Diary of Frederick Trouton Small, September-December 1914 - Part 2

80

October  5 MONDAY  1914

Paraded at 6.30. am & practised present arms etc for the 
march thro' the city Hobart,  Paraded at 10.30. marched to the
station at Brighton.  Left the train at New Town & had three
bites of "grub". Engineers first off with Hooper. Lindsay Craig & self

leading the way.  Rotten marching as the Lnt & Captain

made the pace "too hot" All men growling as only

soldiers can growl.  Marched thro' the city about 3pm

& up to the domain where we were dismissed for an

hour & a quarter.  Anderson, I went to "Hurts" but found

them full up & so went elsewhere for a cup of tea & enjoyed

if after my first long dusty march.  Fell in again at 4.15.

marched to station where Dave B. & self were marched off to

the boat & dismissed so as to enable us to join Mr Ross at

dinner.  Most enjoyable little evening.  Caught at train

to Brighton at 8 pm & wrote 4 pc's to Hillcrest. Thought our

reception at Hobart could have been warmer.

6 TUESDAY

Poor old Jim Gooch dismissed collected some cash to help

him on his way.  Paraded at 9 30 for foot inspection &

with soiled clothes washed "both" & retired to tent

to write this & letters.  All my spare time seems to

be spent in writing.  It is a case of write & you shall receive.

Received a letter from Con & Shirty. It's great getting letters

My nose has bled profusely lately - went to the quack who

gave me quinine tabloids. Jack Sinclair got the same for an

entirely different complaint. Wrote to Mrs Wells. Mr Les, Mater

& Bern. Turned in early. Cough too troublesome but

it is useless going to quack. Lent Fergus £1.

7 WEDNESDAY

Paraded for bath after Company drill

& knocked off till 3 as day was too hot

Spent time in writing  Recd letters from

Aunty Eff. Mrs Scott Fletcher. Mrs Wells.

Placed on guard but relieved  Helped

Fergus to fix up the nominal roll

Rotten Camp. The men's tempers are

becoming more & more pronounced.

I think a change to the river side

would rectifyd matters.
81

1914  8 THURSDAY October

The drill of the 1^st Section at the early

parade was a treat & received

oudit.  Terrible day.  I can honestly say it is the

worst I have ever experienced - Wild dusty gusts almost

blown tents & putting all the men in very bad spirits

& covering beds clothes etc in inches of dust. Had 3 baths

& really must have a fourth. The men are all growling

& in the morning intend the to complain about the

camping conditions. They all say this is absolutely the worst

camp any of them have been in & I can believe it

Under such conditions one cannot write & my mail

is all behind.

9 FRIDAY

The rain during the night made

matters easier  But conditions are still rotten.

Parades as usual.  Mutton a dinner time was

bad.  So had bread & jame.  Cap Savage at

tea time provided us with extra tin of jam & a tin of

"bully beef". while we sported two cray fish & cheese

Wrote to Flo, Mater & Con.  Writing is not at all

easy in camp on account of the faint

candle light & the noisy chatter

Wish is was back on the boat with the

second to look after our wants.

10 SATURDAY

Paraded as usual

Shifted camp to a more agreeable spot.  Hair

parade but ducked out of it.  Wired for Norm

but now regret it.  I hope he comes & yet -

Had leave so went into Hobart had hot bath

& a great tea at "Hurts". Saw Miss Van

who greeted us cordially.

11 Sunday

Church Parade.  Stayed in camp & smoked

my first pipe since leaving B'bane.  Wrote to

Bill Brennan, E G Wells, Dick. Uncle Gard Chas Jones

Mrs Beilby.

