Extracted from The Log of HMS Repulse
1902-1904 by J. Brown.
The
Log of HMS Repulse
Part I
After serving some time with the Channel Fleet, we received orders
to join the Mediterranean Fleet, so on Sunday April 5th 1902,
we left Sheerness at 10.30 a.m.; nasty strong head winds all day; saw
large wreck on Goodwin’s which has been there slowly sinking since 1893. Passed Dungeness at 4 o’clock.
Torpedo boat destroyer “Flying Fish” is going with us to the
Rock.
Sunday 6th-Fine day, sea calm and no wind; passed Ushant
lighthouse at 10 o’clock.
Monday 7th-Had cannon tube aiming practice during the
forenoon, the Flying Fish” towing our target.
Tuesday 8th-Splendid day; started wearing whites.
Wednesday 9th-Started to smarten up the ship’s company
in evolutions; Commander read out stations for nearly every evolution that
is carried out in the navy, and manned and armed boats, or rather went to
stations for that evolution. Had
physical drill at 4.30
Thursday 10th-Carried out some heavy gun firing in the
forenoon, all 6-inch guns firing six rounds each, some very good shooting
being done. We passed Cape
St. Vincent at 4.30.
Friday 11th- We went to night quarters, which is the
same as general quarters, only of course, it is dark and night sights have
to be used. Night sights are
small sights which fit over the ordinary ones; the beads on the sights are
small electric globs which are connected by wires to a small battery, so
that the lights can be switched on and off at will.
One burns red and the other white, and the shooting with night
sights is just as accurate as shooting by day.
We had a rough day, for it rained continuously.
We anchored alongside the Old Mole, Gibraltar, about dinnertime and
started at once to coal ship, taking in 500 tons; we finished coaling at
3.30 and washed down the decks. The
Rock looked very dismal when we came in, or at least what we could see of
it, but it looks a little plainer now, for some of the mist has lifted.
I had seen the Rock before, but I did not take much notice of
anything, as I was only a few hours there coaling; but it is far prettier
than I thought it was, and looks everything that is said of it, for it
seems as full of guns as a cat’s back is of hair; look where one will
there are holes in the rock, and everyone contains a gun, at least report
says so. The Rock itself is
very high and has several peaks, the highest being 1,430 feet, so that it
might be called Gibraltar Mountain; one side of the Rock rises from the
sea as steep as a wall, the other in a slope.
At the foot is the town, most of which is on the slope.
There is nothing remarkable about the town as far as can be seen
from here, but the signal stations are readily seen, also the Moorish
castle, which looks very interesting; it was built in 1725 by one of the
old Moorish chiefs. The castle seems to have been a very substantial affair once,
but it has now several breaches in its walls, which were made during
different sieges, for it must have seen more than one.
The Rock is three miles long that is to the Spanish lines, and is
about six miles in circumference; its population is about 25,000, of whom
6,000 are civilians. The
climate is very healthy. I
should have said before that the “Royal Oak” was waiting to receive
us, as she is leaving for home to pay off.
Saturday 12th-It rained all day.
We left at 12.30 for Malta. The
weather is a little better now, and the sea is nice and calm.
Tuesday 15th-Sea very choppy, and the “flying Fish”
is flying very poorly, for she had run out of coal, and it is too rough to
coal her.
Wednesday 16th-We arrived at Malta during the dinner
hour. This is a fine looking
harbour, as fine a natural harbour as I have seen; it is called the Grand
Harbour, and it deserves its name. One
thing that struck me was the stonework; everything is made of stone; in
fact, it might be called a city of stone, and with the sun on it almost
dazzles the eyes to look upon. We
were scarcely inside the harbour before we were surrounded by boats,
rather curious looking affairs, like the gondolas in the pictures of
Venice, they call them dysos, of at least, that is how it is pronounced,
but it is spelt dhacsis. Most
of these had fruit onboard; others were collecting dirty clothes to take
ashore for washing. We have
just received news that the mail for the ships gone adrift somewhere.
Friday 18th-Had a run ashore yesterday, that accounts
for no entry in log. Landed
at 1.30, and after a short stroll over part of the town (Valetta), hired a
cab, or rather three cabs, for there were exactly a dozen of us, and we
went four in a cab, and drove to a place called and pronounced “Cividy
Vick) (proper name Citta Vecchia), which is, I should say about five or
six miles from Valetta. We
remained there about a couple of hours, saw over a fine church (St. Pauls)
and some catacombs-the church was interesting enough, but the catacombs I
did not greatly enjoy,. The
church had, at one time, several tons of silver candlestick, etc., but the
French soldiers took a fancy to them when they raided the Maltese public
buildings, just previous to the English occupation of the island in 1800,
so that the island has been English just over one hundred years.
We were also shown a very old picture of St. Paul.
The verger who showed us round said that it was some hundreds of
years old, I forget how many. There
is also a very fine bit of painting of the shipwreck of St. Paul at Malta
in A.D. 60, when he was on his way to Rome a prisoner.
There is also a picture in which he (St. Paul) is defying a snake.
I have already spoken of the amount of stone that is used; the
houses are all built of different heights and sizes, it is a puzzle to
find two of the same size, and from the harbour, they look very mixed up,
tall houses next door to one storey ones, and vice versa; the only places
which look at all uniform are Government buildings, but these are some
fine buildings besides, such as the Royal Opera house in the principal
street of Valetta (Strada Reale), and the Armoury, Palace, and municipal
buildings. Adjoining the
Palace is the Queens Square, with a fine statue of the late Queen Victoria
in the centre, very like the one at Manchester in size and position; there
are also flower plots nicely laid out around the base of it, and on one
side of the square is an hotel with seats and tables outside, where one
can sit and drink in the glorious sunshine, for it is difficult to picture
Malta otherwise. The people
are a very hardy looking race, and there are some very nice looking girls.
The lower class girls wear a rather ugly looking affair like a
hood, shawl and hat combined. The
people are all very devout in their religion; you can always see old men
and women, children and middle aged, going and coming out of the churches,
no matter how poor they may be; and when a funeral is passing, every male,
irrespective of age or position, even the beggars, take off their caps or
hats, a thing I have never seen at home.
I must say something of the goats, for no one visiting Malta could
fail to see them as they are everywhere; in fact, Malta is noted for
goats, and service men generally call a Maltese a goat.
The streets with perhaps, the exception of Strada Reale, are merely
alleys, some of them being all steps like a very long stone staircase.
Strada Reale is the principal street of Malta, and is asphalted
like the streets of London. Its
inhabitants are for the most part English; in fact, there are always more
English in the street than Maltese. There
is a large United Service club about the centre of it, on the left going
towards the Palace, which is always pretty full of army and navy officers.
