This log was written by my Great Grandfather Henry Round born on 18th May 1886. The original is held by Roger Smith.

Henry Round ran away from home at the age of 16 to join the Royal Navy but his father fetched him back before he could join up. He worked for his father's decorating business until the age of 18 when at last he was old enough to join the Royal Navy. He married Rosannah Emms on 4th February 1909 but the wedding was kept a secret so that Rosannah could carry on working while Henry went to sea.

The journal below was started the month after their marriage when Henry was aged 22. 

Henry served seven years in the Royal Navy then at 25 joined Handsworth Fire Brigade. He retired from the Fire Brigade at 50 when he became tenant of a pub called the Square and Compass Inn in Hanbury, outside Bromsgrove.

Information on the HMS Forte and Hermione can be found here at warships1.com. Background on daily sea routines and watches and bells can be found on Paul Benyon's website.

Log of H, M, S, Forte

Commissioned at Portsmouth with a compliment of 310 officers and men on the 20th of April 1907 second class protected cruiser ordered to relieve H.M.S. Hermione on the Cape of Good Hope station.

On Friday 26th of March orders were received from the admiralty for Forte to take out a relief crew to Hermione leaving England during last week in April enroute for St Helena at which port we were to meet Hermione. I happened to be in Barracks at the time the orders came through having just **ayed off the King Edward VII. I got my papers for draft to go on ten days leave and then proceeded to Forte returned off leave on the 19th passed the doctor had a final look through our bags and on the 20th of April at 7 bells in the afternoon went on board of our new home for the next two years. 

On Friday 23rd we went into dry dock to inspect water fittings remaining there till the 1st of May. Ammunition was taken in during Saturday and Monday. The usual weekend leave was given. I managed to go ashore with my chum spent most of the time at his brother's home. On Tuesday morning the quartermaster gave us a bit of an eye-opener by asking hands to clean in a coaling rig. We took in 130 tons finishing by 10.0 am. Visitors were very numerous during dinner hour. After dinner the decks were cleared up and everything got ready for sailing. Visitors especially females continued to muster on the jetty to see the lads off. Our signal to proceed out of Harbour being given we slipped the wires and steamed down the harbour. Great excitement prevailed amongst the people on the jetty as we moved off; handkerchiefs being waved and tears wiped away (I don't think). After swinging for the adjustment of compasses we dropped our port anchor to test our new windlass. Everything being reported correct to the captain by the dockyard official and the pilot leaving the ship we proceeded on our trip to Madera. Nothing of any consequence happened tonight so we settled down to our first night at sea for a long time. At 8pm I came on deck and had my last look at the shores of old England fading away in the distance. At midnight the flask of the Casquets lighthouse could just be seen of the port beam.

Wednesday 5th May 09
I turned out this morning to find the weather fairly fine with every prospect of a fine run through the Bay a 9.30 am the Ushant light was abeam so we altered course to run across the Bay the altering of course made a vast difference in the behaviour of the ship and the weather having taken a decided turn for the worse things began to get very uncomfortable. Saturdays routine was carried out today holy-stoning the upper deck. About 11.30 am the ship began to wash down forward and the less experienced hands began to feel the effects of boisterous weather.

Thursday 6th May 09
This morning the weather is worse if anything with little prospect of an improvement. At 10.30 am we communicated with British Steamer "Saranny" outward bound having overtaken her. The usual routine was carried out the hands going to Physical drill after divisions. About noon we were abreast the Cape Finisterre, so our course was slightly altered for a straight run to Madeira we passed one of the Union Castle steamers homeward bound from the Cape. Make and mend clothes was piped so I laid my weary bones down on our Mess table waking up with a start I found that the heavy motion of the ship was just about to roll me off on to the deck, during the evening the conditions on board became very uncomfortable and a great many were now suffering from the effects of mal-de-mar. In the first watch the captain eased down to 12 knots owing to the stress of weather.

Friday 7th May 09
This morning we found that the weather had moderated somewhat the head sea abated and a heavy ground swell running which caused the ship to roll heavily which however was a lot better than the pitching motion which we had experienced up till now. Very little shipping was seen today owing to the fact that we are outside the usual track of steamers. The ships company was exercised at collision stations in the forenoon and fire quarters in the first dog. Nothing else occurred worthy of note and the evening passed quietly away.

