December1918


	December 1918
	Sunday 1st December, 1918 Up at 7.30 a.m. and had breakfast, did not have parade this morning, camp open from 12 noon so walked to Devonport, caught ferry across river and went to my friends at Torpoint for dinner. Had a lovely dinner and sat yarning all afternoon, very misty and miserable day. Had a splendid tea and left at 8.45 p.m., caught 9 p.m. boat and back at camp 9.45 p.m. with a large Cornish Pasty and some jam tarts in my pocket for breakfast in morning. Into bed 10 p.m. Monday 2nd December, 1918 Up at 7.30 a.m. and on parade 9.30 a.m., a muster parade, boat roll for D34 called out, am on it. Kept standing in rain till 12 noon then had dinner and on parade again 2 p.m., roll called and marched off for medical inspection which lasted till 4.30 p.m. Went into town after tea and met Mrs. Blake and her sister, the friends I had dinner and tea with yesterday, and as a little return took them to the pictures. A very wet night, saw them to the ferry and caught tram to camp and into bed at 11 p.m. Tuesday 3rd December, 1918 Reveille at 6 a.m. and breakfast 6.30 a.m., handed in blankets and big kit bags and on parade with sea kits at 7.45 a.m., roll call and sorting out and started on march to docks, headed by a band of the Devons at 9 a.m. Reached the docks at 10 a.m. and after being checked over got on board, our ship D34 the S.S. Port Hacking, not a very large boat but seems pretty comfortable. Had good dinner and tea on board, issued with hammocks and blankets and started to settle down. Had a read after tea and into my hammock at 8.30 p.m. Wednesday 4th December, 1918 Still alongside the wharf, got up at 6.30 a.m. and had breakfast at 8 a.m. then a walk round deck, very dismal wet day. Dinner 12 noon and at 12.15 pulled out from wharf and anchored in sound just off Plymouth Hoe till 6.30 p.m. when steamed out. Boat pitching a good bit, but don't mind as have started for home and those I love. About 800 of us on board, quarters not bad and up to present tucker is very good. Y.M.C.A. put a piano on board just before we sailed. Had a read this evening and into my hammock at 8.30 p.m. Saw U126 as we steamed out. Thursday 5th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m. and had wash before the rush then on deck, saw three steamers, one very large supposed to be the "Leviathon" late "Vaterland". Our boat rolling heavily and not getting along too fast, lot of the boys sea sick. Feel a bit thick in the head, but not sick at all. Believe we reached Bay of Biscay today. Tucker very good. Was warned for guard tonight but managed to slip out of it. Had game of cards after tea and then into my hammock at 10.30 p.m. Friday 6th December, 1918 Up just after 6 a.m. and up on deck, still dull weather but milder. Didn't see only the smoke of one steamer today very long way off. Lot of the boys still sick. Ship rolled much worse today, plates, tins etc. flying all over the place. Paraded and were shown our boat stations in case of accident or fire, also were issued with overalls and deck shoes. Had a sleep and read in my hammock after dinner. Reading again and a game of cards after tea and in my hammock for the night at 10 p.m. Saturday 7th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m. had a wash and up on deck for a blow before breakfast, sighted two tramp steamers long way off. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m. and orders read out, just to keep us all on deck while inspection below, not allowed below between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Spent afternoon reading and walking round deck, saw another tramp steamer, passed pretty close to us. Had game of cards after tea and into my hammock at 10 p.m. Rolled very badly today. Sunday 8th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m. and had wash and on deck for blow before breakfast. Sighted two more tramp steamers at 10 a.m. Fell in on parade and had a Church service for half an hour. Sighted another tramp steamer this afternoon, passed close to us and was rolling heavily. We are not rolling quite so much today. Altered our course at 8 a.m. and went due west. Had a quiet read till tea time when warned for guard. On guard on troop deck 10 p.m. till midnight when turned in. Monday 9th December, 1918 Got up at 5 a.m. and had a nice cold salt shower, enjoyed it fine, had clean change and on deck 6 a.m. Land in sight on both sides, running into straits of Gibraltar. Sighted Tangiers on Morrocan coast and when in sight of Gibraltar were ordered in by Torpedo boat, did not go alongside wharf but had good view of "Rock". Naval tug came alongside and asked lot of questions and gave skipper instructions after which we steamed on our way. On guard today on deck, did four hours. Lovely day and saw schools of porpoises. Lay on deck this evening and turned in at 10 p.m. Tuesday 10th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m., had wash and on deck for blow before breakfast. After breakfast got a job in the Red Cross store room, better than doing guards. Was busy unpacking cases till 11 a.m. and getting a list of books for Hospital use. After dinner did some washing and tied it on ships rail to dry, sitting near reading so I could see no one pinched it. Not so warm today though very nice and sea quite calm. Sighted land on Starboard this afternoon again, part of African coast. Had an impromptu concert on deck this evening and into my hammock 10 p.m.