We got in 250 tons of coal in the forenoon, starting at 7 a.m. and
finishing at 11.30 a.m. and washed down decks after dinner.
Saturday 19th-routine as usual on Saturday; left at 9.30
for Aranci Bay; fleet were engaged in steam tactics al forenoon.
Sunday 20th-Mustered by the open list this morning; that
is, a table is placed on the after part of the quarterdeck, at which sits
the Paymaster with the ships books. Standing
around are the Captain and all the officers, and, when all is ready, the
Paymaster calls each man’s name from the book before him, and as it is
called the man steps two paces forward, stands to attention, looking at
the Captain, and gives his official number, rating, and everything he
draws pay for. Thus the
Paymaster calls “Thomas Jones.” The
man steps forward and replies, “Number (giving official number), Petty
Officer, 2nd class, two badges, seaman gunner, captain of
gun”; then turns and marches forward.
This is continued until every soul on board has been accounted for.
The fleet has been at steam tactics again today.
It is very nice to watch how easily and accurately a fleet can be
moved about, the ships moving together like a brigade of infantry.
Monday 21st-Fleet stopped just after divisions this
morning, and got out and manned and armed boats.
We did not get any signal as to time, but I think we were third
ship finished of thirteen battleships; cruisers are timed separately by
the cruiser flagship, as ours is timed by the battleship Admiral, who is,
of course, senior, being full Admiral, while the other is a Rear Admiral.
Our present Fleet Admirals are: Sir J. Fisher in the “Renown,”
Burgess Watson in the “Ramillies,” and Sir B. Walker in the “Andromeda.” Arrived here (Aranci Bay) at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
This is a very quiet lo0oking place-all hill and holes. The
only thing I should recognise again is a signal station on the top of the
highest hill of all, which is like a draftboard painted in black and white
squares. A good deal of the
land is under cultivation, in spite of the hills, which look from here
like ironstone. We have a
fine fleet here; thirteen battleships, about the same numbers of cruisers,
and a number of small ships, destroyers, etc.
Tuesday 22nd-All battleships went out to towing target
practice, or rather, aiming practice; came in again at 1.30.
Wednesday 23rd-Practically the same as yesterday, with
the exception that they piped hands to swim on the portside.
This is fine water, beautiful and clear; you can almost see the
bottom of the harbour.
Thursday 24th-Went out again this morning, and fired
heavy guns at towing target. Perhaps
I had better explain what towing targets are.
Each ship tows a target of canvas rigged on two sticks, which are
struck into a couple of baulks of timber, and which somewhat resemble a
small boat with a square sail set long ways (fore and aft), which is let
out about a couple of ship’s lengths astern, so that the shell of
whatever you are firing will be well away from the ship.
The ships steam round and round in an oblong sort of course so that
those on one side of the oblong engage the ships on the other side; they
are thus firing from both sides at once, and ships are always passing each
other. When the top of the
oblong is reached, the cease firing is sounded until the side is reached
again, and then commences again as soon as a ship is within a certain
range. Of course, in heavy
gun firing the targets is let out a good way from the ship.
We returned at 1.30; then the usual “make and mend.”
I forgot to mention before that Thursday is what is known in the
Navy as “rope yarn Sunday,” as it’s the sort of early closing today,
or half day off given for keeping clothes in repair, but taken for sleep
usually, or an afternoon ashore. It
has rained all day.
Friday 25th-More firing.
Some very tidy shooting done, but don’t know any results yet.
After firing, each gun had a turn at the loading machine, an affair
for practising rapid loading.
Monday 28th-Fine day; spent all the forenoon at
evolutions “out and in nets,” “abandon ship” and “man and arm
boats,” and left them armed till after dinner; then all No ones and
sixes went away and did some firing, and returned at 2.30; then unarmed
and hoisted in boats. We’ve
just heard some very sad news of the “Formidable”; it seems that when
they were getting one of the boom boats in, the topping lift of the main
derrick carried away and killed three men on the spot, an officer, and an
able seaman.
Tuesday 29th-Manned and armed boats, which went away
after dinner again, same as yesterday.
About 3 o’ clock all hands fell in aft to give the last salute to
the remains of the poor fellows who lost their lives on the
“Formidable” yesterday.
Wednesday 30th-Splendid day; in fact, it has been
glorious since the rain we had on Saturday; did no evolutions today.
Thursday, 1st May-Marines had usual gun drill in
forenoon, paid money during dinner hour, and went to stations for weighing
anchor by hand this afternoon. As
I write this fleet are at searchlight practice, and it’s a fine night
for it, nice and dark, and there’s about 30 ships using their
searchlights.
Friday 2nd-Fine day.
After dinner, weighed anchor by hand and went to sea; had some
tactics during afternoon and evening, and at 9 o’clock started night
firing at a target with searchlights playing on it, only 6-pounders and
upper deck 6-in firing, the 6-pounders using proper ammunition and the
6-in using tube ammunition. Came
in again at 11 o’clock; the firing seemed to be very good.
Tuesday 6th-Nothing worthy entering since Friday; only
the usual routine. Last night the cruisers were at searchlight practice.
Admiral Fisher was aboard this morning to see the craft, and left
about ten. At 11 o’clock
the battleships went out to carry out some rapid firing, each ship to fire
the same amount of ammunition, all hits counting to the ships, and the
ship with the most hits gets a trophy of some sort. We went out fully expecting to get the trophy; in fact, to
hear most of us talking one would have thought the job was settled, but,
when a couple of guns had fired and hit nothing, we felt a little
downhearted, and most of us lost interest in it.
After two had finished it turned out that out of several rounds we
got one hit, and now it turns out that the one hit must have been about
the worst shot fired, for the rangefinder was showing a thousand yards
over; but better luck next time.
Wednesday 7th-Aired and laid out bedding for inspection
this morning, and scrubbed hammocks this evening.
Thursday 8th-Fleet went out at 8 this morning and
practised tactics at 12 knots, and came in again at 4.30.
Saturday 10th-Nothing yesterday only rain, and the same
up till dinner today; left for Malta at 9.30 this morning.
Sunday 11th-Not a bad day, but hardly so good as we’ve
been having lately; fleet let go lifebuoys at 4.30 we were second ship to
pick them up. I had better
explain a little of this evolution. Each
ship drops a couple, or, if ordered, one lifebuoy, as would be done in the
case of a man dropping overboard and the sea boats in each ship are
lowered and pull to the lifebuoy, and pick it up, bring it back, and the
boat is hoisted; then the ship breaks her pennant or lets flag loose to
show she has finished, and all ships are timed on the flagship.
