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[Page 145]
1916.
at all times had to be able to raise steam, & proceed to sea at the shortest notice. There were 3 watches of Stokers, one of which in turn, was always on watch. At night, when at 4 hours notice for full speed, only half a watch was kept on duty. The Engine Room artificers kept watch only at sea, & in harbour overhauled machinery, etc. The department was organised for every conceivable emergency, from fire & torpedo to collision & action. I felt leaving the "Australia" very keenly, for I had made many good friends in her in the past 3½ years. I had seen her in the piping times of peace in all the gay trappings of a smart flagship, and in the sombre rig of a fighting ship in wartime. Her ills had been my ills for 3½ years. In her I had been round the whole world, & I had been happy the whole time in her. I had received loyal support from the members of the Engine Room department & I regretted leaving them particularly, and the praise which I received from my Captain on leaving the ship was really due to them. A better crowd, I never wish to sail with.
Dec. 19.
I left the ship on December 19th., in a blinding snowstorm.
H Bleackley.
Engineer Lieutenant. R.N.