Diary updates with date added & dates covered:

Update 5/9/2001: 4 July - 8 August 1943
Update 7/16/2001: 9 August - 5 October 1943
Update 01/14/2002: 6 October - 2 November 1943
Update 02/02/2002: 3 November 1943 - 3 April 1944
Update through 1 June 1944

A ship probably mentioned on 17 November led to a personal recommendation for reading and comment on the SWPA story. See Ping Wo, part of the RAN's "China Fleet."

Diary of Walter Marshall

1943

The Tow of U.S. Army Small Ship Muscoota
Sydney, Australia to Milne Bay, Papua
and Other Operations

JUNE 9th [1943]

Left wharf at 12.30 pm proceeded down harbour cleared boom gates approx 1.30 pm laid between Heads to take lines from from deepwater tug. Towing hawser fast, cable slacked away and tug taking the strain about 2.45 pm Various adjustments to be made were finished by 3.30 pm and away we go on our long tow making about 8 knots, only one incident which threatened to have dire consequences was when taking our tow line on board we were lying in a fairly heavy swell rolling heavily, when the travelling gear of the grab on the gantry broke loose. We had a hectic few moments but eventually checked it and lashed it down quite a lot of work to be done. Knocked off about 5.30 pm. it is now 8.15 pm so off to bunk for a well earned rest.

JUNE 10th

Nothing startling towing well and putting the miles behind us. Had quite an amount of work to do squaring up today and feel very tired tonight. One finger has festered and one of the Army Gunners opened it and applied a dressing. Slipped on the railing today and gave my shin (the bad one) a very nasty gouge. He also dressed that and so to bed.

JUNE 11th

Making very good headway. Weather fine and to date have had a remarkably fine voyage, expect to pass Moreton Bay tonight. Nothing startling happened other than one of our planes flew low over us last night and dropped a flare which lit us up as in daylight it must have given them a start to see a ship with the towering and peculiar superstructure we carry. Routine work about the ship. We have now entered a definately dangerous area and observe complete blackout.

JUNE 12th

Slight sea running coming on our quarter and ship gives a few fairly hefty rolls. Some of the boys are off colour and the mess boys have had a trying time. On three occasions today they did not have to clear the tables, she cleared them herself and what with sauce, pickles, milk jam, sugar etc. they certainly had a nice mess to clear off the deck. Today being Saturday I did my weeks washing. Did not get much sleep last night it was raining heavily and I woke during the night with my foot in a puddle of water. The deck head was leaking so here's hoping it doesn't rain tonight.

JUNE 13th

Had my first good sleep since leaving Sydney last night and feel much better for it. Had a very quiet day though. Ship rolled very heavily and had a few things to lash down. Still towing well and making remarkably good headway. Expect to make the Whitsunday Passage tomorrow and Townsville Tuesday afternoon. Crew have all got to know each other and pulling well together.

JUNE 14th

Quiet uneventful day fine and dry passed through Whitsunday passage this evening should arrive Townsville about noon tomorrow.

JUNE 15th

Arrived Townsville at midday today but did not go into the wharf. We are at the moment lying at anchor off Magnetic Island awaiting orders and not an official been on board yet. Arriving in port means a lot of work for us we have to lift our anchor off its bed and lower it over the side with the fish tackle ready for dropping, it is the heavy and awkward old fashioned sailing ship type and it is no mean feat getting it over-side, however our hardest job is in front of us getting it inboard. Shipping our towline is also an intricate piece of work and then of course we have to make it all ready for when we resume our tow.

JUNE 16th

Still lying at anchor and not a soul has been near the ship. One would think we had smallpox on board the way they are keeping away from us. Our for'ard fresh water has sprung a leak and emptied itself and we have very little left in our after tank. We also out of fresh provisions (bread, meat and vegetables) and we are on canned stuff which is rather tough considering we have now been here one and a half days.

JUNE 17th

Skipper went ashore this morning in Tug's motor launch, arrived back about 4.30 pm with fresh meat, vegetables and bread. We had a real "Beano" at tea time, and was that bread lovely? When he arrived at the Small Ships Office they didn't even know we'd arrived as a matter of fact they had had no advice from South concerning us and had no idea of the type of ship we are. Can you beat that? Later Lieut. Bastian and Capt. Conard came on board we will be going alongside in the morning where we have repairs to be attended to and stores to be replenished. How long we will be here I don't know. Had a very lazy day today did not do very much work, however, we have plenty to do later on.

JUNE 18th

Went alongside early this morning workmen came on board and started what few repairs we are having done. Saw the four Papuan Boys who went south in the K------ with me, they were very excited at seeing me. Our own boys are just racing to get ashore. Can't get any good out of them at all, they bicker and fight all day. I'll be glad to see the last of them when we reach Fall River. Went ashore myself tonight but was aboard again at 8.00 pm.

JUNE 19th

Various work around decks sick of answering questions as to what kind of ship this is. Knocked crew off at midday. Went up to Port Dispensary and had my finger dressed aboard again at 5.00 pm.

JUNE 20th

Still in Port. Washed clothes most of the morning, did not go ashore at all only about 3 of us on board today.

JUNE 21st

Various work around decks, Skipper went ashore, for money did not draw any as I had a few pounds. As soon as he arrived on board these blasted boys were on their toes and as soon as they got it they disappeared, one by one. A man needs 10 pair of eyes to keep up with them. They have to be driven all the time.

JUNE 22nd

Towed into the bay this morning anchored then started to take our deep water tow rope on board. We had a lovely five minutes at one stage. The tug was made fast alongside of us when a fast moving Destroyer steamed past our stern, the wash from her started us rolling, the tug boat too, instead of us both rolling the one way we rolled opposite (towards each other) it looked as though the tug would sustain a lot of damage from us, however she stove our railing in (it was rotten anyway) and most of her lines carried away and she sheered clear of us. We eventually got under way about 11.00 am. The Tug was just starting to take the tow, when our steeing gear seized. We signalled the Tug to stop towing and proceeded to dismantle our steering gear. We finished repairs about 1.00 pm signalled the Tug to "Take the Tow" and away we went on our next and final hop.

JUNE 23rd

Proceeding steadily north close inshore all the way but at 6.00 pm dropped anchor in Weary Bay a few miles south of Cooktown, Will get underway again early tomorrow morning. We will probably be anchoring every night on this stage of the journey until we clear Cape York. As these waters abound in islands, shoals and coral reefs which make it very dangerous to proceed of a night. Had a couple of our own planes over today to see if we were O.K. now is the time one scans the sky anxiously when a plane is heard, wondering is it one of ours? If a Jap sees this ship he'll think its a secret weapon going north.

JUNE 24^th

About 9.0 pm last night tug dragged her anchor. We then had to heave ours in and put it in the chocks (quite a job too). Tug steamed showly ahead all night, just keeping us both in position and got underway early this morning. Steamed all day close inshore, fresh southerly wind blowing, hove short on our tow line about 5.30 tonight to inspect eye of towing manilla and just now the tug is anchored with us swinging on the tow line (better than heaving our anchor over the side, less work). Will get under way again early in the morning, expect to reach Cape York about Sunday morning.

JUNE 25^th

Under way again at 6.30 am, but anchored again at 2.30 pm until tomorrow morning, wind still blowing strongly from S.W. Nothing exciting today just routine work. We had one kitten aboard when we left Sydney, five full grown cats in Townsville decided to take a trip North. Do you think there's some nonsense going on?

JUNE 26^th

Under way again this morning about 7.0 am, steamed all day through reefs and islands and anchored tonight at 6.35 pm north of Lloyd Bay, wind still fresh from south. Didn't do much work today, was not feling too well had a bout of gastritis, not as bad as I usually get thank goodness. Have been busy tonight making myself a hammock in anticipation of sleeping out when we reach our destination. We are now within a short distance of the most northerly point of Australia namely Cape York, we then have open water across the Coral Sea to cross and very risky in this ship too. Up to date she has behaved particularly well. And so to bunk. Good night.

JUNE 27^th

Quiet day, towing along OK. Nothing to do today so I finished making my hammock and now have it slung on deck and ready to sleep in tonight. Anchored about 6.0 pm in the lee of an island, expect to make Cape York tomorrow, just five days out from Townsville today. I suppose we will receive orders from Navy control at Thursday Island.

JUNE 28^th

Passed Cape York at 11.30 am today, anchored in channel at Thursday Island about 2.0 pm, nobody came near us. Dropped anchor line for inspection later in the day, busy most of the day splicing wire snotters in preparation for rigging gantry gear on arrival at our destination,. Slept out in hammock in beautiful weather, very quiet and peaceful here at the moment, though Horn Island right near us has had quite a few bombs dropped on the air strip. Complete blackout conditions very strictly observed on board.

JUNE 29^th

Skipper told us this morning he would be going ashore at 9.0 a.m. with the skipper of the Tug in their Launch. There was an immediate rush on the part of all hands to write a few lines home. I was in it and wrote you a hurried letter Jose. Messed around all day wire splicing and indulged in a bit of carpentering, I have plenty of tools on board plus material and am enjoying myself immensely as anybody who knows my propensity or messing can well imagine. We are taking the tow line again at 4.0 a.m. tomorrow morning, so will be well on our way at 6.0 a.m. heading for Papua. Moresby I believe will be our first stop. I have had instruction in sighting on our 75 mm Gun and have now been delegated as Gun Layer with the Army Gun Crew. It remains to be seen how I'll react under realistic conditions. Here's hoping.

JUNE 30^th

Out of bed at 4.0 a.m. this morning, getting our Tow line aboard and heaving in our anchor. Under way and bound for Port Moresby by 6.0 a.m. This hop is particularly difficult as Torres Strait is literally a maze of Islands and Shoals and Reefs. It is approximately 130 miles from Thursday Island to the nearest point of the New Guinea Coast for which we are making. We then run between south and east down the Coast to Moresby which is about 200 miles. It is then a further 200 miles to Milne Bay. Spent most of the day making a frame to mount our grindstone in, quite enjoyed myself, and had plenty of "lookers on", offering advice and criticism, usual badinage and repartee indulged in. Feeling very tired tonight so off to bunk.

JULY 1^st

Slept well last night, awakened at 2.40 a.m. to a clatter of pots and pans. Ship was rolling heavily and gave a couple of very decent lurches, smoked a cigarette and went to sleep again, waking about 7.30 a.m., been towing all day into a fairly strong head wind with a moderate sea running. However, enough movement in the ship to make all our fair weather sailors, sick (and believe me! We have a few here), they have been conspicuous by their absence from the meal table all day. We expect to make Port Moresby tomorrow morning. Tried my hand at tinsmithing today. Completed the jobs and although it would probably make a good tinsmith cry, it answers the purpose, and gives scope for my creative genius, anyway I enjoyed myself, so what the hell? I hope this makes interesting reading as it is my first attempt at keeping a diary.

JULY 2^ND

Still a fair sea running, wind right ahead and fresh rain squalls coming over at intervals and we are heading South of East. Tricked again! We all thought we were calling in at Moresby, however we passed there at 4.0 a.m. this morning and we are heading for Milne Bay, where at our present rate of progress we expect to arrive about 4.0 p.m. tomorrow.

JULY 3^rd

Picked up and entered the Western passage this morning then entered the China Strait about 1.0 p.m.. Tug eased down, while we shortened our Tow line getting under way again we passed Samurai which looked very peaceful on it's small Island with it's cool looking Bungalows, numerous pearling luggers and native canoes in the strait makes it hard to realise one is right in the War area. Entered Milne Bay about 2.0 p.m. arriving at the head of the Bay about 5.0 p.m. (which gives some idea as to the size of the Bay as we were towing at over 8 knots). Quite a large amount of shipping, both large and small vessels in the Bay, including one large ship, which was shelled by a Jap Destroyer, lying on her side. Rounded up to Windward and dropped our anchor at 6.10 p.m. Slipped our tow line and here we are at journeys end for the old Muscoota after a Tow of 2,700 miles. Taking it all round we have had a very pleasant trip and confounded the critics who said we would never get here, It's your Birthday tomorrow Jose so here's hoping I am able to send you greetings. I'll be thinking of you anyway.