Monday 12th-Arrived at Malta at 11 o’clock this
morning. This place almost
seems like home; it’s getting so familiar to us now.
We had a little excitement last night, or rather at 1.30 this
morning. It seems that one of
the electricians wanted to test the bells that warn the sentry to let go a
lifebuoy, and told the sentry, but evidently he didn’t understand him,
for when he rang them the sentry let one go and made a dive for another,
but the Signal Petty Officer stopped him. Then the ship had to be stopped and the boat lowered, but the
joke came when they called all the marines to hoist it, and didn’t some
of them “go.” The sentry
had to see the Captain this morning, but instead of getting punished as he
expected, the Captain praised him for his smartness.
Tuesday 13th-The ship’s company have started a course
of musketry today.
Thursday 15th-Had a very busy day painting, as the
Admiral is coming to inspect the ship on Monday.
Sunday 18th-Everything ready for the Admiral’s
inspection tomorrow except myself, and I’ve nearly a week’s growth of
whiskers, and my face is about half a size too big.
I saw the doctor this morning, which is going to take a tooth for
me tomorrow and excused me from parading before the Admiral.
Monday 19th-Had the tooth out, or rather, the wrong one;
but it came out so reluctantly that I didn’t tell the doctor and have
the other out, so I’m just as well off after all; but it will ache a lot
more than it does before I go again.
I saw the Admiral when he came into the sick bay; he is a fine
looking man, quite six feet high, and well made with a very happy looking
face, something of the Beresford type; his name is Watson, second in
command. After he had a good
look round the ship, he mustered by open list, excusing marines, whom he
saw when he came aboard, as the whole detachment was up for guard.
After that he saw three evolutions, “Out nets,” “General
Quarters,” and after all this cleaning we are to coal tomorrow.
Tuesday 20th-Hands turned out at 4 this morning, and
coaling started in earnest about 6 a.m. and finished at 6 this evening;
took in just under a thousand tons.
Wednesday 21st-Had Saturday’s routine today, but it
was rather awkward as there were so many our of the ship at musketry, but
it’s finished now and forgotten. A
ship’s corporal, named January, whom was left here ashore in hospital
with consumption, died yesterday. He
leaves a wife and a couple of children; but although it is only a day
since he died, the canteen has sent the widow £10, and nearly every man
in the ship has given a day’s pay, and, in addition, there is to be a
concert given for the widow’s benefit.
He is to be buried tomorrow.
Thursday 22nd-Spent most of the day in getting ready for
the Major tomorrow.
Friday 23rd-Major’s inspection passed off fairly well.
The “Maine” left for home with invalids about dinnertime. She is a very pretty packet, and from what I hear from chaps
who have been aboard her she is everything that could be desired for
invalids, and has every comfort obtainable, but it seems hard that it
should have been left to the ladies of America to provide our sick with a
comfortable passage home.
Monday 26th-Nothing since Friday out of the usual, but
today we thought we were in for a picnic, but it was spoilt a few minutes
after. It was a signal from
the flagship for us to proceed with the “Diana” and “Andromeda” to
Palermo to represent England at the King of Italy’s review; the
“Irresistible” goes instead of us.
Tuesday 27th-The two Japanese cruisers that are to
attend the Coronation arrived. They
are rather heavy looking for cruisers, but are both English built and
armed at Elswick. The hulls
are painted the same as our own, but the masts and funnels are black, and
one has three white bands around her funnels.
There was an amusing five minutes aboard when they came in.
Our band was up on the quarterdeck, and as soon as the saluting
started they were to play the Japanese Anthem, and they did; about half of
the band completely broke down, and the other half nearly broke their
instruments up trying to make up for the others.
Wednesday 28th-The first musketry
party finished yesterday, so the second went this morning; we landed at
the steps of Hamilton Dock. The
foundation stone, which was laid by the wife of Admiral Tryon on February
12th 1892, is at the head of the steps. The
Japs are both coaling today. We
got back from musketry at 4 o’clock and enjoyed it thoroughly, it almost
seems like being on leave, to be out of the ship for a day.
Thursday 29th-We had another day at the range, but we
did not start firing as the first two days are spent in drill, skirmishing
etc; everything is new to us now, as the drill has been altered since we
left barracks, everything is on the South African principle.
This morning the Lieutenant of the range had us skirmishing, the
object of attack being a marine hiding behind a small bush with
instructions to bob up and down every few seconds while we advanced; as he
dropped down, we were told to take all possible cover and aim at him.
Some of our party got their little joke in by hiding behind empty
condensed milk tins and small stones.
While we were waiting on the jetty for the boat to take us abroad,
we saw Prince Louis of Battenberg, who is Captain of the “Implacable,”
which is in dry dock; he is a fine looking man, tall, and as straight as a
lifeguards man, he wears a pointed beard, and seems very popular aboard
his ship, and she is certainly a smart looking vessel.
Saturday 31st-Nothing yesterday, only, the trip to the
range. The Japanese ships
left at 10.30 a.m. and all our fleet manned ship and cheered them out, and
they did not forget to return it. They
may be little men, but they have a big shout.
The “Irresistible” arrived here from Palermo at 4 p.m. Paid money at 1.30, as tomorrow is the first, and they do not
pay on Sunday.
Monday, June 2nd-Nothing yesterday up till dinner, when
we went ashore, but saw nothing hardly worth mentioning, only a religious
procession which was a mile long, mostly composed of boys and old men
priests, they seemed to be all in similar dress, a sort of coat and cape
combined, embroidered according to rank in the church, as the most
important seemed to have the most embroider.
In the centre of the procession was a young girl carried in a sort
of rickshaw affair and on either side of her an old priest; these seemed
the most important of all. Every
now and then they would stop a few minutes, and all the people on the left
of them knelt down while the others remained standing.
These processions and festivals seem to take the place of our bank
holidays with the Maltese, for they drink and merry after the religious
parts are finished; the men were having a regular spree during the
afternoon. We were rather
struck with the different kinds of people we saw in the town of Valetta;
Moors, dressed in their native dress; Jews, dressed in their native robes;
Indians, from nearly every province of India; in fact, I should think we
saw a man from nearly every country in the world, even Chinese and Japs;
of course, Malta is not always quite so mixed as it is now, as there is a
lot of shipping here just at present.
Everything is as English as the Maltese can get it; all the public
houses are named after something English, such as “Flagship,” British
flag,” “British Crown,” then there are ships: H.M. ships
“Implacable,” “Illustrious,” “Ramillies,” etc.
