At Sea
6P.M. Thursday 15th
Dear Mum,
I dont know where were are, where we will be going, what ship were are on, whether or not we have met any other ships, anything about any higher command or whether we are here or not. It seems quite funny getting away, like some mistake. It seemed quite wrong not going back to camp after the embarkation. and Yet we hardly know whether we are better off here or on a transport. The accommodation for the men is most disappointing I have been very busy so far. To give you some idea I only just now saw Edie Paramore since leaving the wharf and havnt had time for a word yet. I have a decent cabin, on the second deck just above the dining Saloon, but trem terribly small. There is another officer with me, the dentist, quite a decent sort. There is scarcely room for both our trunks. I have such a lot and a number of papers. We havnt an office but hope to get one soon, at any rate after Cape Town. I have to do all writing in saloon.
The foo feeding in the saloon is very simple, three courses and no selection. We have mess at 7.30 each evening. The troops are right down at in the very bottom of the ship in 5th deck. It is rather stuffy & terribly crowded. There is no space atall between hammocks when slung and just sitting room at the tables. The troop decks are not fitted up atall well, they havnt kit racks and all the conveniences like that of an ordinary troop ship, but still we will shake down all right. The food for the men is excellent, and the utensils are good and everything is clean. Their menu is almost the as the Saloon and quite as good as the officers mess at Maribyrnong. We have a good parade deck ground. A quarter of the boat deck. It is airy and better than most parts and we are all together. We are very crowded in regard to deck space, and only have room to move stand. The troops have half the boat deck, and the lower deck, and the forecastle for parades.
We did a whole days parade to-day 5 hours. It was quite good and went off well. I find I cant make my voice carry for a lecture over the whole deck occupied by our crowd, except on very still day so I will have to do every lecture twice over. I think by the time you have run from the top d Boat deck to the troop deck down 6 ladders and back again a dozen times, you have done enough jerks for the day. I have had a tremendous lot of running about so far but I suspect there things will settle go down and go ahead quietly and smoothly.
It was very hot in Melbourne and last night and stifling down in the troop deck but it is quite chilly to-day, a lot of the men wearing cardigans. There has been a chil cool breeze all day but the water has been wonderfully smoothe. Just a gentle roll. Hardly noticable except when the men are standing to attention. Still some of the men are a little turned up and some quite sick. We wont get leave to-morrow but may go for a march. The same in a few days time. We were very rushed at the last getting off & I just missed Dad on the pier which was a pity and I didnt say good-bye to anyone. I wont have a seconds’ spare time, all the time, and have plenty to do.
I got up half an hour too early this morning owing to the clock.
We have been out of sight of land since this morning and before that were about 20 miles out. We saw a small whale this morning but absolutly nothing else has happened.
I cant send love because of the pard padres who would give anyone 28 days right down below for such a thing or else take it all themselves. Most unromantic things padres, They will hear things if they ask for it.
Goodbye.
Arndell.
(written on board the R.M.S. “Osterley” using it’s paper)
Note on the back of the letter:
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