	Wednesday 11th December, 1918 Got up at 6.30 a.m. and had a blow on deck before breakfast. At 9.30 a.m. went to see if wanted in Red Cross store, but nothing doing so spent morning reading, caught sight of land in the distance, African Coast I believe. Saw couple of steamers a long way off. After dinner had game Bridge till tea time and after tea again played auction Bridge and learnt Will the game. Been blowing hard today and sea choppy making boat roll a good bit again. Turned into my hammock at 10 p.m. Thursday 12th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m. and had blow on deck before breakfast. At 9.30 a.m. went to Red Cross store in Aft Hold and opened a case and got some flannel bandages out for use in hospital then had game of 500's till dinner time. After dinner played Auction bridge till tea time. Very blowy today and sea fairly rough, shipped some seas and some of boys got a free bath. Altered our course and run before the wind making ship ride easier. Believe we are passing somewhere round Malta, saw lighthouse in distance. Wrote letter this evening and in hammock 10 p.m. Friday 13th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m. and had a blow on deck, weather not too warm and strong wind blowing. Nothing doing at Red X store this morning so sat on deck reading till dinner time. This afternoon watched a boxing contest between one of our chaps and a ships fireman, not bad, our chap won in fifth round, couple of preliminary bouts. Had game of cards till tea time after which had turn on deck, then another read and into my hammock at 9.30 p.m. Saturday 14th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m. and on deck for a blow, very nice morning but we ran into a rain squall about 10 a.m. Had nothing to do this morning so sat reading. Turned out a lovely afternoon so slung my hammock and went to sleep till tea time. Time is beginning to drag a bit but hope to reach Port Said tomorrow or day after which will liven things up a bit. Concert on deck tonight but did not go as it has turned chilly and is too cold to stand. Wrote a letter and turned in at 9 p.m. Sunday 15th December, 1918 Up at 6.30 a.m. and on deck for a blow. AFter breakfast did a bit of straightening up for half an hour in Red X store. Had a Church Parade on aft main deck at 10.15 a.m., weather a bit squally, rain at intervals. This afternoon did some letter writing ready for when we reach Port Said. After tea sat down below reading and singing hymns till 9 p.m. when got into my hammock and asleep at 9.30 p.m. Monday 16th December, 1918 Thunder and lightning pretty heavy early this morning and wind very high, also rained heavily, sighted a steamer on Port side. Nothing doing after breakfast so sat reading till dinner time. Siren blew boat stations at 2 p.m., only a practice alarm, after which put up my hammock and lay reading, rained very heavily for an hour before tea. Expect to reach Port Said in morning. Had game cards this evening till 9.30 p.m. and then turned in. Tuesday 17th December, 1918 Up at 5.30 a.m., very squally on deck and ship going dead slow, does not want to reach Port till a bit light I think. Rather rough this morning, saw three shps that had been sunk just outside Port Said, masts showing. Anchored in entrance of Canal at 12 noon. S.S. Somerset had arrived few hours ahead of us, left England after us. Bought oranges etc. from boats alongside. Somerset left at 5 p.m. Saw two Japanese destroyers. Got our headlight on and got away again at 11 p.m. and I then turned in. Wednesday 18th December, 1918 Up at 5 a.m. and on deck, moving through the Canal. Passed Serapeum at 6.30 a.m., strong breeze and rather chilly. Muster Parade at 9.30 a.m. as some chaps sneaked ashore last night and have missed the boat. Saw some fine flying by aeroplanes just before we reached Suez. Anchored off Suez at 12 noon and got word 70 Light Horsemen (1914) were coming on board. Turned out a lovely day. 70 new chaps came aboard at 6 p.m., taking on stores and water when I turned in at 9.30 p.m. Thursday 19th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m. and had a walk round deck, took on more stores again this morning and eventually weighed anchor and got away at 10 a.m. The new chaps on board have made the boat pretty full. Got very warm today and the boys started casting their clothing. Ship seems to be making good speed. Read and loafed the day away. Beautiful after tea, nice cool breeze so sat talking on deck till 9 p.m. when went below and turned in. Friday 20th December, 1918 Up at 5 a.m. this morning and had a Salt shower (cold) and a rinse with fresh water then a turn round the deck before breakfast. Very warm again today, sat on deck reading all morning and part of afternoon. Had a debate on the White Aust. Policy at 3 p.m., not bad at all. Put up a record of speed today for the trip so far (284 miles in the past 24 hours). After tea had walk round deck, saw couple of ships pass, then talked on deck till turned in 9 p.m.

