Journal

Cyril Frank Maloney.

Thursday 19th March 1942.

Just as dawn was breaking on this freezing cold morning, the train we had been traveling on all night, from Nottingham, arrived in a railway siding at Glasgow Docks. From there we marched and slid on the ice, carrying all our kit and a rifle, to one of the quays, where a ship was berthed. The only people in sight, apart from the troops, were two Dockers, loading peanuts from a small ship into an underground silo. They had probably seen many troops embarking; they did not seem to pay any attention to us. We placed our large kit-bags in nets on the quay, to be hoisted on board the ship, and placed in the hold. We embarked carrying our small kit-bags, which contained all the items we would need on board, including our tropical kit. This ship is the SS Orion, in peace time it was a passenger liner, and has not yet been converted to a troop ship. Our unit have been allocated passenger cabins. I am in a four berth cabin with George Jordan, John Knott and a chap named Jones who I had not met previously. Today we have been settling in and familiarising ourselves with the layout of the ship. From the quay side this liner did not look very impressive. With it's black paint and rusty appearance, it looked rather small. However on board it is quite large and comfortable. It is certainly the most luxurious billet I have had since I joined the army. There is hot and cold water in the cabin. Once we are out at sea, we will be able to have a hot bath whenever we wish. There is also a swimming pool on deck, not very big, but we will be able to have a splash around. I am sure it will be most welcome when we reach the warm climate. George, John, and I had a good look round the ship this after-noon; we were pleasantly surprised at the surroundings where we will be spending the next few weeks. We have heard such grim stories about troop-ships, from old soldiers. Perhaps we are just lucky. One of the ships crew told us that there will be plenty of fresh fruit, chocolates, sweets, and beer available when the canteen shop opens. We have been given a special green envelope so that we can write home free of charge. Of course we cannot say where we are.

Thursday Evening.

Troops have continued to come on board all day. We have not been told when we are to leave Glasgow Docks or where we are bound for. The two meals we have had on the ship today were very good; in fact I think they were the best I've had since I joined the army. The quality was good, and it was really well cooked, but I could have eaten more. The canteen opened about 19.00 hrs. And they certainly had everything we had been told. Cigarettes were duty free 20 for 6d. Wish I could send some to my Dad. There is a small writing table in the cabin so I am going to write a letter home, before getting into my bunk. George and John are already in their bunks reading. Each bunk has it's own reading light.

Friday 20th March 1942.

This morning we were woken up at 06.00 hrs. Breakfast in the large dining hall at 07.00 hrs, porridge, bacon, bread, butter, and a mug of tea. The meal was very nice and well cooked, but not enough! We were all still hungry after we had eaten. It must be all the fresh air and exercise that makes us so hungry; I am always ready to eat. George Jordan and I spent some time this morning, talking to the chaps from our unit, the 66th HAA Workshop Section. We have not had chance to get to know them, having joined the unit a few days before we left the mobilisation centre at Hucknall, Nottingham. We had been on draft No76, but were transferred to draft 66 to make up their complement, on the last week before embarkation. After lunch we noticed the ships engines had started to turn. A few of us had the same idea and went up on deck, we thought, this is it, we are off'. The ship started to sail at 14:30 hrs, away from the docks and down the Clyde. Two Dockers were on the quay unloading peanuts. They had been throwing bags of nuts to some of the lads. They gave us a wave as we moved away, I thought to myself, what a send off! Just then one of the Royal Artillery chaps, who had been leaning on the rail, turned round and said "There were crowds on the dock side to wave them good-bye, to cheer, and to wish them good luck and a safe return." Never mind, I thought, people will be pleased to see us when we do come home. (At the time it never entered my head that some of us might never come back home.) After a few hours sailing we entered a Loch somewhere in Scotland. What a sight! There were more ships, than we had ever seen in our lives. Ships of every shape and size, there seemed to be hundreds of them. The Orion dropped anchor at 18:00 hrs. It looks as if we are staying here for the night. After dinner George and I went for a walk around the decks. Later we called in at the canteen, and had a couple of bottles of beer, I did not enjoy it, and I have never been keen on bottled beer.

Saturday 21st March 1942.

