Category: Writer

Research for the writing of a thriller – 4

Background material used in creating a location, an explosive situation, and characters to bring it alive – the story – A Score to Settle

…

A Cover story that just might work

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The Art of the Enduring Cover: Hiding in Plain Sight Among the Press

In the shadowy world of espionage, where every move is calculated and every word weighed, what’s the ultimate weapon? It’s not always a silenced pistol or a high-tech gadget. Often, it’s something far more subtle, more pervasive, and infinitely more powerful: the perfect cover.

Forget the trench coats and dark alleys. Our consummate spy understands that true invisibility isn’t about disappearing; it’s about blending in so seamlessly that you become part of the background noise. And what better place to be both seen and simultaneously overlooked than amidst a burgeoning press corps at a high-stakes international conference?

The Brilliance of the Verifiable Narrative

Our operative isn’t just carrying a fake ID; they possess an enduring cover, a meticulously crafted persona so robust it can withstand scrutiny. This isn’t a flimsy backstory; it’s solid, researchable, and verifiable. Think about it: a legitimate journalist, working for a credible (perhaps even slightly obscure but real) publication, with a publication history, a social media presence, and a genuine reason to be asking questions.

Their reason for being in the country and at this specific conference isn’t suspicious; it’s expected. They are here to cover the proceedings, to report on the speeches, to interview delegates – all legitimate journalistic pursuits. This isn’t just a disguise; it’s an entire, living, breathing narrative, allowing them to move freely, to probe, to listen, and to observe with an air of professional legitimacy. They are, quite literally, hiding in plain sight.

A Sea of Familiar Faces

The beauty of this particular cover is amplified by the environment. A major international conference attracts a swarm of media. A cacophony of camera clicks, flashing lights, and whispered interviews creates a perfect smokescreen. Our spy isn’t just a journalist; they are one of many.

And within this bustling throng, there are familiar faces. Some are undoubtedly genuine journalists, passionate about their craft. But others? Perhaps they are like our operative, wearing their press credentials as a cloak. Or perhaps they are simply career conference-hoppers, their faces known from one event to the next, adding another layer of visual camouflage. The sheer volume of press personnel makes it easier to track targets, pass messages, or simply observe without drawing undue attention. Who is genuinely chasing a story, and who is chasing something else entirely? The lines are deliciously blurred.

Bypassing Bureaucracy

Another significant advantage of this carefully constructed media persona is its utility in navigating local challenges. A legitimate press pass and a verifiable mission can be a powerful diplomatic tool. Dealing with local police, security forces, or even just navigating restricted zones becomes less difficult. A simple flash of the press badge often smooths over minor inconveniences, allowing access where others might be questioned, or providing a believable excuse for being in a particular area at an unusual hour. “Just chasing a late-breaking story, officer,” carries more weight when backed by a plausible cover.

The Unseen Gaze

But even the most pristine cover isn’t a cloak of invisibility. Our spy, for all their cleverness, operates with an acute awareness of an ever-present reality: there is surveillance.

From the moment they cleared customs to every elevator ride, every whispered conversation in a hotel lobby, and every seemingly innocuous stroll through the conference hall, eyes and ears are active. Cameras pan, microphones hum, and specialists observe. The challenge isn’t just to avoid detection, but to operate knowing detection is a constant threat. The enduring cover isn’t about eliminating surveillance; it’s about making sure that what surveillance sees is exactly what you want it to see – a diligent, though perhaps slightly eccentric, member of the press.

In the intricate dance of international intrigue, the journalist’s notebook becomes a shield, the camera lens a silent observer, and the bustling press corps, the ultimate sanctuary. For the consummate spy, the greatest deception often lies in simply being exactly where they’re expected to be, doing exactly what they’re expected to do, while pursuing a truth far deeper than any headline could ever capture.

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – San Marino

Discovering the Hidden Gems of San Marino: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Tucked away in the Apennine Mountains, San Marino is a tiny, independent republic that’s often overlooked by travellers flocking to more popular Italian destinations. However, this charming microstate has a wealth of secrets waiting to be uncovered by intrepid explorers. While many visitors flock to the capital city’s historic centre and the iconic Three Towers, there’s a world of adventure and discovery to be had on the road less travelled. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top five alternative things to do in San Marino, taking you off the beaten path and into the heart of this enchanting country.

1. Explore the scenic trails of Monte Titano

San Marino’s rugged landscape is perfect for hiking and trekking, with numerous trails that crisscross the country. One of the most breathtaking routes is the Sentiero delle Panoremi, which winds its way around the base of Monte Titano, the country’s highest peak. This moderately challenging hike offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the chance to spot local wildlife, such as deer and wild boar. For a more leisurely stroll, try the Sentiero della Rocca, which takes you through a picturesque valley and offers breathtaking vistas of the valley below.

2. Visit the quirky Museum of Curiosities

Tucked away in a quiet alleyway in the capital city, the Museum of Curiosities (Museo delle Cere) is a bizarre and fascinating attraction that’s sure to delight. This quirky museum is home to a vast collection of wax sculptures, including historical figures, mythical creatures, and even a few San Marino legends. With its eclectic mix of art, history, and humour, the Museum of Curiosities is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the unique culture of San Marino.

3. Sample local wines at a family-run vineyard

San Marino is renowned for its excellent wines, particularly its white wines, which are made from the Verdicchio grape. To experience the best of San Marino’s viticulture, head to a family-run vineyard, such as the Azienda Agricola Sassina or the Cantina di San Marino. Here, you can take a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and sample some of the region’s finest vintages. Many vineyards also offer delicious local cuisine, including cheese, cured meats, and homemade pasta.

4. Discover the medieval charm of Fiorentino

Just a short drive from the capital city, the medieval town of Fiorentino is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This picturesque village is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint piazzas, and historic buildings, including a stunning 14th-century church. Visitors can explore the town’s charming centre, visit the local museum, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the town’s family-run trattorias. For a truly immersive experience, try visiting Fiorentino during one of its many festivals, such as the Festa della Madonna della Pietà in September.

5. Take a scenic drive along the Strada del Castello

For a truly unique perspective on San Marino, take a drive along the Strada del Castello, a scenic road that winds its way along the country’s rugged coastline. This stunning route offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the chance to explore some of San Marino’s most picturesque towns and villages. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Castello di Fiorentino, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For a thrilling experience, try driving the Strada del Castello at sunset, when the sky is painted with hues of pink and gold.

In conclusion, San Marino is a country that’s full of surprises, from its stunning natural beauty to its quirky cultural attractions. By venturing off the beaten path, you can discover a world of hidden gems and unique experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories of this enchanting microstate. So why not take the road less travelled and explore the secrets of San Marino? You never know what wonders you might discover.

What I learned about writing – Questions sometimes don’t have answers

At what point does a writer become a journalist?

Quite often journalists become writers because of their vast experience in observing and writing about the news, sometimes in the category of ‘truth is stranger than fiction’.

I did journalism at University and thought I would never get to use it.  I had to interview people, write articles, and act as an editor.  The hardest part was the headlines.

How much does that resemble the job of coming up with a title for your book?

Well, several opportunities arose over the last few months to dig out the journalist hat, put it on, and go to work.

Where?

Hospital.  I’ve had to go there a few times more in the last few months than I have in recent years.

And I’d forgotten just how hospitals are interesting places, especially the waiting room in Emergency.

After the second or third visit, I started to observe the people who were waiting and ran through various scenarios as to the reason for their visit.  None may have been true, but it certainly was an exercise in creative writing and would make an excellent article.

Similarly, once we got inside the inner sanctum, where the real work is done, there is any number of crises and operations going on, and plenty of material for when I might need to include a hospital scene in one of my stories.

Or I could write a volume in praise of the people who work there and what they have to endure.  Tending the sick, injured and badly injured is not a job for the faint-hearted.

Research, if it could be called that, turns up in the unlikeliest of places.  Doctors who answer questions, not necessarily about the malady, nurses who tell you about what it’s like in Emergency on nights you really don’t want to be there, and other patients and their families, all of whom have a story to tell, or just wait patiently for a diagnosis and then treatment so they can go home.

We get to go this time at about four in the morning.  Everyone is tired.  More people are waiting.  Outside it is cool and the first rays of light are coming over the horizon as dawn is about to break.

I ponder the question without an answer, a question one of the nurses asked a youngish doctor, tossed out in conversation, but was there a more intent to it; what he was doing on Saturday night.

