Sapper O. G. Pettit, 6th Field Coy. Engineers, 7 October 1916

The Gippsland Farmers' Journal (Vic)

8 December 1916.

On a Troopship.

Bound for the Front

(By a Traralgon Volunteer)

The following are extracts from a letter just received from Sapper O. G Pettit, who sailed on the "Ceramic" from Sydney for Salisbury Plains, England, on October 7. He says:

"We left camp at Moore Park about 6 a.m, and after receiving a great reception through the main streets of Sydney, we reached the boat after about an hour's march, and then the fun began. There was a tremendous crowd on the pier, and I shall never forget the scene as the steamer weighed anchor, and moved off. It was a brilliant one, but nevertheless most pathetic, and I was glad that I had no relatives or friends there to see me sail. The poor women in the most cases completely broke down when the final farewells to sons, brothers, husbands &c. were given, and the strain to these must have been severe indeed. 

There were about 3000 of us on board, and from point to point in the harbour, as the boat moved out the crowd assembled, and we could see the hand-waving for a considerable way out. As we left the pier the band struck up "Bring Back my Bonnie to Me," and Auld Lang Syne, which was most impressive. We anchored in the harbor till about 4 p.m, and during that time hundreds of motor boats, crowded with people visited the troopship, and sailed round and round, the passengers throwing up eatables to the boys, holding conversations with their friends, cheering and shouting all kinds of advice.

Every time a steamer, no matter what kind (passenger or cargo) passed us a whistle was sounded, and loud hip-hip-hurrah's given, and when dozens were screeching and shouting together, the noise was most deafening and weird. Ferry boats plying from various parts of the harbour, with their loads of living freight and the enthusiastic farewells given the boys from thousands of loyal citizens of Sydney was most inspiring, and made one certainly feel proud of being in the colors. About half an hour before leaving a number of Queenslanders arrived by ferry boat, and joined our ranks, and the cheering they received from all quarters was tremendous.

As we moved off at 5 p.m. there were still thousands there, and the motor launches followed us until they dared not go further. Then the final adieus were waved, and we steamed out of the Heads, accompanied by the pilot boat, which was also laden with passengers, they being the last to see us leave fair Australia's shores. The part of the boat apportioned to our company was at the for'ard end, down near the hold. so you can imagine that when it was at all rough we got the full benefit. The first few days I felt very queer with the rolling and pitching of the huge vessel, and the vibration was also very distressing; but I am used to all that now, and a regular sailor by this. Sleeping in hammocks was just the thing, and the rolling of the ship now rocks me to sleep, although before it had a very different effect.

The trip so far has been very pleasant, and the weather, on the splendid. It was real rough one day recently, with the seas breaking over the decks. But I rather enjoyed it; I think I can weather the roughest now. Life on board is rather monotonous, and the lack of reading matter is felt very much - if ever you want to send something useful for those on board, remember a book is about the best. We have magazines sent by the Comforts Committee, which are greatly appreciated, I can tell you. Boxing, wrestling, and such like sports help to pass away the time, when we are not on duty, and it is surprising the splendid fraternal spirit which is amongst the troops. All are of a socialable (sic) disposition, and the word "stranger" is never heard here. 

This letter will pass through the censor's hands, so I have to be careful what I say. Can't tell you where we are except simply in the Indian Ocean. But that is immaterial, as it is all one on the sea. We get posted regularly by wireless with the latest war news, and the information that submarines were again a dive was rather disquieting for the moment. But we never think of it now. We even got the news that McLachlan, member for North Gippsland, had left the Labor party, and how the referendum campaign was going, so you see our budget is not altogether confined to war operations. 

Land is a thing of the past now, and we haven't seen any since leaving Cape Leuwin, south of West Australia. The next to be sighted, I believe, will be Africa, so there is a long way to go before we see terra firma again. 

A rather singular case of patriotism has been brought to light on the boat. A youngster just turned 15 stowed himself away on the boat and was not discovered until we were some distance out. When found he related how his father had been killed at Gallipoli, and he was anxious to take a hand in avenging his death. The young patriot was rigged up with a uniform and made bugler of one of the companies, and now is as contented as a prince, joining and chatting with the men as if he had always been one of them. Such a case as this should appeal strongly to the eligibles still at home by their firesides, and bring to them a sense duty which even children recognise, while yet they have failed to listen to the call. Another young fellow whom I was talking to, just got into the ranks, after trying to get away for the past two years. He had his father and sister killed in the South African war (the latter a nurse) and was now taking the first opportunity of doing what he considered his duty to both them, and his country.

A band we have on board livens things up considerably, and every night we have a promenade concert - fancy such an entertainment on board a troopship! Then we have a canteen, which is a regular boon to us, as we can procure tinned fruit, which is a great luxury, fish biscuits, and other such delicacies at reasonable rates. I am in splendid health, and feel like a two-year-old. 

Am looking forward as each day brings us nearer the Old Land, and from your glowing accounts my expectation has been all the more aroused. How is .... getting on? Tell her to keep going with the Red Cross work, as already I have had reason to appreciate it. We are fed now under the Imperial Government's regulations, and get butter and tea with milk, though it is better without as the latter has a peculiar taste. The meals are none too good, and one morning we had pickles and cheese for breakfast! Have not heard of such a dish before, but probably it is an old English one. The main reason why I am anxious to get ashore is the thought of a decent meal. The time is beginning to drag most wearily now and I will certainly have had enough of the water by the time we reach the other side. 

Did you know that Bert Coates had married a French girl over there? Young O'C..... was telling me he had heard so from one of his relatives, and if it is true he will have a prize to bring with him all right. 

Our deck has been fortunate, enough to secure an organ from the Y.M.C.A and we've been having some musical evenings of late - principally hymns, as I generally officiate, and they are my masterpieces, as you know. We are getting into slightly warm weather now, but the conditions generally are splendid. Whales have been very numerous during the past few days, within easy distance of the boat, and are a source of great attraction to the boys. They never come nearer, however, than about a quarter of a mile, so that a clear view cannot be obtained of these monsters of the deep.

P.S: This is some of my cobber's work (x x) from Gormandale - they want to send their love to everybody.

Soldier Identified: Sapper Ormond Gladstone Pettit, Service No. 15430, 6th Field Coy. Australian Engineers, AIF. Returned to Australia, 27 April 1919.

Troops line up at Station Pier prior to leaving Port Melbourne on troopship A40 HMT Ceramic. Troops on the right are lined up waiting to embark, while those on the left are waiting with their kit bags before they are called. (Courtesy: Australian War Memorial)

Sources: 

On a Troopship (1916, December 8). The Gippsland Farmers' Journal (Traralgon, Vic. : 1893 - 1896; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. 

Troops line up at Station Pier prior to leaving Port Melbourne on troopship A40 HMT Ceramic. Troops on the right are lined up waiting to embark, while those on the left are waiting with their kit bags before they are called. Australian War Memorial