Hand-written diary by an unknown sailor, HMAS Sydney (I) - Part 1

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
AWM2017.7.110
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

July 20 1943. 10 2 On the Contractors trials which took place on the Firth of blyde in April 1913 H.M.A.S. Sydney avisaged. 25.7 knots, foved the teasured men and reached ove $25.500. T.H.P. on bompleting the acceptance trial which took place in Junesty was commisioned by J.S. Glossop R.N. on. June the 20th and proceeded) to Postsmouth arriving there on the 20. Jund we then completed with coal stores ect and on the 17 fuly left for Bantry Bay to baliboate arriving there the following day Saturday tho 19th was spent in belibiating on the Monday following we proceeted to Liens fon where we received about 300 Ls f. Foul and returned to Bantry. Stanted on gourney to Australia when we ept Bantry in bompany with AM.A.J. Pushang for Lt. Vincent- sape. De laid I sland the passage to St Vincent was uneventful but the Death of Sto boughtan which took place on July 28th was deeply regretted + he was buried at Sea the bhowing mosring. arrived at St Vincent and took in 870 hs of boat and left on tht Ang for Sitan Aveived at Lt Helen after staying fa coupte of day we look in 412 sons of evd waving arg in on Ang is th pot ouptow b yenption arriving on Monday cho 1.N Fronth wistranan residents iin foufe as given in the gao spo res at Freen pad Trichet wed forI. w the s
Church of England, Albany, W.A 3 Contitition for a sphundit shilh Jeer inte. of Australia) after ane exciting strugg lo it was svon by HMa S. Lydney. Ang 20th left bape. Town for Limons fowr arriving thers the same day and took in 470 ftons fof boat. heaving again on Aug 29t Gos Manditis - ths Flagship leaving for Durban. Sep 5t We arrived at Mauritius but nssmall. pos was very prevailent it was concinereed advisable to restrict the communication with the shore as much as possoble t. as preventing leave being possibte $30tons of coal was taken in hating haboud ben employed then I Women) for the purpose. The next post of ball being Albany (+ Hest Austratia) arriving, there with who Ansinalia on Friday the 19th Here again corcfing taking in 855 Lons of Austfalin - Don a eptended reception was given to the of bompany by the presidents of tho place much appreciated by them Sep 27. Saturday we left Albany & Started a . powed. Trial of o hours. aefaging 24.75t but tho 35 powed Trial fad to be abanion on account of the very poo Juality of con received ut alvany. we called in Jervig Bay a day to make the Ship presentable before going uto Sydney. 9. To am was the time fixed f. itiing Oct o Syclney, Heads. & the whole town. turned out. The Occasion gave the oh is General Holiday && Harvor was crowen with Ferry woats I yauhto I
Oct back with poph the wick following furg ons of Ship visiting for the people of Socney Ships being I thminated every right the Offical Bangnet to the Ships bompany wod place on the 6th at the agricultural FGrounds. we starten- boaring (500 Lons) and again on the 4th Nov 500 Long we sept Lydney on her 1 for post Lincoln meeting with very heary weather the following day which we carroed with us near thr whole of the passage. arriving at post Lincoh on nov 17t ond Stay in these wateds gave are opportunity for Loopeds practicr in Harvey Bay also fiiring which lasted untill Deao uhein left for Hobart (Lasmania) frriving charg on Saturday Dec 20t Smas day was spont in hurbout but the weathed was very squall. post arthud, the old convict settlement ino visited on Jan 14th Battlo practice Hunlig Sest ect occupied out time untilt Fev. 13 when we left Hobart for Adslaids (Lour. Australia) arriving at Fenelg. On Feb. 0a sptendid welcome awaited us Vangust Ject. balling at Port Faisy on Feb. $5 we arriven at Melbousys + secured alowgaids tho pier. on Feb. 25th we spent a splended time unti The 5th of March when we left for Lydney. arriving there on the 4th after Hocking & coaling ect. we left Lydney on Haran 26h for Brisbans en rould t Legapors to convoy Lubmaring A. 5.T.J. A.C.S.to Lydney, Brisbans way reached on the 27th & after emburkings ammunition for.