JULY 4^th

For a ship to which so much importance is attached we are very neglected. Nobody has come on board as yet. We put a small boat over and the skipper went ashore for Orders. He arrived back after noon late with various orders as to who was to be transferred to other ships, six in all, which included our two troublesome galley boys (Lord be praised) I never struck such a pair of headaches in my life, however they'll straighten them up here as we are under rigid Military Control. Proceeded to dismantle Gantry stays etc and now our really big job lies in front of us (rigging the various heavy gear) we estimate two to two and a half months doing it. Was unable to wire you today Jose but am remembering you.

JULY 5^th

Worked all day have not received any mail. Some of our chaps did and it's very disappointing to be left out. We are lying at anchor and I have not been ashore and have no inclination to go, as it has been raining heavily and it is just a quagmire ashore. Very hot and steamy, wearing shorts only but long trousers and shirts at night as a guard against mosquitoes, which carry a load of dynamite here.

JULY 6^th

Various small jobs around ship, still no officials been on board as yet, skipper been ashore and we are waiting for a ship to come alongside to take the barges etc off our deck before we proceed with the rigging of the gantry.

JULY 7^th

Went ashore this afternoon, we've been having quite a lot of rain the last few days and one wades ankle deep in mud. Gilli Gilli is just a collection o native huts and army tents and quite a hive of activity. Drew our cigarette and tobacco ration it also includes razor blades, tooth paste, shaving cream, chewing gum and matches. Bought khaki shirt and trousers and singlets at QM's store. Had no sooner stepped ashore when a chap said "hello Wal!" He's a chap who was apprentice in a ship I was in about 1928. Naturally we had a good old shin wag. No letters as yet and very anxious to receive some.

JULY 8^th

Day of days! Skipper went ashore and returned with mail. Three letters for me from you Jose! Quite excited about it and it's great to get news. Sat down and wrote you a long reply tonight. "Melinga" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] came alongside and started unloading our deck cargo Barges and dinghies etc. Saw "Sumi" my Solomon Island Brother, he was very pleased to see me and we had a long talk. Knocked off for the night with "Melinga" lying alongside us.

JULY 9^th

Resumed work this morning unloading cargo, finished about 1.0 pm and proceeded to dismantle our gantry stays, we now have our decks clear and from today our hard work starts on the gantry and we estimate it will keep us going from at least 2½ to 3 months, there's quite a job in front of us. "Melinga" cast off about 3.30 pm bound for Oro Bay. We are lying well out in the Bay off Gilli Gilli, very peaceful and quiet here. We will now be shifting over to Waga Waga any day where this ship will be finally stationed. We have had no air raids as yet but they are likely to come at the most unexpected moments.

JULY 10^th

Rained like hell all night and still raining today, as a matter of fact it has been raining ever since we arrived here, one consolation it is not cold and we work in it with nothing on. Started clearing away today to get at gantry gear, knocked off about 4.30 p.m.

JULY 11^th

No work today washed all my clothes, natives came alongside in dugouts with fruit, they accept food in preference to money, tobacco also is in great demand by them. Started making a hammock for Sherry, also made myself a pair of sandals. Quite a busy man these days, majority of crew suffering various stages of sunburn, I have the last laugh on them as I am as brown as a berry all over, wrote you a long letter tonight Jose, it is now 10.15 pm so off I go to bunk as we have a fairly heavy day in front of us tomorrow.

JULY 12^th

Nothing out of the ordinary today, worked very steadily all day. One of the gunners made a kennel for our pups, made a good job of it too. Am going to write to Ol and Madge tonight.

JULY 13^th

Worked fairly solid today opened up the hatch to get at machinery. Have a very sore wrist don't know whether its cramp, rheumatics or what, still having plenty of rain and getting an excellent run-off into our tank from the rain sail we rigged. Have not received any more letters yet.

JULY 14^th

Wrote Mil and Nan a letter last night. Wrist very sore and cannot bear to use it much. Made our first heavy lift today, rigged and sent the gantry derrick aloft did not complete it today as it rained so heavily we made everything secure and knocked off about 3.0 pm. This is the rainy season and unless one has seen it rain in the Tropics one has no conception of how it pours.

JULY 15^th

Continued with and finished rigging crane, preparing now to make our heaviest lift of just on 3 tons, which has to be lifted 60 feet up on the gantry most of the day spent overhauling blocks gear, will start rigging tomorrow, am kept busy as I have only three men and a boy One man is useless, one just fair, one good and the boy is willing but green. As I am in charge I have to watch everything very closely and it means a lot of up the gantry and down again, however, I mean to complete the job. Did not rain today for a wonder, expect we will get plenty tonight. Moon is just about full so would not be surprised at an air raid any night now.

JULY 16^th

Rigged gear today for biggest lift, will start to life first thing in the morning. Everything goes along smoothly and quietly until our skipper butts in so I just butted him out today with a fair amount of abuse. He has never done this class of work before, and an excitable man could cause a serious accident, I expect him to leave me along in future. Have been ashore only once since arriving here, have no inclination to do so. Still raining.

JULY 17^th

Spent a very heavy day today, lifted our two heaviest lifts and a number of smaller ones, up on to the gantry. The heavy ones weighed two and three tons respectively. Struck a little trouble with the three ton, which we eventually overcame. Taken all round we consider it a very good day's work. Skipper was conspicuous by his absence which was all to the good. Quite a debate going on at the moment as to the merits and demerits of the cook's bread, he has made a number of batches and appears to be improving. However, more power to him, he's a trier at least. Everybody more or less contented and things going along smoothly. Still no letters, wrist still sore, will try to write you tomorrow Jose.

JULY 18^th

Wrote you tonight dear. No letters or papers as yet, no work today, so spent most of the day seeing Milne Bay from a Native canoe which one of our gunners begged or stole I don't know which. Roy Sherringham and I went and after mastering the intricacies of the craft spent an enjoyable day and had some real laughs, arrived back on board tired and hungry.

JULY 19^th

Raining like hell most of the day. Rigged staging for bolting down and changed over lifting gear to lighter rig, as we now have our heaviest up on the gantry. Skipper went ashore but returned without any mail. Nothing out of the ordinary today just another working day.

JULY 20^th

Dawned fine day today, the first without any rain since our arrival here 17 days ago, a really fine day. Hills showing out clear, they are more often than not half-hidden in mist and clouds. Worked aloft all day setting 3 ton motor bed into position and bolting down same. Knocked off at 5.30 pm as black as the Earl of Hell's riding boots, grease from head to foot, so much so that I had to bath with Solvol. Am keeping well and sleeping well, eating fairly well, although some of this tinned food is not very appetising to look at really, ready for my bed tonight so here goes.

JULY 21^st

Still nothing exciting, bright moonlight nights at full moon lighting the Bay up like daylight. I guess the Japs must be being kept busy at New Georgia and hasn't time to pay us a visit, still who knows? No rain today, a very nice day, actually our second day without rain. Received nine letters from Jose today all written in March and April, they've taken over three months to catch up with me. Also received one from Bert, this is worth recording as it is the first I've had from him in about 20 odd years. Worked consistently today and making headway slowly.

JULY 22^nd

Put our second heavy lift up on the Gantry today. Am learning quite a lot about fitting as the Fitter has no labourers, none being procurable here, so we are helping him too beside rigging and various other jobs we have to do, have also learned to handle the oxy-welding and cutting gear, Roy Sherringham taught me and it may be very handy to me some day. Am still looking for letters, hope there are some for me tomorrow. We got a brand new outboard motor for our dinghy today so Sherry and I will probably have a tour on Sunday. Things going along smoothly and nothing out of the ordinary to record.

JULY 23^rd

Carried on working aloft and set another bed. Collier "Corrimal" came along side this afternoon to take coal out of us to bunker other ships, she will probably lay alongside us a good while, other than that, nothing doing. Looks like rain again tonight so I took my hammock in. Will sleep inside tonight.

JULY 24^th

Just four months time in today, it seems to be dragging now although the days slip by very pleasantly. We now have the "Corrimal" lying moored on one side of us and the "Bopple" on the other. We opened up one of our hatches today so that the "Bopple" could take about 150 tons of coal out of us. Tonight a crowd of Aussie soldiers came aboard to work the coal out of us and they are working like slaves at 6/- a day. It makes one realise how lucky one is. Least said about it the better I guess. No letters yet , am writing Jose tomorrow night. The "Moa Moa" came alongside with fresh water for us last night worked hard all day. Tomorrow being Sunday will be our rest day. Hope to get ashore. [Forgotten Fleet vessel description]

JULY 25^th

Went ashore to Waga in our dinghy with an outboard motor on her. The Skipper and Sherry went with me. Waga lies across the western side of the Bay and is S.O.S. Headquarters. It is about 8 miles from where we are anchored just now, but when our moorings are set there we will be permanently stationed there. We had a rough trip across the Bay and arrived there wet through. Had our dinner at the Mess Hall received five letters from Jose and wandered around. Watched the Ack Ack battery in action until the concussion loosened the coconuts on the tree under which we were standing. They were falling all around us, so we weren't long getting out from under. Arrived back on board about 5.0 pm, wet through again.

JULY 26^th

Work again this morning. Replied to Josie's letters with an 8 pager which was sent ashore to post this morning. Finished making Sherry's hammock tonight. Sherry and I are now making ashtrays out of shell cases to take home as a souvenir. Nothing startling so off to bunk.

JULY 27^th

"Uki" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] alongisde coaling. Gangs of Aussie soldiers doing the loading, they are Militia men Class B2 and known as the Employment Coy-Conscripts [apparently a reference to criticism of these men as avoiding war and work], working like "coolies" at 6/- a day and on the air Mr. Fadden [see also Sir Arthur William Fadden] giving an Election speech, mouthing platitudes which make decent men sick. The anomaly is obvious, these men are B2 unfit for front line but still fit enough to slave in this humidity. When will the worker wake up to these political acrobats? I am transgressing! This is a diary, however one cannot refrain from noting things like this. Worked very consistently today and very tired tonight. Nothing out of the ordinary to record.

JULY 28^th

Worked very hard on the Gantry today, bumped our first real trouble today which kept us at it until 6.30 pm. However, we mastered it still forging ahead slowly but surely. Manpower is our worry at the moment still I have no doubt we will complete the job and personally I will have a great feeling of something accomplished. Our hardest part is yet to come.

JULY 29^th

Work still proceeding steadily on Gantry, consider we have done more work with 4 men in the month we have been here, than was done by 50 men in two months while this ship was in Sydney. Still raining intermittently, had some very heavy showers today and they always seem to catch us in the middle of a delicate piece of work, however, it doesn't matter much as I wear only my swimming trunks all the time (and this is winter). The food is rotten not that we haven't any, just that the cook doesn't know how to prepare it, men are becoming very discontented, and no wonder, we haven't tasted bread for just on a week now. If I get any thinner I'll slip through a bolt hole. However, I'm keeping and feeling remarkably well. Received a letter from Jose today. I want to answer it tonight but feel extremely tired, so will leave it until tomorrow night, so off I go to bed.

JULY 30^th

Just an ordinary day, rained heavily as usual, gave myself a very bad burn on the shoulder and left hand, through falling against a steam pipe, quite painful for a few hours.

JULY 31^st

Rained heavily this morning. Worked hard all day knocked men off at about 3.30 pm. Nothing out of the ordinary today.

AUGUST 1^st

Sherry and I were up at 6.0 am this morning, pulled the outboard motor down, dried her out and got her going again. Went ashore after lunch and located Mr Boyce, had a yarn then hitch-hiked our way by jeep and truck to No 1 airstrip some miles out to try and find Bruce Brown, found out we would locate him on No 3 strip so hitch-hiked again several miles in the opposite direction, finally found Bruce and spent an interesting hour or so talking and watching Kittyhawks take off and others land. Witnessed what was very near a crash, however pilot was lucky and got himself out of it. Arrived back on board about 7.0 pm very tired. Wrote Jose last night.

AUGUST 2^nd

Quite an amount of work today and progressing steadily, but we still have a lot in front of us. Skipper informed us we will be moving to "Waga" tomorrow where this ship is to be permanently based, this is a small settlement in a Bay nestling right under towering Mountains on the Western side of the Bay, it is entirely for the Small Ships Section of the Army. It will be much better for us as we will be right alongside the supplies of bread and meat etc. not to mention the P Office.

