Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 23
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[Page 23]
from our own ship. We then had to clamber up ship's rope ladder, no easy task with a heavy sea running. After inspecting the horses we again engineered ourselves back into the boat and rowed over to the "Geelong" which is carrying 9th battery from Tasmania. The sea had however risen a good deal and we were unable to get on board. Consequently after a few words with Major Burgess who was waiting for us, we set off from ship, and after a good solid hour and a half's row arrived safely.
The boat was leaking a good deal and baling had to be resorted to constantly. One of our crew was very sick, but everybody else appeared to enjoy the experience. Col Sutton and myself feel that after this afternoon's experience we have no desire to form part of a shipwrecked crew, cast off in ships boats in the open ocean. Both lamp and wireless signals through from "Orvieto" during the evening. Conference called for tomorrow on Flag Ship.
Wednesday 28th October
Usual routine work for units. Left on launch at 8.30 AM for conference aborad Flag Ship. Owing to calling at the other ships of 3rd Division Flagship was not reached till about 11 AM. Conference had then commenced. The 3rd Brigade returns were correct and in consequence I suffered no adverse criticism. Had lunch on board. Chatted with several officers. Saw the "Melbourne" pass and salute the General's flag. She dropped a boat and sent pipers aboard the Flagship. On the return of the boat to the cruiser it was hoisted into the davits, the crew "running away" with the rope to the accompaniment of the Bugles. It was a very pretty sight.
A cinematograph operator took some pictures from the Flag ship.
Saw Olding and Major King on the "Argyleshire" as we passed her.
Strict instructions issued re posting of letters and cards and sending of wires. All to be riguorusly [rigorously] censored. In consequence I can only send home Post Cards which must contain no information about the troops, ships, or ports of call. Returned to ship at 6 PM after discharging officers at each ship of Second Division. Lamp and wireless messages during the evening. Took a few signals on the Marconi Instrument. Harbour full of boats. New Zealand Convoy arrived about 11 AM, escorted by H.M.S. Minatour [Minotaur?], Philomel and Pyramus, also H.I.J.M. ship "Ibuki". The Melbourne led the way into the Sound. The H.M.S. "Physce" (Psyche?) also accompanied the Convoy as far as Hobart and then returned to New Zealand. The fleet now at anchor makes a most imposing sight.
Last night the "Essex" a steamer from England, entered the Sound, but was promptly "hove to" when a shell from the "Melbourne" screamed across