Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 28
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[Page 28]
Although going slow through the night, at 6 am we sighted 2 points on our bow. What appeared to be a conning tower. So altered our course & steered for same with the idea of ramming it when we steamed within 100 yards or so. The sea were mountains high. We found it was a dummy periscope on a floating mine set by the submarines. Another method of murdering by the huns. So put our helm hard over & cleared same by a few yards. Had we touched we would all have no doubt perished for our boats could not be lowered in such a sea.
The destroyer could not be seen anywhere so at 8am the Captain decided to go back & see if we could find the destroyer for it might have met with an accident as the Med- is full of mines & submarines. At 9am we saw the destroyer steaming for all she was worth & appeared O.K. So signal & turned around again & proceeded towards Taranto. Everyone rejoicing to find our escort safe. Then the 0.8. signaled proceed 14 knots as we were steaming towards the entrance of the Gulf of Taranto & wind & sea decreasing to mod. breeze. The Destroyer signaled utmost speed & sharp lookout for submarines