to Fropk boot brige Rood 5 Thunday Saloaned we haft, the foldening fay. + arrived at Thursday, Island. on eprit 22d where we coaled and left again on che 6th for. Lingapore on Aperl Nth arrived at Singapore after a plesant Yourney. Aprilss We left Lingapors with Submarine J.C.in Aor for Batavia reaching there on the 24t coaled. on the 28th and left the same day for. Post Darwen with A.E.K. in. tow. on the first of May at 1. 40 am. the 5/2 wert parted + fouled the rudder 9.0 and we stopped + the Submarines proceeded. Divers chearing were from rudder till 12.30 f we again proceeded overtaking te submorines at 5.0 pm. I took A.S.L. in tood May We we arrived at post Darwin. The Residents here gave tea I sports to the brews. they 7th With A.E.1 in low we heft bort Harwi for bairns. On Sunday May 100h at 7. & and A.E.I. was slipped + the following day at 8.0 am Gken in tow again (we put into Thusday Island for Marls ect) I arrived at buises on May the 13th Saturday Mhay 17th we had a tru int thd mountains to Barron Falls. it the geilates of The Residents May 18h Monday we started in the last stag. our journey when we left fer Ldcy A.E.2. in tow Wednesday the 20th was rrought I and as it was gradually g worse it was desided to fent en Moston Bay for Shelter. The Submarnes at time r
6 S SAMN 6 and eieaterly about tn open A aduets so soon afterwards we anchored for the night. The Weather having somewhat moderated we left the following day boch shb being under their own power and at 5. am on Sunday May 24. we entered Lydniy heads. & proceed up harbour I secuved slongside Garden-Island. bar. Annual refit now having bder die wr. were taken in frand by Dockyard wto completed us on July 20th Leaving Lydney the following day we arrived at Fludstone on ful 24. remaining there for the week; end. July 27th we left for Lownsville & farrived there on July 22t and secured alongsids tre fiuer. The following day we received the first rumouss of war in the evening so rext day we. left itore finer at 2.20 frm. I procededto west channel + secured aconguids the Hulk. CCity of Adclaid, & immediately commenced coaling which was cerried on throughout untill 2.30 am on Ang Laking in (250 Soris) Daybreak we entered sownsville. harbour anchoring at 8.30 am. as we had. taken in gell tor coal avarlable we waited untill the bollied baria farrived) on Sunday at 5.30 for and proceeded aboressids taking in 301 Lovis) of boat, by 2.8 wove Monday at 11.0 am Lter Destroyers Warrego & Garra arrived & anchored. 43 Lefes at 5.0 pm. Lydney & Destroyers Thursday Island.
Aug 11 Whilhet mn pasage in recuined on Terhors hedage about 5.0 pro or August s etating Hur had. been declared between England 9 Fermang. arriving off. Thursday & stand out 1.30 prm. we anchored untill daybroak proceeding alongseds fiier at 7.0 arr. on tho 6 The bit S.S. Phaya containing two sonng oir Fuel + 122,000 cases of Benginr was brought into harbour by Warrigg. I delained. Whitet alongside an opportunity was tuken o discharge. all wood work silver shield + sinver bath I steam ctter I nearly all boats were left here also. In the meantims thi Warrege Barra pavntied black 4.0 pm leaving tho ricr we anahoved in the strearre leaving at 8.0 am. Tho following horning in company with doctryers 9 Pheya. we anchoved at 100 fom or samt night proceeding at 5.I am tho weat. Mhorning for Bondezous. Nos 1.30 pm. Pasya. was ordered. to port Mossehg. Britick New Luinea. The bext aay dig about 9.15 we sighted & M.C.S. Anstraha. I. Parramatta reaching Bendegous pa) at 11.0 ami. Captain d Eng-bommander repraired to Fregatip. returning at poon all ships were tren ordered. to proceed at 15 knots to Bendeyour No 2 10.0 am The nest day H Ma L. Dacourter was sighted S.E. Battle Flags (Two whit busigns for oue Rustralian. one white busigs aft the batted being selk ones presented to Chs Skips £ Tho H.C. of Lydney were waded to the Sast
Reproduced by permission of Lady Bealty Aug12th o. 3e hin Brured at Hendegore 2 D. . Jr. Saday & three destroyers parted comfrany with Flagship + proceeded to executs ofcrations No. night attack on Limpsons Huffer Srubul, Ferman New Guirica, The Flagship Rnned Stek + gave 3 bheers as Lydney & distroyers prassed. her working up to 20 anst T be istratid was soon left behind + we arrived of I Rabout at. 8.0 fm. The Distroyers now entered thie Harbous to attack Lydney keeping posision off w ontrance. 9.20 pm. Garra rejoined 10.0 pm. Warrigs Farramatta rejorned Reporting that only a bew Tu boak + small sailing craft in the harbour adso coal hulk apparently empty. staying off the entrance untill a wam. x then proceeded. to Search. Suliti Bay + Meigabourhood of Mran Island without yeoult returning at 5.0 am. to timpeons Haffer. 6.30 am sighted Australia I incounter off Fazelle point. Destroyers entered Limpsons trefer, to Socats + destroy Fireless station but returned at 5.0 am unable to find swrogo. 10.0 am 1st Liuit in Charge of Denolition party landed and destroyed ffrost officed fittings Telegraph & Telephone instrursents oct. Encounted -baptured S.S. Jambesi with bit. Engines & W.S. Year also had & Gedman bivel Enginced on board corrying pleapatehes from Naru to kaboul. Australia fust firezs crew on board Zamber and sent her to Lydney 3.30 frm Dennoliteos fiarty returned 4.0 fim left for tonanalls.