	Saturday 21st December, 1918 Up at 5.30 a.m. and had a shower bath and trot on deck. Saw schools of porpoises. Very warm day again but nice breeze sprang up later. After dinner watched some boxing bouts and then lay on deck in shade and read a book. Did two miles more on days run today then yesterday. Sat yarning after tea in cool of evening and then slung my hammock on deck and turned in at 10 p.m. Sunday 22nd December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m., too many waiting to get a shower this morning. Had a roam round deck before breakfast. Sat in shade reading all morning. Sun very hot but pretty strong breeze blowing today. Slept and read the afternoon away. Four years today since left Aust. After tea wind rose to nearly a gale but I slung hammock on deck again and turned in at 9 p.m. Monday 23rd December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m., did not get a shower again this morning. Passed the islands known as the 12 Apostles before breakfast (Barren Rocks in the Red Sea). Blowing a gale today and sheets of spray sweeping over the boat. Saw three large steamers before dinner. This afternoon watched the boxing for the competition, two good bouts. Sighted and passed between two islands after tea known as Hells Gates, also saw a large passenger steamer, still blowing very hard. Turned in at 10 p.m. Tuesday 24th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m. and had a turn round deck then breakfast, tucker still keeps very good. Spent morning reading on deck, very nice day and breeze beautiful. Just after dinner Major MacPherson, O.C. of troops on ship, shot himself through the heart in his cabin. Thrown a gloom over ship as he was very well liked, only young chap of 26, very sad indeed. Spent quiet Xmas eve. Paraded at 8 p.m. and at 8.30 p.m. ship stopped and the burial of the Major, our late O.C. took place. Turned in at 9.30 p.m. Wednesday 25th December, 1918 My 5th Xmas from home. Up at 5 a.m., had salt shower, turn round deck and then lay down again till 7 a.m. Breakfast at 8 a.m., had chops. Ship stopped about 9 a.m. for about an hour, small breakdown in Engine room. Given a pipe, card and 90 Cigarettes each from ship. Had very good dinner, soup, Fresh Pork, Vegetables, Duff, nuts, Dates, Oranges, got bursting full. Had to lay down and have a sleep this afternoon. Just after tea passed island of Socotra, beautiful day again. Had church service at 10.45 a.m., very nice one. Turned in at 10 p.m. Thursday 26th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m., made myself a cup of tea and had turn on deck. Spent whole day reading and yarning till tea time. The breeze keeps steady, rising a bit at night time, but making the heat more bearable. After tea had game of cards and a blow on deck before turning in at 9.30 p.m. The trip is beginning to get dull and uninteresting. Friday 27th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m., had a shower, made cup of tea and a walk round deck before breakfast. Was reading on deck all morning. After dinner we had some boxing then had a nap till tea time. After tea played cards and had a blow on deck. Looks like rain tonight, also wind is rising pretty strong. Turned in at 9.30 p.m. Saturday 28th December, 1918 Up at 6 a.m., had a shower, made cup of tea and had walk round before breakfast. Reading nearly all morning. After dinner had a sleep in my hammock. Saw some flying fish today. Wind pretty strong all day. Am geting very tired of this trip, will be glad when we reach our next port of call "Colombo", expect about Wednesday next. Sat on deck talking after tea and turned in at 10 p.m. Sunday 29th December, 1918 Up at 6.15 a.m. and went on deck, terribly stuffy and hot below, not sufficient ventilation. Had cup of tea and walk round before breakfast. Church parade at 10.45 a.m. Spent rest of day till tea time reading and talking on deck. After tea had yarn on deck and then played cards down below till turned in at 9.30 p.m. Not room