Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 154
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 154]
Wednesday 13th October
Very heavy swell again – drizzling rain. Very miserable day. Saw a number of whales during morning. Lay down most of the day.
Thursday 14th October
At daybreak a French Man O War was just astern of us, and a British destroyer on either side. Man o'war left almost immediately, but Destroyers convoyed us into Plymouth Sound. We reached the entrance about 4PM, but as it was drizzling rain we could see very little. At 5PM we dropped anchor.
Friday 15th October
Got up at 4AM to look at Forts search lights. Effect very beautiful. On deck at 7 AM. Fairly clear morning. A very beautiful spot. Verdant green hills and autumn tints on the fine trees. A Submarine passed us about 7.30. At 8.30 we up anchored and moved up 4 miles to a berth. A very interesting trip up. We passed many types of naval craft including the Tipperary, one of the newest types of destroyers. We also passed one of England's old wooden walls, with rigging and decks manned by about 400 boys who are in training. They gave us most inspiring cheers as we passed. We berthed about 11 AM, a Hospital train was in waiting and those who were for London entrained and moved off at 12.45PM. The journey through Devonshire was very interesting. The trees and fields are magnificent and the autumn tints charming. We were served with Soups and Sweets as well as afternoon tea on the journey to London. We reached Paddington station about 7 PM, and were sorted out to different Hospitals.
I was sent to No 3 London General, Wandworth Common S.W., also some of my fellow patients from Alexandria. We came in Sir Robert Balfour's car, a very fine Rolls Royce. The doctor who was in our ward at Alexandria is with me in our Ward here, also Major Vernon.
Hospital staff supplied us with a very fine supper, and we retired at 11PM, thoroughly tired out.
Saturday 16th October
Went with Capt Sloper and Capt Walker RFA to town. Called on Colonel Buckley at Commonwealth offices and officially