State Library of NSW
[Page 22]
Bompas has 2 medals – One for the Gambia & the other he hasn't said what for – Mr Bompas uses a slight deflection of either eye to convey his appreciation or otherwise – He's been 25 years in the R.N. & you bet he knows Routine – He can tell you anything but I don't know enough to probe very deeply – 'A lovely little ship' 'First class tucker' Never had such a good turn since I was afloat says Mr B when the Paymaster curses the ship, the grub & everything in general & then Mr B looks at me & winks – He'll tell you 'Tug Wilson' made the navy – That the Australia has 12 inch guns & throws an 850lb bomb & 2 of them – that the new 13.5 guns will knock spots out of the Australia & throw a 1400lb bomb – Mr B generally has a pipe in his mouth – addresses the men as 'my sons' – is always clean shaved & very neat looking – punctual to the minute & when he gets into position, turns & looks at you & winks –Our crowd runs thus – Commander F-gerald RN – Navig lieut –Walker R.A.N.R. - Executive lieut Nelson – R.N.R. (Reserve) – Bompas WO-RN – Chief Bosun. Gauntlet WO-RN – Gunner – Lane RN-Pay – Self – Volunteer – Davies – WO – Chief ERA – We all mess together save F-gerald. We have also Gordon – R.N – WO – Gunner – He joins up the Warrego at Rabaul – He's intelligent –
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