Diary of Mary Ann 'Bessie' Pocock, 1914-1918 vol 1 - Part 2
3
November 2nd 1914
Sea rough – feeling very seedy – on duty - had to lie down pretty often.
November 3rd
Sister in bed today – on night duty last night – orderly to sick to do duty – I felt very
miserable all day – had to lie down may times, felt so faint.
Not many dressings – many throats to paint – coughs etc – Western – pneumonia –
seems rather bad – sponged and fixed up. 8.20pm. Temp 102.8.
Had my 3rd French lesson – feeling better in evening – did not go to any meals all day
– had a little in my cabin.
November 4th
Sea smooth again – feeling better – boats all around, fairly in line – "Southern" doing
only about 9 knots, so all the others have to wait for her – just sent a message to say
that she cannot go any faster now.
Message came through to say that Kingsburgh won the Melbourne Cup.
November 5th
Going still slowly – "Southern" it is said, keeping us back – the ships all look very
pretty – so many together – the Japanese cruiser on our side "Minotaur" came
through the lines today – went down to meet a ship which was the "Osterly" great
cheering etc when she passed us about 7pm – everybody got up from dinner – rushed
on deck like a lot of children – "Osterly" was allowed to go on her journey later.
Orders came aboard to have all lights in cabins shaded and curtains over the portholes
drawn.
Hosp. much the same – Western, pretty ill – pneumonia – had my 4th French lesson.
6/11/14 – nice morning.
November 9th
Sunday morning our service was cut short – message came to say there was a death on
the "Euripides" – she fell back behind us till the funeral was over, then came into her
place again.
(Just when she passed in front of us, the "Euripides" was only 5 miles away)
November 10th
Message just came aboard to say that the "Euripides" passed within 25 miles of us on
Friday night – most ships were all in darkness – one reported to have had lights,
against orders – a wonder it was not seen by the enemy's ship – she passed in front of
us. Had she passed in the rear, she would have torpedoed some of the boats in the
rear.
The famous German raider SMS Emden, which was driven ashore at North
Keeling Island, on 9 November 1914, under heavy bombardment from HMAS
Sydney and became a total loss.
Commanded by Commodore J C T Glossop CB RN, the Sydney achieved
victory in the first naval action in which an Australian warship was engaged.
Photograph - see original document
HMAS SYDNEY
Photograph - see original document
4
November 10th 1914
A Wireless yesterday to say that they had picked up a message about Wireless Station
and Cable Station at Cocos Island being intercepted.
The "Sydney" went over and found the "Emden" coaling – beached both boats, but
no message to say what they did with the prisoners on the "Emden" or crews of
collier.
The Japanese boat asked if she was wanted – they signaled back that the "Sydney"
could manage and that their turn would come.
The "Melbourne" and the Jap cruiser would be needed here. Thought they would be
in action last night.
Report that the "Koniskey" had a bout with the "Emden" and there might be trouble.
Everybody very watchful of guns on board and the ship all black except for a small
light, that we might not run into one another. Sometimes you could not see that either,
only the flickering lights at times, sending messages to one another.
The "Orbietto" sends orders etc, all around.
We are told today that we may have lights tonight – all danger passed – no cruisers
about, will whether any other messages come through. (Cancelled – all lights shaded
now, still)
Of duty today – up on deck, trying to write this – we have a great list and roll on – the
usual sea roll – awfully smooth and calm though – a bird just flew past – something
like a seagull, not so big – sort of dark grey – the first sign of life except our own little
world of boats – we are about 500 miles from land, I am told this morning.
Our two war boats are keeping very close to us today – we have only been able to see
the smoke and outline as a rule – today they can be seen plainly without glasses.
November 11th
Wireless just came through to say that the "Sydney" took all the coal from the
Collier and sank her and they have all the officers and crew of the "Emden" on
board and hope to pick us up again soon.
The Germans beached their own boat when they found they could not get away – they
have done a good deal of damage from the beginning and made a good fight.
