Chapter 6
24th 1915
We are all ready for leaving the SS Suffolk. It was about 11am that we embarked onto the Destroyers, which took us to the HMS London. We had been on her before, and knew our place, which had been allotted to us.
It would be about 1.30pm when we weighed anchor, and started on our new venture. It was a splendid view to see so many ships of all kinds leaving, one behind the other. Of course the War ships were first, then the Destroyers, and afterwards the Transports. We would be about half an hour’s run out when the ships all stopped for a short church service. It was very impressive though short, for we knew that some of us would never see another service, or perhaps the light of day again.
Afterwards we were told that we could have the run of the ship until after tea, then we had to get as much sleep and rest as possible for we would be awakened any time after twelve. Anyhow we took the opportunity to inspect the guns, etc. on board, also we had a big feed up, for we may be on dry rations for days after this. It would be about 10.30pm that me and my pals lay down to have a little rest before the dawn of the next day. I know that I did not sleep much for I was thinking of those I had left far away, and wondering if ever I would see them again.
