31st October 1914

Albany Harbour

Saturday October 31 1914

Came out into deep water again and passed the Minatore cruiser.  She is the flagship of the China Squadron; we were down at stables at the time and had to rush up on deck and form up and sound the salute.  We got into line and then anchored.  I hear that we are leaving in the morning at about 6 a.m.

A Danish whaler, used as a picquet boat, with the armoured

cruiser HMS Minotaur travelling behind, in King George's Sound.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02499A]

Saturday October 31st

Sent party on shore to take discharged men to major Meeks at Fort. Completed watering of ship at 10.30 AM. Moved out from Inner Harbour to old Anchorage. Passing "Minatour" we lined ship and saluted also dipped the Flag. Salute returned. On passing "Orvieto" the Flagship we again saluted but no notice taken. This was the second occasion on which our salute had been ignored.

All the Transports came out of harbour during the afternoon and took up original moorings. Signalling proceeding during day. Col Hobbs inspected ship during afternoon on behalf of General Bridges. Very satisfactory generally. Posted a number of Post Cards. Letters not being allowed.

Signal received from "Orvieto" to the effect that Minister of Defence had wired asking if it was true that troops on board "Rangatira" were forced to drink beer for dinner because of shortage of water. I replied that statement was absolutely incorrect.

Took from 9.45 to 12 o’clock midnight to get a reply back to the "Orvieto". Returned at 2 AM. Five boats out during afternoon for sand.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

30th October 1914

Albany Harbour

Friday October 30 1914

We came in close to the pier today and you can see the whole of Albany from here.  It is a small place but a very nice and picturesque place.  Some chaps who were ashore to get some sand got into the town and they say it is as nice a place as you would wish to see.  We shipped a lot of cases of apples and they are the best I ever tasted.  I think it is because they are fresh.

First Convoy transports coaling and watering in the

inner harbour, with HMS Minotaur and HMAS

Melbourne opposite the pier, 30th October 1914 - one

of these vessels may likely be the A22 Rangatira.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G01543]

Friday 30th October

Ordered Drill Order parade preparatory to moving into Harbour. Left anchorage about 10.30. On passing "Orvieto" troops were formed up on deck. Guard presented Arms and Trumpets sounded general Salute. Our flag was dipped to the "Orvieto" but she did not respond. On passing H.M.S. "Minatour" we repeated the salute and it was immediately acknowledged. After lunch four boat crews went over to a near beach for sand, returning about 4 PM with about 4 tons.

Mr Jopp and Duntroon Subaltern left in ships boat for "Orvieto". Mr Jopp returned to ship at 12.45. During the afternoon I paid a call on the Captain of the "Minatour". The 1st gunnery Lieutenant showed us over the ship. She carries ten 4".7 and four 9".2, the latter in pairs, fore and aft. Also several 12 prs. She has just completed 19000 knots since war was declared and is now being repainted.

We learned we are expected to leave on Sunday for our homeward journey via Colombo. I watched with interest sounding of "Retreat" on warship. Went over to Albany township at 4.15 PM and scored about 20 bags of green fodder. Our horses will much appreciate this alteration in menu, though up to date they appear very fit indeed.

Doing one reading tonight – getting ready for lectures on the way home.

 

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

29th October 1914

Albany Harbour

Thursday October 29 1914

We are still on board in the harbour.  It is very quiet here no news from shore yet we havent had any decent news since we left Pt Melbourne.  I have had several letters from home but from today all letters are supposed to be sanchioned and it is just right.  A chap on board who has a real German name had his letters opened and he couldnt make it out.

Billy's above reference very possibly refers to 1602

Battery Quartermaster Sergeant Leopold Novak 

Augstein.  Despite the stigma of a German surname,

Leopold served throughout the War & after returning

to Australia as a Lieutenant, changed his name in

1919 to Leo Austen to avoid anti-German sentiment -

he would go on to become a renowned anthropologist

due to his work in Papua, writing extensively on his studies.

[Courtesy of National Library of Australia]

Thursday 29th October

Another message stating that General was to inspect just received this morning. He visited the "Shropshire" but afterwards returned direct to his own ship. Our ship had been very nicely prepared. Units at work during day. One horse took ill, suffering from colic, but has much improved. Most definite instructions received re censorship. Boat crew put off to "Shropshire" to get kits of three men recently posted to "Rangatira". Only one could be found. Reading up afternoon and evening. Received wireless instructing ship to go into harbour for water tomorrow morning.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

Two of the First Convoy vessels berthed at the

Albany Pier, taking on coal & water.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial]