The diary of Lt AP Bush of HMS Spitfire

The Background
Ok! To set the scene - the 4th Destroyer Flotilla has been transferred to Scapa 01/03/15. The diary is my grandfather’s Lt AP Bush, his ship HMS Spitfire

18th March 1915
18th March - at sea: Returned to our patrol area & when the relieving boats came out our mail arrived at last. Got quite a few letters, also my tights from Gamages for our acrobat stunt. Went on to Kirkwall patrol at noon & relieved Acasta. Our job escorting merchant ships in & out of Kirkwall. Kept first dog & doctor came & shot at birds from the fxle. Anchored at 7.0pm, but being in open anchorage keeping watch as usual -

19th March 1915
Friday, 19th March 1915 - at sea (half day) Returned to harbour, oiled & we anchored by 1.0pm - but had to shift billet as we were foul. Sub Lieut Reed joined the ship in place of Frewen. We were all asked to dine in the Hecla, but it blew too hard to have any boats down - Doc & I gave a stunt in our new tights!! On our way in off patrol this morning, while we were quite close to the boom & had got permission to enter, one of the 30 knotters fires two guns at us - Fearful Sickness - the Captain is writing a service letter about it.

20th March 1915
Saturday 20th March 1915 Frewen left to join the Topaz at Portland at 7.0am. A lovely day & for a wonder the wind had dropped by lunch time. Went over to Hecla in the morning. In the afternoon the Sub took all the men ashore & we (Capt, Doc, Chief & self) went for a walk - having a huge tea in the Shooting Lodge & then helped the Hecla officers build their stone pier. Back onboard by 5.0pm, very tired. Came on to blow at night as usual.