Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 33
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[Page 33]
man fell overboard but was promptly rescued.
Terribly hot tonight. By far the worst night we have had yet. Not a movement in the air.
Wednesday 11th November
Again a very hot day, but cool breeze sprang up during afternoon. Men at physical drill, laying & semaphore. Artificers dismantling and cleaning third gun.
Received wireless pointing out that "Emden passed within 20 miles of us on Sunday night, and complained that some masters were not careful enough in darkening ship".
Arranged that mens ration of meat should be reduced and stewed fruit provided in lieu thereof, chilled in cooling chambers.
Lime juice brought out of No 5 hold and made available for troops.
This afternoon "Ascanius" dropped out of line for burial service. This makes the fourth death on the journey from Albany. I think in each case cause of death has been pneumonia supervening on Influenza. About 200 men inoculated against typhoid. I received our first injection tonight. Some of the N.C.O.s refuse to be done, but I think I shall be able to overcome their prejudices.
One horse very sick tonight. I am afraid we shall lose him before morning. Today's horse casualty list is as follows: - "Wiltshire" 1, "Port Lincoln" 2, "Karoo" 2, "Marere" 1, "clan MacCorquodale" 2, "Armadale" 2, "Shropshire" 1, "Star of Victoria" 1, making a total to date of 95 lost.
Position at noon today 5o25'S, 90o39'E, run for 24 hours 247 miles.
Slept on deck last night, roused about 2 AM by heavy thunder and rain storm, had to shift to more secluded part of deck.
Thursday 12th November
Felt very restless during last night on account of inoculation. Went up on Bridge at 3 AM and read some signal messages. At early dawn "Orvieto", "Melbourne" and "Ibuki" conferred on our flank. Later the "Melbourne" bade farewell and steamed off.
Prior to leaving she sent the two following messages;-
"Captain of "Melbourne" to Commander and Officers of Convoy. "Melbourne" is ordered on other service. On leaving the Australian Convoy with which I have been connected since it first began to move I hope I May be forgiven for any criticisms I have signalled from time to time. Such signals have only been made with a view to the efficient development of this great organisation, and the safety resulting therefrom. I fully understand the difficulties that