Bennett war diary, 1914-1915 / J. Bennett - Page 9

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23rd
Left Aden, and began the passage of Red Sea. Weather very hot. Passed numerous islands.

28th
Arrived Suez 7 a.m.

29th
Entered Suez Canal at 10 a.m. Passed English warship, our band playing God the National Anthem. Both sides of canal well fortified and manned by New Zealand, Australian, and Indian troops. Very sandy and dry country with here and there a lovely oasis. At 12 a.m. passed H.M.S. Himalaya and saw a few Egyptian troops. Some New Zealanders gave us an exhibition of a Maori dance and war-cry, which was much appreciated. At 12.30 passed H.M.S. "Minerva" & at 1 p.m. passed into a lovely lake, where there were a few steamers waiting to pass through. There were a few cranes and pelicans to be seen also. All our boats had their bridges barricaded with bales of hay and had machine guns mounted ready for action. At 1.30 we passed H.M.S. Swiftsure and a destroyer, and at 2 p.m. the French cruiser "Requin", and a torpedo