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[Page 56]
but she is not here at present. All day we have gazed on the land & through the glasses could distinguish the camp life. Horses moving & transport etc. Aeroplanes have been busy all day & we counted 16 shrapnel shells fired at one man all of which appeared to us to miss badly. The Fort on the Cape is a mass of ruins, as is also several buildings in the vicinity. We can plainly see the ship which was specially prepared & run ashore to assist in the landing of the troops. Three large holes were cut in each side to allow of guns being used. We have seen a dummy battleship known as H.M.S. Tiger No 2 She carries one genuine gun the rest being dummies About midday the Turks commenced firing from the Asiatic side & one shell landed close to the camp but one of our guns replying, it was soon silenced. Towards evening we disembarked the Hospital onto a mine sweeper & then returned to the old spot & anchored for the night all lights being muffled.
Friday 14th Awoke to hear the muffled roar of guns on shore & the echo of each shot was returned from the hills. Then orders came to return to Lemnos much to the disgust of everyone. We were followed by the other ships, the presence of a hostile submarine evidently making it dangerous to lie out in the open. In the evening our Doctor & Ships Captain were taken off & various latrines were immediately floated.
Saturday 15th Still lying at anchor in glorious weather. Several ships leaving for Alexandria. A few points about Malta. 17 ¼ miles long 9 ¼ miles broad. 60 miles coastline 95 square miles area Gozo
9 miles x 5 Highest point Malta 750 ft.