A Stokers Diary of Events.

Memories of one of the first Crew Members, which must have been written under the most arduous conditions.

Stood by ship from November 16^th 1941.  Ship commissioned February 4^th 1942, all leave stopped while ship was alongside Anson at Swan Hunter.  Left Swan Hunter for North Shields at 11.00hrs on February 8^th  arrived Rosyth 19.10hrs, had a few days in and out of gunnery.

Monday March 2^nd left Rosyth 05.30hrs for Scapa Flow arrived there at 18.00hrs, all that month in and out of harbour and gunnery, finished running in Monday 30^th March, now a fighting unit.

Wednesday April 1^st 1942.  Went out on exercises with Frobisher and H.M.S. Edinburgh came under command of the Admiral on Edinburgh the 18^th Cruiser Squadron.  After exercises went to rendezvous with American Fleet.  Thursday April 2^nd met up with Yank fleet lovely trip, lots of eight meals a day.  Friday April 3^rd left Yankee fleet with the Edinburgh, us and the Frobisher, proceeded to Greenock to give 72 hrs guns.  Saturday 4^th April arrived Greenock 10.00hrs.  Tuesday 7^th April went on leave the Froby’ had the same special train at Carlisle.  Thursday 9^th came back on late train to the wide, roll on civvy street!  Friday 10^th April arrived onboard at 09.30hrs, as usual fed up!  The second leave went in the morning.

Monday 13^th Second Leave arrived back onboard.  Wednesday  15^th April proceeded to sea with big convoy of troops also we were in charge of the convoy, whilst at sea Captain tells us first stop Freetown we have an important convoy 40,000 troops and cargo boats with material, also the Hecla and a destroyer repair ship in the convoy.  Friday 24^th April destroyer came alongside for oil, weather lovely no incidents but fed up of looking out to sea, shot our aeroplane off the spotting duties, we have crossed the equator  wearing tropical rig now, weather lovely but hot.  Fed up of looking at the sea, roll on Freetown!

Wednesday April 29^th arrived Freetown that’s 14 days at sea sent letters off also a cable as I know my wife will be worrying, so am I fed up of this party?  Some of the lads went ashore, ships a disgrace when they came back, had to climb up a Jacobs Ladder at the ships side as some of them had a drink too many and had to be carried up.  The gangway was down aft but for officers only and wonders why people are fed up.  Commander stopped a hatchway with his head, left him on hospital ship.  Sunday 3^rd May left Freetown, 3 more ships joined convoy also the aeroplane ship Albatross.  Troopship Agweleon full of Yank troops also with the convoy she is, (lame duck).  Monday 4^th May Destroyer came alongside to oil her.  Got fresh spuds onboard as we had mice in box of spuds.  After oiling destroyer proceeded to pick up convoy, lame duck left convoy to put in for fresh water and Froby’ went with her.  Thursday 14^th May convoy split up half of them gone to Cape Town with the Albatross and destroyers us and the others heading for Durban.  Friday 15^th H.M.S. Hecla stops a Mine, 8 dead and 90 injured.  We escort her to Simonstown.  Saturday 16^th arrived Simonstown with Hecla casualties, now 17 dead 7 missing and 140 injured.  Sunday 17^th May, they fetch 17 dead onboard off the Hecla to be buried at sea.

Proceeded to sea at 25 knots to look for survivors of S.S. Sudan as she is also reported as being mined, but can find no survivors.

Monday 18^th May, Captain tells us we are now bound for Mombassa so some more sea time in, still no news of survivors from Sudan, sent a letter off at Simonstown am longing to get a mail, working until 01.30hrs oiling ship, roll on the end of this lot, lets get back home.

Saturday 23^rd May 1942.  Arrived Mombassa at 10.00hrs went alongside to oil stopped alongside all night.  Plenty of ships in here.  Went ashore to see if I could buy anything but prices too dear the place is full of sailors.  Sunday 24^th May left the wall at 06.00hrs went to anchor in the harbour.  Destroyer came alongside to stop, then she went to sea with the Manxman.  Monday 25^th May, still in harbour, what a change but I don’t know how long for.  Tuesday 26^th May, Admiral came onboard at 09.0hrs, tells us we come under his command the 4^th Cruiser Squadron he is on the H.M.S. Newcastle.  11.30hrs, Admiral Somerville came onboard from the H.M.S. Warspite, he is the C in C of the Station tells us to expect a hot time so goodness knows when we will get home.  Wednesday 27^th May left harbour with H.M.S Newcastle and 4 destroyers had AA shoot also night encounter good shoot.  Thursday 29^th May came back into harbour at 09.00hrs.  Ecclestone went sick and I had to pick his watches up, oiler came alongside at 18.00hrs finished oiling at 21.00hrs.  Friday 29^th May left harbour at 12.30hrs with two aircraft carriers, Illustrious and Formidable also Warspite and 6 destroyers, had practice shoot and night shoot attack weather lovely.