We saw a group of children drawing Union Jacks on a wall-how’s
that for loyalty! About 9
o’clock I was having a drink with some pals I picked up, when we heard
some cheering, and on going out to see what it was, a soldier told us that
the war was finished, the Boers having surrendered; well of course, we
joined in. The ships of the
fleet dressed this morning, and everything looks happy and gay, and most
of us are as pleased as what the Boers must be.
The Maltese are making gay over it as well as us, for there are
plenty of flags flying ashore. We had another day at the range, but it blew a gale all day,
so we could not fire. Today
is the first day of the annual sports, but only heats were pulled off, so
I think I will have a run tomorrow.
Tuesday 3rd-No range parties today, we went to see the
sports instead. We saw
several races; our Lieutenants of marines (Blunt), was second in the mile
race, and the “Victorious’” marines won the 12-pounder competition,
and the bluejackets of the “Caesar” the 9-pounder.
The “Bulwark” arrived this morning, she is the flagship of
Admiral Compton Domvile, who is relieving Admiral Fisher.
Wednesday 4th-Range today and not good shooting. The “Renown” left for Geona with admiral Fisher onboard
on his way home, he has finished his time on the station. Of course, we have not been long enough with him to know him,
but he is immensely popular in the fleet, and is known only as “Jacky”
Fisher.
Thursday 5th-Last day of musketry.
The “Cruiser” left at dinnertime for a cruise to Naples.
Friday 6th-Only the usual general quarters and talk of
the surrender. I should like to know the terms, but I suppose I soon shall.
I hear that our fellows have again done well at the Agricultural
Hall this year.
Monday 9th-No evolutions this forenoon, and only routine
this afternoon. Heard of a
poisoning case aboard the “Pegasus,” a small cruiser here.
A gunnery instructor swallowed some caustic soda, which he mistook
for rum. There was an inquiry
held, as it was suggested that someone had put the caustic soda in the
bottle for spite, but nothing to this effect was proved.
Tuesday 10th-The Japanese cruisers have arrived at
Portsmouth for the Coronation. At
the range today, one of our sailors got too far ahead in the skirmishing
line, and got a shot in the fleshy part of his leg; he is in the hospital
now, but not very bad.
Wednesday 11th-“Renown” arrived last night from
Palermo, and went into dry dock this morning.
All the picket boats of the fleet went outside the harbour this
morning for tactics.
Friday 13th-Last of the musketry parties finished today.
Some of our marines have entered for the Marine Jewel, which is to
be fired for tomorrow.
Saturday 14th-Our Captain of marines (Muller) won the
jewel today, and of course all of us are pleased over it: he seems so
himself.
Monday 16th-Went alongside the wall this morning, and we
have had a quite a small army of Maltese dockyard maties aboard all day,
getting out parts of the condensers which are to be overhauled.
Wednesday 18th-turned out at 4.30 a.m. and left the ship
for some infantry drill at ten minutes to six, returning at 8 o’clock,
with dusty boots and a big appetite.
The rest of the fleet left here this morning for Corfu, leaving is
and the “Hood.”
Thursday 19th-Left the wall and tied up to the buoy at
11 o’clock; we spent the afternoon preparing for coaling, as we are to
take in 360 tons tomorrow. There
is a lot of complaining among the Maltese over the fleet going away-they
expect the fleet to be away more than ever now that Admiral Domvile is in
command, and as the people of Valetta depend mainly on the fleet for a
living, this means a lot to them.
Friday 20th-Strated coaling about 6 a.m. and finished at
dinnertime; the Maltese did most of it from lighters, and carried it up to
the side shoot on planks. The
“Ramillies” arrived at 8 a.m. and remains here over the Coronation.
Sunday 22nd-nothing yesterday, only that a Yankee armed
transport came in at dinnertime and took in some stores and coal.
Today has been as per routine up till 4 o’clock, when we had
early supper, slipped the buoy, and steamed to a place a little further
round the coast, so as to be ready to start prize firing tomorrow early.
Monday 23rd-Umoored ship at 4 a.m. and started firing
about 8 o’clock; we have been messing about all day, breaking and
repairing target, and have only just managed to finish the big guns; it
was 8 o’clock when we got in again and dropped the anchor.
Tuesday 24th-Left again at 4 a.m. or a little after and
got the 6-inch guns started. We
got off nine rounds in the two minutes run and had a mass fire; we had
another delay when a pin came out of the elevating wheel.
We had a misfire at nearly every gun, one gun had two and after
hearing of the accidents lately, it makes one wish they would “abandon
ship” after a misfire; most of our crew were inclined to leave it in the
gun for a day or two, but, of course, it had come out, and then the primer
had to be removed, I am afraid I was giving it a very suspicious look, but
I am still alive and the log is not finished yet.
We finished about 5.30 and returned to Malta; tied up at 7
o’clock; no leave tonight, too late.
Wednesday 25th-Awful news this morning.
We landed to rehearse our programme for the coronation, and after
we got ashore and fell in, a telegram arrived saying that the King was ill
and that the Coronation was postponed.
I hope it is nothing very serious, although it is hard to think
otherwise, as they would not stop the Coronation unless he was very bad;
it seems hard to believe it even now; anyhow it is a great pity,
everything looks so bright ashore, everywhere one looks there is something
to remind one of the Coronation; there are flags, flowers, festoons
everywhere, and all for nothing, but perhaps it will not be postponed for
long, but the telegram said indefinitely, so it must be something serious.
Thursday 26th-This has been a rather comical sort of a
day, for although it is definitely known now that the Coronation is
postponed, the soldiers ashore, and the seamen and others of the fleet,
have to go through the programmes just the same as if it was actually
happening, the half holiday, extra rum, and concert this evening.
But it all has been very half hearted, and the news seems to have
put a cloud over everything; but the question some are asking is, will
they get anchor lot of rum when the King is better and the Coronation done
in reality. One seamen’s mess will remember today for some time, they
had rabbit (tinned) for dinner, and now they are all, or nearly all, in
the sick bay, but it is nothing very serious-accidents will happen.
Monday 30th-All hands turned out at 4 a.m. for early
morning evolutions; first, we cleared ship for action, then away all boats
and pull round the fleet (three ships), and while they were away the fire
bell was rung, and, of course, the boats have to return to their ships and
the crews go to their stations, and as the evolution is not counted as
finished till every man is at his station and reported, the quick return
of the boats has everything to do with the rapidity of the evolution.
We finished second. Had
the usual make and mend clothes this afternoon, and left at 5.30 p.m. for
Corfu.
Tuesday July 1st-Dropped a target this morning, and the
6 and 3-pounders did their prize firing; let go and picked up lifebuoys at
5 o’clock.
Wednesday 2nd-Fleet separated to twenty miles between
ships at 9 o’clock, and had wireless telegraphy practice; we also had an
evolution; land every available man.
