VOYAGE TO EGYPT

Grey River Argus, 31 December 1914, Page 3

VOYAGE TO EGYPT

LIFE ON A TRANSPORT

A letter received by Judge Moule, of Melbourne, from his son. a member of the First Expeditionary Force, tells sO'ttielthing of the ]ife on board a troopship while on the trip to Egypt. The writer says: — . v ; "A squadron has been vaccinated 4$ hours. A beautiful set of arms we have. Ran into a squall day before yesterday — many more flattened. A cruiser steamed down the lines fr.pm for'ard to-day — very imposing. IHad to stand to attention, while she passed Have been watching the lights coming up on the different ships — most poetic. Don't suppose there has been seen such a fleet in the Indian Ocean. Ordinary routine of physical and musketry drill continues. Lecture on sanitation last night. "The medley of sound in the troop deck is astounding — mouth-organs, penny whistles, gramophones, and the trumpeter teaching- his mate. Saw flying fish for the first time. Bayoner exercise this morning, afterward? kit inspection — much needed, for one's clothing seems to get moist when shut up so long. "Fire drift this afternoon. The troopdeck is like hell, with all th£ ventilators closed, and the wind sail pull ed in. Am one of the noble band of firemen. We are getting the first taste of tropical heat. It will be very hard drilling- in the sun. Am bursting for some literature, but cannot get hold of any. Pay day to-morrow. The fellows are sitting round picturing a meal they would order at the Francatelli — some ideas are extra ordin ary. Have been mess orderly for three days — a trying g3me with" the heat.'