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[Page 11]
Saturday 22nd.
1 P.M. Weighed Anchor and proceeded from Hervey Bay to meet SS "Berrima". 3.30 pm. Sighted smoke on Starboard Beam and when closer, she sent her name, and we found it was the Troopship of the P&O line and at 6 P.M. we joined company enroute for Thursday Island. P.M. Darkened ship and Cleared for Battle. Received orders from Sydney to proceed to Townsville and coal ship and the SS "Berrima" to Palm Island and join Encounter who was awaiting orders.
23rd.
7.10 AM. Stopped to communicate with boat to SS Berrima who came very close to us. Sydney giving necessary orders, received mail ect. 7.45 AM. Sydney & Berrima again in company proceeded at a speed of 16 knots to pass through Whitsunday Passage before dark. 6 PM. reduced speed to 11 knots and sent our trooper on to her destination. Same Orders carried out re Action.
24th.
6.30 AM. arrived at Townsville and proceeded inside the harbour and made fast to jetty. 9 AM. we commenced coaling from lighter alongside. Coaled ship 500 Tons at the rate of 52.5 per Hour. This was very good Coaling considering the way the coal lighter was rigged. 6 PM. finished coaling - washed down decks. Carried out usual routine.
25th.
Landed every available man comprising two Battalions for route march (for Exercise). Battalion returned 11.15 AM. 11.4 left Townsville and proceeded out of harbour enroute for Palm Island to meet HMAS Encounter and SS "Berrima" to await orders. 5.30 PM. arrived Palm Island.
26th.
Awaiting orders P.I. Landed Parties for Exercise.