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[Page 16]
March 1916
their place in the harbour too. That evening we had a concert on board & was the first bit of enjoyment we had had since leaving Egypt & it was a fine turn out. After the concert I was again told off for submarine guard the next morning & I took my first post at 6 am. We left Toulon at 8 am & set sail for Marseilles which we reached about 2 pm. To look for the entrance to the harbour is a puzzle from the ocean for there is also a big brake water here too & we were guided through this towards our wharf. It was then raining but the band struck up the Marseillaise as we passed the wharf & the cheering was deafening. When the boat was tied up to the wharf & the gang ways swung I was detailed off to help unload our gear off the boat & it was then that I first put my foot in France. Marseilles Harbour is a fine big place & there were dozens of boats of all sizes there & the wharfs are also fine with their big storage sheds etc. We did not disembark till about half past nine that night then we were lined up & marched in fours to the Railway station which was about a quarter of an hours walk from the boat. On reaching the station we had to sit down & wait till the gear etc was put on the train first &