Saturday 8th May 09
The day broke fine and clear with the exception of a heavy ground swell which caused the ship to roll heavily. We carried out a saturday routine today holy stoning the upper deck. Every seemed in better spirits today probably owing to the fact that we were nearing harbour. At 11.15 am we sighted the island of Porto Santo off our starboard bow. This is the northern island of the Madeira group. It has a very barren appearance and rises to a  height of 1000 feet. The coastline is very rugged with a lighthouse on the northern extremity of the island. As we steamed southwards we sighted a small village nestling at the foot of the mountain with a few fishing boats lying in the bay. At 1.0 pm we sighted the Deserta islands off the port bow but as they were several miles off nothing of interest could be noted about them only that they did not seem quite so mountainous as Porto Santo. At 1.30 pm we sighted Fora lighthouse on Cape St Lorenzo off our starboard bow which is the north-eastern extremity of the main island of the Madeira group.  Flying fish can often be seen darting around our ram. As we steamed round the island houses could be seen scattered all over the hillside built in the usual southern style with white walls and red tiled roofs. They give the hillside a very picturesque appearance, about 3 pm we came in sight of Funchal bay which was our destination. At 4 pm we let go our port anchor in thirty fathoms opposite the renowned Reids Hotel in Funchal. This is the most important town in the islands it is a great health resort. The town itself is far from being compact being scattered all over the hillside which rose from the shore to a height of 1300 feet. The scenery of the island is wild and rugged with deep ravines in the mountain side spanned here and there by bridges. A notable feature about this place is that the tops of the hills are invariably enveloped in clouds. As soon as we anchored the health officer of the Port came aboard and granted practique, the Captain then visiting the British Consul. The whole of the Madeira group belongs to the Portuguese Government and on anchoring their national flag was saluted with 21 guns and returned by the fortress ashore. We found on arrival that our English time was 1 hour 10 minutes the bad of Funchal during the dog watches we had a sing song on the upper deck, glad to get in harbour once more.

Sunday 9th May 09
Sunday broke in fine and clear with every appearance of a very hot day. The usual Sundays routine was carried out the hands going to church on the quarter deck. Afterwards the majority of the ships company (myself included) took advantage of the opportunity of sending a mail home. During the afternoon the breeze freshened considerably. During the first dog watch we prepared for sea as we are to be on the move for Las Palmas at midnight.

Monday 10th May 09
Having weighed anchor at 12.10 am we started to steam southwards bound for Las Palmas. The weather throughout the day was all that could be desired. The hands went to physical drill after divisions. Afterwards going to general quarters at 11.0 am. The clock was put back half an hour and put back another half an hour at 1.0 pm. Nothing was sighted till three pm when the Salvage islands hove into sight they consist of two small rocky islands apparently uninhabited situated 160 miles south of Madeira. After evening quarters we exercised "Away Lifeboats crew" dropping the Port boat. At six o'clock we sighted and communicated with the White Star Liner "Media" of Liverpool homeward bound

Tuesday 11th May 09
It was early morning when we arrived and anchored in Gran Canaria Bay in the island of Gran Canaria. As soon as we anchored we prepared coaling and commenced the job about 9.0 am. I took all day to complete with coal receiving 500 tons. During the day the weather was very hot despite the welcome breeze that was blowing from the northwards. What with the heat and the heavy ground swell coaling proved a very trying ordeal and we were all glad when the last bag swung inboard after cleaning up as much as possible we turned in for the night.

Wednesday 12th May 09
Another fine morning greeted us with every prospect of a very warm day. I forgot to mention yesterday that the Spanish national flag was saluted with 21 guns and returned by the garrison. The Canary group situated 280 miles south of Madeira belongs to the Spanish Government. They consist of the islands of Lanzarote, Fuertaventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Gomera, Palma and Hierro, the principal one being Gran Canaria. The town named after the island consists principally of shipping offices belonging to British companies. The town of Las Palmas is situated on the southern shores of the Bay. The houses for the most part are built of white stone and flat roofed. The Cathedral is a very magnificent building surmounted by two large domes and stands well above the other buildings surrounding it. The chief export of the island is fruit several cargos of bananas leaving for northern ports every week. Our cricket team landed during the afternoon and played against a team comprised of British residents ashore but alas the Tiddley **ortes went under the hammer. Hands to bathe was piped after evening quarters and a few of the ships company seized the opportunity of showing their aquatic abilities. Later in the evening a concert was held on the quarter deck and a very enjoyable 2 hours was spent. The British Consel and all officers being present.