Must be very unhappy at being caught at last.
Lights still all shaded – in dangerous waters.
Did about 200 men today inoculation for typhoid – some soldiers will not be done.
They are to be punished, I am told – do not know how.
"Abacacias" fell out today – burial at sea – Capt. says it is dreadfully sad to see them
fall out and stop – do hope we are fortunate enough to get all our men home.
5
November 12th 1914
About 5/30am today, "Orvieto" steamed across to "Melbourne", took 2 men off to
Japanese cruiser, then the "Melbourne" said good bye and steamed away – Capt. tells
me, not returning – we now have the Japanese cruiser going to meet the "Sydney" -
perhaps relieve her of prisoners and crew of the "Emden" and collier.
November 13th - 14th
13th: News arrived that ........... had surrendered unconditionally to .........
14th: Very hot today, seems to have been nothing new today so far – off today, did
some washing and must iron some time – aprons – h'chiefs.
French lesson at 8pm. – had another nice concert tonight.
November 15th
Arrived at Colombo – anchored about 1-55pm – not going into wharf – have
enough coal and water – awfully pretty, the nice green trees etc – houses, large
buildings. No one has been out to us and no military passengers to go ashore – the
ship's Capt. only, so far has gone – maybe more news tomorrow.
Most beautiful sight – all the transports – war ships etc –a Russian war ship was in
when we arrived – she steamed out about 4pm. across our bows and took up a
position on our left outside our lines. She has 5 funnels, 42 boilers, goes, or did go
when she was going at 29 knots and carried 6 guns. She is old fashioned but looks
pretty capable.
Then the Japanese cruiser – the "Sydney" – "Empress of Russia", a lovely looking
ship – we were all at the wharf.
The N. Zealanders are also in taking coal, water or something. There was also a boat
carrying a Dutch flag, besides all the other boats – most glorious sight and the lovely
red sunsets show all up – The "Euripides" just a little ahead of us and to the right.
Saw some sisters aboard who waved across – it looked like Miss Gould – I waved
back, so did my duty.
Mails expected aboard tomorrow, don't expect any – sent away about 30 letters and
P.C. – some opened and some closed, so surely they will go along – the closed ones
will not be posted till a week or so after we leave, but if they go anytime, I shall not
mind – very steamy heat.
2 cases of rheumatism (acute), hope we do not get many as it is so painful and lasts so
long.
Pneumonia case much better, T98 all day.
Had afternoon tea in the Saloon today for first time – usually had it in the cabin,
unless lately if sister makes it, in hospital, I have not been able to touch the tea and do
miss it so much – now taking it without milk and sugar.
6
November 15th 1914
The "Sydney" had two killed – several wounded – 2 others since dead.
The "Emden" 100 killed, 150 wounded we were told.
They took the officers swords, but as a mark of respect, gave them back to them, if all
is true.
A Prince – nephew of Kaiser is on board – a prisoner of war.
November 16th
Monday: Still lying out in stream – lovely sight all these large transports and battle
cruisers – beautiful scenery and view of Colombo in the distance – very hot.
"Yarmouth" passed us – going into wharf for coal or water I suppose – battle cruiser.
November 17th
Tuesday: Several transports going in closer for water – we go in also. 11.30am – just
been told that 1 sister, 7 medical men may go ashore for a few hours – Dr. Aspinall –
Str. Marshall went – returned about 2pm. – permission given for 2 others, Dr.
Buchanan and I went across with ship's Captain – lovely row over, about 15 minutes.
Dr. and I got car and drove around principle parts, or rather some of them, our
chauffeur telling us names etc. Took some snapshots, which did not turn out too well.
Went past Cinnimou? Gardens – Oriental Club - Ordinance Barracks – some lakes –
Orient Park – native quarters, garden club – Victoria Park Museum – schools –
Campbell Park – Suspension Road – Turf Club and Race course – Police Station –
also a couple of Buddhas – saw all the figures sitting up round a wall – also the
Sleeping Buddha – man explained and said how long they had been there and all
about them. Some in bronze – some marble etc.