82

October 12 MONDAY 1914
Paraded as usual but enjoyed lectures with
Sgt Mjr Healy also enjoyed a bonser meal
on eggs procured already fried at a neighbours
house.  Got wires from Norm to say he is
coming  Hooray three times.
Wired to Norm to bring £10 for me &
to leave the balance with Bern.
Received a letter from Eric Francis.
13 TUESDAY
Skirmished up over the hills but put
in a rotten afternoon on the parade ground
Received a letter card from Con & a
letter from Bern.  Had eggs again for
tea & settled down at once to write.  Found
myself thinking a lot of "Hilloust" today
Signed Sodiers Pay Book
Wrote to Eric Cribb & Con.
14 WEDNESDAY
Paraded as usual but was sent into
town, to get the pay books, by the 7.30.
Got books, axe handle for Lnt Bage
Sent watches to watch-maker got boot
polish, handkerchiefs, & looking glass for sgt mgr
Healy.  Arrived back by the 10 a.m.
Sent a pc to the Mater of the "procession"
During the afternoon the Capt took us for field drill
& informed the Q'landers they could go into Hobart
that afternoon, sleep on the boat & do their musketry
course the next day.  The according left by the 5 25
& marched to the "Geelong".  We were then given "leave"
till 11 pm.  I made a Bee line for Hurts cafe' &
thoroughly enjoyed a "civilised" meal
83
1914  15 THURSDAY  October
Got up at 6 15 had breakfast at 7.  Cleaned rifles
& marched out to the rifle butts.  Shot on
butts for the first time in my life.  At 100 yds
grouping  I got 8 in u 20 out of 26
at 200 yds I got 16. 16 out of 20 at 300, 16 & 8 out of 20.
Marched home & had leave - till - 4.15.  Had tea
at Hurts after a warm bath.  Then spent the
evening at the Dandies & after the show
had supper at "Hurts" new tea rooms  Not
a bad day.
16 FRIDAY
ARose as usual & marched out to
the butts.  Capt Clogstoun then sent us out in march
fighting order up to the flagstaff on Mt Nelson signal
station  It was a highly instructive trip & the view
from the top of the mountain fully repaid any discomfort
we suffered on the way up.  We marched to the butts
via the sandy Bay road & received hearty cheers from the
troops at Fort Alexandra.  At 2 oclock we had a very
scrapy dinner & then went on to the range for our
tests.  It is sufficient to say that I qualified  At
the ship I found two grand letters awaiting me
one from the Mater & one from Con.
17 SATURDAY
Turned out at 6.30 bad tempered
but my spirits swung around as I realised that
Norm T would soon be with me.  Sgt. Mgr. Healy
kept me with him to attend to pay duties.  Went with
Lnt Bage to draw pay & acted as pay clerk.  Came
back to camp in motor at 10 pm.  Met Norm again
Dave Sinclair meet him at Brighton Jnctn.  I
went to Hobart station on off chance of him coming right
thro'.
18 Sunday
6 30 parade  Church parade at 9.  Paid remaindr
of Coy at 12.  After dinner wrote under the trees to
Auntie Eff Bern. Renys, Auntie Eff PC Mater
Con PC.  Uncle Gard  Norm left for Claremont
for to be fitted out  Wrote letters at night in the
midst of a noisy camp.

84
October  19 MONDAY  1914
Paraded at 6, with sgt mgr Healy did physical drill
Orderly for the day.  Paraded at 9 when all the defaulters
were paraded.  One chap was dischared for having "cold feet"
"Clogie" gave us a great lecture.  We then marched
all over the country to Bridgewater where we had
a swim  We also had a drink at a Hotel &
brought some biscuits & choclates at the store
I then wrote Con a card from the P.O.  At
5 oclock we marched off & arrived back in camp
at 7 feeling very tired but thoroughly enjoying
the 25 15 miles march.  Clogie proved to be a sport
20 TUESDAY
Roused at 5 am had breakfast
at 6 after handing back blankets waterproofs
plates etc.  Left camp at 7 for railway stn
Went straight on the "Geelong" & in the
distance we could see the "Katuna" leaving
Sgt Mgr Healy sent Cpl Farquhar & self to
bring ∫5000 down to the ship.  We left at 4 pm
in the presence of a great crowd.  "Constable"
Hicks again proved a great forager.  Today he shook
9 pairs of sand shoes & a couple bottles of beer..
Wrote to Con Pater. Geoff. Wired to the Pater.
21 WEDNESDAY
Called at 6.15.  Moved hammocks as usuall
The sea was very smooth while a misty rain
fell all day.  There was a regular jumble up at
meal times but it is a little too early to expect
smooth running.  Norm has quite settled down
& although "messing" with us he will be in No 2
squad.  I intend to get him in No 1 if possible
We were again medically inspected & survived
Our "foraging" expeditions resulted in quite
a respectable number of tins of fruit.
Spent spare time in reading "Othello" &
T Stevensons essay on "Falling in Love"
85
1914  22 THURSDAY  October
Norm & Fred H were orderlies  Paraded at 10
for lecture then at 11.15. went on the deck
for exercise  N^o 16 mess pulled N^o 17 mess
at tug-of-war & after a pull of 4 minutes
- wh is a great pull - we won. In the
afternoon we paraded with life belts &
marched up on the boat deck to N^o 6 life
boat wh Q'land will occupy in case of
emergency.  Wrote portion of budget letter
23 FRIDAY
Orderly today  Nothing
sensational occurred except the sighting of
a school of whales & the "bath" parade
At the latte "Clogie" made the whole
of the 3^rd Field Coy have a bath under
the s^upervision of an N.C.O.  Some
caustic remarks were made about certain
members of the section.  Glorious sunset
resembling wind driven snow cliffs  Had a great
tea on "stolen fruits"  Wrote budget letter
24 SATURDAY
Got up a 6 a.m. & had a bath
& shave.  Clogie came down in a singlet
& was greeted with cries of "Chidley".
Physical drill included Boxing.
Paraded with life belts & at 8 30 pm
with hammocks
25 Sunday
Church parade wrote to Home, Aunts,
Dick Con & Gibie.  Were told to be
on Sentry tomorrow.  Expect to see
Albany about 9 am.

