Diary

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.… Continue reading

Introduction

The ship has been in the Red Sea for four days now, and is expected to enter the Gulf of Aden during the night. Joseph details the crew’s emergency preparedness measures, providing a list of provisions included in each life boat. Pollie continues to be unwell.

The Diary Entry

26.2.89 (Tuesday)

Woke at 12.30 AM, thought it was 4.30, went to sleep again till 4. Had a bath then went & got into my hammock till 6 AM.

Passed a lot of rocks called the twelve apostles. Still in the Red Sea. Not so hot this morning, a good breeze out.… Continue reading

Introduction

It’s another hot day aboard ship, but the ocean is calm. Joseph reports seeing porpoises and flying fish.

The Diary Entry

25.2.89 (Monday)

Arose about 4.30. Went & had a bath. Sea like glass, never saw sea like it before. Heat is almost unbearable.

Pollie much better Thank God.

Saw a lot of fish called porpoises, & flying fish.

Had preserve mutton for dinner. Pollie had some fryed fish for dinner a Marine a friend of our gave her. We had tea in woman Quarters. Had some of our ham, enjoyed it much.

About 730 pm Sergt Major gave me a bottle of Armonack for Pollie, it had been packed in ice & was lovely & cold & was quite refreshing for her.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 24 Feb 1889

Introduction

It’s Sunday on a very calm Red Sea, and Joseph’s focus is hygiene and his Christian faith. Pollie takes a turn for the worse, and is attended to by the ship’s doctor.

The Diary Entry

24.2.89

Lovely morning, sea as calm as a mill pond, not ripple to be seen anywhere.

Had a bath again this morning, water lovely &warm. Going to have one every morning now. It is awfully hot, perspiration running off us.

Attended Service on Deck. My Poor Dove much worse, she fainted on deck. I took her down & put her to bed & the Doctor saw her at 10.30 am.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 23 Feb 1889

Introduction

Sailing on the Red Sea, the heat is unbearable, and Pollie is sick. There is, however, more merry-making on deck.

Troopship HMS Serapis, 1866-1894

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

23.3.89 (Saturday)

Lovely day. Saw land on the right. In the Red Sea now. Very hot today. Laying all over the deck anywhere & any how.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 22 Feb 1889

Introduction

A very short diary entry, as the troopship enters the Gulf of Suez.

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

22.2.89 Friday

Lovely morning. Started from Suez about 10 a am. In the Gulf of Suez, land both sides. Bought some eggs of the boats which came along side this morning. Could not tell what race of people, they were some blacks & some dirty colour, Greeks, Jews, Arabs & Egyptians all mixed.… Continue reading

Introduction

The troopship reaches Suez, at the southern end of the Suez Canal, and Joseph describes what he sees along the way. Joseph comments on what he sees as immoral behaviour aboard ship, and Pollie celebrates her birthday.

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

21.2.89 Thursday

Fine morning. Rose early, had a good wash & felt a bit fresh.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 20 Feb 1889

Introduction

On day ten of Joseph’s voyage, the ship enters Port Said having covered a distance of 2,271 nautical miles since departing Gibraltar. This is a more interesting diary entry than the last few, as Joseph describes sights that are completely new to him.

Port Said, 1890

WARNING: This is a transcription of an historical document. Some of the diary entries contain offensive language and stereotypes that must be understood in the context of the times. Such language and stereotypes are not acceptable today and are not condoned by the author of this blog.

The Diary Entry

20.2.89

Fine morning.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 19 Feb 1889

2

Introduction

After several days of heavy seas, Joseph tells us that there has been a break in the weather. There is entertainment on deck, and Joseph and Pollie spend a happy time together.

The Diary Entry

19.2.89 Tuesday

At 4 Am watch sounded, no-one there but myself. scarce{?} the remained asleep. Officer of the watch & warrant Officer of the Navy made a bother about it, another Sergt & myself had to go before the Colonel about it. Explained matter, all correct.

Had salt pork & pickles & pea soup for dinner. Made a very good dinner, so did Pollie.

Saw the Ship with all her Sails out this afternoon.… Continue reading

JJ Rowe Diary: 18 Feb 1889

Introduction

Joseph describes violent sea swells and panic among the women on the ship. There were injuries and damage to the troopship.

The Diary Entry

18.2.89 Monday

Fine morning. Slept late. Sea roll very heavy. No wind hardly. Had our breakfast on deck. Ship rocked about very much & going down so low as to touch the waters edge, so women frighten very much, some crying & some calling out Good Lord deliver us. I was not frightened nor was Pollie as there was no danger what ever.

Preserve mutton for dinner. Eat none of it. Marine gave us our dinner, fryed meat & potatoes (very nice).… Continue reading