th s tlll e SIR JOHN FRENCH, GENERAL JOFFRE, AND GROUP OF BRITISH AND FRENCH STAEE OFFICERS. BY SEPTIMUS E. SCOTT Reproduced by pormission of Messt. T. C. and E. C. Jack, owners of the corgright and puttishers of the large plate Aug15 s. de an Ancountid a Destrges partif. Henpary and proceeded direct to Rossil Ishand Lydney. and Australia arrived off. Sorkland Iskands. about 3 opm parting company with Ltag we. examined Lonite Hafen without mouth. kejoining. Flag. at 6.0 frm off Soadhader Island. and thene proceeded. to kosil Island. Aug14 Australia parted-bompany fat 100 am proceeded to post Mosseby. 3.30 pm. Arrived off Possil Ishnia & entered Lagoon Pound Welbouriie & Encounte I Destroyers also S.S. Alconda of Liverpool in Harboud we there secured a consside alconda and commenced coaling at 4.30 fim Stepping 8.0 pm for the night. foaling from 6.0 am untis o a fim. Aug 15 Aug 16 recommenced boaling at ooam. + complited at Roon 1130 Lons. Mhelhonone. Aug 17th L.S. Physa arrived I secured alongonds 4o fry Melbonene finished coaling I proceeoed to Lea. in bompany with S.S. Alconda & prysa. secured alongseds Lydney I commanicad biling Aug 18 D.0 am completed behing at 5.30 am. proeseived. To Landy bape to await Expeditionary faroc from New Zealand. I Australia Aug 2 8.0 am Lighted I communiaited with T. Zumbess. En routs for. Lrtney. Aug2 Arrived at Landy-bape and anstirred. 1.0 fm weighed & proceeded. Aug 22 4.0 fm sighted Troopship Berninoa wich Expeditionary force 5: o fin Herrying closed up and proceeded in company. Aug23rh 7.0 am Stopped I received ails from Barrims.
10 t Augh4 Aug2. Aug 29 Augs Sep 2 Leps Sep 4 Leps Sept 10 proceeding again at 7.45 am. 2.0 am. Berrima parted-bompany and proceeded To fialm Island. 5.0 am arrrived at Lownsralis & secured alongsids fiver 9.0 am. (Hnlk. Losgha) brought alongseds commenced conrine 5.4 pm finished boaling (416. Sons) 1.30 fm. Left fier & hrosceded.0 frm arrived at patm Island. MA L Angounter 2. Berrina in harbour S. S. Aldenham arrived at + 30 Jam. after binis boarded by officer of the fuard + proccegted. 11.40 fom. Hired Transport Nosange arrived with Stores & anchored. 7.0. am. Lubmaring A.C. 1J c. Ferrivid and secured. alongside 5.0 pm. Lubmarinas cast off. 4.0pr bonvoy proceeded Lingly lind a head. Lydney reading followed by Berrima, Angounter, + dovange, and a Submoring Stationed on each sids. passed through Barries Jne. Hooks passiage & encountered heavy E.A.E. Lwvell at 8.0 pm arrived at for Morrey. Brilisn New Fuined secured along ind bolice Hartuns & commenced waxing 10. Aam. stopped coaling for too oight troops hip Kanowna & Destroyers in Feardoar so Oil boat ect. 5.30 am. Recommenced coaling 6. I am bonvry entered hasboug 1.0 frm Finished boating 6.0 fim Parramatta decaved algsids. 5.40 am. Troopship Runorona recuved abogneds & took in 86 Lons of Destitfed. waker frrn.
11 W. Frmnitrton of Man. Edinurgh & London, owners of the copyright and Pittition of the Carge Nate. Sepy Sepy Sep 10 Sep 1 11 Lydry hoon Submannes segped a tordante. 6.0 am Submarnes + Kanouna cast off. five. Embarked haval Brigads ( officers + 0 Batings) Expeditionary foree from Berriong. 8.0 am proceeded out of harbour. Lynney. 9 Berrima Knowna. Aorange. Lignalted Buting of Hereman Sydney returned to Hanowen and ordered her to Townwill 1. 30 frmm proceeded. 4. 30 pm. Repoined Convoy. formed in two bolumns. Seft. Wing Lydney. Berriiaa Dentryes. Right Wing. Oncounter I Addange, 6.0 pm. submarines joined hight wing cotumn. arrived at Bendezous. I Jooned up with Clustration Lydney & Destroyers part company with plag. & bonvoy and proceeded to excecut offerations. Night attack on kabout 4.0 pm. bleared for action 3.30 am arrived off pracd feornt Deadionrs entered & searched Limpsons Hafere. & Matup Bay. H.15 am. Destroyers returned I reprorted. (nothing sighted) proceeded with Destrayers to Herbertshols & disembarhed fraval borgade at 5.10 am. 7.0 am. Flaysteip 2 Berrins drrivin and proceeded to Raboul. F.30 am. Hoists British bolows £t. Heobertshols 2. 30 am Naval Brigads sunprided & atterched. proceeded to Trahabout it pender asoutance if necessary 10.15 am Berrima arrived and landed reinforcements 10.15 hetre to Hedertehets

