November 27th, Thursday
Port Sudan
We reached the above this morning and stood out for some time before we could berth. A rumour went round that owing to a case of chickenpox or to the unrest following on the murder of the Sirdar we would not be allowed to land. Great relief when at about tea time we were informed of the contrary. After dinner we made up a party and went across to the Hotel for a leg stretch. It was lovely rowing over, beautifully cool and a perfect night.
Nov 28th, Friday
We have spent a most interesting day getting up at 6. Babs and I went for a long ramble along the shore and collected shells and saw some wonderful fishes. This place is an arid waste , all sand and very little green. The houses are built mostly of coral with red tiled roofs and deep white latticed verandahs. Where were are berthed the buildings are all store houses, customs houses, coaling and cranes. On account of the trouble at Cairo we’ve been fortunate enough to see the arrival of the Dorsets on their way to Khartoum and later the Egyptian troops who are being “invited” to clear out and proceed to Alexandria. There has been a fearful row of Sir Lee Stack’s assassination. The British Government have demanded a fine of half a million and evacuation of the Gippy troops. I’ve never seen such a scene as the embarking of these troops. The Dorsets went off in the morning without fuss. The Gippies on the contrary seemed to have brought the world with them all their household furniture from beds and sewing machines to a flock of sheep! The P.O.Assaye brought the Dorsets and carried the others away. It was all immensely interesting.
Nov 29th
Left at 12.30 last night but I knew nothing of it. All day long the ship had been unloading timber. We seem to be carrying dozens of motor cars and a all these had been packed away on top of the stuff wanted at this port they all had to be hauled out.
Nov 30th
Two days of lazing. Went to service this morning taken by the Captain.