Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 79
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[Page 79]
Sent aboard a British Navy signalman who was torpedoed on board a Portugeese steamer. She sank in 7 minutes. She was escorted with 5 others by trawlers & 2 steam yachts. Passed a trans-Atlantic mail steamer French Leuitania a 3 funnel steamer on the run. Trooping from U.S.A. to Marseilles having several 6 inch guns mounted on her. Also several Yankie cargo boats.
11 pm Canberra steering gear jambed & caused her to stop. Fell astern & righted same. Convoy slowed down for 1 hour. Great excitement & morse signals. Midnight engine fixed & proceeded at 14 knots.
12
News by wireless that a fleet of subs. were awaiting us between the narrow passage of Tunis Nth Africa & Sardinia & Scicly. At 7 am Malwa on our port beam sighted submarines perescopes. Signals & fired her 4.7 gun. Distroyers came racing up. Signals alter course together & immediately 8 points to port again. Periscopes sighted on starboard bow. guns fired probably a fleet of subs. At 7.2 am a torpedoe was sighted passing the Malwa 100 yards astern & coming towards the Indarra.