2

On the Contractors trials which took place on

the Firth of Clyde in April 1913 HM.AS.

Sydney averaged 25.7 knots over the Measured mile

and reached over 25.550. I.H.P. in Completing the

acceptance trial which took place in June she

was. commissioned by J. T. Glossop k.t. on

June the 26th and proceeded to Portsmouth

arriving there on the 28th June we then

completed with coal stores ect and on the 

17 July left for Bantry Bay to calibrate

arriving there the following day Saturday

the 19th was spent in calibrating on the

Monday following we proceeded to Queenstown

where we received about 300 Tons of Coal and

returned to Bantry.

July 25th

1913

Started on journey to Australia when we left

Bantry in Company with HMAS. Australia

for St Vincent Cape. De Verde Island. the 

passage to St Vincent was uneventful but

the Death of Sto[[?]]Caughlan which took

place on July 20th was deeply regretted and he

was buried at Sea. the following morning

[[?]]st arrived at St Vincent and took in 670 tons

of Coal and left on the 3rd Aug: for St Helena

10th Arrived at St Helena. after staying a couple of

day we rook in 7150 Tons of coal, leaving

again on Aug 12th for Capetown (a reception

arriving on Monday the 18th of Aug From the

Australian residents in Cape Town

was given in the form of Sport

xxx  at Green Point Cricket Clu

xxx for xxx xxxx 

 

Postcard, Albany - see original document
2 Postcards of ships - see original document

Competition for a splendid shield (a Silver Model

of Australia) after an exciting struggle it was

won by H M A S. Sydney.

Aug 26th Left Capetown for Simons town arriving there

the same day and took in 770 tons of Coal.

leaving the same day on Aug 29th for Mauritius the

Flagship leaving for Durban.

Sept 5th. We arrived at Mauritius but as smallpox 
was prevalent it was considered

advisable to restrict the communication with

the shore as much as possible thus

preventing leave being possible 835 tons of

coal was taken in native labour being 

employed (Men & Women) for the purpose.

The next port of Call being Albany (West

Australia) arriving there with the Australia

on Friday the 19th. Here again coaling & 

taking in 855 Tons of Australian Coal

A splendid reception was given to the Ships

Company by the residents of the place &

much appreciated by them

Sept 27th Saturday we left Albany & started a [[Fire?]]

