Friday, 29 September HMT, Highland Monarch
[continued from previous page] …alongside. Spent most of the morning forming the convoy. Estimate about 40 vessels including escort. Hard to describe either the view or my feelings. Breakfast at 0830. Service (self) Food (terrible). Difficult to understand the English Crew. By noon, we were out of sight of land, sailing smoothly, a few men are sick. We had 2 boat drills in the morning, routine affairs for most, but naturally being 1st sergeant, I had charge of 1 group. Did you ever try to keep over a hundred men quiet, alert & from smoking? (Don’t try).
Saturday, 30 September HMT, Highland Monarch
Day’s run, 316 miles (from noon to noon) (total 379). Still plugging along, destination unknown. Sea a little rougher and quite a few men are sick. I think that I am going to be a good sailor. I’ll keep my fingers crossed any how. I don’t believe that I will mention the food again. I can’t say anything good about it so if it doesn’t improve I won’t say anything. We have finally settled down in our compartment. I have assigned men to certain tables. Each man has a place to swing his hammock and most of the equipment is ship shape. We stored our duffel bags in the hold, to get them out of the way. An officer is required to be with us at all times, so they work shifts. Our compartment is just below the water line. Doesn’t help our morale a bit. Went up on deck several times. The sky is overcast and sea fairly smooth. The railings are pretty well taken up by men who are sick. I like the water, and would like to spend all my time above deck. May be able to after I get things straightened out down below. We were told to set our watches ahead 1 hour tonight. We are required to wear life belts and life saver lights at all times. We are served two meals a day (sometimes we eat them).