Bought copy of Bible, translated into English – just a long strip of brown hard stuff –
do not think it is paper – looks like wood. Then went to a room opposite where you
may not enter unless you take off your boots.
Long room with all these "Gods" around – another room opposite where a huge image
of Buddha is lying asleep – such a lot of bright colours seems to be mixed in with all
this – Dr. took of his boots and went through – as I had laced boots on and we only
had a few minutes, I could not bother taking them off, but one old man came and
made me go to the door – opened another half and then opened the inner door where
this huge figure is asleep, so I saw quite as much, though not quite so close as the Dr.
– the old chap brought me out a handful of flowers that they keep round these figures
– the petals only – all strong smelling, nearly jasmine etc – then there is a lamp
outside he explained all about but I could not remember for long – it looked dirty and
old enough to be 1000 years old – forgot how old he told me it was.
Got into our car again after giving ever so many tips to everybody for the privilege of
having seen the Temple, signed our name in a book – drove into a procession singing
and playing some sort of instrument which sounded a bit like bag pipes – when we got
into it, found it was a funeral – coffin had flowers strewn over it – could not see the
cart or how it was drawn, but think it was the usual cart with Yak.
7
November 17th 1914
Continued: Back into the town, tried to get some lace and curios – bought a ....? For
the men – could not get the good laces etc I wanted – did not seem to get the right
shop and only had 20 men, so was disappointed.
Only got an evening wrap and some lace collars with handkerchiefs – few old
brooches – just something from the place.
No time for aft. tea, so got rickshaws and came back to get a boat for our ship at 4.45pm.
Caught in a storm of rain, wet us nearly through, but it only added to the
excitement of the afternoon.
A Petty Officer from the "Sydney" came over with us - we would like to have gone
over but I thought we might miss our boat.
Tried to get a piece of shell from the "Emden" but he said he had just given away his
last piece, which was unfortunate, so I asked him to send me a bit along by wireless. I
suppose that is about all I shall see of that shell though.
We left a little after 6pm – all the other liners have gone ahead – "Euripides" leading
now, Japs still with us – "Empress of Russia" a lovely big boat.
November 18th
Out to sea again – very smooth sea – going along fairly fast now, catching the other
boats at Port Said.
Hope to get ashore there for longer – very satisfied with what I had at Colombo
though, for I had given up hope and did not expect to go ashore at all.
The man from "Sydney" said the Capt. was very cut up about his wounded men.
Capt. Chicken? Said that the "Sydney" came back and fired a shot into the
"Emden" and all that was left of 50 men, was a mass of pulp – shocking sight – if
the "Emden" had surrendered, they would have lost less men. "Sydney" has a
hole in her side and one funnel was damaged, otherwise does not seem to be
showing much.
"Emden" got into Penang Harbour – put up a 4th funnel, got within 300 yards of some
ships who did not recognize her having 4 funnels.
In the early dawn she fired torpedoes and sank three.
Suppose all this has been published in the papers.
November 19th
Very hot day – pneumonia patient not so well – has pleurisy – sponged etc.
Very busy today in hospital - though no one seriously ill. Lt. Newmarch 102.4. Dr.
asked me to sponge him and fix him up – looks very seedy – gave him one of my
headache powders.
8
November 20th 1914
Pts. all seem better today – cooler today – Capt. just tells me no leave for anybody –
he had a message, no one allowed ashore at Aden or anywhere else I think.
Do hope they change their minds before Port Said – it is such a relief to get ashore for
even 2 hours.
Midday: We have overtaken the rest of the ships – Capt. says he thinks we are going
ahead as far as Aden to coal.
New Zealanders went ashore at Colombo but are not allowed ashore anywhere else –
believe a few hundred of them were late or behind time getting aboard their respective
ships at Colombo.