86
October  26 MONDAY  1914
Restless night as bad weather set in : at day break
St George's Sound was in sight  The Oerrela was
just behind us & when we entered the harbour
there was some 19 troop ships in at anchor.
Three more came in during the afternoon.  The cruiser
Melbourne went out to patrol about 6 pm & stayed
out all night  We gave her a great cheer as she
passed us.  As the engineer's had to supply the
guard I was quartered in the Infantry troop deck
from 8 am to 12 & on the bridge from 8 pm to 12
At the latter post Jim Lindsay & I had to watch
the moorings of other ships & to hail any ship
that came near us.  The morse lamp was in
frequent use during the night.  Could not write.
27 TUESDAY
Awakened from slumbers at 5. 30. as
the crew was sweeping the deck.  Relieved at 8 am
Had any sort of breakfast & the self for an hour
Had a hot bath at 10 am. & did a bit of
washing.  At the 2 parade  S.M. Healy gave a
lecture & then we had a fair go at physical
drill.  After tea, being tired, I slept in the
hammock rack till 9 & then finally retired for
the night.  No letters written.  Horonata joined us
4 bags of mail came aboard but none for Norm
or me.
28 WEDNESDAY
Stew horribly burnt so had jam
issued to us.  Indulged in some fish.  We have been
living like fighting cocks mainly due to the Mess a/c.
Milthades came in about 8 30 am & had a great reception
We then had a lecture at 10.  By 11 the six boats for
N.Z. joined us as well as the escort.  They were given
a very hearty welcome.
We went thro' our usual exercises & had a right
royal tea on Brawn, tinned fruit etc
The event of the day was the mail  I
received letters from Eric Francis.  Chas Jones
Mrs Beilby.  Mater Con 2 Bern.  I immediately
started on the budget letter & one for Con
87
1914  29 THURSDAY  Oct & Nov
Heaved anchor & sailed into Albany for coal &
provisions
Finished Con's letter & gave both to a coal lumper
together with a wire for Auntie & Mr Lloyd.
Wrote to Eric Mrs Fletcher Mrs Les Mater Bern
& an acknmt to Mrs Bielby.  Slept on floor
for a change.  dashed hard
30 FRIDAY
Was told to make a list for all the
wants of the two messes.  I then applied for leave
& it was granted although previous applications had been
turned down.  Accordingly I changed into my best & just
happened to miss a boat & while Clogie was signing my
pass I missed a second.  The third was caught about
5. 30.  As this went the rounds of the fleet I had a great
chance of seeing all the ships at close quarters  We
called at the Oviela about 7 & had to tow a hospital
case into Albany where I arrived at 7.30.  I did as much
shopping as possible before 9 & then stayed at the London
Hotel for the night & shared the room with a young
Q.M.S,  Slept well.  I might mention that I had a few commesor
to fullfil for the Oviela - veg Ltnt Dorken.
31 SATURDAY
Finished my shopping in Albany & returned to the
jetty at 10.30.  Caught the "Prince" out to the "Katuna"
& was landed at the Geelong at dinner time with
all my belongings including the Oviela's.  I had
got rid of most of my belongings by the two parade
Letters were then given to me from Con Miss Fletcher
Mrs Les & Stan Francis.  Later in the evening
Clogie took us for three rows in N^o 8 around
the "Geelong" & over to the "skir of England" Fixed
up the accounts at night.  Wrote to catch the
last mail as we were leaving a 6 next morning
1 Nov Sun
AWAY AT LAST.
Went to the early morning service in the officier's
mess.  Wrote in the morning & attended at 11
parade  All the Q'landers joined the choir &
let themselves go with a will  The text was Love
& Concercration.  Part of the afternoon I slept
& the rest I spent in writing.  It was a great night
to see all the ships lining up & sailing in their
formation.

88
November  2 MONDAY  1914
Orderly to day  Had a great bust
up with the steward over cleaning up his portion
of the deck.  The case was taken to Clogie & I won
"hands down".  But this did not soothe my
ruffled spirits as I was touchy all day after
this.  The weather is inclined to be rough.
Dave told me that I'm "getting a devil to rouse"
Destroyed heaps of letters.
3 TUESDAY
Rough again; plates beginning to slide
No drill.  Two more boats joinx us
Watch the movements of the ships with
interest.  Wrote to Pater & Les.
Norm saw doctor as a rash was giving
him trouble
4 WEDNESDAY
Section on guard.  Allan Wilson & I
orderlies.  Put in pump & filter on our
mess deck for drinking purposes.  Jim
Lindsay helped me.  This was Norm's
first day on guard.  Bad temper
last couple of days.  Cut orderlies
some sandwichs for supper & took up
their hammocks.
MacWatt & I made a couple of
drawn thread cloths for the mess tables
on which to display our silver during
parades.  Wrote to Con Mater
Norms first guard  He managed to have
a good feed forward.
89
1914  5 THURSDAY  November
Lime juice issued & 2 pkts of cigarettes.
Much calmer today but, fairly hot
easily seen we are approaching the
tropics;  Our boats look well on this
clear day.  The "Monitor" sailed down our
lines evidently inspecting.  Norm & I joined Clogie
and NCO's in a bridge lecture.  Gained a deal of
information.  Full dress parade at 2 pm &
inspection at 3 p.m.  Some interest was
created by the arrival of the Orient mail steamer
"Osterly".  Tired of sleeping on floor so decided
to join 17 Mess & gain the port hole "posy"
Issue of cigarettes 2 pkts per man
6 FRIDAY
Hot again to day & nothing doing
Pump & filter is going to be a tu trouble
as water is continually coming into our
clean mess.  Boat drill at 2
Clogie had a "silence competition" with
the Light Horse  Of course we won.  Jack S
& I had a scrag much to Clogies
amusement  Most of the mess
suffering with our heads partly because
they are "off colour"  Norm's health good mine ^too
7 SATURDAY
Paraded before the doctor P as
my wrist was painful as a result of my scrag with
Jack.  Norm orderly, but several of the other
"Moustache reapers" had to clean the latrines as
Clogie gave us 4 days CB for clean shaving
The result of our labours received great praise from
the Captain who praised the latrines for the first
time since leaving albany.  Fire alarm at 4 15 pm
for practice.  Sultry day, French classes started to day
Had a huge scrag.. On Clogies orders we took Fred Hs
trousers off in quick time.  Boat parade at 8 /am
8 Sunday
Paraded with the sick again nothing really wrong
only bandages needed for foot & this is the only
way to procure them.  Church parade at 10 am but
it proved uninteresting as we could not hear a word.
Slep during the afternoon.  Hot & sultry weather prevailing
Another issue of lime juice also one tinned fruit.
Started beer a/c for Mess.  Wrote to Mater. Con &
Bern.  Some mystery hanging around.  Minator
has left us while the "Osterley" has returned & gone
again all lights out till 8.30.  Minator has not
returned

