Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Brown war diary, February 10, 1914 - November 5, 1918 / Herbert A. Brown
MLMSS 5

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29/9/19
H.A. Brown.
Chief Stoker
H.M.A. S Platypus
Sydney

Dear Sir
in answer to your letter about the diary, I can honestly tell you that the diary now that is in your possession, is the original that I have carried through with me during the all time I was a Prisoner, and I can tell you that we had an hard job sometimes to keep our Photo’s and diaries, as we was frequently being searched, but by some means or other we used to get to know of these searches, and when they was going to be made, so we had to very often bury our treasures until all was passed a good many lost their Photos & diaries, by not getting them out of sight soon enough, for the Turks would take Post Cards or anything they could lay their hands on, I can bring you witnesses to prove my statement, that I carried that book with me wherever I went, or better still if you can get hold of any of A.E.2,s crew that was with me they will justify my statement, I have a Copy of that same book which I wrote out since my release, giving more details, perhaps you would like that one, if so, I will send it on by Post, but I thought you wanted just the rough and original, this one I have got now explains everything, and I know the other one was written in a terrible hurry at times hoping this will meet with your approval Yours Truly H.A. Brown

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Charlie Gosling
261 Rawlinson Street
Barrow in Furness
Mrs .Holmes v 15th July Birthday
No 14 Aberdeen Street Barrow in Furness
Mothers Birthday 20th Jan
Sister Gerts " 23rd “

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Herbert A Brown. S.P.O. Prisoner of War Afion-Kara-Hissar Turkey in Asia May 6th 1915

Herbert A. Brown joined the British Navy 6th May 1901 on H.M.S. “Northumberland” for 3 months training, then on H.M.S. Grafton for British Columbia station, then joined H.M.S. Sparrowhawk (a destroyer China), after drafted to H.M.S. King Alfred for England. On H.M.S. Black Prince 1905, H.M.S. Kangaroo at Gibraltar . H.M.S. Fawn to England from Gib. Did 5 years and 3 months in Submarine service in British waters, then drafted to H.M.S. Bacchante. On completion of 1st period joined the Australian Navy 6th May 1913, brought out AE 1 & 2 to Australia. When war broke out was on AE2, which went to New Guinea, back to Sydney for repairs, & then escorted 17 transports to Egypt, got through the Dardanelles and was captured in the sea of Marmora

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Left Barrow with H.M.S. Adamant at 10 p.m. on the 10th February 1914
Met with very bad weather and put into Holyhead on the 11th
Left again on the 12th had to put into Fishguard till the weather had moderated
Left Fishguard at 9,a.m on the 15th arrived Portsmouth on the 17th went alongside Fort Block House to make preparations for Australia giving ten days leave
Left Portsmouth at 8,30 a.m on the 2nd of March with A.E.1 and H.M.S. Eclipse as Escort, lost a Propeller Blade going through the Bay of Biscay had to be taken in tow by Escort arrived at Gibraltar on the 6th at 2 p.m
Went into Dry Dock and replaced damaged Propeller on the 9th came out of Dock and left same night at 11,45 p.m
Arrived at Malta on the 13th
Left Malta on the 14th arrived at Port Said on the 20th
Left Port Said on the 23rd lost another Propeller Blade just before arrival at Aden, arriving on the 29th
Replaced damaged Propeller on the 1st April by Divers and left the same day
Arrived at Colombo on the 9th turned over to H.M.S. Yarmouth as Escort

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Left Colombo on the 14th with H.M.S. Yarmouth
Arrived at Singapore on the 22nd and turned over to H.M.A.S. Sydney
Left Singapore on the 25th with H.M.A.S. Sydney as Escort
Arrived at Batavia on the 27th
Left Batavia on the 28th arriving at the first Australian Port; Port Darwin, on the 6th of May had a good reception, and gave us Sports next day the 7th
Left Port Darwin on the 9th arrived at Cairns on the 18th had a good welcome here, had invitation to Barren Falls next day by train
Left Cairns on the 18th had to put into Morton Bay outside Brisbane on account of bad weather on the 21st
Left again on the 22nd arrived in Sydney Harbour at 6,30 a.m on Sunday morning the 24th May tied up alongside of Garden Island
Gave 14 days leave next day
Went Dry Dock at Cockatoo for overhaul on the 28th
Came out on the 6th of June went alongside of Garden Island to complete Refit

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War declared with Germany on the 4th of August
Refit was hurried on day and night to make ready Australian Fleet, Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Encounter and Destroyers, Parramatta, Warrego, and Yarra, Coaled and provisioned and left for New Guinea as soon as possible to look for German Cruisers and Gunboats
A.E.1 and A.E.2 left Sydney on the 28th August arrived at Palm Island on the 2nd of September joined up H.M.A.S. Sydney, Melbourne, and Transports left again the same day arriving at Port Morsby at 4,a,m on the 5th
Left Port Morsby on the 6th
Arrived at Raboul on the 12th and started Patrol Duties outside Raboul
A.E.1 was lost with all hands on the 14th she went out on Patrol Duties at Sunrise and never returned nothing more being heard of her
Raboul Surrendered and was taken over by our Troops on the 18th from H.M. Transport Berrima
H.M.A.S. Encounter Bombarded Herbertshowe on the 20th Troops were landed and after a short Fight, about six men being killed, was taken over by our Troops, and Naval Brigade

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Left Raboul on the 18th of October with H.M.A.S. Encounter, Destroyers, Warrego, Parramatta, Yarra, with Storeships and colliers, the Main Fleet going on ahead with French Cruiser Montcalm, arrived at Suva on the 28th
Carried on Patrol Duties on the 29th
Fleet Dispersed about the end of October Melbourne and Sydney left to escort troops, Australia left for South America, following up the German Fleet leaving Encounter and destroyers at Suva with Convoy, German Gunboat was captured at Raboul during this time
Left Suva on the 8th of November with H.M.A.S Destroyers Parramatta and Warrego called at Noumea on the 11th
Left again on the 12th and arrived in Sydney on the 16th
Went into Dry Dock at Cockatoo on the 21st for slight overall, came out on the 28th and went alongside Garden Island for a quick refit
Left Sydney on the 19th with H.M. Transport Berrima and others arrived at Melbourne on the 21st picked up more Transports and left on the 23rd
Arrived at Albany on the 28th