November 21st
12 Midday: We stopped for a few hours this morning – reported the "Ascanious" had
run into the "Shropshire" - knocked one of the boats away
November 25th
"Aden" passed us or rather lying besides us coaling – The "Shropshire" had some of
her Bridge.... A good bit of damage done to her railing – The "Ascanaious" a great
big rent in her side (Port) high above water line – they are repairing it now.
Very warm again today but not as bad as a few days back – nothing new so far.
Arabian coast all very desolate looking. Yet full of mystery – makes you think of
Arabian Nights Entertainment.
6/30am. Arrived at Aden – very desolate and barren looking coast. All high hills,
rugged sharp peaks – beautiful in their way and so unlike anything one has seen
before.
They say that it only rains about once a year here – 1 inch per year one officer told
me.
It looks beautiful from the ship – the camel carts – donkey carts - horses and motor
cars – we did not get ashore – no leave allowed – Dr. Buchanan only for some
Medical Supplies.
You hear most interesting stories – it is chiefly Military here but about 5 miles away
is the proper town of Aden, though it is said to be much the same as this.
All these hills are a mass of fortifications, one place where they have the disappearing
guns, was commenced about the year 600BC or something like that.
There is a tunnel and the guns are raised to fire then fall down again – the ammunition
also is kept underground – great ventilators like those on board ship, letting fresh air
down – there are also some tanks which have been there for centuries, but I cannot
remember the interesting part about them.
9
November 25th 1914
The people also carry water on their backs – go to a pump – fill their bags, sling it
over the shoulder and off again.
The Arabs here seem to speak a good deal of English. Dozens of boats came across
with cigarettes, tinned fruit, biscuits – ostrich feathers, post cards – beads – not a very
great variety of things, but they much have made a fortune with the thousands of
Troops in harbour – all buying. I only got some P.cards – beads and ostrich feathers -
not very good ones. They wanted a very big price for them at first, then let the men
have them for 1/- (one shilling) each – will take about 4 to make 1 big one.
Such a number of Arabs coaling these ships – they keep singing a kind of chant all the
time – al lifting together and working so hard – very thin – copper colour, some and
some black with heads clean shaven, shining like a mirror in the sun – some had a
thick head of quite red hair – whether it was natural or coloured, one was not sure.
To the left of us are numbers of white looking patches, which turn out to be salt
basins. They let a lot of sea water in and then when it evaporates, these beds of salt
are left.
November 26th
6/30am: Beginning to move out – 9am out to sea again, all our ships, 38 about the
number, The "Hampshire" I think escorting us. - "Sydney" and "Melbourne" it is said
coaled hurriedly and have gone to Malta – do not know whether this is correct – The
"Japanese" is coaling at Aden, so I dare say she will be off somewhere, perhaps turn
up beside us before the day is over.
Just hear that mines are being laid at Suez – several other things that Britain is
looking out for – mines about here etc. We may have a little excitement yet,
before reaching our destination.
Turkey lost 2000 Troops!
Capt. just given my his copy of the "Emden" and "Sydney" fight to read – much the
same as the first news – it says of course that some things may never be known, for at
a time like that, everybody has his own work to see to – they hardly have time to see
what is happening – seem to speak well of the Captain of the "Emden" all through.
November 24th
"Japanese" said good bye to us at Aden – I am very sorry – miss her very much.
Just passing Island of Socotra – large Island 500 miles from Aden – 70 miles long and
18 wide - Sultan governs it under British Protectorate – gum and resin producing
plants, Aloe Sperryi? – dragon's blood tea tree – dates – sheep – cattle and goats –
camels.
The only wild animal is the Civit Cat – scorpions and centipedes etc. 12,000
inhabitants, half Bedouins, half descendent of several other nations.
10
November 27th 1914
"Shropshire" fell back out of line – the Capt. says a death on board – passed a ship –
the Capt. says it was full of Pilgrims returning from Mecca. The number of Pilgrims
annually to Jeda, the port they land at 60 miles from Mecca is 20,000 – very dirty,
vermin etc – they belong to a class that may not kill any living thing – pretty good
time the vermin get.