90
November  9 MONDAY  1914
Orderly to-day.  F. class supplied O at inspctn  Last night was very
sultry so is today.  Minator was reported to be engaged
last night.  About breakfast time the sydney cleared
at "full spead" smoke simply pouring out of her funnels
After breakfast the Melbourne came on our port flank
at a fair bat then about 10 o'clock while the we were
having a lecture ^the Abourka (Japanese escort) put it all on
and joined the Melbourne.  She looked great as
she tore in front of us under a dense mass of smoke.
"Things were doing" but where?  we heard that that
the wireless recd a Telefunkin message" & this was the cause
of the "stir".  Shortly after 11 we heard that the "emdern" had
been sunk by the "Sydney" after 12 shots & that the
"Monitor" & Sydney were then after the collier.  Reduced
speed was ordered to enable the three ships to rejoin us
about midnight.  Great excitement on board.
Extremely hot today  I am going about in shorts & singlet
10 TUESDAY
The following is the official report - Orvieto General
"Sydney started off for Cocos at 7 am, at 9.30. she had sighted
the enemy travelling at full spead, she was able to get within
range in 20 mins, at the same time she signalled that the
chase was steering N. at 10 45.  Sydney was engaging the enemy
briskly & at 11.10 the latter had to beach herself to avoid sinking.
Her fore mast & 3 funnels were down but the flag was still
flying.  Sydney then went after Emden's collier took the crew off
& sunk her.  Sydney returned again to Emden who surrended.  the
extent & nature of the German casualties are not yet known but they
are bound to be severe.  The sydneys own casualties required
hospital treatment wh was probably found on direction island.  The
Emden had had time to destroy the wireless telegraph station & to
cut 1 of 3 cables.  A second cable is intact & possibly the 3rd  All
the instruments had been buried destroyed excepting one.  This one
had been buried & is in use again.  The W7 & cable operators deserve
praise for sticking to their front & sending out distress signals & for
saving instruments.  Following are censorship arrangements.  All mails
from AEF transports will be sent to "Orvieto" for censorship.  Open
letters, plain pc's & urgent telegrams will be passed by Censor
for immediate despatch provided that all reference to ships
places & dates are omitted.  Closed letters & parcels will
be delayed.  Sydney will sail for Colombo as soon as
she has succeeded in getting the German wounded &
prisoners on board.  The operation presents may take 24 hrs
as it presents considerable difficulty.  On Sunday night
the Emden probably passed within 20 miles of the convoy
The wireless was silent:, the van on the convoy so well
darkened that she might have passes 5 mils ahead of us
Had she passed astern of us certain Australian ships
were showing lights visible 6 miles or more & Emdens
torpedoes would probably have taken toll of the Convoy
before the escort could attack her.
Hot again today.  Started new time table & did semaphore
on top deck.  Orderlies (Norm & Jack from No 16) went on
strike as the time for duties was too short.  I had an
argument with Clogie over the same thing but am
no sure whether I convinced him,.  During afternoon
Norm & I were sent into hold to do a bit of cargo lumping
damn hot but we managed to score a bottle of
lime juice.  Another argument with Clogie over
pump.  Band (24) in the "Pool" for refining duty
3 drivers got 74 days CB & No pay for refusing duty
Sgt Major Healy had a look at this diary smiled at a few
bits  Clogie also had something to say
91
1914  12 THURSDAY  November 
Rather cooler last night so slept well.  Hudson Hooper
orderlies.  Hooper in bad nick probably due to ill health
& swallowing "words".  Paraded for signalling at .8.30. &
for "tackle" lecture at 9 30.  Orderlies - - as I predicted - were
unable to finish work by 9.30.  First French lesson
at 11.  Clogie threatened to separate Q'land as they were
too frisky.  "Melbourne" left us todar about 9 o'clock leaving
the "Aboukil" to look after us  About dinner time the
C.P.R steamer "Empress of Asia" passed us.  She is an
armoured merchantman & was carrying the mails to Australia
on account of the "Emden" flying around.  No more fear
from that source now.  Few tropical showers during
the day.  Had a heated argument with Bill over Chas
Robinson's capabilities in furnace work.  It annoys one
to be flatly contradicted on a subject that one has watched
& tested for its accuracy.  15 & 14 Messes placed under open
arrest over a case of fruit supposed to be stolen - pretty grim again
13 FRIDAY
Spent a great night alongside the port hole  Conditons changed
from the hot still days to wet windy ones.
Allan & I were orderlies - nuf sed.  Clogie got the crowd
on the boat deck - naked - & with a towel & a piece
of soap.  It was a case of wash while the rain fell
I was offered my stripes today but refused them for
two reasons.  One being my wish to stay with Q'lands
Section
The fruit "case" was investigated but Jim Campbell
cleared matters & took the onus.  Wrote to the Pater.
In connection with the "case".  A little story was written
about Sgt Major MacGowan & how the sappers, after a lot of
resourceful tactics, managed to procure a sleeper for fire wood
purposes.  The theft was not discovered till the sleepers were
removed some time afterwards.  This story Clogie has read
before the Section, by Norman.  At the conclusion he said "
"Somebody said whats the moral?  Well its don't pinch from your
mates & when you do pinch don't be caught". . I had a long
talk with the Captain over the "stripe" business & he
considered that I was not doing my duty to the Coy & myself
& that he was sorry.
14 SATURDAY
Our Company on guard today.  I changed places with
Fergus. . I like being orderly on guard days as the meals
take a bit of handling  Wrote to Auntie Eff.  Uncle Gard
Mrs Les. Flo & started one for home.
Made sandwich for guard also lime juice.  Sent
Auntie Eff 3 pkts of letters
Sunday
Got up early & started letter for Con containing
all news.  Clogie told me to be ready in a
minutes notice to row over to Medic & Orvieto when
we got into Colombo.  This did not eventuate.  Did
not attend church parade as I wished to finish Cons letter
15 Sunday
Orderly for 3^rd time in succession
Norm wrote several letters home
Ceylon in sight.  Sydney & Empress of Asia passed
us in the early morning.  As we w neared our
port the ships formed up in the "Anglo Marine"
formation presenting a grand sight.  We were
all struck with the beautiful buildings around
us as we viewed them from the Harbour &
earnestly wish to see them closer.  Plenty of sampans
knocking around in the distance.  N & I
joined the sing song in the evening.  Russian "Askold
on our Port Flank

