Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 29
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[Page 29]
& dummy periscopes. We gradually increased our revolutions from 78 to 90 on both propellors. Averaging 16 ½ knots about 18 miles per hour & yet plenty of steam. Blowing off steam (surplus) throughout. Again our escort signalled ½ knot faster if possible. Still zig zagging 30 ° each side of our mean course. We were going along the maximum speed of 17 knots. The steamers sides being foul, 6 months out of dock & laying so long in Port caused the weed to grow very fast. We sighted Taranto at 3pm & passed through the mine field off the entrance. The destroyer piloting also guided by a Italian destroyer who met us 15 miles outside. We anchored at 5pm at & off Taranto much to our satisfaction & every one contented with his lot. This was a great risk to cross with one destroyer as the Med- at this time was full of subs.
The day before arrival we received a S.O.S. a steamer having been blown up 62 miles ahead of us. Several warnings by wireless re. submarines on our track. Another cargo boat 6 miles on our port side which we passed & escorted by a destroyer the same day was sunk by Fritz. So far we have heard no details re. lives lost. We met a Cruiser & 2 distroyers. Italians making