Captain of troops on the Troop Ship Anchises

The story is about my grandfather, George Wilfred Lawrie Townesend (Pat), who I knew. George went to Lindi in Africa as a Captain in charge of the troops on the troopship Anchises. The ship left Plymouth on April 28th 1917 and landed in Capetown on June 6th 1917. Throughout the journey George kept a detailed journal of daily life aboard the Troopship Anchises and his responsibilities for the men. He had to keep the men entertained and writes about getting them to do ‘PJs’ or Physical Jerks. His writings show that he was impressed with the sailors and his journal includes diagrams and descriptions made from watching them as they scaled the rigging. Sadly, the journal stops when they landed in Cape Town. George’s wife Gwladys Townesend kept detailed household accounts from when she was married in May 1912 that continue on and off up to 1970. For example, she records her purchases and expenditure with weights, costs and salary details. She also records the fact that she received a Separation Allowance of 1 guinea each month during the time her husband served.