WARTIME AT SEA

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 12

WARTIME AT SEA

EERIE NIGHT SCENES SYDNEY, September 25. How 700 men. Women, and children tried to lead a normal life at sea in ! a British liner, when uppermost in their minds was the’ fea'r-'' that at any moment the ship might be torpedoed, was described by passengers who arrived from London. They said that they felt that they were members of a large family bound together by a common danger. They “kept their chins up,” refused to discuss thenfears, and tried to be normal. “The nights were the worst.” said Dr. Yorke Pittar, of Sydney. “When Great Britain declared war on Germany were were at Aden —a long way from home. At first we were all stunned. The whole atmosphere of the ship changed. At night the gay lounges became ghostly places, with a dull blue light here and there. In the smoke-room it was the same. Just a blue light, with ghostly people talking earnestly around the tables. It was nerve-racking at first. “At times, you felt that you must get fresh air. You stubbed your cigarette and walked about outside. ’ Some of the nights were so black that if you put your hand in front of your eybs you could not see it. Bedtime was a plague. When you went to your cabin you were cut off from all your fellow-passengers. It was difficult to sleep. “It was interesting to observe the reactions of other people. Fears were cloaked in an admirable air of indifference. The crew was an inspiration. They carried on, and their very actions made all of us feel that it was just a normal voyage. We saw ihoving pictures at night. In the murky light we played games, and sometimes we danced. More often we just talked. The experience was unforgettable. Unpleasant at times, but always inspiring.” “The Italians and the Germans, and the Austrians seemed to be overwhelmed.” said Mr. N. Christian. “They were a silent family. Every day they watched the news bulletins, but the news was brief. We did all we could Io relieve the strain. Some of the children helped the sailors to paint the railing grey. There were some young women, also, who worked with a paint brush now and again. We seemed to be cooped up so much. That was the miserable part of it.