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Left Albany on the 31st with 17 Transports, the 2nd Contingent, about 20 thousand Troops and Horses
Arrived at Colombo on the 14th of January
Left Colombo on the 16th arrived at Aden on the 23rd and left again the same day after taking in water and Provisions
Arrived at Suez on the 27th
Proceeded through the Suez Canal on the 28th at 9, a.m at Full Speed, 14 knots, as fighting had commenced in the Canal arrived at Port said at 8,30 p.m and tied up alongside of Custom House to await orders
Transports came through as quick as possible and proceeded strait on to Alexandria to disembark Troops
Left Port said on the 1st of February for Dardanelles arrived at Tenedos on the 5th
Started Patrol Duties with B. Submarines on the 6th also French Submarines
On March the 17th ran ashore at entrance to Lemnos at 9,45 p.m returning from Patrol Duties, Part of the Crew was taken off by Battleships Steamboat and Lifeboat H.M. Destroyer Chelmer towed us off at 2.a.m next morning, came off successfully went into Lemnos tied up to Hindustan

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Took in oil and left again at 8 p.m for Malta
Arrived at Malta on the 21st
Went into Dry Dock on the 28th Tanks being severely damaged
Came out of Dock on the 16th of April
Left Malta on the 18th arrived at Lemnos on the 22nd
Left Lemnos on the 23rd arrived at Tenedos same day
Left Tenedos at 2,a.m on the 24th to get through Dardinelles dived at 4,a.m at Entrance to Chanak broke Hydroplane Shaft had to come to surface, and come back at full speed without being seen got back to Tenedos at 6 a.m anchored off H.M.S. Blenheim to make good repairs.
Left Tenedos at 2, a.m on the 25th Dived at 4, a.m
Depth 70 to 80 feet went under rows of Mines
Arrived off Chanak about 6,a.m made attack on Turkish Fleet Sunk a Minelayer named (Chilak)- Chelak) with foremost Torpedo, was chased by Motor Boats and Torpedo Boats giving us a lively time, we ran ashore on a bank right under the Forts was fired by Ships and Forts got off and ran strait on the opposite bank it being so narrow was fired on again but got off and dived again without being hit

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afterwards continually being chased by Ships of all sorts but managed to shake them off, went into a Bay above Chenak and rested on the bottom, but was being dragged for all day by Turkish boats, came up to Surface at 9,45 p.m and charged up Batteries until 8,30 a.m next morning the 26th dived again at 4, a.m, had to get under nets that was put down to catch us, passed Transports and Turkish Battleship Turks [indecipherable], had a shot with Beam Torpedo but Missed, then they took up the chase, but we managed to get through to Sea of Marmara quite safe, then came to the surface, Ran up the White Ensign and continued to patrol and worry all shipping, made Wireless to our Fleet at dusk to let them know we had succeeded to get through safely then dived and lazed on the bottom all night Came to Surface just before daybreak next morning made attacks off Gallipoli but had bad luck with Torpedos and missed on account of running too deep, Torpedo Boats and Destroyers continued to chase us all day giving us no time to remain on the surface, remained on the bottom for the night
Came to Surface next morning the 29th run to Gallipoli made attacks on Transports loaded with troops and guarded by Destroyers, sunk one Transport, was worried and

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chased the Remainder of the forenoon, met with E.14 in the afternoon. she had got through the day before, but we had not seen, oneanother, made arrangements for movements of next day, then dived, and rested on the bottom all night Came to Surface at daybreak the next morning the 30th set out towards Constantinople to meet E.14, saw her on the horizon steaming towards with Turkish Torpedo Boats in chase saw E.14, dive but continued to draw Enemy on, then dived but we got into difficulties afterwards and kept exposing ourselves to the Enemy which was all round us and firing on us, we had several holes by Gun Shots fire put into us aft which compelled us to surrender, the Boat was in a sinking condition, so the crew got on deck as soon as possible, found a Turkish Gunboat and Destroyer still firing at us but dropping short, the Torpedo Boats Crew lowered Boats to pick us up and we was taken on board, the three Officers being the last to leave the Boat as she sunk in 40 fathoms of Water, after we got on board we found that three Torpedoes had been fired at us, but all missed, we was put down in the forecastle and given blankets to keep us warm while our clothes were getting dry, then we was taken down to Gallipoli where we was seen by the German General, then the Torpedo Boat took in coal and we left

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for Constantinople in the evening arriving next morning early the 1st of May, was given Turkish Sailor suits and coats and shoes and marched through Constantinople to Prison was visited very near every day by different Turkish and German Officers, some part of the Crew was taken away and questioned about our doings, we all had our hair Cropped off and Turkish hats given us then had to have our Photo’s taken afterwards
We left Constantinople on the 5th of may and went by train at 8,30 a.m arriving at Eski-chehii at 7,p.m putting up there the night, left again next morning arrived at Afrion-kara-hissar in the evening May the 6th where we met with the Russian, French and Submarine E 15,s Crew, we was packed in smelly rooms 32 in a room with just the bare boards to lay on
On the 2nd of June we was all made to work, making roads, breaking stones, and blasting rocks starting at 6,45 a.m until 5,45 p.m meals consisting of bread and water, except what we bought for ourselves which was an egg or onions
Carried on with this until the 6th of July then we was told we was going into the country to work. 9 Volunteers were required to stay behind to put Reaping Machines

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together for harvesting I was amongst the Mechanics that they wanted, the others left on the 9th and marched about 12 miles, until about 7 p.m they arrived at their destination without any shelter for sleeping
Next day they had to pitch old Canvas tents to Sleep and live in
On the 12th the started to work on the roads again 6,30 a.m until 6,30 p.m some having to walk back about two miles to the camp after the first two days they was
kept very short of food sometimes only having one meal a day
during this time me and eight others were left behind to put together 9 reaping Machines from America
On Sunday 18th we was visited by a German officer from Stamboul who inquired how we was being treated and to see what was wanted
On Monday the 19th all the Prisoners were fetched back from the country, and everything was disinfected, clothes and rooms and all Prisoners was Inokulated three times in three weeks on account of a Russian Seaman having Typhoid Fever, who died
July 28th started work again on the old job making roads
Was stopped working again on the 29th