AUGUST 3^rd

Towed to Waga today. We are now with our anchor down and moored to a Buoy aft quite close to the wharf. We are now no longer isolated as we were at "Gili". We will probably be working longer hours now we are here, however that is O.K. with me as I would very much like to see this job finished and we have quite a lot yet to be completed. One has to be very careful of mosquitoes now lying so close inshore. Have not had any raids as yet and it looks very much as though Milne Bay has seen the last of them. Received three letters from Jose today and answered tonight.

AUGUST 4^th

Have had three consecutive days without rain, the most since we arrived here, however, towards evening we had a few light showers. Captain Strider arrived from Sydney today as he was closely associated with the fitting out of this ship in Sydney, he was still interested in her and came on board right away. He was very satisfied with what he termed the phenomenal progress so few a crew had made on the Gantry, naturally I felt highly complimented. We had a rare stroke of good fortune today, a barge laden with Tobacco had evidently sunk some place and cases of it floated into the Bay. There were ship's boats out like ants salvaging. We ended up with 52 2oz tins per man and hundreds of ¼ lb blocks of Cadbury's chocolate also numerous tins of Baby Powder which latter is good for the feet as Tinea is a prevalent here. Got your letter through the Censor this morning Jose by contacting him personally and P.. in his pocket. Well! Here goes to bed.

AUGUST 5^th

Worked very hard today and had more arguments for one day than I've had for a long time, people seem to think I have a hundred men instead of four and a boy. There's some of the laziest, scheming, moaning false pretense B.. it's ever been my misfortune to meet up here. It does one good to blow up occasionally and that's how I feel tonight, have been informed the pictures will be on tomorrow night, I'll have to be in that. Rigged gear for lifting Port Gantry arm and chute.

AUGUST 6^th

Received a letter from Jose today telling me she'd received two from me in two days, am very pleased to know they are at last arriving. Nothing otherwise exciting today just ordinary day with plenty of work.

AUGUST 7^th

Worked hard all day sent me an extra man from ashore for the day, knocked off at 5.0 pm and got ready to go to the pictures. Walked about a mile through a coconut plantation through mud, ditches and God knows what else to a clearing in the coconut palms and there was the Theatre Beautiful. A screen suspended, seemingly from nothing, pitch black night, plank seats and about 300 patrons. The seats were so hard everybody stood up between changes of reels to have a rest. However we enjoyed the show immensely. Aboard again about 9.30 pm and wrote a letter to Jose.

AUGUST 8^th

Rest day today, but we didn't have any rest, spent most of the day re-mooring the ship. We dragged our moorings overnight, which spelt hard luck for us, however, here's looking forward to next Sunday.

AUGUST 9^th

Finished lifting our last heavy lift today and pinned in position. Still a big amount of gear to go in but all small stuff. Rained like hell all day. Received some papers from home and Johnny Ball came to see me. Quite a red letter day. Corrimal alongside taking bunkers and James Wallace [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] also alongside putting fresh water into us. Pictures are on again tonight but did not go as I don't relish wading ankle deep in mud to get there and there certainly is some mud in these parts.

AUGUST 10^th

Nothing startling today just work. Plenty of complaints about the food which is all tinned stuff. Thank goodness I am not a slave to my stomach and it does not come hard to me. It's a pity for some of these fellows to ever leave home.

AUGUST 11^th

Had an "alert" this morning about 11.0 a.m. manned our guns but nothing eventuated. It transpired later that a formation of Jap aircraft were heading for Milne Bay but were intercepted and driven off just south of Oro Bay which is about 100 Miles north of here and other than that nothing of importance to record today. Have not received any mail from home this week as yet. I understand there has not been any mail arrive here for the last five days.

AUGUST 12^th

Most important received a letter from Jose today and answered it tonight. Carried on with routine work all day. Waga Bay is a very busy place just now and full of the most motley collection of small ships one could imagine.

AUGUST 13^{th (Friday)}

Still progressing well with our job. One of our electricians got a rather bad burn when a wire short circuited today. Received a letter from Ol with one from Mel enclosed. Was halfway through answering Melva's when Air Raid shots were fired, dropped everything and blacked out. Manned guns and "stood to" for ¾ of an hour when the all clear signal was given. I am Gunner on a 50 calibre machine gun. Strange how used one gets to this and feels quite calm and actually wishes inwardly to have a shot at them. I find myself curious as to whether this feeling would persist if they really did come at us. It is full moon and we think they are trying hard to get through to Milne Bay as this is a very big and important base. We can expect quite a few alerts from nows until the moon wanes.

AUGUST 14^th

Worked hard all day, hope to have Gantry in working order except for a few minor adjustments in a little over a week. Went to the local picture show tonight in the Palm Tree clearing, very good show. First we had a live artist show, tap dancing, music etc by an American Concert Troupe followed by the pictures, a wonderful relaxation after a week of hard work. Thought we may have had an "alert" tonight, however nothing turned up to spoin our show thank goodness.

AUGUST 15^th

Rest day. Washed clothes then just loafed about all the morning. Went over to Gili Gili this afternoon and saw Mr Boyce arrived back on board about 7.0 p.m. made some ships, had chips and toast for Tea was very hungry too. Bright moonlight night, no alarms yet. Japs have been raiding Goodenough Is. About 40 Miles from here, hence our previous "alerts"

AUGUST 16^th

Very ordinary day, just plenty of work Uki Dutch ship alongside coaling. Letters falling off have not received any for a few days.

AUGUST 17^th

No letters today, still working hard, except to complete rigging Gantry by the end of the week. Consider it an excellent feat completing job in just over 5 weeks. There will be quite a lot of gear to send down and minor adjustments to be made after Gantry is running which will occupy another week or ten days, after that it will be close to me going to home sweet home.

AUGUST 18^th

Received letters from Jose today. Worked very hard until 6.0 p.m. and finished reeving grab wires. Very quiet in this Bay. Marrawah [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] alongside coaling, other than that there ain't no news today.

AUGUST 19^th

Quiet day today spent most of it figuring out a complicated reeving, formed several theories which I abandoned one by one leaving the most logical one which I will carry on with tomorrow, this will mean a hard day's work tomorrow, however, when this is done all our problems will have been overcome. Have been sitting in the messroom relating past experiences and have just realised it is 11.15 p.m. so here's off to bunk.

AUGUST 20^th

Raining like hell most of the day, received two letters from Jose today, will answer them tonight. Held up by the electricians today unable to do much, hope to go ahead again tomorrow. 4 weeks and 4 days now and I hope to be on my way home.

AUGUST 21^st

Worked this morning after dinner went to Gili Gili to see about Voting eventually arrived at an Aussie Headquarters about 6 miles up in the Hills and cast our Vote arriving back on board about 7.0 p.m. then went to bed.

AUGUST 22^nd

Prepared to have a rest day today, however, we were disappointed as a Liberty Ship came alongside with 1000 Tons of coal. We turned to after dinner to try and have the Gantry ready to discharge her by tomorrow morning, working until 10.0 p.m. and narrowly missed having our first major accident when a spring carried away in the dark and narrowly missed throwing Sherry and another chap down the Hatch, as it was the other chap had his leg injured. Knocked off right away.

AUGUST 23^rd

Worked hard all day to complete Grab side of Gantry, lifted our first load of coal out of Liberty Ship at 5.0 p.m. Had Tea, then I operated Gantry until midnight, so have had a long day. Received two letters from Jose yesterday, have been unable to answer on account of long hours, will endeavour to do so tomorrow. I unloaded 120 Tons on my shift tonight. Roy now operating until 6.0 p.m.

AUGUST 24^th

Up again at 6.0 a.m., operated Gantry until noon when counter-balance wire carried away, worked hard to Reeve another one off which was done by 4.30 p.m., operated Gantry again until 6.0 p.m. Roy took over. Had bath, Tea and straight to bed, called again at Midnight to go on until 8.0 a.m.

AUGUST 25^th

Started operating at 12.10 a.m. This morning shifted Gantry full length of ship. Breakfast and off to bunk. Feeling very tired, strain beginning to tell. Knocked off at 8.0 a.m. not very successful in getting sleep today, too hot. Carried away some of our electric wiring when shifting the Gantry and have had no power for our fans all day.

AUGUST 26^th

Work again at 8.0 a.m. Pulled sheave out of grab which was running hot. Started working coal took out about 60 Tons when sheave ran hot again, pulled it to pieces again, had Tea, started driving again at 5.30 p.m. it is now midnight and I have just knocked off. Being the only one who can operate the Gantry (except Roy) at the moment, all the work is falling on me as Roy was busy with my men putting the belt on the upper Ganrtry. Carried away Traverse Block tonight. Hope to finish unloading Liberty Ship tomorrow.

AUGUST 27^th

Worked operating Gantry all day while Roy and men completed the Belt, had Tea and Bath and am now turning in as I am going on again at Midnight. No letters from Jose for nearly a week now hoping to get some soon, have just over three weeks to going home now.

AUGUST 28^TH

Gantry broke down electrically during night. Started work this morning on general work, went operating about noon when Gantry ready, knocked off about 6.0 p.m. had Tea, Bath and off to bunk as I go on again at Midnight.

AUGUST 29^th

Started work from Midnight, going well when Grab wire carried away about 3.0 a.m., proceeded to unreeve and Reeve a new one which we finished about 9.0 a.m.. Bath and to bed all day. Go on again at 6.0 p.m. and work until finish unloading Liberty Ship. This has been a good test and we are finding our faults under actual unloading conditions which we immediately rectify. Started working at 6.0 p.m. completed unloading at 9.0 p.m. so to bunk for the night.

AUGUST 30^th

Kicked off at 8.30 a.m. this morning, still quite a lot of work to do. Hand very swollen and painful. Knocked off at 5.0 p.m. went ashore to doctor given sulphacetamide tabletsand instructions to bathe hand in hot water. Also saw personnel officer and elevated to Gantry operator and acting Mate at an increase of 10 pounds per month. Received papers (old ones) from home very acceptable though, wrote to Jose tonight.

AUGUST 31^st

Received another letter from Jose tonight answering tomorrow night. Worked all day on Gantry finishing off schutes etc, bent shaft of 75 hp winch which is a rather serious matter. Infected hand much easier tonight due entirely to the wonder drug Sulphacetamide, very little sleep last night hoping for a better one tonight. Went to pictures and saw "Holiday Inn" very nice too.

WEDNESDAY [September] 1^st

Still plugging away didn't get very far today as the Electricians held us up, most of the afternoon spent getting gear wheel off shaft. Nothing much else to record other than that we still get more than our share of rain.

THURSDAY [September] 2^nd

Tested schute hoist, Gantry travel and conveyor belt and shaker today all went OK Roy taking bent shaft of 75 hp motor to Iahoma tomorrow to be straightened. Sheeting in engines and operating houses today with Galvanised iron, and now entering the plumbers trade, I'm Jack of the all. Capt. Strider came on Board today, glad to see him up here. WE hope he'll untangle a little of the Red Tape. Told today that man is going on leave and will return to relieve me for mine. It sure will be fine to get home. Had another letter from Jose today. Hand coming along fine.

FRIDAY [September] 3^rd

Just jogged along today putting corrugated iron on the machinery housing. We are held up waiting for the shaft of the 75 hp. "Canonbar" "Bulimba" "Bingera" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] alongside of us.

SATURDAY [September] 4^th

Just another ordinary day, very hot the last two or three days and wonder of wonders very little rain. Went to pictures last night, saw a picture with Bob Hope in, very funny too! Having a spot of trouble with our Skipper he's worse than a B----- old women.

SUNDAY [September] 5^th

Started off today as our rest day, it looked like being our first one for three or four weeks, however soon after dinner the Skipper arrived aboard full of importance and informed me we had to get our stores (monthly) aboard. Did I really go to town on him. I called him all the busy bodying B------- I could lay my tongue to. He and I are not the best of friends right now. It does the world of good to set him back on his haunches occasionally. He causes more dissention aboard this ship than any ten men. Other than that it was a quiet day. Hector Boyce came on board this afternoon had tea with us.

MONDAY [September] 6^th

Received a letter from Jose which I answered tonight. Worked hard all day. We've been messed about a lot lately and I', afraid my temper is becoming a little frayed. Man who is to relieve me went South for his holidays today, I take mine the moment he returns, so it won't be long now. Overhauling spare grab today.