Sunday 31^st May watched aeroplanes attack Warspite the planes were from the two carriers, no sign of going back to harbour yet.  Monday 1^st June still no sign of going into harbour.  Wednesday 3^rd June still at sea been on our own for two days but the Warspite and two carriers came up today.  Had sleeve target shoot  all ships took part.  Friday 5^th June aircraft came out from Colombo to attack, repelled by aircraft from the Carriers.  One plane from Illustrious came down in the water lost plane and men.  Arrived in Colombo at 15.30hrs went alongside oiler then alongside Illustrious.  One week in harbour the longest we have had since we were commissioned.  Friday 12^th June left Colombo at 09.50hrs all the others left with us, the Warspite and the two aircraft carriers  also 5 destoyers, have heard  that Frobisher has stopped a Tin-fish.  Saturday 13^th June, At Sea the C in C has sent a message to say that there are enemy supply ships  about to supply to subs. reconn: planes are having a look at the Chatos islands if there any there we have to do our stuff.  Plenty of planes doing patrol duties.  Sunday 14^th Still at sea, everything o.k.  Tuesday 16^th June, went into Abdul Atoll islands at 09.30hrs, and went alongside oiler.  Every ship oiled and left again at 16.00hrs.  Wednesday 17^th had practice shoot at aeroplanes off carriers our plane shot down, our life boat piped away to pick up the two airmen who were floating it was a rotten disgrace the airmen were struggling in the water and the gunnery officer had to ask for permission to slip the lifeboat. The airmen had to swim  to the lifeboat if they had been injured in the fall they would have been drowned before our own boat could have got to them.  Thursday 18^th arrived back at Colombo at 17.00hrs went alongside oiler that was alongside Illustrious.  Friday 19^th left Illustrious and went to another buoy of our own.  Saturday 20^th, H.M.S. Shoreham a Sloop, came alongside to stop.  Monday 22^nd June, H.M.S. Shoreham left at17.00hrs. 

Tuesday 23^rd left Colombo at 09.00hrs went into boiler room watch keeping, got a shift from the stores, in the dog watches starboard forward circulator broke down got seized up E.R.A.’s working on it three watches. (Noted here that one of the E.R.A’s was our President, Chief ERA Arthur Robinson. Forged the retaining nut for the shaft, 4” BSW, quite a job.)

