Indian Ocean
Tuesday November 3 1914
It is to rough to exercise the
horses today so we cleaned underneath the stalls and hosed them down and then
put disenfectant under them.
Looking forward over the Convoy from one of the Troop Transports.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - C02544]
Tuesday 3rd November
I am informed this is Cup Day. I suppose we will
receive a wireless telling of result as we yesterday received wireless stating
that Great Britain had declared war on Turkey. We received wireless today
stating that British Cruiser "Hermes" had been sunk in the Strait of
Dover by a German submarine. All units working well. Today special fatigues,
cleaning out and disinfecting all horse stalls, also eyes, nose, decks and
health of Horses. Strong breeze with heavy confused sea. Ship pitching a good
deal. A couple of the officers and some of the men ill. I have experienced not
the slightest sensation of sea sickness since leaving Brisbane. Quite a
pleasant change for me.
At 3 PM traces of smoke from "Medic" and
"Ascanius" with their escorts were noticed. The escorts were the
Japanese ship "Ibuki" and the "Philomel". At 4 PM the
"Ascanius" had taken up her place in convoy, and at 4.30 the
"Medic" was also in station. The Japanese ship has moved to starboard
of the Fleet, the "Melbourne" taken up a position astern, the
"Philomel" has apparently returned to Australia, the
"Sydney" is on the port beam and the "Minatour" is leading
the Convoy. During the evening I tried to raise the "Medic" which is
carrying the 8th Battery and Ammunition Column details, but I could not raise
her.
I called up the "Katuna" and ascertained
that all Artillery horses were in good condition.
During the night the "Benalla" and
"Afric" caused great difficulty in Station keeping, so much so that
during the middle watch our Division dropped astern of the New Zealand ships.
Mr Faulkner, the second officer, who was on watch, was much
incensed. Thereafter all ships kept better station.
Major Hughes again taken to bed. He appears far
from well.
Result of Melbourne Cup sent through by wireless.
Most of the officers joined in a sweep, but a few of us including the Captain
did not participate. In fact I do not know the name of winning horse.
No comments:
Post a Comment