92
November  16 MONDAY  1914
Norm & Jack orderlies  Jack annoyed because Durack
missed a turn.  Very hot  Did early drill on a/c of washing
parade later on.  Took three pounds of Nagels to mind
Working parade at 10.  Shortly after dinner we were
told that Queensland were to row Ltnt Barber Dave
Crocker Moller over to the Medic.  We had a devil
of a row in the heavy wind & against the current  Those
of the crowd were sea sick.  Norm Bill Hinks Lindsay Jack
& self formed crew.  Jack broke an oar.  Stopped at Star
of England." for spell.  The men here annoyed the
officers in our boat very much.  Poor old Colonel Clarke
presented a sorry figure as he attempted to scale the
ships side.  Clogie was looking very white & to save
disaster decided to lead the way up the ship's side followed
by other officers Sgt Mgr Healy Sgts Crocker & Thom.  The latter
over stayed their leave & were placed under open arrest.  We
could not make the "Medic" so we returned to A2.
17 TUESDAY
ARose as usual feeling a bit off, just
a bit livery.  Norm even more so
but it cleared off as the day progressed without one
"word" with any body.  Cigarettes are once again in stock
so we procured a  £1 worth for the mess.  Instead of the
second x French lesson the tutor told us how the
Russian "Arkold" fought in the Russo-Japanese war.
Off again at 11.30 am for ? perhaps Aden
The second division remained behind.  The "Dartmouth"
is accompaning us as escort.  At the 2 parade we were
all mustered & blown "sky high" by the Sgt Mgr on
account of the supposed slackness of the Company in
matters of discipline & general attitude towards N.C.O's
No 17 orderlies in trouble for not being at their table when
"inspection" was on "there is a mistake some where as they
do not deserve 3 days C.B.  I took their place from the French
class as there was none of their mess attending this was Capt
Cogstouns arrangement on Monday 9th.
18 WEDNESDAY
Dasked hot again with the sea like
a mill pond.  The boats practised fog drill during the
afternoon while we did Maths!  At conclusion
of lecture Clogie told us we were a d - lot of slackers
etc & that we had to have our dishes up by the 9 30 parade
even if the cleaning had to be done the night before.  The
sapper has now "organised" & in future polishing will
only be done on "Guard" days.  This will mean that we
finish by 9.10. & can have a smoke & a wash which
we were unable to do before  Clogie has put work on
& we have taken it off.  To me it seems a pity as the
men in 16 & 77 looked on the appearance with pride
& pleasure.  Now it is becoming a drudgery : Wrote to
"shirty!! May, Mater. Aunts & Uncles. Prof Priestly
Prof Gibson. Bray.
In case of argument I am putting the following
order taken from Clogue as he brushed us up after
Maths "No mess orderly will be allowed in the mess
deck while inspection is being carried on by the C.O.
Their places will be taken by members of the French class.
1914  19 THURSDAY  November
Wrote to Mrs E G Wells, Flo, Mater.
Orderly to day & evidently fell out of the wrong side
of the hammock for I blew Fergus up a treat when
I knew he meant nothing.
Alteration to time table for Morse signalling
Norm. Jack, Durack & self were told off by Capt Clogstoun
to learn Morse ; unfortunately I was unable to. I feel
already that I have too many irons in the fire to do
the thing properly much as I would like to master it
However I intend to learn it in my spare time -
the trouble is to find it - & perhaps even then I may
keep apace with the others.  I am very much afraid
that our happy little Mess will be broken up over
this whole business.  Clogie at first would not hearr
of me withdrawing but on explaining the mess accounts he
crossed out my name saying he was disappointed. -
20 FRIDAY
Slept badly altho' the night was cool
Every time I awoke I had the signal incident on my
mind and while I was doing orderly duties duties
Clogie came and said 'To him that hast it shall be given
to him that hast not shall be taken away.  So far I
have not been able to fathom his inference"
Maths in the afternoon saw me tutoring another
sapper.  The absurdity of the affair annoys me.
Thank goodness our Mess is to remain intact
As all except two are signallers.  Allan & I decided to
go as permanent orderlies & thus prevent others coming
in to act as orderlies and so push our own out.
The "Abouki" has again joined us together with the
third division which remained behind at Colombo.
The weather very hot but the sea remain calm.
Norm's time is much taken up now & he can do very
little writing
21 SATURDAY
Very hot again today Sgt Mgr lectured on
Obstacles & Thom on Defences  Had second
French lesson.  Engineers Concert at night
Clogie gave us an address on xxx "My boys"
in his characteristic style.
22 Sunday
Attended early service at 6. 30. & thought of home folk
at their Morning (11 oclock) Church.  Too hot to do
much so lolled about.  Went to 11 15 church parade
& enjoyed it.  Slept or rather tried to sleep on top poop
deck with Norm, both decided that it was too
noisy so came & spread ourselves out on the troop
deck only to be disturbed by the singing attempts of
Cpl Townsend & "Gregor".  Sorry to say I or we missed
our usual Sunday night sing song.  Tried to
write home but the noisy crowd & hot conditions
made it impossible so gave it up.