Wednesday 25^th June 1942.  Circulator going again alright now.  The Warspite and other ships left us; we had a night attack by planes from the carriers four of the planes went straight into the water!  After the shoot we turned around and went back to Colombo on our own Special Job, the remainder went on to Mombassa.  Sunday 28^th arrived Colombo at 01.30hrs oiled ship.  Monday 29^th June, my dear wife’s birthday, wish to God I was with her, fed up with this party!  Wednesday 1^st July Went to sea at 09.30hrs Ceylon was supposed to follow us out to come to attack us, the Gunnery Officer said they did not want to play so we stopped out all night and wasted oil and fuel.  Thursday 2^nd.  Came into harbour on Colombo at 15.30hrs back to the same position.  Saturday 11^th went on a trip up to the rubber and tea plantation 40 miles out of Colombo with the parson and his wife who were the manager they came from Leeds, the place was called Betsoda.  Monday 13^th July Left Colombo at 14.00hrs with convoy of Aussie Troops, the Captain says we are taking them part of the way to Australia as they are going on leave, an American Cruiser is supposed to meet us  about Sunday and take the convoy off us then we will be off somewhere else.  Friday 17^th July .  During the evening had an operation on a young R.D.F. rating for appendicitis the weather non too good  for it as we have had monsoon weather since we left but the operation went O.K.   The lad doing well.  Sunday 19^th July the lad is still doing well after the operation.  We meet the American Cruiser USS Phoenix, she took over the convoy at 12.15hrs, we steamed down the convoy with the Aussie Soldiers  giving us a cheer as we left them to proceed on our own.  Wednesday 22^nd July arrived at the island of Mauritius went alongside oiler at 10.30hrs left again at 15.50hrs, after oiling once again off to somewhere.  Thursday 23^rd Captain told us we were going  to Durban, at 12.00hrs went alongside oiler gave leave from 16.30hrs to 23.30hrs, went ashore and had something to eat, ship under sailing orders.  The mail has arrived onboard the first since we left  home, a small one but better than none at all.  Sunday 26^th left Durban with big convoy of troops more ships picked us up outside got a shake during the afternoon given a telegram, a daughter born and both well good luck my love, I feel easier now.  The Captain tells us we are turning over this lot at Mauritius to the Shropshire.  We take one ship out of the convoy then oil and proceed East with this one ship.  Thursday 30^th July 09.00hrs came in contact with H.M.S. Shropshire and armed Merchant Worcestershire, they took over the convoy.  We took the Sterling Castle with us.  Friday 31^st July arrived Mauritius at 10.00hrs we went into oil, left the Sterling Castle outside finished oiling then left again at 12.30hrs, picked up the Sterling Castle and came to our rendezvous.  Saturday 1^st August eased down to 9 knots engine trouble on the Sterling Castle.  Sunday 2^nd increased speed to 15 knots engine repaired on Sterling Castle.  Wednesday 5^th the Captain gave a short  speech tells us we have travelled 33,000 miles in 6 months not bad going.  Thursday 6^th came into contact with Dutch Cruiser she took over the Sterling Castle, we have turned about and going back to Mauritius to oil.  Sunday 9^th August Captain says we have to call at Rodriguez Islands to pick up 3 Dutchmen who have escaped from the Japs in Java, we increased speed to 25 knots, we are also going to Killidin after oiling at Mauritius. 

Monday 10^th Arrived at Rodriguez at 16.00 hrs, the three Dutchmen came onboard, left again at 16.10 hrs.  Tuesday 11^th arrived at Mauritius  went alongside oiler took on more passengers for Diego Suarez stopped the night.  Friday 14^th Arrived Diego Suarez in Madagascar at 09.00hrs about six ships sunk in harbour since we took it off the French, got some soldiers onboard to take passage, they were here with invasion.  Left again at 11.30hrs H.M.S. Dragon still here.  Saturday 15^th One of the Dutchmen gave a talk over the wireless (the Ships Set, S.R.E.) about their escape from the Japs at Baltaria.  They were at sea 31 days on a 21ft sailing boat before they made Rodriguez Islands, very interesting talk.  Sunday 16^th August, big mail.  Arrived Mombassa at 09.00hrs oiler came alongside at 14.30hrs.  Monday 17^th Started boiler cleaning.  Tuesday 18^th H.M.S. Nizam came alongside, Stoker I knew on the Nestor.  Thursday 20^th August New commander arrived, Riley ex-P.T.I.  Sunday 23^rd Stopped bathing on the beach, have to bathe over the side, mail arrived, I had one letter.  Tuesday 25^th went to sea for gunnery drill stopped out all night.  Wednesday 26^th Back in harbour at 16.00hrs.  Saturday 29^th Left harbour for exercise invasion of Islands (?).  Sunday 30^th arrived islands made the invasion believe it was a failure left again at 18.15hrs.  Monday 31^st Arrived back at Killidin At 08.30hrs.  Tuesday 1^st September H.M.S. Blackmore came alongside to oil then left.  Wednesday 2^nd H.M.S. Arrow and Active came alongside.  Thursday 3^rd September Anniversary of War, a day of prayer, what a farce lets get it over with.  Active left we have two passengers for Madagascar.  Friday 4^th left Killidin with 2 destroyers for Diego Suarez, at 11.00hrs passengers left ship, we oiled in the afternoon.  Monday 7^th Left Diego Suarez with convoy of troops and ships in the convoy Captain tells us we are meeting another force and are going to take Maujunga off Vichy French as it has been used as an enemy submarine base.  Tuesday 8^th a news correspondent left the ship at sea to go on a destroyer taken camera and a lot more gear.  Wednesday 9^th September, Met the other ships also the Illustrious, Birmingham with the Admiral onboard, also Major General Stirgess of the Marines is in charge, hell of a lot of merchant ships with troops destroyers also the Albatross Seaplane carrier.  The bombardment and raid starts 01.00hrs tomorrow so the time is drawing near now it will be a big thing as the sea looks full of ships.  Thursday 10^th we stopped outside to protect the Illustrious the Captain says the landing was made on one part at 01.08hrs this morning capturing the Post Office, Bank and Wireless Office; more troops were landed at 05.30hrs this morning not much resistance advancing towards aerodrome.  Our Walrus shot off at 05.30hrs this morning to do submarine patrol at the entrance of the harbour.  So far there have only been 40 casualties.  There has been three places attacked, some troops came down from Madagascar as it is on the same island.  Friday 11^th Still outside with Illustrious, hears about the raid on the wireless making way back to Diego Suarez.  Left Majunga at 15.30hrs.  Saturday 12^th September, Arrived Diego at 11.30hrs with Illustrious and three destroyers went alongside oiler.  Sunday 13^th September, Left Diego at 16.15hrs the Captain tells us we are to pick up another convoy of troops and take them to the other side of the island to attack Tamatave the capital of Madagascar.  Monday 14^th picked up 7 ships in company of Seaplane carrier Albatross and H.M.S. Dauntless they had come from Majunga the ones we took there.  The Dauntless left and we carried with convoy to have a crack at the Capital.  R.A. Captain came onboard.  Admiral came onboard of the Birmingham had a conference with the Captain, then we carried on out again, met up with the convoy again at 16.30hrs, the Dauntless was with them.