He didn’t answer.  Another crisis, another patient.

I suspect he was on duty in Emergency.

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Ankara

Off the Beaten Path: Top 5 Alternative Things to Do in Ankara

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is often overshadowed by its more popular counterpart, Istanbul. However, this vibrant city has a rich history, cultural significance, and a plethora of exciting activities to offer. While many tourists flock to the Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, and the Kocatepe Mosque, there’s more to Ankara than meets the eye. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top 5 alternative things to do in Ankara, taking you on a road less travelled.

1. Explore the Hamamönü District

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Hamamönü District is a charming neighbourhood that showcases Ankara’s Ottoman heritage. This historic district is filled with beautifully restored 19th-century Ottoman houses, quaint shops, and traditional Turkish cafes. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and experience the local culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some traditional Turkish delight and coffee at one of the many cafes in the area.

2. Visit the Ankara Castle

Perched atop a hill in the Ulus district, the Ankara Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This ancient fortress dates back to the 7th century and has been occupied by various civilisations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. While the castle itself is impressive, the surrounding neighbourhood is also worth exploring, with its narrow streets, historic mosques, and traditional shops.

3. Discover the Turkish Aerospace Museum

For aviation enthusiasts and families alike, the Turkish Aerospace Museum is a hidden gem. Located near the Etimesgut Air Base, this museum showcases a vast collection of aircraft, including historic planes, helicopters, and even a spaceship. With interactive exhibits and a play area for kids, this museum is an excellent alternative to the more traditional attractions in Ankara.

4. Wander through the Gençlik Park

The Gençlik Park, which translates to “Youth Park,” is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. This beautiful park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Ankara, with its lush greenery, walking trails, and picturesque lake. Visitors can rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a great place to experience local culture.

5. Explore the Söğütözü District’s Street Art

Ankara’s Söğütözü District is a hub for street artists, with vibrant murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings. This up-and-coming neighbourhood is a great place to explore, boasting an eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to discover the unique street art, which reflects the city’s modern and artistic side. Be sure to check out the iconic “Ankara” mural, which has become a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

In conclusion, Ankara is a city that offers much more than the usual tourist attractions. By venturing off the beaten path, visitors can experience the authentic culture, history, and beauty of this vibrant city. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or simply exploring a new neighbourhood, Ankara has something to offer. So, take a road less travelled and discover the hidden gems of Ankara – you won’t be disappointed!

The story behind the story – Echoes from the Past

The novel ‘Echoes from the past’ started out as a short story I wrote about 30 years ago, titled ‘The birthday’.

My idea was to take a normal person out of their comfort zone and led on a short but very frightening journey to a place where a surprise birthday party had been arranged.

Thus the very large man with a scar and a red tie was created.

So was the friend with the limousine who worked as a pilot.

So were the two women, Wendy and Angelina, who were Flight Attendants that the pilot friend asked to join the conspiracy.

I was going to rework the short story, then about ten pages long, into something a little more.

And like all re-writes, especially those I have anything to do with, it turned into a novel.

There was motivation.  I had told some colleagues at the place where I worked at the time that I liked writing, and they wanted a sample.  I was going to give them the re-worked short story.  Instead, I gave them ‘Echoes from the past’

Originally it was not set anywhere in particular.

But when considering a location, I had, at the time, recently been to New York in December, and visited Brooklyn and Queens, as well as a lot of New York itself.  We were there for New Years, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

One evening we were out late, and finished up in Brooklyn Heights, near the waterfront, and there was rain and snow, it was cold and wet, and there were apartment buildings shimmering in the street light, and I thought, this is the place where my main character will live.

It had a very spooky atmosphere, the sort where ghosts would not be unexpected.  I felt more than one shiver go up and down my spine in the few minutes I was there.

I had taken notes, as I always do, of everywhere we went so I had a ready supply of locations I could use, changing the names in some cases.

Fifth Avenue near the Rockefeller center is amazing at first light, and late at night with the Seasonal decorations and lights.

The original main character was a shy and man of few friends, hence not expecting the surprise party.  I enhanced that shyness into purposely lonely because of an issue from his past that leaves him always looking over his shoulder and ready to move on at the slightest hint of trouble.  No friends, no relationships, just a very low profile.

