Orsova Sydney, 11/3/1916

We got up out of bed at 4-30 this morning and embarked amidst much enthusiasm & band playing, weeping etc. We were marched down to the 3rd deck and stacked up in lots of 16 like sardines until 8:30 when we had breakfast of a sausage and some bread & butter & jam. It went very well too as we were very hungry. We then steamed out into the harbour off Garden Island and they say we will leave about 3 o’clock today.

This ship is a ? and the first class part is magnificent. We are in the storage part. There are all sorts of rumours that we are off to England but of course I cant say that it is truth. We all have

to sleep in hammocks hung from the ceiling. The launches cause real excitement when they come alongside. Don’t worry at all as I am alright so far. I saw all the girls & aunties yesterday.

So long with love from Walter.

1st letter day sailed on Orsova 11/3/1016 Sydney Harbour