desired to wave a last good-bye to
those they were leaving behind and to catch a parting glimpse of the
land they might never see again. Gage Roads was reached and darkness
coming down shut out the last view of Australia. Here final matters in
connection with the records and pay of the troops were arranged, the
embarkation and pay staffs left the ship, the engine bells rang, and the
long voyage began.

The transport was the S.S. "Ascanius," known officially as the
"A11," a steel twin-screw vessel of the Blue Funnel Line, built in 1910,
and with a registered tonnage of 10,048. She had a length and breadth of
493 feet and 60 feet, respectively, and was fitted with three decks.
The two lower decks were divided into areas and a certain number of
tables and forms were placed in each area. Each table accommodated a
mess of a number varying from 12 to 22 men. Before leaving Blackboy Hill
the troops had been divided into messes corresponding to the ship's
equivalent space. Consequently, on arriving at the top of the gangway
when embarking, each party was met by a guide and taken direct to its
quarters. Hammocks, blankets, and eating utensils were issued forthwith
and they were shown where to stack their rifles and kits. Also,
instruction was given as to the measures necessary to prevent fire or an
outbreak of disease. Later on, when the decks were cleared, boat
stations were pointed out, boats' crews detailed, and collision-fire
measures practised. The promenade and boat decks were kept free for
recreation and instructional work. The after well-deck held the horse
shelters and an auxiliary kitchen. Under the fo'c'sle head was the main
kitchen. Situated on the poop deck was a small isolation hospital. A
separate mess and quarters received the warrant officers and sergeants;
whilst the officers were allotted what had once been the accommodation
for passengers.

The ship had commenced its journey at Brisbane, and on arrival at
Fremantle already carried the two Queensland companies of the 26th
Battalion (Majors F. M. O'Donnell and P. Currie), the 17th Company
A.A.S.C. (Captain A. E. Harte), and a portion of the 7th Field Ambulance
(Lt.-Col. R. B. Huxtable, V.D.). At the W.A. port the Brigade Commander
and the Staff-Captain embarked. Altogether, with the western unit, some
1,750 of all ranks were now leaving Australia.

Here it may not be out of place to mention that certain statistics
concerning the 28th Battalion, collected dur