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.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C01674]
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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