Thursday 13th May 09
The first thing on the program today was prepare ship for sea and at 9.55 am we weighed anchor and proceeded on our way to Ascension. Make and mend clothes was piped at noon and now being in the tropics I proceeded to the Fox-cle for an afternoons nap our mornings having been spread during the forenoon. After quarters the hands were exercised man and arm ship. The evening being uneventful the jolly lads had a sing-song after eight o'clock just to keep things alive. 

Friday 14th May 09
The weather this morning showed ample signs that we were nearing the equator. General quarters was exercised in the forenoon. Several British merchantmen were met and communicated with during last night. After quarters the hands went to physical drill. In the cool of the evening I spent a quiet couple of hours on the Fox-cle smoking and watching the flying fishes darting from our bows in every direction which was a fascinating spectacle owing to their phosphorescent glow.

Saturday 15th May 09
The weather this morning was very much warmer that that which we had previously experienced. Saturdays routine was carried out holy stoning the upper deck. Lime juice is issued twice a day. The breeze dropping as the day wore on, the heat became oppressive the more so during the dog watches everyone being glad to go on the upper deck to get a breath of fresh air if indeed there was any to be had. White suits and straw hats is the rg of the day now. Very little shipping was seen today no doubt owing to the fact that we are to the westward of the usual route to the Cape.

Sunday 16th May 09
We turned out this morning to find the weather getting gradually warmer and towards the middle of the day the thermometer on the bridge probably the coolest place on the ship showed 90° in the shade so this will convey some idea of the conditions existing between decks. The usual sundays routine was carried out the hands going the church on the quarter deck. During the dinner hour off jumpers was piped and we found it more comfortable - with only our white trousers and flannels on. Large schools of young porpoise was observed during the day, they being apparently in a very playful mood throwing themselves high out of the water as they kept pace with the ship. During the evening capstan bars were rigged on the fox'cle and the Chaplain came forward and spun a yarn to the lads while they smoked their pipes.

Monday 17th May 09
The usual mornings routine was carried out the hands going to physical drill after divisions. We experienced several tropical showers during the day which bought down the temperature of the atmosphere considerably. After quarters the hands were exercised fire quarters, collision stations, and away life boats crews. As we were due to cross the equator tomorrow the time honoured custom of Father Neptune hailing the ship was carried out. About 9 pm a stentorian was heard on the foxcle hailing "Ship ahoy" which was answered from the Bridge by the Captain who invited the strangers to come on the bridge and interview him. His Majesty Father Neptune and his Consort Amphitrite clad in their official robes proceeded to the bridge where the following dialogue took place. "Neptune" What is this ship that heralds my domain? "Captain" His Britannic Majesty's Ship "Forte." "Neptune" Where are you bound? "Captain" From Portsmouth to Simonstown. Father Neptune then said I see a lot of new faces on board whom I have not seen before and have not yet received the stamp of the British sailor. I will pay you my official visit tomorrow and myself, my consort and my secretary will remain on board your vessel for the night. The captain replied I will send my steward with a little drop of something to keep you going so father Neptune and staff retired to the pantry for refreshment and were seen no more till the next day.

