I believe was heart failure. He was buried at about 4 o’clock the coffin being wrapped in the Union Jack and never before has the “Last Post” sounded so mournful to me. It was indeed hard that he should die just within a couple of days sail of our destination. There was also another burial on the “Tofua” today. Our escort of destroyers numbering 7 arrived at about 3 o’clock and have since been ducking in and out of our lines. We are much safer now with these watching to warn us of submarines.

 

28th December

 

We entered Plymouth at 8 this morning and when the ship was taken out of quarantine proceeded up to Devonport and went alongside the wharf at 4. Seeing one of the greatest naval bases in the world was a grand sight. There were cruisers, torpedo boats, transports and mine sweepers everywhere. We disembarked at 9.30 and marched from the wharf. At Amesbury we were provided with bun and bed by the Mayoress. It was 5 when we arrived at Amesbury and after a four mile tramp arrived at Larkhill camp at 8, making it just 65 days travelling.