Ruskin logs, 1914-1918 / Alfred Ruskin - Page 139

[Page 139]

Sunday 3rd. June 1917
Division, Church.  11.30 Pipe down.  Patroling the Bay of Bengal.  Seamen employed trimming down bunkers as we are very short handed in the Stoker's Branch, and the remainder are about done up or sick and feverish, for the constant racing and tearing about the Tropic is beginning to tell on the men, the greater part of us having spend 3 Year's racing about all over the Tropical parts of the world and I can assure you that it is no Joke, for I wish to God it was all finished so that I could have a free life, peace and a little pleasure free from the restriction of the Navy and all concerned.  They are cutting down our food rations again, very soon we shall be living on fresh Air only. 33rd Day in Tropic. The Captain went round all the Engine Room's and found he Temperatures were very High. In the P.E.R. directly under the fan which was going full speed the Temperature was 112 and the highest point 132 deg.

4th.
Division, Prayers.  Seamen to Gun Drill.  Ship standing bye to go into harbour, recalled from Patrol.  Weather moderate with Rain Squalls. 34th Day in Tropics. Arrived in Harbour 11 AM.  Started coaling 2.30 PM, finished 11.20 PM, 400 Tons.  Leave for the Port Watch Starboard from 1.30 until 7 AM.

5th.
Division, Prayers.  Clean Ship.  Saw the Captain at 11.30 AM and was fined £1.12.6 and 1 Rupee Patrol expenses (Bombay).