Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 22
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[Page 22]
Gift sweets issued to all ranks. Horse belonging to BAC died at 10.30 and was cast overboard. Suffered from Septic Pnuemonia. [pneumonia]
Anchored at King Georges Sound at 2 PM. District naval Officer Commander Jones came off and gave us latest war news. About 15 ships of convoy already in Port. Signalling at night to 'Shropshire'. Ascertained they had lost one horse on the way round, also from Septic Pnuemonia. Major Anderson's sprained ankle nearly well. Corporal Hare, BAC. (a Wesleyan Clergyman in Queensland) had a church service at night. Major Hughes not well. Apparently developing an influenza attack.
Monday 26th October
"Orvieto" arrived at 8 A M. Other ships arrived during day, so that now only about three transports remain to be accounted for. Work on board ship proceeded as usual, with the exception that gun drill had to be discontinued on account of rain, and for same reason horses on open decks could not be exercised. Very heavy wind and sea and driving rain. Received two long letters from Alvord. Sent off Syllabus of Officers and NCOs of Brigade Training to Bessel-Browne & Waite on board "Medic."(still at Fremantle) Message by wireless from "Orvieto" during evening complaining of use of wireless on three ships between Melbourne and Albany, also of floating boxes, etc. Long message also sent by lamp for practice of whole convoy.
Warned for Conference on 27th inst. I personally read the messages from Captains Chart room. "Orvieto" light very unsatisfactory. Lamp message afterwards repeated by wireless as a check, but was not satisfactorily received on account of atmospheric disturbance and some shore station commencing to send. Sent a lamp message to Major Burgess on Transport "Geelong" enquiring as to health of officers and men. He just commenced a reply but appeared to be cut-off and consequently his message was not completed.
H.M.A.S. Melbourne patrolling the entrance to the Sound.
The whole scene begins to impress one. – the turbulent water, many ships, cruises, etc – all foretelling serious work in the future.
Tuesday 27th October
Last night very rough. "Katuna" arrived from Tasmania this morning. As she has a large number of 3rd Brigade horses I shall get in touch with her as soon as possible and ascertain their condition. Units as usual work during morning. Obtained a voluntary boat crew in afternoon to row over to "Katuna" and "Geelong". Col Sutton accompanied me in order to see his medical details on the "Geelong". We had a very rough passage to the "Katuna" which lay about a mile