Then I thought, what if he breaks the cardinal rule, and begins a relationship?

But it is also as much an exploration of a damaged soul, as it is the search for a normal life, without having any idea what normal was, and how the understanding of one person can sometimes make all the difference in what we may think or feel.

And, of course, I wanted a happy ending.

Except for the bad guys.

Get it here:  https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

newechocover5rs

Research for the writing of a thriller – 4

Background material used in creating a location, an explosive situation, and characters to bring it alive – the story – A Score to Settle

…

A Cover story that just might work

…

The Art of the Enduring Cover: Hiding in Plain Sight Among the Press

In the shadowy world of espionage, where every move is calculated and every word weighed, what’s the ultimate weapon? It’s not always a silenced pistol or a high-tech gadget. Often, it’s something far more subtle, more pervasive, and infinitely more powerful: the perfect cover.

Forget the trench coats and dark alleys. Our consummate spy understands that true invisibility isn’t about disappearing; it’s about blending in so seamlessly that you become part of the background noise. And what better place to be both seen and simultaneously overlooked than amidst a burgeoning press corps at a high-stakes international conference?

The Brilliance of the Verifiable Narrative

Our operative isn’t just carrying a fake ID; they possess an enduring cover, a meticulously crafted persona so robust it can withstand scrutiny. This isn’t a flimsy backstory; it’s solid, researchable, and verifiable. Think about it: a legitimate journalist, working for a credible (perhaps even slightly obscure but real) publication, with a publication history, a social media presence, and a genuine reason to be asking questions.

Their reason for being in the country and at this specific conference isn’t suspicious; it’s expected. They are here to cover the proceedings, to report on the speeches, to interview delegates – all legitimate journalistic pursuits. This isn’t just a disguise; it’s an entire, living, breathing narrative, allowing them to move freely, to probe, to listen, and to observe with an air of professional legitimacy. They are, quite literally, hiding in plain sight.

A Sea of Familiar Faces

The beauty of this particular cover is amplified by the environment. A major international conference attracts a swarm of media. A cacophony of camera clicks, flashing lights, and whispered interviews creates a perfect smokescreen. Our spy isn’t just a journalist; they are one of many.

And within this bustling throng, there are familiar faces. Some are undoubtedly genuine journalists, passionate about their craft. But others? Perhaps they are like our operative, wearing their press credentials as a cloak. Or perhaps they are simply career conference-hoppers, their faces known from one event to the next, adding another layer of visual camouflage. The sheer volume of press personnel makes it easier to track targets, pass messages, or simply observe without drawing undue attention. Who is genuinely chasing a story, and who is chasing something else entirely? The lines are deliciously blurred.

Bypassing Bureaucracy

Another significant advantage of this carefully constructed media persona is its utility in navigating local challenges. A legitimate press pass and a verifiable mission can be a powerful diplomatic tool. Dealing with local police, security forces, or even just navigating restricted zones becomes less difficult. A simple flash of the press badge often smooths over minor inconveniences, allowing access where others might be questioned, or providing a believable excuse for being in a particular area at an unusual hour. “Just chasing a late-breaking story, officer,” carries more weight when backed by a plausible cover.

The Unseen Gaze

But even the most pristine cover isn’t a cloak of invisibility. Our spy, for all their cleverness, operates with an acute awareness of an ever-present reality: there is surveillance.

From the moment they cleared customs to every elevator ride, every whispered conversation in a hotel lobby, and every seemingly innocuous stroll through the conference hall, eyes and ears are active. Cameras pan, microphones hum, and specialists observe. The challenge isn’t just to avoid detection, but to operate knowing detection is a constant threat. The enduring cover isn’t about eliminating surveillance; it’s about making sure that what surveillance sees is exactly what you want it to see – a diligent, though perhaps slightly eccentric, member of the press.

In the intricate dance of international intrigue, the journalist’s notebook becomes a shield, the camera lens a silent observer, and the bustling press corps, the ultimate sanctuary. For the consummate spy, the greatest deception often lies in simply being exactly where they’re expected to be, doing exactly what they’re expected to do, while pursuing a truth far deeper than any headline could ever capture.

The first case of PI Walthenson – “A Case of Working With the Jones Brothers”

This case has everything, red herrings, jealous brothers, femme fatales, and at the heart of it all, greed.