94
November  23 MONDAY  1914
Land in sight - Socotra Island   ah grand to see
land again.  The island looks pretty barren with
fairly high mountains.  Very hot again today .
Paraded at 9.30. am in Marching Order but got into
"blue duds" again at 12.  Drew £1 for Nagel who
told me to keep & not allow him any more before he
arrives in London - so be it.
Listened to a miserable lecture by Ltnt Savane in
the afternoon & missed Maths lecture as Clogie failed
to put in an appearance.  Wrote to Con & while writing
Clogie came and told me us what he thought of us for
not working - damn work I say.  Our section on
guard to morrow.  I'm off thank goodness  I may get
some writing down on the right side of the sheet
Poor old second  took a fit in the dry canteen  Went to
his aid & was sorry to hear that he took a second fit
about dinner time.
24 TUESDAY
Our crowd on guard & like good sappers they made
the most of it.  Anderson & I orderlies got very little
time to write as we put in a lot of time making the
deck spick and span; of course the old skipper had
something to say & picked on the hammock rack.
Got the guard sardine sandwiches & coffee at 7 pm
they seemed to enjoy them thoroughly.  Had a Morse
lesson with Ltnt Savage.  Weather still hot and
the sea appears to be as smooth as glass.  The surface
is only disturbed here and there by a 'cats paw'
25 WEDNESDAY
Mess deck again spick & span although the skipper
examined the hammock rack.  Capt Clogstoun or
rather Clogie called us together over the NCO business
- Fergus Campbell Norm Jack & self the first &
have decided to take x or be ready when called upon
to take ha stripe.  After a talk with Clogie I've decided
to take on Morse.  Land again in sight &
while we were having a maths. lecture we entered
Aden.  This was is a very rocky place - wonderfully
so.  The distant hills are almost obscured by a
heavy haze.  The wireless station is perched on top of
one of the highest pinnacles while at the foot the
light house flashes out its warning.  The whole
place has an exposed jagged appearance which stands
out against the skyline
I heare the Engineers are being blamed for the broaching of
cargo in No 2 hold.  I don't fear any ill & hope the sappers
will prove equal to the occasion.  Wrote to the Mater
95
1914  26 THURSDAY  November
Spent morning from 6 00 on boat deck doing my first
lesson in Morse.
Heaved anchor at 6.30. & sailed away from aden.  The
formation of the rugged hills was very striking.  These hills were
interspaced with sand dunes & away in the distance we could
dimly see thro' the haze large grey & white Mts.  In the harbour
itself lay a large number of Indian transports.  We passed
through "Hell's Gates" about 3.30. I was rather sorry disappointed
with them.  I had heard such wonderful reports about
them and the danger about in passing them that I was thoroughly
disappointed with the whole scene.  I'd sooner have Hinchenbrook
Channel any day.
No 1 Squad sent down into No 2 hold to do a bit straightening
up.
Our boys were being tried for broaching ships stores. Somebodys
has had a "haul" for articles were strewn all over the place.
Numbers of the Indian transports are passings us on
their return journey  One had 113 on her side - How
many were of them??
27 FRIDAY
Stifling again to day but as we were down
the hold again we were able to find a cool spot.  Ltnt Savage
brought us down a tin of cocoa wh we had at 10 30 & 3 30
Capt Clogstoun was very pleased with our efforts.  Amongst ourselves
we had some rare scrums over the ships linen  We also
practised the rocket - with great effect.  We came across a
few tins of fruit in different "plants" and sent them up
as "empties"  Others also procured a few bottles which needless
to say went up as dead 'uns.  We were unfortunate
enough to miss a "summing up" lecture by Clogie who
said the engineers were exonerated from all blame -
Caesar's Ghost!!!! & here were we filling ourselves down
below the whole time.  Just finished  It happened in
Egypt " as we pass into the Red Sea  While in this sea
all Physical Training is being suspended but all the
same we are doing plenty of it down No 2 hold but
thank goodness it is over the freezing chamber.  Caught up
the Ovieta who transferred some tobacco to us as we had
run out.
28 SATURDAY
Down the hold again today & as usual
had a great time plenty of work & plenty of fun with
it.  There is no doubt this Queensland crowd is hard
to beat when one looks around.  While down the hold
we heard great cheering from up above & thought
dinner was on but far different news greeted us when we
inquired the cause "We are going to Cairo" they said
What they had to cheer about I do not know.  Our
mess with the exception of Allan Wilson delisted
the idea but like sensible beings decided to make the best
of it & no doubt we will have something to be thankful
for.  During the afternoon Clogie gave a lecture on
EGYPT but we were down the hold.  PaiD
29 Sunday
Weather is degrees cooler.  In fact we are running in face
of a fair head wind.  Attended Church parade at
11.30.  The sea is still smooth - what a wonderful
trip this has been for our horses - we have a
lot to be thankful for.  Although land is not
in sight a light sand is covering our decks.  Rather
remarkable.  Wrote Pater Bern Aunties & Uncles. Mrs Brysten