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tired and cold, but we couldnt keep warm, even with our Blankets, we had no proper rest
We left again the next morning, at 8,30 the 18h this day was worse than ever especially towards evening when we was near the place to put up, the roads had been heavy all day, but we had to cross ploughed fields through snow and slosh, through Bogs and ditches sinking up to our knees, a lot dropped out and had to be taken in the carts, we arrived at a small village at 8,30 p.m where we had to sleep in damp cold cattle sheds, we was given carawana here consisting of Boiled wheat and beans, but not very appetising
January 19th we was given a days rest, which was much needed, majority having Blistered feet and swollen toes, and heavy colds, we was given carawana morning and evening
January 20th we left at 8, a.m with much better roads and was allowed to have Pack horses by Paying for them to carry our bundles charging 6 Peasters a bundle on the donkeys to Angora and for the horses 30/- for Packs and riding, this made it much better for us as our bundles were very heavy, and we made much better progress

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and we arrived at our next stopping place at 5 p.m where we had the same reception sleeping in cold damp cattle sheds, so many in a shed some having no windows in here we passed a vert bad night, here, they gave us two meals
We left at 7,30 a.m next morning the 21st in better spirits being our last days march, and all men that could not get along was taken in the carts, and we had very good roads and not many hills to climb, so we made very good headway arriving at Angora at 5 p.m were we was put into different barracks very old and broken up, 15 of us was put into small rooms about 8, feet by 10 and we had a very bad night of it being in a cramped up position, as we could not stretch out, here we received carawana
Next day the 22nd five men were taken out of each room which made it much better, but still we had not got proper room then, but we had to make the best of it, they served us out with a small supply of tea and sugar
January 23rd we was all allowed to have a free bath, which was much needed, and Doctors were

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sent round to attend all sick, some being sent to hospital
January 24th we received the remainder of our money from Commandant £4.10.0 per man A.E.2’s crews only
We left Angora at 6 p.m 27th all Prisoners and got into the train at 7,30 p.m leaving at 8,45 pm
Arrived at Eskicher at 6, a.m the 28th here we stayed all day, leaving again at 6,30 pm
Arrived at Afrion-kara-hissar at 4, a.m on the 29th but only stayed an hour, we stopped at several junctions along the line, for four and five hours being only a single line, and the Turks being very busy making preparations with Troops and Transports for the Suez Canal, we stopped at Konia for two hours giving us another days bread and carawana, boiled wheat which we turned against, and left again at 8,30 p.m arrived at Bozanti Station at 6,30 p.m the 30th stayed there for about half an hour, then was taken down to the end of the line where we disembarked at 8,30 p.m and was put into sheds for the night.

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Next morning 1st of February we all gave in our trades, Names and different Parties were told off, or some Volunteered to work at their respective trades some in tunnels, some on buildings etc, The Turkish Government are still responsible for us, but we are turned over to German and Swiss Contractors to work at our respective trades helping to build the railway line and tunnelling to join up with the Bagdad railway, first of all we are to make ourselves as comfortable as possible in different Tents and buildings which we are doing for ourselves and in the meantime being paid 8 peasters a day 2 Peasters being stopped for each loaf of Bread we have, already we was advanced 17 Peasters per man
On the 2nd and 3rd we was making preparations to make ourselves as comfortable as possible before we are wanted to work, several Parties are already away at different places at work, we get Paid according to our trade and work, on the 3rd we was advanced 24 more Peasters per Man making 41 in all, and in the evening about 300 more Russian Prisoners joined up, also we are allowed

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to go into to go into a small village to buy such things as we require, as we are entirely keeping ourselves now, being supplied with nothing from the Turks whatever, but we have plenty of Water, here and we are allowed to walk about and do very near as we like, not much to worry about, plenty of wood to make fires, but things are very dear for living, there being only two or three shops to buy from and Meat is very dear, and tobacco, we also have a small hospital for bad cases with two German Nurses, and several assistants and Doctors
From the 5th we carry on with work in different places parties of 40 & 50 working in different Places along the line and having there own camps, but not all. P.Os. & Chiefs are required for work But we are all getting 8 Peasters a day just the same P.Os & Chiefs 12 amp; 15 Peasters
On the 9th I received one letter from Brother in law at Gravesend dated 6th of January, two from Sister dated 3rd & 4th of January and one from the Wife dated 30th Dec On the 10th received two one letter from Barrow dated 16th of January and one from Sister dated 18th January.
On the 11th received one letter from Sister dated 9th of January

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On the 13th a Seaman belonging to E.7s Crew died at Angora, Named, Reid
On the 16th received letter from Wife dated 22nd of January and one from Sister dated 23rd of Jan and each British Prisoner of War received 30/-s. per man
Started raining with a very heavy downpour on the 18th and carried on until the afternoon of the 19th
On the 21st a Soldier named Hunt belonging to the Worcester Regiment died in Hospital at Bozanti; in the meantime one died at Angora before we left for Kingre making three in all that died after being taken Prisoners
On the 22nd a Coffin was made for (Hunt) by one of the Australian Sergeants and we buried him at 12,30 p.m all available men followed him to the Grave where the Service was conducted by one of the Soldiers.
On the 26th received one letter from Wife and one letter from Brother-in law
On the 27th received 1 Pound from Mother, and a Russian Soldier died in hospital also a French Soldier from Typhoid Fever.
On the 2nd March received 1 letter from Barrow dated 2nd Feb and one from Sister dated 6th, also received one Pound from U.S.A. Embassy, one Pound per Man for every English Prisoner

