Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 490
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[Page 490]
dined with the C in C and the other British Admirals with Admiral Rodman of U.S. Ship "New York". During the day visited the "New York" and was much struck with the great interest that is taken in the comfort and welfare of the men. Admiral Farquhar dined with me in the "Australia". German Fleet is to surrender on 21st inst. Mr. Murdock (an Australian pressman) and Mr. Preston are being accommodated on " Australia" and arrived tonight. Wired to London for an official artist to come aboard.
Wednesday 20th November
Today the King and Queen visited the Fleet. The King inspected the Fleet while the Queen visited Hospitals. During the morning I visited the "Ayres" a new aeroplane ship then went off to the new "Vendector" launched last October and from her deck or rather bridge saw the King move round the Fleet on the Destroyer Oak and added my cheer to those lustily given by Ships Companies. In the Vendector I met Capt. Grace who had served with us at Gallipoli. Admiral Phillimore lunched with us in "Australia". Official artist missed his train, but Col. Ironside of Corps HQrs. arrived and will witness tomorrow's Ceremony. A number of Australian Soldiers (about 12) from all Divisions had persuaded the officer in charge of "Australia's" picket boat at Forth Bridge to allow them to come on board to see some friends. On arrival they requested to be allowed to remain to see the surrender of German Fleet. The Commander promised to lay their request before the Admiral and advise them later. They however had heard I was on board so as a deputation they paraded before me asking me to use my influence with the Admiral. I did so and he at once agreed to let them remain so tomorrow they will be among the few soldiers who will see this great naval event. Fog is still very dense and heavy and present indications are not hopeful for observance of tomorrow's pageant. Ship has been newly painted and will tomorrow fitly represent "Australia", the Sydney and Melbourne too will take part with their own Cruiser Squadron under Admiral Ferguson.