Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 11
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[Page 11]
Sunday 27th September
When I looked through the port of my Cabin at 6 A.M. I discovered we were off Sydney Heads. The rising sun on the Light Houses and cliffs made a splendid panorama. I inspected all horses at 7 A.M. with Veterinary Officer. Sick horse previously referred to is now unable to stand and had to be slung and fed through a drench. A second sick horse was also moved to upper deck. I gave instructions to move some horses into more suitable stalls, and also arranged for sand both to be prepared and saw it completed. Inspected ship at 10A.M. with Medical Officer. Sick horse destroyed at 3PM and cast overboard. Board at once detailed for same.
I forwarded to District Commandant Brisbane acknowledgement of the State Governor's message, also acknowledgement of same from "Satr of England", "Anglo Egyptian" and "Omrah". All by wireless.
Monday 28th September
Two more cases of venereal disease discovered at morning Sick Parade. General inspection of Ship at 10 AM with P.M.O. I instituted artificers to alter certain mess Fittings to admit more light and air. Arrangements were made for the exercising and massaging of Horses and duties commenced. Gun drill and signalling detachment at work. Landscape targets in use. Rifle exercises carried out. Commencement made with evening classes for Officers and N.C.O.s. From 7.30 to 8PM. For N.C.O.s, and 8 to 8.30 or 9 PM for officers. Standing Orders for 3rd F.A. Brigade were explained to N.C.O.s and Officers. Signalling at night with Begbie lamp. Some horses were during the day moved from aft. stalls to others more centrally situated. I gave instructions for full "Marching Order" parade for each Wednesday at 10 AM, and foot parade for Medical Officer each Tuesday at 10 AM. On passing Signal Station at Wilson's Promontory we received a signal instructing us to call at Queenscliff for Orders. Every Officer speculating as to what this May mean, our instruction previously having been to rendezvous at King George's Sound, Albany. Coast around Wilson's Promontory and Back Stairs Passage very rugged. Bitterly cold afternoon and night. Glorious sunset. In view of the fact that "Examination Anchorage" work is now being carried out at Queenscliff, Col Sutton and myself decided to take post on the Bridge while entering.
Tuesday 29th September
Came up on Captain's Bridge at 1.30 AM with Col Sutton. The "Examination Boat" and the Search lights playing over the water from the Forts made a beautiful picture. The Pilot came on board with instructions for us to proceed to Melbourne. We entered the "Rip' with the "Star of England" following