Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 37
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[Page 37]
in evident extreme pain, the remainder were very jolly and apparently happy. I only hope the Government will adequately provide for those who are mutilated. At 1 o'clock we went to the G.O.H. for lunch and when nearly finished Capt McGee looked in. "I am very glad to find you here Colonel" he said. "I want a little extra leave." He then proceeded to explain that Dr Smith (who came in with him) was a dentist who had recommended him to a brother dentist in a small way of business, who would do his gunners' dental work at a cheap figure. In addition he drove Capt McGee in his car to this dentist's residence about 11/2 miles out, near the Cinnamon Gardens. The necessary dental work could not be completed till evening so Capt McGee wanted more leave. This I granted. Dr Smith then invited Mr Jopp and myself to go out with him after lunch in his car. At 2.30 we left the G.O.H., went to the R.A. Mess and left cards, then on to the Galle Face Hotel, thence on to Mount Lavinia, returning to the jetty at 5PM. We there met our Ships Captain who took us to afternoon tea. The motor drive was most enjoyable. The beautiful palms, narrow roads, oxen, Cingalese men, women and children, the beautiful foliage and fine bungalows made a very pleasing impression.
I much admire the beautiful copper coloured skin of the Cingalese men, many of whom are a fine type. The little children are very quaint and pretty. Dr Smith invited me when returning to Australia to look him up again. Capt McGee stayed to dinner with him, and I have chaffingly told him that if he can pick up a similar friend in every port of call, with a car to place at our disposal, we will get some false teeth smashed at regular intervals.
On the way back to the Ship we called at the "Sydney". I left cards and had a few minutes chat with Lieut Bell Satter of Sydney. He told us the "Emden" put 11 shots into them, her first two being fired at a range of 11000 yards. The Germans lost 112 killed, about 80 wounded and the rest prisoners, except 40 who were destroying the Wireless Station when engagement commenced and appropriating a schooner on the other side of Cocos Island, got away. The Kaiser's nephew is a prisoner. I wish I could have participated in this engagement. Our fellows deserve all praise. Colombo is a very beautiful spot. The breakwater has made a good harbour and there are about 40 anchorage buoys. The Convoy has of course filled up the whole roadstead. In addition to the Russian 5 funnel "Askold" and the Japanese