1st - 10th April 1953

Wednesday 1^st April

Extremely rough all day with occational waves breaking over bows.

Was sick four times during morning – my first bout of sea sickness on the voyage.

Saw the film “Road to Bali” starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

 

Thursday 2^nd

Still extremely rough most of the day, until we rounded Arabia into the Indian Ocean.

At teatime we began following the mountainous coast, arriving at Aden about 9pm.

Its many lights twinkling round the huge rock which stands sentinel at the entrance to the bay.

Managed to get first line in Tombola in the evening.

Received a letter form Mary at 11pm.

 

Friday 3^rd

Left Aden at 5 o’clock this morning.

The sea was pleasant calm all day, and the slight breeze made life on deck quite enjoyable.

Tried a further hand at Tombola, but this time was unlucky.  Kevin however managed to get a line.

 

Saturday 4^th

Passed the coast of Somali land during the morning.

It was pleasantly warm all day with a strong breeze.

Saw many porpoises, a possible shark and several flying fish (which flew several hundred yards).

Saw the film “The World in his Arms” starring Gregory Peck and Ann Blyth.

 

 

Sunday 5^th

Continued all day without event through the glassy Indian Ocean.

It was hot, though not too uncomfortably so.  A fresh sea breeze make deck living quite enjoyable.

Slept on deck that evening.

 

Monday 6^th

Woke to the shouts of “whales”, rushing to the rails we saw half a dozen black whales spouting water between 200-500 yards from the ship.

This morning we had potted sports – unfortunately the R.E.’s were last but one.

I appear to be losing things right and left.

Played cards during the evening.

 

Tuesday 7^th

Rose this morning at 6.15am. and greet day with rise and shine policy after a perfect night’s sleep.

A pleasant day with the Indian Ocean still and glassy as ever and as full of flying fish as could be.

 

Wednesday 8^th

Rose this morning to discover that I am still losing thing right and left.

Happily I was not chosen to do fire piquet at Colombo.

Terribly hot all fay, in fact probably the hottest yet.

 

Thursday 9^th

Greeted the morn from below decks, as there was a violent thunderstorm in the middle of the night which forced all “deck sleepers” downstairs.

Sweltering heat all day!

 

Friday 10^th

Docked at Colombo about 8.15am.

Eventually managed to get ashore about 10.50am.

Visited Naafi Club for drinks following which we had photos taken!

Then with Peter, George and Sarfend (Whittaker) we went by Rickshaw to Seaman Mission (absolutely swindled – 5 rupees for the two of us).

Lunched at the Mission and then trekked round town, visiting the bazaar and buying various souvenirs.

More rickshaws, iced drink, sundaes etc. etc.

The people all appeared extremely friendly – although often eager to overcharge.

Back to Empire Hallade at 6.30pm.