for us all to sleep on deck. Monday 30th December, 1918 Up at 5.30 a.m., had a shower and on deck and made cup of tea. Suffocating down below last night, will try and get place on deck tonight. At 10 a.m. had pay parade and got 2 pounds. Gave my name in for proposed trip to Kandy when we get to Colombo, about Wed. night next. Did some washing after dinner while boxing bouts on. Very hot, quite wet through with perspiration. After tea had game cards and blow on deck and turned in 10 p.m. Tuesday 31st December, 1918 Up at 6.15 a.m., made cup of tea and had walk on deck till breakfast time. Spent morning reading and after dinner had a nap till 3 p.m. when listened to a debate on the Prohibition question, very interesting. After tea had blow on deck and then played cards till turned in at 10 p.m. Entered on Cash Memoranda page of diary; Opened account with the United Counties Bank (Barclays) at Crewe on Friday, Jan. 11th 1918 11th Opening amount notes 15. 0. 0 April 18 From France (Postal Notes) 5. 0. 0 ________ 20. 0. 0 Withdrawals For Harold 10. 0. 0 For Father 1. 0. 0 ________ 18 Total to Credit 9. 0. 0 July 31st From France (Postal Notes) 5. 0. 0 ________ 14. 0. 0 Oct. 13 England (1 pound notes) 5. 0. 0 ________ 19. 0. 0 Nov. 14 Withdrawal By Telegraph 4. 0. 0 ________ 15. 0. 0 Wednesday 1st January, 1919 Up at 6.30 a.m. and on deck as usual, spent both morning and afternoon playing cards, sighted a steamer after dinner. Expect to reach Colombo tonight, very windy and rained hard this morning. Anchored in harbour Colombo about 8 p.m. and started coaling at 11 p.m. Thursday 2nd January, 1919 Coaling and taking on water etc. all day. Very little sleep last night on a/c of noise. Place quarantined so cannot have our trip to Kandy, very disappointing. Very hot day, turned in 11 p.m. Friday 3rd January, 1919 Coaling all last night and part of this morning. Steamed out at 12 noon, very hot day again, hardly any breeze. Played cards and read all day and turned in at 9.30 p.m. Saturday 4th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., had bath and on deck. Very hot day again, geting near equator. Reading this morning. After dinner cut down my slacks into shorts, sewed them up and put pocket on. Had game cards after tea and turned in 10 p.m. Sunday 5th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., had shower and walk on deck. Was reading all morning, played cards after dinner and had an impromptu concert this evening. Lot of the boys were ducked in large canvas bath as we crossed line today. Turned in at 9 p.m., very hot and muggy. Monday 6th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., very stuffy down below. Sat reading this morning, rained quite sharply and cooled the air a bit. Played cards after dinner and after tea washed my overall coat and shorts then turned in at 9 p.m. Tuesday 7th January, 1919 Up at 5.30 a.m. had shave and bath and on deck. Much cooler and pleasanter today. Reading most of morning. Played cards this afternoon and same after tea, turning in at 10 p.m. Trip very monotonous. Wednesday 8th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck reading and playing cards all day, concert this evening and into bed 10 p.m. Weather getting much cooler. Thursday 9th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., had heavy rain during night. Played cards this morning, boxing tourney after dinner and cards after tea again, into bed 10 p.m. Friday 10th January, 1919 Up at 5 a.m., shaved, had bath and on deck. Had game cards after inspection. After dinner had read in my hammock then a sleep. Played cards after tea and into bed 9.30 p.m. Saturday 11th January, 1919 Up at 5.30 a.m. and had bath and on deck, sea got bit of roll on and boat rocking. Had quiet day reading and talking and turned in 9 p.m. Sunday 12th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck, boat tossing pretty wildly. Did some packing in Red X store this morning, got into my hammock and read after dinner, yarning all