Wednesday 16^th September, heard on the wireless the capital Tamatave had asked for an armistice, but we have got all ready to open up on arrival at dawn on Friday.  Thursday 17^th, The Sea half full of ships, the Warspite, Illustrious, Birmingham and a Dutch Cruiser and more destroyers have joined up with us, this does not sound like an armistice!  Friday 18^th, Action Stations at 04.30hrs, the sweepers swept outside and inside the harbour.  We were offering the peace terms from 05.00hrs until 07.00hrs, but they were refused.  Then the sweepers swept into the harbour again, followed by the Birmingham with the Admiral onboard with us, followed by the Dauntless and destroyers, also 5 Merchant Ships with Commando’s onboard.  An envoy was sent in but was fired on, after they came back to the Birmingham we opened fire and bombarded the place for a few minutes then they hoisted the White Flag on shore.  Only us (those?) ships in the harbour opened fire.  The Warspite with the C in C onboard, Admiral Somerville was well outside with the carrier and other boats patrolling for subs.  The Commando’s landed at 09.30hrs everything was quiet; we left at 10.30hrs with Warspite and destroyers for Diego.   Received telegram to say all was well at home.  Saturday 19^th September, Warspite and destroyers left for Killiding at 10.30hrs, we arrived at Diego at 13.00hrs and went alongside oiler, left her at 18.00hrs for anchorage.  Mail served out, I got 6 letters the last one wrote while my sweetheart was in hospital.  Sunday 20^th H.M.S. Birmingham and 2 destroyers arrived.  Wednesday 23^rd, a notice put on board saying that fellows have been writing home about the food, commander says people at home worse off than us, that is impossible we have ?????9^th grade, the officers chicken, rationed they are not.  Saturday 26^th, Commander told us on the quarterdeck that complaints in letters home had to stop or we will be punished.  Captain sent for E.R.A. Widdow about putting it in his letters.  Birmingham has left at 17.00hrs, crash light up at 19.00hrs had report that raiders were chasing merchantman, we were under an hours notice, 23.00hrs, and back to normal.  Monday 28^th Left harbour with Dauntless and destroyers also submarine Truant for asdic exercise.  Tuesday 29^th arrived back Diego at 16.30hrs.  Friday 2^nd October 1942, H.M.S. Birmingham arrived with 2 destroyers and a store ship.  Monday 5^th October left Diego with the Birmingham at 04.30hrs.  Tuesday 6^th arrived Killiding with Birmingham 19.00hrs.  Friday 9^th had panic after supper 2 man submarine suspected of being in harbour depth charge being dropped from 19.00hrs until 21.00hrs, the all clear at 21.30hrs.  Sunday left Killiding at 05.00hrs with Dutch Cruiser and 2 Dutch destroyers for Diego Suarez had a sleeve target shoot in the afternoon, the Dutch ships left us during the night; we carried on with two troop ships.  Wednesday 14^th October Destroyer came out to meet us, arrived in Diego at 10.30hrs, the Warspite was here but left after dinner.  A big party in the Wardroom, Captains birthday; what a Navy, dressed a pigs head to have ceremonial sunset in honour of his birthday, all a waste of good food and money!  Friday 16^th Captain of the Dauntless came onboard to take passage, we don’t know where.  The Dauntless left at 17.00hrs.  Sunday 18^th went ashore to a picnic party to a place 4,000 feet above sea level.  Thursday 22^nd October, Left Diego with passengers for Killiding quick call out at 12.00hrs.  Saturday 24^th Arrived Killiding at 07.30hrs oiled ship and left again at 17.30hrs.  Sunday 25^th Captain told us we are going to Bombay to have 4 days in dock but he says he will try for ten, we should arrive on Friday.  Thursday 29^th October 10.50hrs, sighted a merchant service lifeboat with a mast up, went round it three times, it must have has some survivors in it at some time but it was empty now; we fired pom poms at it but only put holes in it; pom pom crew hit stanchion five of them went to sick bay, one very ill.