TUESDAY [September] 7^th

Still held up on Gantry, once we get a go on it will only take about 4 days to have it operating 100%. Had an Air Raid alert at midday but nothing came of it, a good job too as we had an ammunition ship alongside us loaded with torpedoes, T.N.T. and what have you. I guess we'd all go sky high if anything dropped within ¼ of a mile of her. Went to pictures tonight, just got settled to see "The Eagle Squadron" when it started to pour rain, we decided to sit it out anyway but were destined not to see the end as wse had another "alert", trudged back on board absolutely soaked, I don't know what I looked like but I nearly had hysterics over Roy. Nothing came of the "alert". Heard the good news of the paratroops surrounding the Japs at Lae. We've thought something big was on up here as the activity over the last couple of months has been tremendous.

WEDNESDAY [September] 8^th

Nothing much doing today, putting finishing touches to 75 hp which we hope to complete tomorrow. Received a package of papers from Madge today. "Po Yang" still alongside bunkering. [Po Yang is not covered in Forgotten Fleet. Information from another source is below in the Forgotten Fleet vessel description]

THURSDAY [September] 9^th

Still plenty to do on Gantry, striking a fair amount of trouble just now and to make things worse we are very short handed. Until today we had been reduced to two fitters, myself and a boy. Roy Sherringham went into Hospital tonight haven't any idea what the matter is yet. Men have been going down like ninepins the last couple of weeks in this ship and the thinnest of the lot (yours truly) is still on his feet. I knock a fair amount of skin off myself and could use a real good feed otherwise I'm OK. Have not received any letters from Jose since Monday, here's hoping for tomorrow.

FIRDAY [September] 10^th

Well! Time to go home is drawing slowly nearer and how slowly! Have reached the stage whre we are doing a lot of fiddling about with the Gantry, which, nevertheless entails a lot of hard work. It is now that I need a lot of men and haven't got them. Miss Roy badly, hope it is nothing serious will endeavour to see him on Sunday if possible. "Corrimal" alongside bunkering using her own gear. No letters from home since Monday, believe mail arrived at 4.0 p.m. today so here's hoping for one tomorrow.

SATURDAY [September] 11^th

Received a letter from Jose and one from Mil this morning. Still working flat out to get Gantry going again after our mishap. Went to pictures tonight but didn't think much of them. Looks as though we will have to work tomorrow and I had planned to go over to Gili to see Roy and others but that's the way of things up here one can never plan ahead.

SUNDAY [September] 12^th

Worked all day today as I expected. Air raid "alert" at 11.0 a.m. and stood by guns for three quarters of an hour, however, they did not get through. Received a letter from Melva also one from the "Manpower" (a questionaire) I wiped my posterior on the latter. Was given a generous piece of "turkey" for tea tonight and was it lovely? I feel real mellow at the moment. It was a damned shame eating it in front of the boys, however, what was one to do they couldn't all have some of it there was hardly enough. Writing Jose tonight soon be on my way home now.

MONDAY [September] 13^th

Kept going all day and up until 9.15 p.m. tonight completing schute side of Gantry. They are very anxious to get it going so I went ashore had a yarn with Capt Strieder and he sent me four riggers, we ended up getting a lot of work done such as changing grabs connecting schutes and reevings. Will try her out as a completed job first thing in the morning. Another "alert" today heavy Ack Ack and loud explosions at Gili Gili on the opposite side of the Bay. Yesterdays "alert" was a raid on an Island at the Head of the Bay about 15 miles from here, haven't heard what todays was yet. We have a full moon the next few nights and we fuly expect to catch it. Had an argument with the stevedore today, saw Capt Strieder tonight and had a clarification on several points.

TUESDAY [September] 14^th

It is now 11.30 p.m. and I have just come inside for a spell, we are working to finish loading the "Canonbar" which we hope to do by midnight. We have already done the "Marrawah". Have been "breaking in" a new operator and it's a nerve racking job. They all want to go like "hell from the jump" and they give one some nasty moments. Set the "stevedore" back on his heels today (or least Capt Strieder did) made things very clear to him. Bright full moonlight night, Tokio Radio promised Milne Bay a raid none os us would be surprised we're expecting it. Another "alert" today. Yesterdays fireworks was at a Jap reconnaisance plane over Gili. Very realistic here tonight they are having night exercises with our Ack Ack and there are tracer nullets flying all over the Bay. No letters from home since Saturday. Hope get one tomorrow 9 days to go.

WEDNESDAY [September] 15^th

Dutch ship came alongside to bunker so that means work until we finish her. I have been operating all day and have to go on at midnight again. Gantry operating fairly well. Roy came back from hospital yesterday otherwise nothing out of the ordinary. Still no letter from Jose. 8 days to go.

THURSDAY [September] 16^th

Knocked off at 8.0 a.m. this morning, continued loading Dutch ship at noon and carried on until midnight, am not off to bed as I am beginning to feel very tired, have to be up again at 7.0 a.m. and I can see a fair amount of work in front of us tomorrow. The "Uki" is alongside waiting to be loaded. Having trouble with the main dynamo. Still no letters from home.

FRIDAY [September] 17^th

Carried on loading coal, hope to finish Dutchman tonight, have quite an amount of work to do what with operating, watching the bunkers are trimmed properly, seeing crew keep on their jobs my time is well and truly fully occupied, am beginning to feel a trifle worn out and can do with my leave which is now only 7 days off. Still no letters from Home. Will be writing to Jose tomorrow.,

SATURDAY [September] 18^th

Dutchman finished about 2.0 a.m. left at 5.0 a.m. Kicked off again at 8.0 a.m. Tearing temporary bulkheads down, finished that and put the "Uki" under the schutes at 1.0 p.m. threw our first load of coal through schutes about 4.0 p.m.. 4.30 p.m. had to connect two more sections on, finished that about 7.0 p.m., had tea, kicked off again but struck electrical trouble it is now 10.30 p.m. and that has just been rectified, so off to bunk and will go on loading "Uki" in the morning. Very hot today and am tired out. Still no letters from Jose and I have been unable to write since Monday. Will endeavour to do so tomorrow night.

SUNDAY [September] 19^TH

Kicked off loading the "Uki" first thing this morning, finished her at 6.30 p.m. tonight, struck all the electrical trouble about the place all day. Only the "Tambar" [not described in Forgotten Fleet] to do now then we are out of coal until some more arrives up here. I believe there is 2000 tons on the way. Very tired tonight only 4 days to go. We've erected this job and handled 2000 odd tons of coal in just eight week and with an absolute minimum of labour rather a good effort if I may say so. Wrote to Jose tonight am now off to bed.

MONDAY [September] 20^th

Our first quiet day for weeks, spent most of day splicing new grab wires and knocked off about 3.30 p.m. It was like heaven after weeks of very hard work. Was informed tonight it may be at least another 6 weeks before I start my holidays. I am being given charge of Gantry Operations etc. at 936 Pounds per annum with the possibility of it rising to 1063 Pounds. Well it's great to think one's efforts have been appreciated. I hate to think how disappointed my sweetheart is going to be if I am kept here so much longer, I feel that way myself. My blood must be badly out of order as I have another infected hand, I never had so many bandages on in my life. Still no letters from home.

TUESDAY [September] 21^st

Went on again splicing wires again today as I want to leave here knowing I have left my part of the Gantry in apple pie order and there will be no delay on changing over wires in the event of a breakdown. We are now right out of coal and waiting for 2000 tons which is on it's way up here. Went ashore to the Canteen tonight and bought toothpaste. A big mail arrived and I got a letter from Jose also three parcels of papers, it was like Xmas tonight, one chap got a cake from home anaother boiled lollies, we had a beano on the cake (nice too) and I ran true to form by filling the mouth full. Am now off to bed to devour the news even though some of it is fairly old.

WEDNESDAY [September] 22^nd

Carrying on putting odd jobs in on Gantry, had trouble with one of the Operators today, all the other men were working, he had an idea he shouldn't, will soon disillusion him! Very hot day, getting hotter too.

THURSDAY [September] 23^rd

Operator sent ashore today he's no use to us here. Quiet day today. Saw Capt Strieder tonight sign new Contract tomorrow at 936 Pounds P.A. Made some purchases at Q.M's store tonight too. Ordinary day today, wrote Jose tonight and now off to bunk.

FRIDAY [September] 24^th

Well! What do you know, I was lying in my bunk when a chap came in and said "would you like a couple of fresh eggs" not having tasted them in 3 1/2 months I came out of that bunk like greased lightning, cooked them and ate them. I can't ever remember anything tasting so good, where they scrounged them Lord only knows but I must say New Guinea holds the greatest number of theives and traders ever to congregate in one small area. One learns not to ask too many questions. Usual work around ship today coaled "Wannon" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] tonight knocking off at 10.30 p.m.

SATURDAY [September] 25^th

Signed new Contract today as 3^rd Officer at 69 Pounds 15 Shillings and three pence per month plus Bonus which should bring Salary up to 1046 Pounds Per Annum. Went to pictures tonight, nothing definite yet as to when I go on leave, hope it is soon. No ships alongside hope to have a day off tomorrow.

SUNDAY [September] 26^th

Took day off today, first for a long time. Went over to Gili Gili in our Outboard, found that Bruce Brown is now at Goodenough Island in charge of Squadron 77. Printing & Stationary Unit is now at Buna so did not see Hector Boyce. Tried to find Johnnie Ball's Unit but failed, not the men here as when we first arrived, most Units having moved north now that we have Lae and Salamaua. Got usual drenching coming back, did my washing had tea and went ashore to the Boxing contests which weere very funny. Am now off to bed.

MONDAY [September] 27^th

Just an ordinary day on general ships work. Roy applied for his Travel Orders, hope they come through soon as the sooner he gets home and back again the sooner I will get home. No letters from Jose, they are not as frequent as formerly

TUESDAY [September] 28^th

Worked all day today, ship came alongside this afternoon to unload 900 tons of coal into us, also another to take 100 ton from us, it meant us working until midnight tonight, 15 hours is a fair day, I think I must see Capt Strieder tomorrow to see if we can get some co-operation. Another argument today with our busybody Skipper, I blew hell out of him. I guess he must be beginning to like me. Had intended writing Jose tonight but had to postpone it, see what I can do about it tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY [September] 29^th

Worked until midnight tonight, finished coaling "Maiwara" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] about noon. Big Dutch ship came alongside right after for 260 tons. We have these rush periods and it means long hours. Go on again at midnight tonight until 8.0 a.m.

THURSDAY [September] 30^th

Came off at 8.0 a.m. very tired. Did not get any sleep today, we had just got 214 tons into the Dutchman when the wire on our bucket carried away and the bucket weighing about 1 ½ tons crashed from the top to the bottom of the Gantry, about 100 feet, it certainly made a mess of things and I had to turn to right away dismantling smashed gear for repair amd now going to bed. Carry on again in the morning, received two letters from Jose today which makes things look brighter, am very restless to get home, but must exercise patience.

FRIDAY [October] 1^st

Turned to this morning but knocked off about 9.30 a.m. after an attack of vomiting and spent all day in my bunk with a violent headache, still not too good tonight. Wrote Jose tonight.

SATURDAY [October] 2^nd

Not feeling the best this morning, Roy wanted me to lay up for the day, however I got stuck into work and worked myself well again. Finished unloading the Dutchman and started coaling the "Uki". Roy and I went to the pictures tonight. It didn't rain it just fell down, we didn't see any pictures and came aboard again like drowned rats with mud up to our knees.

p.s. Roy reckons I get him into more bloody rain than anybody he ever knew, I sent him broke, I want to talk to him while he's asleep, as a matter of fact we are both a pair of B-------. Don't believe him.

SUNDAY [October] 3^rd

Am now ten days over my time, finished coaling "Uki" this morning and started in on the "Canonbar" which we finished at 7.45 p.m. had my bath and am off to bunk.

MONDAY [October] 4^th

Carried on with repairing bucket, cut and spliced new wire for same had a pretty heavy day. "Bulimba" came alongside about 4.30 p.m. for 115 tons of coal, lowered Gantry and started on her at 6.0 p.m. worked right through the night and finished her at 6.30 a.m. have just had breakfast and been on my feet 24 hours, am very tired, naturally!

