Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 40
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[Page 40]
Have just been in Signal Communication with Col Hobbs. He tells me he has lost 8 horses. We are fortunate for so far we have only lost four. I asked Major Christian how he was getting on with his horses, but I cannot get a reply. We are now travelling in two lines of 5 ships each with the "Ibuki" leading us. Horses are making an awful row through the ship. They are fed at 9 o'clock and well they know it. They stamp and whinney for some time prior to feeding. Attended Battery N.C.Os lecture tonight. Position at noon 7o45'N, 76o 44'E. days run 191 miles.
Thursday 19th November
Units at work at Usual Parades. Arranged ranging model for work during afternoon. Made use of Director and Landscape drawing for Officers class in sketching. Ranging during the afternoon with all officers. Myriads of flying fish about the boat all day. Smoke visible ahead of main convoy. Plenty of boxes and other debris floating past us, clearly indicating the path traversed by previous ships. Had a game of bridge tonight with Captain Jopp and Colonel Sutton. This afternoon commenced rehearsal with Double Quartette party. Some very fair voices.
Attended Lieut Urquharts lecture at night. Days run to noon 268 miles. Position at noon 8o58'N, 72o23'E.
Friday 20th November
At daylight Australian Convoy and New Zealand Convoy about 15 miles ahead. Lead column formation retained.
Squads at signalling, gun laying, fuze setting, etc. Arranged model range. Ranging in afternoon for all officers.
Oral exam for all the N.C.O.s
"Afric" which has fallen behind ordered to change places with "Ascanius". We are now travelling at 13 knots and have just passed main portion of Australian Convoy. Our orders in this Division are to proceed to Aden to coal, and I understand we are then to steam straight home. As this Division can do 13 knots we should reach England about a week ahead of main Convoy.
Position at noon 10o8'N, 68o0'E. Mileage 269