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On the 8th all A.E.2s Crew received 3 Pounds per man from the High Commissioner of Australia
On the 11th received one letter from Sister dated 13 Feb
On the 18th received one letter from Wife dated 22 Feb two from Sister dated 16th & 21st and two from Barrow dated 16th & 20th also it rained for 48 hours very hard on the 18th &19th
Three Russian Prisoners escaped at the beginning of the Month and got clear away, two more tried to escape, but got captured and sent to Stamboul
On the 23rd received two letters from Sister dated 27 & 29th
On the 1st of April more clothing arrived from the U.S. Embassy
On the 6th
On the 7th received one letter from Wife dated 6th March, one from Barrow dated 6th and two from Sister dated 5th & 12th
On the 12th all British Prisoners received 1£; per man from U.S.Embassy
On the 16th a Dove visited the camp and we catched him and kept him as a pet taking it as an emblem of peace
On the 28th March started work in the Central Power Station & on the 8th April started night work 12 hour shifts up to the 22nd
On the 18th received one letter from mother dated 23rd of March one from Wife dated 20th two from Sister dated 20th & 19th

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On the 27th received one letter from Sister dated 3rd April
On the 5th May received one letter from Wife dated 4th of April
Private New belonging to the Australian forces, was killed by a falling rock, while he was asleep, it came down the hill, through the roof of the building and smashed his head, on the 7th of May and was buried with all respect at Belemidik on the 8th at 3pm Private Bennett conducting the Service and all Available Prisoners following him to his Grave.
On the 11th received one letter from Barrow dated 12th April and one from Sister dated 9th
On the 11th Able Seaman, Barter belonging to Submarine E. 15 was drowned while trying to cross the River on a Plank his comrades were unable to render him any assistance as the current was too Strong and his body could not be found
On the 18th received one letter from Barrow dated 15th April and one from Sister dated 17th
On the 22nd received on letter from Wife dated 18th of April
On the 27th Received two letters from Sister dated 23rd & 30th
On the 28th received one letter from Barrow dated 27th of April
On the 29th one Pound Per Man was sent to all British Prisoners from the U.S. Embassy & two Pound per Man for A.E.2s Crew from the Commonwealth Government

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On the 17th received one letter from Brother in law dated 3rd of May, one from Sister dated 7th, one from Barrow dated 11th and one from Wife dated 12th
One the 24th of June all British Prisoners received one Pound Per Man from the U.S. Embassy
On the 26th received two letters from Sister dated 15th & 23rd of May and one from Wife dated 18/
On the 13th of July Able Seamen Barter’s Body was found at Kulumaghara, it had become entangled with a tree, and his back was found to be broken, his remains were brought into Belemidik and buried alongside of the other Prisoners, Private Bennett conducting the Service
One the 24th of July received three letters from Sister dated 28th May 4th & 13th of June, one from Wife dated 10th of June and two from Barrow dated 31st of May and 15th of June
On the 25th received one letter from Brother-in-law dated 3rd July
On the 26th received Xmas letter two from Sister dated 17th & 19th of December & two Photos from Barrow
On the 29th received two letters from Sister dated 19th amp; 25th of June
On the 1st of August 4 Pounds Per Man was sent for A.E. 2s Crew.

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Also on the 1st of August a very Special Event occurred, I received my First Parcel from Home dated 31st of May, everything was correct except 1 Packet of Cigarettes & the Packets of Cocoa & I am sorry to say the Cake was smashed, also received two more Parcels from Ladies Emergency League, Consisting of 1 Navy BlueSuit, 2 Flannels, 2 Drawers, 2 Socks 1 Jersey 1 Pair of Boots all this was very good Clothing.
On the 5th of August received one letter from Sister dated 9th of July
On the 13th received one Parcel from Wife also Photo containing two Pairs of Socks, two Singlets, two Packets Cigarettes
On the 17th of JulyAugust received two letters from Barrow dated 17th & 23rd of July & one from Sister dated 17th
On the 28rd received one letter from Sister dated 24th July
On the 1st of September received Parcel from Sister dated 3rd of May, Contents, 1 Cake (Smashed and Mouldy) Tea, Sugar, Sweets, Cocoa, and Photo of Mother, and one of Sister Ethel, This Parcel had not been opened and one Packet of Players Cigarettes

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Everyone was put under 14 days quaratine on account of more fever, clothes and rooms being disinfected

August the 3rd we was supplied with Beds made of Hay
August the 4th, 5th, and 6th rooms were limewashed, shelves made for the rooms, tables and stools had been made for the rooms, and 16 men were equalled out to each room instead of 32, also was supplied with civilian clothes from the Turks.
August the 7th the U,S. Embassy visited us from Starnboul bringing us Provisions, underclothes, and giving us one Pound each to the British Prisoners and all complaints were given to him
August the 20th started worked again on the old job making roads, was promised payment, but (never) got any
August the 24th was stopped working on account of one Russian Seaman having Typhoid Fever all clothes and rooms were disinfected and we was put under 14 days Quaratine
October 5th 89 English Prisoners were told off to get ready to go to Angora, we entrained at 2 p.m. but didn’t leave until six p.m., we was shut up in a box truck all the time 89 of us all crammed in, like this for over 24 hours

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arrived at Angora at 10 p.m. on the 6th and marched about 3 miles to an old Barracks were we joined up with the Remaining A.E. 7s Crew and other English and French Prisoners
October 18th 274 English and French Prisoners left Angora to march to another Barracks at Kingre 4 days march, about 80 miles, putting up at night and starting early in the mornings, a lot of Prisoners being wounded fell by the roadside in fainting fits and exhaustion, we only had one loaf, about a lb ½ and water to march on, we had some carts with us but there was not room for everyone to ride, so other Prisoners that was also tired and worn out had to help the others along as best they could majority of us having no boots only old slippers, we reached Kingre at 8,30 p.m. on the 17th very near all broken up, the best welcome we had, was, we found Woollen Beds and Quilts already for us to turn in, we simply dropped down and slept till the morning the majority not being able to move all next day, this place is an old training establishment very drafty and cold, and only one Water tap for all hands to wash under and no arrangements for washing clothes

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November the 2nd and 3rd 3 German Officers visited us but didn’t want to hear any complaints or have any conversation with us
November 16th another 33 Prisoners arrived from Angora, also some clothing and Blankets from the U.S. Embassy
November 26th had a heavy fall of snow