Tuesday 18th May 09
This morning although much nearer the equator the weather was much cooler a fresh headwind blowing from the south the usual physical drill was carried out after prayers. During the forenoon the starboard battery went to drill and the carpenters staff assisted by some of the seamen were occupied in making preparations for the quaint ceremony of Father Neptune holding his court which was to be held in the port Battery after dinner a huge canvas being rigged and filled with sea water to a depth of four feet. Clear lower deck everybody aft was piped and every officer and man in the ship (except those actually on watch) mustered on the quarter deck. Soon a mighty cheer was heard for'ard announcing the fact that the Royal Chariot (12 fdr timber) drew up at the screen door. Neptune and his good lady Amphitrite alighted and accompanied by their staff and bodyguard they proceeded to the quarterdeck where they were received by the Captain. Neptune having taken his stand on after capstan delivered the following speech. As I gaze around me I see a lot of familiar faces. I also see a good many whom I have not seen before but I will see them later (significantly). Now a good word for the old faces, first of all their is your honourable Captain, Captain Green an old friend of mine in China and I can tell you he as got a keen eye for squaring togallant yards. I happen to know it (very significantly). Now your first lieutenant. I don't think there is anyone here who can give him any information as to how to run the "Forte" of course there may be a few things you don't like but talking all round you can't grumble. The navigator lost a couple of hours the other day and no one seems to know where they went to but for all that he's a jolly good fellow and one of these days you will find you have got two or three hours for dinner and you will wonder where they came from (Laughter). Now a good word about firing. I wish you jolly good luck both in your gunlayers test and battle practice you ought to do good ***ing that is if the gunnery-officer as anything to do with it. I'll allow he is a bit of a swank but when it comes to shooting he is damned hot stuff. Several more of the officers were criticised and complimented, then he concluded his speech by saying: Now I want you all to understand that this affair is going to be carried out properly "no nigligouging" no bunckam you've got to go through it and now captain with your permission I will hold my court in the Port battery and the captain replying come on, led the way to the court which consisted of two thrones, a doctors dispensary and a barbers shop everybody concerned taking their seats the court was opened.  According to custom everyone on the ship who had not previously crossed the line were presented to His Majesty and intelled into his domain in the following manner. After being presented to Neptune they had to interview his doctor who anxiously inquired as to the state of their health, prescribing accordingly either by giving them an enormous pill (made of putty, a dose of Black draught (cold tea) or by drawing a dummy tooth (about the size of a walnut) with the blacksmiths tongs after this the barber operated on them lathering them with a whitewash brush and shaving them with an enormous (wooden) razor (about four ft length) afterwards rubbing in a plentiful supply of blacking or flour finally upsetting them into the canvas bath about eight feet below. The ceremony occupied all the afternoon up to quarters causing roars of laughter as each candidate was tilted into the bath where Neptunes four bears were waiting to receive them, the bears were placed there to give the candidate a good ducking and they carried out their duties to perfection. At the close of the ceremony Father Neptune called for three cheers for Captain Green which were heartily given and after wishing us a happy commission he took his departure bidding farewell to all hands. No exercise was carried out in the dog watches and the remainder of the night passed off uneventfully.

Wednesday 19th May 09
Not much of interest occurred today. We eased down to twelve and a half knots at noon. No shipping of any description was seen today in the dog watches the hands were exercised at "Man and arm boats" and away "Life Boats crew". At midnight we eased down to eight knots.

Thursday 20th May 09
Just before 5 am the island of Ascension was sighted and we anchored in Clarance Bay by 7.0 am. It was a curious coincidence that we should arrive at Ascension on Ascension day. The island presents an uninviting appearance being of volcanic origin and very mountainous. The highest mountain Green Mountain in the centre of the island being 2,820 ft high and from its summit over forty extinct craters can be seen. Green mountain is about the only place where vegetation can be seen. Deep ravines cut the mountain side and were strewn with pumice stone and other signs of activity. The only inhabitants on the island are the garrison of marines and dockyard staff. It is a renowned place for turtle breeding the turtle being the property of the British government four large ones being presented to the ship today. Some sports were held ashore in the afternoon. The only shipping at the island was H.M.S. Amethyst, H.M.S. Dwarf and the British sailing ship Earlshall of Dundee. At 9.15 pm we exchanged good wishes with the Amethyst and Dwarf and resumed our voyage to the Cape, our next port of call being St. Helena.

Friday 21st May 09
The usual general quarters was exercised in the forenoon and man and arm ship after quarters. The evening was finished off with a sing-song on the fox'cle.

Saturday 22nd May 09
As we steam southwards we find the weather getting cooler, the temperature being now about 80° during the day. The usual routine was carried out holy stoning etc. Nothing was sighted today and the afternoon and evening passed off very quietly.

Sunday 23rd May 09
About 6.0 am we sighted the island of St. Helena right ahead and about 8.30 am we sighted H.M.S. Hermione flying her paying off pennant. She presented a very smart appearance with her white hull gleaming in the sun. About 9.20 am we let go our port anchor in twenty one fathoms about a cables length from the Hermione the forenoon was taken up in transferring domestics and stores. About 2.0 pm the Hermione weighed anchor and started on her voyage to dear old England. Three cheers were exchanged between the two ships and she steamed out of the bay with the signal flying from the masthead (wish you a happy commission). St. Helena is a small island about 690 miles S.S.E. of Ascension and rises sheer form the sea to a eight of 2306 feet. The bay is on the N.E. side of the island where a small town lies in a dip between the hills the houses being scattered far up the winding valley which runs towards the centre of the island. To everyone it is noted as the last home of Napoleon Bonaparte whose burial place is situated about 3 miles inland and is very well cared for by the natives and on the southern end of the bay there is a very high cliff on which Napoleon used to take his seat day after day and watch for his countrymen coming to release him from his prison home.

