| Title | : | Two Years' Captivity in German East Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Author | : | Surgeon Ernest Charles Holtom |
| Release | : | 2025-04-21 |
| Kind | : | ebook |
| Genre | : | Biographies & Memoirs, Books, History, African History |
| Size | : | 1384579 |
| In the Officers’ Mess at Portsmouth—no less than in every Chancellerie in Europe—the one topic of discussion in the last days of July, 1914, was the possibility of War. Most of us were of the opinion that Germany was only trying to see how far she dared go, and attempting to coerce Russia by a gigantic bluff. The great test mobilisation of our Navy had just been brought to a successful conclusion, and we were all feeling elated at the smoothness with which it had been accomplished. Everything had gone like clockwork. Germany would never—so we argued—dare to provoke a European conflict while we were in such an obvious state of preparedness. Although some of us were demobilised and back at our old posts, the greater part of the Fleet was still in full complement and on a war footing. Nevertheless, deep hidden in every human heart there is a secret recognition of the fact which Victor Hugo expressed in the epigrammatic words: “Rien n’est plus imminent que l’impossible, et ce qu’il faut toujours prévoir ... c’est l’imprévu.” And so each special edition of the newspapers was eagerly scanned, amid anxious speculation on what the future might hold. When, in accordance with orders received, I joined H.M.S. Goliath, which was then lying at Devonport, I found much bustle and activity on board. All the R.N.R. men who had returned to their homes but a few days before were rapidly rejoining, and had to be told off into watches and their duties allotted. Provisions were being got in, and all superfluous gear dumped into lighters alongside.... Then dawned the historic day when Britain declared War. Jubilant now in the knowledge that we had indeed accepted the challenge and flung down the gage, all energies were redoubled—and more than redoubled. The men toiled with heart and soul and needed no driving. Working parties invaded the wardroom and cabins, tearing down the woodwork, partitions and panelling, and removing all but absolutely necessary furniture. Chests of drawers vanished, and thereafter we were obliged to rummage in our tin cases when we needed a clean collar or fresh tie. Those who had all their uniform on board packed up and sent ashore their full-dress, plain clothes and valuables.... By the end of the day the dockside looked as though a household removal was in progress! In the dockyard itself all work went forward at higher speed and with greater zest. Great arc-lights blazed and spluttered throughout the night, and from every quarter came the ringing clang, clang, clang of iron on iron. Day and night gangs of men were engaged in effecting alterations and repairs to ships already in commission, while others were straining every nerve to complete those still under construction. In a very few days we were ready for sea with all alterations completed, and all ammunition and stores on board. Several very youthful cadets from Dartmouth College had been appointed to our ship, much to the distraction of the Commander, for we had only twelve hours’ notice of their advent, and the gun-room was not ready for them—indeed, it was full of stores. Finally, one evening we dropped down the Hamoaze, received in passing a cheer from a little crowd on Tor Point, and anchored for the night just within the breakwater. |
