Had boat drill to-day. Gurkhas thoroughly enjoying it. Gurkha guards posted all round the ship on lookout for submarines, with orders to fire when one comes in sight. They are watching intently, and I really believe would rather appreciate the fun if one came along, so that they could show off their marksmanship. We do not arrive at Lemnos till five to-morrow afternoon, so we have still plenty of time to be torpedoed. Passing plenty of islands, but not a sign of a ship anywhere. Beautiful moonlight evening. Skipper playing chess with Captain Simpson of the Gurkhas. Other officers sitting about reading. Only fifteen officers all told—white officers of the Gurkhas and Sikhs, and a few unattached.
July 25th.
Three months ago to-day the landing, and Achi Baba is not taken yet.
2 p.m.
Entering Lemnos Harbour.
It is very hot now, and the water dead calm. The harbour is full of transports and warships, and on shore there are large camps in all directions.
July 26th.
We are now moored alongside the Seeang-Bee, which arrived almost simultaneously with us. She has 950 troops on board, drafts, and others returning to duty. No news from Gallipoli, except that things there are much as usual. After August, I hear, the weather breaks up, so that if something is not done in August, we shall have great difficulty in landing supplies and ammunition. The outlook is far from bright. Up to date the points are with the Turk.
An officious M.L.O. comes on board, and tells each of us in as imperious a way as possible our respective destinations.
I get on to the Seeang-Bee, and hang about waiting. I find Morris on board, who was at the Regina Palace Hotel with me.