Red Sea
Friday November 27 1914 – Rangatiara A22
It is very hot down in the horse
stalls. The poor horses are wet with
sweat though at nights it is fairly cool now getting. There is a lot of other Indian troopships
going back empty at full speed for more troops.
This morning a ship was going past and couldn’t have given the necessary
signals, anyhow the cruiser, Hampshire whipped across and pretty soon stopped
her; it must have been alright for she let her go on. We all thought to see a bit of fun and the
decks of all the ships were crowded to watch it. Had a half holiday this evening and Captain
Leslie read the news of all about the sinking of the Emden as so far we got no
more information of the adventure. There
is boxing on tonight for prize money.
Proff. barred.
Ammunition Column - a 23 year old farmer from Gippsland
Victoria, Gilbert died onboard the A9 Shropshire from
measles & pneumonia on the 27th November 1914, & was
buried at sea (per below).
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - H06351]
Friday 27th November
This morning early we passed Jebel Tir with its
Lighthouse. New Zealand transports now out of sight ahead. Four British
Transports passed us today returning to India, removal of coal to bunkers
completed after about three weeks work, but as the ship provided a midday pint
of beer for all workers in the coal, I am of opinion the job has been unduly
drawn out. Gun layers and fuze setters at work, also signallers. Exceedingly
hot and trying day, by far the worst we have had so far. I spent the morning
reading but found it very hard work owing to the heat. During the afternoon
made use of the Plasticine model to illustrate method of supplying Ammunition in
the Field. Capt McGee and Lieut Jenkinson representing D.A.C. and B.A.C.
respectively dealt with their particular units, and Capt Leslie dealt with
Battery Ammunition Supply.
Col Sutton then followed with a description of the
method of evacuation of wounded from field of Battle, and illustrated lecture
on the model. While this lecture was in progress the "Orvieto",
"Geelong", and "Hampshire" steamed ahead. The
"Geelong" lowered a boat which apparently went to the "Orvieto".
It rather looks as if a Court Martial was being held. Just as the sun was
setting the "Orvieto" & "Hampshire" which
were by then some distance in rear, moved ahead again, but the
"Geelong" is still a long way in rear. As one of my Battery
Commanders is on the "Geelong" I will doubtless hear full details
later.
Tomorrow afternoon the ship is to have a series of
sports events. Tonight the boxing events were concluded. We had a group of
electric lights and the men were arranged around as in an amphitheatre. Major
Hughes was Referee. Jopp and Clowes judges, and McClennan time keeper. All
seemed to thoroughly enjoy the evening, but I can see no fun or pleasure in
boxing.
While these events were in progress we afterwards ascertained that a private
message had been sent through from "Shropshire" stating that she was
to draw out of line at 8 o’clock for a burial. We do not know who has died,
officer or man, but it is doubtless an artilleryman. Night terribly hot.
Captain assures us we shall only have a couple of days hot weather to face and
then the weather will gradually pass through cool to cold. We are now in proper
Convoy formation, all ships being together. As I write several officers have
come into the smoke room, all in pyjamas for our 9.30 drink of cold lime juice.
It is very acceptable these nights. We have now had a lime juice issue daily
since nearing Colombo. Most of us sleep out on the deck at night.
