The Road to Chunuk Bair

We sailed at 12.30 for Aden.

We remained all day at Colombo. The men were not allowed ashore. Coaling operations were in progress all day. The coal is put on board by natives with baskets carried on their heads. The noise is terrific.

Church parade was held very early as we expected to arrive at Colombo by 9 or 10 oclock. It was a delightfully calm warm morning the sea as smooth as glass and quite an opalescent tint. Land was in sight at daybreak and as we neared Colombo a swarm of sampans came gliding over the [...]

Washing day as usual, and very hot weather. We learned with great regret the unfortunate accident which had overtaken Lieut. Webb on the Arawa.

A warm moist day with misty rain. A suitable day for the visit of his Deep Sea Majesty King Neptune and consorts. At 2.30 p.m. punctually he appeared over the ship’s side and took his seat with his retinue on a dais amidships aft. Major Cunningham and Lieut Turnbull were presented among the first and [...]

Both hot days, ordinary routine carried out.

Both hot days, ordinary routine carried out.

We proceeded on our way with a much easier feeling knowing the Emden was out of the way.

At 7 oclock it is known that a wireless message had reached the Naval Escort from Cocos Island. “A foreign warship entering harbour refuses answer signals.” The Sydney was forthwith ordered away, and we waited all excitement.  Cocos was about 50 miles away on our Port side. Later in the morning a wireless was received [...]

Church parade as usual. One of the hottest days we have had. Orders out for special precautions at night in view of proximity of Cocos Island. Dead lights in lights extinguished in saloon. A darned stuffy night and every body hot and out of temper.