Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 51
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[Page 51]
Wednesday 9th December
Sailed at 11 last night for Alexandria reaching entrance to harbour at 12.30PM. Pilot came aboard and took us in to an Anchorage. Two acute appendicitis cases landed for operation. Adjutant and myself went ashore in Police Launch. Interviewed embarkation officers – arranged for berth no 60 for tomorrow.
Obtained a good deal of detailed information. Saw Major Gellibrand, received from him authority re coaling wages for men. Police launch took us back to ship. Mr Dowson, assistant Director of Coast Guards took us and stayed to dinner with us. He is a marine officer and very entertaining in conversation. He has been here 10 years.
Eighty one men again broke leave tonight and went ashore in bum boats. Toast to the King at Dinner, also captain and officers of Ship.
Thursday 10th December
Moved into berth at 1 o'clock. Raising of Horse brows and removal of Hospital patients prevented disembarkation commencing before 2.15PM. Arranged for Head quarters, 7th Battery and A.M.C. to proceed by first train. Loading of horses successfully carried out. Three men injured (not seriously) from kicks. Train moved off at 8.20 PM. Unloading of vehicles and stores continued to 9.30PM. Then gave general leave to remainder on board. Interview with Major Gellibrand, Commander Parker and Captain re payment to men for coaling. Arranged to refer to Captain who will minute the correspondence, then I shall forward claim to Head Quarters for settlement. During the afternoon a horse broke away, galloped a mile, then jumped into the harbour. He was rescued with difficulty, but appeared uninjured. Foal was left on board and given to the Chief Officer whose father has a farm in England. The Ship seems deadly quiet. The town is very interesting especially the native quarter. An enormous amount of shipping in port, including 22 German prizes. Good news tonight of the sinking of the "Gneisenau", "Scharnhorst" and "Dresden" by Admiral Sturdee's squadron off the Falkland islands. Sick A.M.C. horse shot. Letters received from Nell dated Oct 16th, and Nov 1st.
Friday 11th December
All remaining units at work early excepting Infantry detail, who refuse duty and were placed in guard room. B.A.C. and D.A.C. units left by train at 5.40PM. horses went on