Bowler war diary, 21 May-July 1917 / William (Bill) Gordon Bowler - Page 14

[Page 14]

of the Jap Cruiser, the trumpeters sounded the "G", and we again stood at attention. The Jap crew were in whites, and were drawn up facing outwards round the bow of the ship. They made a fine show as they stood at attention while their ship left the Roads. The last ship left at 6 p,m, and the Convoy must have made a fine sight from the shore, as we steamed out into the heart of the sunset. The sun went down like a ball of gold, coloring the sky all the shades from bright gold to brilliant red, forming a fine contrast with the deep blue of the placid Indian Ocean. After tea most of the troops were on deck watching the lights of Freemantle twinkling on the eastern horizon. It was a beautiful starry night without a breath of wind, and not a ripple on the ocean. It was a wonderful contrast to the night we left Port Phillip. Slowly, one by one , the lights of Freemantle twinkled out, and at last disappeared. And so the Convoy left the Home land on the second stage of the voyage, and one could not help wondering how many of the men were saying Goodbye for the last time, and yet---
                                         Can a man die better,
                                         Than facing fearful odds,
                                         For the ashes of his Fathers
                                         And the Temples of his God.
(I did not post No 4 letter at Freemantle, as I did not go ashore so I supposed it will arrive with this one.)
Wednesday 23rd May. At Sea. Weather fine and warm, sea very calm. During the night we parted company with the Jap Cruiser and transports "Boorawa and "Port Sydney". The Convoy now consists of