Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 19
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[Page 19]
Thursday 15th October
Out with Battery and Ammunition Column during the morning. Capt Waite O.C. BAC, reported from Adelaide at 11.30 AM. Was with him to 3.30 PM, discussed various details re training on way to England, and looked through his list of stores etc. He returned by 4.30 train to Adelaide.
Had huge fatigue party cleaning up ship and fitting stalls, chairs etc. Battery, A. Column and Brigade Head Quarters at mounted work during afternoon.
Friday 16th October
Battery and BAC also Head Quarters out during morning. I called at Col Hobbs Office, returned to Ship at 12.30 PM. Had all Horses sprayed for prevention of ticks. Completed at midday.
Out with the Battery and Column during the afternoon.
Special gift of oatmeal, arrowroot, salt and Mustard sent to ship (for use of Horses during voyage) by Miss Hardie.
Three men reported from D.A. Column to take the places of men discharged & deserted. All horse feed bins thoroughly washed out and ship left ready for embarkation of Horses. Received instruction for Parade on Saturday at 9.30 AM for GOC, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also to embark on Monday commencing at 8 AM.
Saturday 17th October
Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, GOC A.I.F. Admiral Creswell and other Officials made an inspection of men, horses and ship. Men formed up with teams and drivers mounted on the wharf. All concerned very pleased with ship. Prime Minister made a Complimentary speech to Col Hobbs who in turn transmitted it to me for benefit of Command generally.
All units at work with teams during morning. Afternoon devoted to embarking vehicles etc. called at Ordnance. Horse chairs arrived.
Sunday 18th October
Completed embarkation of guns and wagons, using our own men to work winches and slings.
Obtained sand for use on ship during voyage.
General leave to all ranks this afternoon – No Church Services on account of Embarkation duties.
In the evening I walked to St Kilda along Beaconsfield Parade, returning to Ship at 10. PM.