Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 47
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[Page 47]
Wednesday 2nd December
Arrived at Port Said at 8.33 AM. Just 13 hours less 1 minute from Suez. Almost a record run. I am informed when the King visited Delhi his ship took 13 hours, which was up to then a record trip. The journey through the Canal proved very interesting. On the left Bank the fresh water canal runs, and has a fair amount of vegetation on its banks. On the right bank there is nothing but a desolate waste. We had no occasion to use firearms during our journey through the Canal. Troops lined the banks, mostly Indian and Egyptian to the extent of 35,000, and on the Right (East) Bank the Country has been flooded from the sea to a distance of 15 miles inland by 8 mile wide. This makes an effective barrier against invasion from Arabian territory. We saw innumerable flocks of pelicans and flamingos. As we neared Port Said an armoured train passed us, carrying troops, evidently for the canal. As we arrived at Port Said a veritable hive of industry opened up before us. The New Zealand transports had arrived ahead of us, and with innumerable other ships all coaling, and several French and British Man o War (among the latter being the "Swiftsure") made a very busy scene. We were anchored just off the Custom House. The Anchorage is full of trading boats and presents a very lively scene indeed. We are taking in coal and water here. The French Men O War are carrying Hydroplanes for use in the Canal Zone. We moored our vessel about 10.30 AM. Immediately surrounded by native trading boats. Coaling operations commenced. It was exceedingly interesting to watch how this work was carried out by natives and how rapidly it was done. During the afternoon Colonel Sutton, Capt McLennan, Mr Jopp and myself pulled off to the "Orvieto" regarding certain returns, etc. Walter Hounain came on board to same from "Maunganui". He is electrician on board. He told me an A.M.C. officer was killed in the "Neptune" celebrations through diving into shallow tank. I have been informed that this evening we go to an anchorage some distance outside canal, so have arranged for all officers to go ashore this evening returning by launch later to steamer. Visited several ships and walked round the town generally. Much interested in the market quarter. Peculiar trams, many donkeys, persistent guides and hawkers. At 9.30 found we could not get our launch. Nearly all have been commandeered and are being used as river boats fitted with maxims. We could only arrange with the "Ports and Lights' office to go aboard the "Swiftsure". I obtained copy of November navy list (from the Consular Officer) which