Power Trial of 8 hours averaging 23.75 knots

but the 3/5 power Trial had to be abandoned

on account of the very poor Quality of coal

received at Albany. we called in Jervis Bay

a day to make the Ship presentable before 

going into Sydney.

Oct 4th. 9.30 am was the time fixed for entering

Sydney Heads & The whole town turned

out. The Occasion gave the [[?]] a

General Holiday The Harbour was crowded

with Ferry boats & yachts [[?]]

 

Postcards, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart - see original document

black with people. The week following was one

for Ship visiting for the people of Sydney

Ships being illuminated every night. The Official

Banquet to the Ships Company took place on

the 6th at the agricultural Grounds.

Oct 17th We started Coaling (500 tons) and again on

the 4th Nov (500 Tons) we left Sydney on Nov 13th

for Port Lincoln meeting with very heavy 

weather the following day which we carried

with us near the whole of the passage.

arriving at Port Lincoln on Nov. 17th

our Stay in these waters gave us an opportunity

for Torpedo practice in Harvey Bay also

firing which lasted untill Dec 17th when we

left for Hobart (Tasmania) arriving there on

Saturday Dec 20th Xmas day was spent in

harbour but the weather was very squally

Port Arthur the old convict settlement was 

visited on Jan 14th Battle practice [[Guntrys?]]

List etc. occupied our time untill Feb 13th

when we left Hobart for Adelaide (South 

Australia) arriving at Glenelg on Feb. 10th A

splendid welcome awaited us banquet. etc.

Calling at Port Fairy on Feb 23rd we arrived

at Melbourne & secured alongside the pier

on Feb 25th we spent a Splendid time until

The 5th of March when we left for Sydney

arriving there on the 7th after Docking &

coaling etc. we left on March 25th

for Brisbane en route to Sigapore to

convoy Submarine A.E 1 & A.E.2 to 

Sydney. Brisbane was reached on the 

27th & after embarking ammunition for

 

5

Postcard, Singapore & stamps - see original document
Postcard, Cairns - see original document
Thursday Island we left the following day. 

& arrived at Thursday Island on April 2nd

where we coaled and left again on the 

6th for Singapore on April 15th arrived at

Singapore after a pleasant Journey.

April 25th We left Singapore with Submarine A.E.1 in tow

for Batavia reaching there on the 27th coaled

on the 28th and left the same day for

Port Darwin with A.E.1 in tow.

On the first of May at 1.10am the 5½ wire

parted & fouled the rudder 9.0am we

stopped & the Submarines proceeded. Divers

clearing wire from the rudder till 12.30 & we

again proceeded overtaking the Submarines at

5.0pm. & took A.E.2 in tow.

May 5th We we arrived at Port Darwin. The

residents gave tea & sports to the Crews.

May 7th With A.E.1 in tow we left Port Darwin

for Cairns. On Sunday May 10th at 7.0am A.E.1

was slipped & the following day at 8.0 am

taken in town again (we put into Thursday

Island for Mails ect) & arrived at Cairns

on May the 13th.

Saturday May 17th we had a trip up the

mountains to Barron Falls at the invitation

of the residents.

May 18th Monday we started on the last stage

our journey when we left for Sydney

A.E.2. in tow Wednesday the 20th was

rough & and as it was gradually g[[etting?]]

worse it was desided to put into

Morton Bay for Shelter.

The Submarines at times were [[?]]

 

Postcards, Sydney & Townsville - see original document

6

and eventually about 4.0 pm A.E.2 broke adrift

so soon afterwards we anchored for the

night. The Weather having somewhat moderated

we left the following day both Subs being

under their own power and at 6.0 am on

Sunday May 24th we entered Sydney heads

& proceed up harbour & secured alongside

Garden Island.

Our Annual refit now having been due we

were taken in hand by Dockyard. who

completed us on July 20th.

Leaving Sydney the following day we

arrived at Gladstone on July 24th remaining

there for the week.end.     

July 27th we left for Townsville & arrived there 

on July 29th and secured alongside the pier.