Monday 24th May 09
The program for the day was coal ship and we started to get in the diamonds at .0 am the whole day was occupied in getting in the five hundred tons finishing about 10.0 pm which was very good work under the circumstances as the coal could only be brought on to the ship in eight ton lighters. After doing what we could towards clearing up we retired for the night.

Tuesday 25th May 09
Saturday's routine was carried out. During the dog watches everything was secured for sea. Our football team went ashore and played a match against the Eastern Telegraph Co. and needless to say got walloped. at 10.30 pm we weighed anchors and proceeded to Simonstown.

Wednesday 26th May 09
Nothing of interest occurred today. Several large sailing ships were sighted and passed. After quarters the Hands were exercised at physical drill. Later in the evening the wind and sea sprang up so we had all the prospects of a comfortable night.

Thursday 27th May 09
The weather was very much worse than last night, a strong head sea as running which made the ship toss about a great deal. Make and mend clothes was piped at noon so I laid down on the mess stool and was soon dreaming of England, home and beauty. After quarters we exercised away life boats crew which finished our program for the day.

Friday 28th May 09
No one seemed overjoyed at the state of the sea this morning as it is worse than anything we have had this trip, heavy seas breaking over the fox'cle and washing the ship fore and aft. The conditions were anything but comfortable, volumes of water running up the hause pipe washing the mess-deck right aft and right up till the time of turning in their was no sign of the weather abating.

Saturday 29th May 09
Saturday routine was carried out today as far as practicable. We were now getting very short of water and our diet of salt junk was varied today by killing one of the turtles and serving out to the ships company, turtle soup being very prominent on the mess-deck for supper.

Sunday 30th May 09
In the morning watch the sea suddenly took it into its head to ease down and by 9.0 am it was all that could be desired although each days steaming lowered the temperature considerably serges being worn by everyone in place of whites. The hands went to Church on the quarter deck after the divisions the usual the routine of  ****ing being carried out in the afternoon. The second turtle was killed in the first dog (more soup for the lads) the usual Sunday evening's service was held in the port battery.

Monday 31st May 09
The hands were exercised at General quarters in the forenoon. The only shipping seen today was a solitary sailing ship homeward bound and a quiet evening brought another monotonous day to a close.

Tuesday 1st June 09
The glorious first of June broke fine and clear revealing a mountainous coast line on our port hand about 15 miles distant with the famous table mountain in the background. The forenoon was passed in making preparations for coming to our buoy on our arrival in Simonstown bay. About noon we passed the reef on which the troopship Birkenhead met her doom, and on the summit of the mountain could be seen the monument erected to the memory of the 400 men who perished in her. As we were nearing the bay a sharp lookout was kept for the first sight of the flagship. At 1.30 we lied up to number 2 buoy the flagship being at number 1. The ships in harbour are the Hero (flying the flag of Vice Admiral Egerton), Odin, Partridge and Penelope. On arrival we received orders to complete with coal the following day from the collier Nubian and the afternoon and dog watches were employed in getting her alongside and preparing the ship for coal.

Wednesday 2nd June 09
At 6.0am we commenced getting the black diamonds in keeping hard at it till 10.0pm having received 800 tons after clearing up and having a good bath we retired to a well earned rest.

Thursday 3rd June 09
At 6.0am we started to clean ship which took the greater part of the day and by eight bells the ship had regained her former appearance. Special leave was piped for the watch till 10pm and a good many of the lads stepped off with the left.

Friday 4th June 09
The first item on the programe was clean and paint down from aloft and by noon everything above the gunale looked bran new with a coat of paint. During the afternoon the hands were employed in pumice stoning the ships side and painting between decks. Special leave was given to the watch till 10pm.

Saturday 5th June 09
The whole of the day was occupied in painting ships side guns and mountings white. General leave was given to the starboard watch from 5.30pm till 9.0am Monday the lads stepping off and catching the 6.58 for Cape Town leaving the ship comparately quiet with only one watch aboard.