Of course we did not leave the ship, but everyone had to get into
marching order. The fleet got together again at 3 o’clock, and at 5
o’clock the fleet prepared to take and be taken in tow.
This evolution is for practice, in case a ship breaks down and has
to be towed into harbour. We
were second in that evolution, our time being 12 mins, 15 secs; the first,
8 mins 30 secs.
Friday 4th-Nothing for yesterday, just the same as any
other Thursday. In the result of the 6 and 3-pounders prize firing, the
seamen’s gun was first, ten rounds six hits; marines, second with ten
rounds five hits. I should
have said before that we are to send a week at sea and get into Corfu on
the 8th. We are
getting our mails at sea just the same as in harbour, the cruiser
“Barham” is running them, and is due with one tomorrow.
Monday 7th-Nothing but routine and a few well-worn
evolutions since Friday. As I
write, we are thumping along as fast as this ship is capable of going
(about fifteen knots), the battleships opened out to fourteen knots at 4
o’clock, and we steamed all night at that.
We are expecting a torpedo attack during the night.
Thursday 8th-Arrived at Corfu at 6p.m.
This seems to be a very pretty place, and like most of the places
we have been to, is very hilly, but the town seems to be on a flat, and
the hills are dotted with houses; and as most of them are white, the
effect is very pretty. We did
not get the torpedo attack, it seems that it was a bit too choppy for the
destroyers, so they remained in harbour, for they have been in Corfu some
days. We managed with the
best of them at the steaming test last night-the “Vengeance” had to
drop astern. We had a little
accident at 9.30 the shaft of the steering gear that leads below to the
steering engine broke, and delayed us a little time, but it was soon put
right. Shortly after one of
the Engineers Lieutenants got hurt, an electric battery box falling down
on to his head, but it is not serious.
We steamed all the night without lights, and all guns crews were at
their guns, which were loaded with blank ammunition.
The “Barham” is here with 476 bags of mails for the fleet.
I am wondering how many letters there are there for me.
Wednesday 9th-Fine day; had bathing this morning and
evening. Usual routine all
day, and no signs of getting any leave here yet.
Thursday 10th-No leave yet; spent the evening on deck
watching the glorious scenery and sunset.
This is a very foreign looking place.
There are large palm trees, prickly pear trees, and large
windmills-surely that is foreign enough for anyone, but I would like a
closer view.
Saterday 12th-Yesterday was mostly spent in preparing to
coal ship; of course we had the usual general quarters in the forenoon. We got the collier after the “Barham” had finished with
it, at 6.30 p.m. and finished taking in 580 tons at exactly 12 midnight.
Had the usual routine today, and the ship is looking quite clean
again.
Monday 14th-Leave at last.
We got leave from one o’clock yesterday till eleven last night.
We found a carriage, which was fairly clean, but the man who drove
it was not. The streets of
the town and everything in them are dirty and smell awful, but the roads
in the country parts were better. When
we came across a habitation-I will not say house, for there are not any
outside the town, the people live in huts, made of branches of bushwood
covered with straw-we got the same twang as in the town.
The carriage took us (four) to the Palace of the King of Greece, or
rather small country residence, but these people like high sounding names,
hence “palace,” but although small only two floors, it is a very
pretty and interesting building. A
very nice sort of a fellow showed us over the rooms, and what struck me
most was the amount of English things and pictures with the titles in
English, and English oak furniture which was worth the trip to see.
We were shown the drawing rooms, dining room, billiard room, and
the Queen’s study, in which there were autograph photos of nearly every
member of our Royal Family, and of Russia and Denmark, also the bedroom
that is used by any foreign royal visitor, and in it there is a large
mirror, on the side of which is scratched some of the names of royalty who
have stayed in the room. Heading
the list is “Teddy,” the present King; than the late Queen Victoria,
the present Queen, and “Eddie,” the late Duke of Clarence; “Georgie,”
the Prince of Wales; and several others, including Prince George of
Greece. After a good look
round the palace, we went round the grounds and saw some very pretty
flowers, then we got thirsty and had some very nice Marsala wine.
The soldiers are a curious looking lot here, the infantry seem to
do nothing but lay about the public seats, smoke and play cards, the
officers do the same, and argue with the men in the streets, the only
difference is that as a rule the officers are better looking men, bigger,
smarter, and better dressed; they always carry a long sword with them, on
or off duty. Our little party
got quite proud, for nearly every soldier we saw saluted us, and a sentry
gave us a shoulder as we passed him.
The civilians are a motley lot in all sorts of rigs, and there
seems to be almost as many Albanians and Turks as there are Greeks. The dress of the Albanians looks rather comical; short
jacket, lampshade skirt, baggy pants underneath and showing at the knees,
football stockings, and punt boots that turn their tasselled toes up at
you, for all the world like the toys the youngsters hang on Christmas
trees.
So much for yesterday, today has been just the same as any other
Monday; first, the early morning evolutions, nets in and out; then away
all boats and fire quarters, while they were away a couple of seamen were
hurt by one of the net booms swinging out and hitting them while they were
getting the launch out at fire quarters-it had not been properly secured
after the evolutions of this morning.
Wednesday 16th-There has been leave again each night
since Sunday. I went again
yesterday for a drive, but saw nothing different to Sunday, only a lunatic
asylum and soldiers barracks; the former was not very interesting, but the
barracks were a little better, stone floors, whitewashed walls, with
nothing but a plank bed, rug and wooden pillow, and a rifle back for each
man. The rifles are very much
like the old Martini Henry that we used to have, and a long bayonet.
One of the soldiers showed us their bayonet exercise; a curious
affair to us, and ours seemed just as comical to them, though of course,
they were all agreed that ours was the best.
They knew that was the best way to get a drink, so we took about a
dozen of them to their canteen and nearly bought it out, in fact, we did
of Marsala. We went out to
hear the band play on the promenade, and has waiters racing about for us
with more Maesala. The
promenade is just outside the town, and is a fine a part of the place as I
have seen yet. All the
fashionable classes and officers of higher rank sit and listen to the
band, and sip wines under the trees.
There is a large hotel at the end of it called the “St. George
and Dragon,” where all the officers of our ship go.
I fancy it is a branch of the Junior Army and Navy Club, and seems
to be mostly patronised by English gentlemen.
Yesterday we had a little excitement about dinnertime.
Three large houses in the town were on fire, so the ships of the
fleet landed parties with hand engines, but they were not of much use, as
it was too far from the sea to use salt water, and the supply of fresh
water ashore was not enough to keep their own engines working, so the
parties from the ships had to watch the fire burn.
