The Road to Chunuk Bair » Abouki

Monday 9th November 1914

lynley — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:00:10 +0000

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 that the Sydney was in action. The Abouki immediately steamed at top towards the horizon her huge battle flags streaming from her masts and turned and twisted as though to keep another ship in sight. Presently she stopped and a wireless reached us almost immediately that the foreign ship had gone ashore and then that she was the notorious Emden. Great excitement prevailed, and loud cheers were given. The Sydney was reported to have 2 killed and thirteen wounded. We all realized with relief what a narrow escape we had had.

Friday 16th October 1914

lynley — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:13 +0000

A grey cold morning. Reveille was scarcely needed to rouse the men as it being generally known that we were to sail at daybreak everybody was anxious to see the last of N.Z. About 6.30 the Minotaur followed by the Abouki pushed out into the stream and the Maunganui leading the transports followed. Round Seatoun and at every point crowds could be seen and faint cheers reached the transports. We were soon out of the heads and round Terawhiti and the rest of the day was spent in elementary work such as the nature of the deck space allowed. It was a delightfully calm bright day but there were a few cases of sickness. Our first day at sea caused us no regrets.

Tuesday 13th October 1914

lynley — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:28 +0000

A day at Newtown and Miramar – outpost work. O.C. engaged at defence stores getting equipment. H.M.S. Minotaur and Abouki arrived in the stream. A great sight.