Sunday 6th June 09
The usual Sundays routine was carried out the hands going to Church on the quarter deck during the afternoon a terrific gale sprang up (Commonly called a Nor wester here). All boats were hoisted and awnings sloped. The wind increased during the dog watches and attained the height of its furry about 9.0pm and in the morning had practically blown itself out.

Monday 7th June 09
During the morning and early part of the forenoon the rain came down in torrents clearing up about 10.0am. At 9.0am the starboard watch came back off leave the Mess decks and flats were painted during the day. General leave was piped for the port watch from 5.30 till 9am Wednesday this not being my watch I did not expect to go ashore but about a quarter to five the ships corporal came and told me to clean for Cape town patrol of course I did not mind at all so I cleaned and landed with the liberty men there were two seamen myself included a first class petty officer 2 marines and a corporal. We caught the 6.58 train to Cape town arriving there about 7.45. We marched to the sailors home where we had orders to take up our quarters whilst ashore. After staying there and making all arrangements for the night we patroled a few of the streets to see that all was quiet returning to the home about 11.0pm. Had supper and retired for the night.

Tuesday 8th June 09
We turned out about 9.0am had breakfast then a walk round the town. The place can boast some very fine buildings especially the city hall and the houses of parliment both being magnificent structures. The streets here are very wide and clean and the town lies fairly level while in the background lies table mountain with the inevitable table cloth spread over the plateau guarded on either side by Devils Peak and Lions Head. We returned to dinner about 1.0pm. In the afternoon my pals laid down and slept I myself playing cards with some of my shipmates who where in the home after tea the marine patrol returned to Simonstown to take up their duty there. About 7.30 we put on our belts and gaiters and commenced patroling the streets again whilst we were out we met one of Harry agents who took us in to see a 20 round boxing contest after that we returned to the home had supper and then to bed.

Wednesday 9th June 09
We had to be up earlier the morning to catch the 7.30 am train back to Simons town and arrived in at 8.49am after a rough passage of to the ship we found them busily preparing for sea hoisting boats etc the weather was very squally today improving somewhat towards evening.

Thursday 10th June 09
At 12.30am we slipped the buoy and proceeded on our voyage to Port Louis Mauritius. The weather was fairly calm on leaving at 4.0am we were abrest Point Danger light and at 9.0am rounded Cape Agulhas the most southern point in Africa about noon the wind and sea began to rise and by six o'clock it was blowing a stiff Nor**ster which increased in force as the night wore on the usual Make and mend clothes was piped in the ** noon.

Friday 11th June 09
About 2.0am we communicated with the British S. S. Seneca of London bound from Hobart to Prawle. At 5.0 we were abreast Cape St Francis light very little work could be done today owing to the ship washing down fore and aft make and mend was piped again today and the quick dog watches brought a very uncomfortable day to a close.

Saturday 12th June 09
The rough weather still continues and during forenoon the gale increased in its fury tons of water coming inboard flooding the upper and lower decks making work of any description impossible. Carry on smoking was pipped early in the forenoon the hands doing nothing else all day about 10.30am a heavy sea struck us washing away the beading on the fox'cle and lifting our sounding machine from the shelter deck into the starboard battery. Later in the day the elements abated considerably allowing us to increase to 10 knots although we still shipped a great deal of water.

Sunday 13th June 09
Day break bought a great improvement in the weather so we increased to 12 knots an easy routine was carried out the dress being **o 3's and a short service was held on the Quarter deck after divisions nothing else occurred to break the monotony of the day

Monday 14th June 09
The weather had now quite regained its normal condition the temperature gradually rising as we neared the tropics. Physical drill was exercised after divisions the hands being employed as requisite the remainder of the day. No shipping of any description has been seed since the first night out from Simostown.

Tuesday 15th June 09
The morning broke fine and clear the weather daily becoming warmer the sea being quite calm but for a long easterly swell which caught us on our starboard bow giving *le the ship a long steady roll. Physical drill was exercised after divisions. All hands were now wearing whites the starboard watch was exercised at man and arm ship after quarters and again at 8.30pm. During the dog watches the starboard battery was at the disposal of the bayonet team who were practising at the forthcoming tournament at Durban.

Wednesday 16th June 09
Favourable weather still continued we were now inside the fever zone quinine being served out to the ships company the usual physical drill was exercised after divisions the Tournament Physical display party being exercised at the same time. The Port watch was exercised at Man and arm ship after quarters.

Thursday 17th June 09

More to follow

James 7 September 2002

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