Volume 2: Letters written on active service, M-W, 1914-1919 - Page 290

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[Page 290]

close on sixty pounds.
Well I expect you have heard the news of H.M.A.S. Sydney & her smart bit of work in regards the Emden. I can tell you we were in range of the trouble & things were very exciting while things lasted I may say that it means a Bar for us being in action the first we have had so far. little did we expect a naval medal.
We are now nearing Colombo having passed the line yesterday & I can tell you I will remember it to my last days. I was watching the fun when all of a sudden I was grabbed from behind by about half a dozen men & carried off & put through the initation afterwards being thrown into the canvas bath & ducked trod on finally being nearly drowned. I may say it was raining all day & of course made things pretty slippery on deck. The Officers formed a Tin Can Band & played all round the ship making a great bedlam & causing no end of fun. They also played Father Neptune & his Queen & attendents to his throne which was on a platform

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