Tuesday, 3 October [1944] HMT, Highland Monarch
Days run 320 miles (total 1339). We moved our watches up another hour today making a total of two. Had our usual boat drill, inspection of quarters and game of poker. The ocean is really giving out today, the roughest I have seen it. The men (most of them) are too sick to stay below and because of the rough weather above, there is a steady stream of men going up and down the companion way. The ship
is rolling and tossing and waves are breaking clean over the decks. I have to take my hat off to Columbus. He must have been a good sailor and a brave man.
Wednesday, 4 October [1944] HMT, Highland Monarch
Days run 312 miles (total 1651). We are still in the army but one hardly realizes it. There is absolutely nothing for us to do except read and play cards. The sea is so rough that even boat drill was cancelled. I like to watch the waves break over the deck and observe the antics of the other vessels in our convoy. Some of them seem to ride on top of the waves, others just cut through. Below deck most of the men are lying down, a few, who are not sick are playing cards. I banked a little black jack and won a few dollars. I understand that the ships canteen will open tomorrow. I hope that they have something to eat and some cigars. Ships speed 17 knots ‐‐ commissioned 1928 ‐‐ 20th crossing. Sister ship was sunk – survived two torpedoes & seems in good shape. We set our watches up another hour (total of 3).
Thursday, 5 October [1944] HMT, Highland Monarch
Days run 317 (total 1968). The sea is a little calmer today and some of the men are not quite as green. We had calisthenics again today. [continued on next page.]