THE GATEWAY TO INDIA

Down the Hatch, Issue 7, 16 February 1944, Page 1

THE GATEWAY TO INDIA

: The docility and good humour which have marked the conduct of the troops on this transport underwent a severe test when it was first announced that we were not to have shore leave at Bombay and later that only a proportion of our number were to make actual 'CGntaot~with-the great•..lndian.city. F/ypn-.thei, comparative few who were transported across • the harbour felt that the trip lacked some of ; the pleasure that it might have given them, | for their mates were left behind on the ship ; and, in any case, their time in the city was s severely limited.

Those whom chance did not favour in the ballots spent a somewhat despondent day on board. Some leaned over the rails watching harbour movements or throwing overboard ■ bottles, coins, and a variety of waste which was obviously treasure to the group, of urchins < who circled round the ship in their canoes appealing for “bucksheesh.” It is worthy of note in passing that at least one little blackfaced rascal demonstrated the spreading influence of the U-S.A. by accepting a bottle with a cry of “O.K. Thanks a lot.” But even such novelty as the harbour provided palled a little, especially when thoughts reverted, as they often did, to the fact that we had travelled so far and come so near the reality of; Indian life without being able to set foot ashore in this ancient and wonderfully interesting, country. For most it was a dull day until the shore-going party arrived back with its fruit, its trinkets, newspapers, and a variety of souvenirs; and tongues never wagged so busily on board as they did when all hands gathered on the mess decks to listen to the tales of the day’s experiences ashore.

For the majority of the troops, memories of. our Bombay visit will always be tinged with disappointment, but soldiers are cheerful folk (as anyone on board may observe for himself) and, when once more our ship, began to move, the atmosphere of gloom was rapidly displaced by one of pleasant anticipation, for we knew that we had begun the final stages of the long voyage to bur destination and to an o union with relatives and friends serving with-the 2nd N.Z.E.F., in the Middle East.

J.G.