Sunday November 15 1914 - A22
We passed a couple of lighthouses
last night and is a black night to. I
couldn’t get to sleep till past midnight.
I had the shivers or something anyhow I couldn’t get to sleep then I had
some terrible dreams. When daybreak came
we could just see land and some high mountains in the distance. I also saw a saltwater snake just at the side
of the ship they say that they are deadly in the water but on land they are
helpless. They are to be found in great
numbers here. When we got in a bit a
pilot came aboard and the natives he bought with him are bits of tricks. They are always on the cadge for something to
eat or money. The lads got bread a few
days old and threw it at them but they would get a catch every time when
throwing money they never miss. As far as
I can see it is a beautiful place.
Approaching Colombo - The five-funnelled
Russian cruiser Askold,
nicknamed the 'Packet of Woodbines,' can be seen in
the distance.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02531]
Arrived
A ship of the First Convoy entering Colombo Harbour, behind
the five-funneled Russian cruiser Askold.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02533]
Arrived off Colombo about 9 AM. The Pilot came off
to some of the New Zealand fleet first and we had some time to wait. At 10.30
the "Sydney" hove in sight together with the "Empress of
Russia" not of "Asia" as I previously stated. She was carrying
German prisoners and wounded. We had received instructions that there must be
no demonstration, and much against our wishes we had to agree. However I
hoisted Flag Signals meaning "New South Wales Congratulates you" to
which the "Sydney" replied "thank you". We lined up our
troops on deck, gave the salute, and dipped the Ensign.
At 11 AM I went ashore in a ships boat with the
Adjutant and Capt McGee. The latter took with him a gunner who had an accident
the previous day with his false teeth and required dental treatment. I called
at transport Office, Times Office and Post Office on official business. Then we
waited at the jetty and saw the wounded landed from the "Sydney".
The German wounded were landed in the afternoon. It
made a big lump come into my throat to see our lads. Some badly wounded,
amputated limbs, burns, etc. It brought home the horrors of war to us. With the
exception of those who were very seriously wounded and were in
evident extreme pain, the remainder were very jolly and apparently happy. I
only hope the Government will adequately provide for those who are mutilated.
At 1 o’clock we went to the G.O.H. for lunch and when nearly finished Capt
McGee looked in. "I am very glad to find you here Colonel" he said.
"I want a little extra leave." He then proceeded to explain that Dr
Smith (who came in with him) was a dentist who had recommended him to a brother
dentist in a small way of business, who would do his gunners’ dental work at a
cheap figure. In addition he drove Capt McGee in his car to this dentist’s residence
about 1½ miles out, near the Cinnamon Gardens. The necessary dental work could
not be completed till evening so Capt McGee wanted more leave. This I granted.
Dr Smith then invited Mr Jopp and myself to go out with him after lunch in his
car. At 2.30 we left the G.O.H., went to the R.A. Mess and left cards, then on
to the Galle Face Hotel, thence on to Mount Lavinia, returning to the jetty at
5PM. We there met our Ships Captain who took us to afternoon tea. The motor
drive was most enjoyable. The beautiful palms, narrow roads, oxen, Cingalese
men, women and children, the beautiful foliage and fine bungalows made a very
pleasing impression.
I much admire the beautiful copper coloured skin of the Cingalese men, many of
whom are a fine type. The little children are very quaint and pretty. Dr Smith
invited me when returning to Australia to look him up again. Capt McGee stayed
to dinner with him, and I have chaffingly told him that if he can pick up a
similar friend in every port of call, with a car to place at our disposal, we
will get some false teeth smashed at regular intervals.
On the way back to the Ship we called at the
"Sydney". I left cards and had a few minutes chat with Lieut Bell
Satter of Sydney. He told us the "Emden" put 11 shots into them, her
first two being fired at a range of 11000 yards. The Germans lost 112 killed,
about 80 wounded and the rest prisoners, except 40 who were destroying the
Wireless Station when engagement commenced and appropriating a schooner on the
other side of Cocos Island, got away. The Kaiser’s nephew is a prisoner. I wish
I could have participated in this engagement. Our fellows deserve all praise.
Colombo is a very beautiful spot. The breakwater has made a good harbour and
there are about 40 anchorage buoys. The Convoy has of course filled up the
whole roadstead. In addition to the Russian 5 funnel "Askold" and the
Japanese "Ibuki" there are also innumerable small
steamers, schooners, Arab Dhows, and all sorts of small craft at Catamaran. We
saw about 20 of these latter at Mt Lavinia drawn up on the Sandy Beach. The
buildings are very good, and the natives in their many coloured but scanty
dress, and the rickshaws make a splendid picture. I could spend a week here
very easily indeed.
The "Anglo Egyptian" is moored alongside us and we have transferred
50 tons of chaff from the ship to ours. About half of it is very wet, heated
and fermented and will be practically of no use.
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