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[Page 114]
1915.
could be carried out unmolested for long hours. The weather was very cold in these latitudes.
June 14.
One day when practising combined manoeuvres with the Battle squadron under Admiral Jellicoe, sea-planes were used to reconnoitre over the Fleet. These seaplanes were carried in the Cunarder "Campania", which, minus the foremast & with foremast funnel divided into two funnels abreast, had been converted into a seaplace carrying ship. Having completed the firing practices & manoeuvres the Fleet was ordered back to base, the Battle fleet to Scapa Flow, & Battle cruisers to the Firth of Forth.
June 15
We arrived at the mouth of the Firth of Forth the following morning about 8 a.m. when our light cruisers reported the presence of 2 German submarines. Speed was increased to 25 knots, & a zig-zag course followed. Aeroplanes from our seaplane-carrying ship "Engadine" lying at Leith, flew over the water to try & detect the presence of other submarines, but apparently there were only two, which dived on being sighted. In any case, we were strongly escorted by destroyers, so we were comparatively safe. The anchorage was eventually reached at 10.30 a.m. & by 6 p.m. we were again filled with coal & oil fuel, & once more ready for sea.
July 10
Towards the middle of July, we were again ordered to sea, & we were told to