Monday 16th March 1936

Went to town by a different route; SR to Richmond and tube to Temple. I was late at the boat. The focsle top was doing rifle drill when I stepped onto the drill deck. I “stood-at-ease” and waited until they paused, then fell in. Complicated movements I did not know – “Change” and “Secure”.

Eventually, three others from Jellicoe arrived – Ayton, Berryman and Eburah. Second hour – elementary semaphore signalling, which was too frightfully easy.

Later the PO stood us drinks in the canteen. Apparently he is not a strict disciplinarian. We certainly did not feel gauche. No “new boy” atmosphere about it.