Alexander diary, 1917-1918 / Roy Alexander - Page 247
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[Page 247]
1918.
Tue. 26th Nov.
Came on deck at about 8 am to find the two "prison" ships rounding the Skaw, the town of Skagen, where the "Ingots Mendi" went ashore, being clearly visible. A vessel blew up on a drifting mine just in front of us last night and we passed two drifting "fills" this morning.
The "Grey North Sea" is quite bare of shipping and towards evening a choppy swell sent the "Ficaria" lurching like a rowing boat. I was on deck most of the night – I must frankly admit that mines have got on my nerves.
Wed. 27th
Thick, choppy weather & the shore almost invisible as we entered the Firth of Forth about dusk. (5 or 6 pm) We anchored at 8 amid terrific cheering & playing of searchlights from a portion of the "Naivy".
But why do these maniacal Ruhlebenites show their joy and vivacity by singing "Are we down-hearted? No – No – No" to the dirge-like straines of the "Te Deum".