Regardless of his rank, the commanding officer of a ship carries the courtesy title of Captain. On Diamantina, he held the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
In the unpredictability of wartime, whilst at sea the captain’s place was always near to the bridge. He would sleep in a small cabin behind the wheelhouse, where Tina the cat now spends her time. It was important to be close to the command post in times of trouble, but this cabin was where the captain would retreat. It was referred to as his Day Cabin, even though he’d sleep here when in port.
It’s where he’d take his meals, conduct the ship’s administrative tasks and receive dignitaries. The captain was the only person on the ship who had his own facilities. His shower and toilet are just behind the door, to the right.
It was naval tradition that the Captain could not enter the Officers’ Wardroom unless invited by the Wardroom President. As a result, he ate his meals in his Day Cabin, waited on by a steward, either alone or with invited officers.
The ship’s bell in the centre of the room was of great significance to those who served in Diamantina. By being part of the ship’s company meant they could have their children christened on board, and their names engraved into the mouth of the bell.