‘The destroyers — 3 in number — had been out all night sweeping the seas with their search lights & now it is 3 pm & not a word has been heard …’
15 September 1914

‘Fancy losing one of our own in such a sudden manner — My crowd reduced by 30 — I took to Besant & Scarlett very much — Scarlett was a handsome, curly headed young devil with a fine face & genial manner … Besant & I also came well together — a quiet good type of English officer — We had lots in common & talked of dogs in the bush & shooting & collecting — It’s wonderful how quickly men get together when messing at the same table & linked by a common cause ...’
15 September 1914

‘She was due about 7 pm — We had dinner & told the stewards to keep things hot for them …’ 
15 September 1914

‘A wireless went out to the Parramatta & she told all she knew — Anxiety deepened but we knew that 30 picked men — as good men as any in the fleet — all volunteers — might have had some break down or what not — At 12 we all turned in — At day light we were up but there was no news …’
15 September 1914