See below for an excerpt from the book…

Coming soon!

PIWalthJones1

An excerpt from the book:

When Harry took the time to consider his position, a rather uncomfortable position at that, he concluded that he was somehow involved in another case that meant very little to him.

Not that it wasn’t important in some way he was yet to determine, it was just that his curiosity had got the better of him, and it had led to this: sitting in a chair, securely bound, waiting for someone one of his captors had called Doug.

It was not the name that worried him so much, it was the evil laugh that had come after the name was spoken.

Doug what? Doug the ‘destroyer’, Doug the ‘dangerous’, Doug the ‘deadly’; there was any number of sinister connotations, and perhaps that was the point of the laugh, to make it more frightening than it was.

But there was no doubt about one thing in his mind right then: he’d made a mistake. A very big. and costly, mistake. Just how big the cost, no doubt he would soon find out.

His mother, and his grandmother, the wisest person he had ever known, had once told him never to eavesdrop.

At the time he couldn’t help himself and instead of minding his own business, listening to a one-sided conversation which ended with a time and a place. The very nature of the person receiving the call was, at the very least, sinister, and, because of the cryptic conversation, there appeared to be, or at least to Harry, criminal activity involved.

For several days he had wrestled with the thought of whether he should go. Stay on the fringe, keep out of sight, observe and report to the police if it was a crime. Instead, he had willingly gone down the rabbit hole.

Now, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, several heat lamps hanging over his head, he was perspiring, and if perspiration could be used as a measure of fear, then Harry’s fear was at the highest level.

Another runnel of sweat rolled into his left eye, and, having his hands tied, literally, it made it impossible to clear it. The burning sensation momentarily took his mind off his predicament. He cursed and then shook his head trying to prevent a re-occurrence. It was to no avail.

Let the stinging sensation be a reminder of what was right and what was wrong.

It was obvious that it was the right place and the right time, but in considering his current perilous situation, it definitely was the wrong place to be, at the worst possible time.

It was meant to be his escape, an escape from the generations of lawyers, what were to Harry, dry, dusty men who had been in business since George Washington said to the first Walthenson to step foot on American soil, ‘Why don’t you become a lawyer?” when asked what he could do for the great man.

Or so it was handed down as lore, though Harry didn’t think Washington meant it literally, the Walthenson’s, then as now, were not shy of taking advice.

Except, of course, when it came to Harry.

He was, Harry’s father was prone to saying, the exception to every rule. Harry guessed his father was referring to the fact his son wanted to be a Private Detective rather than a dry, dusty lawyer. Just the clothes were enough to turn Harry off the profession.

So, with a little of the money Harry inherited from one of his aunts, he leased an office in Gramercy Park and had it renovated to look like the Sam Spade detective agency, you know the one, Spade and Archer, and The Maltese Falcon.

There’s a movie and a book by Dashiell Hammett if you’re interested.

So, there it was, painted on the opaque glass inset of the front door, ‘Harold Walthenson, Private Detective’.

There was enough money to hire an assistant, and it took a week before the right person came along, or, more to the point, didn’t just see his business plan as something sinister. Ellen, a tall cool woman in a long black dress, or so the words of a song in his head told him, fitted in perfectly.

She’d seen the movie, but she said with a grin, Harry was no Humphrey Bogart.

Of course not, he said, he didn’t smoke.

Three months on the job, and it had been a few calls, no ‘real’ cases, nothing but missing animals, and other miscellaneous items. What he really wanted was a missing person. Or perhaps a beguiling, sophisticated woman who was as deadly as she was charming, looking for an errant husband, perhaps one that she had already ‘dispatched’.

Or for a tall, dark and handsome foreigner who spoke in riddles and in heavily accented English, a spy, or perhaps an assassin, in town to take out the mayor. The man was such an imbecile Harry had considered doing it himself.

Now, in a back room of a disused warehouse, that wishful thinking might be just about to come to a very abrupt end, with none of the romanticized trappings of the business befalling him. No beguiling women, no sinister criminals, no stupid policemen.

Just a nasty little man whose only concern was how quickly or how slowly Harry’s end was going to be.

…

© Charles Heath 2019-2024

In a word: Flight

There is a saying, if God wanted us to fly then he would have given us wings.