Saturday 19th-A very busy day and very hot too, most of
us scrubbed the mess deck, clothed in bathing drawers, a very comfortable
dress this weather. A fine
Yankee yacht came in today.
Sunday 20th-Dressed ship at 8 o’clock this morning as
the King and Queen of Greece were to steam down the lines in their yacht.
They arrived in the harbour at 2 o’clock, and then the saluting
started, the bands on each ship playing the Greek Anthem, and all at
different parts of it at the same time, and the guns banging out royal
salutes; but if the sound wasn’t up to much the sight made up for it.
The smoke from the powder made it look almost like war, and the
bright flashes when they fired looked grand.
The king and Queen went aboard the flagship and thanked the Admiral
for the splendid help the ships gave at the fires; the royal party then
went ashore again, and there was more Grecian Anthem mixture.
Altogether, it was a very pretty sight and worth seeing.
Undressed ship at 4 o’clock; special leave was given from 1
o’clock till 11.
Wednesday 23rd-Some of the boats were armed this morning
and went out firing. It’s
now dinnertime, and I’ve to land at 4.20 with nine other marines for
patrol.
Thursday 24th-Our temperance party went ashore this
morning for a day’s picnic, and seem to have had a fine time.
Had the usual “make and mend.” I thoroughly enjoyed the patrol
last night; when we were not actually on duty (for it is done in hour
spells) we were in a sailor’s home, which is quite near where the land,
and they have plenty of books and papers to read, and we found a decent
place for a bit of supper called the “Abundance Hotel.”
Friday 25th-Usual general quarters, and after that got
out stream anchor and hawser; we were fourth ship; finished this evening;
had a swim and game of water polo, onion for a ball.
Sunday 27th-Left Corfu at eight o’clock this morning
for Malta, the “Ramillies”, “Hood,” “Canopus,” and ourselves;
the other division remains at Corfu.
Monday 28th-Went to general quarters during the
forenoon, and did the usual drills. At
12 noon we were 145 miles from Malta, and expect to arrive at sis tomorrow
morning.
Tuesday 29th-As expected, we got n a few minutes after
six; there’s one thing about Malta, we always get fresh food here, and
can run over to the naval canteen in the evening for a quiet drink and
chat. We expect to coal on Thursday, so had the “make and mend”
today instead.
Thursday 21st-Have not started coaling, so had another
“make and sleep.” Well,
some don’t like the Navy with two “make and mend’s” a week; why,
its grand! I’ll never leave
it.
Friday 1st August-Paid at 1 o’clock; otherwise the
same old routine.
Saturday 2nd-“Victorious” came out of dock this
morning, and we go in on Monday.
Monday 4th-Got the nets out about five
this morning and swept shelves down; then got the nets back again, and
went into dock at 9 o’clock. Most
of the hands have been scraping the ship’s side and bottom all day not
much like Bank Holiday Monday. Still,
I hope it’s a nice day in London. Half
of the ship’s company are ashore tonight.
Thursday 7th-No “make and mend” today, too much work
to do, but the ship’s side is nearly finished.
There is a religious carnival ashore tonight; there are hundreds of
small coloured lamps burning, and they look very pretty from here.
I, with a couple of chums, had a look over the “Vulcan,”
torpedo store ships; she is more like a large machine shop than a ship,
for there is machinery everywhere. She
also has two large cranes, one each side mear her funnels, that will life
a torpedo boat out of the water.
Friday 8th-No general quarters this morning.
Floated out of dry dock at 4.30 this evening.
I don’t know what sort of routine we’re to have tomorrow, as
it’s the real coronation day, or I hope so.
It would be very hard to hear of it being postponed again, but I
musn’t think that. The
“London” and “Irresistible” left last night for Palermo.
Saturday 9th-Coronation Day!
I expect there has been some lively scenes in London today, or in
England I should say, but the delay has taken most of the Polish off it
here as regards the outward show, but everyone is glad that the King is
better. Of course, the ships dressed, and there was a fairly good
display of flags ashore, but most of the decorations that were put up
before were ruined, so couldn’t be used this time; but the illuminations
were fine, and there was also a good display of fireworks.
We had electric lights all over the ship, the outline of her was
lit with small arc lamps, masts, yards and rails round the upper deck and
water line, and up the bow and stern.
As the lamps are only two feet apart the effect is very pretty, but
I have yet to see a large fleet illuminated for we are the only ship here
bar the old “Hibernia” and some merchant ships.
At 12 o’clock we fired a royal salute of 21guns, and the band
played “God save the King.” It
was exactly 12 o’clock (London time); the whole detachment was on the
bridge, and in new tunics, gave a royal salute (presented arms), and
directly our guns finished the soldiers who lined the ramparts all round
the harbour started a feu de joi, that is, each man fires a round of blank
ammunition one after another all round the harbour, or nearly.
The rifles are already loaded, and as one fires the next man
let’s go, and so on. This
is done three times, and is like a roar of thunder, the noise increasing
as it gets to the part of the ramparts one in nearest to, and then gets
fainter again.
Sunday 10th-I
hear that there was plenty of fun ashore yesterday.
Strada Reale looks fine, they tell me, but I would sooner see how
Piccadilly looks. Its very
hot just now, over 90 degrees on our mess deck, and the Maltese seem to
feel it even more than we do.
Tuesday 12th-coaled ship yesterday, 850 tons; Maltese
assisted, and we finished at three in the afternoon; then washed down and
gave the usual special leave to the watch and canteen leave.
Has a mixed routine today; had a sort of Saturday’s routine after
dinner, for we were all the forenoon getting ready to leave, which we did
at 11 o’clock, for Piraeus.
Wednesday 12th-Mustered and aired beds this morning, and
spent the rest of the day getting ready for marching order tomorrow.
This parade is done y the detachment once a quarter.
Thursday 14th-first and most important was the marching
order parade, and that passed off all right; stopped the ship this evening
and has a swim, for the Captain is great on swimming.
Friday 15th-Arrived here (Piraeus) at 7.30 this morning,
and went out again with the rest of the fleet for towing targets at 9
o’clock; came in again at 4 o’clock and got a mail aboard.
This is not much of a place, bare hills and barer valleys, with
scarcely a house in the whole place; something like Berehaven.
Sunday 147th-Mustered by open list, and then the Captain
read the thanks of both Houses of Parliament for the services of the Army
and Navy during the late wars in South Africa and China.
It has been read in all ships and to all regiments in the Service,
I expect.
Monday 18th-Went out this morning with the fleet and
carried out steam tactics. We
are going right on to Lemnos, and expect to get in on Wednesday after
dinner; the fleet got out towing targets, and the 6 and 3 pounders did
some firing. We are expecting a torpedo attack tonight.
