Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 25
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[Page 25]
Saturday October 31st
Sent party on shore to take discharged men to major Meeks at Fort. Completed watering of ship at 10.30 AM. Moved out from Inner Harbour to old Anchorage. Passing "Minatour" we lined ship and saluted also dipped the Flag. Salute returned. On passing "Orvieto" the Flagship we again saluted but no notice taken. This was the second occasion on which our salute had been ignored.
All the Transports came out of harbour during the afternoon and took up original moorings. Signalling proceeding during day. Col Hobbs inspected ship during afternoon on behalf of General Bridges. Very satisfactory generally. Posted a number of Post Cards. Letters not being allowed.
Signal received from "Orvieto" to the effect that Minister of Defence had wired asking if it was true that troops on board "Rangatira" were forced to drink beer for dinner because of shortage of water. I replied that statement was absolutely incorrect.
Took from 9.45 to 12 o'clock midnight to get a reply back to the "Orvieto". Reurned at 2 AM. Five boats out during afternoon for sand.
Sunday 1st November
Rose at 5 AM Steam had been ordered for 6 AM, and instructions given for the Fleet to be put to sea. It was a most beautiful morning – and a prettier picture I never expect to see than King George's Sound as it appeared today. The "Minotaur" followed by the "Melbourne" came out of Inner Harbour at 6AM. The "Orvieto" followed, then the 1st Division. The Second and Third followed in proper order, then the New Zealand Convoy, and last of all the "Sydney". On next Page is a diagram of the whole Fleet formation. The Medic" and "Ascanius" are not with us, but will take up their places tomorrow on their arrival from Fremantle. Today has been somewhat novel – the various ships officers practising how to "keep station" by day and night. The Captain of the "Benalla" immediately preceding us is evidently very nervous for he "backs and fills" and causes all the following ships of this Division to also lose station. Our signallers are getting excellent practice. The moon is now shining through heavy broken clouds and the whole scene is extremely beautiful.
Church Service this evening. One of the Corporals of Brigade Column, who in private life is a clergyman and a Queensland chaplain gave the address. It is now 10 o'clock and the wind is piping up. We are nearing the "Leeuwin" so must expect fresh weather.