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. The transcription is by Alan Bush.



28th February 1915
We got under way at 3.30 pm with the Hecla, Swift & the 3rd division & ourselves for Scapa Flow, lovely weather again but a bit cold.

1st March 1915
Arrived Scapa Flow at 8.30 am & oiled & then anchored it doesn't seem such a bad place, but it appears there will be a lot of patrolling. In the evening took all the men away ashore to play soccer, on a snipe marsh! Whaler was rigged up for sailing, quite amusing. The Sub got promoted.

2nd March 1915
Went out at 8.30 am for the Hota Sound patrol - this seems to be rather hard work, in the Pentland Firth most of the time, where there is always wind and sea. At night the Acasta joined up with us, & patrolled all night in the W. end of Pentlands

3rd March 1915
Still at Pentland Firth patrol - quite rough & a lot of wind. Joined up as one division at night because it came on to blow & very dark -

1 Hours Notice
Returned to harbour at about 10.0 am & oiled & then anchored - then went alongside Hecla for provisions & finished up the day by anchoring again in our billet at 5.0 pm

4 hours notice
At four hours notice, so in the afternoon, in spite of rain, the Capt, Chief, Sub,Dr.& Self took the dingy & went exploring. Took a golf club & knocked about with the Captain while the others pistol shot - Saw two seals, unluckily we had no guns with us - onboard at 4.30 pm for a huge tea & three eggs each!!

at Sea
Got underway at 8.30 am for the Hoxa Sound patrol - it wasnt so bad this time, as our billet was more or less under the lee of Swona Island - at night went as a division & patrolled well out to sea to the Eastward of the Skerries. Some excitement in the middle by losing the division, eventually found them after an hours wander to & fro!!

at Sea
We came in at 9.0am & oiled, & stayed alongside oiler. 3.30pm the whole flotilla went to sea. Very heavy sea running & were knocked about a good bit.

at Sea
As it was impossible to do tactics with the fleets at high speeds, we went in & anchored at Lerwick (Shetland Is) at noon - after lunch Dr, Chief & self went ashore for half hours walk. Got under way at 4.30pm to shift billet. 8.30pm all the flotilla got under way again to meet the fleet.

at Sea
Still a filthy big sea running, but managed to have quite an exciting battle at full speed. In the forenoon it was screening the battle fleet to the last possible moment & then deploying at full speed to get clear, without making any smoke. In the afternoon the Swift & her half flotilla, attacked us & the battle fleet, & we had to keep them off. Finally proceeded for Scapa at 5.0pm. All very wet, as 30 knots through a big sea, moves some!!

1 hours notice
Got in at 6.45am after a series of mess-ups & mishaps oiled & anchored by noon. Dr & self went over to Borodino, the J.A&N floating shop, & bought any amount of gear. Capt of Garland dined & wined! In fact we all did!! Quite a decent sized mail. Molly sent me the painted black cat.

At Sea
We went out at 5.30am to fire a torpedo & then do aiming rifle practice. Went quite close to the dummy ships they are really jolly good - you can't tell the difference until you are quite close. Then went on patrolling afterwards - as usual Hoxa Sound patrol.

at sea (?)
Came in at the usual time and after we had anchored at 11.30am after oiling Capt.D. popped onboard & told us we had to go out on patrol till the Lynx had got steam to relieve which ought to be by 1.0pm!! - This should read. at 6.30am got a signal for all of us to return to harbour with the utmost dispatch - getting in at 7.30am. We expected to be off for a stunt but it was cancelled & the Faulkner & six destroyers left at 9.0am to hunt submarines in the Irish Sea. We were not relieved by Lynx till 5.30pm & then had to anchor.

4 hours notice
Got under way at 6.0am to oil (daylight) then anchored. It blew most fearfully hard all day & so all idea of the shore was all over. No communication with Hecla & so no mail.

at Sea
Went out on patrol at the usual time. No mail has arrived for us. As usual Hoxa Sound patrol.

at Sea (half day)
Returned to harbour & oiled & anchored by 11.0am. Got orders that we were to go to sea from 3.0pm - 7.0pm & sweep roll Eastward of Pentlands. I presume the fleet are going out. Blowing very hard & periodical snow showers. Returned to harbour & anchored by 7.30pm.

at Sea (half day)
Got under way at 5.30am & oiled. Then anchored again & got orders that we were to do the same as yesterday evening. All getting rather fed up with this. Frewen's relief appointed - Reed from a T.B. Went out at 3.00pm & returned as usual at 7.0pm.

at Sea
Got under way again at 5.30am & oiled & then went out at 7.00am to relieve Acasta early. As usual every early work the Spitfire to the fore!! Hoxa Sound patrol. Then at noon we went & closed Royal Arthur & they gave us a wire & small target to tow for the shore batteries. After that (5.00pm) returned to our patrol line & then joined up with division for the night patrol to E. of Pentland Firth.