We were awakened at 06.00 hrs. breakfast at 07.00 hrs., the next parade was on the deck at 09.00 hrs., After a very nice meal, George , John and I went for some fresh air and exercise. We had a good brisk walk round the deck, stopping now and again to look at the ships in the loch. In the distance we could see one that looks very much like an aircraft carrier, we could not see it clear, due to the mist this morning. Maybe the ships are assembling in this loch, and then they will travel in convoy to our destination. On the 09.00 hrs. parade, we were taken to our emergency life-boat station. We were issued with life-belts and a tin of emergency rations, with instructions that we carry them with us at all times, while we are on the ship. About 11.00 hrs. the emergency alarm sounded, we made our way to our boat stations, as quickly as possible, per instructions. At 11.00 hrs. the ships engines started up. Shortly after the SS Orion moved to a new position in the loch. Once again at 14.00 hrs., the emergency alarm sounded. I am sure this is to keep us on our toes, and to see how quickly we can assemble. This afternoon we also had a mock air raid alert. This did not affect us a lot, we just had to take cover. The gunners were involved, they had to man their guns, which are placed in strategic positions on the ship. I was surprised at the number of ack-ack guns, they had mounted on a troop-ship. Then, thinking again. I must admit it is a jolly good idea. There is one thing for sure, there will be no shortage of men, to man the guns. Every soldier I have met on the ship so far, apart from our workshop unit has been a gunner. The lads from the 66th HAA regiment tell us, the ships AA guns are much smaller than theirs. All the meals we've had today were excellent, everyone in our unit agree, unfortunately there is not enough. After our evening meal George and I went to the dry canteen and bought some apples, biscuits, and cigarettes. Later we went and had a bottle of beer each. It was not very good, but we wanted a drink and there was no tea. About 20.15 hrs. I went for a walk round the decks. It is a perfectly clear night, no mist, and quite warm. For this time of year. Walking back to my cabin, I passed many of the cabins with the doors wide open, to let air in. Some of the occupants were playing cards, others were just reading. We are all waiting for the off! Just now we are waiting to go, with nothing to do, nothing to grumble about! It becomes boring. We don't know where we are going, but the feeling among the men is, let's get going! 

Sunday 22nd March 1942.

We are still in the same Scottish Loch this morning. This routine is becoming normal, reveille 06.00 hrs. breakfast at 07.00 hrs., parade at 09.00 hrs., There was nothing to tell us this morning, our A B 64's part 1, were collected. I think they will be checking up to see if we have had all our inoculations. Sunday lunch was a first-class meal. To start with we had soup, followed by the main course, roast pork, cabbage, carrots, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes and gravy, followed by mixed fruit and custard. The last time I had a meal like this in the army, was on Christmas day. After lunch I went to the shop in the canteen to get some cigarettes. The shop had only just opened, and I was the only customer. I started talking to the steward who was serving he, said they stock up with goods for the shop, at the various ports they visit. That is why a lot of items they stock, the brands, are not known to us . I bought a box of 100 cigarettes, called Springbok; they are from South Africa, the price three shillings. ( In today's money, 1996, 15 pence.) During the conversation he told me, this ship SS Orion pitches and tosses something awful; in rough weather and that nearly everyone is sick. Something to look forward to!! There was a mist over the sea all morning, it cleared about noon, and then the sun came out. This afternoon we were told to parade in vest and shorts for P T, everyone was on the parade, including the O.C. Captain Titley. He looked a bugger, in his shorts; he is rather tall, with thin legs. I bet he's never done P T before. The exercises only lasted 30 minutes. Some of the chaps look as if they need much more. I certainly intend keeping myself fit during this sea journey.

