Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 20
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[Page 20]
Monday 19th October
Commenced embarkation of horses at 10 AM and completed all units at 1.30 PM. Chief Steward not having returned to ship the Captain delayed departure till 4.30 PM.
At Pay office during morning, at Ordnance re head ropes and expense stores. Called on Colonel Hobbs, Colonel Dangar and Colonel Coxen. Said goodbye to them all. Col Grimwade with embarkation officer and Commander Brewes left ship at 4PM. "Rangatira" moved off at 4.30 and proceeded to Anchorage at Williamstown. Our Post Orderly was brought off in a naval launch, bringing our last mail for some time. Very nice letter from Nell. Wrote short letter in reply and enclosed ?20, also wrote Chris, Alvord and Charley
TUES 20th October
New Chief Steward and Assistant came aboard during morning, also Ships Stores. Moved off at 2.36 PM from Anchorage, delighted to once again get moving. Very pleasant trip down the Bay, with the "Shropshire", 'Moldavia", and "Star of England" astern. Pilot very interesting, had served in South Africa with a brother and sister. He told us of the capture of the last German ship to enter Melbourne port and of his "bluffing" the skipper that Fort-search lights were only being run for the usual quarterly trials. Dropped Pilot at 6 PM. Arranged details for N.C.Officers classes. Very amusing incidents have come to light re Lieut Jenkinson, a lady admirer or admired and his orderly, and another re an absent gunner when time came to embark, a lady friend and a Sergeant and party sent to bring him aboard. The details hardly suitable for Diary, but the foregoing notes will always suffice to bring the incidents clearly to mind again. The Australian soldier is certainly resourceful. Pay issued to men covering period from last pay in Brisbane to date of embarkation in Melbourne.
Wednesday 21st October
Battery Horse taken very ill during last night. Vet called at midnight and managed to save him. Marching order Parade at 8.30 AM and general inspection. Afterwards boat stations were explained to all units allotments made and practised.
Units at drill morning and afternoon. Gun drill, laying and signalling. Completed syllabus of N.C.Os training for use of all Batteries of Brigade on the homeward journey. Preparing summary of evidence for mock Court Martial on Lieut Jenkinson, he having been charged with conduct unbefitting an Officer and a Gentleman. "Shropshire" gradually falling behind.