Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 50
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[Page 50]
I had Major Bessell Browne, Major Burgess and Capt Waite to lunch. Discussed many matters with them. Reduced to ranks two of major Burgess' men for drunkenness. Officers returned to their respective ships at 5PM. Church service this evening. Band performing on the "Geelong" near by. Music sounded very nice coming over the water. Major Burgess is to visit our ship again in the morning re further disciplinary measures. Have not yet received instructions to proceed to Alexandria.
Monday 7th December
Slept in this morning. Did not wake till 7 AM. French Hydroplane flying about all the morning. Major Burgess and Lieut Gee came over from "Geelong". Wrote home to Nell, Alvord and Chris, also sent photo to Nell of leaving Brisbane, Church parades in Melbourne, and group of Officers on ship, taken at Port said. Convoy of 24 Indian Transports left Port Said today escorted by a French Man o' War. They made a very effective show. Beautiful mirage effect about 9 AM this morning in the direction of Port Said. Sent mails off to "Wiltshire" at 2PM. Col Sutton visited his section on "Medic". "Wiltshire" signalled tonight that "Southern", "Anglo Egyptian" and herself were leaving for Alexandria. It looks as if we have done well with our horses and we are to remain till the last. We are all very anxious to get ashore. Our horses look very well, particularly "Jack" who is by far the best-looking horse on the ship.
Tuesday 8th December
Still at Anchorage. Very disconcerting hanging about so long. Invite Major Parker and two subalterns from "Medic" to lunch. They brought the veterinary Officer with them and had a good look around the ship. During the afternoon a French hydroplane soared over us, took the water several times and made a very pretty show. Received word this evening to move off in time to reach Alexandria tomorrow at 2 PM. We are to leave at 11 tonight. Two serious cases of appendicitis. They are to be removed to Hospital for operation immediately on arrival. Had a game of bridge with the Captain, Col Sutton and Capt Dixon. This makes the third game I have had since leaving Brisbane. I shall be very glad to see our horses landed. They have had a desperately long journey and every day more tells on them.