Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

George Edward Edmondson papers, 1915
MLMSS 1244/Item 5

[Page 1]
G. E. Edmondson
Notes
1915

[Page 2]
En route to Egypt
= On Active Service =
On the Eve of the 15th April 1915 we were notified of our intended embarkation on the morrow. We were also given instructions to get out of bed at 4 am that morning but long before that hour the camp was in readiness for instant removal. Our run through to Pin Renba was a memorable event and was witnessed by many

[Page 3]
enthusiastic sightseers who welcomed the Soldiers by hearty cheering. We pulled out from the wharf at 2.30 to immense cheering & hand waving. This scene will be remembered as long as life lasts. Our journey along the Australian coast in the direction of Cape York was not one of any great moment. Thursday Island was our first port of call. The boys expected to be put ashore here but they were sadly disappointed. It is not usual to allow troops ashore from a troopship until their destination has been reached. The need to adhere to this rule was forcibly exemplified practically at Colombo our first port of call. The troops were allowed ashore on the second day of our stay at this interesting port with the understanding that all men were

[Page 4]
to return to the boat after 2 hrs ashore. Very few adhered to this order. The time right up to departure was taken up in getting the men aboard again. Many were the worse for liquor. Of course the men were not to blame – a weakness on the part of the commanding officer's being responsible the whole trouble. No man should have been allowed ashore.
The commanding officer realised his mistake afterwards & I am sure his self inflicted punishment was complete. In the region of the Gulf of Aden the temperature suddenly became much higher and for some days between decks was extremely uncomfortable. To move about at all meant to be lathered with perspiration. The Red Sea is a most interesting

[Page 5]
expanse of water. On one occasion we were unlucky enough to run aground though I believe the blame lay on the Captain’s shoulders as he hugged the shore too closely. No doubt for defensive purpose his orders would be to keep as near the shore as advisable but in the Red Sea less care need be taken to ensure against attack as the strong arm of the British Navy constantly keeps a watchful eye on this expedient waterway. Boats are constantly passing ships of all nationalities. They invariably follow the etiquette of the sea and dip their flags low as they glide slowly along. The designation of our craft- the A55 (or Kyana) – was sufficient to let the experienced mariner know that we were a troopship. From the

[Page 6]
beautiful Brisbane River until the Gulf of Aden is reached Britain decrees it inadvisable to detail an escort for our protection. This silently exemplifies the fact of Britain’s control of the waves. The island of Perim near the entrance to the Gulf of Aden is strongly fortified and is conveniently situated to control the outer reaches of the Red Sea.
For miles land is visible here and there until at last an unbroken plain is seen on either side. The distance from land gradually diminishes until Suez is reached. The Red Sea has a traditionally bad name but on this occasion Neptune smiled most charmingly on us. No river on its most serene occasion could have been as smooth. Here and

[Page 7]
there the placidity of the surface was broken only by the rise of a flying fish or the gambol of a lazy porpoise. The Red Sea abounds with life. Fish of all sizes & sheen can be seen. The terror of the deep, the shark also timidly places a fin above water. Here and there a shoal of fish is discernible – a commotion in their midst betrays the presence of an enemy either on

[Transcribed by Lyn Williams, Jean Hart for the State Library of New South Wales]