Todd war diary, 3 August 1914-29 February 1916 / Arthur Todd - Page 151
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[Page 151]
& into Bedford basin was, the writer imagines about equal to the chance of finding one in the morning bath but still orders had come and had to be obeyed.
After all it was best to be on the safe side.
But the absurd part was that a ship was undefended on some leave nights and bristling with guns on others which seemed inconsistent unless the Senior Officer had private information from the Huns as to when they were to be expected.
The Flagship had been in harbour about ten weeks and was much envied by the other ships who spent most of their time at sea and was often the occasion of sarcastic remarks from matelots of other ships.The reason we were told was that it was necessary for the Admiral as C in C to be always on the end of a cable.
One day however the Leviathan was seen with her funnels smoking and the incredulous crews of the other ships gathered together to wonder at the sight.
Finally the Flagship gathered way & moved from her buoy.
The Suffolks crowded their foc'sle & gasped with astonishment then someone