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[Page 12]
think some. Life is full of interest these days. The "Osterley" passed us at dusk. She looked splendid, all lights aflame. Cheer upon cheer rent the air, and the boys sang "Tipperary" - and they did give it lip, I tell you - and of course the Osterley's crowd responded.
6th [November]
One of the N.Z. Boats pulled out of the line - so all the rest had to follow suit, almost to a stop, until the trouble was adjusted. A Funeral at Sea - can anything be sadder. The body was confided to the ever restless waves at 9.30 p.m. Good bye to you, comrade - you have died for Australia, just as truly as if you had reached the front. From grave to gay, an Auction took place from articles in the " Scran Bag", wherein are always placed the lost clothing found lying about, etc. A soldier on board composed the following touching little elegy, to be sung to the tune of "When I lost you",
"I've lost my tunic and trousers,
I've lost my overcoat too-
I've lost my boots and pyjamas,
Oh dear! what shall I do?
I saw some clothes in the Scran Bag,
I thought I saw mine there too -
But I have no hope, as I cannot get soap -
So - I've lost you".
N.T.B. - these initials always mean, 'not too bad'.
7th [November]
A Soldier whilst cleaning his revolver blew his first finger off - so he lost that too! Food N.T.B. to-day - felt quite serene in consequence. Just finished with egg and spoon races, boxing contests, walking the pole, and falling into a tarpaulin filled with water - some of the onlookers were tossed in also. Great fun, the Jollo ended with a potato race - I collared some good specimens for roasting. They are fine eating, with a lump of salt - every man his own crusher. Biceps pretty sore - I pulled some stiff molars to-day - antedeluvian samples I think.
8th [November]
Private Kendall of Bathurst, an ex-Policeman died at 4 a.m. - so