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 -

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.

[ ]
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.

at sea
Went out on patrol at 8.30am Hoxa Sound & blowing very hard. We were more or less under the Lee of Ronaldsay during the night. We were [south of southwest of weather skerries].

at sea
We were relieved very punctually & then got our mails from our relief. Went on up to Kirkwall for the Kirkwall Patrol. A simply glorious day. Chilly, but little wind. During my afternoon watch amused myself by shooting cormorants & duck with the Dr. I killed three of the former & a duck - but it’s a pity we can’t pick them up. Went in as usual (Ingarsole Bay) and anchored, keeping watch all night.

at sea (half day)
We weighed at 5.0am & went on patrol - a very heavy sea running. In by Holm Sound - oiled - alongside collier & coaled & anchored finally at 3.0pm - a very tiring day.

4 hours notice


Our day in harbour, but as per usual when we are in harbour it blows all day & not worth going ashore. The Gunner went on leave in the early morning, as his wife has been very ill.

At Sea
[went] weighed & carried out Battle Practice at 7.0am - it was rotten bad shooting as everything was so upside down having no gunner etc!! I had to control both guns. Carried on, on patrol afterwards. The sub and self are in watch & watch now the gunner is away. Forenoon,first dog & first rather [shoke] me!! Remained in the Pentlands all night, as it was moonlight. The St Vincent came out - we could have got in a lovely shot with our mouldies, about 8000 yds - she never saw us till we challenged her -

1 hours notice
We came in in the forenoon; during my morning watch we had [ ] blizzards - which made things rather rotten. Our relief didn’t arrive till 10.0am, late as usual. Oiled, rather an exciting time, as the port telegraph [gainched] just as we were going alongside & we almost bumped. In the evening after we had anchored a trawler (the [brief] boat) took it into her head to ram us astern, but only a dent made. The monkey arrived in the Borodino - & the Doc fetched her, a mandrail (?mandrill). Tremendous argument where she should sleep - Capt’s cabin eventually.

4 hours notice
A lovely day - I stayed onboard & hectographed & made myself in a beastly mess!! Then when the sub came off with the men, I took the dinghy & went ashore for half hours quiet walk. Doctor & self dined with the Hecla’s cheery brigade - a most amusing evening. And had great fun.

4 hours notice
A lovely forenoon & so we all went ashore & took about 40 of the men for a walk. Wrote letters & slacked the remainder of the day.

at sea
We went out on patrol, and at noon we all got an ‘urgent’ signal to return to harbour & fill up with oil. Some stunt on apparently. A gunner from the Hecla was lent to us for the trip. We anchored after oiling. At 5.0pm we all went out, all the cruisers & light cruisers. I couldn’t see if the Battle Fleet came out too - they may have come later, in the dark. The course was SE, which is a good course if it’s going to be a real stunt, as it’s more or less in the Heligoland direction…

At Sea (half day)
...but I’m sorry to say that we apparently turned round at midnight & started for home again. I believe the stunt was ‘they’ came out, but some of our ships spoilt the show, but making high power wireless & so frightened them in again. Returned harbour & anchored by noon. In the evening a very sad affair happened. The Coxn being drunk onboard, the Capt had him put under [open] arrest. The Hecla’s gunner went back to the Hecla worse luck!

At Sea
We went out on patrol. Blowing very hard all day, & the wind against the tide caused the very devil of a sea. In watch & watch as the Gunner is still on leave.

At Sea
The gunner rejoined us in the morning - the Garland bringing him out when she came to relieve us. Went on to Kirkwall - there was the devil of a race by the Pentland Skerries & we had to give orders that nobody was to be on deck at all. Usual Kirkwall patrol, seems quite a relief to be in these watches again - but the Capt has been very good as regards looking out. Went right into Kirkwall bay & anchored; a lovely evening.

At Sea (half day)
Got in in the forenoon & oiled and anchored after dinner. The 1st Lieut of Porpoise asked me to dine, but it came on to blow & we had to hoist all boats, so couldn’t get away.

