Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 48
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[Page 48]
shows Charley posted to H.M.S. "Charybdis", and also date of posting, etc. We all stayed the night at the "Eastern Exchange Hotel" and had a good look through newspaper files available in the Reading room.
Thursday 3rd December
Reached Customs House landing place at 6.45 AM. Took boat on to the "Swiftsure". While waiting for the Torpedo boat we were shown all over the vessel. At 7.30 we left in Torpedo boat, had an interesting run through the Shipping at about 15 Knots, called at a Picket Torpedo boat doing duty outside, and then headed for the "Rangatua". We had an interesting time while reaching our ship. The boat plunged into the waves and rolled very much. Many of us got a wetting. When we reached our ship it was impossible to get alongside owing to the heavy swell, consequently our ship lowered a boat. The 4th Officer took charge with an Artillery crew. Gradually the Torpedo boat got alongside the Ships boat, and the fun commenced. As each big roller came along the Torpedo boat bumped the ships boat alarmingly. One by one we jumped off one boat into the other, and just as we were all off there came a particularly big roller which mixed us up a little, and dashed the Torpedo boat against us, stoving in the side, and in consequence we shipped a great deal of water. Gradually we got back to the "Rangatua", and we had a difficult task to get to the davit falls. These hooked we were hauled up clear of the water, and then got aboard per medium of a rope ladder. Capt McGee was greatly excited, was sure we were going to sink and as soon as he saw the Ships rope ladder within reach, he shinned up first at a great turn of speed. He much resented my remark later, when I observed he was first up the ladder, and wanted to know if I questioned his courage.
Friday 4th December
Still at anchor. We do not yet know when we will be leaving here for Alexandria, but expect it will be tomorrow or Sunday. Assistant wireless Operator left ship this morning to be returned to Australia. The Ship's captain also went off in a Torpedo boat. This boat returned about 4.30 PM, and dropped Captains of several Transports at anchor. While sea was very smooth in the morning when they left, it was very rough when they returned, and as a consequence our Captain had a hard job getting back to his ship. The Torpedo boat could not safely come along side so a boat had to be lowered. The Captain and crew