| H.M.S. Perseus was commissioned at Chatham on the morning of the 7th March 1901 - From that date the ships company took advantage of the weekend leave to wish goodbye to all their beloved ones. On April 3rd we left Chatham for Sheerness to adjust compasses & for Admirals inspection. April 4th we successfully carried out our commissioning trial & coaled in Sheerness 120 tons. From that date till April 11th time was occupied on cleaning ship thoroughly in readiness for inspection April 11th Admiral very pleased with the cleanliness of ship & for the smartness of crew and general appearance. Till April 23rd the dockyard officials were aboard engaged in repairing dynamos, which had developed defects. April 23rd At 10 am slipped the buoy and proceeded on our journey to the East Indies Station. We had an enthusiastic send off. Our drum & fife band was playing Auld Lang Sein as we passed out the harbour & then we passed out of sight of Old England. On our journey to Gibraltar the crews were exercised every day at the various evolutions. April 27th After a splendid passage we arrived at Gibraltar on the 27th at 9.45 pm & moored alongside of the Mole. 28th Being Sunday the crew went to divine service at the Soldiers Chapel, in the evening we prepared ship for coaling 29th We coaled ship the natives carrying the coal to the gangway & the ships company completing the work. We took in 250 tons. We left Gibraltar at 7 pm on the 29th for Malta 30th Aiming practice was carried out by the guns crews 2nd May Crews exercised at small arms companies during day & in the evening we were exercised at night quarters at 10 pm. 3rd at 7.15 am saw us safely anchored in Malta harbour where we tied up to a buoy. The Mediterranean Fleet were also in harbour. We did not remain long at Malta for we were wanted to relieve the Racoon as quick as we could and at 7pm on the 4th we left Malta for Port Said. On the 6th we eased down & completed half a quarters firing which was done very well and during the first watch we carried out night firing which was attended with success, Guns and crews making good practice. 8th Early during the morning we arrived at Port Said and by 7.15 am we were safely moored. H.M.S. Rupert was here, guardship. We then prepared for coaling and took in 250 tons in very quick time. The seamen did not coal, as natives were very plentiful. 1 pm saw us slipping the buoy & we then started on our voyage through the famous Suez Canal. At sunset searchlights were burnt to show the banks of the Canal, as navigation is dangerous. At 8 pm we entered the Bitter Lakes and we anchored at Ishmaile & we gave our first concert, which proved a good success. 9th We were about early and at 6.45 am the anchor was weighed & we proceeded on our journey through the Canal. At 3 pm we left the Canal and arrived off Suez, but we did not stop but proceeded on our journey to Aden. The weather was now getting very hot & being as it was very cold when we left England we felt the heat very much. We were now getting near the beginning of our station and at 8 am of the morning of the 14th saw us safely moored in Aden. Well we had now arrived on our station and in the harbour H.M.S. Racoon which ship we were relieving was awaiting us. She was under orders for England to pay off. 16th We coaled ship today taking in 200 tons. The crew were greatly amused here by the little boys fearlessly diving for money although the harbour is infested with sharks. In the evening supernumeries from Racoon came on board. 17th Employed in cleaning ship & at 5 pm we manned ship for H.M.S. Racoon was leaving for home, as she passed we cheered her & she had an enthusiastic send off 18th Crew again manned ship & as an Italian warship left the harbour cheers were given & received for she also was proceeding to pay off. We were now the only man o� war in the harbour, but during the evening we received sailing orders and we prepared for sea as we were to leave on arrival of mail. 19th Sunday at 10 am H.M.S. Pigeon arrived here. She was sent to await her relief. The mail arrived afternoon & at 8 pm we left Aden for Karachi 21st Crews exercised at general quarters & other evolutions. 22nd Aired bedding & afterwards mustered bedding 23rd Exercised small arms companies. |
| The Log Book& Diary of A. Barker 1 Mess in Sevice aboard His Majesty's Cruiser PERSUS on the E. Indies Station |
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