Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 220
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[Page 220]
re permanent position of 60 pr. Battery. No decision arrived at. Left for Cairo by evening train arriving there at 2 AM, two hours late.
Wednesday 31st May
Made sundry purchases during the morning, obtained continuation pay book from Pay office. During afternoon went out to see the Zoological Gardens. Took Mrs. and Miss Christian also Mrs. King. They showed me round. Returned to Serapeum by 6.15 PM train. The 11th Brigade took its departure. All arrangements worked smoothly.
Thursday 1st June
Completed packing up. Handed over maps, camp etc. to Lord Exeter. Capt. Richards now to be Brigade Major. He accompanied me by midday train. Reached Alexandria in the evening the stayed the night at the Majestic Hotel.
Friday 2nd June
Arrived at the Ship "Kinfauns Castle" about 9.30 AM having first of all arranged with Thos. Cook and Sons re baggage. The 12th Brigade arrived in due course at the wharves. Some bungle over loading of guns, the M.L.O. stating they were not to go, but matters were later straightened out. Also trouble about 1 officer and some 5 men with 12th Bde. That also overcome.
Moved out from berth at 5.15 PM, the "Caledonian" carrying 12th Brigade having previously left her berth at 4.30 PM.
We moved out into the stream and anchored. Very comfortable ship. Gen. Cox, Gen. Glasfurd and Divisional Staff also on board. We three Generals have roomy single cabins. Expect to make the run to Marseilles in 5 days if a call is not made at Malta.
Saturday 3rd June
"Caledonian" moved out about 9 AM. We moved out at eleven, and very glad we are to be in motion and get the breeze for it is an infernally hot day. Our course lay to the north of Crete. Ship very comfortable and sea very smooth. Owing to risk of submarines all ports closed at night to obscure lights and everyone wearing life belts.