Indian Ocean
Friday November 13 1914 - A22
It is a half holiday this
evening. We are holding the crossing of
the line. It was great fun to see father
neptune and his family. I didn’t get
shaved but got diped and as luck would have it, it was warm enough. It was fun to see the policeman go up and get
the officers off the bridge and lather and shave them then put grease in their
hair and then push them backwards into the dip and hose and duck them a
treat. Lieut. Colonels and Captains and
all. It has been raining pretty well all
day. We have salt water hoses all about
the ship and of an evening we go and hose one another. It is just the thing to freshen up a bit.
Father Neptune and his party in costume during the 'Crossing the
Line'
ceremony aboard the A5 Omrah, 13th November 1914. Left to right:
Captain Dougall, Lieutenant Kerr,
Captain John Alexander Milne
(later Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th
Battalion, killed in action 12th
April 1918), Captain Fisher, and Lieutenant
Patterson.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02514]
13 ̎
Crossed Line 7am
The H.M.S. Hampshire, joining the First Convoy after
the departure of the H.M.A.S. Melbourne.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02549]
Friday 13th November
Fully recovered from effects of inoculation. A
second battery horse died suddenly during the night. The Post mortem showed
Pnuemonia to be the cause of death. This morning another Man’o’war appeared in
view. It was the "Hampshire". She took up position leading Convoy and
the "Ibuki" took up her old position on "Starboard" beam.
At 8 o’clock we received orders to proceed in rear
of the New Zealand Convoy and the "Anglo
Egyptian" and "Karoo" of 1st Division also received similar
orders. The New Zealand Fleet with our three boats is moving ahead to Colombo
to get in early re watering arrangements etc. As we passed the "Shropshire"
I sent a message to Colonel Hobbs informing him that our losses in horses was
2. He replied to the effect that we had done very well. Received message from
Flagship prohibiting all leave at Colombo.
We crossed the "line’ about 7.30 AM. Gave all
ranks half holiday for ceremonies incidental to the occurrence. At 2 o’clock we
found a large canvas tank rigged up and filled with salt water. The
"Bosun" as "Father Neptune" came Forth properly attired and
with him Doctors, barbers & assistants with their huge combs, scissors and
razors also shaving bucket and brush. Headed by Bugles and Kettle drum, they
paraded the ship, followed by about 12 stalwart policemen. Presently we saw
Capt leslie being led Forth for initiation, then several other officers including
my adjutant Colonel Sutton. All took the proceedings in good part excepting one
Army medical man who fought vigorously, and in consequence got a more severe
ducking than if he had acquiesced at once. Rain fell during the day but did not
spoil the proceedings except for the fact that no photo could be taken.
Altogether the men had a good day, finishing up
with a concert at night. I sang a few songs and played some accompaniment for
the men.
Strict orders again received re censorship of mail
matter at Colombo. As we are steaming faster than the main convoy we should be
well out of their sight by daylight. The "Hampshire" is with us and
the "Ibuki" with the rest of the Convoy.
Nearly all men inoculated. A few still object but I
think they will fall in line tomorrow. Run to 12 noon today 260 miles. Position
O°44’N, 84°41’E. New Zealand Convoy disregarding order re floating materials. I
counted 27 boxes afloat today, a number I actually saw thrown overboard from
the "Waimana", the ship immediately ahead of us.
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