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[Page 106]
2.10 PM. Entered the Canal and took up the Pilot. Passed H.M.S. Humber (Monitor), H.M.S. Espigeal [Espiegle] (Sloop). Just as we entered the Canal a Japanese Trawler coming up on the Starboard Quarter Quarter tryed to pass between us and a bouy and slewed into our Stern (No Damage). Greeting from H.M.S. Humber, "Good Luck", from Commander Hare to Commander of HMS Humber. "Will see at the Army and Navy Club next. Good Bye". Four Armed Merchantmen 2 Italian 1 French & 1 English. We are just passing through the Bitter Lakes 5.10 PM. General Quarters, Searchlights Crew close up round Searchlight for passage the [through] the Canal. Passed SS "Ferngarth" of Newcastle in Bitter Lakes. Reported Austrailian Mail 11 Hours behind, all anxious. Anchored at Ishmailia at 9 PM. Weighed Anchor at 1.30.
30th.
Arrived at Oiling Station at 7 AM. and prepared to Oil. Light up Steam Pinnace. (204 Tons). 9.30 Division & Prayers. Prepare to Coal ship (600 Tons.) On the West Bank of the Canal there is a camp of about 5000 Armenian Refugees, and they look in a very good condition and very Happy. Roll on some Civilized Port so that we can get a decent Meal as we feel half Starved as the food we are getting is of a very unappitizing nature, and very little of it at the best. We have a Warrant Officer from one of the Armed Merchantmen on board under Close Arrest (Case so Secret). Reported H.M.S. Glasgow had caught Commerce Raider off South America. "Well done Glasgow". Weather is gradually getting Colder as we get near England and we begin to feel it after Steaming in the Tropic for the greater part of the last 4 Years.