Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 13
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[Page 13]
In fact had it been arranged by a Theatrical Company it could not have been staged any better. Having a large tank made of canvas on the after deck, Father Neptune & his wife dressed up as such came from the forcastle head with much ceremony his followers dressed up as Indians with large wigs & whiskers. A matter of 20 Non Coms & men took part.
They marched to the Tank, names were called out . Majors, Captains, Lieut & privates were all treated alike all given some colored medicine & large pills made of a (mystery ) Lathered with a mixture of flour & water & shaved with a razor measuring 4 ft.
Then thrown bodily into the canvas water tank & submerged. few doctors & parsons were treated similar. In the event of those whose names were called out not turning up Father Neptune's followers went sent out & searched the ship for them. These men so disguised & face & legs blackened some having ladies clothing on. It was very amusing & the whole farce lasted 3 hours to the satisfaction & amusement of every one.
Dec. 13 1917
11am Arrived at Colombo. The troops were given shore leave in batches of hundreds sight-seeing etc. & the troopship commenced coaling & took in water.
Dec. 14
The sisters 50 left & were sent on to another BI Duneria steamer bound to Bombay.