A Bluejacket’s Letter.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 18, 8 September 1914, Page 6

A Bluejacket’s Letter.

OUR SHIP WILL BE ALL RIGHT.”

London, August 27. A bluejacket’s letter to his mother describing the clearing of ship for action says:—

“/We started throwing all wooden

things overboard to lessen the danger

of fire. Two pianos have just gone, also an organ. Chairs and tables will follow. The officers’ things are being thrown over, and it is just like tumbling a gentleman’s drawing-room into the sea. The other ships with us are taking the same action. Sofas, tables, chairs go floating by us. “Tuesday Night.—We are prepared

for action. I and a stretcher party

have got out the stretchers for the ' wounded. Wo are rushing along at full speed. “We got no sleep last night. We did a bit of clearing in the morning, and we all got to sleep in the afternoon, except the watch. “Four p.m.—We have had tea and a walk on the deck, where we listened to the hand playing ragtime. 4 “Six.—We are again cleared for action, and we have again brought out the stretchers to pick up the bits. “Eleven.—Engines have stopped, lights are out , and the ports are closed. The air is stifling. No one can get on to the messdeck. The men are talking in whispers. The guns are loaded and ready to fire. “Eleven-thirty.—We are rushing at full-speed ahead to chase something. Wo will get no sleep to-night. Wo will stay on deck and get some air. We will sleep to-morrow afternoon. “Next Evening.—We arc going dead slow, I am on deck, unable to sleep, and I am watching the sea lit by the moon.

“Midnight.—-Suddenly we turn round and rush at full speed to deal with an armoured cruiser that might do trouble. Don’t worry, mother. Our ship will be all right.”