Monday 23rd March 1942

We woke this morning at 06.00 hrs, had a wash and shave. My cabin mates and I then went for a walk round in the fresh air before breakfast at 07.00 hrs. 09.00 hrs, we went on parade on the upper deck. The parade was not for any special reason, I think it was just to get everyone together and make sure no one had jumped ship. We all talked in general and were able to get to know one another a little better. After all, we had all come from different units to make up the 66th H A A. workshop section. One or two knew each other having come from the same unit. Like George Jordan and I, we came from the same tank recovery unit. Today we met, Bill Lloyd, Bill's home town is Oldham so he is a friend right away. Next was Russell Youngman, from Norfolk, he is everyone's friend, very easy to get along with. Next was Vincent Smith, from London! But we will not hold that against him, he is a good chap, we call him "Smudger" . Next was Les Cocker from Sheffield, he is a nice chap, but he grumbles a lot .Then there is e Tich Wheeler, a Welsh boy, and Harry Stout, they are all drivers. I must say they seem a great crowd, and I am sure we will all get on very well together. At 11.00hrs. the alarm sounded and all assembled at our boat stations. This time we had to get into the boats and they were lowered down into the water, for a practical exercise. One of the sailors was in each boat to give instructions. We rowed round for about an hour. It was good exercise and made a change from sitting around on the Orion. It also gave me an appetite for my lunch, which turned out to be another excellent meal, but!! I could have eaten more. After our meal a few of us went a walk around the ship, looking at the various ships we could see, more seemed to be joining us by the hour. I doubt if there as been so many ships assembled in this Scottish loch before today. At 15.00hrs. we paraded for P T. There was a general feeling of boredom among the lads, the waiting isn't good, and we want to be on our way. Tea today was another jolly good meal. After tea we were told we could write a letter home if we wanted to. Maybe it is a sign that we are ready for the off!! We hope. I decided not to bother writing, we are restricted what we can write about, and we have not received any mail for the past fortnight, so there is nothing to answer. I did write a letter home the first night we arrived on the ship; with all the latest news and to let them know I am OK. Instead of writing, George John and I went a walk round the ship. The weather as been fine all day, a little cold, but not bad for the time of year. About 19.30 hrs. we retired to our cabin to read our books. I was reading a Howard Spring story, George was reading a Thorn Smith tale, he kept bursting into laughter. About 20.30 hrs, we noticed the cabin was vibrating. We thought the engines must have started up. John Knott and I went on deck to investigate. Sure enough we are moving at last. On deck there was a half moon shining brightly in an almost clear sky. We watched for a while as the ships headed out to sea. We were on our way back to our cabin, when the alarm bell sounded. We immediately went to our boat station, in a very short time all our company were on parade. C.S.M. Elwell gave us the latest information. We are now on the way, from tonight we have to sleep with our clothes on. We will be told when it is safe to undress, but that will not be until we are in safe water's despite the safety aspect , the lads are in a more cheerful mood, at last we are on the way, to a unknown destination. One thing we do know, it will be tropical and not a cold climate. I am pleased to say, I don't like the cold.

Tuesday 24th March 1942

This morning I woke with a terrible headache, I must have slept heavy during the night, Its a good thing there was no submarine attack. It seemed strange to wake up, and feel the ship is moving, there is a slight vibration, and I could hear the hum of the engines. I was confused at first, then I realised we had started our voyage. Shortly after breakfast the alarm bell sounded, we quickly went to our action station. We are out of sight of land, the sun was shining, but it felt rather cold in the wind. The green looking sea was quite calm and the motion of the ship was only slight. We had only been standing there for a short time, when some of the lads took ill, and had to rush to the ships rails to be sick. Fortunately I feel fine, and I certainly enjoyed my lunch. The sea started to get rough, this afternoon, and the ship rolled a bit. More and more people are being sick, some of the poor lads are going about as green as grass. I am wondering how long it will be before it gets me! The ships crew members who predicted, that everyone will be sick before we finish the journey, seems to be coming true. Although myself, I don't think the 'Orion' rolls as much as he said it would. (Maybe it will do if we get into rougher water.) This morning the sea looked green, this afternoon it is a dark blue, we are evidently well out from land. This must be a very big convoy all we can see for miles around is ships, there must be hundreds, and of course water. Immediately behind us in the convoy is an aircraft carrier. Other escort vessels include about ten destroyers and a light cruiser. These are what we have seen, there may be more. There have been rumours all day, that there are submarines in the area. At 18.00 hrs, aircraft took off from the carrier and were circling around the convoy until dark. We are evidently still in the danger zone, orders were repeated, we must not undress at night.

Wednesday 25th March 1942

I woke this morning, not feeling very good, the motion of the ship must be getting to me,  but I have not been sick. After breakfast I decided to go for a brisk walk round the deck, to clear my head. In the afternoon I met a chap from Manchester, he was a pal of Benny O'Brien, his name is O' Sullivan. In civvies street he was a newspaper reporter. We used to call him Sully. I cannot remember his first name. He was sat on the upper deck, leaning on an air vent with umpteen packets of cigarettes by his side. He said he had just been to the ships shop for his nightly supply. He said at home he used to be a heavy smoker, until the war started and then he'd had a job to buy them ( hadn't we all.) So he was making the most of it on the ship, where we are able to buy as many as we want. Sully in civvies street always had the gift of the gab a real romancer like all newspaper reporters. I asked him how they had managed to get him into the army, I thought he would have talked his way out - he said, "wait a while, I am working on it" or my feet are!! "He was sitting on the deck without shoes or socks on. I had a bath tonight in hot sea water and I feel much better, laying on my bunk writing this journal. The weather has been just perfect today. There are rumours that there are submarines still in the area.

