Item 01: J. E. Morrison diary, 13 October 1917-29 October 1918 - Page 90
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[Page 90]
at various parts of the transport. Still at anchor awaiting orders.
Sunday 3 pm Orders to proceed to sea escorted out for 15 miles by 6 Jap destroyers. 1 Australian the Torrens, 2 submarine chasers, Hydroplane, 2 monotors towing a observation ballon & trawlers.
At 4 pm 3 miles off the harbor passed a dead body of a soldier floating in the water & a red lifebouy within 20 feet. A most gastly sight exposed to all the troops of the convoy.
Signal to motor chaser which went back & picked the body up. Probably the remains of some poor unfortunate troopship torpedoed.
5 pm Line of formation formed. All but the 6 Jap destroyers left. Orders that the Ormond the latest Orient liner from Australia would join us during the early hours of the morning from Port Said with 2 extra destroyers full of troops to replace the lost Omrah.
At night it being bright moonlight light airs & cloudless everything went splendid during my hours of duty on the navigation bridge. Submarine guard of 50 troops stationed at various parts of the ship.