The following day we received the first rumours 

of war. in the evening so next day we

left the pier at 2.20 pm & proceeded to

west Channel & secured alongside the

Hulk (City of Adelaid) & immediately

commenced coaling which was carried on

throughout untill 2.30am on Aug 1st Taking

in (255 tons) Daybreak we entered Townsville

harbour anchoring at 8.30 am. as we had 

taken in all the coal available we waited

untill the Collier "Camua" arrived on Sunday

at 5.30 pm and proceeded alongside taking in

(301 Tons) of Coal by 2.0 am Monday at

11.0am The Destroyers "Warrego" & "Yarra"

arrived & anchored.

at 5.0 pm. Sydney & Destroyers left for

Thursday Island.

 

7

Postcard, Thursday Island - see original document

7

Whilst on passage we received a Wireless Message

about 5.0 pm on August 5th stating War had

been declared between England & Germany.

arriving off Thursday Island at 11.30 pm.

we anchored untill daybreak proceeding

alongside pier at 7. 0 am on the 6th. The 

Oil S.S. Phsya. containing 1056 Tons of Oil

Fuel & 122,000 cases of Benzine was brought

into harbour by Warrego & detained. While

alongside an opportunity was taken to discharge

all wood work silver shield & silver bell 

& steam cutter & nearly all boats were left

here also.

In the meantime the "Warrego" & "Yarra" painted

black 4.0 pm leaving the pier we anchored 

in the stream leaving at 8.0 am. The

following Morning in company with destroyers

& Phsya. we anchored at 10.0 pm the same

night proceeding at 6.0 am the next 

morning for Rendezous No1 12.30 pm. Phsya

was ordered to Port Moresby. British W

New Guinea. The Next day Aug 9th

about 9.15 we sighted H M A S. Australia & 

Parramatta reaching Rendezous No1 at 11.0 am

Captain & Eng Commander repaired to Flagship 

returning at noon all ships were then ordered

to proceed at 15 knots to Rendezous No 2.

10.0am The next day H M A S. Encounter was

sighted S.E.

Aug 11th. Battle Flags (Two white Ensigns ford) (& one

Australian & one white Ensign aft) The latter

being silk was presented to the Ships by

The .k. C. of Sydney were wired to The Mast

 

8

Postcard, Admiral Sir David Beatty - see original document

5.30pm. Arrived at Rendezous No.2. 0.0pm Sydney

& three destroyers parted company with

Flagship & proceeded to excute operations No 1

night attack on Simpsons Hafen Raboul, German 

New Guinea, The Flagship Manned Ship &

gave 3 cheers as Sydney & destroyers passed

her working up to 20 knots. The Australia

was soon left behind & we arrived off

Raboul at 8.0 pm.

The Destroyers now entered the Harbour to

attack Sydney keeping position off the Entrance

9.20 pm Yarra rejoined 10.0 pm. Warrego & Parramatta

rejoined Reporting that only a few Tug boats & 

small sailing craft in the harbour, also a

coal hulk apparently empty.

Staying off the entrance untill 2.15am we

them proceeded to Search Talili Bay &

neighbourhood of Man Island without result

returning at 6.0 am to Simpsons Hafen.

Aug 12th 6.30 am Sighted Australia & Encounter off

Gazelle Point. Destroyers entered Simpsons Hafen

to Locate & destroy Wireless station but

returned at 8.0 am unable to find same.

10.0 am 1st Lieut in Charge of Demolition
party landed and destroyed post office fittings

Telegraph & Telephone instruments & ect.

Encountered Captured S.S. Zambesi with Oil.

Engines & W.S. Gear also had a German

Civil Engineer on board carrying despatches

from Naru to Raboul.

Australia put prize crew on board Zambesi

and sent her to Sydney 3.30 pm Demolition

party returned 4.0 pm left for Bouganville.

 

9

Postcard, French and British officers - see original document

9

Aug 13th 8.40 am Encounter & Destroyers parted company

and proceeded direct to Rossil Island. Sydney 

and Australia arrived off Shortland Islands

about 3.0 pm parting company with Flag we

examined Tonili Hafen without result

rejoining Flag at 6.0 pm off Shoalhafen

Island and then proceeded to Rossil Island

Aug 14th Australia parted company at 10.0 am &

proceeded to Port Moresby.

3.30 pm Arrived off Rossil Island & entered

Lagoon Found Melbourne & Encounter &

Destroyers also S.S. Alconda of Liverpool in 
Harbour. we then Secured alongside Alconda

and commenced coaling at 4.30 pm. Stopping

8.0 pm for the night.