Thursday 26th March 1942

This morning when I went on deck, the sun was shining; it was warm, slight breeze, sea calm, really grand. We were travelling in a south westerly direction. Looking out to sea, as far as the eye could see, there are ships, a great armada. They are all armed; our troop ship has quite a number of guns. The air-craft carrier escorting the convoy is the Illustrious we found out today. We have been able to see it, for days, but we could not read the name. There was a practice alarm this afternoon; otherwise there was not much happening. This evening we were told we can undress to go to bed, if we wished, but to have our clothes etc handy in case of an emergency. I have decided to have another hot sea water bath again tonight, before going to bed. I think I will sleep with most of my clothes on, just in case.

Friday 27th March 1942

This morning before breakfast, I went up on deck for a brisk walk around. It was rather cold and cloudy, no blue to be seen in the sky. There was a strong wind blowing. The cloud persisted all day, and it has been drizzling most of the day. On our morning parade Corporal West had a list of people due for inoculations. I had to go to the M.O. for a T.T. jab. Going down to the room where we are to be inoculated and waiting our turn, I got to know a few more of the men from this unit and what there jobs are. Sam West is the unit clerk, who's home is in London. Working with him in the office will be Joe Parker, a clerk; Joe's home is in Wigan. Sgt., Jim Galloway is a motor mechanic, his home is in Manchester. Burt Gladden, instrument mechanic, his home is in Lambeth, London. Phipps, another instrument mechanic. Anderson, everyone calls him " Andy ", he is a radio mechanic, and comes from Aberdeen. John Neil, Gun fitter, from Glasgow. Eric Taylor, electrician, everyone calls him "Shag". Eric lives in Oldham, so we were friends right away. We have been on the way four days, and the lads are getting a bit fed up with nothing to do. There are no amusements on the ship. Most of our time is spent reading or just talking.

Saturday 28th March 1942

This is our fifth day out, from England; we are well accustomed to the ships routine. Reveille, not a bugle call, just a booming voice, " wake up its six o' clock ". There is no rush to get up, although I make sure, I am up washed and shaved and in the dining room ready for breakfast at 07.00 hrs, I have no intention of missing a meal. We had the usual parade at 09.00 hrs, Nothing exciting, apart from getting to know a few more of the men in our unit. One of the chaps looks and behaves like an absent minded professor, his name is Dennis Quinn, he is a radio mechanic, he is OK and very interesting to talk with. Another radio mechanic is Arthur Woodcock. He is a quiet chap, who loves to pull Dennis's leg, Arthur comes from Cornwall. Tom Martin is another quiet type, he also comes from Cornwall, his job is a motor mechanic. Ted Hampson, a gun fitter comes from London. Before the war he used to play a trumpet in a dance band. Also from London is a chap called Carvel, he used to work for an undertaker in civvies street. Before dismissing the parade, C.S.M. Elwell said there is going to be a boxing match on Monday. He asked for volunteers to do some training on the upper deck this afternoon. About six of us said we would go. ( I did not tell anyone that I had been a member of the Railway Boxing team in Manchester before the war. ) George said he was not going to get his block knocked off. He did volunteer to bring the food up from the ship's galley at lunch time. I think he only volunteered, hoping he would get more food. Sure enough when we were all sat down at the table in the dining-room, George Jordan and George Hedley, ( Geo Hedley is one of the general duties men in our unit, his home is Newcastle, a miner before the war and before that he was in the regular army. ) came in each carrying a large dish, steaming hot !! When he got near the table, George Jordan held his tray high so that we could not see what was inside. He said so that everyone could hear " Cyril you and I and possibly some of the other northeners are going to have a smashing lunch, plenty of it, because the others, specially the Londoners, will not like it". They all shouted, "That's what you think" George then placed the large square dish on the table. We all took a good look, some of them made queer noises and dashed for the door. Maybe this was not the type of meal to serve this day !! The weather as been rough this morning, windy, little sun, the ship's been tossing about in the rough sea, but it is definitely getting warmer. I took another good look in the dish, it looked very good to me and smelt excellent ! I have always enjoyed tripe and onions, more so today, when there's going to be plenty of it. I can understand the chaps who had never had or seen tripe and onions before, not liking the look of it. To them it probably looked awful and not very appetising. There were various type's of tripe, thick-seam, honeycomb, black-type, pigs-belly., etc., shallots had been used, and were bobbing about in the creamy gravy. Smashing! although I imagine it could be off-putting to some people. After having a good lunch, I left it rather late going to the upper deck to do some training. We did some skipping, shadow boxing etc., George Hedley had been a light heavy weight champion in the regular army, but he said he had lost a lot of his speed. He asked me to put the gloves on with him and do some sparring. I am a lot lighter than him, but he said my speed would help him in his training. In the evening I laid on my bed reading a book. A thought went through my head, flipping-heck!! It is Saturday night if I was at home, I would be going out to a cinema or a show or somewhere interesting. Instead I am on a troop-ship, going I know not where, bugger Mr Hitler! Then I turned over and went to sleep.