4 hrs notice
Went over to the Hecla in the afternoon, re the Coxn case. And asked most of the cheery ones over to dine. Then back to ship. Capt of Hardy lunched, and did nothing all evening. After tea went over to the Borodino & bought a few things. Then to the Acasta & Shark with Capt, Fulford, Kershaw, Peplar & Vickery to dine - Capt dining out. After a very noisy dinner we all went over to the Hecla, all dressed up & gave them a stunt. Usually cricket & rugger matches. Back to ship by midnight.

4 hours notice
In harbour all day. We were to have gone out for the big P.Z. stunt with the fleet, but it blew too hard.

4 hours notice
It seems quite funny to be in harbour for so long. In harbour all day; and on account of a very heavy wind blowing we had the P.Z. stunt put off again. In the evening [Ratherer] & the Doc of the Porpoise came over to see me & then stayed to dinner. Played Ascot race game. We got a target for towing tomorrow.

At Sea
Got under way at 5.45am with the Gunnery Lieutenant to tow target for Qwl’s firing. Except for the wiring parting once, was quite a successful morning. Returned and anchored off Hecla at 7.45am. Got under weigh again at 8.30am for patrolling. In the afternoon it came on to blow like hell!! I logged it as 7 to 8. Wind dropped in the evening. So we were able to patrol E. of Pentlands after dark.

In harbour - 4 hours notice
Went ashore with the men to play soccer & then walked to the place with Mann & had tea. Then onboard as a hurried dinner & then Doc & self went to Hecla’s concert - a very cheery evening - especially as there were four destroyers alongside her - it meant a bit of ship visiting - we didn’t eventually get back til 2.00am.

in harbour 4 hours notice
During the day nothing much happened. In the evening there was some stunt on, as we were put to short notice - order of going out etc etc - but it never came to anything - & to make matters worse the patrol was reorganised & we having escaped in the last signal, were told off for tomorrow!!

on patrol
Went out at the usual time, and on our way out passed the Sparrowhawk coming in. All very glad to see her. A lovely day’s patrolling, hardly any wind.

at 1 hours notice(?)
Got in from patrol a bit late, having escorted dummy ships. Got orders to raise steam at short notice - there is evidently something doing now. Did not go out during the night. Went over to the Acasta after dinner, and met all the Sparrowhawks.

At Sea
Had a tremendous rag about my keeping standing watches, of course I got my own way. We got under way at 12.30am & it seemed as if we were in for a stunt. Went out, quite fine weather, any wind being behind us. I’m keeping standing both dogs, & morning, which is quite a relief.

at Sea
Rendez-vous’ed with the fleet at 4.0am, a lovely morning, I having the morning watch. All the fleet there, including the Orient liner, Orvieto, as a huge mine layer. At about 7.0am saw our nine battle cruisers & the L’s & M’s coming down from the Northard. Did the usual screening. Then we & Sp’hawk we’re detached to screen Orvieto. At 7.15pm we & 2nd Flotilla all rushed back to Scapa (100 miles) to fill up with oil & come back at once. We got off there at 11.30pm - pitch dark & so it was a very slow ‘ dangerous process getting in (40 destroyers and innumerable light cruisers).

14th April 1915
We eventually anchored at 2.30am. I was doing all as I sent the Gunner & Sub to bed. Weighed again at 4.0am, oiled & were anchored again by 6.30pm. Rather tired. We all got under way again at 10.30am, but it was only to screen the battlefleet in - we got back at 6.0pm oiled & then were anchored by 7.30pm. The Warspite has joined up with the fleet. Heard a buzz that three German cruisers sunk & also three of our destroyers. Also, the papers are full of a naval battle off the Norwegian coast.

In Harbour at various degrees of Short Notice etc!
In harbour all day, but couldn’t settle down to do anything. We commenced painting a bow wave but Capt. D made a signal to say it was all to be washed out. Some of the Porpoises came over after tea - not a bit glad to see them. Allen came and dined with me, & the Doc of the S’hawk with our doctor.

In Harbour
This ought to be on the page before. Nothing happened all day, although we were at short notice during the day. Went over to see Shelley in the Acasta in the evening & then dined with Knight in the Shark. Quite a cheery dinner - onboard via Acasta - and finally back by 1.0am!!

in harbour
Nothing much doing in the morning. In the afternoon the Capt, Doc, & all went ashore. At 5.30pm we all got the order to raise steam by 7.0pm. I suppose there is some more stunts on. We eventually went out at 7.30pm - quite calm outside, any sea there is, is behind us. I find these new watches I keep (standing dogs & morning) quite a good show although they are a bit boring at times.

