Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 42
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[Page 42]
Wednesday 25th November
Arrived off Aden at 5 o'clock. I went up on the Bridge at 5.30 and remained there till we anchored about 8 o'clock. A very rugged group of cliffs marks both sides of the Entrance to Port, rocks appearing to be volcanic. The whole country is exceedingly desolate. A large number of Imperial transports are in harbour, evidently having taken home Indian troops, and now returning empty. The H.M.A.S. "Sydney" was also in Port. She left after us at Colombo, and must have passed us during our first night out.
As we entered Port she steamed away at a good speed in the direction of Perim. We delivered our mails during the morning to H.M.S. "Hampshire", going over with the Captain in one of the Ships boats, and returning to the "Rangatua" at 1 PM.
Aden looks a very forlorn spot. No signs of vegetation. Groups of buildings, Forts, Signal stations and Clock tower were all the points of interest visible from our anchorage. As we did not go inside we could not see the inner harbour. Felt a little seedy after inoculation.
Received through Courtesy of local agents of "Rangatua", files of Reuters cables, and Orvieto also sent me a full account of the "Emden" fight. After dinner I assembled all the officers in the Smoke room and read the news out to them.
We are under orders to leave Aden at 6AM tomorrow. Numbers of boats have been around us today endeavouring to do business with their wares.
Thursday 26th November
Weighed anchor at 5.30AM, ships got into station during the next hour and about 7AM we got a fair move off from Aden.
The Japanese Man o' War "Ibuki" which acted as escort from Australia is going no further, and last night a message of thanks was sent to her captain from "Orvieto". This morning as we passed her she was flying several groups of flags which on reference to International Code read as follows: - "I wish you further victories. Goodbye.". We now only have the "Hampshire" with us, a ship somewhat about the size of "Sydney" or "Melbourne".
We have passed several British Transports today returning to India.