TUESDAY [October] 5^th

Laid down on my bunk about 9.0 a.m. fell into a sound sleep and woke about 2.0 p.m. No one had the heart to call me as I was sleeping to soundly after the all night session. "Marrawa" came alongside and started loading 40 tons about 4.0 p.m., finished her about 8.0 p.m. and proceeded to have a bath, right in the middle of it the "alert" sounded and I had to run to Gun Station in the nude dressed only in a tin hat. I guess I must have looked a scream. No letters from Jose this week yet. I guess she's looking anxiously for me to arrive home but from the look of things that happy day is a few weeks off yet.

WEDNESDAY [October] 6^th

"Wannon" alongside for coal this morning but she is out of luck as we will be busy all day with repairs and reeving new wires, will start her tomorrow noon. Received a lovely letter from Jose today, went ashore tonight to P.O. on way back had a long chat with Capt Streider, his an exceptionally nice chap and enjoys a good joke. Expect Roy to leave within a couple of days on leave, when he returns it's me for home sweet home.

THURSDAY [October] 7^th

Finished our repairs about 6.30 p.m. re-rove Grab Bucket wires and counter-balance, all set to go again. Wrote Jose tonight. One of the apprentice seaman on the "Mactan" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] was drowned yesterday, he took a fit and fell overboard into about 60 feet of water, divers recovered body about ¾ of an hour later. Very sad news for his folk. Milner Bay still a scene of activity, but not to be compared with just prior to the push on Lae and Salamana, looks like this Base moving further north anytime.

FRIDAY [October] 8^th

Finished coaling "Wannon" about midday (40 tons) "Corrimal" came alongside right away for 160 tons, worked until midnight (schute side) closed down and off to bed. Had a big argument with one of our Engineers today, he's an arrogant type and a real B-----. Hope to meet him in the ring on Sunday night, he was put in his place in any case. Hope to put him further so on Sunday night. Roy is awaiting travelling Orders and at the moment I am Master of the "Muscoota" (There's a laugh)

SATURDAY [October] 9^th

Started on the "Corrimal" at 8.0 a.m. put 34 tons into her when bucket counter-balance wire got itself into a bunch of B-----, shifted her around to the grab side and continued loading her there. Rained like hell all day finished "Corrimal" at 9.15 p.m.. Just too late to make the pictures so off to bunk.

SUNDAY [October] 10^th

Thought we may have had a lazy day today but it was not to be. "Bopple" came alongside, brought us out 65 tons of water and took 20 tons of coal. What with running the ship and a little clerical work I have a full time job. Roy got his Travel orders through tonight and leaves for South in the Morning, all I have to do is wait impatiently for his return, then I go anyway, he will see Jose and explain the position to her. No letters for a few days.

MONDAY [October] 11^th

Roy left for Gili and the airstrip this noon on his way south. Had my first really easy day today in months, just carried out my Duties as Master of the ship supervising. No ships alongside was told today a ship is on her way with 3000 tons for us, so that will mean plenty of work. Miss Roy, went to pictures on my own tonight. Not a bad show. Dropped in on Capt Strider and Lt Soules after the show. He's really a very nice chap, had a yarn and a laugh, then came aboard, now for a cup of tea and off to bed. Hope Roy does not have any hold up with transportation both going and coming back , as I am just dying to get home. Finger swollen again, went to Dr he's puzzled as to why they keep doing that said it's a form of Arthritis, gave me liniment and pills, went over my heart and pronounced it OK. Have to see him again in a couple of days. Must write to Jose tomorrow.

TUESDAY [October] 12^th

Another quiet day, no ships alongside, had crew doing various small jobs, cleaning up etc. time hangs heavily on my hands when I have nothing much to do, I just love to hop in and work. Wrote Jose tonight.

WEDNESDAY [October] 13^th

Finished reeving and setting Bucket Counterbalance this morning, also have small lifeboat up in the Davits, cleaned bottom first, will paint it later on. It's not much use it being in the water, as they wanted our 22 HP outboard for a more important job, so took it off us. Received a letter from Ol letter just full of baby talk and contained two snaps. Tug "Wato" came alongside for 20 ton of coal. She is running for the Aussie Navy. Fixed her up in no time. Brought back boyhood memories as I remember her when I was a boy in Adelaide, she saw service in the last war and is still doing good work. Went to the pictures tonight and it rained like hell, however I acted cunning and took cover, missed the picture but came back aboard dry. There are only two seasons in this place, wet and rainy. Good night.

THURSDAY [October] 14^th

Rained like hell all day just pottered around, Don changed axle in Grab Sheave. Ketch "Tuhoe" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] came for ½ ton of galley coal and I got some bananas, paw paw etc from them, fruit tastes good these days. "Melinga" took 3 tons of galley coal, saw Sumi first time in months. Bagged and delivered 2 ton of coal for the "Peggy Love" [No information] to take to Ahioma so you see business was brisk in small lots otherwise a quiet day.

FRIDAY [October] 15^th

Quiet day again, had an "alert" about 11.0 a.m. nothing came of it however man who went south and was to relieve me arrived back today, ate mangoes till I looked like them. Poor old Mum used to love them and many a one I sent her per the "Kanimbla" [Probably the HMAS Kanimbla] to Adelaide brought painful memories to me, "Canonbar" came alongside for 10 ton of coal, had to join a convoy so it necessitated some brisk work on our part. Was congratulated on it tonight. Heard good news of attack on Raubal, sounded extra good to us. Rained like hell all day. Ashore one doesn't pick one's way we just plod through the mud and hope for the best. No letters this week yet from Jose hoping for one tomorrow.

SATURDAY [October] 16^th

Still waiting for coal to arrive from south. Doing general cleaning up around the deck and now have things looking more ship-shape. Wrote Jose this afternoon and went to the pictures tonight dry day and night for a wonder. Told that "Wannon" would be alongside for 30 tons tonight, hasn't arrived yet so I'm off to bunk, looks like I'll be working tomorrow through. Roy been gone a week I'm hoping he has seen Jose by this. Only another few weeks and I'll be home myself.

SUNDAY [October] 17^th

"Wannon" came alongside about 8.0 am made ready and started loading her about 9.30, knocked off at midday on account of no trimmers being available, we are going to resume and finish her at midnight tonight. Quite day otherwise. No letters from Jose. Time dragging very slowly now. Will be glad when our coal arrives from South and we get busy again. Fine hot day today soon be on my way home.

MONDAY [October] 18^th

Started on the "Wannon" again at midnight, finished her at 4.0 am and it rained like hell the whole four hours. One has to come to Milne Bay to realise just how it can rain. Arose at 9.30 am cook had saved my breakfast which I really enjoyed (fried eggs). Just mucked about all day. How time drags, expect ship with coal tomorrow. Hope she arrives O.K. Received a letter from Jose today, answer tomorrow, am now off to bunk.

TUESDAY [October] 19^th

Still quiet, I go to the post office twice a day, visit various other offices ashore, have a chat, here and there. Crew carrying on routine work. Wrote Jose tonight, nothing very startling.

WEDNESDAY [October] 20^th

Fiddled about all day again today, there's 3000 tons on the way for us I learned, but nobody knows just where it is. Went to pictures tonight and had a real good laugh on the way aboard, there was a crowd of us in the small Dinghy, one chap overbalanced and fell overboard dragging the guy next to him over too, I quite believe what they say about me having a perverted sense of humour, it struck me as being so funny, I damned near fell over myself laughing. No letters today am now off to bed.

THURSDAY [October] 21^st

Still no letters from Jose and still having our quiet period as no coal has arrived yet. The days are dragging like hell, just about 1 month over my Contract and about another 5 or 6 weeks to go before I'm on my way home. Hope Roy has been to see Jose ere this, otherwise she'll be getting very worried. "Kooraka" [Forgotten Fleet vessel description] arrived here yesterday looks quite a different ship to when I went south in her. Milne Bay is quite a bright spot these days, lights all around the Bay and plenty of activity with the shipping.

FRIDAY [October] 22^nd

Still no letter from Jose, and still no sign of our Coal, things are at a standstill with us at present so much so that I spent the day making a model of P38 Fighter plane out of bullets, it helped pass the day away pleasantly so I guess that's my hobby from now on, for a wonder we haven't had any rain for two days. It's very hot though. Am getting very restless and would just love to be home.

SATURDAY [October] 23^rd

Another weary day doing nothing. Wandered ashore to Post Office. Got what Paddy shot at! Nothing! Came back on board made up pay sheets, took those over to the office. Lt Bachmeier came to see if I would take the ship over to Ahioma. I told him it was too dangerous being an empty ship with all the extra weight on the Gantry and we would stand a good chance of losing the lot. They certainly have some brilliant brainwaves up here. Went to pictures tonight. Not so good.

SUNDAY [October] 24^th

Didn't do a thing today other than go ashore to the Post Office. No luck though didn't get a letter, it is now 1 week since I received one. Fiddled about doing the model and wandered ashore tonight and had a yarn with Bob Barham (the Sgt) started to write Jose but had to give in on account of the noise with them playing Crib. Will finish it tomorrow. Exactly a month over my Contract today.

MONDAY [October] 25^th

Usual round this morning, over to Post Office posted letter to Jose but didn't receive any. Scrounged an Army Tent which I erected over our after Gun platform and made me a comfortable waterproof sleepout. It's too hot to sleep inside now even with an electric fan, and getting hotter every day. Went to the pictures tonight and saw Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson in "Random Harvest", rate her good too.

TUESDAY [October] 26^th

Still having a quiet time spent most of today on my model, usual morning trip to Post Office, no mail at all, must be a hold-up someplace. Very hot today and muggy tonight, Had a heavy shower of rain earlier in the evening. It is now midnight but don't feel a bit sleepy. Milne Bay is very busy with shipping and full of lights, we don't think of air raids here anymore.

WEDNESDAY [October] 27^th

Got a bad shock this morning on receiving a letter from Mum that Jose was much better and in Prince Henry Hospital. That was the first news I'd had that Jose was ill. Mum had apparently written me about it but I have never received the letter. I gave the fellow in the Post Office buggery. Went down to Lt Crone, blew him up, saw Lt Colonel in charge and told him some plain facts on their postal administration. Have been terribly upset all day thinking of Jose. I got them to send a Cable through to Mil (officially) to enquire how things are, as soon as the reply comes I intend to demand fast transportation home regardless of how indispensable they think I am on this job. Gee! I hope that "kid" is alright. I'm worried stiff and went to pieces badly tonight.

THURSDAY [October] 28^th

Been worried and felt very much off colour today wondering how Jose is, went ashore and waited until the mail was sorted, my shaking them up yesterday apparently did some good as the Post Office was a hive of industry tonight. Disappointed however, as there was nothing for me. Still quiet, our coal ship hasn't arrived yet. Wish I could get some news from home. This uncertainty eats one's heart out.

FRIDAY [October] 29^th

Rained like hell most of the day, felt very off colour, had a vomiting attack and lost my top teeth over the side, am now without teeth. Cook went down with Malaria tonight, he was quite OK at 6.0 pm at 6.05 pm he collapassed, I had to get him ashore into Hospital and then find another cook. I had quite a miserable day. Received the first letter from Mil telling me Jose was ill. I wonder how she is?

SATURDAY [October] 30^th

Quiet day again today, felt ill and laid down most of the day, am going to Gili Gili tomorrow to see if I can have a set of teeth made, otherwise I'll pass out with indigestion. Also expect our Collier here tomorrow, so we will be kept busy for some time. Feeling very depressed tonight, wish I were home. Won't be long now.

SUNDAY [October] 31^st

Still waiting for reply to cable sent South re Jose's health, should receive reply any hour now, hope it comes soon as I am very worried. Went by 7.45 am launch to Gili this morning, thence by ambulance 12 miles to No 1 Field Hospital where I had the one remaining tooth in my head drawn and the impression taken for a new dental plate, arrived back on board at 4.0 pm wet as hell as it simply poured all day. Have to make at least another three trips up there before teeth are completed.

MONDAY [November] 1^st

Received a letter from Mil to say Jose was doing fine and on the road to recovery. I'm very very glad to get that news, believe me! We had a fairly quiet day but at 6.0 pm a Liberty ship came alongside with 3,000 tons of coal for us. We had quite an amount of trouble mooring her and it rained like hell all the time. I was like a drowned duck, however, we got right into it and started unloading her at 10.0 pm. I set shifts for the operators and continued right through the night.

