Friday Nov 13th

Crossed the Equator during
last night Long. 85°. Heavy
tropical rain fell in night and
continued through out the day.

HMS Hampshire an

– 25 –

armoured cruiser with
7.5″ guns joined us 8 am.

In order to expedite the
stay in Colombo the N.Z ships
with 2 of the Australians
are going ahead escorted
by this cruiser. The “Ibuki”
brings on the rest which
as a squadron is slower
than we are.. —

Dr. Home operated on
McDowell of our regiment, for
appendicitis.

Initiation ceremony of
“Crossing the Line” today.

Distressing accident occurred
when Lieut. (Dr) Webb dived
into bath & struck bottom &
sustained hemorrhage of the
spine. Little hope of recovery.

Ships run 259 miles.