At Sea
A very busy morning watch - getting into position to submarine screen the fleet etc. Evidently something is in the wind, as we are steaming with the fleet at 21 knots. During the afternoon we altered course from SE to NW’W. So apparently it’s all over. Met the 3rd B.S. & the 1st Flotilla at 6.0pm. Wind & sea getting up a bit.

At Sea
We did not get in till 10.0am & then oiled & then our division went out on patrol again - arriving there at about 4.0pm. Very boring having to go out again!!

At Sea
We were relieved by some of the Second Flotilla at 9.0am & when we got into harbour, instead of oiling (had a slight bump with the Borodino. Not much damage) we anchored & got under way again at 10.30am, apparently to screen the fleet in. We remained out till dusk & met the fleet off Colonsay at 7.0pm. We finally anchored at midnight - all very tired, as there was a biting cold wind blowing all day at se & very heavy snow squalls.

In harbour
We got under way at 3.45am having had 2 1/2 hours sleep. Finished oiling at 5.0am & then closed Hecla to ask if we could go alongside. Finally anchored by 6.30am & put in another 1 hours sleep. Had a bad morning altogether - fought with all hands!! All of a sudden we got orders to raise steam for full speed by 9.0pm. I was with Knight paying a call on the Second Flotilla. So we came back. All the flotillas & the fleet went to sea at 9.0pm.

at sea
A glorious day, but the usually busy morning watch with plenty of submarine screening etc. Met the battle fleet at 4.0am. We are steaming S50oE 15 knots - which is straight for the Skagerrak. Nothing much happened all day. We all thought we might see something this time; so one can imagine how sick we were when at 6.0pm we all turned round. The 3rd B.S. returning to their Base.

At Sea (half day)
A bit of a wind & sea sprung up on my morning watch. Usual stunt wondering when we will get in, & as usual 1st Division were the last to oil. Finally got in about 12.40pm & anchored. Weighed at 2.30 and went alongside an awful oiler, who spent all her time spouting oil all over us. Made me quite wild. Anchored at 6.0pm & had to shift billet again. Doc & self sculled over in the dinghy & dined with the Sparrowhawks. Back by 11.30pm.

In harbour 1 hours notice
Nothing much happened all day. Doc & captain went ashore on Risa - but being at one hours notice I stayed onboard & did some work. Sculled over in the dinghy with Allen to the Hecla - a hell of a pull. Back by the Shark & Acasta. All the capts of the 1st div had been celebrating & all dined in Sp’hawk. Myself and Allen dined with Shelley in the Acasta. After dinner & at 11.30pm we sculled back to Sp’hawk. A huge race self & Allen - V - Coombes & Dr. We won. Eventually Doc & self pulled Barron back to Acasta at 1.0am.

4 hours notice
Allen & self went ashore on Risa Is. at 7.0am for an hours exercise. Sunday routine. He & I went for a walk and got back to tea at the house at 5.pm. A lovely day. Calderon lunched with me. Allen had supper with me. Also Capt of Sp’hawk and an A.P. of Active with Captain.

4 hours notice
This long spell in is a splendid show. A good deal of ship visiting in the dog watches. Kershaw dined with me, Pegler with Captain also Capt of Shark & Johnson dined with Doc, a very amusing evening. All the Sp’hawks & Sharks & Joe Barron came over after dinner & carried on to all early hours of the morning. Had lunch with Allen in the Sparrowhawk.

4 hours notice
There was to have been a rugger match 4th Flotilla v 2nd Flotilla. But after we had arrived at the ground we found it was off, as the 2nd Flotilla was submarine hunting!! I went over & had tea with Allen. We got under way at 6.0pm & went alongside the Faulkner alongside the Hecla. Hart Dyke came over & had a few bitters. Self, Doc & Capt dined Kershaw, Vickery & Pepler, & had one of the most amusing & rowdy evenings in our lives. When we got back Capt of Faulknor came onboard & we all sat & talked till 3.0am.

4 hours notice. Alongside Hecla
I did a good deal of cadging etc in the Hecla in the forenoon. In the afternoon at 5.0pm Allen & his Doc called for me & we went for a walk. Then tea at the house and onboard. We then went & touched the Heclas for a ‘Tids & a Bine’, and then I had a hot bath in the Faulknor. Dined onboard, the Capt & self splitting a bottle of the old boy & then went & played bridge in the Hecla.

