Todd war diary, 3 August 1914-29 February 1916 / Arthur Todd - Page 66
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[Page 66]
Even the native born Bermudians look on the States as "home" and New York not London is their dream tho' none the less they have sent their men to the war.
On this occasion the Sydney only stayed a day at Bermuda and one saw just enough of civilisation to make one wish for more, but we were destined to return there again and again for docking and refitting.
On the 12 January 1915, the ship arrived in Jamaica and needless to add the Melbourne was already firmly attached to the pier. We seemed to chase the Melbourne all over the world for it seldom happened that we were together for more than a few hours.
Jamaica is probably associated with rum and niggers in most peoples minds the nigger remains but we didnt see any rum.
Jamaica and the islands of the group are well known in British Naval History. Since Drakes time the West Indies has been a great Naval Station tho' of late years our ships have been withdrawn in accordance with the policy of concentration in the North Sea.
The day before we reached Jamaica we called at Hayti which with San Domingo makes up a biggish island under American protection. Hayti and San Domingo are the homes of revolution. No government lasts more than a month and foreign warships are constantly in attendance to save the lives and properties of their countrymen. There are many men who make their living fomenting these troubles disturbances and smuggling in the wherewithal to fight.
Rumour had it that the Karlsruhe was making a base