Provisions allowed to Prisoners at Kingre 307 men
Two meals a day, one Loaf about 1 ½ lbs, 8 ¾ lbs of cheese, 9,lbs of Onions, 18 ½ lbs of Salt, 6 ¾ lbs of Fat, 15 lbs of Flour, 41 lb of Crushed Wheat

November 30th £ 5.10.0 per man was sent from the Geneva Red Cross for A.E.2.s Crew, we received one Turkish Pound from Commandant
December the 4th £ 4.0.0. arrived from American Embassy per man, for A.E.2s Crew, in the meantime money was sent up for the other Prisoners which we did not share
December the 6th we received £ 2.0.0. from Commandant
December the 18th received £ 1.0.0. from Commandant also received letter from Sister dated 22nd of November

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December the 22nd the Representative of the Red Crescent Society visited us to find out what clothes we needed, and for all complaints, said he would get our Parcels through to us, also said we could write three Post Cards a week instead of one, and took Snapshots of the Prisoners
Xmas Day was passed on as bright as possible, Played a Football Match, Sailors, Versus, Soldiers, Soldiers won 4 goals to 1. had very good day being allowed out in the field close by the Barracks, some Turkish Minstrels were down to give us a tune, we couldn’t understand it but made the most of it, a Concert was held in the evening
Played Football Boxing Day at A.E. 2s, V. E.7s drawn game
December 30th received two letters from Sister dated 1st and 5th of December, one from Barrow dated 2nd and one from Constantinople a card of Greetings from A.M. Barker Gedik Pasha, American School
New Years Day Commandant visited us and wished us all a Happy New Year, and hope we would soon be at home with our families, A. Rugby Match was Played Australians V, Scottish Borders, Australians

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won 6 Points to 3, Sports were held after Match and a good concert followed in the evening, and the Prizes awarded for the Sports, also had letter from Sister dated 28th November
January 4th was Paid One Pound from Commandant also had Christmas Puddings, sweets, cigarettes, bon bons and chocolate distributed amongst all Prisoners, came from through Switzerland, from England
January the 6th more underclothing was served out, also boots and shoes
January the 12th Navy and Army Played a Football Match Army won 2, goals to 1.
January 18th had heavy fall of Snow, received two letters from Sister dated 7th and 12th of Dec, also two from Barrow dated 8th and 12th
January 14th continued Snowing left off in the afternoon
January 15th was told to get ready to leave for Angora
January 17th all Prisoners left Kingre at 9,45 a.m. for the March back to Angora, and we had very bad weather to start with on account of it raining the night before it made it very bad for travelling and very heavy we reached a small village at 8,00 p.m. where we put up for the night in Cattle sheds but we all got down to sleep being very worn out and

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English & French Prisoners Deaths at Belemedik 1916 &17
British Sailors-Date of Burial
Able Seaman Barter—July 13th
Charles Varcoe [Indecipherable]- Submarine A.E.2 --Sept. 26th
Gilbert P.O- Submarine--- Sept 26th
Coates E.R.A-. Submarine--- Oct.2nd
Williams Stoker- Submarine A.E.2---Oct. 6th
Maggs- Able Seaman Submarine A.E. 2--- Oct 6th
Taylor- C.Stoker Submarine A.E.2--- Oct 10th
Mitchell -S.P.O Submarine E.15---Novem.26th

British- Soldiers--- Date of Burial
Hunt- Private Worcester Regiment ---Feb 21st
Private [indecipherable]- Australian Forces---May 7th
Private Durrant Norfolk Regiment---Sept 16th
Private Collins Berkshire Yoemanry---Sept 25th
Private Turnbull Scotch Borders---Oct 4th
Private Nobbs Manchester Regt.--- Oct 7th
Privat Lewis Worcester Regt.---Oct 8th
Private Martin Scotch Borders---Oct 9th
Private Bradley East Yorks, Regt--- Oct 19th
Private Thompson Norfolk Regt--- Oct 19th
Private Hooks Norfolk Regt---Oct 20th
Private Wand Worcester Regt--- Oct 22nd
Private Benett Worcester Regt ---Oct 25th
Private Nibbbs East Coast Reg.--- Oct.25th
Private Reithley New Zealand Regt ---Oct 28th
Private Mainwaring Hertfordshire Regt---Nov 6th
Sergeant Waite Royal Engineers---Nov 27th
Private Wallling Lancashire Regt---Dec 10th
Private Allen Australilan Forces---Dec 20th
Private Calcutter Australian Forces---Jan 1st 1917

French Prisoners---Date of Burial
French Soldier---Feb 27th
French Soldier---Oct 5th
French Soldier---Oct 13th
French Soldier---Oct 27th
French Soldier---Oct 27th
French Sailor---Oct 28th
French Sailor---March 9th
French Sergeant ---March 11th

1918

Private Shetral 19th Londoners---Sept 27th
Private Leparchant Welsh Fusiliers---Sept 28th

[Page 30]
On the 5th of September received one letter from Sister dated 30th July and one from Barrow dated 4th August
On the 14th of September received two letters from Sister dated 13th & 20th August and one from Barrow dated 13th
On the 18th of September at 7,30 a.m Charles Varcoe, Chief Stoker of A.E.2 Submarine died in Hospital at Belemedik and was buried at Belemedik at 5 p.m as many Naval & Military Prisoners as possible attending the Funeral E.R.A. Mc.Lean Conducting the burial Service, also a letter came through from Hadzkiri saying that Private Durrant belonging to the Norfolk Regiment died at Hadzkiri on the 16th and was buried there Private Bennett Conducting the Burial Service and all Prisoners attending that was working there, during this month a terrible lot of Sickness was about at all Stations where Prisoners are such as Malaria Fever which every Prisoner had a touch of something being very bad for weeks, and Yellow Janders, Ague and Cholera, some Prisoners have had a very bad time of it in the Tunnels some losing the sight of there eyes and others with there Brains affected, up to this datewhere two Sailors and three Soldiers have died and been buried at Belemedik, and one Soldier at Hadzkiri