TUESDAY [November 1943] 2^nd

"Canonbar" came alongside at 6.0 am for coal, proceeded to put her under the schutes, knocked off at 7.0 am had a bath, breakfast (can't eat so well having no top teeth) then set out for the 1^st Field hospital to see about same. The hospital is 20 miles from here, wee go to Gili Gili by ferry, then hitch hike the other twelve miles, and the same to return, arrived here very tired, Dentist did his work and I set out to return, had hard luck by missing all connections and ended up having to wait until 7.45 pm tonight for a ferry. Arrived back aboard at 9.15 pm. Have been working till now 11.30 pm. Will finish this entry and go to bed, no sleep and nothing to eat all day I feel about all in.

WEDNESDAY [November] 3^rd

Woke at 7.0 am feeling very much refreshed after a good 7 hours sleep. Went on working. Finished loading "Canonbar" last night, she left at 6.0 am and the "Koopa" RAN ship came alongside at 8 am for 60 tons, finished her at 12.30 midday. "Uki" came alongside then for 120 tons. Started in on her got 60 tons into her when through an error of judgement or over confidence on the Operators part carried away all the Bucket Counter-Balance Gear. What a bloody mess! I'm mad enough to bite the dog next door after telling them fifty times not to do a certain thing, they do it, and now we've got a full couple of days in front of us repairing it. However, that's' how things go.

THURSDAY [November] 4^th

Shifted "Uki" around to the other side of Liberty ship to finish loading her with buckets. Got two men from ashore and proceeded to repair last nights mess, made good progress all day and hope to be ready to use schute again by midday tomorrow. Shifted Gantry amidships to work on No 3 hatch, but held up there on account of coal being under some general cargo. Electrician and Fitter tried to get man who caused smash the sack, I refused to do so, as I expect him to profit by his error. Captain Strider backed me up in this decision. Captain Cummins also complimented me on doing a damn fine job to use his own words.

FRIDAY [November] 5^th

"Uki" finished at 8.0 am "Corrimal" came alongside No 4 Liberty Ship about 9.30 am and proceeded to load with buckets. Repairs to Bucket Counter-Balance completed at noon. Heaved a sigh of relief and just getting going again when Grab Hoist wire carried away. Worked like hell and rove another one by 3.0 pm Got going again and from then until now have been having a lot of electrical trouble. Things just haven't gone right today. "Bulimba" came under the schutes at 4.30 pm but am not going to start her until the morning. Tired as hell am going to bed. Wonder how Jose is? Haven't had a letter and have not had time to write must make time tomorrow.

SATURDAY [November] 6^th

Received two letters tonight, one from Jose and one from Mum. Well it was good news, and I'd been waiting anxiously for it. I'm so happy to know she is on the mend. I was up at 6.0 am after a very poor rest. My ear is tuned in all the time to the Gantry. Been tired and worn out all day and here I am still on my feet, must shave and shower and go to bed. Do hope to be home very soon. Started coaling "Bulimba" this morning had to disconnect one length of schute to get her under. Knocked off on her at 9.30 pm. "Pulganbar" now alongside for 190 tons. Three or four more ships waiting after her.

SUNDAY [November] 7^th

Finished "Bulimba" at 1.0 pm. Still scratching on the bottom of No 3 hatch. Can't get this Labor Battalion to work so I have ceased to worry. Yunnan came alongside for 6 tons for the galley. Gave it to her and she is laying alongside tonight

MONDAY [November] 8^th

"Yunnan" left at 7.0 am "Hanyang" came alongside for 140 tons at 9.0 am, shifted Liberty ship astern and working No 1 hatch. "Pulganbar" finished and "Bopple" alongside #3 finishing off with Buckets, it is now 11.30 pm and I was up at 6.0 am so it's about time I went to bunk. Received answer to enquiries made re Josie's condition, rather late however, glad to get it. Felt very off colour all day. Have a cold and thought maybe I was in for dose of fever.

TUESDAY [November] 9^th

Went over to 1^st Field Hospital re my teeth. Lt Bachmeier lent me a launch and another Lt at Gili drove me up to the Hospital. They weren't ready os I am to go again on Thursday. Felt very off colour all day. Finished "Hanyang" and "Bopple" then "Wannon" came alongside Liberty. Went to bed at 7.0 pm with an attack of Malaria, took 2 Quinine and three Aspro tablets and sweated like hell all night. Up at 6.0 am.

WEDNESDAY [November] 10^th

Still feel like nothing on earth. "Wato" came alongside for 30 tons. Electrical gear got wet and we were held up starting her, eventually got started and finished her at 4.0 pm. Still unloading Liberty, which is a big and awkward job for this machine as she was never built to unload ships of such a size. Am now off to bed, hope to feel better in the morning.

THURSDAY [November] 11^th

Went to Gili by the ferry this morning leaving here at 7.45 am, from there to 1^st Field Hospital. Teeth were not quite ready so had to wait until 3.0 pm, had some dinner there and eventually got teeth, came back to Gili and had to wait until 8.15 pm for ferry back to Waga. I've travelled just 160 miles to get these teeth. Rained like hell all day and up in the mountains at the 1^st Field. It simply fell down in bucketfuls for hours. All the Creeks and Rivers were running bankers and I was lucky to get back at all.

FRIDAY [November] 12^th

Went to bunk around midnight, Operator on shift called me at 3.0 am to look at Grab wire, I immediately knocked him off and closed Gantry down as wire was worn and in danger of carrying away. Up again at 6.30 am had Liberty ship move and we are now finishing her off with her own gear while we effect repairs. Usual day of running here and there, very tiring too. Expect Roy back any hour now and hope to be on my way home. Wonder how Jose is?

SATURDAY [November] 13^th

Still affecting repairs and renewing wires on Gantry , Liberty ship still unloading with own gear, quiet day otherwise. Went to pictures tonight, first time in a fortnight, very good picture too. Am now off to bunk. No sign of Roy yet, but time drawing nearer.

SUNDAY [November] 14^th

Gave men day off, and did some washing myself. No letters from home still worried how Jose is? Still unloading Liberty per buckets and own gear, expect two large ships alongside in the next few days for Coal, also another 400 tons somewhere in the Bay to unload. Am feeling very weary I guess it's the waiting to go home has a lot to do with it. Went ashore tonight and heard some music on a portable Gramophone, it relieves the monotony. Am now off to bunk.

MONDAY [November] 15^th

Reeved new grab wire this morning. "Civigo" came alongside at 1.0 pm for 90 tons, finished her at 7.0 pm. Bathed and went ashore with Tally Outs had a long talk with Capt Cummins re transportation of coal up here, he gave me a decent sort of a Cigar too, went along and had another yarn at Lt. Bachmeiers office, then came on board. No letters from home yet and still waiting for Roy to arrive.

TUESDAY [November] 16^th

"Civigo" left at 8.30 am "Van Outhoorn" came alongside at 1.0 pm for 100 tons, finished her at 6.0 pm also finished unloading Liberty ship. Received two letters today a nice long one from Jose and one from Mil. Glad to know Jose is making a good recovery. Poor kid has had a bad time I will be seeing her very soon, only a few more days now and I'll be on my way to her. It's nice to know she's had plenty of visitors and friends, it makes me feel a lot better about it. Been very bushed for the last 16 days, had a lot on my mind with Jose being ill and running this job, I feel very worn out and when the tension eases it probably will not do me much good.

WEDNESDAY [November] 17^th

"Van Outhoorn" left at 6.0 am, nearly carried away our schutes, got them foul of her foremast. :"Balikpapan" came alongside for 6 ton of galley coal finished her and sent her on her way in an hour. "Ping Wo" RAN ship then came for 200 tons worked her all day and knocked off at 9.45 pm will finish her in the morning. Great crowd of Officers in her, all Aussies, had various glasses of iced beer was lovely too. Still looking for Roy, but no sign of him yet, still every day is getting nearer home, have an attack of tonsillitis, throat very sore, am gargling and taking medicine otherwise OK.

THURSDAY [November] 18^th

Feeling very rotten all day, but brightened up when Roy arrived in from Sydney, immediately saw about my travel Orders which will be fixed up tomorrow and will start on my way home on Saturday morning. Do you think I feel good tonight? Will be busy all day tomorrow getting ready. Quiet day today, finished "Ping Wo" at midday, nothing else came alongside so I relaxed.

FRIDAY [November] 19^th

Bustled around all day today getting my travel orders fixed up and showing Roy how to do the clerical and business side of the ship. Also packing up and trying to keep the weight down to air travel limits of 50 lbs. Quite a busy day as I a off on my way home tomorrow am not feeling the best neither.

SATURDAY [November] 20^th

Caught the 7.45 am ferry to Gili then hitch-hiked a ride up to No1 airstrip and checked in. Its always problematical whether one will get away, anyway I hung about and at 1.40 pm my name was called, at 1.45 pm we took off for Townsville. We had a swell crossing and over the Barrier Reef it looked beautiful from the air. We landed at Townsville airport at 6.0 pm made my way into town and booked in at the American Red Cross. Had a lovely meal there and boy! did I enjoy it. Wired Jose this morning, tried hard this morning to get air transport south but nothing doing. Will probably be here a couple of days, then for that long train ride.

SUNDAY [November] 21^st

No transport south so put in the day at Quarters provided for us at a Transit Camp known as Armstrong's paddock. The heat here is terrific. Townsville always was one hell of a hot place. Hope to make it out of it tomorrow.

MONDAY [November] 22^nd

Booked on train (empty one too ) leaving for Brisbane at 8.0 pm tonight, a fair amount of running about involved getting priority ticket etc, and a stinking hot day too. However, it's heading the right way. Boarded train at 7.50 pm, can't understand why this train is leaving here empty. I have a whole First Class compartment to myself. Hope it's like this all the way, if so I'll have a real good bed. It's a hell of a journey so will be very helpful. We're off and so starts a 1200 miles train journey.

TUESDAY [November] 23^rd

Had a kind of a sleep last night, woke with a nasty taste in mouth, always do on a train I think. Arrived at Mackay at 7.30 am had breakfast, usual railway breakfast, Rotten! Had some lunch, cup of tea and a sandwich at noon. Expect to be in Rockhampton about 3.0 pm. Didn't arrive there until 6.0 pm and they loaded the train with troops so that was the end of all the space, left there at 7.0 pm and on we go through the night.

WEDNESDAY [November] 24^th

Had a cup of tea at Gympie at 9.30 am this morning. Very hard to get anything at all. Expect to arrive in Brisbane sometime this evening, that too is a matter of conjecture nobody seems to know for sure. Arrived Brisbane at 4.30 pm then had to rush around to get Billets which were allotted me at the C.T.A. then over to South Brisbane Station sent from there back to the City to Perry House to get transportation papers back to South Brisbane again where they have arranged a berth (1^st Class) on the mail train leaving at 11.0 am Friday. Quite some running around.

THURSDAY [November] 25^th

Slept well last night but didn't feel any too good this morning. Rang Mr Powell this morning and he picked me up in his car and took me out to their place where I spent a couple of hours talking came into town and met Jack at 7.0 pm and we spent the night wandering about and talking, am now off to bed and leave here at 11.0 am tomorrow on my last leg home.

FRIDAY [November] 26^th

Left Brisbane at 11.0 am for home, wired Jose from station, expect to arrive Sydney at 6.35 am tomorrow have a 1^st Class sleeping berth which is very comfortable, so expect to have a good sleep tonight.

SATURDAY [November] 27^th

HOME

Break in Diary

Resumes in 1944

WEDNESDAY 15^th [March] 1944

Having only two months to complete my Contract I did not keep a Diary, however things have altered (as they do up here very quickly) which necessitates my moving North to Finschhafen and as it looks as though I will not be going home for 9 months, I will start my record of events as from today. A new bunch of Colonels, Majors etc have moved into "Waga" and I have been caught in the maelstrom of their so called reorganisation, personally I call it disorganisation. However might is apparently right and after several wordy interludes I asked to taken ashore from the "Muscoota," which after 10 months hard work, was in the nature of a disappointment. However, truth and principle will always prevail and I am transferring from Small Ships to A.T.S. at a very increased remuneration and will now be taking a vessel to Finschhafen.