Aug 15th Coaling from 6.0 am util 8.0 pm.

Aug 16th Recommenced coaling at 6.0 am & completed at

noon 1130 Tons.

Aug 17th S.S. Phsya arrived & secured alongside ^Melbourne 4.0 pm

Melbourne finished coaling & proceeded to sea

in company with S.S. Alconda & Phsya.

secured alongside Sydney & commenced Oiling

Aug 18th 2.0 am completed Oiling at 5.30 am proceeded

To Sandy Cape to await Expeditionary force

from New Zealand & Australia

Aug 20th 8.0 am Sighted & communicated with S.S.

Zambesi. En route for Sydney.

Aug 21st Arrived at Sandy Cape and anchored.

Aug 22nd 1.0 pm weighed & proceeded.

4.0 pm sighted Troopship "Berrima" with

Expeditionary force 5.0 pm Berrima closed up

and proceeded in company.

Aug 23rd 7.0 am Stopped & received Mails from "Berrima".

 

 10

Postcard, Christmas morning in war time - see original document

10

proceeding again at 7.45 am.

Aug 24th 2.0 am. Berrima parted Company and proceeded.
To Palm Island. 6. 0 am arrived at Townsville.
& secured alongside pier 9. 0 am (Hulk. Josepa.)
brought alongside commenced coaling 5. 45 pm.
finished Coaling (416. Tons.)
Aug 25th 1. 30 pm. Left pier & proceeded. 5.30 pm.
arrived at Palm Island. H M A S Encounter &
Berrima in harbour.
Aug 29th S. S. Aldenham. arrived at 4.30 pm. after being
boarded by an officer of The Guard. & prreceded.
Aug 30th 11.40 pm. Hired Transport "Aorangi" arrived with Stores
& anchored.
Sep 2nd 7.0 am Submarine A.E.1 & 2 arrived and secured
alongside 3.0 pm. Submarine cast off. 4.0 pm
Convoy proceeded Single line ahead. Sydney.
heading followed by Berrima, Encounter, 
& Aorangi, and a Submarine Stationed on
each side.
Sep 3rd passed through Barrier Reef. (Cooks passage)
& encountered heavy E. N. E. Swell
Sep 4th at 8.0pm arrived at Port Moresby. British
New Guinea secured alongside Collier
"Kartuna" & commenced coaling 10.0pm.
stopped coaling for the night Troopship.
Kanowna & Destroyers in harbour also.
Oil boat. ect.
Sep 5th 5.30 am Recommenced coaling
6.0 am Convoy entered harbour
1.0 pm Finished Coaling
6.0 pm Parramatta secured alongside.
Sep 6th 6.40 am. Troopship Kanowna secured alongside
& took in 66 Tons Distilled water from.

 

11
Postcard, The Dispatch - see original document
Sydney. Noon submarines secured alongside.
Sep 7th 6.0 am Submarines & Kanowna cast off we
Embarked naval Brigade (4 officers & 50 Ratings)
Expeditionary force from Berrima.
8.0 am proceeded out of harbour. Sydney
& Berrima. Kanowna. Aorangi. Signalled Mutiny

of fireman Sydney returned to Hanowna and.
ordered her to Townsville
1.30 pm proceeded. 4.30 pm. Rejoined Convoy.
formed in two Columns.
Left Wing Sydney. Berrima & Destroyers.
Right Wing. Encounter & Aorangi
6 0 pm.. Submarines joined Right wing column
Sep 9th arrived at Rendezous & Joined up with "Australia"
Sep 10th Sydney & Destroyers part company with flag.
& Convoy and proceeeded to execute operations.
"Night attack on Raboul"
4.0 pm Cleared for action
Sep 11th 3.30 am. arrived off praed point Destroyers
entered & searched Simpsons Hafen. & Matupi Bay.
4.15 am Destroyers returned & reported.
(nothing sighted) proceeded with Destroyers to
Herbertshols & disembarked Naval brigade ta
5.10am.
7.0am. Flagship & Berrima arrived and.
proceeded to Raboul.
7.30am Hoists British Colours at.
Herbertshols
9.30 am Naval brigade surprised & attacked.
proceeded to Kahaboul to Render assistance
if necessary.
10. 15 am Berrima arrived and landed.
reinforcements 10.15 Returned to Herbertshols

 































 

 

 

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