Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 179
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[Page 179]
18" Torpedo tubes. We returned to the ship to dinner, and afterwards Major Heane and myself went ashore again, roamed round Valetta, & bought views, etc. Walked through the suburb of Floriana, over the granaries, and returned to ship at 9.30 PM.
Our stay here has been exceedingly enjoyable. Heard tonight that our evacuation at Gallipoli was exceedingly well planned, and though 19 Hospital ships were sent there in case of serious casualties, they all returned empty. I shall obtain full particulars from my officers when I get to Alexandria.
Wednesday 29th December
Left Port at 8.30AM. As we passed between the French Battleships our band struck up the "Marseilles", "God Save the King" and a number of patriotic airs, while the band on the French Flagship played "Tipperary". Very hearty cheers were given by both French sailors and our troops. We are now moving without an escort. Passed several ships shortly after we left port, including a Hospital Ship and a French mailboat. Competitions, boxing, wrestling, deck billiards, deck quoits etc continued. Boat stations practised. Guard mounted against possible submarine attack. Course set Northwards. Mt Etna visible covered with snow. Played draughts at night with majors Vernon and McIntosh.
Thursday 30th December
A private of E. Lancashire Regt (an Officers Servant) died last night from heat apoplexy. Very hot during night and yesterday afternoon. He was buried at daylight this morning. Competitions continued during day. Col Field and myself signalling. East Lancs' officers entertained Anzac officers at dinner tonight. Oppressively hot.
Friday 31st December
At 10.30 AM this morning a submarine periscope suddenly appeared about 200 yards from the ship on the Port Beam, as we were about 100 miles S.E. of Crete. Before our stern gun could swing round on it, it had disappeared, and we could distinctly see the trail of a Torpedo from the Submarine coming towards the Ship. The Captain's bridge is high up and has affine command. He saw the Torpedo coming and immediately swung his helm