Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 8]
Some had sore throats, some sprained ankles, some were violently sea sick - and a few had the "pip" otherwise, homesickness. In all there were 11 of them. A few of our fellows were detailed for Hospital duty, and I made my debut by going on night duty. The Military Band usually gave us some cheery tunes before "lights out" was bugled. Private Watkinson was my mate in Hospital work, and a right good mate was he.
Order just posted that no gambling would be allowed - anyone found guilty would be punished. Australian Bight not all bitey, but very calm, for which the Lord be thanked.
25th.
The Dean of Sydney, the Rev. Talbot conducted the services to-day. We enjoyed the function well, most of the fellows being present. At 2.p.m. "Dress ship" was blown by the twenty Buglers, & the Port and Starboard sides of our ship were lined by Soldiers as if to salute a passing ship. All very interesting work.
26th.
We entered Albany Heads at 12.30 p.m., and dress ship was again piped, and Soldiers posted as on the previous day. Albany is to my mind a miniature of Sydney Harbour, and it did us good to look at the green hills. From we anchored we could see 20 other Troopships and cheer upon cheer rang out in mutual greetings, and Lor' how did we roar. It filled me with feelings I had never known before, and when the Bugles finished playing the "Salute", and the "Stand easy", and the Band thundered out "Rule Brittania" - I think I realised as never before that I was a Soldier of the King - out to do my best for my Country, and my dear Homeland. Lots of other fellows felt the same way, they told me so - and as I saw the steady purpose in the brave, open faces, my very soul leaped upwards, and I knew that we had taken the way that a man ought to take - which is ever the harder