Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 28
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[Page 28]
was much incensed. Thereafter all ships kept better station.
Major Hughes again taken to bed. He appears far from well.
Result of Melbourne Cup sent through by wireless. Most of the officers joined in a sweep, but a few of us including the Captain did not participate. In fact I do not know the name of winning horse.
Wednesday 4th November
Usual routine duties during the day. Marching order inspection carried out. Much improvement. Station keeping better during day. Spent most of day on Bridge learning International Code Signalling and at night sent a long message to Major Bessell Browne on the "Medic". The "Katuna" reported she had lost 2 horses. So far ours are doing exceedingly well. The Horse decks are beautifully clean and well kept. Weather warming up.
Thursday 5th November
Beautiful morning. A good deal of trouble during night due to faulty station keeping of ships ahead. Gun drill, lectures and physical training going on. About 11 AM the "Minatour" came back from her position at the head of Convoy, passed down the lines severely criticising ships which were not keeping station, and returned up the line to her place again. As she passed us our troops fell in on their Parade Stations and we gave the salute. During the afternoon number of Horse casualties in Convoy were transmitted to "Orvieto". Fortunately we have so far lost none from Albany. The following are the losses. Pera 1, Katuna 4, Hymettus 3, Anglo Egyptian 5, Medic 1, Port Lincoln 5, Karoo 9, Clan MacCorquedale 7, Marere 9, Shropshire 1. Total 45 . weather very warm today. Our position at noon. 24o 6' South, 106o 55' East. All awnings spread much to the satisfaction of all ranks. At 5 PM the "Osterly" showed up on the Horizon astern. She attempted to cross our line but the "Melbourne" ordered her off. She came up abrEast our line just after we had finished dinner. Our men gave her cheers, and they were very
heartily responded to by the ship. The rigging was full of Blue Jackets evidently on their way to join their ships. She looked very fine steaming past us.
I should have referred to the appearance of the "Minatour" as she passed us today. She was ploughing along at about 20 knots with her sailors manning the decks. They and the officers were all dressed in white and with the various signal flags flying she looked a pretty sight.
As I write 8 bells has just sounded and the Lookout in the bow has called 'All's well". A big crowd of gunners is singing all sorts of songs on the forward deck. They have just finished 'Absent". I feel inclined