Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 45
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 45]
the D.A. Column, made a statement to the effect that their "anchor man" in the winning Tug of War was the most powerful man on the Ship. He weighs 17 stone 3 lbs and is a hefty farmer. I could not stand this, so there and then issued a challenge to pull him after the concert at night. This raised no end of excitement in the Dining Salon. However Capt McGee at once went out, consulted his man (generally known as "Tiny") and coming back notified his acceptance of the Challenge. Then betting commenced. Some of our officers backed me, while two officers of the D.A.C. and the Chief Engineer backed "Tiny". After the concert we set to work, and I proved to be the winner by the best two out of three pulls. For a few moments I was quite a hero, and am now acknowledged the "strong" man of the ship.
During the morning we received a wireless message notifying that instructions had been received for Troops to go to Cairo in Egypt for final training, and from there proceed direct to the Front. Under these circumstances we do not know how long it will be before we see England – if ever. The "Orvieto" has gone on ahead and the "Euripides" now leads the Convoy. Yesterday's return for horses showed about 9 deaths since previous return. Fortunately no losses on our ship, Medic or Katuna, which carry artillery horses.
Sunday 29th November
A much cooler day. Early this morning a strong breeze arose, which has cooled the horse decks and ship generally very much indeed. We heard today that a death had occurred on the "Suffolk", one of the ships crew having succumbed to heat. This makes six deaths during the voyage. Measles broke out on our ship yesterday, two cases being isolated from the D.A.C. They had evidently carried infection from Broad Meadows camp in Melbourne, where they were stationed during our delay in Melbourne. As a consequence we are now faced with the problem of disinfecting all clothing, blankets, etc of all troops on board. In view of the fact that we expect to land either at Port Said or Alexandria we shall not have much time. This will very much interfere with our training, particularly that for first aid which had been arranged for the last fortnight at sea prior to reaching England. This latter instruction will now have to be given when we reach camp. Church Service this evening.
Monday 30th November
A howling wind blowing all night. Today