Fine day. Heard submarines were outside Cromarty. Steamed there at about 18 knots. Expect to arrive at 5.a.m. to-morrow. 

Met Light Cruiser Squadron but nothing doing in German line. 

Turned out at usual time. Both watches fell in at once. Nets washed over the side on foc’sle during the night. Had to haul them back with seas washing right over us. Very wet job and had some difficulty in getting them in. Several men washed off their feet by seas. Expect to meet enemy at daybreak. 

Turned out at 4.45.a.m. in nets etc. and off to sea at 60.a.m. Sudden storm. Sent to patrol Fair Island to Skaggerak looking for German Cruisers and destroyers reported to be out. 

October 21st 1914

Painted ships side of screens in forenoon. Charlie Pacy fell into ditch wen coming on board. Mails started to come in at 12.0.a.m.

Started coaling again at 6.a.m. in dark. Finished at 11.0.a.m. Cleaned ship in afternoon. No mails arrived. 

Collier did not come alongside until 1.0 p.m. Had to take in 1450 tons. Knocked off for the night at 9.p.m.

Heard submarines were at Scapa and that we were going in to coal at the Isle of Mull. Arrived Loch Na Keal at 4 p.m. Beautiful spot, surrounded by hills. Collier expected daybreak to-morrow. 

Searchlight practice in forenoon. Still nothing doing.

Usual routine. Weather lovely.