Tuesday 19th-Again the torpedo attack fell through, it
was too moonlight last night, and they could have been seen for miles. Had the usual Tuesday morning infantry drill.
Fleet did the towing ship evolution in the evening; the
“Formidable” and “Bulwark” had a slight collision, and the
“Bulwarks “ anchor bed was damaged a bit.
Wednesday 20th-Arrived at Lemnos at 9 a.m., and one
would think we were still in Piraeus, for there is scarcely any
difference, only perhaps there are even more hills and hollows.
The fleet started a sailing regatta in the afternoon; the weather
being splendid for it, nice strong breezes, but not too strong.
One of the “Victorious” boats capsized as she rounded one of
the buoys, but before she was properly over, a steamboat from nearly every
ship in the fleet was around her, it was hard to see her from where we
were. No one was hurt or
anything broken.
Thursday 21st-Usual gun drill, and make and mend. We went sailing in the afternoon and had another spill, with
the same result as yesterday.
Monday 25th-Nothing only routine since Thursday.
Today is the first of the pulling regatta; in these races the boats
are rowed instead of sailed. Our
boys jolly boat’s crew were third in their race.
When the cutter was being hoisted a couple of hands fell overboard,
and though the water was very choppy, they were soon got out, none the
worse for their dip.
Tuesday 26th-More racing.
Our galley won the English galley race, for there are separate
races for Maltese built boats, which are much lighter than the English
built. We also had a boat going away for the all comers race, but as
the Commander would not allow the band to go, it fell through.
Some of the boats in that race were very comical; in one they had
an old barrel organ, the hands being all dressed in comical rigs.
We have not any list of ships that won different cups and prizes in
the regatta, so I only know of our own doings, and that is, galley, first,
and boy’s jolly boat, third.
Thursday 28th-Had the British Ambassador at
Constantinople in the harbour this afternoon. He
is on the “Imogene,” a small dispatch boat, a pretty little thing like
a yacht. He went aboard the
flagship. The hands had the usual make and mend.
There was also a sailing race in the afternoon.
Friday 29th-Our gunnery Lieutenant lost yesterdays race
by about one second and a half, but they got the second prize (£5), so
the hands are satisfied.
Saturday 30th-Left for Nauplia, where we are to coal and
await the arrival of the channel fleet.
The “Hood,” “Caesar,” and “Renown,” and ourselves are
attached to the Channel Fleet to equalise the fleets, as the channel is
only six battleships strong.
Sunday 31st-Arrived at Nauplia at 7 in the morning; more
hills and hollows. I am
beginning to wonder if every place is the same on this station.
The only thing any good is the bathing.
Monday, September 1st-Went out at 5 a.m. and did some
tube firing; came into harbour about 2p.m.
It is very hot just now. Paid
money as usual. About four
ships are coaling or have been today.
Wednesday 3rd-It is now dinner time, and the ship is
about half coaled; we got a half empty collier last night at six and
carried on till, we then laid down for a nap in all the glory of our
coaling rigs. Called the hands at 4 a.m. and started coaling again at 5
a.m. We finished the collier
at 8 a.m. and now we are waiting for another collier.
Thursday 4th-We started on the second collier at six
last nights, and finished at 9 p.m., taking in altogether 650 tons, and
two days over it. Washed down
with salt water and turned in. Today
we had the usual Saturday’s routine.
Leave has been given, but not many are taking advantage of it.
Monday 8th-Usual evolutions, “out and in nets,” in
which we were 1st and 5th respectively; “prepare
to be taken in tow,” in which we were 2nd.
Left at seven this evening to meet the Channel Fleet.
Tuesday 9th-An accident happened on board the “Hood”
as we left last night. A man
got jammed in the cable somehow and was killed on the spot.
He was buried at sea this morning.
“Let go lifebuoys” during the dog watch (5 o’clock) and
picked them up; we were 4th ship.
Wednesday 10th-I happened to go on deck this morning
about six, and got about the first view of the Channel Fleet; they were
just specks on the horizon, and I watched them until we met and joined
with them. There are six battleships and ten cruisers.
We formed up with Vice-Admiral Sir A. K. Wilson, the Admiral of our
fleet (Channel), and were met by the Mediterranean Fleet at eleven this
morning, and a fine fleet we are. There
are twenty-five battleships, the same number of cruisers, and any amount
of torpedo boats and destroyers. We
got the worst licking we have had yet.
This evening the fleet let go lifebuoys and picked them up, and we
were no nearer the top than 17th.
Thursday 11th-Gun drill for marines; make and mend for
everyone as usual. At 4.15 we
had towing ship, the “Magnificent” and ourselves being the first pair
to finish.
Friday 12th-Arrived at Nauplia at 5.30 this evening, and
after mooring, in which we were sixth on the list, we got out nets and in
again.
Monday 15th-Unmoored ship at 6a.m. and left for battle
tactics. After dinner we
cleared for action and had a sham battle; went to general quarters, but
only 6 and 3 pounders were fired, using, of course, blank ammunition.
It was very pretty to watch the ships engaging each other, the
firing looking very real, as there is always plenty of smoke from blank
ammunition, it being powder and not cordite.
Came in at 5 o’clock; we finished 11th in mooring
ship.
Tuesday 16th-Practically same as yesterday.
We were 7th ship out of ten (Channel) in clearing for
action today; did not get the times for mooring when we came in at 5.35.
Wednesday 17th-Remained in harbour all day; had
evolutions this forenoon, “out and in nets,” the “Ramillies” left
about dinner time for Malta with Admiral Watson, who is ill.
Had our make and mend today instead of tomorrow.
Had the usual dog watch evolutions; at 5 o’clock it was away all
boats and pull round the fleet. We
were 5th ship to get our first boat back.
The “Renown” was first each way-she is a very smart ship and
generally heads the list.
Thursday 18th-Went out at 5.20 this morning.
At 9 o’clock the fleet divided, and are to meet again at about 3
o’clock this afternoon to fight a duel.
After dinner we had a sort of “make and mend,” waiting for the
fray, and at 2.30 cleared for action, meeting the enemy at 5.
It was grand to watch the cruiser manoeuvres long, before we got
into action; we could watch them fighting and steaming about doing their
different evolutions a long time before we started, and when the
battleships got together the cruisers retired under cover of their
battleships, and the torpedo boats and destroyers under cover of the
cruisers. Altogether, it was
worth a little extra work to watch the fighting.
We are to remain at sea tonight, and are still “cleared for
action,” so may, have to turn out tonight.
We were third ship clearing for action this afternoon.
Friday 19th-Met the enemy again just after nine this
morning, and used torpedoes this time.
The fleets did some very close manoeuvres, and I often wonder how
they avoid a collision now and again, but there has not been any.
