Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 30
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[Page 30]
Parade. Exceedingly hot as I write 9.30 PM. Stewards have just brought us cold lemon drinks, which are just the thing now.
Sunday 8th November
Another very hot day. About 3 PM a heavy rain and wind squall came up, very materially cooling atmosphere and horse decks. Message sent through to Major Bessel-Browne O.C. Troops Medic, re First-aid classes and medical Certificate.
Early this morning the "Minatour" passed down the convoy to the "Melbourne", which latter ship was keeping station in rear of convoy. After travelling for about 15 minutes beside the "Melbourne" the 'Minatour" steered off to the westward and has not since been seen, the "Melbourne" taking up position in "Minatour" station at head of Convoy. Tonight special orders came through to travel without lights. I am of opinion the "Minatour" has received information concerning German ships, and is doing reconnaissance work. "Afric" hauled out of line this morning also "Argyleshire". It looked as if they were passing horses overboard but we could not see clearly.
At 10.15 a wireless message came through telling of the death of Private Kendall 5th Battalion on board "Euripides". This ship drew out of line at 10.30 and conducted burial Service, all Ensigns being flown half-mast.
I think this is the first Casualty in the A.I. Force.
Lecturette this evening by Lieut Urquhart on "Employment of Artillery".
Church service at 7PM. Big attendance and very good singing.
One of the ship's crew caught broaching beer. Dealt with by Captain, fined & logged. Last 24 hours travelled 238 miles, leaving about 150 miles to go to "Cocos Islands" from noon today. Expect to pass about 3 AM tomorrow morning.
Position at noon 13o 55' S, 99o 25'E.
Monday 9th November
Exceptionally hot night. All ships travelled with lights out. Hosing of horse decks carried out every half hour during the night to reduce temperature. Thermometer reading this morning in main Horse deck 85 o
About 7 AM the "Sydney" whose position has been protecting our port flank, suddenly stoked up and moved very rapidly towards the Cocos Islands. We have no knowledge of any movement of enemy but doubtless will have later. The "Melbourne" which yesterday took up position at head on convoy, has now moved over well in advance of the Port Flank of convoy. Battery work as usual. Twenty men as volunteers