Friday 30^th October 1942 arrived Bombay at 11.00hrs, not a breath of fresh air everything as hot as hell.  Sunday 1^st November Came alongside wall inside the basin ready to dock.  Tuesday 3^rd November Came into dry dock at 10.30hrs.  Tuesday 10^th November, (week missing here) Came out of dry dock laid alongside wall in basin.  Friday 13^th November Birmingham came and brought our mail.  We left the basin and straight out to sea on the way to Colombo, I got five letters.  Monday 16^th Arrived Colombo 08.30hrs.  Thursday 19^th left the harbour at 09.00hrs with Air Force Officer to have a shoot and dummy plane attack, arrived back in harbour at 18.30hrs.  Monday 23^rd Shipwright Rowley got a Warrant for writing in his letters about the Ship, 1 Badge and 60 Days Imprisonment, left the Ship after Warrant had been read out.  (Editors note, loss of a Good Conduct Badge cost him 3d per day in pay, which he would not get back until he had completed four years without any further indiscipline, so a very costly protest indeed.)  H.M.S. Devonshire and the Mauritania arrived at 15.30hrs.  H.M.I.S. Bengal an Indian Sloop arrived cheered her in as she had been up against 2 Jap Raiders of 10,000 Tons and 8,000 Tons, she sank one and the other fled.  Tuesday 24^th Left Colombo at 10.00hrs don’t know where we are going , yet!  On the way out we passed a submarine  on it’s way  in flying the Skull and Crossbones which denotes it had a success at sea……

Wednesday 25^th  Captain gave a speech said that we were on our way to meet a convoy from Australia escorted by H.M.A.S. Adelaide and a Dutch Cruiser.  We meet it 1200 miles from Australia and take it to Abdul Atoll in the Maldive Islands.  Sunday 29^th Captain gave a speech said he had got in contact with the Adelaide and they had met a German raider carrier from Japan, which tried to finish herself off by scuttling, so Adelaide and Dutch Cruiser finished her off.  There are 78  German Prisoners of war on the Adelaide from her, also 10 Norwegian Seamen that were prisoners on the raider she was on her way back to Germany.  The Captain says that she was on her way to rendezvous with another German raider so we are on the lookout for it.  We have not caught  up with he convoy yet but have met one of our own raiders going the same way a us it is now 09.00hrs.  Met the convoy at 11.30hrs She also had two Corvettes with is as well as the Adelaide and Dutch Cruiser, we got ready to go after the other raider but had to take over the convoy.  Adelaide and the Dutch Cruiser were going after the raider on their way back to Australia.  Tuesday 1^st December we got paid, only got 30/- for a months pay, the first time  I have known them to keep your money back on the ledger.  Wednesday 2^nd a young Sub. Lt. fell from the spotting top, knocked himself unconscious.  Friday 4^th The young Sub. Has only just regained consciousness  and is slightly improved.  Saturday 5^th One of the convoy(?) and two corvettes left the convoy for some islands.  Sunday 6^th Met up with the two corvettes and turned the convoy round, then carried on to Abdul Atoll should arrive at 07.30hrs tomorrow.  Monday 7^th Miles out of course, (off course) the navigator had to get out of a sick bed to check the course, should have arrived at 07.30hrs but did not arrive until 16.00hrs, oiler came alongside, worked all night  oiling ship and pumping tanks we had to flood with water.  Tuesday 8^th left Abdul Atoll  at 18.30hrs with H.M.S Scout  on way to Colombo.  Thursday 10^th arrived at Colombo at 11.30hrs, got paid the money  we should have had on the 1^st of the month got mail, one letter dated 8^th September.  Friday 11^th Captain tells us we are going to the Seychelles, leave Colombo at 18.00hrs.  Saturday 12^th captain tells us we have fresh orders to cancel first and go to Killiding, we should arrive on Thursday. 

