Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 8
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[Page 8]
During her stay there for 4 weeks, the upper holds were fixed into troopdecks. Extra deck houses fitted, laterines, cooking houses etc. Gun platform fixed & a 4 inch Gun mounted (on of the H.M.S. Phy guns & 100 rounds of 26 lbs shells also practice shots. Two competent gunners Naval put on board in charge of same. A living house built on the poop near the gun for their use. The 3rd class rooms lavatories etc completely abolished also a 3rd of the 2nd class accomadation turned into troop decks. Hundreds of work men employed at different trades.
Wed. Nov. 14
The steamer having been converted into a troop ship left Garden Island (no expense being saved re. the troop's comfort) for Circular Quay wharf & there loaded 1000 tons of base lead for London.
Sat Nov. 17
At 7am Departed from Sydney for Melbourne. Hundreds of relatives & friends down to see the troopship off. Tears & Kisses flag waving. The Crew consisted of 168 all told (being a reduced number) her normal compliment being 195 on the Australian passengers service.