Sunday 29th March 1942

We are six days out from England. The sea is much calmer, yesterday it was quite noticeable when I went for my morning run round the deck. The ship is travelling south, parallel with the west coast of Africa, but out of sight of land. At lunch today there was a rumour in the mess, that we will be calling at a port on this coast in a few days time, and that we will probably be able to send a letter home. Bill Kennedy one of our general duty men, brought the information. Since we came on board the ship, Bill has been working in the ships galley, helping the cooks. He is quite a character, never stops grumbling !! Every second word is a swear word, Bloody F---in!! He said “what have I got to write home about? Since I got on this B! F! ship all I've done is scrub B! F! pan's and clean mountain's of B! F! plate's, clean B! F! table's, after you B! F! lot have made a mess ". Someone shouted out, " Why don't you try washing your B! F! mouth out" ( I think it was Vick Garlinch who shouted, ) That shut Bill up, he quickly went off back to the galley, grumbling under his breath. Bill Kennedy's home is in Urmston, Manchester. I am sorry to say. This afternoon I did some training, ready for the boxing match, which takes place to-morrow on the top deck. There are not enough men of each weight, to pair them so some of the bouts are going to be at catch-weight if the men agree. One of the chaps, named O'Shea said to the Sgt-major, " I'll fight him" pointing to me. He is obviously heavier and older than me, and I understand he has boxed in civvies street. However I noticed he had a bit of a beer-belly and was rather slow, when training and his foot work was not very good. When the sergeant-major asked me if I would fight him, I said I would. After the training period, I went back to my cabin and wrote a letter home, not mentioning that I was going to take part in a boxing match, my mother would not approve! Many a time I've been in trouble when I've gone home with a black eye, after a boxing match , when I was in the Railway boxing team. Fortunately my father was on my side, and he was good at changing the subject. After our evening meal, which was very good, George, John and I went back to our cabin, and spent a couple of hours reading our books. Before turning in we decided to have a walk on deck. It's been a very nice day and the evening sea air smelt very good. We leaned on the ships rail and watched some fish swimming alongside and talked of home.