1 hours notice
Very busy all day making my little copper print and also a target. Numerous visitors during the forenoon. I was to have dined with H. Dyke in the Faulknor. I sailed with the doc up to the Sparrowhawk in the whaler. And to my surprise the Spitfire passed us, while we were talking. So went to her (she was oiling) & found there apparently is a stunt on. All the flotilla at 1 hours notice & the fleet with steam up. At 8.0pm everything had calmed down & the stunt apparently over. The Sp’hawks came over after dinner & we played vingt john.

At sea
At sea; the usual Hoxa patrol. The gunner was left behind for his mates exam. So I had to keep watch & watch with the Sub which is rather a shame!!

4 hours notice
We came on & oiled as usual. We are to be all ready (1st & 2nd divisions) to do a stunt. After tea we pulled the famous dinghy race. Allen & self V Coombes & Doc. Acasta to the Sparrowhawk. They just won - rather an awful thing to happen. After dinner we all went over to the Sparrowhawk & stayed there till midnight & so onboard.

2nd May 1915
Allen came & lunched with me. At 7.0pm 1st & 2nd Divisions got under way & met the Phaeton & Royalist outside. We are going out to try & collar some German trawler spies - disguised as fishermen probably flying neutral colours.

3rd May 1915
At Sea A simply lovely day. We didn’t have to board anybody till midday when I went & inspected two Dutch trawlers. One I thought was suspicious & the Royalist boarded her again to make certain. We have a trawler skipper onboard who boards with me, as he probably understands trawlers better than I do!! A lovely warm day - but rather a swell - making boatwork all the more exciting. At 7.0pm we all collected again & came back at 15 knots.

4th May 1915
In Harbour: We arrived about 10.30am oiled and then anchored. We found our anchor mark buoy had dragged too close to the Acasta’s billet & so we had to shift billets. In the afternoon - Capt, Capt Shark, Sparrowhawk, Allen, Sub, Cooper, Doc, doc of Sparrowhawk & self went away in our whaler for a picnic. A simply glorious day. Allen came & dined with me & then we went over to Sparrowhawk to play Vingt John. Allen & I worked a combined syndicate but lost 8/- each- a very thick fog & so had quite a difficulty in finding our way back.

5th May 1915
In Harbour: Another lovely day & so we had another picnic, the same crowd except Cdr Jones - & the Capt of Acasta & Owl joined up. Quite a successful afternoon & we all seemed to enjoy it very much. I’m not quite sure where we dined - I don’t think we dined onboard. Painted ship overall - also the side.

6th May 1915
In Harbour: At half an hours notice. Not such a nice day as yesterday & so of course couldn’t go ashore. Went over and dined with Allen in Sparrowhawk.

7th May 1915
At Sea: Went out on patrol. Not really our turn but the Second Flotilla have all shoved off submarine hunting or something. Very nice day out. Nothing unusual happened.

8th May 1915
We came in at the usual time. Did some aiming rifle practice during the morning watch at a target we dropped, to while away the time. Came in, and oiled & secured to a buoy with the Sparrowhawk. Rather a nice arrangement. In the afternoon Allen & self went down to the Borodino to do some shopping. After dinner he came over & we had a quiet evening. Achates and her division shoved off in a hell of a panic at midnight. It turned out to be later they had to escort the old Jupiter down to Liverpool. She has been up at Archangel since February!!

9th May 1915
At Sea: We got orders early in the morning to go out on patrol, as so many other divisions have gone submarine hunting. A very nice day on patrol - the usual Hoxa stunt.

10th May 1915
At Sea: We were relieved at the usual time. Came in & oiled then secured to our buoys alongside the Sparrowhawk, and went to six hours notice. Just after dinner we got the orders to raise steam at once & go out on Hoxa patrol again. Which bored us “some”. Got out there at about 2.0pm - a very disagreeable evening, as very misty, wet & cold. We were the S.O. of the patrol & so had to do the personally conducted tour to the E. of Skerries at dark.

11th May 1915
At Sea: We came in early & did some firing - nine rounds per gun & I believe the result was pretty decent. Oiled & then went alongside the Hecla for provisions. Shoved off at 1.0pm & 1st Division & Ambuscade & Ardent proceeded at 22 knots for Cromarty. Arrived there at 6.0pm & oiled. Had a bit of a mother’s meeting in the Spitfire, all the numerous people alongside the oiler coming onboard. We shoved off at 9.30pm & escorted the Shannon & that lot of cruisers up at 19 knots to Scapa Flow.