THURSDAY [March] 16^th

After a whole day of the usual messing around I eventually signed clear of the small ships, made arrangements to have my money paid to Jose, a matter of 229 Pounds, and bought my gear out to the "Mokatam", was made welcome and introduced around to the crew, all Americans and a very friendly crowd. Signed Articles aboard her, was shown to my cabin, which is very airy and clean with nice white bed linen and altogether very comfortable, vastly different from my late ship "Muscoota". Had a very nice supper waited on by two coloured stewards and felt quite a home immediately. This ship [which was built around 1906 is a Turret steamer of about 8000 tons, originally British was owned by the Italians, but captured by the Americans on their entry into the War at Panama. Her engines being worn out, she was towed out to Milne Bay from San Pedro, California, to become either a coal hulk or depot ship in the S.W. Pacific area.] Slept real well last night, everything O.K. except that I haven't had any letters from Jose for nearly a week now. Wish I would get one soon.

[See An Australian's Experience for more on Muscoota and Mokatam]

FRIDAY [March] 17^th

Arose this morning at 7.0 AM, took a shower and went to breakfast at 7.30 AM. A very nice meal too, of course the surroundings are apt to make one enjoy it ever so much more, after breakfast just sat about and talked, then wrote a letter to Jose, by this time it was dinner time, another meal also enjoyed. Laid down and read for a couple of hours, more walking around and talking, then played innumerable games of Crib until supper time. Another good meal, then fooled around with some Orchid plants which were brought down from North for me. Sole amount of work -- none. And so it will be for some time I guess. Well! I can take it after so long of very hard work.

SATURDAY [March] 18^th

Out of bunk at 7.0 AM, showered and had breakfast at 7.30 AM, then with the day in front of me with nothing to do I decided on doing some Laundry, finished this and had dinner, played a few games of Crib, put my Orchid plants in a pot with Coconut fibre (I don't know how they're going to work out, I'm just experimenting). A beautiful sunny day, rather hot but later afternoon it rained as usual (and it really rains). Went to the pictures tonight and saw "Mae West" in "The Heat's On" not too bad! Music very good. This place is quite busy and nearly as many lights as on Sydney Harbour. Somewhat different to when I first saw it. Disappointed today, no letters from Jose. No chance of any now until Monday night as the P.O. is closed tomorrow.

SUNDAY [March] 19^th

Usual procedure this morning rose at 7.0 AM (I wake regularly without having to be called) breakfast 7.30 AM which usually consists of Hot Cakes, Bacon, Stewed Fruit, iced water and Coffee or Tea. Wandered about the deck for a while and then took the Dinghy and rowed over to the "Ping Wo" which has a canteen, bought some Sal Vital, two writing pads and a Chocolate, also got some newspapers of her. Came back and spent most of the afternoon making an Aeroplane. Had supper, played a few games of Crib, am writing this then off to bunk. A very strenuous day if I may say so. Am hoping for a letter from Jose tomorrow. Am always thinking of her. Hope she is alright.

MONDAY [March] 20^th

Usual day, nothing to do so I fooled around making a Aeroplane out of Bullets. Received three letters from Jose about noon so spent the afternoon answering which was posted this evening. Pictures on tonight but did not go. Did some ironing, now have my clothes in good shape. It is rumoured that we are leaving here tomorrow. Hope so! As I will be glad to leave Milne Bay. This place is a big base now and all the "no hopers" have come into the place.

TUESDAY [March] 21^st

Nothing startling today, no work just ate my head off, wrote a long letter to Mil and Nan this afternoon. Days are very hot and the rainy season is just setting in, usually rains every afternoon and evening with heavy thunderstorms. Bay very active with vessels of all descriptions. Tug which we expected to tow us further north did not materialise.

WEDNESDAY [March] 22^nd

Started the day as usual with a hearty breakfast, then lounged around yarning most of the morning. Had lunch and then laid on my settee most of the afternoon reading, about 4.0 PM played five games of Crib. Supper at 4.30 PM. Westerly wind blew up with heavy rain at sundown. The wind is inclined to be cold too. It seems to be the general opinion aboard that after the Cargo is discharged this ship will be towed to Sydney to be converted for handling Coal Gee! I hope that comes true. Wonder how dear old Jose is? O.K. I hope. It's hell being parted. No sign of tug today. Everybody on board getting bored. I'm an exception as this is in the nature of a holiday to me. Am hoping to get a letter from Jo tomorrow. Am now off to bunk.

THURSDAY [March] 23^rd

Went ashore early this morning in hopes of getting a letter from Jose, but was disappointed, came back on board and spent most of the day on a plane, which is now my hobby. A barge carrying a 30 Ton Crane and motor boats on deck was towed alongside, when we leave here in tow, we in turn will be towing this, will be a little convoy on our own. The Tug "Aransas Falls" which is to make the tow should be here any day now. Sat up late reading. Am now off to bunk. Weather rather pleasantly cool just now.

FRIDAY [March] 24^th

Well! I wonder how you are tonight Jose! I'm still waiting for a letter thought I might have had one today but no luck. However, here's hoping tomorrow. That's about all life consists of up here, hoping for news from Home. We are still laying here at anchor. Nobody seems to worry much about us out here, rained most of the day and still raining tonight. A launch just called and a lot of our Boys have gone to the pictures. Dressed for the occasion too, oilskins Etc. and the Dog, Yes! We have a mong, is crying like a baby because they wouldn't take him. Animals surely get spoiled on board ship. Put in today working on model plane and eating. Time drags a little, but why grumble when one is on a pay-roll doing nothing. I do hope that everythings O.K. with Jose and that I'm still in line to be a Daddy. The Skipper of this ship is a real Old Timer (70) a Canadian, and a hard case too. I had them all in at the Saloon table this morning with the Red Cabbage argument. I never miss and it was real funny. Must write Jose tomorrow. Still troubled of nights with that pain, gives me hell.

SATURDAY [March] 25^th

Up this morning at 7.0 AM as usual varied my routine a little by doing some washing which consisted of a pair of underpants and singlet. Breakfast 7.30. Just messed around all day doing nothing, been expecting letters from Jose but did not receive any. Every indication of us sailing either tomorrow or Monday. Went to the pictures tonight to break the monotony. Otherwise, nothing very startling to record.

SUNDAY [March] 26^th

Believe we are under Orders to sail tomorrow morning. Hurrah! Will I be glad? This Bay is becoming too civilised nothing but electric lights all around it, nearly as bright as Sydney. Wrote Jose a letter and posted it to-day. Lord knows when I will receive any from her when we leave here I'm hoping for the best anyway as it is Sunday today I had a day off from doing nothing by doing nothing sounds complicated, nevertheless true. I've seen some changes take place here over the last 12 months and will be damned glad to get out of it. Weather fine but dull today, not having too much luck with my Orchid plants, the "Hound" chewed another one up tonight, may have something more exciting to record from now on.

MONDAY [March] 27^th

Under way and streamed Log at 7.40 AM. Very powerful Tug called "Aransas Falls" has us in tow. Beautiful calm clear day. Passed two Destroyers heading into Milne Bay as we were coming out steaming line ahead at about 25 knots, they made a marvellous picture. We are now towing through a maze of coral reefs, heading to round East Cape. These reefs which are just below the surface of the water show up as a beautiful Green-Blue colour, pretty but treacherous. We are calling in at Oro Bay, which we should make tomorrow and from there to Finschhafen will travel in convoy. Passed through the Ward Hunt Strait during my watch 4 to 8 PM. Towing well, breeze fresh observing complete blackout as we are in very dangerous waters as far as submarines are concerned and gets even more so every hour. Lifebelt very handy also personal papers ready to grab at a moments notice. Am now off to bunk as I have to go on again at 4.0 AM.

TUESDAY [March] 28^th

Called at 3.30 AM had a cup of strong Coffee and relieved the 2^nd Officer on the Bridge. Towing well at about 8 knots changing course frequently as we threaded our way through reefs, saw a beautiful Sunrise, a sight never to be equalled in Tropical waters. Came off Watch at 8.0 AM. Arrived Oro Bay at 2.0 PM, came to anchor, and we are now awaiting Orders to proceed from Navy control. This is a very busy Bay, an enormous amount of shipping here of all shapes and sizes, and has also had more than it's share of attacks from Jap planes. The Coastal area is flat running back to the Owen Stanley Range in the distance, almost a relief from Milne Bay where the mountains sweep right down to the shoreline. Just a few miles north of here is Buna. The jumping off place for the Japs when they went over the Kokoda trail to try to take Moresby. Yes! This Coastline has seen some very hectic changes in the last couple of years. Have a bad bilious headache tonight so will be in bed early. Wonder how you are Jose!

WEDNESDAY [March] 29^th

Rose at 7.0 AM with the headache still with me so I took a couple of pills. Quite a number of ships arrived during the night. Libertys, C1's, 2's and 3's and others of various shapes and sizes. About 10.30 AM we were signalled to get under way in in an hour. We are now all under way and taking up our positions in a Convoy of 20 odd ships. Corvettes, Destroyers and M.T.B.'s also taking their positions on the flanks, stern and head of the Convoy. Quite a business like affair. A flight of about 20 Bombers and Fighters passed overhead this morning apparently bound to give Rabaul a pasting, it is only about ¾ of an hour flying time from here to Rabaul. Went on watch at 4.0 PM. Convoy closed up into a tight formation before dark. Had to show down for two stragglers to catch up. Corvettes bustling around like hens around chickens. All ships steaming in complete black-out, not a chink of light showing on any. All one can see is the dark blur of the ship immediately ahead. We are getting close to Dampier Straits, between the Huon peninsular and New Britain. Very dangerous waters, gunners at their posts. Any air raid will probably occur at daylight in the morning. Just finished my watch (8.0 PM). So off to bunk.

THURSDAY [March] 30^TH

Up at 3.30 AM to go on watch at 4.0 PM. On taking over the Bridge it was as dark as the inside of a Cow. Occasionally I could pick out a darker blur of the ship nearest us in the Convoy. Not a light showing anywhere. About 5.0 AM we saw a few lights ashore at Salamana and Lae. At daylight 6.0 AM found the Convoy all steaming in line, with two ships missing. These had apparently slipped out of the convoy at either Lae or Salamana. 8.30 AM found us of Finschhafen, very busy with aircraft and shipping. We are now just circling around awaiting orders. Had a shave, shower and boiled some underwear. Now waiting for dinner. Usual old Army procedure to ignore everything, we've been circling around and steaming up and down outside the Harbour until 76.30 PM when we were piloted in behind some islands and came to an anchor. A few words about this place would be in order I guess. It is quite a pretty little Bay and outside the Harbour itself are quite a number of small islands covered with trees etc. (these are the ones we are anchored among) back of the Bay is very mountainous, Saltel Mountain where the Aussies had a hard fight with the Japs, dominates, it along the flat foreshore is at least one Airstrip, must be quite a big one too as the number of planes (Fighter Bomber and Transport) which have taken off and landed there today is enormous. Will have to find out tomorrow where the A.P.O. is and get busy with a letter to Jose. Hope she is quite O.K.

FRIDAY [March] 31^st

Anchored in between several small Islands. Just enough room for us to swing at Anchor. We are in a line of the Airstrip and all day planes have been just clearing our mast as they took off and landed. The roar of their engines is deafening. The weather is very warm, but dry and not as steamy as at Milne Bay. Have not been ashore, other than on to an Island about 100 yards from us, a Lightning Fighter returning from a raid on Rabaul crashed into the bush and we went over to look at the wreckage. It was terrific and one has to see to believe. A huge area was torn up and the plane just a mass of twisted metal. They collected a few parts of the Pilots body the rest is still mixed up in the wreckage. Poor fellow! Somebody's son. I spent the rest of the day finishing off my ash-tray with a model Lightning mounted on it. I'm very proud of it too and I'm sure Jose will like it. Haven't heard yet what they are going to do with us, but I'm inclined to think it won't be long before I'm heading for home. I hope so anyway. Hope Jose is alright and well. Just had a shower and feel nice and clean. Clean bedclothes on my bunk, looks very inviting, so, here goes. Good night dear.