Sunday 13^th Action Stations at 21.15hrs 3 dark objects sighted but they turn out to be the H.M.S. Mauritius with a convoy.  Monday 14^th Had a battle practice until 14.00hrs.  Arrive Killidin  at 13.00hrs, got mail, 5 Air Mail and 2 letter cards.  Friday 18^th December.  Boiler party came onboard.  Sunday 20^th Boiler party went back to Adamant.  Admiral Tennant came onboard.  Monday 21^st Left Killidin in convoy with Bengal at 12.30hrs for exercises with Valiant, Illustrious and 4 destroyers, had night encounter.  Wednesday 23^rd Left the other ships 02.00hrs for Diego Suarez.  Thursday 24^th Arrived Diego at 07.15hrs went alongside oiler, left after oiling picked up convoy of 2 ships of troops, South African, going on leave to Durban, took convoy off H.M.S. Frobisher she went to Diego to oil then comes out again to join us.  Friday 25^th H.M.S. Frobisher she joined up with us again at 13.00hrs.  Monday 28^th H.M.S Foxhound and H.M.S. Inconsistent joined up with us to escort the convoy both convoy ships full of troops, boats had a ping  at 18.00hrs, dropped depth charges for 1 hour.  Tuesday 29^th Flying boat sighted a ‘U’ Boat on the surface at 15.15hrs, we altered course as the ‘U’ boat was in the course we would take, everything okay up to turning in hammock.  Wednesday 30^th one of the convoy broke down.  Thursday 31^st arrived at Durban at 18.00hrs the convoy had a good reception as it is the first South African convoy to arrive from Middle East to go on leave.  Mail arrived I got papers dated November 18^th, no letters.  Monday 4^th January 1943.  Mail arrived I got none.  Saturday 9^th left Durban at 11.45hrs with Froby 3 destroyers and  troop convoy, we split up during trip then we carry on to Killidin and take Admiral Tennant onboard.  Monday 11^th Convoy split up, Frobisher and 2 destroyers took 4 ships, the corvettes went back to Durban, we carried on with 5 ships on our own.  Thursday 14^th Commander Riley had a Stroke in his cabin during last night his servant found him this morning, unconscious at 07.00hrs, he died at 08.30hrs buried at 17.00hrs full honours.  At 11.00hrs lowered the whaler to fetch a dark soldier of one of the troopers for an operation, so far no operation, he is in bed in the sick bay.  An unlucky day today the third thing has happened a seaman was carried to sick bay at 23.00hrs with an acute appendix  he was operated on straight away.  The old saying is things happen in threes and it has today.  Friday  15^th The seaman's operation was a success he is quite well today, the soldier still in bed but no operation, I don’t think they are going to.  Sunday 17^th Met with H.M.S. Ramatura turned over the four of the convoy done high speed to Killiding arrived at 17.45hrs got a big mail onboard had 6 letters and three papers.  Monday 18^th Mail arrived got 2.  Wednesday 20^th Admiral Tennant and Staff came onboard at 09.00hrs let harbour at 10.30hrs with the Battleships and County Class Cruisers Mauritius and 4 destroyers done gunnery for 2 days.  All of us out at sea until Friday doing gunnery and Battle practice.  Admiral Summerville did not go out in the Warspite he stopped in harbour, came back to Killiding, at 17.45 Admiral Tennant left  the ship.  Thursday 28^th January went again with Admiral Tennant and the Frobisher and the Devonshire for another shoot and night encounter.  Friday 29^th Came back in at 09.00hrs the admiral left the ship again.   Monday 1^st February Admiral Tennant came onboard at 18.30hrs after Sunset with his Staff.  Tuesday Left Killiding at 13.00hrs for Abdul Atoll.  Wednesday 3^rd Admiral Tennant around engineering department  Thursday 4^th, In commission1 year, seems like six had big dinner living in hangar mess painting out.  Friday 5^th Battle Exercise during the forenoon stand fast all shipwrights working on the Admiral’s Barge, what a life living in the hangar with a plane in it is lovely and hot.  Saturday 6^th Still in hangar, Admiral Mess Deck rounds, Stoker Cottingham Warrant 5 days cells. 

