Near Land
(Near Freemantle 19.2.17)
Dear Mum,
I couldnt write much last night.
I havnt had a second to my self yet. I went to bed early last night & hadnt finished all I should have done. We are another day on our way. This morning was fairly smothe but still a good swell. At dinner time we ran into squalls with a good deal of flying Spray which made everything damp. It is still howling but not so very much rougher than before. We sighted land about midday first just near where the first contingent got to, and have been about 20 miles out since. A very wild rocky coast with tremendous breakers.
The men have been much happier to day. They are getting better. This evening was the first time since the last call stopping place that we have seen any life on board. All the ladies have been down. I have felt quite well and not been able to work as usual, which is a good thing. I am pretty if used to the ship now & last night got right from the rear hold, by the bunkers & store rooms to the fore hold, in the dark. It is quite a job to not to get down a wrong ladder or not to go in the wrong direction. We hope to get in at 2P.M. to-morrow and to get a little leave. There are several things I want but nothing much. We are just about settled down now and properly organised and will start on serious training after we start again.
I dont havnt been on in through a whole parade yet. Just one continued run up & down stairs, writing notes & forgetting things. The C.O. is awfully decent, not atall standoffish but very strict. He has all the officers up nearly every day. One day he said he de oughtnt to have to teach officers to be gentlemen but if things didnt improve he would have to. What the noise about was one officer wearing dirty white shoes & a waxed mostache at Mess.
I cant wait any longer I will write a line tomorrow
Arndell.
(written on board the R.M.S. “Osterley”)
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