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[Page 101]
July 11
Shifted from Victoria Docks to Gravesend & there embarked all the soldiers & there wives & baggage.
July 12
9 p.m. Departed from Gravesend for Australia & called at Portland on the 13th & put out Channel pilot ashore.
13.7.19
At 3 p.m. left Portland for Australia via St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands for bunker coal & then Cape Town Port Natal & Fremantle.
14.7.19
Fine weather prevailed & everyone seem to be happy & contented yet a few homesick after leaving their near relatives for a distant country. 1 a.m. we passed Ushant Lt. off the French coast.
15.7.19
At 1 a.m. we passed C. Finisterre, Spain, fine weather prevailed throughout & very few suffering from sea sickness. Concert held in the 2nd Saloon this night which was packed & proved a great success.
17.7.19
At 7 a.m. we passed within 5 miles of the Islands of Maderia & at 11 p.m. passed the Canary Islands. Cricket & deck billiards was the sports this day. This day our Captain & the Commanding Officer of the troops lectured all the Troops. All paraded away from the wives re their conduct & advised them not to be too familiar & so conspicuous & loving whilst on deck. This is no doubt a great failing amongst all young married couples. But with a crowd of 550 viz. 1100 men & women all together in a small space, even a small percentage is very noticeable (besides single troops 200, hospital staff of certified nurses & orderlies & about 60 children under 4 years of age).
18.7.19
Everything improved a lot after the advice given yesterday. Instead of lounging on deck the majority today