Sunday 7^th February Arrived at Abdul Atoll at 09.30hrs went to live in Port Hangar so they could have Church and God in the Starboard Hangar.  Tuesday 9^th Large convoy of Australian troops arrived, Queen Mary, Aquatanian, New Amsterdam, Ille de France also Queen of Bermuda, A.M.C. full of troops, escorted by H.M.S. Devonshire and two destroyers and 3 corvettes.  Wednesday 10^th We left Abdul Atoll with the troop ships and Devonshire also three more boats.  Thursday 11^th captain tells us we are on our way to Freemantle  in Australia taking these troops home, while at sea we passed the Warspite and H.M.S. Mauritius.  Had a scare this afternoon as a Catalina Plane had sited a ship it did not recognise, we left the convoy to investigate when we got there all O.K.  the destroyer left us last night only us and the Devonshire and the A.M.C. with the convoy, moved back to our own Mess.  Friday 12^th Weather came up a bit choppy.  Sunday 14^th Weather still bad expect it to be like it all way to Freemantle.  Monday 15^th a Dutch Cruiser and two Dutch destroyers came out from Freemantle to join  up with us to take convoy in.  Tuesday 16^th Weather still choppy.  Thursday 17^th arrived Freemantle, Australia at 09.30hrs.  Friday 18^th Port Watch went on 3 days guns at 12.00hrs, the first we have had since we left home.  Boiler Party came onboard.  Saturday 19^th Devonshire left.  Monday 21^st Port Watch came back off guns at 12.00hrs.  We have had no night leave since they have been away.  The Parson  has got some addresses, I am going to Amadale a place in the country 12 miles past Perth.  Thursday 24^th  Had a lovely 3 days at a Mr Smiths at Armadale in the orchids visited the canning.  Everywhere we went  we were welcomed very good people  and lovely weather and plenty of good food.  Came back to the ship at 12.00hrs.  Wednesday March 3^rd Left Freemantle at 15.00hrs came out for shoot but carried on to sea.  Thursday 4^th Captain tells us we are shadowing the Queen of Bermuda with a convoy which she turns over to another A.M.C. on Sunday, then we carry onto Durban should get there on the 17^th.  Friday 5^th Admiral Tennant  spoke about the war at sea up to now.  Sunday 7^th Went after a merchant ship but turned out to be an American ship going from Freemantle to Abadan, her name was Abraham Lincoln.  Wednesday 10^th Battle practice  and messing.  Friday 12^th Captain tells us our course has been altered we are going to Mauritius to oil then instead of Durban we have to go to Killiding, the Queen of Bermuda carried on to Durban.  Saturday 13^th Arrived Mauritius at 09.00hrs went alongside oiler gave  leave to Port Watch  from13.00hrs until 18.00hrs.  Sunday 14^th left Mauritius at 09.30hrs for Killiding .  Wednesday 17^th Arrived at 10.30hrs.  Wednesday 24^th March left Killiding for a shoot at 05.45hrs and torpedo run with the Devonshire, had a two day shoot and torpedo run shot down  sleeve targets three times.  Thursday 25^th Arrived back at 18.00hrs the big mail had arrived that went to Durban.  Tuesday 30^th went to sea at 08.15hrs had gunnery with Devonshire and Aeroplane.  Wednesday 31^st came back to harbour at 15.00hrs.  Tuesday 6^th April H.M.S Devonshire has left for England.  Thursday 8^th April  Draft Notices arriving onboard, we will soon be going home, but some  will be left out here as 4 out of my Mess have a draft everyone is on tender hooks now wondering if we will get one.  Friday 9^th We’ve started, Glenister Chapman gone to Spring Tide, Morris Warman and Lambert gone to the Recourse.  Just having a supper one S.P.O. arrived from the Ceres he relieves Ross so that is 6 in one day.  Saturday 10^th S.P.O. Ross left ship.  Monday 12^th Left the harbour with several more ships for exercise.  Friday 16^th came back at 08.30hrs, 2 more S.P.O.  arrived to replace Wall and Groombridge everyone shaking  now wondering who’s turn next.  Monday 26^th S.P.O. Vassey left for Resolution that makes 9 gone, H.M.S. Kenya arrives from England also Mauritius arrived.

