World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Turkey -- Gallipoli Peninsula; World War, 1914-1918 -- New Zealand
While confined to the narrow waters of Cook Strait, the fleet preserved
its line ahead formation, but after passing Cape Farewell the two
divisions of five ships each steamed in parallel lines eight cable
lengths apart. Miles ahead raced the "Minotaur," a speck on the
horizon; the "Philomel" was four miles astern; while on either beam,
six miles away, were the other two cruisers--the "Ibuki" to starboard
and the "Psyche" to port.
The weather was typical of the Tasman Sea, and both men and horses
suffered a good deal from seasickness. Where there were many horses,
particularly on ships like the "Orari," those who were well enough had
plenty to do cleaning the horse decks and setting unsteady animals on
their feet. That only four horses died out of the 3815 on board speaks
volumes for the care taken in selection and the solicitude of the
seasick troopers and drivers.
[Illustration:
[_Lent by Major Brunt, W.I.R._
RESTING ON THE BOAT DECK.]
A Great Welcome at Hobart.
After six weary days at sea no one was sorry to see Wednesday morning
break with the rugged coast of Tasmania ahead; little wonder that the
prospect of a three hours' route march on the morrow was received with
jubilation. Next morning it seemed that all Hobart was astir. With
packs up the infantry cut a fine figure. All along the route women and
children showered flowers on the troops. Where-ever a halt was made
the people brought out bunches of beautiful roses, which the soldiers
carried back to grace their none too ornamental quarters. Thousands of
the famous Tasmanian apples were pressed upon the men. Some enthusiasts
presented the artillery with a garland on a pole, which the proud
gunners carried before them as a colour. Back again at the wharf, the
sellers of apples and crayfish did brisk business, and many were the
commissions handed over by the sportsmen aboard to be dealt with by the
celebrated Hobart house of Tattersall. When the gangways were up the
people thronged the wharves, handing up parcels of cakes, sweets and
apples. The regimental bands struck up "It's a long way to Tipperary,"
and the ships pulled out to the accompaniment of tumultuous cheering.
It was three o'clock that afternoon when the ships again put to sea.
The "Psyche" returned to New Zealand, and her place was taken by the
"Pyramus." The long rolling swell common to the Great Australian Bight
again made things very uncomfortable for the horses; to make matters
worse, a thick fog descended, speed was reduced, and every few minutes
the ear was assailed by the blasts of the "Minotaur" syren and the
answering shrieks from the vessels of the fleet.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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