[Page 31]
On the 21st Sept received one letter from sister dated 29th August and one from Barrow dated 23rd
On the 26th September Petty Officer Gilbert belonging to A.E.2 died of very high fever, and was buried at Belemedik all available Prisoners following him to the Grave B.R.A Mc Lean conducting the Burial Service
At this time at Belemidik and other Stations where Prisoners are quartered Fever is very bad, hardly an Englishman that hasnt had a touch of it, some being very weak and bad also several Russians have died, and plenty of Turks, Greeks and Armenians, but the weather is gradually getting cooler is making health for us much better, Also two Germans had died here one Soldier and a Civilian and buried with the English and French in the Christians Graveyard at Belemidik
On the 28th of September a letter was received from Hadzkiri to say that Private Collins belonging to the Berkshire Yeomanry died at Hadzkiri from Yellow Janders
On the 2nd of October E.R.A. Coates belonging to H.M. Submarine E.7 died at Hadzkiri on the 25th of Yellow Janders
On the 4th of October Private Turnbull of the Scotch Borderers died at Hadzkiri from fever

[Page 32]
On the 5th a French Seaman belonging to the Submarine Service died at Belemidik from fever
On the 7th Private Nobbs of the Manchester Regiment died at Hadzkiri from fever
On the 8th Private Lewis of the Worcester Regiment died of fever at Hadzkiri
On the 9th received two letters from sister dated 11th and 19th of September and one from Barrow dated 10th
Also Able seaman Maggs of H.M.A. Submarine A.E.2 died of fever at Belemidik, also news came from Bozanti that stoker Williams belonging to H.M.A. Submarine died at Bozanti Hospital, and was buried on the 6th, he died from Acute Dysentry
On the 10th Able Seaman Maggs was buried at Belemidik, E.R.A. Mc Lean conducting the Burial Service
On the 9th Private Martin belonging to the Scotch Borderers died at Hadzkiri from Fever
On the 12th a French Seaman belonging to the French Submarines died at Belemidik from fever and was buried on the 13th also English Prisoners that are sick and very bad in health left Belemidik for Angora to try and regain their health

[Page 33]
the sickness about now is something terrible there being as sometimes as many as five and 6 Russians dying in one day and one very near every day, there was deaths estimated up to now in six months over 800 of all Nationalities some dying before reaching hospital, others dying while waiting to be attended to
On the 14th an English Doctor arrived, (who was taken Prisoner with General Townsends Army) to look after English and French Prisoners
On the 10th Chief Stoker Taylor belonging to H.M. Submarine E.7 died from fever and was buried at Belemidik, E.R.A. Mc Donald Conducting the Burial Service
On the 18th Private Bradley of the East Yorks died at Belemidik
Also received letter from Sister dated 23rd Sept and one from Burrow Wife dated 22nd
Private Bradley was buried at Belemidik on the 19th E.R.A. Mc Donald conducting the Burial Service, also Private Thompson belonging to the Norfolk Regiment died at Hadzkiri from fever

[Page 34]
On the 20th Private Hooks belonging to the Norfolk Regiment died at Hadzkiri from fever
On the 21st Private Wand was buried at Belemidik from fever and other complaints E.R.A. Mc Donald conducting the Burial Service
On the th same day received a Parcel from Sister dated 19th June containing 2 packets of Cigarettes, one Packet of Sweets,1 Packet of Biscuits, ½ lb of Sugar, ½ lb Tea and 1 Cake, which I am sorry to say was mouldy, also received one pair of Boots from Ladies Emergency Committee, Navy League, 47 Grosvenor Square, London W
On the 25th Private Bennet belonging to the Worcester regiment died at Hadzkiri of Fever On the 27th Private Nibbs belonging to the East York regiment died of fever and was buried at Belemidik E.R.A. Mc Donald conducting the burial Service
Also two Frenchmen died, and was buried at Belemidik on the 28th, one a Soldier and the other belonging to the Submarines
On the 28th Private Keithly at Hadzkiri died of Fever, Belonging to the New Zealand regiment

[Page 35]
On the 5th of November received one letter from sister dated 6th of October
Also Private Mainwaring of the Herefordshire Regiment died at Hadzkiri from fever, and during the beginning of this Month another English Doctor arrived for Hadzkiri
During the Month of September a lot of English and French left here for Konia and Angora for a change of air, and some sent to work on the line at Angora.
On the 17th of November received three letters from sister dated 15th. 16th and 23rd of October
On the 26th of November Charles Micheal [Possibly Mitchell see Table]
S.P.O died of Fever belonging to Submarine E. 15 and was buried at Belemidik all available Prisoners following him to the Grave, E.R.A. Mc Donald conducted the Burial Service
On the 27th Sergeant Waite belonging to the Royal Engineers died of Fever and was buried at Belemidik E.R.A. Mc Donald conducting the Burial Service
During this Month we received Boots from The U.S. A Embassy for all British Prisoners and we also receive 1 Turkish Pound Per Man every Month

[Page 36]
And A.E. 2s Crew received 6 Turkish Pounds from the Commonwealth Government
On the 5th received one letter from Sister dated 30th October
On the 10th another Party of English Convalescent Prisoners left here for Angora and other Prisoners Camps
On the 15th Private Walling Died of Consumption and was buried at Belemidik
On the 17th of December received one letter from Sister dated 19th of November and one from Wife dated 17th Oct.
On the 20th Private Allen Australian Forces died of Consumption and was buried at Belemidik E.R.A. Mc Donald conducting the Burial Service
On the 21st received long letter from wife
On the 29th received post Card from Agnes Weston dated 2nd of Nov, Post Card from Mr Spoor Rede Court, dated, dated 13th two letters from Barrow dated 5th and 12th two letters from Sister dated 6th and 13th
Also a German nurse died at Belemidik Hospital on the 29th Typhus and was buried at Belemidik on the 30th some English following her to the grave
Year (1917)
On the

[Page 37]
On the 31st of D. received one letter from wife 4th of Dec and one from Daughter 31st of Nov one from Borrow dated 4th of Dec one from Brother in law dated 27th of Nov, two long letters from Sister dated 27th of Nov and 4th of Dec.

