Item 02: Fred Hamilton-Kenny letter diary, 5 December 1914-26 February 1915 - Page 53
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[Page 53]
Xmas Day 1914 We are at Kawieng – the capital of New Ireland – a very pretty spot - Rabaul is known as the furnace of of the islands but this Spot is paradise – A coral isle – beset by treacherous reefs – The Eastern got on & got off without our help – lucky for her – you should see the combers on the reefs – We anchored off the Governor's residence & presently a lot of us went ashore – New Ireland was German but is now British – An outpost is here & is to be relieved – I went to the hospitals & saw several cases of disease – Ellis is the orderly & a very decent man – He showed me everything – gave me claret & biscuit – By the way I've got for you a lovely silver coin – size of a 5/ piece – New Guinea company coin – rare & will be rarer – On the reverse is a bird of paradise in full outspread plumage – I have a smaller one for Mab – They'll make lovely brooches & be quite unique – now – Word has just come by wireless that a German ship is within 100 miles – We have cleared for action – Awnings, stanchions & rails down – all ready for instant work – Guns out – loaded – Maxim ready – Everything tiptop readiness – My SBA broke his leave last eveg – Drink I fancy – He'll get scrubbed – All his leave is gone – He'll be up & toe the quarter deck & the Commander will do the talking – He's a true ass –