96
Nov & Dec 30 MONDAY  1914
Down the hold again.  the weather remains beautifully
cool with the sea a bit choppy.  Signed for our
equipment & also got our identification tickets or tags
Land in sight our ships are formining into single
file Finishing letter to Con, Eric, Kath,
Down the hold from 7 to 8.45. Can now see the
opening our ships are making for.  While in hammock I
could see a brilliant minute flashing light.  Weather quite
cold while the days are much shorter.  It is quite
dark at 6 in the morning
1 Dec TUESDAY
SUEZ
Land quite close on either side now
At sunrise there was a wonderful effect.  The rays struck the
land on our port side throwing it up in a beautiful pink
& purple blending.  Both Norm & I remarked that Les would
go "dilly" over it.  The whole outline has a very sharp appearance
as if it is being rapidly denuded away.  Down the hold
at 9 am & returned at 11 am in time to see the fleet entering
Suez.  We dropped anchor at 12.30 and it was not long
before the Bum boats were along side with the crowd on
A 2 lowering money & getting cigarettes in exchange.
At sunset we witnessed a grand sight the sands hills
were blended into beautiful shades of pink purple gold
& yellow - wonderfully delicate.  We hear there has been
some trouble locally with snapshooters on the canal
The victorians have been told off for "special service"
Wrote to D.E.B. Mrs Les
2 WEDNESDAY
Brought some PC's from bum boat
& wrote to Con Bern Aunte.  A 2 moved in closer at 6.30.
to draw water.  There are about 12 ships in the Indian
Convoy which has just come in escorted by a French cruiser
About 2 we passed into the Canal we were all much
struck with the beauty of the spot.  The streets were
beautifully kept & planted with tress.  The shores
of the Canal were all properly trained &
bricked.  It was about 50 yards in width.  We
noticed a peculiar effect that the displacement
of a large vessel has an a narrow sheet of water
The stations along the Canal were very picturesque
& quite relieved the long stretches of sand.  At
intervals along the banks were quartered Companies
of Indian troops who gave us a great reception
Our ships were all fitted with search lights to
enable us to pick our way thro' the canal but
as the night was beautifully moonlight they were
more as an ornament than use.  Sleep put and
end to sight seeing.  Found my purse with
£6 pounds & bank receipt has been stolen
Feel horribly upset about it.
97
1914  3 THURSDAY  December
PORT SAID  During the course of the day saw
a great flight by the French hydroplane.  There were 4
of them stationed on one of the piers.
We were entering Port Said as the bugle called us
up The moon was still up & p crowds of people were
still astir even at this early hour.  Away in the distane
we could hear the Arabs coaling the Port Lincoln & it was
not long before they were around us.  While the
engineer was measuring the coal these arabs were
begging for money & scrambling over one another in their
endeavour to grab a coin.  Others were diving for coins
In coaling the women appear to do most of the work &
keep up a dismal tune as they run up & down the planks
with their baskets.  Bum boats were also very much in
evidence.  Some amusement was caused by one of the
arabs boats being sunk by the "Hampshire's" wash leavin
his ice floating down the canal.  Had a fruitless search for
the stolen purse but all to no avail.  Sailed again
at 4. 30 & anchored outside the Canal.
4 FRIDAY
Still anchored outside Port Said.  Our
section on guard to day which means I'm orderly
At inspection the OC complimented us on the
appearance of our decks.  Wrote a P.C. to Con & LC to
Mr Wells.  Went down hold again.  Orderly for the day
Busy watching clue ; for Bruce seems to be spending
money very freely amongst stewards etc
5 SATURDAY
Down hold again Had a tiff with
Fergus because he intended undressing while orderlies
were doing duties.  Bruce being watched every
turn
6 Sunday
Reported to Capt Clogstoun Bruces actions & he decided to put
it to the section.  This was done on Sunday morning
The result left little doubt as to the thief but he would
not admit anything.  Heaved anchor & moved closer in

