Ruskin logs, 1914-1918 / Alfred Ruskin - Page 30
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[Page 30]
4th. [Nov.]
9 AM Mangonia NZ Troopship asked permission to quit line for operation for appendicitis and rejoin the Fleet later. Flag approved - Mangonia left Line, Melbourne left behind to protect her in case of attack, later we sighted her coming to join Fleet.
5th.
NZ ships a long way astern of Station. Minotaur steamed through the Line signalling for ships to close up on their appointed Stations. During the day smoke was sighted on the Port side. Melbourne was ordered to take observation to see if anything turned up. During the afternoon smoke was sighted astern and to starboard which was the R.M.S Osterly with the Fantome's Crew on board and Valuables. She caughted up to us and was ordered not to more than 40 to 50 Miles away and should she sight any of the Enemy ships to report at once and fall back on Convoy at full Speed. The Escort will at once engage the Enemy, the Osterly to be used as a decoy as she can attain the speed of 20 Knots. This being the area in which the S.M.S. Emden is opperating and sinking Merchant ships