evening and in bed 10 p.m. Monday 13th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck, ship rolling worse than ever. Packing stores up after breakfast till midday. At 2 p.m. all Vict'ns had photo taken for our paper the "Hacking Cough". Did little more packing before tea. Lay in hammock reading after tea and fell asleep 9 p.m. Tuesday 14th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck after breakfast. Was packing stores in Red X store till dinner time. Had sleep after dinner and after tea played cards and read till 9 p.m. when turned in. Weather rather chilly and boat rolling. Wednesday 15th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck, rather cool, turned out lovely day. Packing stores all morning. Had sleep and read after dinner and had concert this evening. 450 miles from Albany at 12 noon. Turned in 9 p.m. Thursday 16th January, 1919 Up at 5.30 a.m. and on deck, sighted West coast Aust. about 10 a.m. Packing stores all morning. Had sleep after dinner and played cards after tea, turned in 9.30 p.m. Friday 17th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., dropped anchor in bay at Albany at 6.30 a.m. W. Aust'ns disembarked at 10.30 a.m. and at 12 noon we steamed out again for Melb. Weather rather rough and boat nearly rolling over, some fun. Played cards after tea and in bed 10 p.m. Saturday 18th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., sea rather rough and boat rolling badly all day. Spent day packing in Red X store, reading and playing cards and turned in 10 p.m. Sunday 19th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m., still rough, more packing till dinner time. Sewed rosettes issued to us on my tunic after dinner then had sleep. Played cards after tea and in bed at 10.30 p.m. Monday 20th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and had a look through my kit. Boat still rolling heavily. On parade 2 p.m., orders issued, played cards after tea and into bed 10 p.m. Tuesday 21st January, 1919 Up 6 a.m. and on deck, weather calming a little, quiet morning. On parade 2 p.m. and had kit inspection till tea time. Played cards after tea and in bed 10 p.m. Wednesday 22nd January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck. Finished packing up today. Medical inspection at 10 a.m., also sighted coast line. Pay parade at 2 p.m. and about 7 p.m. sighted Port Phillip Heads, passing through the Rip about 8 p.m. and anchoring off Quarantine Station Portsea. Turned in 11 p.m. Thursday 23rd January, 1919 Reveille 5.30 a.m., up, packed kit together, handed in Blankets, Hammocks etc. and paraded on deck for Quarantine Officers inspection. After a deal of trouble we are put in Quarantine tillMonday for some reason unknown as sickness on board has been practically nil, very disappointed. Saw Hygeia go by. Issuing Red Cross fruit etc. this afternoon and played cards after tea. Turned in 10 p.m. Blanketless for good reasons. Sent wires. Friday 24th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck. Dais's birthday. More fruit came today, very busy distributing it. Received couple letters, wrote one home and turned in 9.30 p.m. Saturday 25th January, 1919 Up at 6 a.m. and on deck. More fruit etc. came aboard after breakfast, kept pretty busy. A great amount of gambling going on and some big sums changing hands. Was glad when bed time came and I rolled off to sleep about 10 p.m. Sunday 26th January, 1919 Up at 5 a.m. and on deck. After breakfast sorted out some fruit and issued it to boys, packed up a few things that are to remain on board. Had a sleep after dinner and after tea had bath and clean up ready for morning. Turned in at 10 p.m. Monday 27th January, 1919 Reveille at 4.30 a.m. Steaming up bay, got all ready to disembark and had breakfast at 6 a.m. Paraded on deck at 7.30 and had roll call and orders. Alongside New Pier at 7.45 a.m. Disembarked at 9 a.m. and taken to Sturt St. in motor where met Dais., Mam, Dorothy and Frank. Got fixed up and went home. Finis.