Sunday Nov 1st

Left port ^Albany at 8:30 am
preceded by HMS “Minotaur”
and the Australian squadron
of transports. We were lying
at entrance & had magnificent
view of Australian ships as
they passed in line. On
clearing heads they formed
up in 3 lines 10–9–9 and
we retain our formation

– 14 –

of 2 lines of 5 ships each
covering the intervals of
the Aust. lines, — in rear.
We now hear from “Minotaur”
that we do not go to
Colombo, but via the Cape.
Wireless from warships
advise Britain declared war
on Turkey. Glorious sunny
morning leaving port but
windy in afternoon. Covered
29 miles up to noon. The
fine moonlight night brought
a magnificent sight and
one to be remembered. It
was not necessary to move
without lights near land
and the whole fleet — some
of them lighted up like

– 15 –

floating palaces, presented
a beautiful & unique spectacle.

There are 28,000 troops
on the ships in the fleet
and I suppose about 5000
men in the crews. Full
moon tonight and clear weather
& with all the ships, one of
the most beautiful sights
imaginable.