Jack's Diary - 2 November 1914 to 14 November 1914

2nd November: Sea a bit rough boat rolling. Three Mess orderlies slipped down stairs with dishes of stew. A lot of us were gathered at the foot of the stairs waiting and cheering in anticipation of more orderlies coming to grief. Half way down one fell and threw stew all over us.

3rd November: High seas and rain.

4th November: Sea very calm, weather hot. Commence sleeping up on deck.

5th November: Orient liner Osterley passed us about 6.30pm crowded with passengers. Gave & received another ovation.

8th November: Private Kendall buried from the Euripides.

9th November: Late King Edwards Birthday the day on which fresh laurels were added to Australia, Viz. The capture & destruction of the German cruiser Emden by HMAS Sydney, one of our escort. The Emden during the night had passed within 6 miles of our line.
The Sydney set off and engaged her near Cocos Island & the Emden had to run ashore to prevent sinking.
The Sydney pursued capture & then sank the Emden's collier. Our casualties were 4 killed & 20 wounded. Emden's were 200 killed & wounded. Emden fired 1400 shots. Great exhultation on board transports – nearing the Equator.

_________________________

Historical Comment

Entry from CW Bean's Official History reads:

“The news had come at 9.30 from the Sydney, then not far beyond the horizon, that she had sighted the enemy’s ship, and that it was steaming northward. As this northerly course might bring the enemy across the convoy’s track, Captain Silver had ordered the Ibuki and Melbourne to place themselves between the transports and the point where the enemy’s cruiser then was. At 10.45 a further wireless message arrived from the Sydney : “Am briskly engaging enemy.” At I 1.10 came the signal : “Emden beached and done for.” Although most of those in the transports were fairly certain that the enemy must be the Emden, this was the first definite information of the fact. The news spread quickly round the ships. The relief that this destroyer of British merchant ships had been scotched, and the pride that an Australian ship had done it, were intense. The parades were half interrupted: attention wandered; where a subaltern continued to lecture, a ripple of conversation persisted through the rear ranks. An order from General Bridges broke off work and gave the troops a half holiday.”

_________________________

10th November: Heat terrible cannot stay below decks. Several affected with heat stroke.

_________________________

Historical Comment

1st Battalion War Diary entry for this day, “Issued special notice as to precautions against sun stroke.”

__________________________

11th November: Boxing & wrestling sports on board.

13th November: Adams and Lomas had a fight. Adams got a black eye. Crossed the line at 8am. No parades. Large canvas bath erected for the purpose of christening those who had not crossed the line. We had a great time on deck thowing wet towell at one another. Jack Moir threw a dish of water over an officer. We also nearly drowned a sergeant. He was very indignant, but the more he expostulated the more wet towels & buckets of water he got & eventually he had to run.

14th November: Major Dawson's birthday celebrated by A Coy. The Major treated us to cake & beer. Lance Corp. Churchill proposed the health of the Major who responded & we all wished him many happy returns. Sighted coast of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at 1pm.

Jack's Diary - 25 October 1914 to 1 November 1914

25th October: Arrived Albany on Sunday to wait for remainder of fleet. Anchored about two miles from the town. This is the meeting place for all Transports & the escort & the harbour is a picture to look at. The following is the names of our fleet except the New Zealanders:

A1 – Hymettus
A2 – Geelong
A3 – Orvicto
A4 – Pera
A5 – Omrah
A6 – Clan Mai.. (Maccorgriodole.Ed)
A7 – Medic
A8 - Argyleshire
A9 - Shropshire
A10 – Karoo
A11 – Ascanius
A12 – Salanha
A13 – Katuna
A14 - Euripides

A15 – Star of England
A16 – Star of Victoria
A17 – Port Lincoln
A18 - Wilshire
A19 - Afric
A20 - Hororata
A21 - Marero
A22 - Rangatera
A23 - Suffolk
A24 - Benalla
A25 – Anglo Egyptian
A26 - Armidale
A27 - Southern
A28 - Miltiades

New Zealanders as follows:

No. 3 Manganui
No. 4 Tahiti
No. 5 Ruapeku
No.6 Orari
No.7 Limerick
No. 8 Star of India
No. 9 Hawkes Bay
No. 10 Araiva
No. 11 Athena
No. 12 Mainana

It will thus be seen that we have a fine fleet of ships & what a fine hall (haul. Ed.) for Emden & Co. Hawkers have been busy all day bringing fruit aboard and soon found a ready sale for their wares. Apples & oranges for 2/- per dozen.
Church parade was held this morning for all religious sections. The lads are all busy fishing & one of them landed a shark this morning, about 4 ft long, a young grey nurse. All hands are fully occupied today whatching the arrival of the rest of the fleet. Our boat was the 13th to arrive. I don't know whether it sounds ominous or not.

Mon. 26 October 1914: It has been raining incessantly all day & rough into the bargain. Thank the Lord we are not in the Bight. Twenty three ships are now in harbour awaiting orders. Our Flagship is the Orvieto. Talk about the British Armada. We go alongside the pier tomorrow for fresh water & it is said we sail on Wednesday.

27 October 1914: Albany Harbour Tuesday 27/10/14: Tuesday was quite in keeping with the previous day of our stay here, wet, windy, cold & miserable & in consequence we were all herded down below like sheep in some of the trucks that leave the North-West.

28 October 1914: Wednesday broke fine and at last Sol shone forth in all his glory. The rest of the fleet arrived today. Last night a concert was held and some first class talent was brought to light. We have a few celebrities on board viz. Major Dawson of Bisley fame. He is C.O. Of the company I am in & is beloved by all. R. Barri...? champion ball puncher of the world whose exhibitions are delightful to watch, Capt. B. I. Swannell International footballer, Sergt Larkin MLA for Willoughby, R. J. Massie International cricketer & numerous other athletic lights. At time of writing we have no idea which route we are taking nor shall we because I believe we are under sealed orders.

30th October: we drew into the wharf to take fresh water. Advantage was taken of the stay at the wharf to take the men on parade. The outing was very much enjoyed & proved of great interest. We did in all about 5 miles through the town & outskirts. In the centre of the town is a magnificent monument erected in memory of the original Anthony Hordern who was born here.
Hundreds of people lined the line of march and gave us an enthusiastic welcome. In my opinion Albany possess a harbour second only to Sydney. The town is situated on the side of a hill & right round the hill is a magnificent drive from which you get a fine view of the Harbour same being enhanced by our 40 odd transports.

Saturday (31st October) broke fine and clear & all of us were up much earlier owing to the fire alarm sounding at 5.30am. We have had false alarms before but this was no practice. A fire was discovered in no. 6 hatch at the extreme end of the ship. It was put out in about half an hour. Sugar and other stores were destroyed. I believe this is the second time the Afric has been alight.

1st November: With everything in order we steamed out into the Indian Ocean. It was a great sight to see the great fleet of transports with escort in three lines, the greatest fleet that ever sailed in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Fleet Leaving Albany, WA, 1 November 1915 (AWM P00252.002)