Left Killiding at 10.00hrs for gunnery exercises with Caradoc, Kenya, Mauritius.  Friday 30^th April Arrive back at 07.00hrs H.M.S.Lucia arrived in some of us expect to go to her.  Monday 3^rd May H.M.S Resolution went out on way home.  Tuesday 4^th May Left harbour at 15.30hrs was going to have shoot then carry on the journey home, but the C in C is taken ill believe we have to go back after three day shoot on Friday and leave Admiral Tennant in charge.  Friday 7^th Arrived back in at 08.30hrs draft of L.S.O. and S.O. went to the Lucia, Admiral left ship.  Saturday 9^th left at 07.00hrs draft notes onboard again S.P.O. Nash and Martin going to the Resolution when we reach Durban only 5  of us left.  Wednesday 12^th May Arrived Durban at 08.30hrs went alongside maiden wharf.  Thursday Nash and Martin left the ship for the Resolution.  Tuesday 18^th May H.M.S. Kenya arrived at 07.45hrs we left at 10.15hrs Captain says Cape Town next stop  and there are ‘U’ Boats in the vicinity.  Thursday 20^th Arrived  at Simonstown at 10.30hrs went alongside wall.  Saturday 22^nd 5 van loads of gold arrived and were taken inboard Marine Guard and Detectives with it.  Sunday 23^rd May left Simonstown at 10.15hrs, Dauntless arrived before we sailed also  Free French Prisoners under escort supposed to have left his ship. (?)  Wednesday 26^th captain tells us we are going to Bathurst in Gambia west Africa that is 400 miles past Freetown that’s nearer home should arrive next Tuesday.  Tuesday 1^st June Arrived at Bathurst at 11.00hrs went alongside the jetty ship open to Visitors a crowd of Negro’s came onboard they say that this is their ship as they collected for it.  Wednesday 2^nd the Bishop of Gambia came on the jetty with the choir and blessed  the ship had a service on the jetty then marched away again.  Thursday 3^rd left the jetty at 10.30hrs, the Governor of Sierra Leone who we are taking to England is with us, he is Sir Hugh Stevens.  The governor of Gambia came onboard we took him up the River Gambia, he gave a speech over the Ship’s Speaker (Tannoy) then they cheered him when he left the ship.  Well we are now on our way home thank goodness, I have been longing for this since we left, no chance of a draft now before we get home unless we are unlucky.  Friday 4^th June the Captain tells us the first stop is Liverpool and we dock in camel Laird at Birkenhead, he says the first leave will go as soon as possible but he don’t say how much leave  we will get!  Monday 7^th June We passed a Raft in the morning, sank it by firing at it.  Had action stations at 19.15hrs two submarines sighted put on speed but they submerged we could take no risk with having the Governor and the Three Million Pounds in gold onboard, back to normal at 20.00hrs.  Tuesday 8^th Captain has said that our routine has been altered we have to shadow a convoy from Gibraltar for 24 hours then we make for Plymouth to fuel and will be a few days later getting in dock.  Wednesday 9^th Picked up convoy early in the morning now we have turned away from home convoy consists of 76 ships.  Thursday 10^th torpedo carrying aircraft is spotted trying to attack convoy we opened up at it also convoy, I expect we will get some more.  Friday 11^th June Left the convoy at 22.00hrs last night now on the way home again.  Saturday 12^th Arrived Plymouth at 14.00hrs believe we stop here till Tuesday I am longing to get to dock to get on leave, the Gold is taken out of the ship.  Sunday 00.30hrs During the middle watch we had a air raid, flares were dropped over the ship, but the barrage kept them off they dropped mines and bombs on shore 2 chaps  off this ship lost their houses and another had to go to hospital.  Monday 14^th Had a warning at 08.00hrs but nothing dropped all clear after half an hour later.  Tuesday 15^th Left Plymouth at 11.00hrs to go to Liverpool.  Wednesday 16^th Arrived at Birkenhead at 10.30hrs went straight into the dock……………………………….