12th May 1915
In harbour 4 hours notice: Arrived Scapa at 3.30am & oiled & anchored by 5.30am. Somebody had pinched our buoy. Nothing much doing. I did not go ashore. Went over to see Allen. In the afternoon the K.G.V’s band was playing in the Hecla, so Allen & self went to listen to it. The Hecla’s were ‘at Home’. After that Allen & I stayed & dined in the Hecla - having a very cheery evening - going back to Sparrowhawk at 11.0pm in Capt D’s barge. Stayed there an hour & returned onboard with Captain.

13th May 1915
1 hours notice: Motor boat broke down & so I had to use the whaler all day. V-H came to lunch & in the middle orders came to raise steam (our division) at once & go out & look for a submarine. We never actually went out. Rained all the afternoon & we were kept at short notice till 6.0pm. Contest came alongside us then as we had to discharge some oil fuel before ‘oiling at sea’ experiments. The Sparrowhawks all came over after dinner to play Vingt John.

14th May 1915
At Sea: We got under way at 11:30 am & carried out oiling at sea experiments in the Flow with the “Baker Standard”. Capt. D & Comdr Sterling coming on- board us. Everything went alright our end, but they weren’t ready (or didn’t worry themselves) in the oiler. Finished at 4.0pm & then went out to join our division on patrol. A lovely evening but was rather tired after so long on the fxle during the day.

15th May 1915
In harbour: We came in at the usual time, oiled and went alongside Hecla for 48 hours - to have minor defects dealt with before docking. Our seamans whaler pulled the Acastas & lost. I put £2 on it & so was out!! After tea I took some of the Heclas down to the Borodino in our motor boat. Then went over with Kershaw & dined with Allen (some night) back by 1.0am in our motorboat - which called at several boats on the way down to drop numerous guests etc.

16th May 1915
In harbour: We had a most successful service, having two hymns with the piano. We all went for a picnic - including Eng Comdr Biles, Kershaw & Hopkins a most successful stunt. Allen & Kershaw had supper with me & then into Hecla for a bit. Allen came back & left eventually at 1.0am.

17th May 1915
In Harbour (sea in evening): We were supposed to be at 1 hours notice - but being alongside Hecla we remained as we were. Doc & I went away in the dinghy for a sail after lunch, but not very successful. The Unity came alongside us about 2.0pm. Went ashore with Skipper & Fulford & had tea at the Lodge & then played the Heclas at rounders. Suddenly at 5.0pm we saw “Raise steam Dispatch is necessary” & so went onboard. We all got under way at 8.30pm. We thought it was a...

18th May 1915
At Sea: ...stunt - but it turned out only to be a day’s manoeuvring with the fleet. A simply perfect day at sea. Managed to get in a good caulk in the afternoon - which one rather wants - after a little ‘Hecla-itis’!! At 4.0pm we finished manoeuvres & steered for home. Submarine screening all the time of course.

19th May 1915
In Harbour: We arrived off the Skerries at 2.30am & went & anchored at 4.0am - weighed almost directly afterwards & oiled. Finally anchored in our proper billets shortly after 6.0am. Capt & doc went ashore, but I was rather busy. All the new wine arrived from Harveys in the morning. After tea the doc & I sculled over to the Sp’hawk & then they came over to us to sample our new wine. Then back to Sp’hawk where we dined.

20th May 1915
At Sea: We got under weigh at 5.30am & carried out Torpedo running. Everything going more or less alright a rotten windy day. Then went out on patrol - the wind & sea went down after tea a bit & so it wasn’t so unpleasant during the dog watches.

21st May 1915
1/2 hours notice: Came in at the usual time & oiled. Sparrowhawk went alongside Hecla as we were at 1/2 hours notice. Couldn’t do very much. Not a bad day. In the morning watch this morning a dense fog came down & we had to anchor till 7.3am & then again a little later.

22nd May 1915
4 hours notice: A simply glorious day. Went over to the Hecla in the forenoon to arrange for picnic. We all went for a picnic Sparrowhawks & ourselves & Kershaw to Fara Is - same spot as last Sunday & it was a splendid show. Simply a lovely warm evening- I took my mandoline which eased the inflammation!!!? Allen & Coombes came & dined & we had quite an amusing time, & then we went down to Hecla for a very cheery evening - finishing up about 1.0am.