98
December 7 MONDAY  1914
Down the hold again.  Indian troops left in the
afternoon.  Bruces matter left over for a while.  I am heartily
sick of the whole thing.  Wrote to Bern
8 TUESDAY
Wrote to Flo & Dick Auntie Flo
Nothing doing except a full dress parade & inspection
spent evening marking all gear.  Sailed for Alexandria
at 9 p.m.  PAiD  Wrote to Les & Mr Les
9 WEDNESDAY
Orderley.  Spent afternoon down
hold getting gear (dishes etc) ready for advance party who were
embarking on the early morning train. . I stayed all night in
the hold slinging our cars waggons etc.  Relieved when I
saw our heavily laden G.S waggon reach the wharf safely.
Finished at 3 am.  So turned in till 4.30 am as I was
very tired.  Jimmy Lindsay & Bill Farquhar worked like Britons
While in the hold we were very much amused at the Arabs
We arrived in Alexandria at 12.  In the distance the
place looked fine very flat & hundreds of yellowish buildings
glittered in the sun.  There appeared to be an exceptionally
heavy tonnage in the harbour.  There were at least 14 captured
German Merchantmen there & a great number of sailing ships
Wrote to Mater
These are fine days so much work to allow one to have
a minutes spell - I like to be "moving".
ALEXANDRIA. in town Dec 8
99
1914  10 THURSDAY December
CAIRO
11 FRIDAY
MENA
Arrived in the camp under the
shadows of the pyramids at 1 30 am.  The place is extremely
sandy but it is a clean sand resembling that of an ocean beach
Our tents accommodate 40 & are 30 x 15.  The two pyramids
are about 300 yds away & look tremendous.  There are huge
ruins being unearthed around these by the Harvard University
It is most interesting.  Unfortunately we are not allowed to visit
this.  We hear that two people (troops) have been killed thro' falling
down (not off) the pyramids while a N Zealander had had his
throat cut by the natives for lifting a veil of a woman in the
street.  Clogie has explained all the religious customs which
must be observed by the troops Our section told off as picket
I was one & went on from 10 to 12 & from 4 to 8.  The
night was a beautiful moonlight one.  The pyramids
looked fine.  Their size is amazing.  Norm & I hope to
go over them on Sunday.  Jack released from detention
to CB.  No mail for Norm or I.
12 SATURDAY
Finished horse picket at 8 am
& spent morning in sleep; our tent brought 18 mats for tent
to cover sand.  It was a great improvement & kept every
clean.  Our section allowed to go into Cairo.  Norm & I stayed
behind.  Before they left we all unpacked the carts & took them
into the store.  I put a Buffalo forge together & then joined Norm
at tea.  After tea we went up & visited the Queenslanders &
afterwards went down to Frank Haymans tent & met Bosie Rigby,
Chambers Jones & others.  Ltn Savage our C.O. joined us
and took home after a most enjoyable evening.  We
gathered from our impressions that Col Lec. is not altogether
too popular either with officers or men.  Peter Stuart was in
good health.  Letters to Coy but no mail for "we two"
13 Sunday
Revelle at 6.45.  Paraded at 7 & straightened up pegs in our
lines  At 11 were marched to Mena house to have a
swim in the baths.  These were marble & beautifully
kept.  My ankle has been troubling me a deal today.
Norm & rest went over the Pyramids & Sphinx
in the afternoon I stayed at home to write to Pater
Heard that the "Apric had been sunk.
The crowd are full of the wonders of the pyramids
& the excavations that surround them.  My poor
little brother I hope he's a bit brighter than I am.