(Year 1917)

On the 1st of January Private Calcutt of the Australian Forces died from fever at Hadjkiri
On the 5th of Jan received one letter from Sister dated 11th of Dec and one from Barrow dated 10th.
After Christmas we was only allowed 1lb of bread per man owing to shortage of flour and on the 7th only ½ lb per man was served out, then on the 8th and 9th no bread at all, on the 10th some flour arrived and we was allowed 1lb per man till more flour arrives
At this time typhus fever is very bad here especially amongst the Russians.
On the 17th more English convalescent prisoners left Belemidik for Afion, Kara, Hissar
On the 18th received letter from wife dated 11th of Dec.
On the 2nd of Feb received two letters from Sister dated 17th of Dec. and 2nd of Jan

[Page 38]

On the 9th of Feb received two letters from Sister dated 9th and 15th of Jan
On the 14th all prisoners received clothing and money from the U..S. Embassy also cocoa, treacle Xmas cakes and puddings and bacon etc.
On the 5th of March received one letter from Sister dated 21st of Jan
A French seaman died of fever on the 8th and was buried at Belemidik on the 9th.
Also on the 9th received one long and one short letter from Sister dated 29th of Jan and 4th of Feb.
On the 5th of March received two post cards from American Express Company for Parcels dated 20th of Jan one letter from Barrow dated 8th of Feb one letter from Brother –in- law dated 7th Feb and one letter from Inspector Thwaites
On the 11th received three pounds from U. S Embassy also a French Sergeant died of typhus and was buried at Balemidik
On the 16th received one long letter and one short letter from Sister dated 13th and 19th of Feb one from Miss Madalene Rosher dated 10th one from Australian Red Cross Society dated 14th of Feb. and one from Commonwealth Offices London dated 19th Feb
On the 1st April received one short letter from Sister dated 26th Feb and one from Wife dated 13th of March and one from daughter dated 13th of March

[Page 39]
On the 2nd of April received parcel from Miss Weston and one of clothing from A..R.C..Society
On the 3rd of April received one short letter from Sister dated 6th of March also a P.C. from Australian Red Cross Society dated 1st of March
On the 3rd of April received £3 from U S. Embassy also a pound;
4 from Commonwealth Government
On the 11th received one short letter from sister dated 11th March and one from Commonwealth offices dated 10th March.
On the 3rd of May received short letter from Sister dated 29th March.
On the 11th May received £3 from Embassy also clothing &soap
On the 24th received two short letters from Sister dated 2nd & 24th of April
On the 26th received one short letter dated 8th of April & one long letter dated 15th of April
On the 9th of June received short letter from Sister dated 1st of May
On the 10th received £3 from Embassy
On the 16th received short letter from Sister dated 20th May also two from Captain Booth , London dated 7th & 9th of May
On 18th received Post Card from Red Cross Geneva at 1st June

[Page 40]
On the 23rd received long letter from Sister dated 13th of May
On the 1st of July received post card from British Red Cross Society for parcel No 12 dated 22nd of May
On the 7th received post card from British Red Cross Society for parcel No 13 dated 5 June, also letter from Barrow dated 3rd June
On the 16th of July received 2 letters from Sister dated 27th of May & 11th of June and one from Brother –in –law dated 18th of June
On the 30th received ,531 Peasters - £4-5-1 from Commonwealth also post card from A. Weston dated 25th of June and letter &photo from Sister dated 24th June
On the 4th of August received 1 short letter from Sister and Small Photo dated 4 of June
On the 7th received short letter from Sister dated 1st July also received Parcel from Australian red Cross Society containing provisions.
On the 14th received 1 short letter from Sister dated 9 July
On the 1st of Sept received 1 short letter from Sister dated 15th July
On the 12th of October received one short letter from Sister dated 27th of August also post card from Brother
On the 13th received one long letter from Sister dated 19th of Aug.

[Page 41]
On the 14th of October received 85 &87 peasters from Australian Red Cross also £3 from Dutch Embassy .
On the 17th of October received one parcel from Australian Red Cross containing sugar, tea, milk, raisins, Boiled Beef Hashed Mutton, Stewed Steak, Salmon & Bovril, dated 2nd May also one parcel from Home, sent by J.L.Spoor Rede Court containing Aspirin, Laxitive Pills, Tea , Coffee, Milk, etc. dated 8th of February
On the 29th of october received four letters from sister one long & three short dated 23rd & 30th of July, 12th of Aug, &3rd of Sept one from Brother George dated 27th of August one from Barrow dated 5th of Aug, and one from Daughter dated 3rd of Sept.
On the 19th of November received two short letters from Sister dated 16th Sept & 14th of Oct and long letter dated 5th of August , also one from brother George dated 14th Oct and one from Barrow dated 16th Sept.
On the 21st received one letter from Miss Rosher dated 6th of Sept. And two short letters from Sister dated 9th of Sept & 8th of October.
On the 22nd of November received 195 Peasters from Aus.Red Cross
On the 9th had a very heavy fall of Snows and Rains.

[Page 42]
held up from Stamboul for 9 days
On the 23rd of December received one Parcel from Australian Red Cross containing Quinine, Bovril, two tins of Milk, tin of Sardines, tin of Army and Navy Rations, Sugar, tea, Cocoa, tin of Veal & Peas, and a tin of Roast Mutton.
On the 27th we received clothing etc, from the Dutch Embassy.

1918

On the 6th of January received 10£; from Commonwealth Offices, London
On the 8th received three Parcels from home sent by Mr Spoor also two from
Ladies Emergency League one of food and one of Clothing, overcoat and Serge Suit
On the 14th received short letter from Sister date 29th Oct
On the 20th received short letter from Sister date 17th Dec.
On the 23rd received one long letter from Sister date 18th of November and one from Barrow dated 28th of Oct.
On the 24th received two long letters from sister dated 27th of Sept and 22nd of Oct.
On the 28th of Jan received three short letters from sister dated Oct 1st, 6th & 11th of November.

