Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 29
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[Page 29]
in consequence never to sing it again. Major Hughes still confined to his bed and our veterinary Officer too is not well today. Influenza appears to be going round the ship.
Friday 6th November
A dull and cloudy day. Much cooler than yesterday. All the ships officers out in white. They look so nice that we tell them we must have a photograph of them to remind us of our trip home in "Rangatira". Special rehearsal today of procedure of Convoy on sighting an enemy. Satisfactorily carried out. All boat stations manned, men wearing life belts, all ports and watertight doors closed, and men discarding boots.
Fairly warm in Horse decks – 80o – So far horses in good condition. Station keeping of ships today much improved.
Our position noon today 20o 41' South 104o 14' West. Last 24 hours run 250 miles.
Saturday 7th November
A dull overcast day but by far the hottest we have had so far. We found
the awnings over main Horse deck made the atmosphere very close indeed.
In consequence we removed part of the forward awnings and rigged four
new wind sails, beside opening to the full two meal doors on each side of
the ship. This improved air currents considerably.
Gun laying and signalling instruction carried out during day. At night from 8 to 8.30 all lights except stern shaded light were extinguished by order of Flag ship, and troops paraded on parade stations. This as a rehearsal in case of attack at night by an enemy. Most of the ships in convoy implicitly obeyed instructions but some omitted to quench their lights. As a consequence I expect we shall receive a sarcastic wireless tomorrow from the "Orvieto". The "Benalla" immediately ahead of our ship, as soon as lights were ordered out, veered quite out of the course before complying, and generally made a sorry exhibition. I rather think I should be a little afraid to take along cruise in that ship with its present officers.
Returns from ships showing horses lost since last return (Thursday last) are as follows: - "Wiltshire" 1, "Star of England' 1, "Port Lincoln" 1, "Karoo" 1, "Southern" 1, "Armadale" 1, "Katuna" 2, "Star of Victoria" 2, Total 10 – making grand total so far of 55 horses since leaving Albany.
We are drawing near to Cocos Islands, being at noon today 381 miles distant. Our position at 12 today 17o 14' South, 101o 36' East. Total run for last 24 hours 255 miles. Then had concert tonight prior to "attack"