Sunday 30 November 2014

30th November 1914




Gulf of Suez
Monday November 30 1914

There was a Marching Order Parade on today.  Everybody was bristling about looking for their lost equipment and some pinching anything they were short of.  Then after that we got down to our harness room and started to get it together as it was in a hell of a state too, all over the place.  Some of the other corps that were a bit short of anything just came over to ours and took what they were short of.  We came in sight of land at 2 pm and now we are in the Gulf of Suez.  We can see land on both sides, passed a lighthouse at 5 pm and all the fleet go into single file so as to go through the canal.  The Orveito has gone ahead at full steam to find out about the landing and to get things ready.  Passed another lighthouse 6.30 pm.


Troopships of the First Australian Convoy steaming through the Gulf of Suez.


Monday 30th November

A howling wind blowing all night. Today we have had an exceedingly strong head wind with plenty of "White Horses". Great drop in temperature about 25°. Marching order inspection of all units today in view of early disembarkation. Two horses bad with Colic last night. Improved this morning. Ships boats swung inboard in preparation for Suez canal. Fumigation continued today. One more case of measles. Commenced packing of Head Quarters stores, Completed checking of Harness of all units. Mr Jenkinson’s hopelessly mixed. Red Cross issues made to all units. Wrote special letter to Nell. Tonight roaring winds and heavy sea. Most beautiful sunset behind the African hills just as we entered the Gulf of Suez. Mount Sinai ranges showing up prominently in Arabia. All ships are now proceeding in Single line. All told about 20 miles in length. Expect to reach Suez before lunch tomorrow. Run to noon today about 250 miles.




One of Billy's photo postcards sent back to Australia, "Taken on
Board, S.S. Rangatiara in Port Suez 30th Nov. 1914 Troopship A22.
With Love from Br W L Pacey"





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