Chapter VI.
Proceeding Under Escort.

Early next morning—Sunday, 23rd August—the whole expedition, now consisting of six warships and two transports, all under the command of Sir Geo. E. Patey, Rear Admiral Commanding ships and vessels of the Allied Fleet, passed out of the harbour and headed South.

Through brilliant sunshine and calm, blue seas, the coast was hugged until, at the Southern end of New Caledonia the expedition turned into the Saville passage which separates the mainland from the Island of Palms. The pass in places being but half a mile wide, each turn opened up vistas of sheltered bays, bordered to the water's edge with luxuriously-growing palms, and the yachtsman yearned for his summer cruise in these sunny seas. The only sign of habitation was a solitary native hut on the water's edge, from which the occupants gazed in awe at the passing flotilla.

Emerging again to the open seas beyond, the ships stopped, and to the anxiety of the troops lay for three hours like so many logs on the oily calm waters. The troopships were soon filled with rumours—one which received some prominence and no little credence was that a wireless message had been received to the effect that the war had collapsed and the adventure was at an end with the recall of the expedition. But the "Australia," coming up with the Fleet, the screws again began to churn the

Photo by late Lt. L. M. Liardet.

placid waters, the "Moeraki" first dropping the old pilot who had accompanied the ships from Noumea, with many a cheery au revoir from the troops.

A North-Easterly course was now shaped, and it was evident that Fiji was the next objective. During the day the Fleet proceeded in the following formation:—

By night the "Australia" and "Melbourne took station in line 2 cables ahead of "Montcalm," "Pyramus" an equal distance astern of Transport 2, while "Psyche" closed up to 2 miles ahead of "Australia."

Instructions were now issued by the Rear Admiral that all ships were to be darkened and prepared for night defence by half an hour after sunset daily. Signals to and from transports were to be passed through "Philomel," except those from O.C. Troops, which were made direct to the flag. No signals were to fee made at night except by W/T, in which case buzzers were to be used, and only signals of immediate importance were permitted.

Any ship sighting the enemy was to make the usual signal, when "Montcalm" would form astern of "Melbourne," and "Australia," "Melbourne" and "Montcalm" would proceed to engage the enemy. "Psyche" was to return to and take charge of convoy, and then to steer away from the enemy, keeping the "Australia" between the enemy and the convoy, while the Transports were to follow "Psyche" at all times.

"Philomel" was to turn away from the enemy without waiting for "Psyche" or for further signal, while the "Pyramus" was to join the convoy and take station astern of Transport 2.

By night any of the escort sighting a vessel without lights (excepting sailing vessels) was to switch on searchlights and page 50illuminate her, while "Australia," "Melbourne" and "Montcalm" would open fire. "Philomel" was to lead convoy away from the action, "Psyche" rejoining when possible and "Pyramus" endeavouring to make the Transports conform to "Philomel's" movements.

Australia kept station on the "Montcalm," which was asked to maintain a steady speed. For the remainder of the voyage a speed of 12 knots was well maintained, and the Rear Admiral took occasion to compliment the transports on their good station keeping.

Now came glorious, balmy weather with blue skies and calm seas, and break of day always found its group of early risers on the bows of the transports enjoying the sunrises in the cool morning air.

Smoke on the horizon caused a stir through the ships in the early morning on the 24th. The "Melbourne" had left the line like a flash, and settled low in the water as with smoke belching from her funnels she made off at full speed in its direction.

It proved to be nothing more interesting than a Norwegian collier bound Newcastle to San Francisco, and during the morning the "Melbourne" again joined the escort. Needless to state, a sharp look-out was being kept for the enemy ships.