[Page 43]
]
On the 1st of March received one short letter from Brother George dated 3rd Dec.
On the 2nd received two short letters from Sister dated 10th,24th & 31, of Dec.
On the 4th received two letters from Sister dated 27th of Nov & 4 Dec.
On the 11th received letter from Barrow, also three Parcels containing Provisions from Aus.R.Cross
On the 19th received one short letter from Sister date 20 Jan
On the 20th received one long letter from Barrow dated 20th Jan and one short letter from Sister dated 13th of Jan also Photo of Sister Ethel
On the 26th received long letter from Sister dated 28th Jan also one long letter on the 27th dated 20th of Jan
On the 31st received long letter from Sister dated 7th of Jan we also held Sports today being Easter Sunday between English & French prisoners which was very pleasant and turned out a success.
On Easter Monday a Football Match was Played between Tash---mas and Belemidik. Belemidik being the winners by 3 goals to nil.
Previous to this we had Beaten the French,

[Page 44]
Germans & civilians of Belemidik and Karapuna so we claim to be the Champions of this Division
On the 8th April received more clothing, Boots, etc, from Dutch Embassy.Stamboul , also received letter from Daughter Dorothy dated 4 Feb
On the 12th received one short letter from sister & P.C. from Australian R.C.S. notice of Parcel of Clothing sent on the 8th of Feb
On the 13th & 14th received two short letters from Sister 11,& 18th of Feb.
On the 28th of April received letter from Commonwealth offices stating that marraige allowance was allowed to A.E.2s Crew dated 24th Feb
On the 15th of June left work at Central Power Station
On the 20th of May received two letters from Sister dated 27 Feb & 12 March
On the 26th of May received 378 Peasters from Commonwealth Government
On the 2nd of June a consignment of food etc. arrived from Aleppo
On the 17th of June received Parcels No 19 & 20 from Australian Red Cross Society; also clothing etc. arrived from Embassy.

[Page 45]
On the 22nd received letter from A.R.C.S. dated 4th April
On the 26th of received letter from Wife dated 27th March
On the 28th received two long letters from Sister dated 25th & 31st of March also letter from Barrow dated 21st of March also started work at Saw Mills, Boiler House
On the 3rd July received Potatoes & Rice from the Embassy at Aleppo also 3£
On the 5th received letter from Mrs [indecipherable]aggs dated 19th March Bristol in answer to the Photo of her Husbands Grave
On the 8th received long letter from Sister dated 19th of March also one from Barrow dated 3rd of March
On the 9th received one letter from Wife dated 17th March and one from Barrow dated 12th March.
On the 13th received one letter from Sister dated 27th of May one from Brother George dated 26 of May and one from V at Barrow dated 26th
On the 27 received Letter from Sister dated 15th of April
On the 5th of August received 2 Pound from Commonwealth Government
On the 11th received one letter from Sister dated 29th April and one from Wife dated 11th April.

[Page 46]
On the 15th received two Parcels Nos. 21 & 22 from the Aus.Red Cross Society
On the 18th received two letters from Sister dated 10th April & 13th of May
On the 24th received two Parcels from A.R.C.S no. 25 also Parcel of Clothing marked .A.
On the 25th received one letter from Sister dated 4th June
On the 26th received one letter from Sister dated 6th of Maya
On the 29th received one letter from Sister dated 7th of June and one from Barrow dated 9th of June
Also received another consignment of Food, etc from Embassy at Aleppo.
During this July & August there is a lot of Fever and sickness of all sorts all Hospitals being full up but the sickness amongst the English is very slight except except the new arrivals also during this Month we had a very severe hurricane which last two days blowing over trains railway wagons and taking whole roofs of Galvanized Iron off of the Houses and blowed them all over Belemedik telephones and Electric & Telegraph wires & Posts were mostly all Destroyed

[Page 47]
On the 6th of Sept. received a letter from Miss Spoor dated 25th of May
On the 7th received Parcel of Food from A.R.C.S. no.24
On the 8th received two letters from Sister dated 22nd April & 21st of May
On the 13th received Parcel No. 23 of food from A.R.C.S.
On the 16th received Photo of Brother & Family dated 16th and one letter from Sister dated 21st
On the 22nd received letter from Barrow dated 2nd June
On the 27th Private Skitrall of the 19th Londoners died of F ever&Dsyenty at Belemedik Hospital
On the 28th received letter from Sister dated 1st July also Private Marchant of the Welsh Fusiliers died of Fever at Belemedik Hospital both buried the same day Sergeant Babister conducting the Burial Service and all possible soldiers & French & English prisoners of war following them to there Graves.
On the 25th of this Month the English Doctor (Major Pearson) left for England. Also received 6 -0 -0 from Embassy each man.

[Page 48]
On the 1st of October received one letter from Sister dated 23rd of June
On the 2nd received letter from Barrow dated 5th June also one from Wife dated 22nd of April
On the 7th received orders to leave work and be ready to leave Belimidik at short notice, also the Big Gauge Railway being completed the first train went through to Adana commencing the service between Stamboul and Aleppo
On the 8th all English Prisoners working in the Central Power Station received orders to be reading to leave for Afion Kara Hissar on the 9th
On the 10th 200 more English & French Prisoners received orders for leaving
On the 12th left Belimidik at 4 3.am arrived at Bozanti at 4.am.
Left Bozanti at 5.15 p.m. arrived at Oubu Kuhla at 11.p.m.
Left again at 4.50 am on the 13th arrived at Konia at 12 noon left again at 12 noon 4.30 p.m.
Arrived at Afion Kara Hissar at 1 pm. On the 14th
During this week all British & French Prisoners from outlying stations were assembling at Kara Hissar.

[Page 49]
Left Afion Kara Hissar on the 5th of Nov at 5 p.m. with officers
Arrived at Ouchak at 5 a.m. on the 6th and left again same day at 4 p.m.
Arrived at Smyrna on the 7th at noon and put up at American School at Paradise to await for ship coming in to take passage to England

[Transcribed by Eric Hetherington and Trish Barrett for the State Library of New South Wales]