8th December 1914

Port Said

Tuesday December 8 1914

Still in the same old place and just the same old thing over and over again.  The bumboats were hunted away by some of the heads and now they go away and come quietly up behind the stern and the chaps go round and get as much stuff as they want.  Oranges 15 for a bob and dates, Turkish Delight.  The dates are half grubby and not up to much.  We have news that we leave at 2 am in the morning so we wont be sorry.  I am on the top deck picquet tonight we will see her moving off.

The A9 Shropshire surrounded by a flotilla of small boats, December 1914.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - PS0296]

8^th  11-30pm

Left P^t SAID.  Arrived ALEXANDRIA 9 Dec 2pm

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 7th Battery]

Tuesday 8th December

Still at Anchorage. Very disconcerting hanging about so long. Invite Major Parker and two subalterns from "Medic" to lunch. They brought the veterinary Officer with them and had a good look around the ship. During the afternoon a French hydroplane soared over us, took the water several times and made a very pretty show. Received word this evening to move off in time to reach Alexandria tomorrow at 2 PM. We are to leave at 11 tonight. Two serious cases of appendicitis. They are to be removed to Hospital for operation immediately on arrival. Had a game of bridge with the Captain, Col Sutton and Capt Dixon. This makes the third game I have had since leaving Brisbane. I shall be very glad to see our horses landed. They have had a desperately long journey and every day more tells on them.

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