Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 36
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[Page 36]
However I kept the guard standing by till all had been done, then I dismissed the Guard and gave the culprits a good talking to.
Have had all the officers tonight on "Sketching". I am afraid some that were handed in were very primitive.
Horses making a big noise just before feeding tonight, and many were neighing. Mr Faulkner, second officer, referred to it as "shouting". The Captain was today watching horses exercising on deck and one animal on nearing an iron bollard put one leg on one side and another leg on the other side.
"Look" said he "that horse has got his after starboard leg on this side of the bollard and his after port leg on the other side." Everybody roared with laughter. Rifle practice today.
Wrote post-cards to Father & Mother, Alvord and Chris ready for posting tomorrow. We are now nearing Colombo. Expect to reach there about 8.30AM tomorrow. I then am ordered ashore to make arrangements at transport Office, Saddlers and Chemist Shops for Australian Convoy's requirements. Expect to have about 3 hours ashore.
Strong gale has just blown up (10PM) Very heavy wind but – no sea. Run to noon today 248 miles. Position 3o54'N, 82o1'E.
Sunday 15th November
Arrived off Colombo about 9 AM. The Pilot came off to some of the New Zealand fleet first and we had some time to wait. At 10.30 the "Sydney" hove in sight together with the "empress of Russia" not of "Asia" as I previously stated. She was carrying German prisoners and wounded. We had received instructions that there must be no demonstration, and much against our wishes we had to agree. However I hoisted Flag Signals meaning "new South Wales Congratulates you" to which the "Sydney" replied "thank you". We lined up our troops on deck, gave the salute, and dipped the Ensign.
At 11 AM I went ashore in a ships boat with the Adjutant and Capt McGee. The latter took with him a gunner who had an accident the previous day with his false teeth and required dental treatment. I called at transport Office, Times Office and Post Office on official business. Then we waited at the jetty and saw the wounded landed from the "Sydney".
The German wounded were landed in the afternoon. It made a big lump come into my throat to see our lads. Some badly wounded, amputated limbs, burns, etc. It brought home the horrors of war to us. With the exception of those who were very seriously wounded and were