November 28th
8pm: The "Orvieto" has gone on ahead they say to Port Said – "Euripides" taking her
place – will lead this division. Have overtaken 2 ships, said to be Indian Troops.
Just heard that we are not going to England – are to land and go to Cairo – Egypt.
Awfully glad though very sorry to leave our ship. We have been very happy and a
lovely sea boat.
Very kind and attentive Officers and Captain – the latter is very good at funny stories
– suppose I'll forget them all.
He told us one night about a small son of his own whom he had not seen for a
year and he was being coached up for his daddy's return – his mother got him into
her bed and asked him who the man was etc. – expecting of course that he would say
it was his daddy, I suppose – but the kid lisped out that he did not know – he thought
it was the milkman. I thought that the best thing I had heard.
We were sitting on deck – three of us – beautiful moonlight night – I tell him this
diary will be all the things the Capt. told me and must be correct.
Very hot all day – cool and nice this evening – had a French lesson – concert for men.
We have had a beautiful smooth and delightful voyage and so happy to say that we
have not lost any men. Have only had a few Pneumonia – all others only mild cases –
do hope that there may be some of the English Regiment I nursed in Africa – then it
will not be so strange. Also hope to be able to get about and see something of the
place – would like to be stationed somewhere near some of the notable places.
Suppose we will have the others all with us – old Johnson interfering as usual.
We sit on deck in the evenings when the work, lectures etc, are over.
Captain keeps us interested and amused. I ask him all sorts of questions, the same as
everybody else and he's got to find some sort of answer.
Speaking tonight of the great heat in the Galley – asked him was it not dreadful for
the men working there, he says "dreadful" ,then follows a story about each man
carrying a piece of steel with his number in case he melts and there is nothing left
but the steel for identification – many other things which I hope I'll remember –
they are so good – I love to get him, he is so interesting – generally the same people
get together, am very glad Alice met Mr. Yarling's friend in Sydney, he is such a nice
quiet fellow – hope he does well at the Front, also lives to get back to his friends.
Nothing interesting today – no ships – land, or anything.
11
November 29th 1914
Church Parade, usual duties for the day – a very great breeze and as cool as possible -
sick men all much better – will see land in the morning. Reach Port Said on
Tuesday, then all will be the greatest excitement. I suppose. All uncertainty now -
would like to know where we shall all be.
November 30th
Very fresh gale today – quite cool – passed two islands. We now head the Fleet – our
Division is to go first – The "Euripides" has fallen back – looks as though we will be
the first into Egypt now. So far the N.Z. boats are ahead of us and the "Orvieto" has
gone ahead – we probably shall know what is to happen to us tomorrow. Hope I get
away on my own again – do hope I have good luck – we arrive at 8am. tomorrow,
then shall very likely be told where we are to go.
December 1st
Just arrived Suez - N.Z. boats and our line all anchored outside – supposed to be
something to do with search light for Canal – very pretty – beautiful day – very cool.
Crowds of sailing boats on the water – we hear that we are to go on to Alexandria –
papers came aboard – very little news – Turkish Army marching on to Egypt.
Hills looked lovely in the morning light – clouds and mists on them and then the
beautiful colours of the early sun . Glorious sunset last night also, the sky changes
colour so often and so quickly.
Everyone wondering whether they will see fighting here
December 2nd
Lovely morning – Major Bird from the "Orvieto" came aboard – said our hospital was
better than theirs – they had done three hernias – we have had a good many sick but
thankful to say, no one died.
Did a lot of sorting, counting etc – linen - washed a number of hospital sheets – no
way of doing much, but do not want to take a lot of dirty things ashore.
The town looks nice from the Canal – it is very narrow and such a number of ship
intensely coaling – taking water etc.
We leave about 6am. tomorrow the Capt. says, reaching Alexandria in the evening,
where we shall get our orders.
We are told, 2 torpedo boats here – guns on deck nearly always covered with spray
and waves.
December 3rd
Still here, out in stream – did not go ashore – bleak cold day.
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