23rd May 1915
4 hours notice: Picnic same as yesterday, only Biles, Pepler & Fulford & Johnson came besides & being an even hotter day it was more fun. Went in two whalers & took our life saving raft paddles & had a very funny time. Took the monkey who had a fine time. Pegler dined with Capt & we all turned in early. The Sparrowhawks paddled up at 11.0pm & tried to wake us nothing doing!!

24th May 1915
1/2 hours notice: Being at short notice we couldn’t do anything today. I took the T.C. away in the whaler in the forenoon, & went to Hecla & Sphawk (alongside). The doc had two guests to dinner & Jones dined with the skipper. Sailed about in the evening in my favourite rigged whaler.

25th May 1915
1/2 hours notice: Everybody did something in the early morning, such as mine sweeping, oiling at sea etc. But they couldn’t find anything for us to do. At 9.30am ourselves & Sphawk were told off for screening duties - & after a terrific spasm - eventually leaving the doc & motorboat behind (no time to hoist it) we proceeded with the Iron Duke for Queensferry at 20 knots. A simply perfect day. I believe Jellicoe is going down to have a conference with Balfour & Fisher. We eventually...

26th May 1915
...arrived at Queensferry at 1.30am & I managed to shackle on fairly quickly - although there was a tide & wind hindering us. Got under weigh & oiled at 9.0am & then returned to our buoys. Shore (Invincible) came over & lunched with us - also Bond (Rifleman, waiting to go into Leith with a bent bow) & they did not leave till late. Most of us went ashore - but I went over & spent the dogs with Allen. At 7.0pm we rigged up the private whaler & sailed round the B.C. squadron & returned at 8.0pm. Allen & Coombes dined with me & I put them back in the dinghy.

27th May 1915
A simply glorious day. Self & skipper landed with Dannreuther & Shore in the Invincible & then I met Allen & Coombes at Dalmeny Station where we found Shelley. Travelled up to Edinburgh where we left Shelley. Went to Gieves & did numerous shopping. Then had tea at the Picture house. Then a small walk to look at all the Fluff in Princes Street. And then went to catch the 5.35pm train home. Found it was 5.25 not 5.35 & so missed it. Managed to club together & rake up 10/- & so had a ripping motor ride down. We sailed with the Iron Duke at 10.0pm - the whole...

28th May 1915
...thing of course fearfully confidential. Screened her back to Scapa - arriving around 11.0am - oiled & was anchored by noon. Doctor & motorboat returned to ship - the former with a colossal moan!! And no wonder too!!

29th May 1915
4 hours notice: Nothing much happened all day. I was going to dine with Allen - but at 4.0pm we all had orders to raise steam, and at 10.0pm we got under weigh, with the whole fleet. Usual stunt I suppose - a big sea running - but luckily it was behind us.

30th May 1915
At Sea: A very nasty following sea behind us. At 3.45 we turned round for home & fairly got it in the neck.

31st May 1915
A very unpleasant morning watch & very wet. We escorted the ships in and then went out again to escort the cruiser squadron in - we finally got in at about 11.0am. Then coaled & oiled & anchored at about 2.0pm. Went over to Hecla with Allen to draw pay & visit all our friends over there. Acasta went down for docking, our turn ought to come soon. Doc & self dined in Sparrowhawk and Fulford was over there. Had a very amusing evening as usual.

1st June 1915
half hours notice: Being at short notice couldn’t do much. The Captain of the Hardy lunched with the skipper. Allen & Coombes dined with doc & self & then we played ‘21’. In the middle of the game (? Samson, Bisselt & Backwill) pulled over in the Skiff from the King George V to pay an evening call. We were all very pleased to see them.

2nd June 1915
At sea: At sea the usual Hoxa patrol. The Ardent came out in in the Acasta’s place. During the forenoon there was a submarine sighted off ?Faine Island, but they wouldn’t allow us to go after it. A very nice fine day at sea - nothing of interest happened.

3rd June 1915
4 hours notice: We came in at the usual time & oiled & coaled. In the afternoon Doc, Coombes & self went & called on the King Georges; we sailed over in my private rigged whaler. The wind dropped when we left there at 7.0pm & the motorboat eventually towed us back. After dinner Allen, Coombes, Doc & self went away in the dinghy with the punt paddles & called on the Heclas, Allen looked Caulderon up in the Acorn & eventually got back about midnight.