Unfortunately, he didn’t, so we do not get to know what it’s like to be in flight,

Unless…

We take an aeroplane, which usually has a flight number such as QF607, or in conversation, ‘I’ll be taking the 6 o’clock flight’.

If someone runs away, then we say they have taken flight.

If we roll back a few years, say about 80, to World War 2, flight tales on a whole new meaning.

It refers to a group of planes, in one case a number of spitfires, or,

The man in charge, a flight lieutenant, also colloquially known as ‘flight’.

This is not be confused with the word flite which has several very obscure meanings,

First, it means to quarrel or argue, or engage in a debate, and

Second, to make a complaint.

But one that sticks in my my mind is Flyte, from Brideshead Revisited.  they were a very interesting family.

‘Sunday in New York’ – A beta reader’s view

I’m not a fan of romance novels but …

There was something about this one that resonated with me.

This is a novel about a world generally ruled by perception, and how people perceive what they see, what they are told, and what they want to believe.

I’ve been guilty of it myself as I’m sure we all have at one time or another.

For the main characters Harry and Alison there are other issues driving their relationship.

For Alison, it is a loss of self-worth through losing her job and from losing her mother and, in a sense, her sister.

For Harry, it is the fact he has a beautiful and desirable wife, and his belief she is the object of other men’s desires, and one in particular, his immediate superior.

Between observation, the less than honest motives of his friends, a lot of jumping to conclusions based on very little fact, and you have the basis of one very interesting story.

When it all comes to a head, Alison finds herself in a desperate situation, she realises only the truth will save their marriage.

But is it all the truth?

What would we do in similar circumstances?

Rarely does a book have me so enthralled that I could not put it down until I knew the result. They might be considered two people who should have known better, but as is often the case, they had to get past what they both thought was the truth.

And the moral of this story, if it could be said there is one, nothing is ever what it seems.

…

Available on Amazon here: amzn.to/2H7ALs8

…

Third son of a Duke – The research behind the story – 22

All stories require some form of research, quite often to place a character in a place at a particular time, especially if it is in a historical context. This series will take you through what it was like in 1914 through 1916.

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There are historical records and evidence that the RMS Orontes did leave Australian ports carrying passengers in April 1915. While the ship was later formally requisitioned as a troopship, it continued to operate on the Australia-UK mail and passenger service during the early part of the war, though under significantly changed conditions. 

The April 1915 voyage of the RMS Orontes 

  • Brisbane departure: The Orontes left Brisbane on April 4, 1915.
  • Adelaide stop: On April 16, 1915, the ship stopped in the Outer Harbor at Port Adelaide. An article in the newspaper The Advertiser reports that after a few hours’ stay to take on mail and some passengers, the ship continued its “homeward” voyage.
  • Passengers and purpose: The Adelaide newspaper also noted that among the passengers on this specific sailing were 22 medical men and 29 nurses headed for England, highlighting the wartime nature of the travel. 

An itinerary for the April 1915 voyage

Based on the available records, here is a likely itinerary for the RMS Orontes on its April 1915 voyage from Australia to London:

  • Early April 1915: The ship likely originated its journey in the eastern states of Australia.
  • April 4, 1915: Departed Brisbane.
  • Mid-April 1915 (before April 16): Departed from Sydney and Melbourne.
  • April 16, 1915: Made a brief stop at Adelaide’s Outer Harbor to take on mail and some passengers before continuing on.
  • Late April 1915: Called at Fremantle, as was standard for the UK-Australia route. In March 1915, the Orontes had stopped at Fremantle, suggesting it was part of its regular route.
  • En route via Port Said: The Orient Line’s Australia route, which the Orontes served, traveled via the Suez Canal and Port Said. A stop here was standard for fueling and logistics, and it also put the vessel in the heart of a war zone, increasing the danger of the journey.
  • Mid-May 1915: The ship would have continued its journey through the Mediterranean and around the Iberian Peninsula to its final destination in London. 

Key takeaway

While the voyage was not under a formal military requisition like later in the war, the circumstances were profoundly shaped by World War I. Travel was far from routine, with a heavy emphasis on essential service and mail delivery. The presence of medical personnel bound for England highlights the military undertones of even seemingly “civilian” voyages during this period.