Introduction

Keeping the troops healthy is a priority, and as Joseph has explained in this entry and the previous one, the Army doctor has begun to carry out a daily inspection of the men to ensure that they are clean and healthy. Once again there is entertainment on deck in the evening; this time an accordionist has joined in the merriment.

The Diary Entry

28.2.89 Thursday

At 4.A m the watch helped to wash the deck’s down. Then I had a bath & went down & got breakfast Ready.

Passed two Ships about 6.30 am, one a very large one, which kept in Sight of us nearly all day. Passed two or three others, small steamers, during  the day.

After Doctors inspection, this afternoon my Company had to parade with all their Straps{?} clean, so that the Officer could see that they had not lost any.

Had preserve mutton & preserve potatoes for dinner. Did not care much for them. Had a tin of potted fresh herring for tea, which we enjoyed.

A lovely night, nice & cool, a good breeze on. Piano playing & Officer singing on their deck & a party of soldiers got together with an accordion & had quite a concert by themselves. Pollie very much better, she stopped on deck till about 8.30 pm.