3rd December 1914

Port Said

Thursday December 3 1914

We are anchored off Port Said, the Omrah is alongside of us (others too).  Yesterday our Officers went into town and did not come back till this morning and it is pretty rough out here for small boats to come out.  Well they came back on a torpedo destroyer and we had to lower a boat as it couldn’t get near enough.  The torpedo was just rolling like a cradle and our heads were getting as wet as dish rags and every roll the boat gave the waves would go over her and give them a dowsing and then our men would cheer them and carry on.  By gosh it was funny.  Then our small lifeboat was getting tossed like a cork and it took some time to bring them abroad.   Was giving evidence today against yesterdays row.

 Sunset over the First Australian Covoy at Port Said, December 1914.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - PS0277]

Thursday 3rd December

Reached Customs House landing place at 6.45 AM. Took boat on to the "Swiftsure". While waiting for the Torpedo boat we were shown all over the vessel. At 7.30 we left in Torpedo boat, had an interesting run through the Shipping at about 15 Knots, called at a Picket Torpedo boat doing duty outside, and then headed for the "Rangatira". We had an interesting time while reaching our ship. The boat plunged into the waves and rolled very much. Many of us got a wetting. When we reached our ship it was impossible to get alongside owing to the heavy swell, consequently our ship lowered a boat. The 4th Officer took charge with an Artillery crew. Gradually the Torpedo boat got alongside the Ships boat, and the fun commenced. As each big roller came along the Torpedo boat bumped the ships boat alarmingly. One by one we jumped off one boat into the other, and just as we were all off there came a particularly big roller which mixed us up a little, and dashed the Torpedo boat against us, stoving in the side, and in consequence we shipped a great deal of water. Gradually we got back to the "Rangatira", and we had a difficult task to get to the davit falls. These hooked we were hauled up clear of the water, and then got aboard per medium of a rope ladder. Capt McGee was greatly excited, was sure we were going to sink and as soon as he saw the Ships rope ladder within reach, he shinned up first at a great turn of speed. He much resented my remark later, when I observed he was first up the ladder, and wanted to know if I questioned his courage.

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