Monday 30th March 1942

I was up early this morning, just after 06.00 hrs., washed shaved and went for a walk on deck. A splendid morning, air fresh and already warm. After a brisk walk, I was making my way to the dinning room, in a quiet corner of the ship, I saw a figure that seemed familiar, standing by the ships rail. As I approached he turned and I saw the face of an old family friend, from Manchester. I said " Hello Willy, I did not know you were on this ship, in fact I did not know you were in the army." He smiled and said " Hello Cyril " ( The last time I had seen Willy Haslam, was on Sunday 22nd December 1940. The first day of the Manchester Blitz. Together with a number of our friends we were preparing for a Christmas party at the house of one of our pals, Benny O'Brien, he lived in Clopton Street, the house was at the corner of Gorse Street, opposite the Manley Beer House. During a lull, in the bombing, some of the us went across the road to the Manley to buy cigarettes. We decided to have a glass of beer while we were there. Willie was in the room, sat in his usual seat, reading a paper and drinking a pint, we exchanged greetings. We did not stay in the pub long, then went back to do our decorating, for the party. I had not seen Willie since that day.) I did not have much time to talk to Willie, when some of our chaps came along on their way to the dinning room for breakfast, they said come on it's 7.0,clock we will be late. I said a quick cheerio to Willie, see you later. In his usual quiet voice, he said "Righto Cyril, take care, and think for yourself ". I went along with my pals for breakfast, could not miss a meal. While I was eating I started thinking! Why did Willie say " think for yourself " I could understand him saying " take care " everyone says that. After the 09.00hrs parade we did half-hours P.T. In the afternoon we had the boxing match, By this time it was really hot, in fact it's been the warmest day we've had on the voyage so far. There were some good fights and some not so good. Then came my match with O'Shea. Geordie was the second in my corner, his advice was, " He is bigger and heavier than you, just box, jab and use your speed to get out of his way " I have been given the same advice in other fights, keep jabbing with your left and move to your right. I looked across the ring at O'Shea in his corner, he was doing exercises, knees bend, arms stretch etc, one thing I could not help observing, his paunch showed above the band on his shorts. We were given the usual instructions, and to come out fighting at the sound of the bell. In a flash I remembered what Willie had said "think for yourself". Then the bell sounded, O'Shea tucked one glove in front of his chin, the other gloved fist he pushed forward on a partly bent arm, he seemed to lean backward slightly, sticking his stomach out as he came out of the corner. In that instant I knew what to do. He had only moved a few feet and I was across the ring, aiming blows to his solar plexus as fast as I could. The fight only lasted a few moments when he collapsed on the canvas groaning, I was told to go back to my corner. When I looked round , he was still on the deck, his colour had changed from a ruddy red to a peculiar white. Then he started to be sick, very sick. By this time the seconds and other officials were all climbing into the ring to look after him. I began to get to get worried, I was hoping he would be all right. When he stopped vomiting they got him on a chair, someone said he is coming round, to me he looked awful. They cleaned him up then took him to the sick-bay for treatment by the medical officer. The C.S.M. came to me and said not to worry he would be all right. Geordie came to me later and said in his, Geordie accent "why I man, I knew you were fast! but not that fast". This evening we had a tug-of-war match against the R.A.'s, they won. Later I went and had a good soak in a hot sea water bath, I felt really good afterwards. Before going to bed we all got our tropical kit out ready for morning, tomorrow is the day we start wearing it for the first time.

Tuesday 31st March 1942

I was up like a lark this morning and went for a run round the deck. It gave me an appetite, ho!! for a good breakfast, and plenty of it. First I had to put my new tropical uniform on. This consist of a fawn shirt with two large breast pockets with flaps that button down and shoulder epaulets for regimental badges. A pair of fawn coloured shorts, with two side pockets, a back pocket and a front pocket for a field-dressing. The shorts have extension pieces, which are buttoned up during the day, but can be let down at night, to avoid mosquito's getting at your legs. We have also been issued with brown calf length sock and a pair of puttee's. ( A strip of brown cloth, to be wound spirally round the ankle Like a gaiter.) Our new head-wear is a topee, or pith helmet, worn in the tropics. They are a bit like a policeman's helmet at home, but white in colour. George Jordan is always ready for a laugh, put his shorts on and let down the extension pieces, (he called them flap-a-doodles) tucking them into the tops of his pulled up socks, he went walking down the corridor. Someone shouted out here comes George with a pair of women's bloomers on. Garlinch said they look more like blooming diarrhoea catchers!! We are now eight days out and the weather is getting warmer each day. I have spent most of the time out on the deck during daylight hour's consequently I am a little sunburnt. What I enjoy most is the fresh air on the upper deck. To-day I met O'Shea and he told me he is feeling O.K, now. He blamed his condition, yesterday on the motion of the ship. Then he said "don't tell me you have never boxed before". I got to know more of the men from our unit to-day. Bert Roberts a very pleasant fellow from London. Harry Coe, he seems to be a bit of a loner, corporal Bland from London, John Neil ( always has a lot to say ) His home is in Glasgow and Frank Cribb a very pleasant person. Every time I see Frank, I think surely he is too old to be in the army, he has a big round face and a very bald head, maybe it makes him look older than he really is. These men are all gun fitters as is Lance Cpl., Jones who is the fourth man in our cabin. He is a quiet chap and spends most of his time in bed reading. John Neil, the know all, says he is not very experienced as a gun-fitter and needs to study. Frank and Bert are older and were both experienced fitters in before the war. Neil said he was a fitter before the war. However we don't know how capable any of us will be, until we get down to our job's, on active service. Which I am sure will not be long once we get to our destination. After the evening meal, George and I went for a visit below decks. We had a look where some of the Royal Artillery gunners were sleeping. There accommodation is not as good as ours. A lot of them are sleeping in hammock's. The deck they are on is down below and it was hot and stuffy, not a lot of room between each hammock. I was glad to get back up on deck in the fresh air. Then back to our cabin for a chin wag, we all agree the new uniform is all right, apart from the turn up on the trousers and the pith helmet's are not to our liking. I read a book for a while, before going for my bath.

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