Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 178
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[Page 178]
specimen of a goat for 18 pence. Met Lts Pybus and Hare, both invalided to Malta on account of dysentery. I hear all our mounted units have returned to Egypt while the Infantry are remaining for the present at Mudros. Should very much like to put in a week here. Could spend the time very profitably and enjoyably.
Understand we are to leave here at daylight tomorrow. Returned to the ship at 5.30 PM.
Tuesday 28th December
Instructions given last night to unload a quantity of frozen mutton, so we shall not leave Malta till tomorrow morning. Major Heane D.S.O. and myself went ashore at 11 AM to spend the day. Went to Borgs shop, Strada Reale no 269 and we each purchased a silver tray in Filigree work. Had a wretched lunch at Westmister Hotel, took some photos, and then took train from Valetta station to Notabile or Cetta Vecchia, the old capitol before Valetta was built and declared. Here we visited the ancient Catacombs which are exceedingly interesting, saw girls making lace and visited the Cathedral. A Service was in progress and enhanced the beauty of this wonderful building. It is wonderfully decorated with marble and paintings, the floor is of marble covering the tombs of ancient notables. The old fortifications are very interesting and from one wall a magnificent panorama of the greater part of the island is obtained, including Church of Musta with its famous dome, and St Paul's bay in the distance.
Took several photos of French Battleships lying in Grand harbour. The "Ernest Renan" Armoured Cruiser 6 funnels launched March 1906 of 13644 tons and complement of 750. Her Armament four 7".6, twelve 6".4, sixteen 9pr, eight 3pr, two 1prs and two submerged 18" torpedo tubes. The battleship "Republique" 3 funnels, launched December 1903 of 14865 tons, complement 793. Flag Ship. Armament four 12", eighteen 6".4, twenty-five 3pr, two 1pr, two submerged 18" torpedo tubes and 3 above water. The "Combet" (launched September 1911), "Jean Bart" (launched September 1911) and "Paris" (launched September 1912) 3 funnel Dreadnoughts of 23,467 tons . Complement 904. Armament twelve 12", twenty two 5".5, four 3prs, four submerged 18" Torpedo tubes. The "Chateaurenault" of 4 funnels was also there but I could not obtain particulars of her. Our old Sydney friend 'H.M.S. Euryalis" the cruiser (once the Flag Ship in Sydney Harbour) was also in Port. She has 4 funnels, of 12,000 tons, complement 700, Armament two 9".2, twelve 6", thirteen 12prs, three 3prs, and two submerged