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[Page 34]
transport. They are taking them away from all the ships. The Naval gunners still remaining. Our old crew are still here awaiting a passage to Australia. New relief engineers arrived from England, Chief steward, carpenter & Chef, so that out of 198 whites that left Australia as our crew only 5 officers & engineers & 2 white stewards remain.
10.12.18
Commenced coaling ship & preparing for a long passage with troops. The weather being fine chilly, it being winter in the Northern hemisphere, all the deck sailors 60 Indians supplied free with heavy clothes & boots for winter use. Boat drill & general muster of all hands each Indian having a numbered tag around his neck & fixed off to the various boats as per his number as their names are mostly unpronouncable.
10.12.18
the Monastic Castle cargo transport moved next to us taking in guns & cargo from the numerous cargo boats. They being disarmed a sure sign that the enemy ships are a thing of the past . submarines & raiders
11.12.18
Chief Steward, Chef, Carpenter & engineers left today & awaiting a passage for Sydney. News re the sinkings of 9 cargo Transports in the Dardanelles about the 8 of November to December the 8th & several minesweepers & heavy loss of life through mines. This happened when the Allies 1st took the Dardanelles forts over. The entrance had not been properly swept.