4th June 1915
4 hours notice & sea: We were told we should be required for service at 8.0pm. Allen, the two docs & self sailed over to the Borodino, which was alongside the Duke of Edinburgh & bought food. Then went into DofE & stayed till 5.pm. Then sailed back. We went to sea at 8.0pm taking with us Lieut Morris (Torpedo Lieut of DofE) & four DofE's men as ‘prize crew’. We went out with the 1st Div (Acasta away) Defence, Warrior & DofE & these covered boarding steamers.

5th June 1915
at sea: We parted company at 4.0am & commenced searching an area & boarding all fishing boats to be carefully searched etc. I did all the boarding & occasionally the doc or Sub or Morris came away with me. At 3.45pm I boarded a motor herring Drifter (Dutch) & found she had too much petrol onboard her. So we took her in tow & closed the Shark. Put Morris & his armed crew onboard to take her back to Kirkwall (160 miles) and we took seven of her crew, so as not to have too many onboard. Carried on boarding till 10.0pm & then we joined up with Shark & Sparrowhawk. I boarded 10 trawlers & went away twice besides to examine buoys.

6th June 1915
6th June - At sea: We met the three cruisers at 6.0am & then went off with the DofE & armed boarding steamer to carry on with the search. Only boarded five today. These last few days have been simply perfect weather & ideal conditions.

7th June 1915
7th June - At sea: We were due back at 3.0am, but owing to a dense fog we turned round and steamed about waiting for it to lift. All the time we were getting shorter & shorter of oil. You see we have been running about at 29 knots a lot the last two days - catching up after having boarded someone etc! At 11.0am we were told to feel our way into Kirkwall still a dense fog. So at 1.0pm we anchored. At 6.0pm the fog lifted & the Christopher came up to give us some oil, went into Kirkwall, she came alongside us, sent the Dutch over to their own trawler which had arrived alright at 1.0pm. Hannay came & dined & we had a very cheery evening.

8th June 1915
8th June - at sea & 4 hours notice I didn’t turn in till 1.30am and turned out again at 3.40am & we got under weigh at 4.0am arriving at Scapa at 6.30 - oiled and anchored by 9.0am. Went over to see Allen in the forenoon. Johnson (of Hecla) came & lunched with the doc. My vibro massage arrived which caused much amusement - everybody wanting to use it etc. Went over to Borodino with Allen to buy gear & have my haircut. Then Allen, doc & self dined in the Hecla & had quite an amusing evening - back at about 11.30pm.

½ hours notice
Being at half hours notice couldn’t do much. The Captain’s birthday & the Sparrowhawks came over to drink healths etc. We had orders to raise steam by 8.45pm (the whole fleet & flotillas) I believe it’s for some P.Z. stunts - but at 7.30pm it was delayed & I believe there was a submarine reported.

4 hours notice
A lot of the Duke of Edinburghs came over to lunch & then we picked up the Sparrowhawks & went for a grand picnic in our whaler. It was the best one I think we’ve ever been to. There were Hopkins, Allen, Coombes, Doc, Cooppe, chief, skipper, sub, Banneman, Birch, Wainwright, Morris & self. And was great fun. After dinner I went over & talked to Allen & then we pulled over to fetch the doc back from the Hardy.

at sea
My 23rd birthday. Got a very nice signet ring from the family, but unfortunately it’s a bit too big. We went out on patrol at the usual time - a simply glorious day. At 4.0pm we had orders to complete with oil. Came in to oil & anchored. At 8.45pm got under weigh with the fleet etc to do P.Z.s etc. Went out to the westward where we met a very unpleasant Atlantic swell

At Sea & 4 hours notice
Sub Lieut Holland Prior joined the ship. We went out again at 7.30am with the Faulknor & about 12 others to escort the fleet while they did some P.Zs. But a submarine was reported, so we all went off to look for it. Most awful sea running & as usual the sea off the skerries was hellish. So we all turned back after an hour & came in. A very slack afternoon - & then all the Sp’hawks came over to say goodbye to Reid, who left after tea to report himself at the Admiralty on promotion. Allen was going to stay over to dine, but it was blowing too hard.

1/2 hours notice
Showed the new Sub round the ship in the forenoon. In the afternoon did some work. Went over to see the Sp’hawks. Blowing very hard all day. At 1.10am (tomorrow morning) all the boats & the fleet suddenly got orders to prepare for sea & raise steam at once. I got up & with a watch secured up everything & then went to bed again - expecting to go to sea - but we never did!