Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 3
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[Page 3]
We haven't had a bath or had our clothes off for a couple of days. Today the sea is still rough but still few venture down below - one can not stay down more than a few minutes let alone sleep and eat there. However, when we cross the Bight things will be better. Your scarf & the balaclava & mitts have had great use as the weather is very cold.
I dosed the boys up with that magnesia today when I ran down stairs grabbed that and some dinner & back again as soon as I could.
This life is alright as long as there is no seasickness but there is a batch of chaps going to march back to Sydney if they are allowed off in Fremantle.
Your affectionate son Verner
[Continued from Page 2]
olden times. The trip so far has been glorious - she is a lovely ship & does not roll much. We met many whales today in the vicinity of [indecipherable]. I believe it is the beginning of the whaling season.
The officers quarters on board are luxurious compared to ours. The boat originally a cargo tramp is not filled with many cabins so we occupy the cargo space while they have the few cabins. But they don't forget us, we see them every mealtime even the Lt Col. who came down tonight to see how we were getting on & to receive complaints. However we are very happy & far from complaining. We are going to sleep on deck again tonight.
15.5.16
Since writing the above the whole condition of things has changed. On Saturday we put into [indecipherable] & anchored a while, while a torpedo boat did some business with us, & went out again but after an hours run we ran into bad weather. Next day a great sea was running and 9/10 of the troops were sick. Men sprawled about the decks everywhere and the boat was soon in a bit of a mess.