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[Page 37]
We had the old favourites "Hark the herald angels", "When shepherds watched", " O come all ye faithful". After service Admiral & staff came into wardroom & quaffed mutual good wishes in champagne. Then they went the rounds of the mess decks, which were not decorated this time. We all hope that next Xmas will be a merrier one. Had a real Xmas tuck in, not forgetting the "pudden". Every man had a pint of beer. Took W.O's piano down to stokers mess deck, where we had enjoyable concert till 3 p.m. Service band played first dog & in the evening had another impromptu show on W.O's flat. Gun room had a fancy dress affair, wh. was exceedingly good. So altogether Xmas passed away cheerfully without a thought for Kaiser Bill.
Dec 26. Arrived Valparaiso 8 a.m. Twenty-six German ships interned, moored in several long lines. Saluted. Ansd. by Chilian warship. Large city built on the sides of the hills wh. slope down to waters edge. Whole city visible. Aconcagua in distance. Official visits paid & returned. We are to take in 2500 tons of coal: Pocahontas & a little Welsh. Brought off in innumerable lighters, averaging 40 tons each, plenty of visitors