C Caffin war diary entry, 1 August 1914 to 31 December 1915 (catalogue reference WO 95/3920/3)
This war diary extract by Lieutenant Colonel C Caffin is dated 11 September 1914. It provides another example of collaboration with Muslim troops to provoke the gratitude and loyalty of the Indian soldiers to the Imperial State.
Transcript (highlighted passage)
Last evening about 8 o’ clock, passed opposite Mecca. Mahomedans were informed and were allowed to come up on the Promenade deck to pray, facing east towards Mecca. They all appreciated this very much and are most grateful to Lt. Colonel C. Caffin for his kindness in thinking of it.