Came in again today at 4 o’clock, and spent the evening listening
to the sailors band. I have
not mentioned it before, but the band plays every Friday night for the
amusement of the ship’s company-other nights it is the officers-and the
sailors take the upper deck for a ballroom, and some dance well.
Sunday 21st-Left Nauplia at 7 o’clock this morning for
Argostoli in the Ionion Islands. Something
went wrong with the “Caesar’s” steering gear this morning, but she
soon made it good and picked us up again.
There are plenty of islands about these parts; we have passed
several this afternoon.
Monday 22nd-Arrived here (Argostoli) at two this
afternoon. This is certainly
a little better than the last couple of places we have been to.
The principal sight here is a military road that runs all round the
harbour, and can be seen nearly the whole way.
I believe our soldiers made it when we owned the Ionion Islands.
Three ships have started coaling; we were all prepared now.
Wednesday 24th-Started coaling yesterday at 2.30 p.m.,
and finished taking in 740 tons at 1 o’clock this morning.
Then laid down and had a short nap, and a sort of spoiled
Saturday’s routine today. It
rained nearly all the time we were coaling, and, of course, made it very
uncomfortable. We have heard
very bad news; Admiral Watson has died at Malta of pneumonia.
Friday 26th-Went ashore yesterday at 1.30.
I cannot say much for the place; it’s about the worst I have
landed in yet.
Tuesday 30th-Nothing worth mentioning since Friday, only
that it has rained and blowed ever since.
The sea has been very rough, and a collier that went aground on
Thursday has completely broken up; no one was lost from her.
The Great War between Prince Louis and the rest of the Admirals has
commenced. It started at
10.45 by our time this morning; the first thing we did was to move further
into the harbour so as to be out of sight from the sea.
I had better start properly and tell you the object of it and what
we are to do. In the first
place, the combined fleets (Mediterranean and Channel) have been split up
into three, and are A, B, and X respectively: A is the English Channel
fleet and B Mediterranean, while X is a Russian, I believe, or foreign
fleet of some sort, and we, X, are to get through if we can and get to a
place called Palmas, where there is supposed to be a large fleet waiting,
who are our allies, and if we manage that, all is over.
A fleet is at Suda Bay and B fleet at Nauplia, so that they have
both got a couple of days steaming to get to us, but through a mistake or
accident we were 15 hours late in getting the declaration of war, so that
we are almost sure of getting blockaded here, and a signal has been made
from one of our destroyers that they have been out and seen the fleets,
who have combined, so we shall have to stay here till Prince Louis can
find some way out. A small
cruiser of the enemy’s came in at 4 o’clock under a flag of truce with
an urgent message for the Commodore (Prince Louis), and it turned out that
it was only a trifling message from the Commander in Chief (Admiral
Domvile), saying he was sorry about the declaration being late for our
fleet, but to carry on after the signal was made.
She went out at full speed, and it now appears that she broke all
rules of the game, as the entrance of the harbour is supposed to be mined
out to 8,000 yards, and any signal she had she should have made from
outside the limit. The
Commodore has sent in a strong protest about the action of the cruiser,
which, of course, has gone back to the fleets and given all the
information she picked up. Prince
Louis has given orders that every ship is to have all the days doings put
on the notice board for the information of all hands, and I am sure it
will pay repay him to see how well most of us appreciate it.
A signal was made about dinner time for each ship to land a party
of 50 from each battleship, composed of seamen, stokers, and marines in
equal numbers, with an officer of each to watch the coast and prevent the
enemy landing spies; they are to remain until he decides to break out of
here. About six destroyers
went out this morning to reconnoitre, and are still out. When they went past us to go out, although they came within
about 50 yards, I could scarcely see them.
The names of each fleet are: -A, “Bulwark” (flag),
“Formidable,” “Irresistible,” “London,” “Vengeance,” and
“Canopus”;B “Majestic,” (flag), “Magnificent” “Mars,”
“Hannibal,” “Jupiter,” and “Prince George”; and on fleet X,
“Implacable” (flag), “Victorious,” “Illustrious,”
“Caesar,” “Hood,” “Renown,” and ourselves.
The “Ramillies” should have been our flagship, with Admiral
Watson, but through his dying it fell to Prince Louis of Battenburg.
Got special leave this evening till 10 o’clock.
Wednesday 1st October-The cruisers and destroyers
sighted several of the enemies cruisers last night and came in and
reported this morning, and soon after ours came in one of the enemy’s
destroyers steamed right into the harbour and was captured as soon as she
got in. Nothing else worth
mentioning today, only that money was paid after dinner.
Thursday, 2nd-Prince Louis tried a new move last night.
He chartered a collier that has been here a few days and put a
Lieutenant in charge of her, who can speak German, and lashed a torpedo
boat to her side and sent her out. She steamed between a couple of the enemy’s cruisers and
torpedoed one (“Sutlej”) and the other, the “Minerva,” went off as
fast as she could. The
Lieutenant in charge of the collier was to be a German captain if he was
asked any questions, and his ship was to be a German trader.
The torpedoing is done by the destroyer or boat firing a red light
at the ship between her funnels or thereabouts, and she then out of action
and returns to the base. There
were also a couple of destroyers captured, but neither admitted it and
steamed off as fast as they could. Our
Commodore is protesting against the way they are playing the game.
Leave was given again from 4 till 10 this evening, and the officers
are having a ball or something ashore, and a massed band has landed; two
from ours went and our big drummer (marines).
I ought to have said before that no lights of any sort are shown
from the ships after 8 every night; while we remain here no lights of any
sort are allowed on the upper deck, but the decks below are just as usual,
as the deadlights (they are the iron shutters that cover the portholes)
are put down, and smoking is done behind a screen that is put up for that
purpose on the upper deck. We
had a couple of the coastguard party aboard for letters, and they say
they’re having a glorious time of it ashore.
Friday 3rd-Grand
day; had usual general quarters. The
destroyers and cruisers had a decent haul last night, capturing four
destroyers in addition to one in the morning, so that we are six to the
good now. Today all ships
were ordered to make as little smoke as possible until 3 o’clock in the
afternoon, when they were to make as much as they could, with the object
of leading the enemy to suppose we were firing up ready to go out at night
and cause them some trouble. I
expect they are getting tired of it, for the Prince has led them to think
that we were leaving every night up till now.
Of course his only chance is to get away unseen, for the blockading
fleet number two to our one. One
thing I almost forgot to say is that all ships funnels, masts, and
ventilators have been painted black, so as not to show p too prominently
when we do go.
Saturday 4th-Routine as usual up till 8 p.m. when we
made a start to break the blockade.