SATURDAY [April] 1^st

All the boys were on their toes this morning, being April Fool's Day it's only natural. However, an accident happened about 11.0 AM which left everybody rather subdued. Some of our crew, including one of our Gunners, a lad of 18, went over to the Island again to get some souvenirs from the plane that crashed there. They started pulling one of the 50 Calibre machine guns to pieces. There was evidently a live shell in the breach and it exploded, the bullet pierced the Gunner Lad's leg near the groin, tore a gaping wound in his leg, struck the bone, breaking it, deflected upwards, breaking his pelvis bone, continued on tearing his bladder and lodged in his intestines. He had been operated on, (four hours they were operating) and at the moment of this entry is still alive with the odds against him of surviving. A very bad business altogether. This is the second accident I've seen with explosives in the last month. The other one, an Indian on a Dutch Ship, laying alongside the "Muscoota" got hold of a hand grenade from somewhere, he knew nothing about it and pulled the pin out. It exploded in his hand and blew it clean off at the wrist and wounded three others who were standing near him. I happened to see this one and ran to our first aid kit, got the Tourniquet and stopped the bleeding. Grenades are deadly for their size. Didn't do a thing today, still lying at anchor and apparently forgotten men. Wrote to Jose a letter tonight am worried about her, and been feeling very homesick the last couple of days.

SUNDAY [April] 2^nd

Usual day of messing about filling in time. Received sad news this morning. Our lad who was shot yesterday died at 4.0 AM this morning. I feel very sorry for his folk, as I believe there are only he and another brother in the family, and the other boy was last heard of in the Philippines. Very, very sad. I've been unable to get him off my mind all day and wonder at the queer turns that fate takes. It is now 10.0 PM and a detail of soldiers have just came on board to start in unloading. The sooner they start the sooner we'll know what our future movements are. This uncertainty gets on one's nerves. Received a carton of cigarettes per man today. Also various foodstuffs, all canned. We needed sugar badly as we were right out of it. No news from home yet. Must go to bunk now as I have to be about the deck at 4.0 AM

MONDAY [April] 3^rd

Time drags. I think I'd rather be kept busy. Been at a standstill all day as the Crane broke down. Received a package of papers from Mil tonight dated Jan 30^th. The first I've received since arriving back up here and it's taken them over 2 months to reach me. Some service EH? However, it proves the Postman at Milne Bay hasn't forgotten where I am, which is very comforting. Now perhaps I'll get some letters very soon, I sincerely hope so. There are all kinds of rumours flying about as to our future movements, but it doesn't do to take too much stock in them. Wonder how you are tonight Jose? You've been in my mind all day, and I've been indulging in quite a lot of day-dreaming lately. I only hope I can make them come true for three of us.

TUESDAY [April] 4^th

Usual procedure, out of bunk, breakfast and then wonder how to put the day in. One thing, there is plenty of activity around us. Convoy coming in, ships of all sizes and build passing us. A Dutch Hospital ship the "Maetsuyker" registered in Curacao came in and unloaded casualties, then the "Karoola" went by loaded with Aussies. From early morn till late at night planes roar over us, singly and in formation. Transport, fighters and bombers of every make. Yes! We certainly see life. Thought I might have got a letter from Jose today. Mail came on board but none for me. I was terribly disappointed . Crane has been repaired and started in unloading us at 8.0 PM hope it keeps going. Must write Jose a few lines tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY [April] 5^th

No letters again today, I'll have to get some soon or go crazy. We are still laying at anchor and slowly unloading. Expect to go alongside a wharf tomorrow to complete unloading, with luck we should be unloaded in a week and should then hear what our movements are to be. "Karoola" left today in Convoy loaded with Aussies going south on leave. I can imagine their feelings. Everybody admires my ashtray and want me to make them one. Age old excuse, they haven't got the patience. I tell them they'd better learn how to get it. Nothing much to record today, usual old day.

THURSDAY [April] 6^th

No news again today! Wonder how Jose is? Still unloading mostly heavy case stuff. As usual I had to be in it, I was down the Hold showing them how to break them out, and I fell down a space between the cases (about 6ft) tore my left wrist badly, gave my knee a nasty bump too, grazed my chest and various other abrasions, I'm feeling pretty sore at the moment. This dog of ours is amusing he comes by my cabin every night about the same time, looks in at me, I say "Hello" Searg! Then off he goes. He's damn near Human. Well! Here goes to bunk to lick my wounds.

FRIDAY [April] 7^th

No sleep last night was too sore. Been laid up all today feeling very sick. I guess it is shock from the fall I had, am feeling a little better at the moment and just got out of Bed to write this. Hope to be O.K. again by the morning. Am now going back to bunk. Will see about seeing a Dr tomorrow. No letters! One would help right now.

SATURDAY [April] 8^th

Got up this morning not feeling too good, but improved during the day and at the moment of writing am just about normal again other than still being very sore. Broke my watchband in the fall and as they are unobtainable up here I'll have to figure out how to make myself one. Still no letters! Wonder how Jose is? Everything alright I hope. Have not been ashore here yet, but am writing tonight and will go ashore tomorrow and post it personally and see if I can find out about my mail. We are still unloading very slowly, the way it is going it will be quite some time before we are completed. We are not getting any fresh food at all, although our meals are not bad it is all canned stuff. Jap reconnaissance planes been over a couple of times this week. Full moon last night and we had two "alerts". I did hear some bombs were dropped a few miles north of us. Only hearsay! Whether true or not I cannot say. Easter Sunday tomorrow, had no idea it was until somebody mentioned it tonight.

SUNDAY [April] 9^th

Went ashore this morning to Hospital, had X-ray taken of Ribs which did not show any break or fracture, but were badly bruised. Dressed my wrist and am feeling fine again. Went from there further down the Bay to the Liberty ship "Paul Chandler" the Master of which is a friend of mine. Had Easter Sunday dinner with him (which was turkey) a whisky, and a few bottles of beer, a very nice day if I may say so, came on board at 4.0 PM to take my watch and received a letter from Jose which made the day perfect. Finished my watch at 8.0 PM and immediately wrote Jose a long letter which I just finished, am now off to bunk. Raining like hell at the moment.

MONDAY [April] 10^th

No working of cargo today on account of a shortage of Barges, so we had a quiet day. Watched a motor torpedo boat engage and sink a Jap Submarine about a couple of miles outside the Harbour. We noticed the M.T.B. going "flat out" and could hear and see the explosion of the depth charges he was throwing. The Sub was forced to surface, they then opened fire on it with their guns, next thing there was a huge column of black smoke shot skywards and faded away in a few minutes as the Sub sank. I likened it to a Terrier chasing a rat about. They steamed back into the Harbour quite unconcerned. Although this place was taken from the Japs about 5 months ago, Jap soldiers are still wandering in from the Jungle in various stages of starvation. Four gave themselves up yesterday. Received a letter from Jose this morning and have felt quite happy.

TUESDAY [April] 11^th

Received a parcel of papers tonight thought I may have got a letter, however no luck. It is rumoured that we are only unloading our case cargo here and going further north with the Gasoline. We'll probably know for sure within the next few days. There are one or two trouble makers aboard this ship and are making things very unpleasant (not for me) at the moment the air is electrical so anything could happen. Personally I'm inclined to be in sympathy with the Crew. Still unloading quite a few days work left too. I wonder how Jose Is? Hope she is well and at home again. Still have my wrist in bandages it is not healing very quickly, bruise is showing out on my ribs now and quite O.K.

WEDNESDAY [April] 12^th

Trouble came to a head last night as I predicted and to make matters worse some of the crew got hold of some 190% proof Alcohol, mixed it with fruit juice and got paralytic. The 2^nd Eng. Beat the Mate up, another fellow got Alcohol poisoning and had to have the Dr to him. Great "How dy'e do". However everything is fairly well ironed out now. Have been on since 4.0 AM this morning and will finish at midnight on account of it. Still unloading slowly, shortage of barges here. No letters from home today, I'm always expecting. Still a lot of ariel activity here had an "alert" yesterday another one today but nothing eventuated. Soon be off to bunk, so good night!

THURSDAY [April] 13^th

A very quiet day, no unloading, some Colonels, Majors etc. came on board looked the ship over, and said we are to go alongside the Dock, but omitted to say when. That has been the orders every other day since we arrived here, but we are still out here. Also informed us that the Crew including the Gun Crew will have to go down the Holds and work as there are not enough men in the place. That's O.K. as it will keep their minds occupied. At the moment they are a very discontented lot. No news from Home, must write again tomorrow. Am now taking a shower and off to bunk. As from 1^st April our $5 a day danger money is supposed to cease.

FRIDAY [April] 14^th

Another quiet day, no unloading going on, still waiting for letters. 2^nd Asst Engineer paid off yesterday. Mate and another man in Hospital. I am doing the Mates work for the time being. I'm not particular about taking the job with this "Old Man" as he is rather difficult, and I'm afraid he and I would not agree on quite a lot of things. We are doing a bit better now in the way of food. We are getting some fresh stuff. Hope to go alongside tomorrow and get unloaded. The sooner I'll get home. Had a nap this afternoon and dreamt I got a great big letter from Jose. Hope it comes true.

SATURDAY [April] 15^th

One month on the "Mokatam" today about the easiest I ever put in. If I were only getting letters from Jose this would be quite pleasant. However, there's always some disadvantage somewhere. Watched some M.T.B.s after a Sub today have not heard yet whether they got him or not, messed around most of the day on Aeroplanes. Everybody wants me to make them one. I guess I'll have to go into production and charge for them. Nice day, but hot, lovely cool breeze blowing at the moment. We're run short of bed linen, no way of having them laundered up here, so I have my pair of sheets on the boil now, will wring and hang them out and then go to bunk. Sunday tomorrow so I'll have to get a rest to do nothing again.

SUNDAY [April] 16^th

Wrote Jose tonight, am very worried not receiving any letters, I've no doubt there are some around somewhere. Quiet day today, just messed around. Planes arriving and leaving all day. We are anchored right where as they take off from the air strip they fly low right over us. It is deafening at times, but interesting identifying the various types of planes, I am becoming rather expert at it.

MONDAY [April] 17^th

Mail came on board again tonight and as usual I was disappointed. Nothing left but to look forward now to the next lot . Another quiet day today still lying at anchor half unloaded there hasn't been any work done on us for a few days now. Weather is nice, am eating well and keeping well, although it's becoming a little monotonous. Would like to see us complete unloading so we can know what we will be doing. Nothing much to record, am now off to bunk.

TUESDAY [April] 18^th

Still no news from home, very worried about it. Quiet day nothing doing. Chief Officer paid off. Have shifted my Quarters to his cabin. Am even more comfortable now. No news of us going alongside yet. There's something brewing around these parts as quite a lot of Convoys have been moving. One of the largest I ever saw was on the move today (Hollandia). Nothing much of interest to record. I made the "Old Man" a plane in return for a "Big Ben" Clock they are unprocurable in Sydney, and I guess we always did need one didn't we Jose? Good business what?

WEDNESDAY [April] 19^th

Quiet day until 3.0 PM when a detail and two Barges came alongside to unload some Cargo. Have been on until midnight am now off to bunk. It is raining very heavily at the moment. Great activity around these parts by sea must be a big show going on close around here. Have spent most of the evening "standing by" and making myself a canvas "Carry-all". No letters! Am getting desperate.

THURSDAY [April] 20^th

Nothing much doing today no unloading going on. We are supposed to going alongside the
Dock tomorrow, however, will believe it when we arrive there. Spent most of the day finishing my duffle bag, quite a bag! Messman went ashore came back, usual cry, no mail this is becoming monotonous, and I'm very worried about it. It is approximately 12 miles from where we are to the Post Office, so naturally one can't get there as often as one would like. We've been here 22 days now and I've only been ashore once anyway, and that was just opposite to the Hospital. Didn't sleep too well last night my side troubled me. Hope I do better tonight.

FRIDAY [April] 21^st

Good sleep last night, wrote up my Log and pay sheets this morning, gave the "Bos'un" his instructions for the day's work then put in my day putting finishing touches to my bag and helping the 2^nd Mate make a plane like mine. We are still anchored out here and nobody ever comes near us. No mail again today, am very worried about Jose, hope she is alright. No news they say is good news. I hope that applies in my case. 11.30 PM now so I'm off to bunk.

SATURDAY [April] 22^nd

Nothing unusual to record today being Saturday there was nothing much doing. Paymaster came aboard with some money for the boys. They hadn't received any pay since leaving San Francisco, naturally they were very elated about it and right now there's a decent sort of a Poker session on. I didn't draw any as I still have five of the 10 pounds I arrived here with on Jan 17^th. Quite a bunch of mail came aboard too, but there wasn't any for me.

SUNDAY [April] 23^rd

Just finished writing to Jose. N